Photo by Jill Jasuta for Dorchester County.
Downtown Cambridge, Maryland.
With a cute and quaint downtown, industrial roots and significant history, the small city of Cambridge, Maryland is a great retreat for a long weekend this summer.
Located about 95 miles away from Alexandria on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Cambridge sits on the Choptank River, just slightly east of the Chesapeake Bay and just north of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
Here’s what we found in Cambridge and nearby Easton, St. Michaels and Oxford — all great for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Cambridge was founded in 1684 and is one of the oldest Colonial cities in Maryland. It was incorporated as a city in 1793 and developed as a hub of food processing and canning in the late 1900s. In the 1960s, as the local food packing industry declined, Cambridge became a focal point in the Civil Rights Movement.
In the past 20 years, Cambridge’s downtown has seen significant revitalization, with a thriving food and arts scene. Historic tours, water sports, bird watching and hiking opportunities abound.
Photo Courtesy of Dorchester County
The Harriet Tubman Visitor's Center.
HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOURS
In the pandemic era, Dorchester County has launched a variety of self-guided walking tours. One of the more popular tours focuses on Harriet Tubman, who was born in Dorchester County and was considered a hero for leading people out of slavery through the Underground Railroad. A scenic driving tour points out dozens of Civil War-era and Tubman-focused sites in Dorchester County and nearby Caroline County. Learn more at harriettubmanbyway.org. Of course, don’t miss the Harriet Tubman Museum, 424 Race St. in Cambridge.
A variety of guided and group tours are also available in the spring and summer months. Chesapeake Ghost Tours offers tours in Cambridge and nearby St. Michaels and Easton. (chesapeakeghosts.com)
In addition, the Dorchester County Office of Tourism offers guides for tours of the Chesapeake Mural Trail and dozens of local historic sites. More information is at visitdorchester.org/see-and-do/tours.
For those into architectural history, the Dorchester County Office of Tourism also has suggestions for a church tour that includes the Christ Episcopal Church (built in 1883) and a drive out scenic Route 16 southwest to the Old Trinity Church, the oldest Episcopal church in continuous use in the United States (built in 1675). Just a bit further on Route 16 is Bethlehem M.E. Church, the oldest Methodist church in the county. Yet a few more miles south is St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church (built in 1872). The drive passes through lush wetlands just west of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
Photo by Jill Jasuta
Osprey land at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, about 20 miles south of Cambridge, is a popular stop for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. Across 45 square miles, the refuge has forest, marsh and shallow water areas and is home to the East Coast’s largest breeding population of American bald eagles outside of Florida. The refuge is also popular for ducks, including mallards, black ducks, wood ducks, and blue-winged teals.
For those interested in more birdwatching, start at the Dorchester County Visitor’s Center at Sailwinds Park in Cambridge and walk along the old U.S. 50 Fishing Pier from the waterfront boardwalk on the Choptank River. (The Visitor’s Center is at 2 Rosehill Place in Cambridge.) You may see Great Blue Heron and Osprey from there.
Water sports are also in abundance in and around Cambridge, including fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Blackwater Adventures offers paddle trips through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge or along the Choptank River, plus Jet Ski and powerboat rentals. See the options at blackwateradventuresmd.com.
Photo Courtesy of Dorchester County.
RAR Brewing in downtown Cambridge, Maryland.
WHERE TO EAT
There is no shortage of worthwhile restaurants right in Cambridge. From cozy restaurants with outside dining downtown to dockside dining with great water views, here are just a few recommendations.
For breakfast, head downtown to Black Water Bakery, 429 Race St., which has generous yogurt parfaits and a variety of gourmet baked goods, coffee and hot breakfasts.
Lunch can include a stop at Jimmie & Sook’s, 527 Poplar St., in downtown Cambridge, where crab and Southern BBQ rule the menu.
Nearby, check out RAR Brewing, 504 Poplar St., for its pub menu or Portside Seafood Restaurant, 201 Trenton St., overlooking Cambridge Creek. Lil’ Bitta Bull BBQ, 520 Race St., is also worth a try for its ample portions and full-page menu of signature cocktails.
If you’re looking for pizza, few places will beat Ava’s Pizzaria & Wine Bar at 543 Poplar St.
After dinner at Ava’s, wander down to the wine bar Vintage 414 or to DocoVino Wine Bar — they are close to each other on Race Street in downtown Cambridge. For dessert, consider Maiden Maryland Sweets & Treats (conveniently located midway between Ava’s and the wine bars).
The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay.
WHERE TO STAY
Cambridge is nearly as dog-friendly as Alexandria.
The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina is a 342- acre waterfront resort with an 18-hole golf course, marina and full-service spa. Add in the on-site restaurant, outdoor and indoor pools, fitness center and it may be hard to leave. The hotel will also help you book crabbing and fishing expeditions. Learn more at hyatt.com/chesapeakebay or call 410- 901-1234 for reservations. The resort allows leashed well-behaved dogs.
There is no shortage of Airbnb or VRBO rentals in Cambridge, including some of the area’s most beautiful historic Victorians. Some come with fenced-in backyards for Fido.
* BONUS *
According to entomologists, Dorchester County is NOT on the list of places where trillions of cicadas emerging this year. If you really dislike cicadas and want to escape them, Cambridge is a safe bet.
While in Cambridge, take the opportunity to visit some of the quaint neighboring towns:
1. EASTON
The historic town of Easton, Maryland, is located just 15 miles west of Cambridge. With blocks of small boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and historic architecture, Easton offers plenty of entertainment. Pick up a gift for the kids at local toy shop Crackerjacks. Stop by the Tidewater Inn for a drink on the outdoor patio next to a roaring fire. Learn more at eastonmd.org.
2. ST. MICHAELS
With a population of just more than 1,000 people, St. Michaels is an adorable town with museums, art and historic homes (a self-guided tour is available). This summer (from May 29 through September), stop by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to see the 18th National Exhibition of the American Society of Marine Artists art show. Information about the town, events, tours and more is available at stmichaelsmd.com.
3. OXFORD
The port town of Oxford is one of the oldest small towns in Maryland. Historic homes add to its quiet charm. Take the ferry to Bellevue for a scenic trip — the privately owned ferry company may be the oldest running in the United States, as it started running in 1683. Learn more at oxfordmd.net.
