Blue herons are a common sight along the Chesapeake Bay.
Maryland's Eastern Shore is situated on the Chesapeake Bay, and is divided into upper Eastern Shore, mid-shore, and lower Eastern Shore sections. This scenic road trip highlights many of the attractions of the mid-shore section.
Instructions
Scenic Drive
1. Begin your trip by taking US 50 to Wye Mills. This town is home to the gristmill that ground flour for George Washington's troops during the Revolutionary War.
2. Follow MD 662 until it ends, then pick up US 50 and enter Easton. The streets of Easton are lined with Victorian homes, and it is home to the art deco Avalon Theatre.
3. Detour onto MD 33 to visit the colonial shipbuilding center of St. Michaels. This is where you can explore the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. From here, it's a short drive to Tilghman Island where the monarch butterflies rest in August on their return flight to Mexico.
4. Return to the main route by taking MD 329 toward Bellevue. Cross the Tred Avon River on board what is believed to be America's oldest privately owned ferry (it dates to the 17th century). Visit the Oxford Museum to see exhibits on the area's maritime history.
5. Head back to Easton on MD 333. Take MD 331 east, crossing the Choptank River on the Dover Bridge. During the Civil War era, people were charged a 5-cent toll to use this bridge.
6. Pass through East New Market on MD 16. This town was first settled in 1660 as an Native American trading post, and later served as the center of American Methodism. Local history includes interactions with Harriet Tubman and Annie Oakley.
7. Continue your journey on MD 343 toward Hudson. You will see Sharps Island Lighthouse offshore.
8. Double back on MD 343 toward Cambridge. Venture south on MD 341 into the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is home to the largest nesting population of bald eagles on the East Coast.
9. Complete your scenic drive by taking MD 335 to Church Creek Road. Turn right onto MD 16, and follow until arriving at US 50. This final leg of the trip will afford you more views of the Chesapeake coastline.
Tags: Eastern Shore, This town
