Maryland's Eastern Shore

Shopping

There are two main shopping streets in Talbot County: Easton’s Harrison Street and St. Michaels’ Talbot Street. Each are lined with locally owned boutiques, galleries, and antiques shops. Several clothing stores outfit those enjoying the region’s outdoor attractions, such as sailing, fishing, crabbing, and hunting.

If you didn’t pack accordingly, stop in at Keepers, Chesapeake Trading Company, or Lizzy Dee to pick up a few things. “One thing to remember when you are here,” says Weeks, “is that you look out of place unless you are dressed casually.” For great home accessories, check out Weeks’ new shop, Dwelling & Design, and Coco & Company, owned by Ruark.

WHERE TO SHOP

Berrier, Ltd.
“Very gentlemanly attire,” says Weeks. “Tweedy and sharp.” Upstairs, Bruce Berrier’s daughter Brooke offers a trendy selection of denim and tees. 7 East Dover St., Easton; 410/819-0657.

Bountiful
“A furniture and design store full of upholstery, knickknacks, candles, hand towels, some antiques, and all sorts of accessories,” says Weeks. 218 North Washington St., Easton; 410/819-8666; www.bountifuldecor.com.

Calico Gallery
“For my nieces and nephews, I go to their toy store upstairs,” says Sidney Trond. 212 Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410/745-5370; www.calicogallery.net.

Chesapeake Trading Company
Casual clothing for men and women, books, music, and home accessories. 102 South Talbot, St. Michaels; 410/745-9797.

Coco & Company
“Eclectic home accessories,” says Trond. It also has gift items, fabrics, pajamas, and handbags. 209 South Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410/745-3400; www.cocoandcompany.com.

Crackerjacks
“A unique toy store that is beyond child-friendly,” says Weeks. 7 South Washington St., Easton; 410/822-7716.

Dwelling & Design
Offers furniture and accessories, as well as design services by Weeks and her business partner, Don Wooters. 13 Goldsborough St., Easton; 410/822-2211; www.dwellinganddesign.com.

Easton Farmers’ Market
Lays its claim as the oldest continuous open-air market in the United States. Centre Square, Downtown Easton, www.eastonfarmersmarket.com.

Foxwell’s Antiques & Collectibles
“If you’re in the mood to hunt, Foxwell’s usually has a trinket or two at a good price,” Weeks says. 7793 Ocean Gateway, Easton; 410/820-9705.

Galerie Française
“I love the wonderful vintage posters,” says Ruark. Owner Judith Summers spends five months a year at her home in Provence scouring France for the vibrant prints. 405 South Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410/745-6329; www.judithsummers.com.

Harbor Palm
Features resort wear, home accessories, and children’s items from lines such as Calypso, Eberjey, Ann Gish, Dransfield & Ross, and Sucre d’Orge. 407 South Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410/745-9008; www.harborpalm.com.

Janet Fanto Antiques and Rare Books
“Specializes in old books and estate pieces,” says Welte. “Very high-end.” 13 North Harrison St., Easton; 410/763-9030.

Keepers
“I buy clothes for the men in my life here,” says Trond. It’s the spot to outfit yourself for a weekend in the country. 300 South Talbot St., St. Michaels; 800/549-1872; www.keepersstmichaels.com.

Lanham Hall Design
Owner Nina Lanham has been in the antiques business for more than 30 years. The shop, where Welte works, features new and antique pieces, as well as a large selection of Asian art. 23-25 North Harrison St., Easton; 410/822-5040.

Lizzy Dee
A women’s apparel shop with unconstructed pieces suitable for a day of sailing. Lines include Flax, Nic + Zoe, and Dick and Jayne. 20 Goldsborough St., Easton; 410/770-4374.

London
“Terrific English antiques and gifts,” says Weeks. 101 North Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410/745-4000, www.londonthestore.com.

Market House Gourmet Grocer
Trond suggests this spot for specialty food items. Wines and cheeses, plus takeout sandwiches, soups, and salads. 415 South Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410/745-6626; www.markethousegourmet.com.

Miranda’s
“A sweet shoe boutique,” says Ruark. 218 North Washington St., Easton; 410/822-3880; www.mirandasshoes.com.

Sailor of St. Michaels
“For fun -- and preppy -- clothes for men and women,” says Weeks. 214 South Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410/745-2580.

Silver Linings
“Where I buy jewelry for family and friends,” says Trond. 203 South Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410/745-0266.

Simpatico
Trond recommends the selection of pottery in this shop featuring all things Italian. In time for fall holidays, pick up some pumpkin gelato. 104 Railroad Ave., St. Michaels; 410/745-0345; www.simpaticostmichaels.com.

St. Michaels FreshFarm Market
“Gorgeous fresh-cut flowers, fruits, veggies, and handmade soaps,” says Ruark. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., through Oct. 11. Muskrat Park at Willow and Green streets, www.freshfarmmarkets.org.

Trade Whims
“They have a little bit of everything,” says Welte, “but they specialize in things for babies.” 15 North Harrison St., Easton; 410/822-9610; www.tradewhims.com.

Troika Gallery
“Worth a visit,” says Weeks. “They feature local and nationally recognized artists.” 9 South Harrison St., Easton; 410/770-9190; www.troikagallery.com.

Wrights Interiors
“Great bedding,” says Weeks. 106 Marlboro Ave., Easton; 410/822-5454; www.wrightsinteriors.net.

Sightseeing

Truly taking in the sights of Maryland’s Eastern Shore means getting outdoors and onto the water, whether that means ferrying across the Tred Avon River to have a bite at Bella Luna or hiring the oldest working skipjack for a two-hour sail. To better understand the region’s relationship with its waters, stop in at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. For a dose of culture, check out the schedule at the Avalon Theatre.

WHAT TO DO 

Academy Art Museum
“A first-class museum with changing exhibitions of all aspects of art,” says Trond. Much of the permanent collection focuses on works depicting the Eastern Shore landscape.
106 South St., Easton; 410/822-2787; www.art-academy.org.

Avalon Theatre
“This 87-year-old Art Deco theater is always full of surprises,” says Weeks. “It features symphony, bluegrass, and everything in between.” 40 East Dover St., Easton; 410/822-7299; www.avalontheatre.com.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Not in Talbot County, but “it’s a wonderful place to nature-watch,” says Weeks. “Eagles’ nests, herons, swans, owls, ducks of all shapes and sizes, sikas, and white-tailed deer abound. It is a sanctuary for the American bald eagle, the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel, and the peregrine falcon.” 2145 Key Wallace Dr., Cambridge; 410/228-2677; www.friendsofblackwater.org.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
“It does an amazing job of communicating the history and culture of the Chesapeake Bay,” says Weeks. “Master decoy carvers, retired crab pickers, captains, and boat builders tell captivating stories -- great fun for anyone interested in boating or American history.” 213 North Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410/745-2916; www.cbmm.org.

Crumpton Auctions
“On Wednesdays, a trip to Crumptons is in order,” says Weeks. The small town, about an hour away, hosts a huge weekly auction. “They have two large fields with furniture and relics lined up in rows. The crowd follows an auctioneer in a golf cart as he slowly passes each piece. Everything starts at 9 a.m. and could go as late as 3, and you better be sure that you have a way to transport your loot.” 2017 Dudley’s Corner Rd., 410/928-3006, www.crumptonauctions.com.

Fall Into St. Michaels Festival
“There are ghost tours, pumpkin-carving contests, a 5K run, a Halloween boat parade, Jack Russell terrier races, and Oysterfest,” says Ruark. Oct. 24–26, 800/808-7622; www.stmichaelsmd.org.

Oxford-Bellevue Ferry
“Believed to be the oldest privately operated ferry in the United States,” says Weeks. Drive or walk aboard in Bellevue for a lovely view sailing into Oxford. 27456 Oxford Rd., Oxford; 410/745-9023; www.oxfordbellevueferry.com.

Skipjack Rebecca T. Ruark
“Take a ride on the oldest working skipjack with Captain Wade,” says Ruark. 410/829-3976, www.skipjack.org.

Talbot County Courthouse
This Federal structure was expanded in 1794, when the town served as the capital of the Eastern Shore. 11 North Washington St., Easton.

Waterfowl Festival
“Every fall, the festival is a huge event,” says Weeks. “Artists from around the country come to show off their waterfowl carvings, drawings, and other creations. And restaurants offer fine samples of crab bisque, crab cakes, and other local delicacies.” Nov. 14–16; 40 South Harrison St., Easton; 410/822-4567; www.waterfowlfestival.org.