Top 3 Winter Activities on the Eastern Shore of Maryland

Daily life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland almost always involves two things: water and seafood. Not only is this landmass flanked by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, but it’s also filled with intricate waterways that are serene and picturesque. The area’s proximity to fresh and saltwater means there’s always an abundance of delicious seafood to enjoy. And, while the summer is a popular tourist season, winter on the Eastern Shore of Maryland presents its own unique opportunities for a fun-filled Maryland-style getaway. Don’t miss out!

The foundation of any vacation begins with the perfect place to stay. Select one of our Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals to experience the best of Eastern Shore living any time of year. Choose from quaint historic cottages to waterfront homes to luxurious estates.

What Is There to Do in Maryland in the Winter?

The short answer is, a lot! Colder weather means fewer crowds at the top attractions. You can use that to your advantage and book a trip to the Eastern Shore this winter!

1. Explore a Wildlife Refuge

If you love to get outside, no matter the weather, the Eastern Shore of Maryland is a wonderful place to go birding. The Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Rock Hall offers winter walks in sanctuary areas. Don’t miss the chance to explore areas that aren’t usually open to the public. Keep your binoculars and your camera ready to capture sightings of tundra swans, scaup, Canada geese, ruddy ducks, mallards, buffleheads, and more. You might also see foxes, deer, and groundhogs.

The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge is another great spot for birding. Look for bald eagles, golden eagles, tundra swans, great horned owls, and a variety of ducks.

2. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Easton Shore restaurants understand the best way to capture a traveler’s heart (and keep them coming back) is through an unforgettable meal. As we mentioned earlier, seafood is just about the center of every dish in this area. Try the crab cakes at Theo’s in St. Michaels, baked oysters on the half-shell at Latitude 38 in Oxford, or the oyster stew at Mason’s in Easton.

If you love wine, you’ll enjoy exploring Chesapeake Wine Country. Stop for a tasting at Cascia Vineyards, Triple Creek Winery, and St. Michaels Winery. Don’t forget to pick up something to pair with a delicious meal back home!

3. Holiday Festivities on the Eastern Shore of Maryland

The holidays might be one of the best reasons for a winter trip to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. You’ll get a healthy dose of traditional cheer, plus you can shop for locally made gift items, and sample local delicacies while you’re at it! A few of our favorite Eastern Shore Christmas Events include:

The Eastern Shore Winter Weather Report

Be sure to pack your warm coat, scarf, gloves, and maybe even snow boots if you’re planning a winter getaway. Daily highs range between 39 and 49 degrees Fahrenheit and the National Weather Service keeps us up-to-date on the occasional chance of snow and freezing rain. We think you’ll agree that a little blanket of the white stuff will only further enhance your trip. Imagine waking up one morning to a snow-covered landscape. You’ll have the perfect excuse to stay at your vacation rental all day to sip hot coffee, read, and relax!

Where to Stay in the Winter on the Eastern Shore of Maryland

The best way to enjoy a winter escape to the Eastern Shore of Maryland is to book one of our vacation rental properties. Our large collection of homes, cottages, and estates span St. Michaels, Cambridge, Oxford, Chestertown, and Tilghman Island.  We even have pet-friendly options and last-minute deals!

Browse our seasonal specials and book your ideal vacation rental today! And, check out our events page to discover more celebrations you can enjoy year-round!

The living room inside the Carpenter Alley Cottage
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What You Need to Know About Eastern Shore Duck Hunting

Picture yourself in the great outdoors, surrounded by natural scenery, enjoying your favorite pastime. If your mind went straight to imagining a hunting adventure, then you’re in the right place. Maryland’s Eastern Shore is an incredible destination to make your daydream a reality, and we have all the information you need to make the most of the experience. Read on to see our complete guide to Eastern Shore duck hunting, and browse our collection of vacation rentals to find the ideal property for your trip!

Know Before You Go: Eastern Shore Duck Hunting

Rules and Regulations

Of course, the first thing you need to do is obtain the proper hunting license. Luckily, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources makes it easy — you can even apply for a license online! There are several different options available for both visitors and residents of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. If you’re a non-resident looking to plan a waterfowl-hunting expedition, we recommend the three-day Waterfowl and Small Game License. It only costs $45 and permits you to hunt waterfowl for three consecutive days in season. The duck-hunting season typically takes place in mid-October, late November, and from late December through January.

Popular Spots

The next step is to find the perfect area for your adventure, and the Eastern Shore is overflowing with opportunities. Some of the common duck-hunting destinations in Dorchester include the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Fishing Bay WMA, Tar Bay WMA, and many more. There are simply so many fantastic places for duck hunting on Maryland’s Eastern Shore!

Duck-Hunting Outfitters and Guides

Did you forget your gear at home, or do you feel like picking up some new equipment for your upcoming duck hunt? Don’t worry, because there are several excellent stores that have everything you need. A few of the waterfowl-hunting outfitters and guides we recommend to visitors are Shore Sportsman, Diving Ducks, and Barneck Outfitters, among several others.

Plan Your Hunting Trip With Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals

So, now you know the essential information for an Eastern Shore duck hunting adventure. Are you forgetting anything? You can’t enjoy the ultimate hunting trip without having a fantastic place to stay in the area! Luckily, Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals has you covered with a whole list of properties with luxurious accommodations and impressive amenities. 

Whether you’d like to unwind after your hunt in St. Michaels, Oxford, Cambridge, Tilghman Island, or beyond, we have the perfect property for you. Plus, we have options for everyone from solo travelers to large groups in case you’d like to bring your friends or family along for a hunting getaway.

Don’t delay any longer. Book your favorite property and embark on an Eastern Shore adventure!

The view of Oxford Oasis from the dock
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