Tag Archive for: In the Winter

What Is the Best Time to Visit the Eastern Shore of Maryland?

If you’re curious about the best time to visit the Eastern Shore of Maryland, then you’re in the right place. This page has everything you need to know about each season! Rather than simply tell you which time of year is right for you, we recommend reading about each one and deciding for yourself. That’s because all of the seasons are wonderful opportunities for Eastern Shore vacations! See what sets them all apart and get on the path toward your ideal retreat. Just make sure you explore our incredible collection of rental properties to make the most of your experience here.

Browse Our Properties

Discover the Best Time to Visit the Eastern Shore of Maryland

Spring

The spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation after the cold winter season — both for you as well as nature. And, the Eastern Shore of Maryland is flush with natural scenery to admire. If you’re a nature lover, bird watcher, or outdoorsy person, we highly recommend visiting the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the springtime. Temperatures are mild, and the wildflowers and wildlife wake up from their winter slumber, making it an excellent season to explore the great outdoors.

Springtime Activities:

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Bird watching
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

Springtime Events:

Summer

Does the warmer weather appeal more to you? Feel free to plan a visit to the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the summertime! Just keep in mind that temperatures can range from mild to hot, and some days can be very humid. As long as you dress for the occasion, you’re in for a wonderful time! We recommend dressing in layers, drinking plenty of water, and wearing sunscreen on those hot, sunny days. Make sure you plan ahead to join all of the exciting July 4th festivities!

Summertime Activities:

  • Swimming
  • Crabbing
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Boating

Summertime Events:

Fall

Get ready for more mild weather and exciting events once autumn arrives! Fall is a beautiful time of year for your next relaxing retreat on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Similar to spring, it’s a fantastic chance to head outside, get some fresh air, and marvel at nature’s magnificence. You can even get some healthy exercise in the process as you explore the gorgeous fall foliage! What’s better than that?

Fall Activities:

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Hunting
  • Bird watching
  • Picnicking

Fall Events:

Winter

It’s time to bring out those warmer clothes and get cozy! Winter might not always seem like the most ideal time for a vacation, but the Eastern Shore will surely change your mind about that. This is the time of year when all of our coastal communities show their true charm via festive events and holiday cheer. All you need is a jacket, hat, gloves, and maybe a scarf to venture out into all of the delightful downtown areas. You’ll love doing your holiday shopping and attending all of the joyous celebrations here!

Wintertime Activities:

  • Shopping
  • Dining
  • Exploring Museums
  • Wine tasting
  • Bird watching

Wintertime Events:

Enjoy Year-Round Getaways With Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals!

The pool outside Cedar Cove on the Miles

Have you decided on your favorite time to visit the Eastern Shore of Maryland? No matter what season you chose, you can enjoy a remarkable getaway with Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals. We are the area’s premier provider of rental homes, cottages, and estates — many of which are directly on the waterfront for gorgeous views and convenient access to your favorite activities. Some of our properties are even pet-friendly, so you never have to leave your furry friend behind on your next vacation!

Browse our properties in the St. Michaels area today, and find your happy place with Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals!

/0 Comments/by

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
/by

15 of the Most Festive Eastern Shore Christmas Events

The Eastern Shore of Maryland is a haven for rest, relaxation, and reconnections with nature. Many people visit our beautiful region in the warmer months to immerse themselves in the magnificent scenery with outdoor activities, but our area is spectacular in the winter, too. In fact, it’s one of our favorite times of the year. You might agree with us after you check out these Eastern Shore Christmas events! Plus, you can book one of our vacation rentals to put the icing on top of a magical getaway. It’s the key to unlocking a wealth of holiday cheer!

The Best Eastern Shore Christmas Events

Cambridge

  • Holiday Arts, Crafts & Gifts Fair

Get a head start on your shopping this year with the Annual Holiday Arts, Crafts & Gifts Fair! It takes place in early November with 25 vendors at Emily’s Produce in Cambridge, MD. You’ll find plenty of hand-crafted items that are sure to put a smile on that special someone’s face!

  • Mistletoe Market

Can’t get enough shopping during your vacation? Continue your shopping spree at the Mistletoe Market on Saturday afternoons from mid-November through mid-December at Cannery Way. There’s no shortage of unique gift options here!

  • Winter Wonderland Music and Tree Festival

Get ready for four days of holiday cheer at this year’s Winter Wonderland Music and Tree Festival! There are activities for all ages, including a holiday musical, pictures with Santa Claus, dancing, and more. Don’t forget to bid on a decorated Christmas tree — proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of the Eastern Shore.

  • Festival of Wreaths Gala

The Festival of Wreaths Holiday Gala is another excellent event to attend at the beginning of December. You can join the fun at the Pleasant Day Medical Adult Day Care Center in Cambridge for an evening of food, fun, music, and auctions for a good cause.

  • Cambridge Dorchester Christmas Parade

If you can only make it to one holiday event in Cambridge, Maryland, we highly recommend checking out the Cambridge Dorchester Christmas Parade. It’s been an annual tradition for over 70 years! Arrive early on the first Saturday of December to get a good viewing spot as the festive floats, performers, and participants make their way from Long Wharf to Washington Street.

  • Santa Swim

Do you have what it takes to jump into the Choptank River in the middle of the winter? Several brave swimmers take the plunge each year in support of the Care and Share Fund that helps less-fortunate members of the community. You’re welcome to sign up, help raise money, and have a whole lot of fun in the process.

  • Santa Trail Scavenger Hunt

Feel free to test your treasure-hunting skills toward the end of December in Downtown Cambridge! The Santa Trail Scavenger Hunt is the ideal Christmas activity for families looking to explore the area and pick up treats at a variety of local businesses. Can you solve all the clues and find Santa’s secret location?

Chestertown

  • RiverArts Holiday Show and Gift Sale

No matter who’s on your shopping list this season, you can find the perfect presents at the Chestertown RiverArts Holiday Show and Gift Sale. There’s a wide variety of items to choose from, and the market runs from late November all the way through late December. 

  • Dickens of a Christmas Weekend

Take a journey back in time for a Victorian celebration this December! Dickens of a Christmas is Downtown Cambridge’s premier holiday event that spans three days with historic house tours, fashion shows, bonfires, live performances, and so much more.

Easton

  • Festival of Trees

‘Tis the season of giving, and there’s no better feeling than giving to an honorable cause. The Festival of Trees in Easton is a fantastic opportunity to do that. There’s so much fun to be had here, including the new addition, Carols by Candlelight. Proceeds go toward helping terminally ill patients at Talbot Hospice.

  • Moonlight Madness

Did you know that you earn raffle tickets just for shopping at participating local businesses in Easton from November to the beginning of December? It’s true! And, you get a chance to win $10,000 worth of prizes during the drawing at Moonlight Madness. It’s an evening of late-night shopping, celebrating, photographs with Santa, and even free carriage rides through town!

  • Holiday Parade

Of course, you can expect plenty of remarkable parades during Christmas time on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Easton, MD, is no exception! Check out the annual Holiday Parade in early December to get in the spirit of the season with a tree lighting and a one-mile parade throughout the downtown area. 

St. Michaels

  • Midnight Madness

Easton has Moonlight Madness, but it’s not to be confused with Midnight Madness in St. Michaels, Maryland. Shops remain open until midnight, as you might expect from the event name, providing extra hours of holiday cheer and fun for visitors. You can even score some exclusive deals and win more raffle prizes!

  • Christmas in St. Michaels

Make sure you don’t miss out on Christmas in St. Michaels, a must-see festival with holiday activities during three fun-filled days in mid-December. Some of the events include a gingerbread house competition, yuletide party, Breakfast with Santa, Santa’s Wonderland, and more. Don’t forget to purchase your souvenir ornament — there’s a different one each year to collect!

Oxford

  • Christmas on the Creek

Christmas on the Creek is another excellent, multi-day festival that takes place in the quiet town of Oxford, Maryland. Expect plenty of fun things to do for the whole family, including the annual tree lighting and a Christmas bazaar.

Reserve Your Vacation Rental for the Holidays!

Do you know what makes these Eastern Shore Christmas events even more special? We offer beautiful properties near them all! Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals has an extensive collection of homes, cottages, and estates in each of these charming towns. Whether you’re looking to celebrate the holidays in St. Michaels, Cambridge, Oxford, Chestertown, or even Tilghman Island, we have the ideal property for you. Some of them are even pet-friendly, so you can spend this special season with the whole family, including your furry, four-legged pals.

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 Sycamore Acres
/by