Wicomico County, Maryland located in southeastern Maryland on the Delmarva Peninsula is snuggled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Wicomico County offers visitors amazing Eastern Shore food, culture, history, and much more. The first thing I noticed upon arriving was how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Each person you speak with has their own personal story about the area which usually goes back generations. There is plenty to do to keep you busy for weeks, even months, but you can definitely see and experience a lot in a weekend getaway. Here is what to do on a 3 day vacation to Wicomico, Maryland.
Fun Fact: Delmarva is a play on Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia
Where to Stay in Wicomico, Maryland
We drove through a charming neighborhood full of historic houses in a riverfront Eastern Shore village and arrived at the Whitehaven Hotel. The Bed & Breakfast hotel is nestled on the shore of the Wicomico River and the Whitehaven ferry is just a few steps away. We were taken back by the architecture of the Whitehaven Hotel, it reminded me of a victorian dollhouse. The pastel colors of this bed and breakfast brought so much detail to the interior and 19th century woodwork. Each room was filled with beautiful antiques, yet it was cozy and comfortable. It’s literally the perfect place for empty nesters, a family, or a multi-generation vacation. Each morning Cindy serves a gourmet breakfast in the dining room where you will eat with the other guests and make new friends. There are 8 bedrooms, all with a private bath and some offer access to the second floor screened porch and a fireplace. The front wrap around porch lined with rocking chairs is the perfect spot to relax, read a book, or just watch the ferry and the birds. Feel free to use the bikes or kayaks to explore!
Fun Fact: The Whitehaven Ferry dates back to 1685 and is the oldest publicly operated ferry in the country.
Tip: Cindy does have internet but it can get spotty, AT&T service works best in the area. I had service most of the time.
Courtyard by Marriott Salisbury
Located in Salisbury, Maryland, The Courtyard offers spacious rooms, a pool, a fitness center, and it located 25 miles from Ocean City. The Courtyard Bistro offers breakfast made to order and Starbucks coffee. It also has a nice patio out back to sit and relax as well as a large lobby area with couches and chairs.
Where to Eat and Drink in Wicomico, Maryland
When they chose the name Boonies, it was spot on. Truly out in the boonies created by The Southern Boys (Really! It’s The Southern Boys concept) this is a trip to the boonies you will want to take. It feels like your at a friends place (a really cool friend who knows how to party) with picnic tables and a tiki bar. I love live music and spotted the stage where bands come to play every weekend and a huge area with a fire-pit, lounge chairs, and my favorite summertime backyard game Corn Hole!
The food was as amazing as the atmosphere! I ordered stuffed shrimp and coming from New England, I thought my own recipe couldn’t be beat. The stuffing was beyond delicious! I asked what was in it and was told all crab meat, a little mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and that’s all I remember because I was too busy stuffing my face. The homemade coleslaw finished the home feel and all I can say about the homemade pumpkin cheesecake is …..tonguegasmic!
Fun Fact: It’s truly a one stop shop- you can buy beer, wine, liquor, or bait to go!
Tall Tales Brewing Company is for the craft beer lover who wants to sit around with friends and enjoy a couple of cold ones with a menu that has Maryland classics with a twist. My suggestion is the crab cakes with a flight of beer! This artisan brewery releases new and rotational beers in addition to their year-round offerings and don’t be surprised if you stay for a few hours enjoying their outdoor bar, and seating areas.
Working closely with local farmers you will find a weekly “Fresh Sheet” offers locally foraged items that changes seasonally. Choose between wine, a variety of craft beers or artisanal cocktails to pair with your food. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a business lunch or to stop for a quick bite. SoBo’s also offers off site catering and a food truck available for your special event.
Definitely one of the best burgers I’ve had and Miss Flo herself came out to greet us. The local flair doesn’t take away from gourmet culinary and extensive wine selection. The casually upscale restaurant and pub will satisfy your belly with their spin on everyday foods. I suggest the Irish Onion and an Inverted Burger!
Roadie Joe’s Bar & Grill
If you plan on checking out Main St. in Downtown Salisbury for some shopping, stop at Roadie Joe’s for lunch. You will find bar and grill favorites, such as; fried pickles, as well as original masterpieces like the Shrimp and Crab Mac which is garlic sautéed shrimp tossed in their house mac n cheese topped with super lump crab and an old bay dusting.
Take the shuttle from The Red Roost and plan to have appetizers and drinks while enjoying a sombering view. The sunset views are majestic so beware of timing because the sun sets quick and you’ll want to take many photos. Once the sun goes down, take the shuttle back to The Red Roost.
The Red Roost
Plan on getting your hands dirty here with piles of crab and other delicious seafood. Every table gets a garbage can for all the shells and you’ll sit at a table with brown paper as your table cloth. It’s like going to your friends for a BBQ. If you’re a newbie at picking crabs, ask someone to show you the proper way and you’ll be able to get every piece of meat inside the crab! I highly recommend to share and order one of the POTS! My favorites were the crabs, hush puppies, snow crab legs, and fried shrimp!
History
We met Sylvia, the Historian Director, for a tour of the church built in 1842 for the Presbyterians this church also served as one of the town’s only schools. The church was also used by Episcopalians, Methodists, and Baptists. You will find some original furnishings such as; the pews, plain wood flooring, hanging oil lamp, chandeliers, tall pulpit lamps, and most of the windows. Today it is also used for weddings. The photos from the wedding must be gorgeous!!
We also went to the Adkin’s Complex which has nine historic buildings, an early 19th century farm house, a one-room school, and a general store among them. Sylvia filled us in on all the buildings, the families, and the rich history. She told the stories of the town with enthusiasm, humor, and passion. I could spend all day with her and listen to her stories.
She also brought us into the museum which had a timeline of items from the area. I’m planning on sending her some old things to add to her collection, but to Sylvia, they’re not old things, they are items that tell a story from our past. If you get here, be sure to send me photos!
Pemberton Historical Park and Pemberton Hall Tour
A big part of the areas history, Isaac Handy and his wife Anne bought this land from Joseph Pemberton in 1726, and built Pemberton Hall which was completed in 1741 and was a status symbol. As you tour the area you will start linking the families to different historic sites like a puzzle. The home’s furnishings reflect life in pre-Revolutionary times, and have been produced based on three 18th century probate inventories of the plantation. Paint colors have also been replicated as a result of spectral and chemical analysis. You’ll notice the fence around the property which is replicated to how they built them then.
Tip: When touring the historic places and buildings, keep an eye out for BLUE paint. Blue paint was a a way to recognize status.
A mansion built as the manor house of a farm in 1795 by the Major, then sold to a doctor who did the finishing on the house by 1805. A lot of events are held in the mansion; such as weddings, baby showers, photo shoots, and tea parties. They keep the rooms very stable with eye catching decor. This tour was very interesting with learning about Dr. John Huston and his family including the slaves they owned. You will learn and see how the slaves lived and served their owners, it’s mouth-dropping.
Wine and Yoga Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery
We met with Cheryl from Shining Waters Yoga at the vineyard and we had our yoga class out in the grass. It was so peaceful taking in the beauty and quietness of the outside as Cheryl walked us through each position. I was impressed with how much I enjoyed this as I’d never taken a yoga class. After the class we went to change and headed into the winery.
The ambiance was very cozy with lounge chairs and a great sized patio outdoors. Pack a picnic with cheeses, crackers, and pickings, purchase a bottle of wine and sit out on the patio and enjoy the sunshine. The wide variety of wines offered were Malbec, Petite Verdot, Pinot Grigio, Viognier, and Muscat which were all very enjoyable for the wonderful scenery.
Plan your trip to Wicomico County Maryland today!
