While visiting Maryland’s Eastern Shore last fall on a hosted media trip, I had the chance to explore the heart of the Delmarva Peninsula with its distinctly unique culture and history. Just a short ride away from Ocean City, this laid-back getaway will leave you refreshed and happy, so check out this list of things to do in Wicomico County, MD and enjoy this very special part of Maryland.
Things to Do in Wicomico County, MD
Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art
(Website)
The best museums are the ones you never expect to enjoy, so set aside any preconceived notions you may have about visiting the world’s largest collection of duck decoys. The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art is a delight for all ages.
Although you’re free to walk through the museum galleries on your own, I highly recommend a docent-guided tour (available Wed-Sun) for the best experience, and you’ll start with a walk through the Decoy in Time Gallery where you’ll learn about the earliest use of decoys and how that has changed through the years. Before the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 was enacted, market hunters would often use sinkbox hunting blinds, which were partially submerged. They would spread decoys around their floating enclosures and when ducks neared, they would shoot them. That’s a no-no these days.
Head into the Ward Brothers Workshop where you’ll learn about the museum’s namesakes Steve and Lem Ward. The brothers made a living as barbers, but they also carved and painted duck decoys using any wood available, including telephone poles. Steve did most of the carving, and Len did most of the painting. In hunting season, neighboring watermen would purchase their decoys for $1.40 each. They created more than 25,000 duck decoys over the years.
If you’re lucky, there will be a decorative duck carving demonstration taking place, so be sure to spend some time watching a master at work. It’s fascinating! Designs are drawn onto blocks of wood, roughly cut with a band saw and then hand carved. The feather details are either burned into the wood or painted on.
Wood is whittled toward the carver’s thumb (Unless you’re an expert, wear a thumb guard.)
Everything comes together when you wander through the Decoy Study Gallery and the World Championship Gallery. What were once working tools for watermen have become stunning works of art.
The museum sits on the edge of Schumaker Pond and the nature trails offer superb wildlife viewing, so if weather permits, spend some time outdoors before you leave.
Stop for lunch at Riverwalk Cafe in Salisbury
(Website)
This casual eatery in a historic downtown building serves up espresso drinks, smoothies and uniquely Greek twists on salads and sammies. I had a ciabatta bread panini with thinly sliced turkey, a triple cheese blend, and roasted red pepper. Well worth a visit!
Sip some Maryland wine at Bordeleau Winery
(Website)
The Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery (Bordeleau means edge of the water) lies on the banks of the Wicomico Creek, and it’s the enchanting view that initially captivates you. However, the red wines and wine slushies make the visit complete.
Ride the Whitehaven Ferry
The oldest continuously operating ferry in the U.S. crosses the Wicomico River from Whitehaven to Upper Ferry. It can carry three vehicles and six people, and although the crossing takes just minutes, it saves about 45 minutes of driving time.
Stay at the Whitehaven Hotel
This historic Bed & Breakfast which once offered lodging for steamship passengers and horse and buggy travelers has been beautifully restored and has seven guest rooms with outstanding views of the river and marshes. Breakfast is served daily in the dining room overlooking the water, and wine, cheese and crackers are served in the late afternoon. A must-stay!
Stroll through historic Whitehaven
Before or after you have breakfast at the Whitehaven Hotel, go for a walk through historic Whitehaven. In just a 1/4-mile loop you’ll pass the Whitehaven Church, Whitehaven Schoolhouse, historic homes and the old marine railway.
Whitehaven Church
Unique shipbuilding style herringbone paneling pattern for ceiling and walls
Built as a one-room schoolhouse and later expanded, this bit of history still sits in its original location.
Shipbuilding and repair were once a vital part of Whitehaven’s economy, and the remains of the old marine railway with its giant cogs and slipway leading to the water is still visible.
Visit Pemberton Historical Park
(Website)
This 1749 brick gambrel-roofed plantation home was built as a display of wealth by one of Salisbury’s founders, Isaac Handy, and is the only original 18th-century house open to the public on Maryland’s lower Eastern Shore. Along with the main house, visitors can explore the kitchen, milk house, well and well sweep. Plans to recreate additional outbuildings are in the works. Also at the site are several forest, wetlands and waterfront trails visitors can explore by foot or bicycle.
Split-rail or snake fencing was common in Early American history
All you can eat blue crabs at The Red Roost
(Website)
The pounding of wooden mallets is background music for happy patrons as they get down and dirty with heaping piles of freshly steamed Maryland blue crab, fried chicken and hush puppies at this long-standing local restaurant favorite. The Red Roost is out in what feels like the middle of nowhere, but nearly every family-style picnic table was full on the day I visited.
On certain nights, you may be lucky enough to enjoy live music. (And they take requests.) A really fun restaurant!
For more information on things to do in Wicomico County, visit wicomicotourism.org and be sure to check out my post on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in nearby Dorchester County.
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
This place is not too far from where we live. I love places with so much history and beauty. This is one of those!
Crystal says
Those ducks are so beautiful! I wish I were more talented, but I’m sure those artisans spend years perfecting their craft.
Dana Vento says
Great place to take children for some learning and fun. Would go there again and again would recommend to all visitors.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I can definitely get down with that winery tour, eating that blue crab and some hush puppies and taking in some live music! 🙂
Sheena Tatum says
We’ve always been interested in visiting Maryland. Your mentions sure do make it sound even more fun!
Our Family World says
What a beautiful place to visit! I would love to stay in the Whitehaven Hotel, see the single classroom schoolhouse, and the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art. And of course, what is traveling to a place without sampling their delicious food! Those blue crabs made my mouth water!
Alissa Apel says
The owl! I love it! I’m digging the old historic park too! I want to go on a vacation this year. It’s not in the cards right now though.
Cindy tpon says
Well maybe we can do it together
Kristin says
Maryland is such a beautiful state. So many places to explore! I love it in the Annapolis/DC area too!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I had to do a double take on those wood carvings! Oh my goodness, the craftsmanship is unbelievable. I thought they were real! Wicomico country looks like you’d be taken a step back in time with all those old buildings and serene surroundings!
Michelle Waller says
I just love any and everything birds, especially ducks! I would love to visit here one day. I have never been out of South Carolina/Georgia/North Carolina.
Amanda Love says
It’s the kind of place you want to escape to when the city gets stressful. I think it’s awesome here and it’s also peaceful and quiet! I love that there are many things to do as well.
Jonna says
Being West Coast-ers, I think we need to plan a trip out East! Those pictures were beautiful! I would love for my family to experience that!
Donna Ward says
Well, this would be a fab place to visit – beautiful images and great post – I was amazed at those carvings – actually art pieces!
Jenni says
What a really fun place with the family! I wish we could visit here one day!
Ashley S says
I’m a Maryland local, and it looks like I’m overdue to a visit out to the Eastern Shore!! Looks absolutely beautiful.
JenellBStewart says
Whenever I travel I like to stop by the local museum. My kids have so much fun and we get to learn some of the history.
Louise says
It looks like there’s so much to do in Wicomico. I would love to visit the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art – how realistic do those ducks etc. look?! They’re amazing 🙂
Louise x
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This is amazing! I would love to do all these next time we visit Wicomico!
Lena B says
How amazing! Love the colors and pictures. Such a great trip!
Dawn Lopez says
It looks like you did so many cool things in Maryland! I’ve never been on a ferry before so I think that the Whitehaven Ferry sounds like fun.
Tara says
This looks like a great place to visit. I am loving all of the history of Wicomico County.
Bree says
Wow, it’s so beautiful! I love visiting historical places. I’ve never been to MD but there seems to be plenty to do and see. I’ve never been to a vineyard before.
Dawn McAlexander says
Sounds like a peaceful place to visit. I like all the carvings and statues. That would be so pretty to look at it. Also, that church is so cool!
Dawn Nieves says
I’m adding this to my list of things to do! There are so many great things to see and I’m only a short drive away!
Erin F says
I had no idea that there were wineries in Maryland! I would have thought it would be too cold up there but I guess not! So neat!!
Theresa says
I’d love to explore the historic parts of Wicomico County. It looks like one of those places where time just seems to move a bit slower. Such a relaxed vibe going on there.
Claudia Krusch says
That Owl is so beautiful. I would love to go to the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art. There is so much fun stuff to do in Wicomico County.
Natasha says
What a quaint looking town! I hate to admit this, but I REALLY need a tutorial on how to properly eat blue crab. Other varieties I have down pat, but that blue crab leaves me looking foolish! LOL!
Aubrey says
I haven’t been to Maryland yet. That looks like a lot of fun.
Cathy Herard says
This looks and sounds like a wonderful area to visit, especially for the historical aspects. And that sandwich. I kind of want that sandwich.
Jen Temcio says
I absolutely love vacations that involve history! I also think that the winery and the ferry would be a good time.
Star Traci says
Oh my goodness, so much fun and so much beauty! What an incredible trip. The hotel looks like a little slice of heaven and the church is so lovely!
🙂
Traci
Pam Wattenbarger says
Sounds like there is a lot to do in Wicomico County! I love blue crab so all you can eat blue crab piqued my attention.
Kelly Hutchinson says
Those carvings are simply gorgeous. I admire anyone who can make something like that from just a piece of wood and a knife. Wow!
Sarah says
I would be in heaven around all of the wooden duck decoys. My grandmother had a few when I was growing up and I loved them. Now, I have a few in my own house and they are one of my favorite conversation pieces because everyone notices them!
Valerie Gray says
There’s so much history there to be seen. I would love to explore all day long out there. There’s so much to learn and to take to heart and honestly it’s just a beautiful area from what I can see in the pictures.
Robin Rue says
I go to Maryland fairly often because I have family in Bethesda. I will try to check out some of these things the next time I am down there.
Jeanette says
I have never been to Maryland it is one of those places that I do have on my list to get to, but I have not got there yet. It looks like I’m really missing out so I will have to plan a trip out there.
susan says
This looks like such an amazing place to visit with the family. I have to say I have always wanted to carve my own cool wooden trinket.
Connie says
What a beautiful place to visit. This looks like it would be right up my husbands alley.
Bill Sweeney says
Wicomico county is one of the best places to visit in New England, in my opinion. I’ve visited the area several times, and it’s everything we all love about New England.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Wicomico County is the epitome of everything I love about New England. I’d love to take a trip up there with the family.
Dina Demarest says
This looks like a great place to visit. I love the woodworking aspect. My great aunt does this to this day. It’s amazing.
Ashley says
We have been on the ferry but that is about it. I would like to check out the winery though, looks beautiful.