↑

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dish
      • Casseroles
      • Main Dishes: Beef
      • Main Dishes: Pork
      • Main Dishes: Poultry
      • Main Dishes: Vegetarian
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
      • Holidays
  • Travel
  • Fitness & Health
    • health
    • free workouts
    • buy chanelle’s eBook!
    • shop chanelle’s faves
  • Pets
  • Crafts & DIY
  • Lifestyle
    • entertainment
    • home decor
    • productivity
    • style & beauty

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

  • About Us
  • Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Eat Move Make

recipes | DIY | lifestyle

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dish
      • Casseroles
      • Main Dishes: Beef
      • Main Dishes: Pork
      • Main Dishes: Poultry
      • Main Dishes: Vegetarian
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
      • Holidays
  • Travel
  • Fitness & Health
    • health
    • free workouts
    • buy chanelle’s eBook!
    • shop chanelle’s faves
  • Pets
  • Crafts & DIY
  • Lifestyle
    • entertainment
    • home decor
    • productivity
    • style & beauty
Home » Travel » Maryland » Things to Do in Salisbury MD and Wicomico County

Things to Do in Salisbury MD and Wicomico County

By: Liz  /  Published: March 6, 2022  /  Updated: March 6, 2022  /   1 Comment

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Share
  • Tweet

The small town of Salisbury (along with all of Wicomico County) on Maryland’s Eastern Shore has a uniquely relaxed and laid-back vibe and will leave you refreshed and happy after a visit. It’s the perfect weekend escape from some of the larger metropolitan areas surrounding it.

Salisbury is 2 ½ hours from Washington, DC, and Philadelphia, 2 hours from Baltimore, and 3 hours from Norfolk.

I spent a few days enjoying all that the area has to offer, and this list of things to do in Salisbury, MD, and Wicomico County is sure to help you enjoy this memorable part of the Delmarva Peninsula.

Believe mural - downtown Salisbury MD
Mural in downtown Salisbury MD

Festivals and Seasonal Events

  • Good Beer Festival – Sample the best microbrews from Maryland and beyond along with music, games, and plenty of food and craft vendors. If you attend on Friday, you’ll be at the only nighttime beer festival on the Eastern Shore.
  • DelMarva Bike Week – This Eastern shore bike rally brings in the rumble.
  • Autumn Wine Festival – With the gorgeous backdrop of Pemberton Historical Park, this two day wine festival allows guests to sample Maryland wines, stroll the nature trails and tour the grand historic home itself.
  • Wicomico County Fair – The fair takes place the third weekend of August at WinterPlace Park with livestock exhibits, food competitions, music, rides, local vendors, home arts, rodeo, a car show, a five-foot frying pan and more. Admission and parking are free.
  • Seagull Century Bike Ride – Starting and ending on the Salisbury University campus, this annual ride takes cyclists through Maryland’s picturesque Eastern Shore.

Things to Do in Salisbury MD

Explore the Public Art

glass and metal sculpture
Bloom, a cast glass sculpture by Blaine Steiner, is located near the intersection of Circle Avenue and W. Market Street

Downtown Salisbury is awash in murals, steel sculptures, and painted electrical boxes. I’m especially fond of Bloom, the cast glass sculpture above. You can download the public art walking tour brochure and map here.

electrical box art 3
electrical box art 2
electrical box art 1

Take a Downtown Salisbury Walking Tour

old courthouse Salisbury MD
Old City Hall and Firehouse

Not only does Salisbury have great public art, but it also has some beautiful late 19th and early 20th century buildings clustered within a few blocks of each other. You can find an architectural tour map here: http://downtownsby.com/

Pop into the SU Art Gallery

212 W Main St, Salisbury, MD 21801

Flow exhibit
Flow exhibit from 2021

Experience world-class contemporary visual art at this downtown gallery. Exhibits rotate frequently so there’s always something to see here. Free 2-hour parking is available in the lot behind the gallery.

Tour Parsons Cemetery

912 N. Division St. Salisbury, MD 21801

Parsons Cemetery entrance gate

Not only does Parsons Cemetery have interesting gravestones and stories that go along with them, but it also offers a relaxing green space along the waterfront for people to enjoy.

If you have time, set up a guided tour in advance, but there are also self-guided tour options on the website.

walkway along water in Parsons Cemetery

Take Yourself Out to a Ball Game

Delmarva Shorebirds game
Photo: Wicomico County Tourism

Enjoy a fun night out at the ballpark with the Delmarva Shorebirds, a low-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Minor league ball games are more relaxed and fun than major league games, and they cost less too!

Go Duck Hunting at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art

909 South Schumaker Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804
(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 most extensive collection of duck decoys. The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art is a delight for all ages.

wooden duck decoy

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.

exhibit in Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art

Head into the Ward Brothers Workshop where you’ll learn about the museum’s namesakes Steve and Lem Ward.

Ward brothers

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.

man carving block of wood
Wood is whittled toward the carver’s thumb (Unless you’re an expert, wear a thumb guard.)

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.

carved owl
wooden bird claws
Interpretive World Champion

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.

Schumaker Pond

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.

Tour the Oldest Home in Salisbury – Poplar Hill Mansion

117 Elizabeth St. Salisbury, MD 21801
http://www.poplarhillmansion.org/

Poplar Hill Mansion with sign

Poplar Hill Mansion, the city’s oldest house, once belonged to Salisbury’s first surgeon, Dr. Huston, and his surgery room is a fascinating part of the historic home tour. It’s in this room where you’ll find out where the phrase “blowing smoke up one’s arse” originated.

The tour takes visitors through the house’s first floor and upstairs to the nursery. If you like haunted tales, be sure to ask about Sarah’s tragic death in the nursery. The live-in museum curator (also named Sarah) may share a few of her haunted experiences with you, too, if you’re interested in ghost stories.

Tours are offered twice a week (currently Fridays and Sundays 12-4 PM) or can be scheduled in advance.

Stroll through Newtown Historic District

Newtown Historic District home

If you’re visiting Poplar Hill, you’re already in Newtown, Salisbury’s first historic district, so take a walk around the neighborhood and admire the eclectic mix of architectural home styles.

Visit Pemberton Historical Park

5561 Plantation Lane, Salisbury, Maryland 21801
(Website)

Pemberton Hall

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.

Pemberton Hall with guide walking on grass

Visit the Harriet Tubman Statue

Harriet Tubman statue on campus of Salisbury University

This beautiful statue is located in front of Conway Hall on the campus of Salisbury University.

The animals surrounding Harriet Tubman (nee Araminta Ross) hold special significance in her story. The rabbit symbolizes her quick movement, and the owl represents her acute senses in the dark of night.

Also consider visiting the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek— about 45 minutes from Salisbury.

Stop by the Frank Perdue Mini Museum

Purdue Mini Museum at Perdue Hall

Salisbury, Maryland, is Perdue chicken country, so it stands to reason there’d be a museum here to pay homage to the late poultry proprietor. It’s a small museum in Salisbury University’s Perdue Hall—Frank attended the college—and it’s free to visitors.

You’ll find Perdue collectibles and promotional items, snippets of vintage national commercials, and fun finds like the head of the Perdue chicken mascot costume inside the museum.

Peek at the Vintage Placemats at NABB Center

display of vintage placemats on the wall
Placemats include wacky laws, regional attractions, and fun facts from yesteryear.

Once upon a time, paper placemats provided the ultimate entertainment in restaurants, and this display of 50s and 60s placemats evokes a bit of warm nostalgia for the pre-cell phone years.

When I visited, there was also a Delmarva exhibit (now online) that showcased the region’s history, including fun facts about Maryland’s beaten biscuits and Smith Island cake traditions.

Delmarva exhibit at NABB center

Shop at the Country House

805 East Main Street, Salisbury, MD 21804
Website

inside The Country Store

Visitors come from all over to visit the largest country store in the east. The 21,000 square feet of retail space is filled with everything you could possibly want to spruce up your home — wall decor, accessories, linens, florals, candles, seasonal items and more.

Other Fun Things to Do in Wicomico County MD

Take a peek at the Perdue Family Farmhouse

31050 Old Ocean City Rd, Salisbury, MD 21804

Perdue Family Farmhouse

Even though you can’t go inside, this century farm is as cute as cute can be. If you visited the Frank Perdue Mini-Museum, it’s especially fun to tie it all together with a visit to the old homestead.

Stop at the Trans-Peninsular Midpoint Marker

Transpeninsular Midpoint Marker

The southernmost point of the Maryland-Delaware border also marks the eastern end of the Mason Dixon line. The smaller stones were early survey attempts and the largest marker is the one Mason and Dixon placed.

The marker is on the north side of Rt. 54 between Delmar and Mardela Springs. It’s easy to miss as it’s not signed, so keep an eye out. There is a small area to pull off and park, though.

Sip the Afternoon Away at Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery

3155 Noble Farm Road Eden, Maryland 21822
Website

Bordeleau vineyards and winery

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 captivates upon arrival. However, the wine and slushies make the visit complete.

inside Bordeleau Winery

See the Stained Glass Windows of St. Phillips Church

6457 Quantico Road, Quantico, MD 21856

St. Phillips Church

Stained glass windows in churches typically portray narratives from religion, history, and literature, but at St. Philips Episcopal Church, there are more than traditional windows. You’ll find something you won’t find anywhere else in the world — a stained glass window with a muskrat. Yes, a muskrat.

About 35 years ago, muskrat pelts were used to make gloves, and the church had an annual muskrat dinner to cook up the leftover carcasses. According to Senior Warden Phil Tilghman, they were stewed down for hours to tenderize them and then served with chicken and dumplings and “everything else under the sun.”

Although muskrat dinners are a thing of the past, the furry varmint will be forever immortalized in stained glass.

muskrat stained glass window

Along with the muskrat, the church also has a transom window featuring a plump white chicken. Oh yes. It’s a chicken window. The chicken window also features live crabs, the state bird and a variety of produce associated with Maryland’s eastern shore.

transom stained glass window at St. Philips

If you ever needed a good reason to go to church, there it is.

Stop at Historic Green Hill Church

aka St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church
4025 Green Hill Church Rd, Quantico, MD 21856

Old Green Hill Church

This historic church is one of the oldest structures in Wicomico County and is worth a look-see. It’s just minutes from St. Phillips Church (and also depicted in one of their stained glass windows), so take the time to see them both.

The church is tucked back in the trees around a bend and can be tricky to find. There’s a gated dirt path to the left of a residential property. This is where you’ll park and walk up to the building. It sits right on the waterfront with lovely views.

Ride the Whitehaven Ferry

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.

Whitehaven Ferry loaded with cars

Stroll Through Historic Whitehaven

Whitehaven Church
Whitehaven Church

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.

inside Whitehaven Church
Unique shipbuilding style herringbone paneling pattern for ceiling and walls
Whitehaven Schoolhouse
Built as a one-room schoolhouse and later expanded, this bit of history still sits in its original location.
old marine railway
Shipbuilding and repair were once a vital part of Whitehaven’s economy. The remains of the old marine railway with its giant cogs and slipway leading to the water are still visible.

Stay at the Whitehaven Hotel

2685 Whitehaven Road – Whitehaven, MD 21856
Website

Whitehaven Hotel

This historic Bed & Breakfast, which once offered lodging for steamship passengers and horse and buggy travelers, has been beautifully restored.

There are eight 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!

view of water from Whitehaven Hotel property
inside Whitehaven Hotel
Whitehaven Hotel sitting area
breakfast at Whitehaven Hotel

For more information on things to do in Wicomico County, visit wicomicotourism.org

Related topics
Maryland Travel

About Liz

Liz is a midwestern mom gone southern (accent in transition). She lives in North Carolina and loves cooking, baking, traveling, movies, crafts, hot and cold tea, wine, pizza and the occasional nap. She also revels in the fact she's a crazy cat lady.

Primary Sidebar

liz mays photo

Welcome!

I’m Liz! Thank you for visiting Eat Move Make. Here you will find a collection of easy & delicious year-round recipes, seasonal ideas and DIY craft inspiration as well as exciting travel destination ideas! Visit my About Me page for more of my story.

recipes in your inbox

Subscribe for the latest updates

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Summer Favorites

chocolate oozing from side of black and white s'mores

Black and White S’mores (A Twist on the Black and White Cookie)

bowl of strawberry banana cheesecake salad with strawberries and bananas on top

Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad

patriotic jello cups in small clear cups

Red, White and Blue Jello Cups

hand holding spicy burger

Grilled Spicy Burgers

blueberry cheesecake salad

Blueberry Cheesecake Salad

A close up of a sandwich sitting on top of a table

Fiesta Burgers – Grilled Burgers with a Mexican Twist

slice of strawberry cream cheese pie

Strawberry Cream Cheese Jello Pie

dessert bars on plate

Red, White and Blue Bars

Slush and Strawberry

Skinny Strawberry White Wine Slush

firecracker cupcakes

Firecracker Cupcakes

Popular Posts

swamp soup in white bowls on white table with basket of corn muffins

Easy Turnip Green Soup (Swamp Soup)

hand holding symphony brownie

Symphony Brownies

close-up Bisquick impossible cheeseburger pie

Bisquick Impossible Cheeseburger Pie Recipe

mock chow mein casserole in dish on table

Mock Chow Mein Casserole Recipe

cranberry chili meatballs

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chili Meatballs Recipe

slow cooker turkey tenderloin

Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin with Maple Glaze and Wild Rice

A plate of cookies

Pistachio Pudding Cookies with Chocolate Chips

olive salad in bowl

Muffuletta Olive Salad Recipe

eat move make featured in graphic

Footer

Meet Liz

Meet Liz

Hey there, i’m Liz!

I’m the founder of Eat Move Make and a North Carolina mom of two humans and six cats. I love to cook, bake, craft and travel. I’m also addicted to tea (but not sweet tea).

When I’m not creating something in my kitchen, and since my kids are now adults, I’m all about my bucket list of travel destinations and adventures.

recipes in your inbox

Subscribe for the latest updates

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.
©2022, Eat Move Make / About / Terms Of Use / Privacy Policy / Site by Pixel Me Designs