Explore Talbot County
Talbot County, Maryland
From its well-heeled towns to its undulating rivers and waterfront communities, Talbot County provides a balance of Chesapeake traditional culture with a refined sensibility. With over 600 miles of Bay waterfront, and a local appreciation for art, film, music, and culture, Talbot County offers both amenities and a strong Eastern Shore sense of place.
From elevated boating and maritime havens like St. Michaels and Oxford, to the brick-lined streets, award-winning restaurants, and music scene in Easton, Talbot’s towns each offer a unique atmosphere. A connection to the land and water is celebrated at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and the Pickering Creek Audubon Center. Traditional waterman’s culture lives on at the working waterfront of Tilghman Island, while the bygone era of Talbot’s farming heyday is preserved in historic Wye Mills.
Visitors from Washington, DC, Baltimore and Annapolis can easily reach Talbot County within a hour or two, and beach destinations are accessible within an hour’s ride of most of the County’s communities.
Meet the Towns of Talbot County
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD
With more than 600 miles of Chesapeake Bay waterfront, Talbot County's small towns and communities have a maritime feel. Set within a surrounding countryside of family farms and ancient estates, Talbot County balances the quiet rural environment with well-heeled amenities. Food, culture, events, concerts, museums and parks provide Talbot County residents with a wealth of experiences year-round. Easy access by car, boat, and small plane make Talbot County easy for commuters, second home owners, or those who seek proximity to the region's larger cities or transit hubs.
Easton - Easton is the largest town in Talbot County and serves as its county seat. It is a charming town with a rich history and a vibrant downtown area that is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Easton is also home to the Tidewater Inn, a historic hotel that dates back to 1947, and the Avalon Theater, built as a cinema in 1921, that serves as the prime venue of the Mid-Shore area for performing arts, nationally and locally.
Oxford - Oxford is a picturesque waterfront town that is located on the Tred Avon River. It is known for its historic homes, marinas, seafood restaurants and several historic landmarks, including the Robert Morris Inn, which dates back to 1710. Visitors can take a ferry from Oxford to nearby St. Michaels or take a leisurely stroll through the town's tree-lined streets.
St. Michaels - St. Michaels is a popular tourist destination that is known for its charming downtown area, historic homes, and beautiful waterfront views. Visitors can explore the town's numerous shops, art galleries, and restaurants, or take a scenic boat tour on the Chesapeake Bay. The town is also home to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which preserves and shares the unique history and culture of the Chesapeake’s people, places and traditions.
Tilghman Island - Tilghman Island is a small fishing village that is located on the Chesapeake Bay. It is known for its seafood restaurants, marinas, and charming bed and breakfasts. Visitors can also explore the island's nature trails and visit the Tilghman Island Museum to learn about the town's history.
Trappe - Trappe is a quiet town that is located near the Choptank River. Visitors can also explore the town's nature trails and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this small Eastern Shore town.
Plan your visit to one of Talbot’s small towns
Explore Talbot County’s Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Talbot County provides its communities with ample opportunities to get outside and enjoy the woods, fields and waterways that define the region’s landscape. Whether in-town spots for live music, playgrounds, or community events, or peacefully secluded spots along quiet coves or wooded paths, Talbot County’s outdoor escapes provide something for everyone.
A springtime path at Adkins Arboretum
Easton Parkway - A park located in the town of Easton that offers a scenic path for walking, jogging, and biking. The park also features a picnic area and playground.
Idlewild Park - A park located in the town of Easton that features a playground, picnic area, and baseball field.
Pickering Creek Audubon Center - A nature center located in Easton that features hiking trails, a birdwatching area, and educational programs about the local environment.
Adkins Arboretum - A 400-acre park located in Ridgely that features walking trails, gardens, and educational programs about native plants and trees.
Tuckahoe State Park - A 3,800-acre park located in Queen Anne that features hiking trails, fishing, boating, camping, and picnic areas.
St. Michaels Nature Trail - A scenic trail located in the town of St. Michaels that offers views of the waterfront and local wildlife.
Oxford Strand: The Strand Park is a public park located in the small waterfront town of Oxford, Maryland along the banks for the Tred Avon River. The park has scenic views and a large grassy area with picnic tables, benches, and a gazebo. The park also has a small beach area where visitors can swim, sunbathe, or launch a kayak or paddleboard.
Talbot County’s Annual Events
From small town parades to community-wide festivals, Talbot County’s annual calendar is full of lively events that celebrate the region’s abundance and sense of fun.
SPRING: April, Oxford Day
This classic Chesapeake small-town festival kicks off spring with an old-school celebration of community, complete with a parade with homemade floats, a dog show, bake sales, marching bands and free rides on the Oxford Ferry.
SUMMER: August, Waterman’s Appreciation Day
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum highlights the contributions and culture of Bay waterman at this summer festival that’s all things crabs, Chesapeake and community (pictured right). Docking contests, boat rides, family activities, music and a community crab feast mark one of the highlights of Talbot County’s glorious summer season.
FALL: November, Waterfowl Festival
Part wildlife art show and part sportsman’s expo, this town-wide festival celebrates all things Chesapeake, showcasing Easton’s historic downtown and centuries-old connection to waterfowl at the height of autumn’s full color. Meet the country’s finest wildlife painters, sculptors, carvers and photographers, and see their work in galleries spread across historic downtown Easton, while sampling crab soup and craft beer, enjoying dock dog contests, music, and more.
WINTER: February, Chesapeake Fire and Ice Festival
In this unique cold-weather event, Downtown Easton’s historic district is ornamented with dozens of ice sculptures. The event will kicks off with a Friday night Ice Block Party and features free live music and fire performances, live ice carving, outdoor ice skating, and the unveiling of the weekend’s ice sculptures with a free self-guided tour and light display.