The real treasures of Dorchester County are found off Rt. 50, the main thoroughfare which wanders through the county, on the backroads leading to scenic agricultural and marshland landscapes and quaint fishing villages. Dorchester has two well-known attractions, Historic Cambridge and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, as well as a variety of small museums and historic homes. Cambirdge, founded in 1649, offers stately homes of the 18th and 19th century, which grace brick paved, tree-lined High Street, the centerpiece of the historic district.

Home to six governors of Maryland, the magnificent waterfront along the Choptank River offers breathtaking vistas of pleasure and working craft. Skipjacks can still be seen in the harbor where at one time hundreds plied the oyster trade and a working seafood house carries on the heritage of the native watermen. Stop at the Richardson Maritime Museum to learn more about this seaport town, view works by local artists at the Dorchester Arts Center or tour Christ Church and its historic graveyard. Nearby the Harriet Tubman gift shop offers tours of landmarks where this leader of the "Underground Railroad" lived and worked. Wild Goose Brewery offers visitors tours through its micro brewing process.

With over 21,000 acres, Blackwater is home to an abundance of bald eagles and thousands of Canada geese and other migratory waterfowl during fall and winter. While in the country, visit one of the picturesque small towns. West of Blackwater, visit Hooper Island where you will see workboats tied to the wharves, crab pots piled high and the aroma of steamed crabs. To the east, visit historic Vienna on the banks of the Nanticoke River. Landmarks here date to 1768 when Vienna was an international port. To the north explore East New Market. The entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Just a few miles west of Cambridge on Route 343 is Spocott Windmill, a working replica of a wooden post mill used for grinding grains. On the complex, you can explore a one-room Victorian schoolhouse, tenant house and country store museum. Further along this road is found the Dorchester Heritage Museum.
 

Dorchester County Historical Society

The Dorchester County Historical Society, located east of Rt. 50 at 902 LaGrange Avenue, is a complex of the Meredith House (pictured) and Neild Museum. The Meredith House, built circa 1760, has an early house contained within the present one. It looks much as it did in the 1850s, after Greek Revival accents were added. The Society began in 1953 and purchased the home in 1959, assisted by a generous contribution from Thomas Steele Nichols. One of few Georgian structures, it is the only home in the county maintained as a museum. Once know as La Grange, it was renamed Meredith House in honor of Mr. Nichols' grandfathers and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. The living room is graced by portraits of A. LeCompte and Tench Tilghman's mother. An addition hosts dinner meetings and welcomes weddings.

On the second floor is the Governor's room which exhibits memorabilia of the seven Dorchester governors and the gown worn by Mrs. Holliday Hicks for the inauguration of Governor Hicks, who turned the tide for Maryland to be on the side of the Union in the Civil War. Governor Hicks had received requests from southern states for Maryland's secession. On April 22, he called the special session of the legislature that Maryland secessionists needed to take the state out of the Union. But with Butler occupying Annapolis, he scheduled the meeting in Unionist Frederick, and many delegates could not attend. An adjacent room of the Meredith House features a collection of antique dolls and prams, a cradle from colonial times and another from the Civil War era. The third floor displays a sewing table and antique four poster bed with an award winning star quilt.

The Neild Museum near the beautiful herb garden houses items illustrating industrial and agricultural life from pre-colonial times to the present. Discover a collection of Native American artifacts, agricultural tools, such as a circa 1820 McCormick Reaper, marine vessels and implements, and kitchen utensils including butter churns. The Goldsborough Stable, moved in 1987, is all that remains of the Shoal Creek estate of Governor Charles Goldsborough. Restored circa 1790, it contains transportation related items. The Society's research collection of genealogical materials is housed in the Dorchester County Library. The Museums are open for tours from 10am until 4pm Thurs - Sat except on major holidays. The office is open Tues - Sat 9am to 5pm. Call 410-228-7953.
 

Old Trinity Church

Old Trinity Church is the central focus of an 85 acre Glebe (church lands) on Church Creek, in Cambridge. The church was constructed circa 1675 to 1690. The parish was established in 1692 as Dorchester Parish and was known until 1853 as Dorchester Parish Church, built by the English settlers to match what they understood a rural parish church to be. Original are the tiles of the floor, the altar table and the exterior brick walls. The large brick floor tiles were laid on a bed of burnt oyster shells. The building has been renovated twice. In 1853, it was reconstructed by the Right Reverend Henry L. Whitehouse, to conform to the then popular "modern" style of Medieval Gothic. The windows were made smaller and given pointed arches. Those behind the altar and over the West entrance were closed off. The older boxed pews and high pulpit were removed. It was named "Trinity Church" at that time and lovingly called "Old Trinity" since.

From 1952 to 1960, William McClelland, then rector, established the first of several endowments to provide for the maintenance of the Church and graveyard. From 1953 to 1960, Col. Edgar W. Garbish and his wife Bernice, took over the building and restored it to 17th Century ideal. The closed off windows were discovered and a south transept was removed. The 19th century windows were removed and replaced with double casements, leaded glass green-hued panes in a diamond shape contemporary with the 17th century. Fifteen 17th century style boxed pews and high north pulpit were built from 17th and 18th century wood discovered in old barns. All the iron work is hand done. The three-tiered pulpit contains the clerk's reading desk. At the next level is the reading pew. An authorized King James Version (circa 1611) of the Bible lies open on the desk. Loftiest of all, is the pulpit.

The nave, seating about 90, is 38 feet long and 20 feet wide. The half-circle apse where the altar table sits has a radius of six feet and is of particularly fine craftsmanship. The church has excellent acoustics which enhance the singing on Sunday morning. There has been a worshipping congregation here for over 300 years. The graveyard is a regional burial ground, containing colonial and historic graves The church is open on a regular basis and is visited by tourists from all over the world.
 

Commodore's Cottage

These two charming private cottage suites are in a three acre park-like setting of graceful trees, fountains and Victorian items. Each has its own private entrance behind the owners' historic manor house. The "Carriage House" has a country flavor, and the spacious living-dining room, furnished in pine and maple, features an interesting antique pine work table for dining. A sleep sofa allows for two extra guests. The bedroom has a king size bed with country floral half canopy and matching hand painted bedside tables plus a tile bath with shower. A fully equipped kitchen allows for preparing meals if you wish. Breakfast is brought to the cottage for your privacy. The "Cottage," is entered across a large patio with chairs and table. The spacious living-dining room , in contemporary style, has nautical accents, a collection of ship plates, a fine ship model, ship prints and original paintings. The twin bedroom features original watercolors by the owner, an artist and art teacher, and offers a queen size bed and antique walnut Victorian bookcase. A tile bath with shower and fully equipped kitchen complete the cottage. Breakfast is delivered.

Innkeepers: Shirley and Earl Brannock. Two cottages: one with sleep sofa, one with 2 bedrooms and sleep sofa, each with living-dining room, kitchen, tile bath with shower, TV, telephone, heat and AC , no stairs. Fishing, birding biking, antiquing. Near Blackwater Refuge, historical homes, Brannock Museum
 

Brannock Maritime Museum

The Brannock Maritime Museum at 201 Talbot Avenue is packed with the maritime lore of the local area and the Chesapeake Bay. It invites you to browse among the many pictures, models, tools and artifacts which are clearly labeled. Enjoy a 22 minute cassette audio tour. A guided tour is often available for lively discussion and a more in-depth feel for local history. Don't miss the well stocked library. The premiere exhibit features the story of the Maryland Oyster Navy, which was involved in the famous "Oyster wars." Chesapeake Bay Schooners and steamboats, the workhorses of the 19th and early 20th centuries, are displayed. Local shipbuilders and their tools fill another alcove, highlighting Dorchester's prominence in the boat building trade, history and maritime fields. The archives and artifacts of the Heavy Cruiser USS CHESTER are housed in the museum along with some World War II navy history. The museum shop offers maritime books, among them the several books the director has authored about historical vessels. Open Sat 1-4pm Sun 2-4pm year round. Group tours and other hours by appointment. Call 410-228-6938.

Mill Street Inn

The newly restored Mill Street Inn was built in 1894 at 114 Mill Street. Three original fireplaces are still working, and a fire can merrily burn on each hearth. The original yellow pine floors to the right of the welcoming entrance and throughout the rest of the house are also in good condition. Thanks to the tender restoration efforts of the innkeepers, Skip and Jenifer Rideout, these floors have been reclaimed from their black painted state.

Birds are dear to the hearts of the Rideouts, who are descendants of the premier founding families of Annapolis. The bird motif ranges throughout from the antique Audubon prints on the walls and the hand-painted songbirds on a sewing cabinet near the entrance to pewter pheasants on the dining room table. Here, breakfast is served on brown Quail dishes by Furnival. Serene green tones greet the visitor in both parlors amid beautiful antiques from the owners' families, highlighting a collection of Royal Dalton dogs and Staffordshire figurines. The cheerful terr rosa hue in the dining room is echoed in a spacious country kitchen. Sumptuous delights, such as smoked salmon and Eggs Benedict are prepared there for breakfast, which, along with afternoon tea, may also be served on either of two screened porches.

Upstairs are three charming en suite rooms-named after the previous owners' children (Winifred and Edward) whose names hearken back to Emerson Harrington, son of a former governor of Maryland. The Winifred is all sweetness and light in bright yellow hues, while the Edward has Wedgwood blue tones with pristine white trim, lending it a nautical ambiance. High vanities in each bath show concern for older guests, and the original claw foot tub in one hints of nostalgia. The Cambridge Suite in black and floral tones boasts a spacious sitting room and bath. This is truly an inn for all seasons and all reasons as well.

INNKEEPERS: Jenifer and Skip Rideout. ADDRESS: 114 Mill Street, Cambridge. 21613. PHONE: 410 901-9144. MEALS: Delicious gourmet breakfasts and teas. ROOMS: two en suite and the Cambridge Suite. CHILDREN: Older ones only with permission. NO Pets. NEARBY: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, biking, water views of the Choptank River, canoing, kayaking and sailing, fine dining and shopping.
Mill Street Inn

Cambridge House B&B

Cambridge House Bed and Breakfast at 112 High St. in the historic district of Cambridge is within walking distance of the town's marina, fine shops and restaurants. The original section is a small framed cottage built in 1830. It was expanded between 1847 and 1900 to become the Queen Anne style brick mansion it is today. Now under the ownership of Jody and Dana Zurbano, this regal B & B takes pride in preserving its historical charm while offering modern amenities.

The first thing quests notice on walking up the front steps is the inviting wicker furniture and swing. Inside, guests are drawn to the classic red parlor, accented by camel back settees, ideal for gathering with friends or curling up with a good book. The parlor leads into a room where guests enjoy delicious gourmet breakfast at a large table or smaller ones, overlooking the water pond garden. The first floor also includes a library with water view, guest frig, access to a hot tub, gift nook and two guest decor rooms with period styles. The Governor's Room contains a photo gallery of historic figures, while the Queen Anne Room reflects the architectural style of the house.

Upstairs, the Bay and Hunt Rooms overlook historic High Street, while the Garden and Dorchester Rooms share a veranda, overlooking the water and gardens. The Dorchester can also be expanded to comfortably sleep up to four.

Special event packages include weddings, business retreats, crab feasts, afternoon teas and picnics in the park. At Cambridge House, it's not just a room; it's an event!

INNKEEPERS: Jody and Dana Zarbano. ADDRESS: 112 High St. Cambridge 21613. PHONE: 410-221-7700. Email: CambridgeHouseBandB@comcast.net. ROOMS: 6 with private baths. MEALS: Gourmet breakfasts, afternoon teas, crab feasts, picnics. NO PETs(the inn has a house dog.) No Children. NEARBY: Long Wharf, marina, biking, hiking, kayaking fishing, shops, museums, restaurants, galleries, and Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. 

Cambridge House B&B

Lodgecliffe On The Choptank

Lodgecliffe on the Choptank B&B was the first inn of its kind in Cambridge. Originally opened in the 80's by Sarah Richardson, Lodgecliffe has recently been lovingly restored and renovated by her son, Dawson Richardson. A stately turn-of-the-century home, the inn offers truly exquisite views (especially the sunsets) on the Choptank River! Whether you prefer the open-air deck or cheery sunporch, you'll appreciate the gentle breezes that drift up from the river mere yards away from the back door, as you relax your day away.

All the rooms of the inn have been tastefully decorated with a blend of Victorian antiques and contemporary comforts to make each guest feel not only at home, but richly pampered. Innkeepers, Scott and Jennifer Mills take southern hospitality to its highest level. Absolutely no request is too small or too great, and, with enough notice, they even welcome and would love to accommodate special request for breakfast.

Their home is your home. Come make yourself comfortable.

INNKEEPERS: Scott and Jennifer Mills. ADDRESS: 103 Choptank Terrace, Cambridge 21613. PHONE: 866-273-3830 (410)228-1760. PAYMENT: VS,MS,AE,DS checks, cash, all cheerfully accepted. ROOMS: three with private baths. Child friendly. Pets considered on an individual basis. NEARBY: National Wildlife Refuge, Dorchester Heritage Museum, Neild Museum and Meredith House.
Lodgecliffe on the Choptank

The Inn on Locust Street

Your first impression of the Inn on Locust Street in the blooming season may be one of abundant exotic plants. The reason for this grand display of flora is that the innkeeper is a landscape designer. The gardens behind this spacious comfortable home, dating from 1870, are as extravagantly gorgeous as those at the entrance. A rare night-blooming cercis may be in full bloom along with castors, bayberries and roses near the luxurious gazebo. When lights glow on the palm tree at night, enchantment reigns.

The oldest house on the street, this inn on the sparkling Choptank River offers ecotours into Blackwater Wildlife Refuge or a trip to Hooper Island to allow a step back in time. Your guest room steeps you in the past as you relax in real rope beds with 600 count linens or enjoy original fireplaces and the wrap around porch. Heart warming free gifts include your choice of Nadine's fragrant creams in jeweled cases,and the use of bikes or kayaks is complimentary.

Near the gift and library section is the Cambridge Suite which can sleep two on the first floor with a kitchenette and bath. Up the ornate staircase are elegant rooms such as the Magnolia, featuring a four poster canopy bed, private balcony overlooking the garden, double sink bath and sitting room. The Lilac Suite includes an antique double bed, ball and claw tub and breakfast nook with kitchen. The Garden View, overlooking the fountain, boasts a four poster bed with private sleeping porch and Jacuzzi, while the Annie Oakley contains two twin beds and can sleep up to five more in the cozy adjacent Tubman Room. The Crows Nest on the third floor overlooks the entire town with fine waterviews. The spectacular gardens, stunning art, tribal rugs and exquisite antiques offer dreams-come-true.

INNKEEPER: Tom Eliason. ADDRESS: 707 Locust Street, Cambridge 21613. PHONE: 410 961-3321. ROOMS: 5 and 2 suites. MEALS: Continental breakfast or innkeeper paid breakfast at the Cambridge Grill. CHILDREN and Pets welcome. NEARBY: Concierge service for guided kayak, bicycle, fishing or boating tours and catering for weddings and parties. Hooper Island, Blackwater Wioldlife Refuge, restaurants, shops and museums.

www.theinnonlocuststreet. com.

Victoria Gardens Inn

Victoria Gardens Inn, circa 1890 is just moments from the Choptank River. The gracious old home offers plenty of space, cozy beds, heaps of books and delectable breakfasts, looking out on an acre of trees, shrubs and flowers.

Beautiful antiques grace the house, and each room is named after a sweet smelling herb. There are four rooms on the second floor and two on the third with a secret book room for seclusion and an alcove by the lovely, sweeping staircase.The three parlors and dining room are exquisitely decorated.

This landmark Victorian House is fortunate to have been worthy of preservation and regard since 1890. A vist here is the most versatile way to restore one's spirits and enjoy relaxing conversation with old friends and new acquaintances.

INNKEEPER: Lynette Chase. ADDRESS: 101 Oakley Street, Cambridge, 21613. PHONE: 410 901-2292. MEALS: Delectable country breakfasts. ROOMS four upstairs and two on the third floor. Children welcome. Common rooms: three parlors, dining room, and small library . NEARBY: Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, Hoppers Island, restaurants, shops, kayaking, boating, fishing.

Victoria Gardens Inn

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