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A Guide to Maryland's Eastern Shore: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play

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Vacationers have long flocked to  Maryland ’s Eastern Shore to kayak, catch sunsets, and wander aimlessly through historic towns, including St. Michaels, Easton, and, at the end of the county peninsula, Tilghman Island, whose unspoiled beauty and plentiful bike and water trails attract cyclists and boaters. But lately it’s become more than just a quiet getaway—in recent years it's fostered a growing and celebrated restaurant scene that's a magnet for epicureans crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Washington, D.C. , or descending Route 1 from nearby Philadelphia . There’s another transformation taking shape in the counties east of the Chesapeake Bay by way of museums, including one that shares the stories of African Americans who played a central role in shaping the area’s history. 

With sleek new and expanded hotels cropping up all over the area, there’s never been a better time to plan a weekend trip to Maryland’s Eastern Shore—here are the best things to do and eat on the peninsula enclave just across the Chesapeake Bay.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's 18-acre campus includes a working shipyard.

Eastern Shore's best things to do

Few towns exemplify the quintessential American Main Street experience as effortlessly as the picturesque town of St. Michaels, an architectural melting pot with colorful shops on the main drag of Talbot Street, which sells everything travelers could want to fuel a food and shopping-filled weekend. Purchase premium  olive oil ,  antiques, and crab-adorned T-shirts and hats. Just a few blocks away, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum introduces visitors to the region’s maritime history with a working shipyard on its 18-acre campus. The expanding museum is adding a new and more accessible welcome center this fall, with exhibits that will highlight Black families and other diverse communities who have worked and vacationed in the Chesapeake Bay. 

Just eight miles away in Easton, the female-led Academy Art Museum has been steadily adding works by women and artists of color over the last few years, and recently began offering free admission. The museum also recently acquired land that belonged to Henny and James Freeman—a free African American family in Easton—where archaeologists are uncovering artifacts from the late-18th to mid-19th centuries that the museum plans to display. Visitors to the museum can also take a  self-guided walking tour of the surrounding Hill Community, one of the nation’s earliest free Black neighborhoods.

As the birthplace of Harriet Tubman, the Eastern Shore is home to a number of sites honoring the abolitionist’s legacy. Located 35 minutes south of Easton in Church Creek, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center features self-guided exhibits and a film documenting her precarious journey securing the freedom of enslaved people. The visitor center makes an ideal first stop on a  125-mile scenic driving tour linking the trails, waterways, and safe houses that Tubman relied on. 

A burrata dish at Ruse, the Wildset Hotel's restaurant.

Ruse's clean, coastal, and classic exterior.

Restaurants on the Eastern Shore

With brick-lined sidewalks and a collection of Colonial, Federal, and Victorian style buildings, Easton’s historic center makes a compelling visit for design and architecture buffs. The downtown got a boost in recent years after Bluepoint Hospitality rehabbed several historic buildings into chic restaurants, lounges, and cafes filled with priceless antiques and art. Flagship restaurant Bas Rouge , which expanded 10 months ago to add a lounge and second dining room, serves reinterpreted German and Austrian dishes made from local ingredients, plus a nearly 500-label wine list, and desserts from former Le Bernardin pastry chef Thomas Raquel. Diners often head next door for a nightcap at The Stewart , which offers more than 900 bottles of single malt whiskeys representing the six Scottish whiskey-making regions. Other Bluepoint eating establishments include salad spot Sunflowers & Greens ; The Wardroom , a popular brunch spot and gourmet food market; and thin-crust Roman-style pizza to go at Roma Alla Pala . 

St. Michaels’ array of seafood offerings include the casual The Crab Claw , a classic waterfront crab restaurant serving raw oysters, steamed crabs, and crab cakes, to fine-dining restaurant Stars at the luxury resort Inn at Perry Cabin . Stars’ Executive Chef Gregory James sources everything from oysters and rockfish to grass-fed beef within a 20-mile radius to deliver a hyper-local approach to Chesapeake Bay cuisine; many of the vegetables come from the property’s garden. 

For an off-the-beaten-path dining experience, head to local favorite T at the General Store in Royal Oak (between Easton and St. Michaels). The converted general store serves a daily selection of seafood and pasta, along with various teas also used in its drinks and cuisine.

The Wildset Hotel opened in a former schoolhouse and private home.

The property embraces a neutral palette with an emphasis on natural materials. 

Where to stay

The farm-to-table dining at the Inn at Perry Cabin isn’t the only reason to select the five-star resort, whose Greek Revival-style manor and waterfront setting make it a favorite for weddings, anniversaries, and movie scenes like those in Wedding Crashers . Founded in 1812 by U.S. naval officer Samuel Hambleton, the inn pays tribute to its seafaring roots with a daily 5:00 p.m. champagne toast. Water-activity lovers have their pick of activities on the 26-acre property—from swimming in the infinity pool to sailing or heading into the Miles River on a kayak or paddle board. The property’s 1902 skipjack, the Stanley Norman, can whisk guests on a Chesapeake Bay sunset cruise. For landlubbers, an 18-hole golf course, destination spa, and tennis courts await. 

Further in town, the Wildset Hotel opened in 2021 in what was once a schoolhouse and a private home. Decorated chiefly in neutrals and black, the minimalist, airy design lets the area’s natural surroundings shine and provides a soothing environment for guests looking to unwind or enjoy roasting s’mores at sundown. Locals and visitors flock to the inn’s restaurant, Ruse, for its raw bar—featuring a smorgasbord of oysters, seafood-driven small plates (don’t skip the anchovy toast), and dishes that range from fresh fish to pastas made with locally sourced ingredients. 

If the idyllic beauty of Tilghman Island is more your speed, head to the dog-friendly Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island . The property, which the Wylder hotel brand took over and updated six years ago, has added new guest programming including cocktail-making classes,  paint-and-sip parties and local live music year round. Tickler’s Crab Shack serves steamed crabs and shucked oysters fresh from the bay, making a great end to a day in bucolic surroundings.

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The Top 14 Things to Do on Maryland's Eastern Shore

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The Maryland Eastern Shore , a peninsula extending hundreds of miles between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, offers endless recreational opportunities and is a popular summer vacation destination. Visitors from around the region flock to the Eastern Shore to explore its historic towns, beaches, and beautiful natural areas. Visitors can enjoy an array of activities, such as boating, swimming, fishing, bird watching, biking, and golfing. The resort communities along the Eastern Shore host wonderful annual events, including waterfront festivals, seafood festivals, boating regattas and races, fishing tournaments, boat shows, museum events, arts and crafts shows, and more. This guide highlights the best things to do along the Eastern Shore, from hitting the beach to catching a baseball game. Have fun exploring this beautiful part of Maryland.

See the Boats in Chesapeake City

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The charming small town, located at the northern end of the Eastern Shore, is known for its unique views of ocean-going vessels. The historic area sits just south of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, a 14-mile canal that dates back to 1829. The C&D Canal Museum provides a glimpse of the history of the canal for those interested in diving into its rich history.

Visitors can also enjoy art galleries, antique shopping, outdoor concerts, boat tours, horse farm tours, and seasonal events. There are several excellent restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts nearby.

Explore the History of Chestertown

bpalmer / Getty Images 

The historic town on the banks of the Chester River was an important port of entry for early settlers to Maryland. There are many restored colonial homes, churches, and several interesting shops. The Schooner Sultana provides opportunities for students and adult groups to sail and learn about the history and environment of the Chesapeake Bay. Monument Park is a Civil War trail site where you can stroll amongst monuments from the war period. Chestertown is also home to Washington College, the tenth oldest college in the United States.

Boat in One of the Many Marinas in Rock Hall

 Coastal Pics/Getty Images

This quaint fishing town on the Eastern Shore has 15 marinas, making it a favorite stop for boaters. There are a variety of restaurants and shops in town for those passing through, as well as several things to do even when you're not on the water. The Waterman's Museum features exhibits on crabbing, oystering, and fishing. Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is home to 234 species of birds, including nesting bald eagles, and includes amenities such as hiking trails, an observation tower, picnic tables, public fishing areas, and a boat launch.

Enjoy Delicious Seafood and Drinks on Kent Island

L. Toshio Kishiyama / Getty Images

Known as “Maryland’s Gateway to the Eastern Shore,” Kent Island sits at the base of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and is a rapidly growing community because of its convenience to the Annapolis/Baltimore-Washington corridor. The area has lots of seafood restaurants, marinas, and outlet stores. You'll definitely want to make a stop in one of the island's distilleries and wineries — Blackwater Distillery offers s Sloop Betty Vodka, which won the brand a gold medal for Best Vodka in Show at the New York Wine & Spirits Competition.

Appreciate the Arts in Easton

 Bob Quinn / Pickering Creek Audubon Center 

Located along Route 50 between Annapolis and Ocean City, Easton is a convenient place to stop to dine or take a walk. The historic town is ranked 8th in the book “100 Best Small Towns in America.” Main attractions include antique shops, an art deco performing arts venue — the Avalon Theater — and the Pickering Creek Audubon Center. If you're in the area in July, you might make it for the Plein Air Easton Art Festival, the largest juried plein air (outdoor) painting competition in the United States. You could also stop by the Academy Art Museum, which boasts an art collection of over 1,400 works.

Head to a Popular Museum In St. Michaels

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The quaint historic town is a popular destination for boaters with its small town charm and a variety of gift shops, restaurants, inns, and bed and breakfasts. The main attraction here is the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum , an 18-acre waterfront museum that displays Chesapeake Bay artifacts and features programs about maritime history and culture. The museum has nine buildings and includes an extensive collection of sail, power, and rowboats. St. Michaels is one of the best Eastern Shore destinations for sailing, bicycling, and eating freshly-caught crabs and oysters.

Go Sports Fishing on Tilghman Island

R H Productions / robertharding/Getty Images 

Located on the Chesapeake Bay and the Choptank River, Tilghman Island is known most for sports fishing and fresh seafood. The island is accessible by a drawbridge and has several marinas including a few that offer charter cruises. It is home to the Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks, the only commercial sailing fleet in North America. The island is also perfect for those who enjoy nature — rent a bike, charter a boat (for more fishing), or even rent a kayak or paddleboard.

Step Back in Time in Oxford

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This quiet town is the oldest on the Eastern Shore, having served as a port of entry for British trade vessels during Colonial times. Oxford is most well-known for its nautical scene, as there are several marinas in the area. However, the small town has more to offer than just boating. It's a colonial-era town that's home to some beautiful historic markers, such as the Robert Morris Inn, one of the oldest Inns in America, and the 339-year-old Oxford-Bellevue Ferry.

Birdwatch in Cambridge

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The main attraction in Cambridge is the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, a 27,000-acre resting and feeding area for migrating waterfowl and home to 250 species of birds, 35 species of reptiles and amphibians, 165 species of threatened and endangered plants, and numerous mammals. If you're looking to stay in luxury, the Hyatt Regency Resort, Spa, and Marina, one of the region’s most romantic getaway destinations, sits right on the Chesapeake Bay and has its own isolated beach, an 18-hole championship golf course, and 150-slip marina.

Catch a Baseball Game in Salisbury

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Salisbury is the largest city on the Eastern Shore with approximately 24,000 residents. Stop in and enjoy a game at the Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, home to the minor-league Delmarva Shorebirds. Don't forget to visit the Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame to see some baseball legends, like Frank "Home Run" Baker. After your game, check out the Salisbury Zoological Park, and the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, a museum housing the most extensive collection of bird carvings in the world.

Hit the Beach in Ocean City

Chris Parypa / Getty Images 

With 10 miles of white sand beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean City, Maryland is the ideal place for swimming, surfing, kite flying, sand castle building, jogging, etc. The Eastern Shore resort is a bustling beach town with amusement parks, arcades, miniature golf courses, shopping malls, an Outlet shopping center, movie theaters, go-kart tracks, and the famous 3-mile Ocean City Boardwalk. There is a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and nightclubs to appeal to a variety of vacationers.

Spot Wild Ponies at Assateague Island National Seashore

Trina Dopp Photography / Getty Images

Assateague Island is most known for the more than 300 wild ponies who wander the beaches. Since this is a national park, camping is allowed, but you’ll have to drive to nearby Ocean City, Maryland or Chincoteague Island, Virginia to find hotel accommodations. This is a great Eastern Shore destination for bird watching, seashell collecting, clamming, swimming, surf fishing, beach hiking, and more.

Eat Blue Crab in Crisfield

Crisfield is located at the southern end of the Maryland Eastern Shore at the mouth of the Little Annemessex River. Crisfield is home to many seafood restaurants, the annual National Hard Crab Derby, and the Somers Cove Marina, one of the largest marinas on the East Coast. Dubbed "The Crab Capital of the World," you don't want to leave Crisfield without enjoying its delicious blue crab. The area is also perfect for nature lovers — there are plenty of trails for walking and biking.

Take the Ferry to Smith Island

Betty Wiley / Getty Images

Maryland's only inhabited off-shore island on the Chesapeake Bay is accessible by ferry only, from Point Lookout or Crisfield. It's a small island, with only about 200 permanent residents. The island is an interesting piece of remaining colonial history — it's so isolated that residents speak a dialect of English more similar to that which was used during the 17th century. Some describe it as "Elizabethan." It's also the birthplace of Maryland's state dessert, the Smith Island Cake. This is a unique getaway destination with a few bed and breakfasts, the Smith Island Museum, and a small marina.

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Welcome to the Eastern Shore of Virginia

Relax- that’s not hard when you land on the longest stretch of wild coastline remaining on the entire East Coast. Located a short distance from major cities, the Eastern Shore is home to the car-less Tangier Island, 14 undeveloped seaside barrier islands, an award-winning winery, and historic waterfront towns like charming Cape Charles and Onancock. We’re a BLAST – literally! Rocket launches soar over our skies not far from our wild Chincoteague Ponies, thanks to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport and NASA. Our thriving artisan’s community and authentic coastal heritage make us unique. Experience our history and see watermen tilling tides and visit family farms on both bayside and seaside. We think you’ll like it here.

• Sep 11 Adult Sailing Lessons , Cape Charles
• Sep 11 Chincoteague Island Farmers and Artisans Market , Chincoteague
• Sep 12 Captain’s Cove Farmers & Artisan Market , Chincoteague
• Sep 14 Plein Air Art Show and Sale , Chincoteague
• Sep 14 EBoat Show in Cape Charles , Cape Charles
• Sep 14 Crabby Blues Festival , Cape Charles
• Sep 14 Chincoteague Island Farmers and Artisans Market , Chincoteague
• Sep 15 Benefit Concert for Northampton Middle and High School Concert Choir , Machipongo
• Sep 18 Adult Sailing Lessons , Cape Charles
• Sep 18 Chincoteague Island Farmers and Artisans Market , Chincoteague

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Eastern Shore of Virginia Bucket List: 12 Outdoorsy Things to Do

Like most avid travelers, I love exploring undiscovered gems and the 70-mile peninsula of the Eastern Shore of Virginia is surely one of them. This picturesque stretch has the Atlantic Ocean to one side and Chesapeake Bay on the other.

Settled in the 1600s, the Eastern Shore has preserved its old world charm and is filled with historical stories. But, there’s another side to the shore, a side that will have you suspended in the air on a hang glider or hiking through sand dunes to a secluded beach.

Eastern Shores of Virginia Bucket List: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do

The Eastern Shore of Virginia is great for the history lover, but it’s also perfect for an outdoors fan like myself. With two coasts, six beaches, charming coastal towns and the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier islands on the East Coast, there’s plenty of adventure to be had. And adventure is my middle name. I had the pleasure of trying every single one of these experiences while I was down there and you know what, these are things I would highly recommend. Whether you err to the dare devil side or are a romantic who just wants to enjoy some peace and quiet as you sojourn with nature, the Eastern Shore of Virginia has it all.

You just need to get off Route 13, the main highway that runs the length of the shore, and explore the best outdoorsy things to do in the nooks and crannies of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

WHAT TO DO + SEE

1. see the ponies of chincoteague.

The story about how the Chincoteague Ponies came to be on these islands (Chincoteague and Assateague) is mired in mystery. Which only adds to their intrigue. There are two main theories:

• Theory 1: These ponies were let loose on the island by early 17th Century settlers in an effort to avoid taxes and building expensive fences around their livestock.
• Theory 2: These ponies are shipwreck survivors who found themselves marooned on these islands during that rampant 16th – 17th Century period when there were a remarkable number of shipwrecks along the mid-Atlantic Coastline.

No matter which theory excites you the most, taking a day off to bike or hike into the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to try and spot these ponies will definitely be something worth writing home about. You can easily rent a bike at the Bike Depot .

While you are in Chincoteague, take the time to enjoy all the other attractions that it has to offer. From eclectic art galleries to some of the best homemade ice cream you will ever have at Island Creamery (try a scoop of the appropriately named Pony Tracks), this funky beach town will keep you busy and absolutely elated all day.

P.S: If you go in July, you can watch the ponies take their annual swim from Assateague to Chincoteague Island.

photo by John Williams

2. go hang gliding.

Have you ever had one of those dreams where you were a bird? Remember how free and liberated you felt? Well, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, you will get a chance to have that experience in real life and check something amazing off your bucket list  — Hang Gliding! It is one of the top adventurous things to do before you die . At Virginia Hang Gliding  there are a few things that they do differently: instead of jumping off a cliff, you will be towed up by a plane while strapped in tandem to a state-of-the-art glider with a professional hang gliding pilot.

Once you hit 2000 feet, 3200 feet, 4000 feet or a mile high (it all depends on how strongly your dare devil whispers into your ear), you will be set loose. From that moment on until you land, you will experience freedom like you have never known. Your pilot will go as crazy as you let him.

Tell him that you like roller coasters…I dare you!

3. Escape to Tangier Island

You know how they say there are some places in the Galapagos Islands or the Antarctic that have never felt the footprint of man? Well, you do not have to go to such extremes to feel like the last person on this planet. By simply taking a ferry out of Onancock , you can sail to Tangier Island , home to one of the most pristine and isolated beaches this side of the United States.

About 12 miles off the mainland, a visit to Tangier Island is like escaping to a different world all-together. It is a world where the friendly locals are recognized for their distinct British dialect, cars don’t exist and the casual restaurants are known for the soft shell blue crabs (get you fill at Fisherman’s Corner !).

Chesapeake Bay Program

4. hike the savage neck dunes.

The Savage Neck Dunes is something only the locals know about. And I am giving away the secret, because its beauty is meant to be experienced. An easy hike through a maritime forest leads to pristine sand dunes and a secluded beach (I was the only one there!). It’s completely FREE, so pack a picnic and a camera, and go.

This 300-acre preserve has to be one of the most secluded places in Virginia (outside of Tangier Island). On your hike, you will stumble upon miles of dunes, a mostly deserted beach and possibly some colorful butterflies or even a bald eagle.

Note: Spotting the parking lot on Savage Neck Drive is a little tricky due to limited signage and bad GPS directions. Look for the small gravel parking lot with a wide trail on the end. You can find directions here .

5. Drive Through the Tree Tunnel

On my way to Savage Neck Dunes (see #4), a wrong turn took me to an unexpected treasure. Don’t you just love when that happens? While heading west on Smith’s Beach Road in Eastville, I stumbled upon a tree tunnel so pretty that it deserved driving through multiple times.

6. Do a Multi-Day Kayak Trip

For a chance to experience excitement and tranquility (I know, that’s contradictory) take a multi-day kayak trip with Burnham Guides . Design a tour that will take you through the local marsh salts, barrier islands and National wildlife refuge or Nature Conservancy. They also have packages that include hang gliding!

Burnham Guides specializes in these multi-day tours, and from firsthand experience I can see why you’d need more than just one day. After kayaking for a few hours through the beautiful marsh we were taken to Holly Bluff Guest House , where a catered dinner was waiting — fresh crab and oysters!

If you are more interested in just a day trip or to rent a paddle board talk to Dave at Southeast Expeditions .

7. Paddle Board Through the Backyards of Onancock Creek

Onancock is a quaint colonial town with cute shops and delicious restaurants, but it’s best to explore it from the water. At the harbor you can easily rent a paddle board from Southeast Expeditions and then launch just steps away. If you prefer, they can also take you on guided nature tours for the day.

From the launching point you can explore multiple creeks and even take a peek into the backyards of the historic waterfront homes.

8. Relax on a Sandbar

Do like the locals and spend the day relaxing on a sandbar. Along the delightfully picture perfect Chesapeake Shore lay a few charming sandbars that want nothing else but for you to enjoy with family and friends.

Some of these Sandbars appear with low tide while others are always there. To get to one, you can simply rent a skiff or a Kayak out in Wachapreague and ask the good people there where you can find the best sandbar. Hint: a popular one is Dawson’s Shoal, a few miles east of Wachapregue.

Information about skiff and kayak rentals can be found here .

Photo by Paul Gillard

What + where to eat, 9. picnic with a slice of smith island cake.

They say that to know the people, you need to delve into their local cuisine. Well, having a slice of Smith Island Cake is just one way to experience more of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Though this cake is technically from Maryland’s Smith Island, the isle shares the Chesapeake Bay with the Eastern Shore, and that makes it a delicious tradition in both regions.

This delectable dessert is typically a whopping 8-10 layers of yellow cake and chocolate frosting. Though some shops are getting much more creative, making flavors like chocolate with peanut butter cream. Wash it down with a local cup of coffee from Eastern Shore Coastal Roasting .

You can pick one up at Becca’s Cakes or make your own using this recipe .

You will be the hit at any picnic if you show up with one of these cakes!

10. Snack on Crab Cakes on a Patio

What’s so special about having a crab cake on the Eastern Shore? It’s all about the freshness and no fillers attitude — the star is the crab! None of that 50-50 crab to bread crumb ratio.

You can find them just about anywhere in the region, but I did have a couple favorites. Both Mallards at the Wharf in Onancock and Island House in Wachapreague are award winning, and Annette approved! The “All Crab” Cakes at Mallards are made with nothin’ but crab and love. At Island House you can get them fried or broiled, I recommend the latter of the two. At both you have the option of sitting outside enjoying water views as you dine.

WHERE TO STAY

11. sleep in a cabin.

Nothing says outdoorsy quite like sleeping in a peaceful cabin on an island that can only be reached by boat or kayak. The Holly Bluff Guest House is a charming 12-person cabin on the island of Holly Bluff that would be perfect for a family reunion, girls trip or group gathering. There’s no electricity, just propane tanks and solar, but that only adds to the tranquil experience on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

If you book a kayak trip with Burnham Guides you will probably spend the night there, but you can also book on your own .

12. Kick Back the Porch of a B&B

There are cute B&B’s scattered throughout the Eastern Shore, many of which have gorgeous wrap-around porches that are perfect for relaxing after all your outdoorsy adventures in Virginia. Here’s two of my favorites:

Sleep at the Inn at Onancock

The Inn at Onancock has it all. Charming Victorian front outdoors, and a new puppy dog (who may be all grown up by the time you get there). It’s a walking distance to the quaint downtown and to Mallards at the Wharf (remember? the place with the famous crab cakes?). The pillows and bed were so comfortable that I had to tear it apart to see why!

Sleep at Cape Charles House Bed & Breakfast

Have you ever been to a Bed & Breakfast that feel just like home, or better yet, Grandma’s place? Cape Charles House Bed & Breakfast is one of those B&Bs that go out of their way to make you feel right at home while treating you like royalty at the same time. Carol is a distinguished cook who has written for a national cooking magazine and Bruce has a wonderfully tended garden where the kitchen gets most of its herbs. That should give you an idea of the kind of meals and homely treatment you will get while staying at the Cape Charles House Bed & Breakfast.

For something more hip and trendy, check into Hotel Cape Charles . It doesn’t have a porch, but they do have rooms with balconies.

From pristine, secluded beaches to wild horses, fish forward cuisine and some of the most beautiful natural scenes you have ever borne witness to, the Eastern Shore of Virginia has it all. If you are going to go down there, plan to go for several days so you can take it all in. But if you don’t have that kind of time, then just pick one experience from these wonderful outdoorsy things to do and go for it.

Want more information about the Eastern Shore of Virginia? Go to Virginia is for Lovers .

  Essential Tips for Visiting the Eastern Shore of Virginia Getting There: The Norfolk International Airport is a major hub and most airlines will fly into it. You can easily check for the best fare deals at Skyscanner , which also has the option to choose ‘cheapest month’ as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination. From the airport to the Eastern Shore, pick up a rental car or take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to your hotel. Where to Stay on the Eastern Shore of Virginia: There are many options when it comes to accommodations on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The Sunset Beach Resort (moderate) is a great choice located in Cape Charles. For something on the less expensive side, try the Shore Stay Suites in Cape Charles, or the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites in Exmore. For a charming bed and breakfast with that extra cozy touch, book a room at the Fig Street Inn . Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com . If you’re looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to Airbnb that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.  Getting Around: Renting a car in the Eastern Shore of Virginia is the best to really experience the peninsula, and  RentalCars.com has some great deals. If you are not renting a car, taxis, Lyft and Uber are available all over the city. Best Tours in the Eastern Shore of Virginia : You can find some of the top tours at Get Your Guide or Viator , and here are some of the top ones: South East Expedition Tours in Cape Charles   Virginia Hang Gliding in Melfa   Burnham Guides Paddling Adventures in Onancock  

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure .

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12 thoughts on “eastern shore of virginia bucket list: 12 outdoorsy things to do”.

Great, That is an awesome place and you shared great activities to experience beauty of Virginia. Its really awesome and stunning photos you shared of your trip.

Thank you for visiting our wonderful Eastern Shore, Annette! Our next paddling trip to Holly Bluff Guesthouse is Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 1-4. http://www.facebook.com/events/813716075470279

Those are going to be some lucky people who get to go on the Labor Day Weekend paddle trip with you!!

I heartily reccomend staying in Onancock during your adventure on the Eastern Shore. Its smack in the middle of the Shore, making it the perfect base to see the whole Shore. It is also the foodie capital of the Shore with many award winning restaurants.

Evening entertainment may consist of live theater, music or an old time movie theater.

There are numerous B&Bs in Onancock too. If you have children or dogs, check out the 1882 Colonial Manor Inn or the Spinning Wheel B&B. Luxury accomadations are at the Inn of Onancock. The Inn and Garden Cafe has its own restaurant and is across the street from Scoops, an icecream parlour.

All of the travel lodgings are Green Certified for guilt free travel. Onancock was the first municipality to have all green lodgings.

Not up for adventures like hang gliding? Onancock has several art galleries, museums and antique shops. Onancock was voted “the Coolest Town in the South” and the 11th Coolest Town in the USA by budget travel magazine.

You can’t miss!

Thanks for all the extra Onancock information!! I can totally see why it was voted “the Coolest Town in the South”.

This place is having blessings of God, every traveler finds it a worthy trip to visit there, Thanks for sharing this place.

You can also go horseback riding at Liberty Hall Horse Farm near nassawadox Virginia.

That sounds like fun!

beautiful place to travel.. with great fun.. good post

A romantic who just wants peace and quiet right here! Biking around Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to see those ponies sounds like a dream :)

What an amazing post! Thanks for sharing your experience on the east coast! Gorgeous pictures and a great list of things to someday check out! Continue being an “Unstoppable Traveler and sharing your experiences with us!

Cheers, Rhonda

What a fantastic post you shared

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Forbes Travel Guide Stories

How To Spend A Weekend On Maryland’s Eastern Shore By Correspondent McLean Robbins

October 9, 2018

Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond. Credit: Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond

Long known as a home away from home for Washington , D.C.’s elite, Maryland’s Eastern Shore is no longer only for Beltway insiders. An easy 90-minute drive from D.C., 2.5 hours from Philadelphia and just under four from New York , the sleepy waterside village of St. Michaels blends small-town charm with the luxury that comes in its Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star escape, Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond .

If the building’s genteel white exterior seems familiar, you might recognize it from the popular 2005 film Wedding Crashers , where it served as the backdrop for many of the movie’s reception scenes. 

Getting There The perfect weekend is closer than you think. If you’re departing from the nation’s capital, opt to “Skip the Bridge” with the inn’s aptly named package  and meet its 55-foot Hinckley yacht at a private dock near Annapolis. Hop aboard for an hour-long cocktail cruise across the Chesapeake Bay and up the Miles River, where you’ll land right at the edge of the waterfront property, much as a well-heeled guest would have centuries before.

Don’t worry about a car; it’s easy to walk the entire town on foot. Should you prefer wheels, take advantage of a fleet of bicycles or the resort’s BMW shuttle service to get around.

Luxurious Lodgings Check into one of the inn’s 78 recently refreshed accommodations (we highly suggest choosing one of 30 suites — several offer water views) done up in cool gray and blue tones to highlight the natural beauty of the sparkling water, lush landscaping and rolling green lawns right outside your private patio or balcony. In cooler months, request a ground-floor room with a working fireplace. Many of the units feature ornate details inspired by the property’s 19th-century heritage.

Spend your first evening strolling the grounds, taking in a quick round of bocce or croquet, or sipping a sunset cocktail from an Adirondack chair before dinner at Stars , the resort’s Forbes Travel Guide Recommended seafood restaurant.

For a taste of the region’s bounty, we’d suggest ordering the crab cakes — a delicious mixture of lump crab and minimal filler lightly fried to a crispy exterior — or local striped bass with fresh seasonal vegetables.

By Sea and By Land You’ll dine here again in the morning — ideally on the hydrangea-covered patio — listening to the waves lap against the dock as you sip your morning coffee and savor a made-to-order omelet as you wait for Captain Jason, head of the resort’s water sports program, to let you know that your boat is ready.

Perry Cabin’s fleet is available for private charter, sailing lessons or group excursions along the Bay. We love the 40-foot Friendship Stargazer, a beautiful handcrafted sailboat that boasts a particularly smooth ride and wide bow, ideal for sunbathing on warm days.

As you step back on land, gather those newly acquired sea legs for a bike ride to town, where Main Street has shops packed with knickknacks and antiques galore. Local favorites include Guilford & Company , with its silver jewelry and vintage gems; American/Holiday offering unique home décor; The Preppy Redneck for clothing; and, of course, The Christmas Shop for a year-round selection of inspired ornaments.

After your shopping spree, you could head off to explore the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum or try a flight at local rum- and whiskey-makers Lyon Distilling Co. or a pint at Eastern Shore Brewing . You could also just unwind by the inn’s infinity-edge pool or try tennis on one of the property’s three brand-new Har-Tru courts.

Links at Perry Cabin. Credit: Joann Dost

As the sun sets, stroll back to town for authentic Italian fare at Limoncello , a casual local haunt run by Naples, Italy, transplants Ivano Scotto and Gennaro DiBenedetto. The signature limoncello martinis are worth the splurge, as are the housemade pastas. End your evening with a scoop at Justine’s in town, or a nightcap at the on-property Purser’s Pub.

Take it easy on Sunday morning with a round of golf at the inn’s new Links at Perry Cabin, a Pete Dye-designed course, or opt for a botanically infused treatment at the recently updated spa. A cup of tea on the spa’s garden patio is one of the most relaxing ways we can think of to end the weekend.

As you board the Hinkley once more for your ride home, you’ll wonder why everyone doesn’t eschew city life for small-town, waterfront living.

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Cape Charles is a Best-Kept-Secret Beach Getaway on the Eastern Shore of Virginia

If you’re seeking an escape to an out-of-the-way chesapeake beach town without the traffic, this tiny slice of solitude is a perfect place to spend time..

By Corey McLaughlin | April 2023

Eventually, after stopping at the occasional traffic light, you’ll reach a nondescript exit for your destination. A little while later, past the farmland, the water tower painted like a lighthouse, and the lone brewery, you’ll behold an old main drag that runs west toward the town’s historic district. Charming brick storefronts line the north side, while the remnants of a once-bustling railroad and maritime industry, well-used through the first half of the 20th century, run the other.

In the warmer months, the population swells by two or three times. (That’s still to only about 3,000.) It’s quaint, yet there’s just enough to satisfy an eager curiosity. You could go by yourself or on a day trip with a friend or partner, but the town is also family-friendly, with cute shops like Moonrise Jewelry , Table & Tonic gift shop, Buskey Cider on the Bay , and Brown Dog Ice Cream on Mason Avenue—the town’s main street—which runs into the Cape Charles Beachfront.

Cape Charles is also only about an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge , where the wild ponies roam, making it a nice jumping-off point for a visit. We stopped there and took a guided boat tour on our way back home. See also Chatham Vineyards for local wine in Machipongo, the Onancock Market for farm-fresh produce, and the Blue Crab Bay Co. store for spiced Virginia peanuts in Melfa.

Make no mistake, Cape Charles isn’t the place to find fast-paced action. As Southern Living described, “The whole place seems to tuck in for the night not long after the sun goes down.” But, given the right intentions and expectations, the extra hour or so it might take than to get to the Atlantic beaches or other bayside towns is justified. Especially if you’re looking for a quiet and affordable trip, or just want to experience someplace new that feels farther away than it is.

Maryland's Eastern Shore

Travel guide.

• Things to Do
• Best Restaurants

Things to Do in Maryland's Eastern Shore

Across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, life slows down. Turn off Route 50 or Hwy. 301 and go down a country road past cornfields. Pause by rivers and marshes where birds and rustling grass are the only sounds. Stop in small towns where mom-and-pop shops still thrive. If you love to watch trees light up with fireflies on a summer night, or cycle down a country lane, or let the breeze take your boat past farms as old as America, you'll love the Eastern Shore.

Easton is the Eastern Shore's Colonial capital -- its roots are evident on every picturesque street. It is the capital of Talbot County, home to three waterfront communities within easy driving distance. Waterfront St. Michaels has the most shops as well as the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Boaters clog the harbor on summer weekends, but in spring and fall or midweek in summer, its charms are more accessible. Oxford is quieter, but it's attractive for its slower pace, waterfront park, and garden-bedecked streets. Tilghman (my favorite place!) hasn't bothered to beautify for the tourists -- but its unique waterman's lifestyle is enough to draw them.

Cambridge, on the Choptank River, is beginning to capture the attention it deserves with the introduction of new lodging and the early stages of a downtown renaissance. Its history and outdoor activities make it worthwhile.

The southern areas of the Eastern Shore, including Smith Island and Crisfield, are the ultimate in waterman villages. Change comes slowly to these remote parts of Maryland, and residents like it that way. That very attitude draws visitors to these hard-to-reach spots.

North of the Bay Bridge, Chestertown is not only a Colonial town with leafy streets and elegant homes, but it's also a college town. George Washington permitted the college founders to use his name for Washington College. A dozen miles away is Rock Hall, a waterfront village with marinas and seafood restaurants.

Farther north is Chesapeake City, on the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, which remains a crossroads for the marine traffic using the canal every day.

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Explore Our Chestertown Travel Guide

Spend Time Together Relaxing on the Eastern Shore of Maryland

When you imagine the Eastern Shore of Maryland, what comes to mind? We think of the area’s rich history, thriving arts scene, and breathtaking views. The charming town of Chestertown, MD, is a gem nestled in the heart of the Eastern Shore. Spend your days here tasting delicious coastal cuisine, touring Washington College, and relaxing in nature. Below, we’ve compiled a Chestertown travel guide with a few of our favorite things to do on Maryland’s Eastern Shore:

• Shopping, Art & Farms
• Area Events & Festivals
• Outdoor Activities
• Local Restaurants

Share magical moments with each other, whether you’re exploring our 35 acres or the greater Eastern Shore in Maryland.

Discover Beautiful Things in Our Local Boutiques, Museums & Galleries

The Eastern Shore of Maryland means something different to everyone. No one can deny, however, that it’s a place with a thriving art scene and plenty of spots to enjoy some retail therapy! Below, we’ve listed some of the best places to experience these two aspects of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

CREATE art.craft.design The Artists’ Gallery An artist collective that presents a variety of mediums in the heart of town You’ll find the area’s most talented artists hang their work for all to see.

Diane Rappisi Fine Art Diane Rappisi is a contemporary realist artist offering her own works as well as classes and multi-day workshops in studio.

Hegland Glass Offers contemporary kiln-formed art glass.

Massoni Art Gallery Respected by artists & collectors throughout the Mid-Atlantic for over 30 years.

River Arts Gallery Offers works by local artists in many mediums with a mission of growing community, creativity and connection through the Arts.

Robert Ortiz Studio Contemporary furniture in the Shaker and Japanese traditions. Also offers one on one furniture making workshops.

Chestertown Farmers Market In Fountain Park, takes place year-round on Saturdays from 8 am to noon.

Bee Crafty Collectibles New, old and vintage collectibles.

Bespoke Chocolate Offers decadent truffles, bon bons, dipped fruit, cordials and 16 flavors of fudge.  All are hand-made of the freshest ingredients with no preservatives. Yum!

Houston’s Dockside Emporium Traditional to trendy clothing for women and men, accessories, sterling silver and costume jewelry, gifts, books.

The Finishing Touch Specializing in in custom framing, fine hart, select gifts, artist’s materials, digital imaging and art reproduction.

The Hickory Stick If you’re looking for a unique gift, we recommend stopping by.

Twigs and Teacups Our favorite gift store in town – smart, small gifts, toys, candles & soaps.

Mimi’s Closet Discover your new favorite outfit at this clothing and gift store.

The Bookplate Find (gently) used books at this must-visit gem in the center of town!

Chester River Wine and Cheese Co. This charming shop supplies us with our cheeses, patés, and fine wines.

Walnut & Wool Vintage and new clothing, furniture and home decor.

Hooked on the River Provides all that’s needed for a great day of fishing, plus kayaks.

Silver Linings Jewelry Extensive collections of sterling silver and gemstone jewelry.

Park Row Floats A premier relaxation experience, including float, suana and salt cave services.

Firehouse Antiques Located in Galena, full of unique 18th and 19th century treasures. We found some great pieces for the Inn here!

Crow Vineyard and Winery One of our favorite vineyards in the area. Crow is a 365-acre working farm, with winery, tasting room, cattle and horses. Guest can sip wines enjoy light fare and tour the farm and winery to learn about how the Crow’s are making dry style premium wines. This family farm also hosts a variety of events each month.

Godfrey’s Farm We get many of our fruits & vegetables from this pick-your-own farm.

Lockbriar Farm Family-owned and operated u-pick fruit farm committed to providing the highest quality of fresh, local products and outdoor fun since 1993.

Wildly Native Flower Farm A beautiful farm just up the road from Brampton offering fun events from floral arrangement classes to goat yoga.

The Town of Rock Hall Gift shops, antique stores, galleries, artisan studios, restaurants & more.

Prime Outlets in Queenstown Find some deals and delightful shopping at 45 brand name outlet stores .

Dixon’s Auction Sale and Farmers Market Year-round auction every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Plan Your Stay Around the Best Events on the Eastern Shore of Maryland

Beautiful scenery, charming mom-and-pop shops, and a vibrant coastal culture are just some of the reasons why the Eastern Shore of Maryland is the perfect year-round destination. Throughout the year there are also fun events to celebrate, and we’ve listed some of the best events on the Eastern Shore of Maryland below!

Year-Round Events

Chestertown Farmers Market Enjoy the Farmers and Artisans’ Market in downtown Chestertown every Saturday from 8am until Noon.

Fabulous First Fridays On the first Friday of the month, downtown shops extend their hours and galleries stage openings and special events.

Garfield Center for the Arts A wonderful small-town theatre with a vibrant culture of performing arts featuring live music, musicals, dramas and comedic stage productions.

The Mainstay The Mainstay in Rock Hall is a wonderful small music venue offering year-round, weekly programs often featuring world renowned players in a variety of genres.

Summer Events

Frederick Douglass Juneteenth Celebration Celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of African American life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Pirates & Wenches Fantasy Weekend Held just a short drive away from Brampton Inn (in Rock Hall), this fun festival offers immersive fun for everyone. Buccaneers and land-lubbers will rejoice in this themed, town-wide party every August.

Legacy Day Celebrate local African American history. Enjoy a reception for honorees, a genealogy workshop, concert and a dance party.

Cars on High Every 3rd Thursday admire classic, exotic, antique and customized cars are on displayed on the 300 block of High Street. Come Food trucks, too! Cars on High will continue on the third Thursday of the month, weather permitting, through October.

Fall Events

Chestertown Jazz Festival If you’ve ever visited the Eastern Shore before, you know that it’s a hotbed for all kinds of musical talent! Jazz is an especially prominent genre here. Celebrate this colorful art form at Wilmer Park which showcases a variety of new and established artists.

Sultana Downrigging Weekend This “tall ship and wooden boat festival” is so much more than meets the eye. Hobbyists love experiencing these stunning vessels in person, but this event also features live music, Dock Dogs competitions, and fireworks.

Mount Harmon Bull & Oyster Roast Fall Fundraiser Enjoy a traditional Eastern Shore bull and oyster roast. With live Bluegrass music and live and silent actions, it’s a good time for a great cause!

Mount Harmon Paper Chase A great opportunity to ride at one of Maryland’s most beautiful historic sites, along the banks of the Sassafras River!

Winter Events

A Dickens of a Christmas Always the first weekend in December. Join the town for a weekend of festivities starting with a special First Friday throughout the Historic District. You’ll find carriage rides, hot beverages, fire pits, s’mores stations, and special entertainment.

Mount Harmon Open Air Yuletide Festival Always the first weekend in December. Join the town for a weekend of festivities starting with a special First Friday throughout the Historic District. You’ll find carriage rides, hot beverages, fire pits, s’mores stations, and special entertainment.

Be My Valentine in February! Come celebrate at the Brampton where we celebrate Love all month!

FeBREWary in Maryland This month, you’ll find several fun beer-themed events on tap across the state. Keep an eye out for  Patriot Acre Farm Brewery  and  Bull and Goat Brewery  right here in our neck of the woods!

Spring Events

Chestertown Tea Party Festival Memorial Day Weekend, this celebration of the town’s Revolutionary War history has a street party atmosphere—there’s food, drink, live music, vendors, and even a crazy raft race! Be sure to mark your calendar for this one.

National Music Festival For two weeks each June, musicians present over 35 concerts. Renowned classical musician and commentator Miles Hoffman usually makes an appearance!

Mount Harmon Wicomico Hunt Point to Point A great day of spring horse racing plus antique carriage & hound parade, tailgate contest, food and open-air tavern and marketplace!

Mount Harmon National Revolutionary War Reenactment and Colonial Festival Reenactment of the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign in the Chesapeake, British & Continental Encampments, Colonial Market Faire, hearth cooking, living history, and craft demonstrations, and don’t miss the Eastern Shore Food Court & General Foreman’s Tavern.

Experience the Great Outdoors With These Eastern Shore of Maryland Activities

Chestertown is an unforgettable destination along the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The area is home to countless outdoor activities, making it the ideal place for wildlife viewing, hiking, boating, hunting, and more. As a guest of Brampton 1860, you are just minutes away from the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay. It’s the ultimate setting for your next romantic getaway. Spending an afternoon in the great outdoors is one of our favorite things to do in Chestertown, MD .

Brampton Inn Gardens The inn sits on 35 intricately landscaped acres, four of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Adkins Arboretum Explore the 400-acre native garden and preserve on the Eastern Shore.

Betterton Beach Just a 20 minute drive from Brampton, enjoy a quiet little Eastern Shore beach.

Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge 2,300-acre island habitat with nature trails, picnic areas & wildlife.

Tuckahoe State Park 20 miles of scenic hiking, biking and equestrian trails, flat water canoeing, hunting & picnicking.

Sassafras NRMA Excellent hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing & equestrian trails.

Millington Wildlife Management Area 3,800-acre preserve with four ponds stocked with bass and bluegill. Observe woodpeckers, woodcocks, tanagers and beavers.

Blue Crab Sailing Charters Don’t miss an outing on the Bay! Day sails, sunset cruises, instructions, etc. These folks do a fantastic job. Reservations are a must.

Chester River Kayak Adventures in Rock Hall, MD Experienced staff guide you on a tranquil tour of the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Reservations required.

Chester River Packet Company River Packet is a 1920-style 65-foot classic yacht, offers charter cruises on the scenic Chester River. Reservations are required.

Mount Harmon Plantation One of Maryland’s most beautiful historic sites. Features a restored 18th century manor house, plantation kitchen, formal boxwood garden, rare tobacco Prize House, 200 acres of open space, nature trails and a waterfront setting. Schedule a tour and then enjoy the grounds for the day.

Birding Our area is home to hundreds of bird species. Bald eagles, osprey, Tundra swans, Canada geese, and Snow geese are just a few of the region’s most recognizable visitors. The National Wildlife Federation named the Brampton 1860 a Certified Wildlife Habitat, making it an excellent spot to watch some of your favorite fliers.

Sandy Point State Park Spend the day fishing, swimming or wildlife viewing while soaking up stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. A picnic at Sandy Point is one of the top romantic things to do in Annapolis, MD .

These Chestertown, MD, Restaurants Will Make Your Mouth Water

Brampton 1860 is the perfect place to experience the Eastern Shore’s homegrown culinary scene, and not just at our complimentary breakfast  and tea time . Whether you prefer country favorites, fantastic seafood, or light, farm-to-table bites, you’ll find exactly what you’re craving on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Our guests love the region’s bayfront eateries, intimate cafes, and fine dining spots. It’s time you experienced it for yourself! We’ve compiled just a few of our favorite restaurants in Chestertown, MD.

Our Favorite Restaurants in Chestertown, MD

The Kitchen at the Imperial This spot offers exceptional food! We partner with them when we do our wine pairing dinners for guests.

Watershed Alley Chestertown’s newest restaurant! Enjoy traditional preparations with local ingredients for dishes that are authentic to our Chesapeake origins.

Bad Alfred’s A brewpub and distillery featuring house-made spirits, local craft beer and wood-fired pizzas. Good food, friendly people.

Cafe Sado Great food, extensive sushi offering, this is Southeast-style Asian cuisine!

Casa Carmen An innkeeper favorite, this delightful place to eat offers tapas (small plates) and their own wonderful wines!

Evergrain Bread Company A fantastic European-style bakery serving light lunches, sweet treats, and delicious espresso.

Luisa’s Cucina Italiana A little slice of Italy in the heart of historic Chestertown. This restaurant and pizzeria is open every day of the week.

Modern Stone Age Kitchen Artisan food created 100% from scratch using only the finest ingredients. Also offer fun weekly food-making classes!

Play It Again Sam’s Enjoy coffee-house vibes and light lunch options. This is one of our favorite spots to chat about town happenings!

The Retriever Bar & The Decoy Bottle Shop A bar featuring oysters and other victuals. Not your standard fare and the food never disappoints! Check-out the Decoy Bottle Shop as well for an eclectic selection of beer, wine and spirits.

Stam’s Luncheonette Chef/owner brings her passion for pastry, cakes, ice cream and staples of classic American fare, creating delicious treats! You must try the homemade ice cream!!

Other Fantastic Restaurants Near Chestertown, MD

Fish Whistle at the Granary (Georgetown) Waterfront dining on the beautiful Sassafras! Delicious menu, weekly specials and full service bar.

Deep Blue at Kitty Knight (Georgetown)

Enjoy a hilltop view of the Sassafras while you dine. Indoor and outdoor seating. Open daily.

Blue Heron Oyster House (Rock Hall) Enjoy great seafood and more in a casual bar setting. Indoor and outdoor dining.

Flying Decoy Bar and Grill (Rock Hall) Enjoy Eastern Shore Cuisine. Located in the heart of Rock Hall.

Osprey Point Restaurant (Rock Hall) If you’re looking for a fine dining spot, this is a great option! Perfect for a fancy night out with that special someone.

Waterman’s Crab House at Sharp Street Wharf (Rock Hall) A casual, waterfront restaurant that serves a variety of seafood and offers live music on weekends. This is the only restaurant in our area offering steamed crabs in the summer! Keep in mind that this eatery is closed during the winter months.

Great Local Markets

Chestertown Natural Foods Features local, all-natural and organic vendors and strives to provide the best gourmet products available.

Cross Street Food and Garden Offers a hearty mix of local foods, meats, natural foods and groceries, baked goods, produce fruits and vegetables, dairy, and plants. Located in Galena.

Fresh Start Food and Garden An open-air market that serves local produce, natural foods, gourmet meats and cheeses, and other delicious foods. A hidden gem is their fresh made to order deli and a little spot to sit down and eat. Located in Rock Hall.

Dine in Style! 

If you are looking for a unique dining experience, we have an amazing dining-series this season!

Check out Dining Under the Stars! The next dinner is September 17.

For the menu ant details, see our Specials page

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A fantastic road trip along the eastern shore Nova Scotia

The first time I visited Nova Scotia I travelled along the province’s fabled South Shore and the Bay of Fundy . This is the Nova Scotia of postcards: candy-striped lighthouses , tie-dye skies, gelato-coloured fishing villages and white sand beaches. 

It’s also packed full of big-hitter sights from the colourful former rum running and ship building port town of Lunenburg and the storybook huddle of wooden fishing huts at Peggy’s Cove to the former Acadian village of Grand-Pre . 

Not surprisingly, Nova Scotia’s south shore is incredibly popular. 

Not far away, however, is the eastern shore of Nova Scotia . This corner of the province is wilder, woollier and far less visited than its southern neighbour. 

But, as I discovered on my recent road trip along Nova Scotia’s eastern shore, this really is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline home to pocket-sized towns, stirring sea views , community-led museums and some wonderful places to stay . 

I was truly blown away by my time exploring the eastern shore of Nova Scotia and constantly surprised at how quiet it was.

If you are looking for somewhere a little different , somewhere away from the crowds and somewhere filled with both beautiful landscapes and offbeat attractions then it’s time to start planning your trip to Nova Scotia’s east coast. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I was a guest of Nova Scotia Tourism for the purpose of creating this itinerary. See our full  disclosure policy  for more details.

Eastern Shore Nova Scotia Itinerary  (8 and 10 days)

Table of Contents

This  8-day and 10-day itineraries  for the eastern shore of Nova Scotia is   based on my trip and what I learned along the way. It includes everywhere that I visited as well as some suggestions for places you might want to add to your trip if you have time.  

If you only have a week to spend along Nova Scotia’s eastern shore then I would recommend enjoying Halifax, Porter’s Lake, Tangier and Port Dufferin, Liscomb and Guysborough.

Depending on when your flights arrive, it’s worth spending at least two nights in Halifax. You could then plan your trip as follows:

• Day 1: Fly into Halifax and overnight.
• Day 2: Explore Halifax and overnight.
• Days 3-4: Drive to Porter’s Lake and spend two nights at Nalu Retreat.
• Day 5: Drive to Tangier for a kayaking adventure and overnight in Port Dufferin at The Marmalade Motel.
• Day 6: Taylor Head Provincial Park, overnight at Liscombe. 
• Day 7: Drive to Guysborough and overnight at Authentic Seacoast Yurts in a Vineyard.
• Day 8: Return to Halifax and home. 

Map Key: The red markers indicated places to visit and the purple markers represent places to stay.

If you can, I would highly recommend that you spend 10 days exploring Nova Scotia’s eastern shore. This will give you time to enjoy the above itinerary in a more leisurely fashion.

It will also allow time to explore some of the additional communities that lie along this stretch of coastline as well as more of the region’s popular beaches. You may also choose to head further north and explore Cape Breton .

• Day 5-6: Drive to Tangier for a kayaking adventure and spend two nights in Port Dufferin at The Marmalade Motel. 
• Day 7: Taylor Head Provincial Park, overnight in Liscombe. 
• Day 8-9: Drive to Guysborough and spend two nights at Authentic Seacoast Yurts in a Vineyard.
• Day 10: Return to Halifax and home.

Getting to Nova Scotia

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is the is the Atlantic Canadian hub for all domestic, regional and international services to and from Nova Scotia.  Air Canada  flies daily from London Heathrow’s Terminal 2 to Halifax. The non-stop flight takes just 6h 5m. 

The best time to visit the Eastern Shore Nova Scotia

Summer is the most popular time to visit Nova Scotia; the months of July and August are warm and sunny and see the most visitors, particularly along the south shore. Personally, I think autumn is one of the best times to visit. This is when the leaves transform from shades of green into a kaleidoscope of burnt reds, oranges and gold.

Explore the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia

One of the best things about Nova Scotia is just how easy it is to get around, particularly when exploring the East Coast. No sooner have you escape Halifax then you will find wide open roads and minimal traffic – there were times when I hardly saw anyone else on the road.

Driving distances along the Eastern Shore are also short, which means that you can squeeze a lot into your trip if you want to. 

This itinerary starts in Halifax and assumes that you are flying in and out of the capital. 

Day 1: Arrive and travel into Halifax

If you are planning on exploring Nova Scotia beyond the capital then you will need a car. Public transportation within Halifax is good but it is not great outside of the city.

I collected a rental car at the airport and drove into the city where my hotel, The Sutton Place Hotel , had a car park. Alternatively, depending on how many days you choose to spend in Halifax, you may choose to collect a rental car in town and then return the car to the airport at the end. 

The Regional Express 320 runs between Halifax Stanfield and Downtown Halifax. 

I stayed at  The Sutton Place Hotel  in the heart of downtown Nova Scotia. The modern hotel is located within the Nova Centre (a multi-use building that also houses office buildings and the Halifax Convention Centre) and is perfectly place for seeing Halifax’s best sights including the Halifax Waterfront and the Halifax Citadel.

I arrived in Halifax late afternoon and so by the time I checked in to the hotel it was almost dinner time. There are some great restaurants in Halifax (I loved dining at The Bicycle Thief on a previous trip to Nova Scotia) but this time I choose to dine at the hotel’s Chop Steakhouse & Bar , which was excellent. 

Day 2: Halifax

Nova Scotia’s capital really deserves more than just one day but if you are tight for time, then here is how I recommend you spend your time in Halifax. 

Morning: Get to know Halifax

I enjoyed breakfast in my hotel and then headed out to the nearby Halifax Citadel that sits on the city’s highest hill. 

This is one of the most popular sights in Halifax and well worth a visit. The current structure is the fourth iteration of the citadel: the first was completed in 1749, the second in the 1770s and work on the third citadel got underway in 1796. 

By 1825, however, the fort was in ruins and planning began for a fourth, more permanent structure were put in place with work beginning in 1828. 

What you see today is this final fortress, a star-shaped stone citadel that took 28 years to complete. Despite never seeing battle, the citadel served as soldier barracks during both World War I and World War II. 

You can visit the citadel on your own or with a costumed guide who will show you around the barracks, guardroom and powder magazine. One of the best things about visiting the Halifax Citadel during the summer  is the fort’s Living History program which transports visitors back to 1869 when the 78th Highland Regiment was stationed here. 

The “soldiers” (members of a historical re-enactment group) stand guard in their MacKenzie tartan kilts , take part in drills on the parade ground, perform firing demonstrations and more, bringing the history of the fortress to life .

It’s very well done and I highly recommend that you spend an hour or two here. If you time your visit for just before noon then you will hear the Noon Gun being fired, a tradition since 1857. 

What sounds really fun (but what I sadly did not have time to do) is the ‘Soldier for a day’ experience. The three-hour activity includes getting dressed up, taking part in marching drills on the parade square and learning how to fire a rifle. 

When you leave the citadel, head down towards the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk . Running from the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 to the Casino Nova Scotia is this 3km (2mile) footpath that skirts along the Halifax Harbour.

The boardwalk is lined with food huts, restaurants, shops and museums and you can easily spend the afternoon simply wandering around – try lunch at The Bicycle Thief or Ristorante a Mano , an Italian trattoria. 

The board walk is also a great spot for joining boat tours to see the city from the water. 

My favourite thing about the boardwalk, however, is the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 . This is an excellent museum and one of the best things to do in Halifax.

Located at one end of the boardwalk, the museum is housed in the historic site at Pier 21 which served as the entry point for nearly one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971. The museum does an excellent job of showing the immigrants’ journeys, from their arrival by ship and the customs and immigration process in Halifax to the train that transported the immigrants to their final destination. 

Also located along the boardwalk is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic , dedicated to Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage. What I found particularly interesting was the exhibit that explained the terrible events surrounding the Halifax Harbour Explosion in 1917 and the role that Halifax played when the Titanic sank in 1912. As the closest large port to the disaster site, ships were dispatched to search for survivors and to rescue victims. 

Evening  

Assuming that you dined along the boardwalk during the afternoon then you may want to head up to Halifax’s North End for dinner. I didn’t get to visit this neighbourhood on my last trip to Halifax so I made sure to squeeze in a quick stop on this visit. 

The North End neighbourhood was once Halifax’s economic hub but the Halifax Explosion of 1917 – when the French cargo ship SS Mont-Blanc collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in the Halifax harbour – devastated the once prosperous neighbourhood. 

Today, however, North End is on the up and it’s a fun place to wander around filled with independent boutiques , art galleries, bars and restaurants , and colourful salt box homes. 

Days 3 – 4: Porter’s Lake & Lawrencetown Beach 

It’s just 40km from Downtown Halifax to Porter’s Lake and Nalu Retreat & Nordic Spa where I highly recommend you spend a couple of nights. I spent two nights here and wish I could have stayed longer.  

Fisherman’s Cove

On your way towards Porter’s Lake, make time to stop by Fisherman’s Cove a colourful 200-year-old restored fisherman’s village that lies just 13km from Downtown Halifax.

A row of wooden huts, the colour of Skittles, line the wooden boardwalk housing a variety of shops including a couple of art galleries selling works by a variety of different local artists as well as gift shops. Not surprisingly, perhaps, the most popular store is Jo’s Old Time Candy and Ice Cream Shop . 

Yes, it doesn’t feel quite touristy but I still enjoyed my stop at Fisherman’s Cove (and my ice cream from Jo’s!). 

It’s 40km from Fisherman’s Cove to Nalu Retreat & Nordic Spa if you choose the most direct route. Or, you can do as I did, and take a more relaxed route along Marine Drive .

This designated scenic driving route hugs the shoreline, winding its way past clapboard houses and cherry-red barns with gambrel roofs, white sand beaches shrouded in rolling fog and sun-kissed communities where Canadian, Acadian and Saltire flags wave in the breeze. 

Acadian House Museum

If you have time, make sure to stop at the Acadian House Museum (L’Acadie de Chezzetcook). This was just one of the many small museums that I visited during my time on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia and I really recommend it. 

Originally from France, the Acadians arrived in what is today known as Nova Scotia in the years after 1632. They settled, worked the land and lived peacefully, retaining a position of neutrality while the British and the French were at war. 

In 1744, the British expelled anyone not loyal to the crown and Le Grand Derangement , saw thousands of Acadians forcibly expelled from their homeland. The Grand-Pré National Historic Site , near the upper Bay of Fundy, tells the tale of this terrible time in history and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is easy to add the Grand-Pre on to your itinerary when you tour the  south shore . 

Even if you don’t make it to the Grand-Pre, however, the Acadian House Museum in the small community of Chezzetcook offers visitors a good insight into Acadian culture in this corner of Nova Scotia. During summer months, local students lead tours around the property , a former Acadian home from the 1850s-70s, and explain what life was like for this isolated community. 

The home is packed full of household items including wash stands, the family’s best china (which would only come out when the priest came to visit) and the chaise lounge in the living room where, my guide explained, the head of the household would take a nap after returning from the field. 

My favourite items were the old curling tongs and the sock-shaped metal hangers for drying wool socks. There’s a cafe on site too, La Cuisine de Brigitte , where I had a quick and tasty lunch. 

The museum is open July 1 to August 31 , Tuesday to Sunday. 

Nalu Retreat & Nordic Spa 

One of the best things about my trip along the eastern shore of Nova Scotia was the accommodation . Despite being far less visited than other places in the province, there are some really exciting and innovative accommodation options. 

One such place is Nalu Retreat & Nordic Spa . 

Set on 25 acres of woodland, overlooking Porter’s Lake , one of the largest lakes in Nova Scotia, sit three oversized white geodomes shining in the summer sunshine. Completely isolated, these marshmallow-like luxury domes are a wonderful adults-only retreat open year round. 

What really makes these domes so special are the large panoramic windows . Mine (No. 2) overlooked Porter’s Lake and I spent a large amount of my time sitting on the sofa soaking up the view.

Every dome comes with a large private deck with your own hot tub, an outdoor shower , a fire pit and an electric barbecue. Inside, the domes enjoy all the luxuries of a boutique hotel ; a comfy queen size bed with luxury linens, a modern bathroom with rain shower and a well equipped kitchen with almost everything you need to whip up an evening meal. I say almost: the kitchens come with hot plates and there’s a bbq outside to use. 

Another highlight are the indoor stargazing loft . Granted, the ladder leading up to the stargazing nook is a little precarious but if your stay coincides with a clear night then the views are spellbinding. 

I was not in the mood for cooking during my stay and fortunately Nalu Retreat caters to visitors like me, offering a range of meals that you can order to be delivered to your dome, everything from a generous charcuterie board to a seafood chowder that you can heat up. 

Almost next door to the property are the  Crowbar Lake Hiking Trails  with four routes to choose from.

Lawrencetown Beach 

I spent one afternoon during my stay at Nalu Retreat at nearby Lawrencetown Beach . This pebble-and-sand beach is a popular surf spot and two schools offer regular lessons.

I enjoyed a 1.5-hour private lesson with Kannon Beach Surf School and had a very kind and enthusiastic 21-year-old instructor who was extraordinarily patient with me as I attempted to surf (or, rather, attempted to simply stand on the board!).

This was not the first time that I had tried surfing – previous attempts in Australia and France should have given me some kind of advantage – but the truth is that I find surfing incredibly difficult .

The moving board, the inconsistent waves, the ‘popping’ that you’re supposed to do in a matter of seconds in order to stand up, are all a challenge and my attempts on a foggy Lawrencetown Beach were not pretty. 

Nevertheless, I really enjoyed my lesson and will definitely try again – if not skill then hopefully dogged determination will see me hang ten before too long! 

Day 5: Tangier & Port Dufferin

One of the joys of driving along the eastern shore Nova Scotia is that driving distances are not long . Case in point, the drive from Nalu Retreat & Nordic Spa to Tangier is only 70m and takes just over one hour on Marine Drive . 

But there’s no need to do the journey in one shot, there are lots of places to stop along the way including some of the eastern shore’s most popular beaches.

Clam Harbour Beach , Martinique Beach and Musquodoboit Harbour , home of the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia are all possible stop off points. You will also drive past what I think is one of the best museums in Nova Scotia , the Memory Lane Heritage Village . 

Memory Lane Heritage Village

The wonderful Memory Lane Heritage Village is a living history museum showing rural life in Nova Scotia during the 1940s , including life during and after World War Two.

I’ve been to a number of living history museums around the world but typically these have highlighted life from centuries ago rather than a more immediate past. 

The museum opened in the year 2000 and was very much a community project . Thea Wilson-Hammond, Executive Director of the museum and daughter of one of the founders, explained that the museum was very much a collective community effort with locals volunteering their time, knowledge and expertise, and donating items for the museum. 

Within the museum grounds are 16 rescued and restored buildings that every village in the 1940s had: a church, a one room schoolhouse, a boat shed, a general store, and a gas station. Unique to this corner of Nova Scotia and this museum is the area dedicated to the gold rush era. 

Visitors can stop by the gold miners prospecting camp belonging to local prospector Colonel Logan who found gold in the Lake Charlotte area. His original equipment is still on display as is his 1928 Ford Model A .

Sadly the Ford was out of action when I visited but I did get a spin around ‘town’ in the cherry red 1948 International Pick Up truck, courtesy of my guide Rusty. 

Some of my favourite stops were the family home complete with a wonderful pink fridge in the kitchen and the cookhouse , which traditionally fed the labourers and today is open for lunch. I had an excellent grilled cheese sandwich alongside some delicious baked beans made, as they always have been, with molasses. 

Barry Colpitts

One of the highlights from my trip to the eastern shore Nova Scotia was also one of the most unexpected. I had been told that I would spot the home of folk artist Barry Colpitts as I drove along Marine Drive and sure enough, half way between Memory Lane Heritage Village and my next stop, Tangier, I spied his house. 

Granted, his home is a little difficult to miss. 

Barry Colpitt is a self-taught folk artist who works with wood, carving colourful figures, statues and whirligigs.

Typically, his garden is filled with brightly painted whirligigs but a storm had been forecast on the day I visited so he had stored them in his workshop. Nevertheless, his house is still unmissable, a two-storey white clapboard home covered in wooden figurines the colour of the rainbow. 

I stopped by unannounced but Barry was extremely welcoming and happy to introduce some of his pieces. He explained that every sculpture on the house is someone he knows.

There’s a carved head of a woman who used to sit in front of him in church, the figure of his third grade teacher and a c arved sculpture of his mother when she was pregnant with him. 

My favourite of all his works was not one attached to his house but one in his workshop called the ‘Flying Bird Chair’ , a wooden chair with a dozen birds attached to it by long wooden sticks. The idea is that you a sit among the birds and feel like you are flying with them. 

Other works included the ‘Prayer Redemption Helmet’ , a wonderful whirligig helmet to wear and the ‘Village Dance’, a joyful whirligig that requires audience participation: you have to ‘shake’ the hands in order for the whirli to move. 

Sea Kayaking in Tangier

To really understand the beauty of the eastern shore of Nova Scotia you have to get out on the water.

Thousands of islands pepper the coastline , like gemstones scattered from a merchant’s purse. Some are nothing more than rocky outcrops piled high with Scrub Spruce and others are larger with untouched white sand beaches to rival the Caribbean.

Within this stretch of coastline are the 100 Wild Islands , a protected archipelago of over 100 islands stretching for 30 kilometres along the eastern shore.  

Gayle and Scott have been running Coastal Adventures near Tangier for 42 years and are the most delightful duo, leading visitors on kayaking adventures ranging from half-day excursions to eight-day trips to Newfoundland and around Cape Breton . 

I spent a wonderful afternoon kayaking along the turquoise waters with Gayle and Scott , past lion mane jellyfish drifting in the clear waters and half a dozen Harbour seals sunning themselves on a rocky outcrop. An Osprey, a fish grasped firmly in her talons, landed elegantly in her nest at the top of a tree ready to feed her young as we paddled gently by. 

The Marmalade Motel in Port Dufferin

My home for the night was The Marmalade Motel a charming nine-room modern motel on the edge of the Wild Island. I loved my sunny bedroom with its private ocean-facing balcony and enjoyed a glass of wine sitting on an Adirondack chair watching the sun set. 

The motel also has a cafe, the Marmalade Cafe and Coffee Bar , which is a great place to get breakfast and very near the entrance to Taylor Head Provincial Park. 

If you are spending 10 days exploring the easter shore Nova Scotia then I recommend staying at The Marmalade Motel for two nights. This will give you more time to enjoy a full day at Taylor Head Provincial Park (one of the eastern shore’s most beautiful provincial parks). Alternatively, you can spend the afternoon hiking in Taylor Head and a full day sea kayaking with Gayle and Scott from Coastal Adventures. 

Day 6: Taylor Head Provincial Park & Liscombe

Not far from The Marmalade Hotel lies Taylor Head Provincial Park , a rugged peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean that offers six different walking trails. 

I had originally planned to walk one of the shorter routes such as Spry Bay Trail , a four kilometre loop that passes through the coastal forest and along wave-swept boulder shores. In the end, however, I did the longest loop, the eight kilometre Headland Trail that follows the length of the peninsula until you reach Taylor Head Point . 

This is such a beautiful corner of the eastern shore , a wild and windswept promontory that is both beautiful and dramatic. The sea mist, so common in this part of Nova Scotia, slowly rolled in as I walked through coastal forest, along fresh marsh and the rocky shoreline rendered smooth by the relentless movement of the ocean waves. 

Afterwards, I sat on the white sandy beach of Psyche Cove and ate my picnic –  you can pick something up from The Marmalade Cafe . The beach is easy to access from the parking lot.

The trails are all well marked and maps are available in a wooden post box attached to a tree near the start of the trails. A bear sign was in place when I visited so do make sure you are prepared with bear spray – I wasn’t and so made sure to make enough noise to alert any potential bears that I was in the area!

Sheet Harbour Museum 

Driving from Taylor Head towards to my next stop of Liscombe, I stopped in Sheet Harbour , a small rural community settled in 1784 by British and Scottish soldiers who had fought in the American Revolution alongside Loyalist refugees. 

I stopped by the MacPhee House Community Museum , another wonderful community museum, that tells the tale of this one prosperous town. 

The museum is located in the home that once belonged to the MacPhee family , a local family who ran a shop, postal office and hotel from the property as well as looking after six children, and is a wonderful celebration of the town’s history . 

It’s packed full of artefacts that have been donated by local families, everything from King George stamps and a weight that was once used to tether horses to a vintage Boy Scouts uniform and an Eaton’s Road King Bicycle that was all the rage in the 1950s. 

Of the many items on display, my favourites included the knitted woollen 1920s men’s bathing suit and the paper doll set with a very young Prince – now King – Charles. 

The museum is also the Tourist Bureau and the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. 

Liscombe Lodge Resort  

It’s roughly 55km from Sheet Harbour along Marine Drive to Liscombe Lodge Resort where I spent the night. 

The resort overlooks Liscomb River and, once upon a time must have been  the  place to holiday. It feels a little like Mountain Lake Lodge, the resort in the movie Dirty Dancing , where Baby meets Johnny. It’s a rustic retreat with a swimming pool and activities such as kayaking and walking trails available. 

It was very quiet when I visited and so felt a little neglected but what I did love was the setting , surrounded by woodland and overlooking the dreamy Liscomb River, where I spotted a seal on the hunt for food.

I also really enjoyed the prolific birdlife . The lodge has bird feeders set up outside the main dining room window and I happily spent a long breakfast watching the many birds dash back and forth.  

Day 7: Sherbrooke Village & Guysborough 

​After breakast I headed to my next stop, Sherbrooke Village just 20 minutes away. This ended up being one of my favourite places on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia. 

Sherbrooke Village 

I arrived at Sherbrooke Village Museum in the village of Sherbrooke thinking that I would spend an hour, maybe two, exploring before hitting the road again. Several hours later and I still hadn’t seen anything at the museum that I wanted to. 

Like Memory Lane Heritage Village, this is a living history museum , only this one depicts life in Nova Scotia during the gold rush of the 1860s. 

But that’s not the only difference. 

Unlike most historical villages , where buildings are dismantled in other locations and rebuilt on the museum site, the Sherbrooke Village is located on the site of where the original village stood. In fact, there are still a couple of homes within the museum grounds that are privately owned. 

I loved this museum. Not only is it a fascinating insight into what was an incredibly prosperous time for this corner of Nova Scotia but the attention to detail is extraordinary.

Costumed interpreters bring the museum to life – a schoolteacher in the two-room school house and the post mistress manning the till in the post office for example – and historical items fill each building. 

Enter the pharmacy and you’ll find cabinets lined with original medicines , ointments and lotions dating to the 1800s. St Mary’s Printery has a working print press and the general store is packed with items that would have once been for sale. Among them, is a fantastic dog-powered butter churn. 

Some of the businesses feature local artisans at work, a potter at work in the Sherbrooke Pottery and weavers working in the Weavers Cottage . At Joe McLane Blacksmith, Tony the head blacksmith forged a coat hook for me before demonstrating his skills on a Penny Farthing bicycle. 

There’s a restaurant on site where you can eat lunch alongside many of the costumed interpreters and a gift shop selling, among other things, items made in the village such as the pots made in the pottery. 

One of the best things about Sherbrooke Village in my opinion is that you have the opportunity to dress up and explore the village in period costume .

All costumes are handmade and there’s something for everyone not matter your age or size. Given how much I love the chance to dress up I was sad that I didn’t get the chance to put on my 19th century finery , although I was also a little grateful given how hot it was when I visited.

If you do want to wear period costume (outfits include hats and shoes) then this does need to be booked in advance. 

​ Today involved a lot of driving, which is why I recommend spending 10 days exploring the eastern shore Nova Scotia instead of eight. From Sherbrooke Village it was 113km along Marine Drive to my next stop, Canso , past small coves and bays, and clapboard houses flying Canadian flags and the Saltire. 

I planned to spend the night in Guysborough but wanted first to visit the town of Canso, one of the oldest settlements in Nova Scotia . The small town sits on the northeastern tip of the province and was one of only two British settlements prior to the establishment of Halifax in 1749. 

It became strategically important when the subsea Transatlantic cable was established in 1866, linking Europe and North America. The Hazel Hill Commercial Cable station (which sadly no longer exists) became the relay station in Canso for telegraph messages that included the sinking to the Titanic and the 1929 stock market crash. 

In Canso is the Whitman House Museum , another community museum that does a wonderful job of preserving the town’s history . Housed within the home once owned by CH Whitman, a wealthy local businessman, the property recalls the history of both the Whitman family and Canso itself. 

​Visits are guided and my guide was fantastic, regaling me with historical facts and quirky tales including the reason why the house looks permanently sunny: amber stained glass windows were installed on the ground and first floor so that they sun always shone inside regardless of what the water was doing outside.

She also pointed out the ensuite bathroom belonging to the Whitmans with its bath that enjoyed “running water” . Given this was 1885, what this really meant was that servants would carry water up to the third floor and pour it into a vessel so that the taps in the bathroom could be turned on. 

CH Witman and his wife died in the 1930s and the home was sold. It was only in 1975 that the property became a museum. As such, very few original items belonging to the Whitmans remain although there are plenty of period pieces . There are also displays showcasing the town’s long military history. 

Guysborough 

If the town of Guysborough was located on Nova Scotia’s popular South Shore then it would be packed with visitors. This tiny town is an absolute delight and the gateway to some spectacular adventures in the Guysborough county. 

But when I visited, there were only a handful of tourists. As Glynn Williams, owner of Authentic Seacoast , said “over tourism is not something we have to worry about here.” 

And yet Guysborough and the surrounds have all the right ingredients to deliver the perfect holiday . 

I spent one night in a Mongolian yurt , one of 10 from Authentic Seacoast Yurts in the Vineyard , that sit on the edge of a pristine shoreline with views for miles.

My yurt, No. 10 , is probably the best of the bunch, tucked away on its own peninsula with a private hot tub and shower room, and my own golf cart for zipping around the property. 

Glynn Williams fell in love with the Guysborough area on a cycling holiday with his wife nearly 30 years ago and since then has invested millions in the town, believing wholeheartedly that Guysborough has so much to offer.

In addition to the yurts, Glynn owns DesBarres Manor Inn , a charming country inn that dates back to 1837. Located in the heart of town, I had dinner here and it was fantastic. 

Glynn also owns a distillery and brewery , Authentic Seacoast, and they produce a range of whisky, rum, beer and even coffee . Ask nicely, and you can take a tour to learn more about the many excellent drinks that they produce. 

The following morning I visited the Guysborough Waterfront where a farmer’s market takes place on Saturday mornings from 10am to 1pm. During summer months, the Marina Building hosts an art gallery with works by dozens of local artists on display. Upstairs of the Jost Building is a small cafe, the Cast Away Cafe , that makes a mean grilled cheese sandwich and brews very good coffee. 

If you have more time, I highly recommend spending at least two nights in Guysborough, one night really was not enough. 

Day 8: Return to Halifax and home  

You have two options for your return to Halifax .

The first is to retrace your steps and follow the scenic Marine Drive back towards the capital. Alternatively, you can take the highway back, which is what I did. The route following the Trans-Canada Hwy/NS-104 E takes just over three hours to get back to Halifax and under three hours to reach the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. 

I headed straight to the airport and spent the night at the Alt Hotel , which is perfectly located opposite the airport terminal. I flew back to London the following morning and am already planning my return to Nova Scotia. 

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About the author.

Katja Gaskell

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3.1 By public transportation
• 4.1 Museums
• 4.2 Monuments
• 4.3 Religious Buildings
• 5.2 Theatres
• 5.4 Entertainment complexes
• 5.5 Water amusement parks
• 5.6 Aquarium
• 6.1 Bazaars
• 6.2 Shopping malls
• 7.1.1 Fast Food
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<a href=\"https://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poi2gpx.php?print=gpx&amp;lang=en&amp;name=Krasnodar\" title=\"Download GPX file for this article\" data-parsoid=\"{}\"><img alt=\"Download GPX file for this article\" resource=\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" src=\"//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" decoding=\"async\" data-file-width=\"20\" data-file-height=\"20\" data-file-type=\"bitmap\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" class=\"mw-file-element\" data-parsoid='{\"a\":{\"resource\":\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\",\"height\":\"20\",\"width\":\"20\"},\"sa\":{\"resource\":\"File:GPX Document rev3-20x20.png\"}}'/></a></span>"}'/> Krasnodar is the capital of Krasnodar Krai in southern Russia, with a popolulation in 2018 of just under 900,000. Its main industries are based on agriculture and food.

In the 18th century Russia expanded south under Catherine the Great, driving out Ottoman Turkey from control of the areas north of the Black Sea. The city that grew up here was called Yekaterinodar , Catherine's Gift, and became a diverse, entrepreneurial, attractive settlement. It was fought over in the Russian civil war, and since the Bolsheviks won, they got to rename it "Krasnodar", gift of the Reds. In 1942 / 43 it was occupied by the Nazis, with much destruction and death. However many of the old town buildings have been restored, though no-one could mistake the city's landmark hyperboloid tower for tsarist architecture.

From the airport, trolleybus 7 (1 hour) and minibuses 53 and 15 (40 minutes) operate service to main train station. Buses 1 and 1A operate service to the city centre. A taxi from the airport to the city centre should cost RUB500.

Several trains per day operate between Krasnodar and the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk (RUB650, 3 hours), Rostov-on-Don (RUB600, 3-4 hours), and Volgograd (RUB900, 14-16 hours).

Buses operate approximately every 3 hours between Krasnodar and the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk (RUB350, 3.5 hours). Buses operate hourly to the Russian resort town of Anapa (RUB350, 3.5 hours). There are 6 buses per day to/from Rostov-on-Don (RUB400, 4-6 hours). There is also a daily bus to Sochi (6 hours).

By public transportation

Krasnodar has a dense network of trams, trolleybuses, city buses, taxis, the boat across the Kuban river and marshrutkas. Public transport fees are generally approximately RUB30.

Krasnaya (Red) Street is the main street of the city. Part of the street is closed to vehicles during evenings, when it becomes the center of nightlife.

Theater Square has largest splash fountain in Europe .

• 45.01759 38.9678 1 The Krasnodar Regional Art Museum Of Kovalenko , 13 Krasnaya St , ☏ +7 861 262-95-04 .  
• 45.01759 38.9678 2 Krasnodar Regional Showroom of Fine Arts . Includes many famous works of Kuban and Russian and European artists from as early as 16th century.  
• 45.019464 39.002994 3 Museum of Military Technologies Oruzhie Pobedy , v . Popular with kids that like to climb on the tanks.  
• Monument to Catherine the Great
• Sculpture of Walking Dogs - Mira 35 - Built in 2007, it was inspired by a famous Russian poet that commented on the number of dogs in Krasnodar.
• Monument to Shurik and Lida
• Monument of Cossacks writing a letter to the Turkish Sultan
• Monument to Kuban Cossacks
• Monument Avrora
• Monument A.S. Pushkin
• Obelisk In Honor Of The 200th Anniversary Of The Kuban Cossack Army
• I.E. Repin Monument
• Monument A.V. Suvorov

Religious Buildings

• St. Catherine's Cathedral
• Alexander Nevskiy Cathedral
• St. George's Church
• St. Elijah Church
• Holy Trinity Cathedral
• Chapel of Alexander Nevskiy
• Church of St. Nicholas
• Church of the Holy Libor
• St. Kazan Church
• Climb the steel lattice hyperboloid tower built by Vladimir Grigorievich Shukhov in 1928. The tower likely wouldn't pass a safety inspection in most first world countries, but it is the best place to get a view of the city. The tower is near the circus.
• Watch football at Krasnodar Stadium. The home team is FC Krasnodar who play in the Russian Premier League, the top tier of Russian football. It was opened in 2016 with a capacity of 34,000. It's on the northeast edge of the city, 4 km from Krasnodar-1 main railway station (further out than the old "Kuban" Stadium). Take a bus to Vostochno-Kruglikovshaya Street.
• Rozhdestvenskiy Park of Culture and Leisure
• The Solnechny Ostrov (Sunny Island) Park
• Safari Park - Includes a zoo, but the animals are treated poorly
• Chistyakovskiy Grove Park
• Botanical Garden of Professor I. S. Kosenko
• City Botanical Garden
• Park of the 30th anniversary of the Victory
• City Park of Culture and Leisure
• Marshal Zhukov's Park
• Training Botanical Garden
• Park Druzhby

Most are on Krasnaya Street

• Drama Theatre - Gorky , Ploshchad' Oktjabr'skoj Revoljucii, 2 .  
• Children’s Puppet Theatre
• Philharmonic Hall
• Operetta Theatre
• Avrora Kino , Krasnaya St 169 . Built in 1967. Two movie screens, including one with a capacity of 1,200. Also includes a cafe and pizzeria.  

Entertainment complexes

Around 20 entertainment complexes are open 24 hours/day. These complexes usually include bowling alleys, shopping centers, video arcades, casinos, and restaurants.

Water amusement parks

• Ocean Park Aquarium , 161 Stasova St, inside Galaktika Mall . A 3,000 square meter aquarium. There are several tanks of fish to look at, including a tunnel-tank that patrons can walk under, allowing tiny sharks to swim over your head. It is best to visit during feeding time when the carnivorous fish make a gruesomely interesting scene. Be sire to feed the turtles in the koi pond -Use the RUB10 vending machine to purchase fish food. RUB400 .  
• Vostochniy Rinok , 161 Stasova St . This outdoor assortment of booths offers the best in fresh produce and other domestic products. Be prepared to haggle/bargain, especially over non-produce items.  

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Novorossiysk city, Russia

The city of Krasnodar krai .

Novorossiysk - Overview

Novorossiysk is a city in southern Russia located in the south-west of Krasnodar krai, on the coast of Novorossiyskaya (Tsemesskaya) Bay of the Black Sea. It is an important transport hub of the region. Novorossiysk sea port is one of the largest Russian sea ports that inlcudes a passenger, freight and oil loading ports. Novorossiysk is also a naval base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

The population of Novorossiysk is about 277,000 (2022), the area - 81 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 8617, the postal codes - 353900-353925.

Novorossiysk city flag

Novorossiysk city coat of arms.

Novorossiysk city map, Russia

Novorossiysk city latest news and posts from our blog:.

4 April, 2019 / Cities of Russia at Night - the Views from Space .

16 September, 2014 / Novorossiysk sea port - the largest port in Russia .

History of Novorossiysk

It is considered that the first people inhabited the outskirts of present Novorossiysk in the Paleolithic era. In the 5th century B.C., it was a town of Bata located on the border with the kingdom of Bosporus with the capital in Pantikapeya (present Kerch). Bata was a Greek town mainly engaged in trade of grain and fish.

In the 2nd century B.C., Bata was destroyed by a nomadic tribe of the Alans. This invasion slowed the development of civilization on the shore of Tsemesskaya Bay. At this very time, the tribes of the Adyghes formed. They gave Tsemesskaya Bay its current name, after the Tsemes River (“tsiye” - a lot of insects, “mesy” - forest). The Adyghes were persecuted by the Khazars and the Mongols and finally these tribes had to move to the mountains.

In the 13th century, Tsemesskaya Bay belonged to the Golden Horde. Batario fortress was constructed at the mouth of the Tsemes River by people from Genoa, as they had control of sea trade ways between East and West at a time. The fortress defended the town from the Adyghes and was not preserved.

More Historical Facts…

Constantinople was conquered by the Turks in 1453. Taman and Tsemesskaya Bay became Turkish territory. The territory of present Novorossiysk remained under Turkish power till the 17th century. In 1722, the Turks foreseeing a war with the Russian Empire forced the defense of the Black Sea coast.

In 1829, the territory of Tsemesskaya Bay became part of the Russian Empire. In 1834, the Russian general N.N.Rayevsky decided to found a base of the Black Sea fleet in Tsemesskaya Bay. In 1839, Novorossiysk (can be translated as “new Russian town”) fortification was built. In 1866, Novorossiysk, a settlement with a population of about 430 people, became the center of the Black Sea district. From 1896 to 1920, it was the center of Chernomorskaya (Black Sea) province.

In March 1918, it became the center of the Black Sea Soviet Republic. In June 1918, on the orders of Lenin, the Black Sea Fleet was scuttled in Tsemess Bay due to the civil war and the risk that the fleet could come under the control of the White Army. August 26, 1918, the town came under the control of the White Army.

March 12, 1920, after suffering the defeat in the civil war, the remaining troops of the White Army began the procedure of evacuation from Novorossiysk sea port. General Denikin on board of the destroyer “Tsarevich George” left Russia.

In 1937, the Russian Black Sea Fleet was raised from the bottom of Tsemess Bay. During the Second World War, the city was captured by the troops of the German army.

On August 31, 1986, while leaving Novorossiysk Bay (about 7 miles from the coast), the passenger steamer “Admiral Nakhimov” collided with the ship “Pyotr Vasev” and sank in 7-8 minutes. 423 people were killed during the incident.

Streets of Novorossiysk

Novorossiysk architecture

Author: Sergey Bulanov

Novorossiysk street view

Author: V.Khonin

The oldest building in Novorossiysk

Novorossiysk - Features

The city stretches 25 km along the amphitheater of Tsemesskaya Bay, surrounded by mountains of the North Caucasus. Novorossiysk is located in a seismic zone. From 1799 to 1981, about 17 significant earthquakes occurred in the area.

The climate in the area of Novorossiysk is close to the Mediterranean. The average temperature in January is plus 4.3 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 24.8 degrees Celsius.

The outskirts of Novorossiysk, famous for their picturesque landscapes, are popular among tourists. There are several sea resort areas with a lot of sanatoriums and camps here. The beautiful Lake Abrau is the pearl of the region - it is the largest and the purest lake in the North Caucasus. Near the lake you can find the oldest Russian plant for the production of sparkling wines “Abrau-Durso”. The factory has a museum and a tasting room.

Novorossiysk has several hotels, the largest hotels are “Novorossiysk”, “Brigantine” and “Chernomorskaya”.

It is the main center of the cement industry in the south of Russia. It is the headquarters of a large cement producer “Novoroscement” as well as cement producing plants of “Inteko” company. Mechanical engineering is also well developed. There are plants of wood-processing, food, steel industries too. In addition Novorossiysk district is one of the main Russian wine-making centers.

The federal highways M4 “Don” (Moscow - Rostov-on-Don - Novorossiysk) and A290 (M25) (Novorossiysk - Kerch Strait) pass through the city.

Novorossiysk views

On the seafront of Novorossiysk

Author: Vyacheslav Leksin

Museum cruiser Mikhail Kutuzov in Novorossiysk

In the center of Novorossiysk

Attractions of Novorossiysk

Novorossiysk is a nice city to come on a trip to experience the atmosphere of the port city. In the warm waters of the Black Sea you can find crabs, mussels, various Black Sea fish attracting fans of diving.

The embankment named after Admiral Serebryakov with a lot of monuments is one of the main attractions of Novorossiysk. Several ancient constructions (dolmens) are preserved in the suburbs, they are the monuments of Cherkess people culture.

Along with rest and treatment, Novorossiysk is a developed center of historical and cultural tourism. It is one of the most visited places associated with the fighting in the West Caucasus during the Second World War.

• Novorossiysk Historical Museum (Sovetov Street, 58, Lenina Avenue, 59, Suvorovskaya Street, 13),
• N.Ostrovsky House Museum (Vasenko Street, 21, Koltsovskaya Street, 8),
• The memorial exhibition “Weapons and military equipment of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945” (Lenina Avenue, the area of “Kosa” beach),
• The Museum of the Cement Industry (Sukhumi highway, 60/5),
• The Art Gallery Prima-South (Revolution of 1905 Street, 3),
• The museum cruiser “Mikhail Kutuzov”.
• Novorossiysk City Theater (Sovetov Street, 53),
• Sea Cultural Center (Naberezhnaya Street, 9).
• The monument to A.S.Pushkin opened on September 12, 1999;
• The monument to L.I.Brezhnev opened on September 16, 2004, the only monument to Brezhnev in Russia. The sculptor depicted young Brezhnev walking down the street in a suit. According to Novorossiysk administration, Brezhnev played an important part in the development of the city;
• A number of monuments of military glory.

Novorossiysk city of Russia photos

Pictures of novorossiysk.

Lenin Monument and Palace of Culture in Novorossiysk

Novorossiysk scenery

Novorossiysk waterfront

Author: Kireev Nick

Novorossiysk places

Novorossiysk Railway Station

Postal office in Novorossiysk

Novorossiysk Sea Port

Author: V.Kulik

Sights of Novorossiysk

Stele Novorossiysk Republic

Chernyakhovsky Boulevard in Novorossiysk

Assumption Cathedral in Novorossiysk

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