Visitors
Upon entering Talbot County, "The Hamptons of the Chesapeake Bay", one cannot help but notice the lush green fields of soybeans and corn of summer. As fall approaches, since we are located on the Atlantic Flyway, you can anticipate the arrival of Canada geese and a wide variety of ducks. Cutting through the County's 259 square miles of land are Talbot's five beautiful rivers and numerous rambling tributaries providing over 600 miles of shoreline. Nature's gifts of waterfowl, songbirds, and vibrant sunsets are abundant in this diverse County.
The natural amenities of the County are enhanced by recreational activities including water sports, public parks for walking, picnicking, bicycling, golf, tennis hunting and ice skating. Bicycling is a favorite sport in Talbot County with many picturesque back roads to tour, as well as bicycle lanes along the Oxford and St. Michaels roads. A bicycling weekend is a favorite getaway for many who visit this area. A reprieve from cycling can be enjoyed by taking the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry which crosses the beautiful Tred Avon River. Continue your excursion from Oxford through Bellevue and Royal Oak on to St. Michaels and Tilghman Island.
Historic houses and attractions, museums, recreational and cultural facilities make this area attractive to all ages and provide a sought-after quality of life for its residents and visitors alike. In a 14-mile stretch between St. Michaels and Tilghman Island, there are quaint little villages to explore such as Claiborne, Wittman and Sherwood.
Golfing is a popular sport in this County. There are two public courses, Hog Neck Golf Course located north of Easton off Route 50, and Easton Club on the outskirts of Easton on Oxford Road. Local private courses include Harbourtowne Golf Resort outside St. Michaels and the Talbot Country Club near Easton.
Whether you prefer sail boating or power boating, there is no place on the Eastern Shore like Talbot County. The County is outlined on three sides by rivers-the Wye, Miles, Tred Avon, Choptank and Tuckahoe. Three historic port towns, St. Michaels, Tilghman Island and Oxford are perfect stopping points for visiting by water. Seventeen public boat ramps offer access to our waterways at locations throughout the County. Full service marinas can be found in Oxford, St. Michaels, Tilghman Island and Trappe. Boat rentals, sightseeing vessels and fishing charters can be arranged for an exciting and enjoyable day on the Chesapeake Bay.
Enjoying the many gifts of nature is an important part of life in Talbot County. The creeks and rivers provide an ideal setting for hunting, in addition to geese and ducks the hunt goes on for other waterfowl, deer and a variety of small game in the appropriate seasons.
Talbot County offers a wide variety of choices for your shopping needs, from elegant boutiques to department and discount stores. The major grocery store chains are located here and the Amish Market at Easton Plaza is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There are discount drug stores and Hill's Drug Store, a locally owned drug store for three generations, offering a full line of medical equipment and specializing in homeopathic remedies. There are many shopping centers which all have specialty shops and services including movie theatres and many fine restaurants. In addition to the "necessities", Talbot County is famous for its Main Street specialty boutiques.
If antiquing is your passion, within Talbot County you will find some of the most exciting opportunities on the Eastern Shore. If you are the adventurous type, you can work your way through the winding back roads and discover these treasures known as "antique shops". From St. Michaels, Royal Oak, Bellevue, Easton, Rt. 50 and on to Trappe you'll come away with pieces valued more than what you bid. No matter what direction you decide to begin your antique hunt, just remember not to empty your pockets at the first shop - there is sure to be another gem waiting for you just around the bend.
No wonder several publications have consistently rated towns in Talbot County among the best places to live in America.