Summer is far from over, so if you've been meaning to go on that roadtrip to a place you've never been, make sure Easton, Maryland, is on your list.
To qualify as a "small town" worth a visit, it must have a population of no more than 20,000 and have an impressive combination of culture, history, and natural beauty. So Marylanders can be proud that their very own Easton charmed its way onto the list.
It seems like Easton is a happening place! This past June it made its way onto another list of the Top 30 Safest Cities to Raise a Child, claiming the No. 1 spot.
This past February marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of the great writer, orator, abolitionist leader, social reformer, and statesman Frederick Douglass. Born in Talbot County, just 12 miles north of Easton, his life's work of promoting equality of all people, while opening dialogue and building bridges across racial and ideological divides, adds an incredible richness to the area's historical narrative.
Douglass delivered a stirring speech, "Self-Made Men" in the main courtroom of the Talbot County Courthouse in November 1878, the occasion now marked by a statue which is on Maryland's Frederick Douglass Driving Tour. Easton's The Hill provides a further step back into history as it became an integrated neighborhood 50 years before the Emancipation, hosting a community of free African Americans since the 18th century.
Photo courtesy of www.visitmaryland.org
Known as the "big city" of Talbot County, Easton offers much more than an engrossing history lesson. Art enthusiasts, show lovers, foodies, and admirers of 18th and 19th century architecture will all find something to suit their fancy.
The Academy Art Museum is a must for any visitor and is adored by the locals as well, for its abundant offerings of photography, drawings, and paintings, along with a new library and a music studio. Expanding beyond its role as a traditional museum, it offers national and regional exhibitions, concerts, lectures, educational programs, and visual and performing arts classes for adults and children.
Photo courtesy of Academy Art Museum Facebook page
The Avalon Theatre, built in 1921, became the go-to movie house of the Eastern Shore, with audiences feasting their eyes on the kings and queens of the silver screen such as Clark Gable, Bette Davis, and Roy Rogers. Today, the theatre still stands in all its art deco glory and draws 100,000 visitors each year with its musical and dramatic theater, symphony orchestras, and a wide variety of national musical acts, as well as local talent.
If you crave something a bit more social and want to mingle with the locals, then Easton's alluring selection of festivals will surely make you happy. Take your pick from the Chesapeake Bay Balloon & Wine Festival (August 3-5), the Waterfowl Festival (November 9-11), or the Plein Air Easton Art Festival and Competition (July 15-22). The Plein Air event is the largest and most prestigious juried art competition in the U.S., with paintings made in the fresh air awarded honors and subsequently sold to art lovers.
Image courtesy of Plein Air Easton Facebook page
And of course, the charming town offers plenty of shopping at quaint boutiques and dining at cozy restaurants. Since one day may not be enough to enjoy all the attractions Easton has to offer, tuck in for the night at one of the local inns or bed & breakfasts. Bishop's House B&B will envelope you in warmth, tranquility, and elegance as you experience the beauty of a Victorian home located in the heart of the historic district.
Last but not least, what summer getaway is complete without exploring the natural beauty of Easton? Hit the links on Hog Neck Golf Course, a public course rated one of the top 25 in the country. For a little more adrenaline, rent a bike, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard for a couple of hours of one-on-one with nature.
See the full list of the 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2018 here.
So make a weekend out of it and let us know how much you loved Easton, Maryland, in the comments below!