|
 Experience
Eastern Shore Heritage
in Wicomico County
As Maryland joins Virginia this year in celebrating its 400th year, we are
called to recognize the entire state's heritage. The lower Chesapeake
region, including Wicomico County, is proud of the history it has to offer
visitors and residents alike. Discover the area's historical treasures
when you plan your next getaway.
The ideal place to begin a historical tour of Wicomico County is the
picturesque village of Whitehaven, established in the late 1600s by
English settlers. Explore a quaint museum in the old school building,
spend a night or two at the lovely 19th century hotel which has been
restored as a
bed-and-breakfast or cruise the
river on the Whitehaven Ferry which has been in operation for more than
300 years.
Next visit
Pemberton Hall, a brick manor house
built by Isaac Handy in 1742. Handy was a planter, merchant, ship owner
(the remains of his wharf on the Wicomico River is thought to be one of
the oldest in the nation), justice of the peace, and a founder of the town
of Salisbury. The Hall and the grounds have been faithfully restored with
a colonial well, orchard, and outbuildings rebuilt on the property. The
plantation sits in the midst of the Pemberton Historical Park, which
boasts more than two hundred acres of wooded landscape, meadows and
wetlands. While you're there, take advantage of the beautiful hiking
trails which are highlighted with a series of interpretive panels.
While on the west end of the county, plan a visit to the historic town of
Mardela Springs. Once known as Barren Creek Springs, the town was settled
in the late 1700s. Blessed with mineral springs, by the early 1800s the
town was known throughout the mid-Atlantic region as a spa town where one
could stay in the local hotel and "take the waters." Today two historical
societies offer tours of the historic Barren Creek Springs Presbyterian
church built in 1842, the Barren Creek Spring House, Barren Creek Heritage
Museum with exhibits highlighting the rural heritage of this part of the
Shore, the Adkins complex of eight restored buildings including a one-room
School, a farmhouse built in the late 1700s, a general store dating from
the 1840s, and more. Also on the grounds of the complex is the family-run
business of Barren Creek Clocks, whose proprietor will offer fascinating
talks about the history of clock-making.
From Mardela Springs head north to the tiny village of San Domingo,
distinguished as a community of several hundred free-black families as
early as the 1830s, living in the midst of white farmers, many of whom
were slave owners. Most of the current residents can trace their ancestry
to those same families. Here you'll find school used by local
African-American students until the end of segregation in the 1960s. This
school is significant as a "Rosenwald School," one of hundreds built by
philanthropist and CEO of Sears, Roebuck, Julius Rosenwald, in the 1920s
in his effort to aid the education of black children especially in the
South.
About three miles east of Mardela Springs on Md. Rt. 54, stop and see the
Cornerstone of Delaware, the stone marker planted in the 1750s by Mason
and Dixon as they surveyed the boundary between Maryland and what were
then the lower counties of Pennsylvania.
Feel free to add a few of the following sites of interest and museums to
your trip as well.
Chesapeake Fire Museum, located just west of Salisbury in Hebron,
the museum features a collection of fire fighting artifacts
Chipman Cultural Center, found in Wicomico County, the center is an
early 20th century church that has been converted to a museum and cultural
center for the African-American community in Salisbury.
Poplar Hill Mansion, built in the early Federal period on what was
then an expense of farm land just north of Salisbury, the historical home
is one of many in the Historic District of Newtown.
Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art,
situated on Schumaker Drive in Salisbury, the museum boasts a collection
of decoys, wildfowl carvings and art.
Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame,
within the confines of Arthur W. Perdue Stadium - home to the Baltimore
Orioles' Class A Affiliate the Delmarva Shorebirds - the museum houses
artifacts and memorabilia which chronicles the history of local baseball
from 1926-1947.
For a complete listing of historical sites in Wicomico County visit
www.WicomicoTourism.org or
call 800-332-Tour to order a complimentary Visitor's Guide.
We look forward to meeting you as you explore our home's rich history.
 Barbeque
is the Air…Well Almost
While professional barbequers from across the country are secretly
preparing their original sauces, concoctions and recipes, the Wicomico
County Tourism department is readying themselves for their arrival at the
fourth annual Pork in the Park Barbeque Festival to be held at Winterplace
Park in Salisbury April 20-22, 2007.
When the grill masters roll into the park donning aprons and lugging their
unique barbeque rigs, they'll have one thing on their mind - walking away
with a portion of the $11,000 in winnings which will be awarded to the
best cooker in the following categories: beef brisket, chicken, pork ribs,
pork and whole hog.
While they are hard at work, festival goers will enjoy the savory scent of
barbeque in the air while taking live blues music, perusing rows of arts
and crafts and enjoying cold beverages and festival foods.
Join us for one of the nation's largest barbeque festivals. For more
information on the event, visit
www.porkinthepark.org.
 Explore
the Shore by Water
When the last icicle falls, plan to explore nature's treasures by water in
Wicomico County and beyond. Whether you choose to navigate by canoe or
kayak, you're sure to be greeted with pristine waterways and wetlands that
are bursting with native wildlife. Paddle quietly along the Nanticoke or
Wicomico River and you're likely to spot a Bald Eagle or a Blue Heron as
they soar above or stalk their prey along the shoreline. Take time to
enjoy it all by turning a day trip into an overnight stay at one of our
many hospitable hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Nestled between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the area boasts
excellent flat water opportunities as well as easy access to sea kayaking.
Paddlers of all ability levels will find comfort here and have the
opportunity to choose between self-guided or professionally guided tours.
Noteworthy sites include Barren Creek, the Nanticoke River, Rewastico
Creek, Quantico Creek and Wicomico Creek.
A variety of outfitters are conveniently located throughout Wicomico
County to assist in the planning of your trip. For more information
contact the Tourism Office at 410-548-4914 or visit
www.adrenalinehigh.com.
Hotel Packages
NCAA Special
Enjoy a great rate and relax in a quiet room with access to a heated
indoor pool and spa, fitness facility and deluxe continental plus
breakfast with Country Inn & Suites' NCAA Promotion! What's more, guests
will receive a collectible sports bottle, a coupon for an appetizer at
T.G.I. Friday's, Coca-Cola products and a chance to win VIP seats to the
2008 NCAA Final Four or 2008 NCAA Basketball regional game tickets. Just
mention the NCAA promotion when making your reservation. Offer good until
May 27, 2007.
Newly Renovated Sleep Inn
Check out the newly renovated Sleep Inn conveniently located on Route 50
just before the bypass. The Sleep Inn boasts 78 guest rooms, complimentary
continental breakfast, fitness room, business center, free high speed
internet and more. For more information call 410-572-5516 or visit
www.choicehotels.com.
|
