You may recognize Mike Seidel from The Weather Channel, but did you know he’s also a Wicomico County native? See what he recommends you check out during your visit here.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your history here in Wicomico County.

Mike: I grew up in Salisbury in the Newtown Historic District and worked my first job at 13 at Hutch’s Market on North Division Street. I graduated from Wicomico Senior High (1975) and then went on to Salisbury State College for my undergraduate degree (1979). My first jobs in radio and TV were in Downtown Salisbury at WJDY-AM and WMDT-TV, respectively. I later worked at WBOC-TV, and I’ve been at The Weather Channel over 30 years, always somewhere typically covering stormy weather.

2. What is something you think a visitor to Wicomico County should not miss?

Mike: You must try a Smith Island Cake, the official dessert of the State of Maryland. My favorites are the chocolate layer cake and the banana cake.

3. What is your favorite place to visit in Wicomico County?

Mike: I’m a big walker, so I head to City Park, including Picnic Island and the Salisbury Zoo, which is free and houses over 100 animals.

4. What is your favorite restaurant in Wicomico County?

Mike: For the best crab cake, I head to Fratelli’s. Downtown features longtime favorite Market Street Inn, where you can dine on the Wicomico River. I also enjoy eating at Mogan’s Oyster House, which is a recent addition just off the Plaza.

5. What is your favorite activity to do in Wicomico County?

Mike: I come home at least a couple of times a year, and look forward to visiting family and friends and stopping by my alma maters. I can’t help to notice how fast the area has grown.

6. What is your favorite event to attend in Wicomico County?

Mike: When I’m home in the summer, I always make a point of heading to the Hebron (June-July) or Sharptown (August) Firemen’s Carnivals. You must try an oyster fritter sandwich!

7. Where do you like to take visitors in Wicomico County?

Mike: To The Red Roost in Quantico, where they serve all-you-can-eat steamed crabs and seafood. And I always take the scenic route that includes crossing the Wicomico River on either Upper Ferry or Whitehaven Ferry! I also like to take them on a drive through Newtown to show them all of the beautiful Victorian homes, including where I grew up, and the Poplar Hill Mansion.

8. Anything else that you would like to highlight?

Mike: During baseball season, catch a Delmarva Shorebirds game at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. You might see a future Baltimore Oriole! Head to Pemberton Historical Park, a 262-acre conservation area with nature trails along the Wicomico River. And you may be in town for the Maryland Folk Festival. Check online for the annual dates.