For the fortunate residents who already call Talbot County home, this lovely area epitomizes the grace and hospitality for which the Eastern Shore is so famous. With the exception of an occasional rush of vacationers headed for Ocean City or the Delaware beaches on summer weekends, heavy traffic is a thing of the past. Yet, for all its seclusion and serenity, Talbot County provides a plethora of activities, attractions and recreational opportunities.
Those who enjoy cultural endeavors and the performing arts will be impressed with the Avalon Theatre in Easton, a restored Art Deco theater that packs the house with electrifying shows and performances. Jazz musicians stir the air at outdoor concerts as lively street festivals showcase worldwide artistry and talent. Interested in expanding your creative horizons? Look over the intriguing array of exhibits and classes sponsored by the Academy of Arts.
Sports enthusiasts have an equally wide variety of options, from ice-skating and “curling” at the Talbot Community Center to perfecting a “below par” golf game at one of the outstanding local courses. The Hog Neck Golf Course, in particular, has been rated among the top 50 public courses in the entire nation. Kayak, canoe, horseback ride, birdwatch, hunt and fish or just observe nature—you’ll find the ideal place for every activity. Nature lovers are drawn to the lush beauty of state parklands and sprawling conservation preserves like Pickering Creek, an area graced by over 400 acres of hardwood forests, non-tidal wetlands and wildlife planting.
Cruises, excursions, marinas and docking facilities abound in Talbot County, where many communities have grown up beside Chesapeake Bay’s proliferation of rivers and creeks. Crowning the waterfront glory are inviting restaurants that specialize in the blue crab, rockfish, oysters and clams that have made the Eastern Shore world famous. After experiencing the cooling spray as you sail across the glistening waters of the Chesapeake Bay, you may want to test your cycling endurance on a picturesque backroad. Scenic routes, year-round mild temperatures and miles of flat terrain make Talbot County ideal for bicycle touring.
Exploration of the county’s panoramic backroads provides more than nature’s visual bounty. Small towns and villages are always ready to delight shoppers with a wealth of specialty stores filled with precious antiques, crafts, and unique items. On designated weekends, the Farmer’s Market displays the finest of fresh fruits and vegetables and hand-crafted specialities.
Housing options range from vintage colonial architecture to exceptional properties that offer breathtaking waterfront views. In fact, given the attractive selection of distinctive housing possibilities available throughout the countryside, there’s no reason to settle for the ordinary. Take your time exploring the rich variety of homes and lots, from prime riverfront or Bay locations to secluded mansions surrounded by ancient trees and lush landscapes. Those who enjoy the intimacy of community life may prefer a beautiful older home nestled in established neighborhoods punctuated by front porches, tidy gardens and rows of delicate blooms.
Regardless of where you choose to live in Talbot County, every ingredient for an unsurpassed quality of life is just beyond your front doorstep. A local hospital, private schools, quality services, convenient shopping and fine dining opportunities expand the region’s rural flavor to provide a more cosmopolitan lifestyle. Yet, in spite of its impressive amenities, much of Talbot County remains unchanged and unspoiled—virtually immune to the effects of centuries of growth and development. Second only to its warm and friendly residents, this pristine environment is Talbot County’s most celebrated resource.
