Travel & Tourism - Easton, Maryland
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Historic Downtown Easton — The county seat of Talbot County. Established around early religious settlements and a court of law, Historic Downtown Easton is today a centerpiece of fine specialty shops, business and cultural activities, unique restaurants and architectural fascination. Tree-lined streets are graced with various period structures and remarkable homes, carefully preserved or restored. Because of its historical significance, historic Easton has earned distinction as the “Colonial Capital of the Eastern Shore” and was honored as #8 in the book “The 100 Best Small Towns in America.”
1. TALBOTTOWN, EASTON PLAZA, EASTON MARKETPLACE, TRED AVON SQUARE and WATERSIDE VILLAGE- Shopping centers, all in close proximity to downtown Easton.
2. THOMAS PERRIN SMITH HOUSE - Built in 1803, it was the early home of the newspaper from which the Star-Democrat grew. In 1912, the building was acquired by the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club, which occupies it today.
3. THE BRICK HOTEL - Built in 1812, it became the Eastern Shore’s leading hostelry. It is now an office building.
4. THE TALBOT COUNTY COURTHOUSE - Long known as the “East Capital” of Maryland. The present building was completed in 1794 on the site of the earlier one built in 1711. It has been remodeled several times over the years.
5. SHANNAHAN & WRIGHTSON HARDWARE BUILDING - Now the Court House Square Shops, oldest store in Easton. In 1791, Owen Kennard began work on a new brick building that changed hands several times throughout the years. Dates on the building show when additions were made in 1877-1881-1889. The present front was completed in time for a grand opening on Dec. 7, 1941 - Pearl Harbor Day.
6. FIRST MASONIC GRAND LODGE - The records of Coats Lodge of Masons in Easton show that five Masonic Lodges met in Talbot Court House (as Easton was then called) on July 31, 1783, to form the first Grand Lodge of Masons in Maryland.
7. TALBOT COUNTY FREE LIBRARY - In an attractive building on West St. Hours open: Mon. & Thurs., 9 to 8, Tues. & Wed. 9 to 6 and Fri. & Sat., 9 to 5, except during the summer when it’s 9 to 1 on Saturday. For information call 410-822-1626 or visit www.tcfl.org.
8. HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF TALBOT COUNTY - Enjoy an evocative portrait of everyday life during earlier times when visiting the c. 18th and 19th century historic houses and a Museum with changing exhibitions, all of which surround a Federal style garden. Located in the heart of Easton’s historic district. Museum hours: Mon. - Sat., 10-4 p.m. For more information, call 410-822-0773.
9. AVALON THEATER - Constructed in 1921 during the heyday of silent films and Vaudeville entertainment. Over the course of its history, it has been the scene of three world premiers, including “The First Kiss,” starring Fay Wray and Gary Cooper, in 1928. The theater has gone through two major restorations: the first in 1936, when it was refinished in an art deco theme by the Schine Theater chain, and again 52 years later when it was converted to a performing arts and community center. The Avalon has a year-round schedule of entertainment and cultural events. For information on current and upcoming activities, call 410-822-0345.
10. TALBOT COUNTY VISITORS’ CENTER - 11 S. Harrison St. The Talbot County Office of Tourism provides visitors with county information for historic Easton, and the waterfront villages of Oxford, St. Michaels and Tilghman Island. You can call the Tourism office at 410-770-8000 or visit their website at www.tourtalbot.org.
11. THE BULLITT HOUSE - One of Easton’s oldest and most beautiful homes, it was built in 1801. It is now occupied by the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.
12. TIDEWATER INN - 101 E. Dover St. A completely modern hotel built in 1949, enlarged in 1953 and recently undergone extensive renovations, is the “Pride of the Eastern Shore.”
13. THE INN AT EASTON - Significant for its architecture, it was built by Benjamin Stevens in 1790, and is one of Easton’s earliest three-bay brick buildings.
14. ACADEMY ART MUSEUM - Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Academy Art Museum is a fine art museum founded in 1958 and located in historic, downtown Easton. Providing national and regional exhibitions, performances, educational programs, and visual and performing arts classes to adults and children, the Museum also offers a vibrant concert and lecture series and an annual craft festival, ArtsMarketplace (the Eastern Shore’s largest juried fine craft show) featuring local and national artists and artisans demonstrating, exhibiting and selling their crafts. The Museum’s permanent collection consists of works on paper and contemporary works by American and European masters. Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until 8 p.m. For more information, please call (410) 822-2787(ARTS) or visit www.art-academy.org.
15. INN AT 202 DOVER- Built in 1874, this Victorian-era mansion reflects many architectural styles. For years the building was known as the Wrightson House, thanks to its early 20th century owner, Charles T. Wrightson, one of the founders of the S. & W. canned food empire. Locally it is still referred to as Captain’s Watch due to its prominent balustraded widow’s walk. The Inn’s renovation in 2006 was acknowledged by the Maryland Historic Trust and the U.S. Dept. of the Interior. It is now home to a beautiful inn and restaurant.
16. CHRIST CHURCH - St. Peter’s Parish, 111 South Harrison Street. The Parish was founded in 1692 with the present church built ca. 1840, of Port Deposit Granite.
17. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - Established in the early 1900s, with several recent additions to the building and facilities, and now extensive additions and modernization under construction, making this what is considered to be one of the finest hospitals on the Eastern Shore.
18. THIRD HAVEN MEETING HOUSE - Built in 1682 and the oldest frame building dedicated to religious meetings in America. The Meeting House was built at the headwaters of the Tred Avon: people came by boat to attend. William Penn preached there with Lord Baltimore present. Extensive renovations were completed in 1990.
19. EASTON POINT MARINA - At the end of Port Street on the Tred Avon River.
20. BOAT RAMP - At Easton Point, end of Port Street.
21. TALBOT COUNTRY CLUB - Established in 1910, the Talbot Country Club is located at 6142 Country Club Drive, Easton.
22. WHITE MARSH CHURCH - Only the ruins remain, but the churchyard contains the grave of the elder Robert Morris, who died July 22, 1750. The parish had a rector of the Church of England in 1690.
23. FOXLEY HALL - Built about 1795 at 24 N. Aurora St., Foxley Hall is one of the best-known of Easton’s Federal dwellings. Former home of Oswald Tilghman, great-grandson of Lt. Col. Tench Tilghman. (Private residence)
24. TRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL - On “Cathedral Green,” Goldsborough St., is one of traditional Gothic design in granite. The interior is well worth a visit. All windows are stained glass, picturing New Testament scenes, and the altar cross of Greek type is unique.
25. HOG NECK GOLF COURSE - Rated FOUR STARS by “Golf Digest Places to Play.” 18 hole Championship course, 9 hole Executive course. Full service pro shop. For more info. tel: 410-822-6079.
26. TALBOT COMMUNITY CENTER - The year-round activities offered at the community center range from ice hockey to figure skating, aerobics and curling. The Center is also host to many events throughout the year such as antique, craft, boating and sportsman shows.
27. EASTON AIRPORT - 29137 Newnam Rd., just off Rt. 50.
28. PICKERING CREEK - 400-acre farm and science education center featuring 100 acres of forest, a mile of shoreline, nature trails, low-ropes challenge course and canoe launch. Trails are open seven days a week from dawn till dusk. Canoes are free for members. For more info. tel: 410-822-4903 or visit their web site at www.pickeringcreek.org.
©2008 Tidewater Times
