VISIT TALBOT COUNTY AND ENJOY THE "HAMPTONS OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY".


TALBOT COUNTY OFFICE OF TOURISM

FALL, FOLIAGE, FESTIVALS, AND ART

Awash in history, atmosphere and architecture, Talbot County loves to show its colors….

Brilliant blue skies and genteel breezes are as pleasing as the symphony of fall foliage perfectly harmonized by nature in vibrant shades of green, amber, and crimson. Festivals are bountiful and celebrations of the arts, history and heritage fill the small villages, towns, and Islands of Talbot County.

Autumn is truly the perfect time to visit St. Michaels, Tilghman Island, Oxford, and Easton on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Here, you will see farm stands brimming with fat pumpkins and shining red apples and hear the sounds of migrating birds as they arrive in Talbot County. Whether you enjoy viewing a kaleidoscope of wildlife and nature’s perfect gifts or searching for treasures from our antique shops and art galleries, dining in one of our many chic restaurants, experiencing our museums and theatres, or admiring magnificent architectural buildings and homes, you’ll find that Talbot County is the right choice for your autumn getaway.

HERE IS A SAMPLING OF OUR UPCOMING FALL CALENDAR:

Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival (October 4) is one of the nation’s premier small craft events! Hundreds of amateur and professional boat builders and enthusiasts bring their kayaks, canoes, and skiffs. Take part in demonstrations and workshops or simply chat with the owners and watch these one-of-a-kind vessels race. Festival included with Museum admission, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, 410-745-2916, www.cbmm.org

Arts Marketplace (October 10,11 and 12) is an exciting seasonal event that draws visitors from the entire Mid-Atlantic Region. The annual juried craft show hosts over 40 unique and talented artists and artisans working in a variety of media, including ceramics, wood, fabric, glass, baskets, leather, jewelry, metal, furniture, watercolors, serigraph and multi-media. As once stated by Henry James, “It is art that makes life, makes interest, makes importance….and I know of no substitute whatever for the force and beauty of its process.” Arts Marketplace is a high quality festival that is filled with treasures and art – an event not to be missed. Location: Academy Art Museum, 106 South Street, Easton. www.art-academy.org

Tilghman Island Day (October 18) is the place for crab-picking, oyster shucking, row boat races, jigger tossing contests, workboat docking contests and races, live music, fresh seafood, lighthouse tours, sailboat and skipjack cruises, and a fun[filled day of entertainment and Chesapeake Bay Heritage. Rent a bicycle, scooter, kayak, canoe, sailboat or inflatable watercraft and enjoy a day on land and water. www.tilghmanisland.com

Fall into St. Michaels (October 24-26) is a hair-raising experience. Join costumed guides for lantern lit strolls through the streets and discover legends of ghosts, ghouls, and odd occurrences in this otherwise quiet Victorian town. The annual street parade, pumpkin carving contests, antique car shows, Jack Russell Terrier Races, pumpkin pie eating contests, carriage rides and the annual Carpenter Street Saloon Auction make this one of the most popular weekends on the Chesapeake Bay. www.stmichaelsmd.org

The Twenty Fourth Annual Bay Country Region AACA Antique and Classic Car Show (October 25),St. Michaels welcomes the return of the Antique and Classic Car Show, now in it`s 24th year! Hosted at the Inn At Perry Cabin, St. Michaels.

2008 Waterfowl Festival (November 14-16) celebrates the 38th year of the premier wildlife art and sporting show in the country. The ultimate weekend for the sophisticated sportsman or art lover, the Festival attracts 15,000 visitors and hosts 400 of the nation’s finest artists, craftsmen and collectors. Fifteen venues throughout Easton exhibit first-class wildlife paintings, sculpture, decoys, carvings, photos and sporting gear and adventures. Scheduled throughout the weekend are calling contests, auctions, shooting, retriever and fly-fishing demonstrations, sportsman`s pavilion, and after hours concerts. A festive atmosphere topped by great food and music makes this event a must each November. Plan to spend several days to experience the entire festival. Festival weekend packages are available at Talbot County hotels…. 410-822-4567 www.waterfowlfestival.org

The Oxford Antique Show (November 15 and 16), sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department, features period furniture, silver, works of art, delicate china, pottery and glass, toys, clocks and much more. www.oxfordmd.org

For more information about these activities and all the other great things there are to see and do in Talbot County, please contact:

The Talbot County Office of Tourism

410-770-8000(phone) / 410-770-8057(fax)
Debbi Dodson, Executive Director -
ddodson@talbgov.org(e-mail)

The Talbot County Visitors Center
11 South Harrison Street
Easton, Maryland 21601

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