4 Best Sights in The Eastern Shore, Maryland

Originally the Hotel Cecil, this market became Cramer's 5&10, an old-fashioned variety store operated by a pair of proprietors who themselves became historic treasures. The building's enterprising current owner created an antiques mart, but fully restored the building's exterior and retained its well-worn wood flooring, candy jars, and display counters. You could spend a weekend here!

Stop by Ruke's, a venerable general store across from the ferry dock that serves excellent fresh seafood.

Started in 1996 by 12 gutsy Smith Island women, this co-op produces the finest, shell-less-quality crabmeat, with all proceeds going straight back to the women and their families. Visitors can drop by and see the lightning-fast pickers at work. Don't forget to pick up a pound before you leave, and ask Janice (the founder and president) about her secret crab-cake ingredient.

Don't skip the area's nationally known cakes—stacked eight to 10 layers high and frosted—and recently designated Maryland's state cake by lawmakers. (They can be purchased in person or online.)