Maryland Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Easton, Maryland

Population: 10,000

Located in Talbot County

Easton, Maryland

Easton's interesting ambiance reflects historic eclecticism. Throughout Easton there is an exciting combination of Colonial, Federal and Victorian architecture creating a picturesque streetscape. The county seat was officially named Easton by an act of legislature in 1788 and served as the "capital of the Eastern Shore" for the early Federal period. Quakerism's impact on Easton began in the late 1600's when the Third Haven Meeting House (1682-84) was constructed. This simplistic structure was meticulously restored in the early 1990's and is believed to be one of the oldest in the country.

About Easton

Mythology and nostalgia have given us the All-American hometown that never was; a place where the sun is always bright, cookies are always coming out of the oven, the paint is always shiny, and the flowers are always in full bloom ...Well! Easton is far more real than that!

Easton is a lively collection of about 12,000 individuals who love living in a small town that offers the best of many worlds; access to large metropolitan areas like Baltimore, Washington, and Wilmington, good health care from a strong local hospital and medical community, the splendid Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in their backyard, and an active local community that welcomes new ideas and enthusiasms.

Easton has deep historical roots; in 1711, the first courthouse for Talbot County established the site of the town and it has been the center of trade and government ever since. Since the earliest days, the town residents have been people who came to do business, participate in county government, and be a part of the community's future. Today's residents are no different; many have moved to Easton for the same mix of small town community life and economic opportunity that have been attracting people since the early eighteenth century.
This is not a static, backwater group of people!

So, what does Easton feel like? What is it about the place that makes you know you are in Easton?
What keeps people coming back?

A local family might say that Easton feels like home. A town with big porches on old houses, big trees along shady streets, Little League baseball and 4th of July at the VFW, downtown shops and a fine library, neighbors you know and neighborhood schools.

A retired couple that enjoys visiting Easton might think of the Waterfowl Festival in early November, the charm of the Historical Society, the Avalon Theater, and the Academy of the Arts; the fine restaurants and the hospitality of the Bed and Breakfast innkeepers; and the courtesy of the shopkeepers and the success of the Historic District in protecting the fine old buildings and gardens.

Sailors and sportsmen would be enthusiastic about the world class sailboat racing and cruising, and also fishing, hunting, and golfing. High-tech business owners would point out that they can enjoy a great quality of life while being an hour or two away from major commercial centers by excellent highways or by air from Easton's municipal airport.

But ... back to the mythology! Easton is a real place, not a nostalgic "Main Street USA" as envisioned by Disney World. What Easton DOES have is a great mid-Atlantic climate where the outdoor activities are enjoyed from April through October, an enthusiastic citizenry that takes pride in the Town's past and has worked hard to protect its architecture and landmarks, and a historically based central role as the court and business center of Talbot County.

Courtesy of www.eastonmd.org

Things to do in Easton, Maryland

The charming town of Easton is located in Talbot County, Maryland. Easton is a pretty town with tree lined streets and historic buildings. The historical society provides maps for a walking tour of the town.

Each year Easton hosts the world famous Easton Waterfowl Festival. The festival, often referred to as the Easton Decoy Festival, is held on the second full weekend of November, around the time when migratory waterfowl arrive in the area. This very popular festival is attended by 18,000 to 20,000 visitors each year. Much more than a decoy show, the Easton Waterfowl Festival features paintings, carvings, sculpture, decoys, crafts, kids activities, great food, and music throughout the historic town of Easton, Maryland. Approximately 400 artists and craftsmen exhibit at the show. The daily schedule of events includes demonstrations, entertainment, book signings, and other activities. Proceeds from the Easton Waterfowl Festival are distributed to projects that promote and enhance wildlife conservation through habitat preservation, education and research. More than $4.2 million in Festival funding has been donated since 1971.

Nearby Pickering Creek Audubon Center is a sanctuary of the Chesapeake Audubon Society with over 400 acres of protected land featuring hardwood forests, non-tidal wetlands, wildlife plantings, and nature preserve. Open year-round, Pickering Creek provides a variety of educational opportunities including lectures, field trips, canoe rentals, and displays.

For some cultural entertainment while in town, check out the Avalon Theatre. This restored movie theater has become a regional showcase for quality performing arts.

Golfers will enjoy two championship golf courses. Hog Neck Golf Course is a 27 hole public golf facility. Hog Neck features a 7,048 yard 18 hole, par 72 Championship Course and a 2,172 yard 9 hole, par 32 Executive Course, offering a versatile test for any golfer. Hog Neck Golf Course has received a four star rating from Golf Digest Places to Play. The Easton Club Golf Course is an 18 hole public golf facility with a par 72, 6,700 yard layout. The Easton Club course features stately trees, dramatic waterscapes, bentgrass and a challenging island green.

The roads connecting Easton, Oxford, and St. Michaels form a circular route that is popular with bicyclists. The complete round trip is about 35 miles and part of the route takes you across the Tred Avon River on the Oxford-Belleview Ferry.