Rediscovering America_ Exploring the Small Towns of Virginia & Maryland - Bill Burnham [120]
Attractions
About five miles south of Snow Hill, Pocomoke River State Park straddles the river, with Shad Landing on the south side, off Route 113, and Milburn Landing on the north side on Route 364. It actually takes nearly a half-hour to drive from one part of the park to the other! There are boat rentals, fishing, camping, hiking, and a swimming pool. The park is within the 14,750-acre Pocomoke River State Forest, which extends all the way to Pocomoke City. The forest has grand stands of loblolly pine and blackwater cypress swamps (Pocomoke means “black water”). (tel. 410-632-2566, www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/eastern/pocomokeriver.html)
The Julia A. Purnell Museum, established at first by a son to honor his mother’s artwork, has grown to be known as “the attic of Worcester County.” Exhibits interpret the lives of area residents in the 18th and 19th centuries. Of note is the memorabilia of African-American resident William Julius “Judy” Johnson who earned recognition as the best third baseman during his baseball career from 1918-1939. The museum is open April-October, Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm. Admission is $2 for adults and 50¢ for children ages five-12. (208 W. Market Street, tel. 410-632-0515, www.purnellmuseum.com)
The Beach to Bay Indian Trail is a self-guided driving tour from Crisfield to Ocean City, following routes established by tribes of the Algonquin Nation, and also used by settlers. The detailed brochure is available in most visitor centers, and by calling the tourism numbers for either Worcester County (tel. 800-852-0335) or Somerset County (tel. 800-521-9189).
About 20 miles north of Snow Hill are Ocean City and access to Assateague National Seashore’s undeveloped miles of white, sandy beaches with camping, hiking, and up-close sightings of the famed Chincoteague ponies.
An alternative to Ocean City’s festive but busy resort strip is Berlin, a quaint, small town that makes a nice, quiet base for exploring Assateague and the general area. The downtown has been recently restored with turn-of-the-century charm, and features antiques shops and boutiques to browse, and dozens of fine examples of Federal and Victorian architecture. For lodging, there’s the Atlantic Hotel (tel. 800-814-7672, www.atlantichotel.com), a restored Victorian inn that just drips with yesteryear, and a handful of bed & breakfasts in historic homes. Take the self-guided walking tour of the historic district or visit the Calvin B. Taylor Museum of local history. Time your visit with one of the many festivals or fairs, like the Fiddlers Convention in September, Berlin’s Victorian Christmas in December, or the Village Fair in June.
TRIVIA: In 1998, Berlin was the setting for the film Runaway Bride, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. (tel. 410-641-2770, www.BerlinMdCC.org)
Dining
The Snow Hill Inn serves gourmet selections of fresh local seafood and beef in a 1790 structure that once served as the local post office. Serving lunch Tuesday-Friday, dinner Tuesday-Saturday. (104 E. Market Street, tel. 410-632-2102)
David’s a Bistro serves lunch Tuesday-Friday, dinner Tuesday-Saturday, and Sunday brunch. (208 Green Street, tel. 410-632-2811)
Bailey’s Café has a Victorian pub-type atmosphere, serving breakfast and lunch Monday-Saturday and dinner Friday. (104 W. Green Street, tel. 410-632-3700)
The Duck Inn Deli is technically a convenience store, but also serves what they claim are the “best real beef hamburgers.” Open daily 6 am-8 pm. (5610 Market Street, tel. 410-632-0777)
Sweet Memories serves hand-dipped Hershey’s ice cream, shakes and hot dogs. (106 W. Green Street, tel. 410-632-1000)
Lodging
Pet-friendly: The innkeeper at The Mansion House loves dogs; they’re welcome with no extra charge. The 1835 waterfront home has four guest rooms. (4436 Bayside Road, tel. 410-632-3189, www.man