Issues to Do in Chestertown MD: Japanese Shore Journey Information
Need to step right into a residing postcard? Chestertown, Maryland, has all the pieces you need in a small coastal city: walkable historic streets, pleasant individuals, distinctive eateries and indie outlets that really feel extra like treasure hunts than retail.
Historic Chestertown Maryland
Peaceable waterfront views alongside the Chester River in Chestertown, MD. with maritime allure on full show | Picture: Higher ResidingChestertown has a everlasting spot on our must-visit listing.
Nestled alongside the Chester River, Chestertown, on Maryland’s Japanese Shore, could also be off the overwhelmed path, however that’s precisely what makes it so particular. With huge character and historic colonial allure, this distinctive small city could also be one in all America’s coolest under-the-radar locations.
As soon as an vital port metropolis based in 1706 and nestled alongside the banks of the Chester River, immediately you may stroll via peaceable brick-lined streets lined with 18th-century houses, go to historic landmarks, and store your approach via a city that feels prefer it was embellished for a Hallmark film set. Besides this one is actual.
Chestertown’s downtown and historic district, listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, is house to Washington Faculty, the primary school chartered in america in 1782.
This pleasant city is stuffed with character. And there’s loads to do inside a number of sq. blocks. In search of extra Maryland Japanese Shore locations? Discover close by St. Michaels, MD and Kent Narrows.
Issues to Do in Chestertown MD

The enduring Hebe fountain in downtown Chestertown – an ideal spot to relaxation whereas exploring the historic district | Picture: Higher ResidingDiscover Historic Fountain Park
Begin your day at Chestertown’s small however stunning Fountain Park on the intersection of Excessive and Cross Streets within the coronary heart of city. A gathering place all year long, it’s additionally house to the Hebe Fountain, one in all Chestertown’s iconic historic landmarks.
An emblem of the city’s timeless allure, it’s one of many many public art installations all through the city.
Put in in 1899, made from forged iron, painted turquoise, and totally purposeful, you may’t miss it. Adorned superbly with carved lions and swans, its standout function is the Greek goddess of youth, Hebe, who pours “ambrosia” right into a chalice on the fountain’s high.
Go to the Chestertown Farmers Market
Each Saturday from 8 to midday, right here you’ll discover the year-round Chestertown Farmers Market, the place you may store for native recent produce, eggs, meat, dairy, flowers, baked items, and artisan crafts.
Stroll the Historic Waterfront

Stroll Chestertown’s peaceable waterfront boardwalk alongside the Chester River | Picture: Higher ResidingShould you’re visiting Chestertown for the primary time, don’t miss the prospect to walk alongside its historic waterfront the place you may take pleasure in shaded benches, river views, and a quiet place to calm down with espresso or a picnic. It’s a well-liked birdwatching spot the place ospreys, hooded mergansers, nice blue herons, and different native birds make common appearances.
Docked on the Chestertown Marina, you too can see the Schooner Sultana, a surprising reproduction of an 18th-century British Navy vessel. It’s usually open for public sails or dockside excursions throughout particular occasions.
Take a River Cruise
For extra time on the Chester River, e-book a cruise on The River Packet. This 65-foot, Nineteen Twenties-style traditional yacht and tour boat gives weekend brunch, dinner, sundown and informal excursions April via November that go away proper from the Excessive Road Dock.
For extra waterfront eating experiences, try Dock and Dine Kent Narrows MD.
Attend Chestertown Festivals and Occasions
Catch a present on the Garfield Center for the Arts at the Prince Theater housed in a superbly restored Nineteen Twenties theater or plan your go to round one of many many yearly occasions in Chestertown just like the Chestertown Jazz Festival or the Sultana Downrigging Festival every fall which is the biggest annual gathering of tall ships in North America mixed with bluegrass music.
Through the Christmas season, come for ‘A Dickens of a Christmas’ competition weekend the place you may “step again into 1840s London and expertise the vacation season as Charles Dickens imagined it.” Actions embrace complimentary carriage rides via historic downtown, a ticketed home tour, meals distributors, an artisan village and an genuine Victorian tea time. Carrying your Victorian greatest is extremely inspired.
Get Cozy With Pleasant Felines on the Cat Colloquium

Meet the resident cats within the Cat Colloquium’s cozy second-floor lounge | Picture: Higher ResidingChestertown’s Cat Colloquium (215 Excessive St #2C, Chestertown, MD 21620) run by nonprofit Package Care Inc. is a heat, welcoming and distinctive spot for cat lovers. Right here you may meet and snuggle up with resident cats, take pleasure in quiet time, or chat with their pleasant volunteers.
Stroll via the alley subsequent to Stam’s Luncheonette and comply with the indicators to the second flooring. The area is vibrant, peaceable and playful, with cozy seating, and cat-friendly furnishings (together with a life-sized cat tree).
It’s a real hidden gem and a singular expertise in the event you’re an animal lover like us and may’t cross up an encounter with a furry good friend. Visiting is free, however you may try their blog and donation options to be taught extra and help them.
Should you’re touring with 6 individuals or extra, make an appointment earlier than you go.
Go to Lockbrier Farm for Recent Produce and Selfmade Ice Cream

Lockbriar Farms bursts with fall colours and recent seasonal produce | Picture: Higher ResidingFor a farm expertise, an eight-minute drive from downtown Chestertown, go to Lockbrier Farm to choose berries, flowers and pumpkins, savor farm-churned ice cream, and top off on recent, native and seasonal produce.
Since 1993, the Lockwood household—whose farming roots stretch again to the Civil Conflict—has opened the gates of Lockbrier Farms (10051 Worton Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620) to guests looking for recent air, vibrant blooms, and the enjoyment of choosing their very own seasonal produce.
Throughout our latest fall go to, they had been brimming with mums, pumpkins, Indian corn and gourds in each shade. Seasonally, you may decide your individual fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Wander via their flower and herb gardens, the place you may lower your individual to create your individual DIY bouquet.
Then store the farm stand and top off on recent produce, apple cider, jams, pickled veggies, native honey, and treats like apple butter, eggs and recent cheese.
After exploring the farm, head over to their ice cream barn for a scoop of their unbelievable selfmade ice cream in 28+ rotating flavors like strawberry and lemon cookie. It’s made on-site with Lockbrier’s personal grown and domestically sourced elements and is a number of the greatest in Kent County.
Lockbrier Farm is open every day (climate allowing), Might via Thanksgiving, and there’s no admission price. Put on boots you gained’t thoughts getting soiled in the event you plan to discover the fields.
The place to Store in Chestertown MD

Downtown Chestertown’s brick-lined streets come alive with fall allure | Picture: Higher ResidingShould you’re tired of cookie-cutter vacationer traps, you’ll love Chestertown’s authentically unbiased spirit. It has 200 domestically owned outlets, galleries, eating places, bakeries, and cafes the place you may take your time looking handmade items, uncommon books and discovering one-of-a-kind finds.
Twigs & Teacups

Twigs & Teacups overflows with whimsical items and distinctive house items | Picture: Higher ResidingShould you solely have time to enter one retailer in Chestertown, make it Twigs & Teacups (111 S Cross St, Chestertown, MD 21620). Everybody we requested for native suggestions stated it was their favourite retailer.
Means larger than it seems to be from the surface, this 2-story store is stuffed with a curated assortment of whimsical and distinctive items filled with persona, together with all the pieces from quirky kitchenware and nostalgic toys to domestically made items, stationery, books, puzzles, clothes and seasonal treasures. Give your self loads of time to browse, as a result of there’s a lot to see.
Pricing is reasonably priced, and the pleasant workers, which incorporates their resident cat Jonathan, will enable you discover a distinctive present for any event.
Chester River Wine & Cheese Co.

Sampling the unbelievable choice of infused olive oils and artisan meals at Chester River Wine & Cheese Co.Just a few doorways down, foodies and wine lovers should pop into Chester River Wine & Cheese Co. (117 S Cross St, Chestertown, MD 21620) This cozy connoisseur store and native favourite gives a curated choice of wines from world wide, and cut-to-order cheeses, charcuterie, olives, pickles, jam, snacks and specialty gadgets. Construct a picnic to take to the riverfront or collect snacks for winding down later.
The workers listed below are pleased to supply pairings or samples, and the store usually hosts tastings and seasonal occasions. Whether or not you desire a new wine to attempt otherwise you’re a fromage fanatic, this store is a scrumptious detour.
The Bookplate

The Bookplate’s charming kids’s part options whimsical finds and uncommon titles | Picture: Higher ResidingGuide lovers ought to head throughout the road, the place they’ll get misplaced within the cabinets at The Bookplate (112 S Cross St, Chestertown, MD 21620).
This unbiased used bookstore, which additionally sells classic prints and pottery, has an unlimited choice with all kinds of genres and laborious to seek out titles. The choice right here is actually one in all a form, and the books are nicely organized. If there’s one thing you need however don’t see, ask the workers, they usually could have it hidden within the stacks or can particular order it.
The place to Eat in Chestertown MD
With a lot to do right here, there’s little doubt you’ll get hungry. Once you need to eat, Chestertown has a scrumptious mixture of choices, from Chesapeake seafood, farm-to-table fare, worldwide flavors, informal eats and comfortable consolation meals.
Stam’s Luncheonette

Stam’s Luncheonette serves nostalgic consolation meals in a restored historic soda fountain | Picture: Higher ResidingFor an off-the-cuff chunk, Stam’s Luncheonette (215 Excessive Road, Chestertown, MD 21620) is a retro-style lunch counter, soda fountain and ice cream store in a restored area that was initially Chester Pharmacy, opened by a neighborhood named John Stam about 175 years in the past.
The mantra right here is nostalgic allure serving up informal and traditional American lunch staples like Pizza Grilled Cheese, Dill Hen Salad sandwiches and tomato soup. Our favourite is their well-known signature juicy Butter Burger served with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and on a buttery toasted brioche bun. It’s oh so buttery and price each darn calorie.
A neighborhood favourite is their in-house made ice cream and sundaes made with artistic rotating seasonal flavors like Oatmilk Chai and Honeycomb + Graham Cracker. They even have pints of ice cream to go. It’s a must-stop in the event you’re craving cozy consolation meals with flavors that by no means exit of favor.
The Kitchen on the Imperial

The award profitable crab cake at The Kitchen at Imperial – a must-try when visiting Maryland’s Japanese Shore. | Picture: Higher ResidingAfter 25 years within the tech world, Chef Steve Quigg traded IT consulting for culinary creativity, and is the guts behind The Kitchen at the Imperial (208 Excessive Road, Chestertown, MD 21620). It’s one in all Chestertown’s most beloved informal upscale eating spots, the place each dish appears like a celebration of the Japanese Shore.
Winner of Finest Chef on the Japanese Shore three years in a row, Chef Steve crafts his farm-to-table menu impressed by what’s harvested recent from each the native farms and waterways. The menu adjustments right here usually, and all the pieces from the dinner rolls and hand-cut fries and desserts is made in-house.
A must-try right here is the Braised Lamb Shank and the signature crab muffins with completely no filler, filled with recent lump crabmeat, completely seasoned and paired with native produce and house-made sauces for an elevated twist. They’ve gained a number of awards for ‘Finest Crab Cake’, together with honors from What’s Up? Journal and Chesapeake Bay Journal. Pair it with their Rosemary Grapefruit Margarita or a glass of wine from their in depth curated international wine list.
Open for lunch, dinner and brunch on Sundays, The Kitchen on the Imperial is closed Tuesdays.
Retriever Bar

The Retriever Bar’s Home Burger options domestically raised grass-fed beef | Picture: Higher ResidingThe 21 and over Retriever Bar (337 1/2 Excessive Road, Chestertown, MD 21620) blends Chesapeake taste with a contemporary lounge really feel and craft cocktails. Cozy up within the lounge, seize a seat on the bar, which boasts some of the in depth spirit picks on the town, together with uncommon bourbons and whiskeys.
It’s additionally Chestertown’s go-to spot for uncooked, domestically sourced Chesapeake Bay oysters, small plates like Ceviche, Heat Goat Cheese and Pickled Beets and mains like Shrimp and Grits and Lamb Birria Tacos. Whether or not you’re sipping one thing daring or nibbling on a cheese board, all the pieces is thoughtfully crafted right here.
We love the Home Burger – a juicy double smash burger with domestically raised, grass-fed St. Brigid’s beef, American cheese, pickles, shredded lettuce slathered with bistro sauce served on a toasted brioche roll served with fries on the facet.
For dessert, attempt their scrumptious Apple Strudel with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream from Stam’s Luncheonette.
El Rancho Mexican Delicacies

El Rancho serves genuine Mexican road tacos with hand-pressed tortillas | Picture: Higher ResidingFor genuine Mexican flavors, El Rancho Mexican Cuisine (851 Washington Ave, Chestertown, MD 21620) is a couple of minutes exterior downtown. Opening early (6:30 AM most days) it’s one of many few locations on the town the place you may seize a full sizzling breakfast. The genuine Mexican menu gives all the pieces from omelets and pancakes to quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, and bowls and platters.
We love the tender steak and flavorful Al Pastor Mexican Road Tacos right here, that are served in heat, hand-pressed tortillas. We additionally ordered the hen enchiladas, ½ crimson and ½ inexperienced, served with black beans. They had been scrumptious, satisfying and actually packed some warmth.
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El Rancho is informal, reasonably priced, and excellent for vacationers craving daring flavors in a laid-back setting. Our server, Jordan, was tremendous pleasant, and we’re excited to attempt the spicy watermelon margarita subsequent go to. El Rancho is open 7 days every week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Trendy Stone Age Kitchen

Recent artisan bread cooling at Trendy Stoneage Kitchen in downtown Chestertown.Modern Stone Age Kitchen (236 Cannon St, Chestertown, MD 21620) based by meals anthropologist and former Washington Faculty professor Dr. Invoice Schindler and creator of “Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health,” this bakery, cafe and espresso bar open for breakfast and lunch is a one-of-a-kind edible vacation spot.
Right here you should buy sourdough breads, bagels, croissants, pastries and scratch-made meals for breakfast and lunch ready in accordance with ancestral meals traditions made with elements like natural flour and lard and cooking methods like fermentation that create essentially the most nutrient-dense meals.
Our favourite is their scrumptious hand-rolled sourdough pretzels, which promote out quick. You can too seize refrigerated ready meals to go like fermented veggies, yogurt, cheeses and house-made liverwurst.
Bakery seating is accessible inside, nevertheless it fills up rapidly. When it’s heat, head to their fairly courtyard exterior. Should you’re , verify their calendar of classes to be taught historic meals prep expertise like sourdough baking and fermentation.
The place to Keep in Chestertown MD

Brampton 1860’s gorgeous Nineteenth-century structure glows in opposition to a starlit Japanese Shore sky | Picture: Higher ResidingBrampton 1860
Keep longer and get up at an opulent historic Nineteenth-century boutique inn on a lush personal 35-acre property, 1 mile from downtown Chestertown at Brampton 1860.
A TripAdvisor Traveler’s Alternative Winner, featured on The Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid listed on the Choose Registry, Brampton 1860’s (25227 Chestertown Street Chestertown, MD 21620) completely restored historic structure, tranquil environment, genuine hospitality and a focus to element have earned it high scores and a loyal following.

Inside Marley’s Cottage at Brampton 1860 | Picture: Higher ResidingGet up in one of many seven thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites in the primary home or six personal cottages scattered all through the property. Every has luxurious facilities like spa tubs, fireplaces, luxurious Comphy™ linens, good TVs and free Wi-Fi.
Every morning, take pleasure in a freshly ready multi-course connoisseur à la carte breakfast of their sunlit eating room with menu choices like Lemon Croissant French Toast and Apple Pancakes that change every day. Have it served on their sprawling porch, deck or breakfast room. Seasonal elements, selfmade pastries, and heat hospitality are at all times included.

Brampton 1860’s connoisseur à la carte breakfast options every day specials like fluffy pancakes | Picture: Higher ResidingAll through the day, assist your self to a choice of baked items after which return within the afternoon for his or her Afternoon Tea for scrumptious small plates, dessert, complimentary wine, espresso and tea. After breakfast, go to their flock of chickens after which stroll via Brampton’s formal gardens with fruit bushes, trails and wild meadows that appeal to birds, butterflies, and small wildlife.
At evening, curl up with a e-book by the hearth, do a puzzle within the library or take pleasure in a glass of wine of their bar and lounge. We love stress-free by the outside firepit the place we are able to see tons of stars. Don’t be stunned if their cat Squeaky comes by to maintain you firm.

Curl up with a e-book in Brampton 1860’s inviting library by the hearth | Picture: Higher ResidingWith personalised service, Brampton 1860 gives a singular expertise that feels each timeless and welcoming. And also you’ll have one of the best of each worlds: lodging at a peaceable, luxurious, historic countryside property and the comfort of Chestertown’s indie outlets, galleries, and eating places simply 5 minutes away. Brampton is adults-only and pet-friendly. EV charging stations can be found. For one of the best charges, book direct.
💡 Learn our full Brampton 1860 Review and uncover Fall Fun at Brampton 1860 for seasonal actions.
Attending to Chestertown, MD
On Maryland’s Japanese Shore in Kent County, Chestertown is:
- 1 hour from Wilmington, DE
- 1.5 hours from Baltimore
- 1.5 hours from Washington, D.C.
- 1.5 hours from Philadelphia
Driving: Should you’re driving, you may attain Chestertown through Route 213 or Route 301, whether or not you’re coming from the north or south.
Flying: The closest main airport is Baltimore/Washington Worldwide Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), about 70 miles away. From BWI, you may hire a automotive or take a shuttle service to Chestertown.
Boating: Dock on the Chestertown Marina. Verify slip rates here and name 410-778-3616 to e-book your transient slip.
Parking: As soon as in Chestertown, parking is free and handy. Choices embrace on-street parking on Excessive Road, Cross Road, and Queen Road, in addition to a number of free municipal tons with cut-off dates on Spring Road, Cannon Road, and Calvert Road.
Chestertown makes the right addition to any Maryland Japanese Shore itinerary. Contemplate it as a part of your day trips from Washington DC or discover extra with the best day trips from Philadelphia for nature lovers.
Remaining Ideas
Chestertown, Maryland, is a historic Japanese Shore city recognized for its brick-lined streets, colonial structure, and scenic riverfront.
Based within the 1700s, it gives a captivating escape with over 200 unbiased outlets, galleries, and cafes, with a wide range of issues to do and occasions.
It makes the right getaway or day journey if you wish to uncover a singular vacation spot with tons of allure and with out the crowds.
For a peaceable and opulent retreat a couple of minutes from downtown Chestertown, keep at Brampton 1860.
Chestertown is compact however filled with issues to do!
Whether or not you’re planning a romantic weekend, a solo escape, or a family-friendly journey, Chestertown gives one thing for everybody:
- Historical past lovers can discover colonial structure and heritage websites
- Foodies can take pleasure in farm-to-table eating and selfmade ice cream
- Browse indie boutiques for distinctive finds
- Discover the historic waterfront or take a river cruise
- Decide your individual berries at Lockbriar Farms, then cool off with selfmade ice cream
- Help native and store Chestertown Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, March–December) for recent produce, flowers, and handmade items
For extra charming Japanese Shore locations, discover Onancock, Virginia, Cape Charles, Virginia, The Oaks Waterfront Hotel, and Chincoteague.
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