Explore the Eastern Shore & Chesapeake Region
Day 1: Delmarva Peninsula, Eastern Shore of Virginia & Maryland
Make your way to Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore. The first stop will be the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center, just over the state line in VA, where we will learn about NASA’s missions and projects, explore exhibits and view the rocket launch area. After lunch, we will travel roads coursing through the oldest English settlement in the area. The Delmarva peninsula was part of John Smith’s exploration of the Chesapeake Bay in 1608. Make your way to Salisbury and Wicomico County, named after the Wicocomico Native Americans. Start with a guided tour and scavenger hunt at the Salisbury Zoo, home to more than 100 animals including wild cats, wallabies, reptiles and “Pinocchio” the Andean Bear. Afterwards, check in to a nearby hotel and enjoy a local dining experience.
Day 2: More on the Shore in Wicomico County
Start the day at Pemberton Historical Park with an interpretive tour of Pemberton Hall, built in 1741 by Isaac Handy, one of Salisbury’s founders. Pemberton is also home to 4.5 miles of nature trails along the wetlands of the Wicomico River. Following lunch, the afternoon’s entertainment options are seasonal, and could include a Delmarva Shorebirds baseball game, local festival, concert or live show at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, or a production by Salisbury University’s department of Music, Theatre & Dance. Dinner options vary depending on entertainment selection.
Day 3: Cambridge, Preston & Kent Narrows
Depart Wicomico County for the next adventure, arriving at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center & State Park, along the tidewaters of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The journey continues to an Alpaca Farm adventure. Lunch will follow. Continue towards Kent Narrows, where a narrow channel separates the island from the rest of the Delmarva Peninsula. Arrive at the Chesapeake Heritage & Visitor Center to discover more about history, heritage and culture of the area. Located in Ferry Point Park, the area includes a 530-foot boardwalk, trails and overlooks of marshes and a beach. Check in to a Kent Narrows hotel, followed by a local waterfront dining experience.
Day 4: Annapolis
Start the day by crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, to the historic capital city of Annapolis. Visit the United States Naval Academy, stroll the grounds and visit the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, with an impressive, high-tech exhibit that captures the mission of the Naval Academy, student life as a midshipman, and career paths as commissioned officers. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Annapolis to enjoy waterfront shopping, historical sites and lunch at the Market House. Walk to the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, Maryland’s official museum of African American heritage. End the day with a pirate ship cruise along the waters of the historic harbor. Check into an Annapolis hotel and enjoy a waterfront dining experience.