Mid-Atlantic - What's living in Easton, Maryland like?

My brother and his lovely wife have recently found employment in Easton, Maryland. Like me, he grew up in New York and then went to school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I've never been to the Eastern Shore and I'd love to play wise older brother and give him some insider tips on the area. I'd appreciate suggestions on:

- Good places to eat
- The best beach to go
- Weekend getaway spots
- The best routes into D.C. and Baltimore
- And anything else locals know of.

Thank you for your input.

It's been about 10 years since I've been there so I might not be 100% accurate now but I'll give my experiences.

First, it's pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Growing up in MD, we thought of the entire eastern shore (with the exception of Ocean City and the beaches) as hicksville. There's corn, there's chickens, a few crab and oyster fishermen on the bay and that's pretty much it. Very small town. I would think someone growing up in the NYC area would go out of their mind there.

To get some culture, you have to drive to Baltimore or DC. It's not a horrible drive but I'd assume it's not so pleasant late at night returning from an evening out.

The beaches aren't too far away. There's plenty written about them in other threads so I'm not going to go there.

Again, I haven't been there in 10 years. I'd be interested in hearing how it's changed.

I think the above description is more than a bit off but typical of someone who has probably only driven through Easton on the way to the beach. Easton is still a small town but I wouldn't consider it hicksville and there is plenty to do and plenty of culture. Very close to St. Michael's (http://www.stmichaelsmd.org/) which is beautiful with several good dining options and also only about 15-20 minutes from Cambridge.

Here's a link that might help with a great description of what the town is like:
http://www.eastonmd.org/ebmasite/local.htm

The best routes into D.C. and Baltimore
RT 50 runs from Easton all the way into DC. To get to Baltimore you'd take 50 to 97

I'm sort of split between the two previous posts. It definitely isn't just corn, chicken, and crabs. There is a fair amount of money in the Easton area. That said, the attraction of living there is generally outdoors. Water activities such as boating and fishing are popular, as is hunting and horse riding. There are a few halfway decent restaurants, but you won't find anything like the variety of quality places you would even find in Baltimore, let alone DC, let alone New York.

For a specific recommendation, my relatives who live in the next town like Pope's Tavern at the Oxford Inn, in Oxford Maryland.

There are a few halfway decent restaurants, but you won't find anything like the variety of quality places you would even find in Baltimore, let alone DC, let alone New York.

Moving to any small town and expecting the dining options to be comparable to any large city is unrealistic.

I live in Talbot County, of which Easton is the county seat.

Easton is a very nice, livable town (population around 15,000) and has been ranked among the top ten best small towns in America. Talbot is one of the wealthiest counties per capita in America, has more waterfront than any other county in the US and is a popular weekend getaway for the political elites in D.C., just over an hour or so drive away...depending on traffic.

Easton has art galleries, shopping and music venues. There are several upscale eateries in Easton including Scossa, Mason's, Restaurant Local at Tidewater Inn and Out of the Fire, all Zagat rated. The nearby towns of St. Michaels and Oxford offer more places to choose from.

There are plenty of Atlantic beaches within an hour and a half drive, starting at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, Dewey Beach, Delaware Seashore State Park, Bethany Beach, and of course, Ocean City, Maryland. Which one is best all depends on individual taste and preferences. All are family friendly with the exception of Dewey which has more of a college frat house party atmosphere; of course that is generalizing somewhat but still...

Routes to DC and Baltimore have been covered, US Route 50 is the only real option to get to Annapolis, Baltimore and D.C. Be mindful of the traffic conditions especially on weekends during beach weather, it can get quite congested.

Easton is a very nice, livable town (population around 15,000) and has been ranked among the top ten best small towns in America.

By whom, the Easton Tourism Board? :)

By whom, the Easton Tourism Board? :)

"Easton is a very nice, livable town (population around 15,000) and has been ranked among the top ten best small towns in America."

The first part of this statement is my own opinion based on having lived here for the past five years. The population is a matter of public record. The last part is from Norman Crampton’s book 100 Best Small Towns in America (http://www.amazon.com/100-Best-Small-Towns-America/dp/0028605772), Easton was ranked number eight.