Insight

Home to Assateague National Seashore, the first Presbyterian Church in America and the largest cycling event east of the Mississippi, the Lower Shore’s heritage is linked by geography, economy and culture. Deep roots run from coast to bay, and residents display a shared appreciation for heritage & traditions. A relaxed attitude belies resilience born from historic roles working the water and land for five centuries. A growing reputation for recreation and relaxation continues to attract visitors seeking both adventure and respite, and a growing population of retirees, students and families are drawn by the area's quality-of-life amenities.

Discover our Heritage Ways

Though art galleries, exhibits, public art, plein air events, art leagues and associations, art is an integral part of our heritage. The Lower Eastern Shore is full of regional and cultural examples. Come explore the art of the lower shore.

The Lower Shore is perfect for cycling. It's relatively flat, with gorgeous scenic highways and byways as well as bike trails through forests and parkland. What are you waiting for?  Explore what the Lower Shore offers if you love to ride your bike!

If you are looking to lose yourself in the landscape, then come explore the Lower Shore's scenic byways.  From history to fishing and crabbing to discovering shops and restaurants in the historic towns that dot the shore, our region offers opportunities to get lost. Come explore our lands and waters nestled between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic ocean.

Churches and other places of worship dot our landscape.  Many travel to the shore to trace their ancestry.  The roots of Makemie and the Presbyterian church are strong here.  Come explore our historic churches, cemeteries and graveyards, tour synagogues and understand the roots of African American culture here.

Our environment and location along the 
Atlantic flyway for migratory birds makes our tri-county region perfect for birders. Come for Delmarva Birding weekend. Set up at the Ocean City inlet with a scope or camera this winter, and learn about our region's birds.

Heritage is about the people and places of a region. Folk Ways tell the story of our people - where they lived, how they lived, their stories and their homes. Meet the people and explore their history and traditions here on the Lower Shore.

Food defines a region. Come explore the abundance that this agricultural and seafood center provide - crab picking on a hot summer day, oysters on the half shell, fried chicken, cold craft beer, produce and peaches. The Lower Shore is beckoning the foodie in all of us. Come and eat!

Our environment here on the shore defines us, too. We are surrounded by water. Tracts of forest, protected for our use, sprinkle the shore. Waterfront parks for fishing and recreation are easily accessible with boat ramps in all three counties. Outdoor living is a key to our identities.  Come explore our natural landscapes!

 We have stories to tell: of the first Presbyterian Church in the United States; of Isaiah Fasset, the oldest living Civil War Veteran; of Baseball Hall of Famers and Rosenwald schools; of watermen and governors; of hunting and fishing; of kayaks and sailing ships.  Come hear our stories.

There is nothing better than a walk through the woods, along the beach, or through a historic neighborhood.  The Beach to Bay Heritage Area provides many opportunities to find a hike or explore our history and architecture on foot. 

Water everywhere! There's no more prominent landscape feature in Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties.  We have rivers, we have streams, and we are nestled between the Chesapeake Bay to our west and the Atlantic Ocean to our east. From kayaking to fishing to swimming, our waters are ready for your visit.

Newsletter

If you are interested in Our Ways,  please subscribe to our newsletter.  It will deliver a story each month along with other interesting information.  In addition, we will be giving away a prize in each newsletter to a lucky reader who enters a contest.  You can submit photos that you may see again on our site or in our social media.  You might be asked to like our Facebook page or answer a fun question.  Win prizes just for participating.  Subscribe to OurWays today!