Beautiful Riverside Hideaway Named This Year’s Must-Visit Fall Destination

Many travel publications quite frankly don’t know what they’re talking about. It’s as if they pick random spots on the map and make a listicle with them.

Here at Travel Off Path, we only share with you the ones that make sense. Forbes is one of the most reliable names in the industry, and they absolutely nailed this beautiful riverside hideaway as a must-visit fall destination.

The truth is, more travelers are venturing beyond the norm to discover the lesser-known, and gorgeous small towns are reaping the benefits.

Boasting 300 years of history along Maryland’s famous Chesapeake Bay and inlet rivers, you might be think we’re about to dive into the storied city of Annapolis, but it’s far from a hideaway at this point, welcoming a record number of visitors.

Instead, we’re going to the flip side of the bay to the Eastern Shore where the little-known town of Easton lies, home to numerous new restaurants hyped as must-eats, vibrant autumn beauty, and relaxing (and surprisingly luxurious) waterfront stays.

Enjoy Easton’s Riverside Delights

Maryland may be the only U.S. state without a naturally formed lake, but its veinlike topography of rivers and runoffs provides no shortage of blissful waterfronts — Easton being a prime example.

Forbes highlighted the town’s best stays, The Oaks and Inn at Perry Cabin, just outside the city limits. Each is nestled along secluded riverside acreage of manicured lawns, calm shores with sailboats drifting by, and classic, elegant architecture, each with its own unique flair, though The Oaks is recently renovated.

Popular bro-com Wedding Crashers was actually filmed at The Inn at Perry Cabin, and still offers a ‘Visit Like a Wedding Crasher’ package as an ode to the film and a fun way to enjoy a weekend getaway.

Though there’s no word if you can weasel your way in by saying you know Uncle Ned…

But it’s not solely classy stays along the river to enjoy the serene waters trickling by — Forbes believes Easton is one of the top up-and-coming foodie destinations in the Northeast.

Trendy New Restaurants Galore

The quaint, timeless streets of Easton are beginning to become a place where old meets new.

More restaurants are popping up with creative new culinary concepts in a row of old-fashioned brick storefronts, largely led by Bluepoint Hospitality.

Forbes recommends the following restaurants as absolute musts when visiting Easton:

• The Wardroom (a fresh-out-the-oven Italian enoteca with over 400 varieties of wine on-hand!)🍷
• The Washington Street Pub (a revamped community staple in a building dating back to 1710!)🍺
• Bas Rouge (backed by James Beard award-winning chef — hope you like sea boogers!)🦪
• Sunflowers & Greens (for those who keep their diet in track on vacay)🥗
• The Stewart (known for the single-malt scotch and ‘eclectic’ upscale menu)🥩
• Roma Alla Pala (offers ‘authentic Roman Pizza’ and homemade ice cream)🍕

Forbes may have focused on what’s new and trendy, but remember this town is roughly 300 years old.

As such, there are numerous establishments standing the test of time. One such place is Tidewater Inn Bed & Breakfast, dating back to 1712, and home to popular Hunter’s Tavern.

The common consensus is that the Shore Crab Dip is unmatched, which should be no surprise, as the Chesapeake is world-renowned for its blue crabs and overall dock-to-table cuisine.

How To Get Here

Unfortunately, there are no ferries traveling to Easton (hmm, did I just think of my next business idea?)💡.

Though there is the nearby historic Oxford–Bellevue Ferry, it’s still a bit out of the way to justify hopping aboard.

So, unless you happen to have a buddy with a boat, you’ll have to skip the vibrant marina and drive in.

The good news is this side of Maryland makes for an excellent road trip, albeit a brief one from nearby airports.

The best way to arrive is by flying into Baltimore (BWI) or even another airport, few travelers know about, since Breeze Airways recently began operating here — Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY).

Salisbury serves Orlando via Breeze and Charlotte and Philadelphia via American Airlines. Otherwise, Baltimore’s busy airport is the top option where you can easily rent a car and make your way through scenic bayside roadways to Easton.

Both SBY and BWI are approximately an hour away.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.