The Heart of the Chesapeake: Your 2026 Guide to Dorchester Events

When you stay at Sandaway Suites & Beach in Oxford, you aren’t just visiting one town—you’re perfectly positioned at the gateway between two of Maryland’s most storied counties. While Sandaway sits in the serene, colonial charm of Talbot County, a short drive across the Choptank River lands you in the "Heart of the Chesapeake"—Dorchester County.

Explore the "National Parks" of the Eastern Shore

Dorchester County is home to two of the most significant federal protected areas in the Mid-Atlantic. Staying at Sandaway gives you easy access to both:

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

This National Park Service site is a powerful tribute to the "Moses of her people." The Visitor Center, located in Church Creek, offers immersive exhibits that tell the story of Harriet Tubman’s childhood in Dorchester County and her heroic journeys to lead others to freedom. The landscape itself—the marshes and forests—is much as it was in the 1800s, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of history.

 

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Often referred to as the "Everglades of the North," this refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is a crowning jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It is world-famous for its high concentration of breeding Bald Eagles and its role as a vital stopover on the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds. Whether you drive the 4-mile Wildlife Drive or paddle the water trails, it is a must-visit for any nature lover.

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 2026 Event Highlights

• Maryland Day Founding Celebration (Mar 28): Step into an 18th-century tavern experience.

• Chicone Village Day (Apr 25): Celebrate Native American culture in a recreated Nanticoke village.

• Cambridge Classic Powerboat Races (May 23-24): 114 years of high-speed tradition on the water.

• IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman (Jun 14): Watch world-class triathletes take on the Dorchester landscape.

• Boatyard Bash (Oct 10): A celebration of the maritime heritage that defines our region.

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Plan Your Cross-County Day Trip

Staying in Oxford offers a peaceful retreat, while the excitement of Cambridge and the natural beauty of the parks are just a scenic drive away. Use this guide to plan your excursions:

To Cambridge Waterfront (20-25 Minutes) Head east from Sandaway to Route 50 and cross the Choptank River Bridge. This is where you’ll find the Choptank River Lighthouse, Great Marsh Park, and a vibrant downtown dining scene.

To Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (35-40 Minutes) Follow Route 16 south through the charming small towns of Dorchester. The transition from the manicured lawns of Talbot to the vast, wild marshes of Blackwater is one of the most beautiful drives in the state.

To Harriet Tubman National Historical Park (30-35 Minutes) Located just minutes from the Blackwater Visitor Center, this trip is easily combined with a nature excursion for a full day of history and scenery.

To Vienna, MD (40-45 Minutes) A bit further south along the Nanticoke River, this quiet town is home to the Chicone Village and offers a glimpse into a different side of the Shore's heritage.

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Why Oxford is Your Ideal Hub

After a day of exploring the rugged beauty and deep history of Dorchester County, there is nothing like returning to the quiet, adults-only serenity of Sandaway. Watch the sunset over the Tred Avon River from our private beach—the perfect end to a "two-county" adventure.

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