The small park beside the Dorchester County Courthouse in Cambridge is called Spring Valley, after a spring there that provided drinking water in early times. At some point a domed, circular structure was built over the spring. In the 1890s a cast iron fountain was placed in a round basin in Spring Valley. The spring house was demolished in the early 1900s and a wooden, Victorian-style pavilion was put in its place. That structure was replaced in 1952 by a brick platform.

Greetings, fellow agents. I have recently had the pleasure of dining at the Dock House Restaurant in Kent Narrows, MD, and I must say, it was a culinary experience fit for a king.

The seafood served at the Dock House is fresh and delectable, a true testament to the skill of the chefs in the kitchen. The crab cakes are succulent and flavorful, and the lobster is cooked to perfection. Each dish is prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail, leaving no room for error.

The ambiance of the restaurant is tranquil and peaceful, providing a much-needed respite from the chaos of the world. The gentle sound of the water lapping against the dock is a soothing backdrop to the meal, and the staff is attentive and courteous, ensuring that every need is met with grace and ease.

But what truly sets the Dock House apart is the breathtaking views from the restaurant. The waterfront vista is nothing short of spectacular, and it is no surprise that many a poet has been inspired by its beauty. To dine at the Dock House is to be transported to another realm, a world of pure joy and wonder.

This Spy highly recommend the Dock House Restaurant to all my fellow operatives. It is a true gem, offering a feast for the senses and a respite from the troubles of the world. If ever you find yourself in Kent Narrows, MD, do not hesitate to pay a visit. You won’t regret it.

Over and out.

 

 

The Cambridge Municipal Building, also known as Historic City Hall, is a brick Colonial Revival style structure at 307 Gay Street that was completed in 1926. At that time, it consolidated the city’s administrative offices with the Rescue Fire Company after it moved from its own building across the street. Currently, it is used only for the Christmas Train Garden, but plans are underway for renovation.

High Street is the oldest thoroughfare in Cambridge, and author James Michener once called it “one of the most beautiful streets in America.” Given its name on July 15, 1706, it has housed governors, statesmen, lawyers, and other notables. It is also reputed to be the most haunted street on the Eastern Shore.

From the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s, the harbor on Cambridge Creek was a bustling place for the maritime and seafood industries. By 1890, the heyday of the oyster business, the creek was crowded with more than 700 wooden boats, including pungies, bugeyes, bateaus, schooners, and skipjacks. Tradition has it that you could walk across the creek just by stepping from boat to boat.

This was the second building for the Zion Methodist Episcopal Church, located on Race Street from 1846-1910. Destroyed by fire, it was replaced by a new granite structure on Locust Street.

Once you leave Chestertown, you are literally “on the farm” everywhere. The vast fields of Eastern Shore ag country slide off into the horizon; sometimes incandescent green, sometimes hauntingly barren and sere depending on the season. 

Take any road in Kent County, and you’re likely to pass miles of fence and farmhouses where families for generations have seeded and tilled the earth, or raised dairy cattle.

One of those roads, northeast of Kennedyville, leads to Crow Vineyard and Winery, where the Crow family has farmed dairy, wheat, corn, and soy on 365 acres of pastureland since the 1900s. 

Ten years ago, Judy and Roy Crow had a different idea about farming—diversify land use by adding a vineyard.

Met with skepticism at first, Judy Crow says they held fast to their vision of creating a destination spot for visitors to experience the unique atmosphere of a working farm combined with a vineyard, tasting room, and wine club, along with a hefty schedule of special events showcasing their 15 varieties wines, often with a guest celebrity chef.

As it continues as a working farm —galvanized steel silos, barns, and a herd of 100 Angus cattle give it away—12,000 visitors last year alone Visited Crow Vineyard and Winery for lunch in the newly designed Hay Barn Tasting Room, wine seminars, tours of the farm, overnights at the Farmstay B and B or get-togethers at their wine club.

Another aspect that sets Crow Vineyard apart, however, is their commitment to sustainable farming practices. The vineyard is certified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture as a Best Management Practices (BMP) farm, which means they use environmentally-friendly methods to grow their grapes. They also have a strong focus on supporting the local community, using only Maryland-grown grapes in their wines and partnering with local businesses to showcase the best of the Eastern Shore.

Famous social commentator Will Rogers once quipped, “the farmer has to be an optimist,” and the Crows have proved that optimism and hard work will be rewarded with gold and silver medals and thousands of new friends.

The Spy recently talked with Judy Crow and estate manager Brandon Hoy about how the vineyard developed and became one of the stars of the Maryland wine industry.

This video is approximately nine minutes in length. For more information about Crow Vineyard and Winery, go here. Better yet, visit.

 

 

After an extended pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Spy Newspapers is thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated return of its Distinguished Speaker Series. Esteemed architect Mark McInturff, FAIA, will grace the stage with a captivating presentation on May 18th at the Academy Art Museum from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Reservations are required for this exclusive event, and tickets can be purchased by clicking here. Ticket costs are tax-deductible and will directly support the Talbot Spy’s ongoing coverage of art and design in the Mid-Shore region.

Mark, who also maintains a residence in Neavitt, MD, has earned a stellar reputation in Talbot County for his exceptional residential designs. Architect and Spy Writer Jenn Martella has regularly featured his work in her popular weekly column, “Design with Jenn Martella” in the Talbot Spy. During his presentation, Mr. McInturff will provide insights into his current projects, including the design of the St. Michaels Community Center and several notable residences.

Following the presentation, attendees will have the unique opportunity to purchase one of twenty donated copies of Mr. McInturff’s latest book, “HOMEwork,” with all proceeds benefiting the construction fund of the St. Michaels Community Center. As a special gesture, Mr. McInturff will personally sign each copy upon request.

Don’t miss this exceptional evening with one of the most respected architects in the industry. Reserve your seat today and support the Talbot Spy and the St. Michaels Community Center.

To reserve tickets please go here.

The Eastern Shore State Hospital, a mental health facility made up of 20 Tudor Revival-style buildings, opened in Cambridge in 1915 with 203 patients from Maryland’s western shore. The population grew to 680 by 1956 but was on the decline when the facility became the Eastern Shore Hospital Center in 1973. The hospital was moved to another location in 2001, and the Hyatt Regency Resort later opened on the old property.