Snow Hill
All About Snow Hill, Maryland
Within Worcester County, visitors encounter three exciting towns to explore – Ocean City, Berlin and Snow Hill. Snow Hill is a small, historic town that has a much slower pace than Ocean City, making it ideal for individuals looking to escape the hustle and bustle. While it may be smaller than both Ocean City and Berlin, it certainly doesn’t lack for things to do. Visitors can drive to Assateague to see the wild ponies race across the beach or enjoy a wholesome dinner at one of the many Snow Hill restaurants.
The town was founded in 1686 by English settlers, and its name comes from a neighborhood in London. Though the town is tucked neatly into the side of the Pocomoke River and is known for its charm and quaint appeal, the town is also known as being the home of Judy Johnson, a major player in the Negro Baseball Leagues. Some scenes from the movie Runaway Bride, staring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, were also shot in the town’s local high school.
It is a rather small town, with the population around 2,500 as of the 2000 census. But the small population shouldn’t discourage visitors, as there is more than enough to see and do. Snow Hill restaurants are known for their delicious Maryland delicacies. Almost every fine dining restaurant serves meals containing only the freshest local vegetables and seafood. There are a number of different restaurants for visitors to try, like China Moon, Down Under, Harvest Moon Tavern, Johnny I’s, The Blue Dog Café, The Emporium and The Palette Bistro & Bar.
The Palette Bistro & Bar offers a more intimate dining experience. Customers constantly rave about the chef’s rare talent when it comes to preparing delicious, gourmet dishes. On Thursday nights, the restaurant serves tapas, making it resemble an establishment one would find in southern Spain. If looking for a homemade meal just like grandma used to make, The Harvest Moon Tavern on West Green Street certainly fits the bill. It provides a much more relaxed dining experience than the one at Palette Bistro & Bar but the food is equally as delicious.
Besides enjoying the local cuisine, visitors often take advantage of the breathtaking Pocomoke River. It isn’t uncommon to see individuals walking along the river’s edge early in the morning. It is a peaceful and enjoyable walk, and perfect for bird and nature lovers. Aside from leisurely walks along the river, visitors can canoe, kayak, fish, camp and golf during their stay. For those less adventurous or uncomfortable with pioneering their own boat, there are Pocomoke River Cruises that provide a splendid opportunity to experience the river, without the responsibility of having to steer.
If looking to enjoy the shopping the town has to offer, there are a number of different businesses to meet every need a visitor may have. Snow Hill galleries, like Bishop’s Stock Fine Art, Craft & Wine, The American Art Gallery and The Fine Needle are perfect places for those looking to observe the local art and culture. Much of the town’s quaint appeal can be understood through the art displayed at these Snow Hill galleries. Artiques, Gallery on the River is the perfect haven for antique lovers, and book worms can find a home within the walls of Pages & Pearls. Besides the usual businesses that line the street, visitors will also encounter work done by local artists. The town is known for its pottery, photography, sculpture and flat panel work. If looking to explore the local business district further, Market Street is certainly the best place to start.
Though dining and shopping provide more than enough to keep a visitor entertained, the town is also home to a number of exciting and unique events. Blessing of the Combines occurs on August 4th. Hundreds of citizens and visitors come together for the annual celebration to honor the local agriculture. There are craft vendors and food vendors set up on Green Street. Pony rides and tractor pulls are available for young children, making the celebration a perfect family event.
In October, the Chesapeake Celtic Festival comes to town. Besides the vendors that set up shop, visitors can expect exciting entertainment on various stages, such a storytelling, dancing, music, comedy, craft demonstrations, Martial arts and countless others. Whether a fan of the Celtic tradition or not, it is an event that shouldn’t be missed.
Paint Snow Hill is another event that is extremely popular, especially among art lovers. Over 50 artists from the Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware area come together in April to display their work on Green Street. Because many of these artists don’t have their work in local galleries, it is the perfect, and perhaps only, opportunity to purchase their art.
This gorgeous Maryland town truly has something for everyone. If it isn’t the town’s charming and small-town feel that draws visitors in, it is certainly the number of amazing things to do and see that keep people coming back for more. Each and every month there are events taking place to make visits even more memorable.
