Blog Posts — WILL DRINK FOR TRAVEL

About an hour and 40 minutes from both Baltimore and Washington D.C., Dorchester County is located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It’s Maryland’s second largest county by land but second smallest by population. While it tends to be overshadowed by its louder and more popular Eastern Shore neighbor, Ocean City in Worcester County, Dorchester County shouldn’t be overlooked.

My mother and I recently spent a weekend there and we both fell in love with its quaint neighborhoods, rich history and relaxing feel. However, Dorchester’s food and drink scene alone makes it worth checking out for a night’s stay on your way to or from other Eastern Shore locales, or a weekend getaway all on its own. I can personally attest that you’ll enjoy every bite or sip at the places listed below.

Where to Eat

BREAKFAST

The High Spot

The High Spot (305 High St, Cambridge, MD 21613) is a popular gastropub, located right in the heart of downtown Cambridge. Owned and operated by Chef Patrick Fanning, brunch here is an absolute must as they serve fresh, local foods. For starters, I tried their amazing pumpkin, chocolate, and streusel pastries. All of the breads and pastries served are made fresh daily at their sister restaurant, Black Water.

Next I sampled their chocolate french toast made using Israeli Babka bread and battered in cinnamon whiskey. It was so delicious and fresh! And for an added pop, I tried the french toast with a little goat cheese. I was happily stuffed by the time we finished.

LUNCH

The Wine Bar

Located in downtown Cambridge, The Wine Bar (414 Race St, Cambridge, MD 21613) opened its doors about 13 years ago. They offer a vast selection of domestic and international wines, cheeses, charcuterie and sushi that you can either sit and enjoy or take home.

The Wine Bar also sells an array of chocolate treats from Asher’s Chocolate in Pennsylvania, as this is the owner’s hometown. The staff at The Wine Bar provided excellent guidance and recommendations about what to sample. I am still obsessing over the Cotswold cheese that I tried and fell in love with here.

DINNER

Jimmie & Sook’s Raw Bar & Grill

In the mood for seafood? Jimmie and Sook’s (527 Poplar St, Cambridge, MD 21613) is the place to go! Named for male crabs (Jimmies) and female crabs (Sooks), this was some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever had. I am still licking my fingers over their delicious crab soup, rockfish and desserts (and so is my mom!).

Cream of Crab Soup
Walnut encrusted rockfish, cheddar grits and baked sweet potato
Crab stuffed rockfish with cheddar grits and steamed broccoli
Dessert Tray

I loved the atmosphere here. Jimmie & Sook’s is a place to go for a nice, casual dinner with friends, family or significant other. They also have a live band on Saturday nights starting at 10 p.m. if you want to keep the party going. And if you’re ever in Belize, visit the their sister restaurant, Wet Willie’s Dock.

Where to Drink

BEER

RAR Brewery

Started by two friends and Dorchester County natives in 2013, RAR Brewery (504 Poplar St, Cambridge, MD 21613) brews its own beers in house. They converted an 80-year-old former pool hall and bowling alley into a brewery where they brew 10 barrels at a time. While they’ve been on tap at some of your favorite Baltimore and D.C. restaurants for some time, RAR has recently began a canning operation so they’re now distributed at retail stores throughout Maryland and D.C.

I sampled each of the beers they currently offer and there’s something for both dark and light beer drinkers. My favorite was ‘Big Lizz,’ the butternut squash seasonal ale, but each of the beers offered was distinctly different. RAR describes each of their beers perfectly, so it’ll be easy for you to decide what you want…that’s if you decide not to try them all, which I highly recommend!

This is by far one of the coolest places in Dorchester County. RAR also serves finger foods (because you can’t drink on an empty stomach…duh) if you want to sit and watch a game or hang out with friends. On most Saturday nights, they have a live band for entertainment. I can see RAR serving as the center of nightlife as Dorchester County continues expanding its tourism offerings.

WINE

Layton’s Chance Vineyard and Winery

Layton’s Chance Vineyard and Winery (4225 New Bridge Rd, Vienna, MD 21869) is a family owned and operated winery in Vienna, MD, about a 20 minute drive from Cambridge. Their motto is “We work like crazy, so our guests can be lazy.”

During my visit, Layton’s Chance was hosting their annual Harvest Festival with many activities for the entire family. There was wine tasting, pumpkin picking, grape stomping, a live DJ for dancing and vendors where you could buy various items such as jewelry and handmade soaps.

Before planting grapes in 2005, the family used the farm to run a successful grain operation. In order to expand their business, the Layton family decided to start a vineyard and haven’t looked back since. Layton’s Chance wines are currently sold in 150 retail outlets in Maryland and shipped to over 13 states. Offering white, red and fruit wines in sixteen varieties, ‘Turbo Charged Joe’s Cool Red’ is their most popular and happened to be my favorite, at 18% alcohol.

Honorable Mentions

I didn’t get a chance to try these places, but I’ve only heard good things. Give them a try if you have time:

I was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed exploring Dorchester County through their local foods and spirits. I highly recommend spending a night or making a weekend out of seeing all that Dorchester County has to offer.

While this trip was hosted by Dorchester County Tourism, all opinions are my own.

I had never been to East Asia, and since work took me to Central Asia, I figured I would take the long way back around the globe to see my brother in Seoul. I caught a flight on Etihad Airlines via Abu Dhabi and arrived in Seoul refreshed and ready to see why many call this the “Soul of Asia.”

Seoul is a sprawling metropolis located on the Han River. The city is divided into many gu, or districts, which contain several dong, or neighborhoods. My brother lives in Bangi-dong in Songpa-gu, just steps from Olympic Park and Lotte World Mall and Tower, which, when completed will be the fourth-tallest building in the world. Lotte World Mall boasts the largest indoor theme park with an adjoining luxury hotel, theaters, restaurants, and high-end shopping. In contrast to the gleaming and modern buildings just minutes away, the streets of Bangi-dong feature neighborhood markets and low-rise apartments.

Day 1

I arrived midday and we spent the afternoon exploring Olympic Park, where Seoul hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics. The park is an easy walk from Lotte and Jamsil Subway and features many trails, waterways, flowers, and contemporary sculpture. There is a history museum within the park that will give you a solid foundation of Korea’s long and rich history.

Day 2

My first full day was spent visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was built in 1395 and is one of five grand palaces in Seoul. The pagoda-style roof and walled gates were a give-away that I was someplace special. We were lucky enough to enter the main gate to catch the changing of the guard with bright pennants, drums, and traditional instruments. Through the back gate, you can catch a glimpse of the Blue House, the executive residence of the President, featuring traditional Korean architecture with sloping blue-tiled roof lines.

We continued our stroll up the steep steps to navigate the narrow alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. Originally residences for high-ranking government officials, these traditional Korean houses sit high on a hill overlooking a modern downtown, and offer a glimpse into life in a 600-year-old urban environment. When we came down to the bottom of the hill, we meandered through an alley and had a traditional Korean lunch with dozens of plates of seafood, rice, kimchi, and pickled peculiarities while we sat on the floor.

Day 3

On my second day, we walked through several traditional markets and commercial neighborhoods, where “mom-and-pop” shops are grouped by trades. You can walk down one street that is all hardware, while another area is just musical instruments. The traditional covered outdoor markets are chock full of fresh and dried fish, kimchi, fresh produce, meats and traditional garb in bright colors—definitely worth walking through the cramped quarters to take in the sights, sounds, and smells.

While you’re there, try any of the many offerings from the food stalls with benches. We enjoyed mung bean pancakes hot from the fryer. Our drink of choice to wash them down was soju, which translates to “burn liquor” and is most akin to Korean vodka distilled from rice or sweet potato.

After the market, we took steps down below street level to the Cheonggyecheon. This is a recently restored stream that was previously covered by an elevated highway which has since been removed. It meanders from City Hall and eventually drains into the Yellow Sea. It is a great place to catch a break especially after the hustle and bustle of the market. There are many seating areas to watch passersby, and you can criss-cross the creek on stepping stones, or dip your feet into the cool water. Another nice treat to cool down was green tea bingsu, or shaved ice, which was big enough to share with several people.

In contrast to the traditional markets, you may want to visit the trendy Itaewon neighborhood. It offers international cuisine and well-known shops from brands around the world. While you’re there, be sure to take the cable car to the top of Namsan or Seoul Tower at dusk to see the city lights twinkling below you.

From the banks of the Han, to the top of Namsan Tower, Seoul is a vibrant, energetic, and pulsing place, good for your soul and your spirit. The soju didn’t hurt either! I cannot wait to return for another glass and explore a new corner of this exciting city.

– Jami Rodgers

Photo Credit: Jami Rodgers

Where to Eat and Drink in Dorchester County, Maryland

Where to Eat

Where to Drink

Honorable Mentions

3 Days in the ‘Soul of Asia’: Seoul, Korea

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller