Perryville Travel Guide

Read about the top attractions, activities, food scene, and accommodations in Perryville, Maryland. Plan your next trip to this scenic Eastern Shore destination in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.


Introduction to Perryville

Perryville is a historic town located in Eastern Shore, Maryland, in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. This charming town is situated on the banks of the Susquehanna River, offering breathtaking water views and outdoor recreational opportunities. Perryville is also known for its fascinating history, cultural attractions, and diverse food scene.

Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or foodie, Perryville has something to offer to everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the top places to visit, things to do, and places to eat in Perryville, Maryland.

List of Places to Visit in Perryville

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Havre de Grace Decoy Museum: Located a few miles from Perryville, this museum is dedicated to the hunting decoy as well as the history of Havre de Grace and the Chesapeake Bay.
  • Perryville Railroad Museum: This museum showcases the important role of the railroad in the town’s history.
  • Havre de Grace Maritime Museum: Learn about the rich maritime heritage of the Chesapeake Bay at this museum, featuring exhibits on shipbuilding, fishing, and more.
  • Historic Perryville Walking Tour: Take a stroll through Perryville’s historic district and visit notable sites, including the Perryville Presbyterian Church and Rodgers Tavern.

Natural Attractions of Perryville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Susquehanna State Park: Located just outside of Perryville, this park offers 15 miles of hiking trails, fishing, camping, and stunning river views.
  • Conowingo Dam: Watch bald eagles and other wildlife at this historic hydroelectric dam on the Susquehanna River.
  • Broad Creek Memorial Wilderness Area: Explore this serene wilderness area on foot or by kayak and observe diverse wildlife and native flora.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Perryville

Perryville and its surrounding areas are excellent destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. The following are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Perryville:

  • Patriot Trail: This 1.5-mile trail starts at Rodgers Tavern and winds its way through Perryville’s historic district, offering some scenic views of the Susquehanna River.
  • Lums Pond State Park Trail: This 6-mile trail offers stunning views of the Lums Pond and allows hikers to observe several species of birds.
  • Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail: This 22-mile trail is perfect for cycling and provides breathtaking views of the Susquehanna River.

Best Things to Do in Perryville: Activities and Tours

  • Tasting Tours of Perryville:Sample wine, beer, and handmade chocolates at the various wineries, breweries, and chocolate-making factories in Perryville.
  • Fishing Excursions: Take a guided tour on the Susquehanna River and catch some fish with friends and family.
  • Susquehanna River Cruises: Enjoy a picturesque journey down the Susquehanna River and soak up the scenic views from the comfort of a riverboat.

Week-Long Itinerary for Perryville

Day 1: Visit the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, Perryville Railroad Museum, and Havre de Grace Maritime Museum

Day 2: Explore the scenic Susquehanna State Park and Broad Creek Memorial Wilderness Area

Day 3: Take a walking tour of Downtown Perryville and visit the Historic Perryville Walking Tour

Day 4: Go on a wine tour and tasting at local vineyards

Day 5: Catch some fish on a guided tour of the Susquehanna River

Day 6: Take a cruise down the Susquehanna River and enjoy breathtaking views of the Eastern Shore

Day 7: Relax and enjoy a delicious meal from one of Perryville’s many fine dining establishments.

Food and Drink Scene of Perryville

Perryville has a wide variety of food options that are sure to please any palate. Here are some of the top must-try dishes and local beverages in Perryville:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crab Cakes: These cakes are a staple in Maryland’s cuisine. Made with crab meat, often accompanied with Old Bay seasoning, they are a must-try for any visitor.
  • Smith Island Cake: This traditional Maryland cake is light, fluffy, and layered with frosting. It’s a sweet and delicious treat.
  • Rockfish: This local fish is delicious when grilled or fried.

Local Beverages

  • Natty Boh: A local brewery produces National Bohemian beer, or “Natty Boh” for short. It is a popular beer in Maryland.
  • Old Bay Bloody Mary: A bloody mary with Old Bay seasoning is an Eastern Shore tradition.
  • Wine: The Chesapeake Wine Trail has many excellent vineyards and wineries for visitors to taste local wine.

Where to Stay in Perryville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Perryville has several options for accommodations, ranging from comfortable hotels to cozy guesthouses and bed and breakfasts. Here are some of the top options:

  • La Quinta Inn & Suites: A budget-friendly hotel with essential amenities.
  • Rodgers Tavern Bed and Breakfast: A historic inn on the waterfront.
  • Vandiver Inn: A boutique hotel with a restaurant and bar.

What to Buy in Perryville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Perryville has several great souvenirs to bring home to remember your trip. Here are some ideas:

  • Crab Mallets: A must-have to enjoy Maryland crabs at home.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: A seasoning blend that goes well with everything, locals swear by it.
  • Local Art: The Chesapeake Bay inspires many local artists, and many great art shops on the Eastern Shore feature their works for sale.

Local Culture and Customs of Perryville

Marylanders have a reputation for being friendly people, and Perryville is no exception. Be sure to respect the local culture and enjoy conversing with friendly locals, and always be respectful to other visitors as well!

Best Time to Visit Perryville

The best time to visit Perryville is in the autumn, when the leaves change color, and the weather is crisp and comfortable. The summer months can be hot and humid, but the outdoor activities are a hit during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Perryville

Do:

  • Do take a walking tour of the historic downtown.
  • Do visit local wineries and breweries.
  • Do enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or pollute the natural habitats.
  • Don’t park in unauthorized areas.
  • Don’t disturb the local wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Perryville

Perryville is generally a safe town. Visitors are advised to take general safety precautions such as locking their cars and not leaving valuables in plain view.

Health in Perryville

Visitors are asked to abide by the usual hygiene guidelines to maintain their health in Perryville. During outdoor activities or physical exertion, always stay suitably hydrated.

Getting to Perryville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Perryville

  • Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) is the nearest airport, approximately an hour’s drive from Perryville.
  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is also an option for visitors traveling to Perryville.

Bus Stations Near Perryville

  • Perryville has a Greyhound bus station located at West Pulaski Highway.

Other Options

For visitors who’d wish to drive to Perryville, there are several major highways:

  • I-95; south to Baltimore and Washington D.C, or north into Delaware and the Amish country.

How to Get Around in Perryville

Perryville is decentralized, and it is best to travel by car. Buses may come a few times a day, but they can involve long wait times. Walking and cycling are also appealing transportation options for visitors who prefer to be outdoors.

Where to Go Next from Perryville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Annapolis: A historic city, the capital of Maryland, with a rich maritime history.
  • Baltimore: A large metropolitan area with notable museums, zoos, and restaurants.
  • Washington D.C.: The nation’s capital with many museums and monuments open to the public.

Conclusion

Perryville, Maryland, is a hidden gem perfect for those looking for outdoor recreational opportunities steeped in culture and history. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll be delighted and fascinated by what Perryville has to offer. We hope this comprehensive travel guide helps you plan your next trip to this scenic Eastern Shore destination in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

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