From Farm to Shore: Savoring Worcester County’s Agritourism Revolution

Discover how Maryland’s Eastern Shore weaves fresh flavors, coastal charm, and economic vitality into an unforgettable experience.

Maryland’s Coast is more than its sun-drenched beaches and ocean vistas—it’s a thriving crossroads where fertile fields meet briny bays, fueling a dynamic local food scene. Agritourism here isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline for small businesses, a spark for job growth, and a celebration of the Eastern Shore’s enduring heritage. From family farms to oyster beds, every taste tells a story of resilience and innovation. Ready to dig in? Here’s how Worcester County blends land, sea, and community into a farm-to-shore revolution.

Farmers’ Markets: Fresh Finds, Deep Roots

As spring unfolds in 2025, Worcester County’s farmers’ markets burst into life, turning quiet corners into vibrant hubs of flavor and connection. These aren’t just shopping stops—they’re gatherings that power small farms, preserve traditions, and bring seasonal bounty straight to your table.

Must-Visit Local Markets:

• Berlin Farmers Market (Sundays, May-October): A colorful array of produce, honey, and baked goods in this historic town.
• Snow Hill Farmers & Artisans Market (Thursday, May-October): Fresh eggs paired with handmade pottery—perfect keepsakes from emerging gems.
• Pocomoke City Farmers Market (Friday – seasonal): Heirloom tomatoes and warm farmer chats await in this southern hub.
• Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market (Saturdays, year-round): The county’s largest, brimming with seafood, crafts, and community spirit at White Horse Park.
• Ocean City Farmer’s Market (Sat & Sun – May through October and Tues & Thurs – July and August):  Locally grown produce and fresh-cut flowers bloom in the Gold Coast Mall parking lot, a seasonal delight for coastal shoppers.

Spring 2025 highlights to look out for:

• Early asparagus and strawberries from Barefoot Farms Produce.
• Local treasures like Baybees Raw honey—a natural allergy fighter—and small-batch preserves from Home Canning Classics.

Why It Matters: Each purchase supports over 150 family farms, keeping Worcester County, MD’s agricultural heartbeat strong for generations.

From Bay to Plate: Seafood That Sustains

Beyond the fields, Worcester County’s coastal waters deliver a seafood harvest that’s as vital to the economy as it is delicious. The oyster industry, in particular, is surging, with sustainable aquaculture creating jobs and restoring the Chesapeake Bay’s health—one shell at a time.

Savor the Catch:

• Dine Waterfront: The Shark on the Harbor in West Ocean City plates oysters pulled from the bay that morning.
• Buy Dockside: Head to West Ocean City Commercial Harbor for seafood straight off the boat from Skilligalee—think blue crabs and flounder at their freshest.
• Oyster Adventure: Head to Baywater Seafood to taste Maryland’s saltiest oysters, grown where Atlantic tides meet sheltered waters.

Why It Matters: Seafood here isn’t just a meal—it’s a lifeline for watermen and a boost for coastal communities, blending tradition with innovation.

Craft Beverages: Sipping the Shore’s Spirit

Worcester County’s craft beverage scene pours passion into every glass, drawing visitors to its breweries, distilleries, and pioneering meadery. These stops aren’t just about the buzz—they’re engines of growth, sourcing local ingredients and creating jobs.

Sip Local:

• Windmill Creek Vineyard & Winery: Near Downtown Berlin, unwind with a crisp white amid the vines on this family-run estate.
• Burley Oak Brewing Co.: Berlin’s “Sorry Chicky” sour ale remains a tart, beloved staple.
• Seacrets Distilling Company: Ocean City’s first legal distillery in over 80 years—sample their 2024 spiced rum for a coastal kick.
• Forgotten 50 Distilling: Berlin’s craft spirit haven, where small-batch liquors blend coastal charm with modern flair—try their bold gin for a memorable sip.
• Cypress Roots: Snow Hill’s hidden gem, offering earthy, artisanal brews that root you in Maryland’s rustic soul—savor their seasonal ale for a taste of the region.

Why Visit: Every sip supports farmers (honey, hops, grapes) and fuels hospitality jobs. In 2025, look for Burley Oak’s spring saison or Forgotten 50’s new coastal vodka twist. 

Agritourism Adventures: Harvest Memories

Get hands-on—or just soak in the scenery—at Worcester County’s farms, where agritourism blends fun, education, and rural charm.

Unforgettable Experiences:

• Colburn Farm: Host an event on this 350-acre Snow Hill retreat, famed for lavender fields and Jimmy Red Corn.
• U-Pick Seasons: Snip posies in spring and fall, pick strawberries in May, or gather blueberries in June-July at Barefoot Farms.
• Festivals: Join hayrides at the Worcester County Fair (August), marvel at the Blessing of the Combines (August 2, 2025, tentative), or explore history at The Delmarva Discovery Museum or Ocean City Life-saving Station Museum.
• Step Back in Time: Furnace Town Historic Site near Snow Hill offers blacksmithing and farming demos amid 19th-century vibes.

Why Families Love It: Kids feed goats at Barefoot Farms or trace oysters at Bay Landing—learning where food comes from while putting dollars directly into farmers’ hands

The Bigger Picture: Taste Your Way to a Thriving County

Choosing local in Worcester County, Maryland does more than delight your palate. Choosing local:

• Preserves thousands of acres of farmland.
• Sustains hundreds of jobs in agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
• Cuts carbon footprints with short, shore-to-table supply chains.

Ready to Dive In?

Agritourism in Worcester County is a connection—to the land, the water, and the people shaping Maryland’s Coast. Pick berries in Pocomoke, shuck oysters in Ocean City, or toast Berlin’s craft scene—each moment strengthens this region’s backbone. By savoring the shore, you’re preserving traditions, uplifting small businesses, and fueling a future where farm and sea thrive together.

So, what’s your next stop? Explore, taste, and celebrate Worcester County’s farm-to-shore way of life, supporting the local economy along the way.