From Bethesda Magazine: Best of Cambridge

In part two of our Eastern Shore series, learn about a town of bakeries, bars and more

July 14, 2026 2:13 p.m.

Lighthouse Photo by Jill Jasuta — Choptank River Lighthouse in Dorchester County, Maryland. Photo by Jill Jasuta.

This is the second part of The Best of The Bay July/August cover story for Bethesda Magazine. St. Michaels was published Monday, stories on Easton, Chestertown and Tilghman Island will be published in the coming days.

Located on the southern bank of the Choptank River, Cambridge is a charming city rich with history, outdoor adventures and wildlife. Scenic murals painted on the sides of buildings tell its story of being one of the oldest cities in the state and of its connection to the Underground Railroad’s Harriet Tubman. Small but colorful, Cambridge deserves a visit with time to wander through eclectic vintage shops, embark on a kayak river adventure, or duck into its wild pirate-themed tropical gastropub—a destination worthy of a trip all on its own.

Photo Courtesy of Bay Country Bakery/Cody Jones

Best Bakeries

Black Water Bakery, a family-owned cozy cafe in the heart of downtown, is great for fueling up, offering freshly baked pastries such as strawberry cheesecake turnovers, cinnamon buns, oatmeal cream pies and banana bread. For something more substantial, try the loaded breakfast fries, acai bowls, or a crab omelet topped with cheddar and hollandaise. If you’re a doughnut-holic, head over to Bay Country Bakery, which specializes in an endless variety of over-the-top doughnut creations, including coconut cream, Fruity Pebble and strawberry lemonade.

Black Water Bakery, 429 Race St., 443-225-5948, black-water-bakery.com

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Bay Country Bakery, 2951 Coastal Highway, 410-228-9111, thebaycountrybakery.com

Best Local Brews

Ever since the brewpub RaR opened its doors in 2013, it has been an integral part of the small city’s revival. Co-owner Chris Brohawn, who grew up in Cambridge, started out as a home brewer, then created RaR with a simple mission: to serve good food and great beer. After transforming an 80-year-old pool hall and bowling alley into an expansive brewpub, RaR, which stands for Real Ale Revival, serves a rotating lineup of draft brews, with many made on-site. But it’s more than the beer that keeps customers coming back. The menu delivers crowd-pleasers such as ”Drunken” tater tots, crab-topped jumbo Bavarian pretzels and Nashville hot chicken sandwiches.

RaR, 502 Poplar St., 443-225-5664, rarbrewing.com

Best Quirky Bar for Walking the Plank

A nautically themed bar, The Dive Club by the owners of RaR is full of unexpected, spooky surprises—think a mash-up of Disney World’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride meets Trader Vic’s. The rooms are “haunted” with fixtures that move, lights that flicker, unexplained noises and sudden thunderstorms for a truly immersive experience. The eerie atmosphere is the perfect escape for savoring over-the-top tropical drinks. If you dare, order the Captain’s Treasure, a flight of four smoking specialty cocktails served in a literal treasure chest and enjoyed dockside at the bar next to a skeleton pirate. The ocean-themed menu is equally impressive, with crab cheese wontons, crab soup, conch fritters, freshly shucked oysters, tuna poke bowls and Polynesian chicken ramen. All ages are welcome—so gather your hungry and thirsty buccaneer crew and set sail.

Best Places to Explore

Just a short drive from downtown Cambridge, the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge with its overgrown marshes is known as the “Everglades of the North.” The 50-square-mile refuge is home to more than 250 species of birds that nest and migrate here, including bald eagles, white pelicans, ospreys and great blue herons. The 4-mile Wildlife Drive, which travels through the park, is the best way for first-timers to take in the wetlands and marshes, whether on foot or by car or bicycle. Frequent stops along the route offer overlooks and short trails. Afterward, and just a mile down the road, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center tells the remarkable story of Tubman’s life—from her years of enslavement, to her courageous escape to freedom, to her tireless return trips to lead others out of bondage.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, 410-228-2677, fws.gov/refuge/blackwater

Harriet Tubman Center, 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, 410-221-2290, nps.gov/hatu/index.htm

Photo Courtesy Emily's Produce — Photo Courtesy Emily’s Produce

Best Farm Stand

Emily’s Produce is a great place to load up for a picnic. The family-owned farm stand offers fresh local produce and gorgeous flowers along with locally crafted cheeses, peanut butter, honey and fresh-baked bread. Round it out with such homemade delectables as deviled eggs, fruity chicken salad, potato salad, carrot cake, coconut meringues and their signature strawberry and cherry pies.

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Emily’s Produce, 2214 Church Creek Road, 443-521-0789, emilysproduce.com/our-story

Best Hotel That Checks All the Boxes

Water lovers are well covered at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina with options including an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Choptank River, a pool with a fun waterslide, hot tubs and an indoor pool. Other ways to unwind include an 18-hole golf course and a full-service spa on-site. Head to the hotel’s waterfront, where Blackwater Adventures (blackwateradventuresmd.com/hyatt) offers kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, powerboats and catamarans to rent. At the end of the day, grab a seat by the hotel’s outdoor grand fireplace to roast s’mores and enjoy a cocktail. The hotel is dog-friendly, so bring the whole family.

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, 100 Heron Blvd., 410-901 1234, hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/chesa-hyatt-regency-chesapeake-bay-golf-resort-spa-and-marina

This appears in the July/August 2026 issue of Bethesda Magazine.

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine