Princess Anne

Founded in 1733, and shortly thereafter becoming the seat of Somerset County, the main reason for a tourist to visit is simply to enjoy the pretty, historic architecture in this pleasant small town. Just east of the historic center is the other main reason why people visit: the University of Maryland's Eastern Shore campus.

U.S. Routes 13, 50, and 301 are the main roads into the Eastern Shore.

Because it is a small town, the best means of travel is by car.

Princess Anne doesn't have a lot of stand out attractions per se, but a nice walk around the historic buildings is a good use of your time. Look for the Somerset County Courthouse, the Metropolitan United Methodist Church, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Manokin Presbyterian Church, the Washington Hotel, and especially the Teackle Mansion.

• Teackle Mansion

  address: 11740 Mansion St
  The 10,000-square-foot mansion, home to the Somerset County Historical Society, dates back to 1802, built for the Teakles—one of the wealthiest couples in the country in their time. Closed to the public for restoration until June 2011.

• Allegro Gift and Coffee Shop

  phone: +1 410 651-4520
  address: 11775 Somerset Ave
  Novelties, souvenirs, and a nice place to sip some gourmet tea and coffee.

• Bailey-White Jewelers

  phone: +1 410 651-3073
  address: 30400 Mount Vernon Rd

• Beach to Bay Seafood

  phone: +1 410 651-5400
  address: 12138 Carol Ln
  Beach to Bay. A small local seafood restaurant that encapsulates what Eastern Shore cuisine is about: simple, family friendly restaurants serving extremely high quality, fresh seafood. A great place for a either a bushel of blue crabs, or simple fresh fish.

• Peaky's Restaurant

  phone: +1 410 651-1950
  address: 30361 Mt. Vernon Road
  Another nice, family friendly restaurant, with some fantastic prices on prime rib, crab cakes, chicken Chesapeake, etc.

• Alexander House Booklovers' B&B

  phone: +1 410 651-5195
  address: 30535 Linden Ave
  This B&B is about as literary and comfy as it gets, with rooms named after famous authors: Jane Austen, Langston Hughes, etc. The house also has a library with antiquarian, rare, and other books to read or purchase. Breakfast is most appreciated, and the B&B also offers afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

• Somerset House

  phone: +1 410 651-4451
  address: 30556 Washington St
  A pretty 1850 house with antique furniture, within a very easy walk of the university, with a sauna and garden.

• Deal Island