Raise your hand if you’ve ever driven through Denton (or just around it on the bypass) on your way to Delaware beaches?
Yeah, me too!
Which is kind of a shame, since you could be missing out on a delightful, quaint little Eastern Shore town.
Denton has a lot to offer, whether you decide to stop for a few hours to enjoy a restaurant and explore the downtown’s art galleries and boutiques, head there on a rainy beach-vacation day, or spend the night at the elegant bed and breakfast, Turnbridge Point, right on the central city square.
What to Do
Browse Denton’s art galleries, such as FACES art gallery, museum, and artists’ studio, and the Foundry Gallery, a juried collection of Eastern Shore artists’ work in a variety of mediums, from water color to wood.
There are also a number of cute boutiques, such as the Fourth Street Gallery and Joviality, offering a fascinating mishmash of items, from jewelry to elegant shawls to thoughtful gifts — always fun to wander through and shop! And just outside of town is the Antiques Station, a traditional collection of antique and collectible vendors displaying their wares in one location, less than 5 minutes outside of town.
Definitely take a moment, though, to tour the Museum of Rural Life, which tells the story of surrounding Caroline County. Caroline County is one of only a handful of counties in the United States that existed for more than 300 years solely dependent on an agriculturally based economy. Tour this museum, and you’ll gain a rare glimpse into this world through four historic dwellings, contained entirely or in part within the museum, including Painter’s Range, an entire log cabin home of a tenant or subsistence farmer, built around 1824.
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| “Escape from Poplar Neck,” Mark Priest, acrylic on canvas |
Also within the museum is the original art of Mark Priest, who painted a scene of Harriet Tubman rescuing her parents for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway markers.
Getting there: 16 N 2nd St, Denton, MD 21629
Website: http://www.carolinehistory.org/
FACES Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore
FACES is home to a home to exhibit, retail, studio and thus is a destination for the area’s many quilt and fiber art enthusiasts, visitors, and residents to view historic and recent works by quilters and fiber artists from Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Delmarva Peninsula. It is a unique place to visit, shop, learn, and find inspiration.
Faces emphasizes the role that the Eastern Shore and its own unique heritage has had on fiber arts in the region. FACES tells the story of the rural tradition of fiber arts and its journey to the present day Eastern Shore experience.
Getting there: 7 N 4th St, Denton, MD 21629
Website: https://fiberartscenter.com
The Foundry
The Foundry is both an art gallery and gift shop located in Denton and managed by the Caroline County Council of Arts, The Foundry hosts local artwork from more than 40 of Caroline County’s most talented artists and artisans.
The Foundry offers a variety of pieces that capture the essence of Eastern Shore living, from paintings and photography to handmade jewelry, woodwork, note cards, pottery and other unique items. Also on display in The Foundry are more than 75 glazed tiles from its Community Tile project.
Getting there: 401 Market St, Denton, MD 21629
Website: https://carolinearts.org/
Where to Eat
Nich’s Coffee
Grab a cup of joe at Nich’s Coffee Shop, enjoying its quirky atmosphere and aesthetic, along with amazing food and drink along with products available to buy from local artists. Great way to support the community and enjoy yourself along the way!
Getting there: 5 N 3rd St, Denton, MD 21629
Website: http://nichscoffeeshop.business.site/
Market Street Pub
Right in town is a cheerful Irish pub, perfect for lunch or dinner, or even lodgings (airbnb upstairs). Serving a mix of soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers, the Market Street Pub also offers more traditional Irish favorites such as Guinness Irish Stew, as well as surprises such as its Meatloaf Borkowski. You can also count on finding a variety of classic pub specialties such as Public House Fish & Chips, Cream of Crab Soup, Guinness Burger and Dublin Mexi-Cali Wrap. In the heart of town and very popular, you’ll want to have a drink and a bite to eat at this Irish pub!
I enjoyed a more traditional burger, which was very good, but I have to say, the fries were to die for!
Getting there: 200 Market St, Denton, MD 21629
Website: http://marketstreet.pub/#food-menu
Where to Stay
Turnbridge Point Bed and Breakfast
Set on the banks of the Choptank River, Turnbridge Point bed and breakfast is located in the heart of historic downtown Denton on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The house was built circa 1868 and is one of many Victorian-era homes that line Denton’s beautiful courthouse green.
The inn is co-owned and run by Rob Griffith and his husband, Steve Konopelski, a classically trained pastry chef and couture wedding cake designer. Even if you don’t stay there, stop by for one of Chef Konopelski’s delightful pastries. Worth noting, you can also purchase your wedding cake here!
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| Rob Griffith, co-owner of Turnbridge Point B&B, runs the pastry and coffee shop on Saturday mornings. |
Getting there: 119 Gay St, Denton, MD 21629
Website: https://www.turnbridgepoint.com/
What a great overview of Downtown Denton. But you missed Harry's Restaurant, another excellent place to eat and drink.