With Love, Berlin
When you think about quintessential small town America, do you think about a bustling main street? Or perhaps you imagine a tight-knit, friendly community with a big neighborhood vibe and a parade for every celebration. There’s clean, fresh air, and plenty of green-space accessible within a few minutes walk. All the houses maintain their historic facades, and take pride in their well-kept appearance and bountiful spring gardens. Walking around Berlin on a sunny Saturday in April, you’ll see locals tending to their manicured lawns and shrubbery, tackling some outdoor projects, and chit-chatting with neighbors passing by. You will also see Main Street filled with smiling folks meandering through, enjoying ice cream cones, sitting outside on restaurant patios, and browsing family-owned boutiques and galleries. It’s not quiet per se, but it is peaceful. There are so many wonderful superlatives to award Berlin as a small town, destination, and community, and we think you deserve to experience them all firsthand!
Berlin, Maryland is known as “America’s Coolest Small Town”, a namesake that certainly describes the feeling of our small town. Only 10 miles from the beach and steeped in rich history, Berlin is a great spot to take a leisurely stroll and explore local art, food, and culture. One of Maryland’s most charming and historic small towns, Berlin boasts locally-owned & operated art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and fashion boutiques. This thriving small town attracts thousands of visitors every year for entertainment & culture, beach access and natural beauty. Berlin hosts many cultural events, conventions, fairs and community festivals throughout the year, and was even featured in two major motion pictures, Runaway Bride in 1998, and Tuck Everlasting in 2001. For a complete schedule of upcoming events, please refer to Berlin Main Street Upcoming Events.
The town of Berlin, Maryland was settled in the 1790s and incorporated as a town in 1868, and The Inn Berlin is located a short five minute stroll from historic downtown Berlin, Maryland. As you make your way down the beautiful & tree-lined Main Street, discover the almost two centuries of architectural heritage, including Federal, Victorian, and early 20th-century designs. The town of Berlin boasts forty-seven structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Learn more about The Inn’s own rich past and historical significance in Berlin.
We want to make sure you discover all of Berlin’s gems on your trip to the Eastern Shore, and we’ve created the ultimate guide with our top spots and ‘must-do’ activities in downtown Berlin. There are so many additions to Berlin’s business and cultural community every year, so let us know if you find a new favorite we should add to our list!
MUST STAY
At The Inn Berlin, of course!
Our boutique bed and breakfast is the perfect launch-spot for your Eastern Shore getaway. With five beautiful guest rooms, bespoke amenities and services, and a focus on seasonal dining, The Inn will delight you and your guest in every way. Within minutes, you can walk to the heart of downtown Berlin. Just 8.5 miles from the pristine beaches of Assateague National Seashore, and 10 miles from the hustle and bustle of Ocean City, we are perfectly positioned to give our guests easy access to the best of the Eastern Shore.
MUST VISIT
Created by local artist and photographer Alyssa Maloof, the museum has been designed to be a mystical place for visitors to explore the mermaid in all of it’s iterations. You’ll find mermaid-related artifacts and pieces from around the world within the museum, and a gift shop to take home your own piece of mermaid mythology.
The Art in the Fields Gallery provides 20th century original works and high quality lithographs.
A collaborative studio of four local artists (Matthew Amey, Karen Ardis, Lisa Tossey, and Margaret Tossey). You can watch artists at work in Wooden Octopus, and shop for original art.
Open Memorial Day Weekend through October, visit this carefully restored early nineteenth century house located in Berlin's National Register Historic District. The main block of the house has been furnished as a house museum and the west wing as a gallery displaying local memorabilia.
Beautiful, handmade glass beaded jewelry is on display, and visitors can watch Glass Artisans at work glass blowing and creating new pieces.
MUST WANDER
Stroll downtown Berlin on Sundays from 9 am - 1 pm during the summer season (May - September). Featuring local farmers, artisans, and vendors. Check out their Facebook page for more information!
Berlin’s Main Street boasts over 60 retail shops, galleries, dining establishments, live music venues, coffee shops, bakeries, butcher and local seafood market, sweets, antiques and more. The Welcome Center located at 14 S. Main Street, features a 24/7 vestibule full of information about shops, restaurants, excursions, events & more.
2nd Fridays of the month feature live music, artist showcases, sidewalk vendors, and shops open late. Check out the 2nd Friday Facebook event for current participation and specials.
Take a spooky nighttime walk through Berlin and hear about the stories of hauntings and unexplained events.
MUST FIND
Because what trip is complete without a little antiquing? Find your treasures at the antique shops below.
There are three large antique malls and over 300 locally owned booths. You will find many one-of-a-kind items, collectibles and gifts, as well as antique furniture, glassware, china and jewelry.
Part of the Town Center Antiques mall, you will find many one-of-a-kind items, collectibles and gifts, as well as antique furniture, glassware, china and jewelry.
An eclectic collection of jewelry, antiques, and furniture. Also available to shop the store online!
MUST SHOP
Owned and operated by the Canons, House features vintage hand-finished furniture, home decor, and a coastal farmhouse vibe we absolutely adore. The Inn Berlin had a few of our own antique pieces refinished by House, and they are stunning!
Heart of Gold Kids carries cool clothes, accessories, bedding & more for babies, toddlers & their mamas. Local owner Emily Vocke also creates beautiful window displays that change seasonally, and we love walking by this storefront!
Local artist and florist behind Bleached Butterfly, Autumn Kramer stuns with her creativity and attention to detail. This store is a bohemian dream, featuring home decor, vintage apparel, plants & florals, and more. A must visit when strolling downtown Berlin, you will get lost admiring the cool vibes here.
Owned by local artist Patty Backer, this store and art studio is filled with oddities and whimsical art, combined with unique cards, gifts, and fun stuff.
A fun boutique by local owner Shelly Bruder, carrying a sophisticated array of women’s clothing, chic accessories, and unique home goods. In the back of the boutique, you’ll find The Closet, an upscale consignment area.
Clothing boutique and neighborhood gift shop, Fathom is a woman-owned business that carries some gorgeous apparel, jewelry and more!
MUST EAT
We may be a bit biased here, but Hive, The Inn's on-site eatery, has some pretty delicious pop-up dining experiences! Subscribe to our mailing list and you will be the first to know about our pop-up events, how to reserve your spot, and most importantly, what’s on the menu!
Homemade ice cream made fresh daily in small batches, featuring year round flavors and rotating seasonal flavors too!
Chef and owner Paul Suplee does it again, bringing the best of Boxcar 40 (located in neighboring Pittsville, MD) to Berlin. Featuring scratch-made American eats, fresh seafood, and house-crafted meats.
Chef and owner Justine Zegna brings farm-to-table meals paired with craft cocktails & tap beers to Berlin’s culinary scene. With a beautiful outside dining patio and a hip tavern vibe interior, you will love what Blacksmith has to offer.
Locally-owned, Robin Tomaselli’s sweet bakery celebrates the art of scratch-made food. The handcrafted desserts and savory selections are made with love and the finest 100% all-natural ingredients, free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and trans-fats.
Locally-owned and operated, Gilbert’s provides the Berlin area with a high quality cheese selection, artisan charcuterie, and in-house pickles and fermented products.
MUST DRINK
Locally-owned and operated by Brett and Megan Hines, Buzz Meadery’s mead is made with sustainable ingredients sourced direct from the Eastern Shore and produced in small batches. Tasty, not too sweet, with fantastic fresh flavor!
Renowned local brewery, Burley Oak features a rustic brewery/taproom turning out small-batch ales and root beer with theme nights & tours.
MUST ENTERTAIN
From the people that brought Berlin Burley Oak Brewery, The Globe is a former theater turned eatery/lounge featuring seafood & American fare, an art gallery & live music.
Unique gift shop and wine bar featuring live music. A great place to enjoy local or regional wines & over 30 different brands of craft beer. Check out their Facebook page for more information on live music and special events.
Year-round events bringing the Berlin community together with good, family fun!
MUST RELAX
Offering yoga, aerial yoga, mediation, and workshops. Zenna brings the zen and relaxation to Berlin.
Owners Michele Harrington and Kristan Golden bring experience and exceptional customer service to their Salon. Services include haircuts, color, treatments, hair extensions, and lash extensions.
The practitioners at AR employ a holistic approach to their services, designed to give clients the most enriching treatment possible. Offering massage, facials and waxing, and using only natural products.
Main St. Nails
Located at 112 N Main Street, Main St. Nails offers the best services in nail enhancements, manicures, and pedicures in the area.
MUST NATURE
Stephen Decatur Park consists of approximately 21 acres and offers picnic and playground facilities and tennis and racquetball courts. Stephen Decatur also has a nature pond and trail.
Heron park features open land including two large ponds and is currently being enjoyed by walkers and bird watchers.
Our favorite’s list is always expanding as we learn about new Berlin spots. Which of our favorites have you visited? We’d love to hear about your experiences in our wonderful small town!