Why This Maryland Town Deserves More Attention
Located in eastern Maryland on the Delmarva Peninsula, numerous attractions have put Berlin on the map, including bathtub races, jazz festivals, railbike tours, and hand-blown glass studios. Its quirk has not gone unnoticed, with various publications talking about the town in recent years, including the Smithsonian, which listed it as one of the 20 Best Small Towns to Visit, and Budget Travel, which named it as the “Coolest Small Town in America”. If Berlin is not on your travel bucket list yet, 2025 might be the perfect time to change that.
Events & Festivals
Berlin is known for its lively festivals throughout the year. One of the most iconic is the annual Berlin Bathtub Races, where competitors race creatively designed bathtub-style vehicles down Main Street each June. Another must-see event is the Berlin Fiddlers Convention, held over two days in September, featuring live bluegrass performances. For jazz enthusiasts, the Jazz, Blues, Wine & Brews festival in May is a highlight, where visitors can enjoy wine tastings, street art, and live performances. From May to October, the town hosts a weekly farmers market on Sundays, offering fresh produce, a petting zoo, and live music. At the end of October, make sure to attend Berlin’s Oktoberfest, which features authentic Oktoberfest music, German foods such as brats, knockwurst, pretzels, German Chocolate cake, and delicious brews.
Other events that deserve an honorable mention include the Spring Cruisers Classic Car Show, which showcases a wide variety of vintage and classic cars, the August Peach Festival, in which vendors sell fresh peaches and peach baked goods, the November Christmas Tree Lighting and Ice Sculpture festival, and the December Christmas parade. Make sure to check out Berlin’s website for its full list of events, there are so many more!
Outdoor Activities
The best way to explore Berlin’s surrounding coastal forests, farms, and historic district is with a railbike tour from Tracks and Yacks. With excursions ranging from six to 13 miles, some tours also feature kayaking segments, offering views of nearby islands and secluded coves. If rail biking does not seem interesting to you, there are plenty of other ways to explore the surrounding outdoors. Slightly northwest of Berlin, travelers will come across Herring Creek Nature Park, spanning a total of 44 acres and featuring a nature trail, picnic pavilion, and bird-watching stations for observing the area’s native bird species.
Assateague Island National Seashore is another popular attraction nearby, the island spanning nearly 18,000 acres and offering 37 miles of beaches. Throughout the island, travelers can expect to see wild horses, split into two main herds. Visitors can also go fishing, crabbing, swimming, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. In the summer months, those with families can head to Frontier Town Adventure Park, an 1880s western-style replica town with pony riding, gold panning, gunfight reenactments, and other interactive experiences for the kids.
Dining Options
Make sure to arrive in Berlin hungry-- there are all kinds of restaurants and cafes you will want to try out. One of the town's most beloved restaurants is Blacksmith Berlin, opened in 2014 by professional chef Justine Zegna. The restaurant offers innovative, farm-to-table meals with the goal of supporting local farmers and bakers. Located on Main Street, The Sterling Tavern is another local favorite, serving hand-crafted burgers, crab cakes, freshly caught oysters, and 12 beers on tap to choose from. Those looking for a good cocktail and lively environment can head over to 410 Social, an eatery and barroom designed to foster a social atmosphere with an open-concept layout and walls adorned with colorful local artwork.
Maybe you're looking to fuel up with a morning coffee or plan to work remotely while in town. Either way, Berlin offers a great selection of coffee shops to explore. “On What Grounds?” Coffee Shop is a go-to option, with a cozy interior and central location on Main Street. 2nd Wave Coffee and Social is another popular cafe, serving macarons, muffins, and croissants in addition to a fresh brew. For even more sweet foods, stop by Baked Dessert Cafe, offering handmade, signature desserts that you will be remembering for days.
Art & History
Berlin has an Arts & Entertainment district designated by the Maryland State Arts Council, promising a lively art scene. Around town, visitors will find numerous murals, including the Berlin Welcome Center Murals, Pollinator Way Interactive Mural, and Dr. Reverend Charles Albert Tindley Mural. There are all kinds of unique studios to stroll through in town, including Beach Memories, which sells hand-blown glass jewelry and decorations, and Henry Fine Arts, a local painter’s art studio. For a book or art piece, The Greyhound Indie Bookstore and Fine Art Gallery has lots to browse. While downtown, keep an eye out for hand-blown glass stars hidden around town as part of the Berlin Bubble Project!
The best way to learn about Berlin’s history is by visiting the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. This museum, housed in a 19th-century restored home, is conveniently situated in Berlin’s National Register Historic District and displays local memorabilia and historically furnished rooms inside. Afterward, travelers can take a stroll through the nearby historic commercial district, appreciating its federal-era homes.
Final Thoughts
Go visit Berlin for one of its eccentric festivals, then stay to explore its natural attractions or Arts & Entertainment District. Whether you want to try your luck at spotting wild horses on Assateague Island or admire the town’s many murals, there are plenty of experiences worth the trip. That being said, this coming year, why not branch out from typical travel destinations and discover the quirkiness of this small town?
