Today, this magnificently restored, Art Deco style performing arts center features live entertainment year-round.  The theater has an orchestra section and a two-tiered balcony level.  In full concert, the Avalon can hold 400 people, and all seats are GOOD seats. 

Performances can range from folk music, Celtic dancers, stage plays, ballet, and single acts such as Nancy Griffith, Leon Redbone, Joan Baez, The Mid Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, Leo Kotke, Cheryl Wheeler, Lucy Kaplansky, and the Four Tops. 

For more information and a calendar of performances, check out the Avalon Theater's website.  Consider spending the evening in Easton,  dining at one of the outstanding restaurants before taking in a show at the Avalon, which is conveniently located in the heart of a premier historic small town.  Restaurants, shops, galleries, museums and lodging - all located downtown - are within walking distance. 

THE AVALON'S RESIDENT GHOST
The Avalon Theater has had a resident ghost for decades according to some Eastonians.  The ghost evidently likes to ride the elevator.  Late at night workers still in the theater after events will report hearing the elevator door open, lights come on, and the elevator rising to the second or third floor on its own.  They say it later makes its way down again with no one visibly on board.    Spooky!

1. The Inn at Easton - 28 South Harrison Street Easton, MD 21601
   410-822-4910 - 888-800-8091 Elegant, in-town dining, beautifully restored historic building. World renowned chefs, European cuisine, guest rooms available. Recently ranked by Washington Magazine #16 out of 100 best restaurants in DC, MD & VA area. Reservations recommended.
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2. Restaurant Local - 101 E. Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601, 410-822-1300. Located at the historic Tidewater Inn. Open Thursday through Monday for lunch, dinner and late fare. Chef, Richard Hamilton has been instrumental in designing a new restaurant venue at the recently renovated Tidewater Inn. Cuisine is elegant, yet comfortable - fit for fine dining or shared family dinners. Reservations are recommended - www.opentable.com. �
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3. Mason's - 22 South Harrison Street, Easton, MD 21601, 410-822-3204
   Located in a restored historic family home in the heart of Easton, Mason's offers elegant dining that runs the gamut from a romantic gourmet meal for two, business lunch, family dinner or carry-out to enjoy at home. New American cuisine is established under the stellar guidance of Chef, Daniel Pochron. European coffee bar and gourmet gift shop is also attached. Catering services are available.
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4. Out of the Fire - 11 Goldsborough Street, Easton, MD 21601, 410-770-4777. Located in the Easton historic district, this cafe and wine bar offer a Mediterranean cuisine with dining area centered around a massive stone hearth oven. Specialties include bread and pizzas baked in the oven. Dining area has art from local artists displayed. Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays.
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5. Inn at Perry Cabin -308 Watkins Lane, St. Michaels, MD 21663
   Sherwood Landing is the name of the Waterfront restaurant housed at this historic Inn housing some of the best accommodations on the Eastern Shore. Executive Chef, Mark Salter provides European classical and modern American style fare with an extensive wine list. Recognized by the Food Network as one of the "Best of Waterfront Tables" is only one of the many accolades this Inn has received. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Afternoon Tea. Please call for reservations or go to OPEN TABLES.
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6. Scossa's - 8 North Washington Street, Easton, MD (410) 822 2202
   Restaurant and lounge with a Northern Italian cuisine, located directly across from the Talbot County Court House in downtown Easton. Extravagantly decorated in classic Italian style, proper attire (not coat and tie) is recommended. Banquet facilities are available for groups and parties. Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Reservations recommended.
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7. Bistro - 403 S. Talbot Street St. Michaels, MD 21663, 410-745-9111
   This recreation of a classic French Bistro lies in the heart of St. Michaels. Chef, David Stein has developed a menu that included food one would likely find in Paris cafes as well as Eastern Shore classics. Large wine list and delectable desserts are also a part of the Bistro experience.
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8. Harrison's Chesapeake House - 21551Chesapeake Drive, Tilghman Island, MD 21671, 410-886-2121. Waterfront restaurant, bar and Inn located on Tilghman Island. Chesapeake House is an historic Inn that serves some of the best seafood and prime rib on the Eastern Shore. Bar, guest rooms, catering, banquets, parties, sport fishing tours are also available.
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9. Tilghman Island Inn - 21384 Coopertown Road Tilghman Island, MD 21671
   410-886-2141 800-866-2141. This 20 room resort on the Chesapeake Bay features local produce and seafood are the core of the excellent gourmet meals served. Winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Award of Excellence several years in a row. Open for lunches, dinners. Bar / Lounge.
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10. Latitude 38 - 26342 Oxford Road, P.O. Box 144, Oxford, MD 21654
    410-226-5303 - Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch are served here at this Bistro in the quaint, seaside town of Oxford. Seafood and beef are favorites here to both the locals and tourist. Dinner menu changes every two weeks. Closed on Mondays.

Housed in a small gothic-style building which served for a short time as the local Catholic church, the museum takes full advantage of every square inch of space with modern displays that include interpretive panels and signage that allow visitors to self guide their own tours at a leisurely pace.

The museum building and artifacts are owned by the Town of Snow Hill which has been most progressive in recent years in developing attractions that will make it a destination for visitors that travel the Eastern Shore.  The exhibits range from interactive "touch" exhibits for children  to Dressed Fleas (yes ... actually fleas dressed in clothing - a circus type exhibit), old tools, Victorian era clothing, Pocomoke Indians and the extensive collection of needlework by Snow Hill folk artist Julia A. Purnell. 

Julia A. Purnell was born in Snow Hill in 1843 and lived to b 100 years old.  When she was 85 she became disabled and began a hobby of doing needlework.  Many of her creations featured historic Snow Hill sites.  Her son William crafted wooden frames for the needlework which are currently highly sought after and bring a hefty price at auction.  When Julia died, William donated her needlework and collection of early Americana artifacts to the town in her memory.  The Town of Snow Hill has continued to foster the legacy of regional history that Julia and William began by supporting and funding the Museum.  Local residents and loyal museum members have also contributed both artifacts and financial support. 

Though the Museum is only open from April to October, special appointments can be made to view artifacts by calling the Museum at 410-632-0515 in the off season.

Normal hours of visitation April through October are Monday through Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday 1 to 4 PM.  Admission is $2.00 for Adults and $.50 for children 5-12. 

For more information on displays, exhibits and events sponsored by the museum, visit the Julia A. Purnell Museum website.

Photo of Purnell Museum courtesy of the Worcester County Library.  Photo of Julia A. Purnell courtesy of the Julia A. Purnell Museum.  For more information on Snow Hill history, see Snow Hill - Images of America.

Named for a native Crisfielder who was the only person in Maryland's history to serve in all three offices of the Board of Public Works - Comptroller, Governor and State Treasurer, this museum, on the waterfront at the Somers Cove Marina, traces the history of the Lower Eastern Shore.  Exhibits include the beginnings of the Chesapeake Bay, the influence of the Native Americans on the early colonists, seafood harvesting and processing, the history of Crisfield and the evolution of that uniquely American art form - decoy carving and painting. 

The museum also has exhibits on prominent Crisfielders that include the late Governor Tawes and those legendary brothers Lem and Steve Ward who pioneered the artform of decoy carving from a small workshop in Crisfield almost century ago.  The Tawes Museum is housed in the Somerset County Visitor's center located in Somers Cove Marina.  Though it is relatively small in space, allow 45 minutes to an hour to read the interpretive signage and displays which are remarkably modern. 

Though the museum in owned and run by the Crisfield Heritage Foundation, there is always a representative from Somerset County Tourism on hand to answer and questions.  A small gift shop is also located in the Visitor Center (open Fridays and Saturdays in winter months) as well as rest rooms and wall of pamphlets and brochures on Eastern Shore attractions.

Museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (summer hours include Sunday).  Admission is $2.50 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 6 to 12.  The Visitor Center is conveniently located on the Crisfield waterfront within walking distance to restaurants and shopping.  Directions can be found at the Crisfield Heritage Foundation website.  Call 410-968-2501 for more information.