I visited a Maryland town in the 'new Hamptons.' This laid-back hidden gem is my new favorite vacation spot.

I adore traveling to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, which has earned the moniker of “the new Hamptons.” Despite being raised in New Jersey, I seldom ventured to the Hamptons. However, my family and I now favor visiting Maryland’s Eastern Shore, known as “the new Hamptons.” We particularly enjoy Easton, our preferred town, due to its excellent restaurants and shopping options.

For the past two years, my family and I have swapped our beloved Jersey Shore boardwalks for weekend trips to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Designated as the new Hamptons by Forbes, this area features a town that has captured our hearts: Easton. With a polished, upscale Hamptons vibe and a relaxed atmosphere, Easton is a mere three-hour drive from my home in New Jersey, making it the perfect three-day weekend getaway for our family.

What draws us to Easton is its charming downtown area, bustling with cool shops. During our first visit, a concert took place in the middle of the road, drawing a crowd of locals. Even without events, we appreciate exploring the shops. The Easton Town Center is a lively, walkable area of several blocks filled with stores, restaurants, and art galleries. My three-year-old son enjoyed visiting Crackerjack Toys and Children’s Books, while adults can browse numerous shops and art galleries.

Our dining experiences in Easton were equally delightful. We savored gourmet charcuterie boards and wines at The Wardroom, enjoyed Prince Edward Island mussels and a classic Caesar salad at Out of the Fire, and relished chocolate ice cream with sprinkles at Bonheur, a café with hand-painted wallpaper and a vast selection of ice cream and pie options. Additionally, we plan to explore the Maryland blue crab, rockfish, oysters, and clams, as well as kayak and paddleboard rentals in the area.

Easton’s allure lies in its Hamptons-like elegance with a relaxed energy. We’ve only scratched the surface of what makes the town special, but we’re excited to return for future visits. Future trips may include visiting the Prager Family Center for the Arts, enjoying horse-drawn carriage tours, and more. This charming town is a place I genuinely enjoy exploring with my family, and I look forward to returning many times.