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Moments after leaving the hustle and bustle of I-95 in northern Maryland, you're in beautiful Cecil County. Resting along the upper banks of the Chesapeake Bay, halfway between Philadelphia and Baltimore, the county offers travelers a change of pace and breathtaking scenery. Once you sample the shimmering harbors and history, rolling hillsides and horse country, antiques and outlets, and unforgettable eateries and inns, you'll want to visit again and again.

Cecil County offers the best of two worlds... the beauty of the countryside and the accessibility of being right on I-95. If you are planning to fly into Philadelphia, Baltimore or Washington D.C. and are not within driving distance, be sure to save an extra day or two, or three, for relaxing in Cecil County, as it's only a short drive away from these airports.

From a cliff 100 feet above the waves, visitors can stand next to Turkey Point Lighthouse and see the beauty of five sparkling rivers spilling into Chesapeake Bay. A drive through Cecil County can take you past exquisite manor homes, 18th Century churches and covered bridges. Watch for roadside markers touting the history of our homeland, and marking inns where folks like Lafayette and George Washington hung their hats. Travel the roads once traveled by our forefathers, and learn about Head of Elk, where the largest British landing of the Revolutionary War took place.

Local Attractions

- take a stroll through the Victorian historic district of South Chesapeake City and enjoy waterfront dining and shopping.
- capture the essence of Main Street USA on a shopping trip to North East for that antique or collectible treasure you've been hunting for.
- experience the tiny village of Port Deposit on the banks of the Susquehanna, listed in its entirety on the National Historic Register.
- shop till you drop at Perryville Outlets.
- climb aboard a friendly horse and take a trail ride through the woods or visit with the animals at the country zoo.
- catch the exciting action at the drag way.
- watch huge vessels from ports around the globe as they traverse C and D Canal and slip beneath the majestic bridge.
- stroll the grounds of an herb farm. Pick fresh fruit at one of our many orchards.
- hike out to Turkey Point Lighthouse and marvel at the breathtaking view.
- Play the slots at Maryland's first casino, Hollywood Casino Perryville.

Bed and Breakfast: Rest your head in anything from a horse farm to Ty Pennington's Secret Room in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Motels and Hotels: Choices from economy to luxury.

Vacation Rentals: Sitting on Chesapeake Bay and with 5 rivers, this is a popular area to stay awhile. Many properties abound with great sunsets, boat ramps and even private swimming areas.

Eateries: The collection of eateries includes waterfront dining, country inns, authentic crab houses, a clubhouse overlooking the golf course, family fare and fast food. Whether you're craving succulent seafood, continental delicacies, mouthwatering steaks and poultry dishes, fast food when you're in a hurry, or a burger done just the way you like it, you'll find the perfect place right around the bend. And everyone has time to stop for ice cream - try Kilby Ice Cream, where the cream comes straight from their cow to you.

Tours: Enjoy them any way you like - by horse, tug, kayak, airplane or work boat.

Shopping: The variety and friendliness make it so enjoyable: antiquing, gifts, farm fresh produce, handcrafted oak baskets, coffee, Christmas decor, horse gear and even a shop called Terra Joy Edible Landscapes for fruit trees, shrubs and quality herbs you can take home, plant and eat.

Recreation: Boaters, fishermen, golfers, equestrians, hunters, campers, hikers, and bikers - Cecil County has something for you. Nature lovers can easily find a spot along our shores to enjoy a favorite outdoor activity. Listen to the sounds around you as you explore trails through the beautiful countryside and along streams. Feel the little tug at the end of your fishing line, then a bigger one and a bigger one as you snag a catch! Hear the whoosh of a golf club just before it sends your ball sailing toward the lush green. Feel the breeze on your face as your sailboat tacks this way and that across the horizon, or your jet ski hops across the waves.

When you chart your course for our shores, be sure to stay long enough to visit towns brimming with heritage, to take a drive through farm country and to try our restaurants and inns. Come relax and enjoy!