May 9: In celebration of America 250, visitors taking the TALBOT COUNTY TOUR of the MARYLAND HOUSE & GARDEN PILGRIMAGE will experience an array of stellar homes, gardens and nationally significant historic sites from 10 am to 5 pm, rain or shine.Touring gives rare access to iconic private properties that showcase the unique beauty, waterfront settings and rich history of Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Wye House, Plimhimmon, Emerson Point, and Harleigh Farm. Bonus sites to discover en route include Third Haven Friends (Quaker) Meeting House (1682) and the Talbot Historical Society. And noting that 2026 marks the 365th anniversary of Talbot County’s founding, visitors will receive exclusive access to audio drive-bys of Colonial period historic sites in the charming towns of Oxford (est. 1633) and St. Michaels (est. 1677). Tour tickets at $50 are available until May 8 at https://MHGP.org/talbotcounty. Tour tickets at $60 are available on May 9 at the Historical Society and all Tour sites. For information about the tour and a delicious box lunch (which must be ordered by May 1), check https://MHGP.org/talbotcounty