The largest city on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Salisbury still has a small-town feel. Just a half-hour west of Ocean City, Salisbury offers a peaceful atmosphere, great shopping, dining and entertainment plus several unique attractions.

One of the most popular attractions in town is the Salisbury Zoo. Nestled among the trees in a shady park along the banks of a branch of the Wicomico River, the Salisbury Zoo is a quiet treat for the young at heart.

Founded more than 50 years ago by the City of Salisbury, the zoo’s mission is to further animal conservation and environmental awareness while providing a friendly, relaxing environment with education and recreational opportunities. Naturalistic habitats are provided for animals native to North, Central and South America and include a diverse array of animals including spectacled bears, spider monkeys, bobcats, bison, bald eagles and one of the nation’s finest waterfowl collections.

Admission and parking are free. The zoo is open daily, year-round from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Group guided tours are available by appointment. The zoo is located 27 miles west of Ocean City off Hwy. 50. For more information, call 410-548-3188 or visit www.salisburyzoo.org.

Another popular attraction in Salisbury is The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art. The most comprehensive collection of wildfowl carving in the world, The Ward Museum is on the campus of Salisbury University and features a world-renowned collection of the indigenous North American art form of woodcarving. Find everything from antique working decoys to internationally-acclaimed contemporary sculptures and paintings at this entirely unique museum.

Brothers Lem and Steve Ward of Crisfield, Md. founded the museum, carrying their skill and vision to elevate decoy carving to a bona fide fine art. Today, the museum works to promote, preserve and perpetuate wildfowl art.

Several galleries explore the history and heritage of the art form, examining the relationship of man and nature. Changing exhibits, educational programs and tours guarantee an exciting pace and loads to do for each member of the family.

The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art is located at 909 South Schumaker Dr. in Salisbury, Md. Call 410-742-4988 or visit www.wardmuseum.org for more information.

No trip to Salisbury is complete without a visit to The Country House, “The Largest Country Store in the East.” You’ll quickly discover why customers from across the country say it’s “worth the trip.” Browse more than 21,000 square feet of Eastern Shore treasures, antique reproductions, country primitive home furnishings, gifts and collectibles. Open Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 805 East Main St., Salisbury, MD 21804. (From Ocean City, take Business Rte. 50 west to Salisbury. Turn left on Main Street. The store is on the right). (410) 749-1959. Shop online at www.thecountryhouse.com