You won't find stuffy malls in Kent County, but you will find unique and fun shopping. Walking the tree-lined, red-brick sidewalks of Downtown Chestertown is an added bonus to the fun you will have browsing clothing, jewelry and furniture stores, curio shops, antique shops and art galleries and studios. You'll be sure to find that one of a kind gift for a friend or treat yourself. Mix your shopping with a bit of history and reflect on the beautiful 18th and 19th century homes throughout the downtown area. A visit to the Geddes-Piper House Museum would make a great stop between stores. And there's no need to go far after you have worked up an appetite. There are plenty of downtown restaurants to satisfy your hunger.

Rock Hall, only 12 miles from Chestertown, also shows the shopping enthusiast a great time. You may want to begin your shopping excursion on Main Street, where you will find clothing, home accessories and furniture, homemade candy, artist galleries and quaint gift shops. Take a stroll down the alleyway on Main Street, between the Rock Hall Artist Gallery and Bay Leaf Gourmet Restaurant, to Shopping at Oyster Court, where you will find colorful cottages filled with more of this wonderful collection of shopping. And while you are in Oyster Court, take a shopping break to visit the Tolchester Beach Revisited Museum, which is a display of what was once a popular resort from 1877 to 1962. On your way to the Ditty Bag and the Cat's Paw for more shopping, stop in to the Rock Hall Museum, just up Main Street and The Waterman's Museum on Route 20. There are more unique and quaint shops throughout Rock Hall. Be sure to pick up the Rock Hall guide, so you don't miss any.

Galena, Chestertown's and Rock Hall's sister town to the north, is a must on your shopping itinerary. Be prepared for terrific antique shopping and the gift shops' selections are truly unique. You won't go away hungry from Galena, after a stop at the Amish Bakery and the Amish Farmer's Market, within walking distance of Galena's Main Street shopping. Also a short drive from Main Street is Turner's Unlimited, a gift shop and florist with room after room of wonderful displays of gifts and home accessories.

Although smaller than its sister towns, a country drive to Millington for dinner at Up The River Cafe and a visit to its Antique store and Maryland's Herb Basket makes for a leisurely and pleasant afternoon.

• Chestertown Tea Party - May

• Rock Hall's 4th of July Celebration - July 4

• Chestertown Crazy Days - July

• Betterton Day Celebration - August

• Rock Hall's Party on The Bay - August

• Art in The Park - September

• Rock Hall FallFest - September

• Chester River Hospital Christmas Shop - October

• Chestertown Wildlife Exhibition & Sale - October

• Artworks Studio Tour - November

• Country Crafts Guild Arts & Crafts Show - March and November

• Chestertown Antique Show and Sale - November

• Artworks Under $100 Holiday Gift Sale - November & December

• Home for the Holidays, Chestertown - December

• Chestertown Arts League Holiday On The Bay - December.