Once the home of a southern sympathizer, now its famous house and surrounding nature trails make it the ideal afternoon getaway.
Stroll through the picturesque gardens of Pemberton Historical Park, a 262-acre (106-hectare) site with woods and nature trails. The main attraction is the 18th-century house in the heart of the park. Many types of wildlife live within the varied landscapes surrounding the building, which include wetlands, meadows, forests and lakes.
Take your dog for a walk in the park’s spacious fields. Enjoy a picnic on the lawn or at a wooden table and appreciate the wide-open spaces and fresh air in this countryside region. Capture photos of colorful flowers as you stroll along one of the nature paths. The 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) of park trails vary in difficulty and length.
Meander through oak and hickory trees on the Osprey Trail. See Atlantic white cedar and American holly along the Bell Island Trail. Bring your binoculars to spy birds, such as the red-eyed vireo and the great blue heron. See frogs in the ponds and turtles in the river.
Admire the sturdy design of Pemberton Hall with a redbrick lower half and a graying cedar-shingled roof. Learn about its intriguing past through various plaques inside and outside the house. It dates back to 1741 and belonged to several interesting people over the centuries. During the Civil War, owner Allison Parsons famously fired victory shots from a cannon upon hearing news of Confederate victories. Fellow southern sympathizers used to meet at this house.
Attend the annual wine festival in the fall. Bring kids to the summer art programs. The park is open daily from sunrise till sunset. For a tour of the house, book in advance on the official website.
Pemberton Historical Park is 3.9 miles (4 kilometers) west of the city of Salisbury. The route, which takes you through small rural settlements and cornfields along the Wicomico River, should take less than 10 minutes by car. Use the large parking area available in the complex.
