When I first heard the geographical designation “Delmarva,” I assumed it was a desperate attempt by Delaware’s chamber of commerce to associate with states of greater recognition — Maryland and Virginia — like how a somewhat socially-inept middle schooler would describe his friend group to include people who would likely not reciprocate in their own descriptions. But now that I live in Delaware and better understand the strange geography east of the Chesapeake Bay, it makes sense that the Delamarva peninsula is referred to in such a cohesive way, despite there being three states that occupy the small sliver of land that could easily be its own. Even still, I don’t think Marylanders refer much to the Delmarva peninsula because they’re too busy referring to their own slice of it as the “Eastern Shore,” whatever that means.
Salisbury, however, Maryland’s de facto capital on the peninsula, manages to respect the name of the tri-state landmass while appeasing its citizens’ need for ocean satisfaction by way of the Delmarva Shorebirds, the low-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.
Opened in 1996, Arthur W. Perdue Stadium plays host to the Shorebirds and is a sizeable, relaxing ballpark getaway. With diverse food options, several tiers of seating, and a thoughtful boardwalk around the outfield, Purdue Stadium ranks among the most impressive low-A ballparks, coming out as intentionally Maryland while remaining humbly subtle.
The Neighborhood
Just off US-50 West, named “Ocean Gateway” in this part of the Old Line State, Perdue Stadium is suburban and requires automobile transportation to arrive at it with any sort of ease.
But to its east sits downtown Salisbury with a number of impressive attractions for a city of just over 30,000 residents.
The Salisbury Zoo is open daily and showcases animals of the Americas. Pemberton Historical Park, along the Wicomico River includes walking trails, a water landing, and Pemberton Hall, the mansion of an 18th century plantation.
And the Ward Museum of Waterfowl Art features the world’s most comprehensive collection of carved birds and decoys. The museum’s website notably does not use the word “largest,” but hangs its hat on being the “most comprehensive.” Choose whatever superlative makes you seem the best.
If you’re sensing a bird theme here, I’m right there with you. Perdue Stadium, actually, is named after the founder of Perdue Farms — the blue and yellow frozen chicken brand you’ve probably bought more times than you realize.
You can get some of that locally-sourced, tasty chicken (among other menu items) at Evolution Craft Brewing and Public House, a downtown Salisbury restaurant that comes with the recommendation of Sam Jellinek, the Shorebirds’ play-by-play broadcaster.
Where to Sit
After you have your fill of waterfowl and fried fowl, you’ll have your pick of a number of seating sections inside Perdue Stadium. Reference the Perdue Stadium seating chart above.
What to Eat
Sense of Place
The Top Step 