We visited some friends in St. Michaels last weekend and did some shopping on Talbot Street,…read moreincluding at Chesapeake Trading Company. It's one of those stores that does its best to defy categorization, but they sell great women's clothing, jewelry, books, home goods, home decor, and more. I was inside for no more than 10 minutes and walked out with a fancy candle, a sweater, and a book. It's a charming shop. I'm sure I'd buy quite a bit here if I lived in St. Michaels. Stop by and check it out!

Some items are pricier than they might be at other stores. The customer service is excellent …read more.. that's worth a lot

There is nothing better than buying books from local bookstores. While we didn't need any for…read moreourselves, we did snag a few great reads for our son. Will absolutely stop in again soon!

I love a bookstore and this one was so cute! I loved especially the upstairs section that was…read moreromantic and fantasy and it was so cozy!! It's small but very cozy and intimate. I bout a cookbook and some stickers. Will definitely stop by next time I'm in st Michael's!

A charming shop with a sense of quiet opulence. This is not a small town bookstore in spirit or…read moredesign. The space is beautifully conceived, inviting you to wander slowly and take in every aisle. I genuinely enjoyed the act of browsing here, which feels like a small luxury in itself. The only snag was an assumption on my part. Given the setting, I expected a more robust local history presence or at least a thoughtfully curated selection highlighting the region. Works on Underground Railroad and abolitionist networks, tourism history, or even local ecology felt notably absent. The offerings on Tubman and Douglass were surprisingly thin. Still, the store's elegance and breadth are undeniable, even if its sense of place could be more fully realized.

I would have happily recommended this bookstore, but my experience last week changed my opinion…read more After purchasing several items, I asked if they could be gift wrapped. The cashier immediately replied, "No." When I asked why, she responded, "Because we're closed." While I understand that it was approximately two minutes past closing time, I was already in the store completing my purchase. A small gesture of customer service would have made a lasting positive impression. Instead, I left feeling that my business was an inconvenience rather than appreciated. Independent bookstores thrive because of the relationships they build with their customers, and I expected a level of courtesy that matched that reputation. I hope the store considers empowering its staff to show a little more flexibility and kindness in situations like this. Great customer service is often remembered long after the purchase itself.

Super cute book store that also offers a good cup of coffee to drink while reading your book! I…read morelove the antique witchy vibe of the place. As someone who is always on the lookout for witchy things, I loved spending time in the corner where they had a quaint apothecary, as well as a good amount of witchcraft books. I got a few spell oils and incense!

Old Fox Books is one of those low-key spots you almost don't want to tell people about because it's…read morethat good. Great place to grab a coffee, flip through some books, and just hang out for a bit. It's got a relaxed vibe. If you've got kids, it's an easy win; there's a small reading area inside and a patio with this cool little wooden playhouse that kept mine busy for a while. We ended up staying way longer than planned just chilling. Definitely a spot I'd come back to when I want something easy and laid-back.

Perfectly lovely town, wonderful bookstore and fascinating owner. It just might entice you into…read morereading mysteries! Janice, Arnold, Md

3.5 Stars - I'm a huge fan of mystery books and mystery bookstores. I love Oxford, as well. This…read morebookstore has an amazing selection, including some truly adorable and memorable print postcards that are perfect for friends and family. So much could be done with this place. It's very disorganized, and there are wayy too many books for the space. The owner doesn't seem too interested in patrons unless you directly engage her. Nonetheless, if you're a big mystery book fan, take a look here. They have some gems that you won't find easily on Amazon and the owner can offer some great suggestions. Definitely go if you're a mystery book lover who doesn't mind a bit of disorganization.

Some of the best rare book finds in the country, and at the best prices I've ever seen, and I go to…read moreevery rare bookstore I can find wherever I travel. It's worth driving there from anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic.

This is everything a used book store should be: thronged, eccentric, with the occasional treasure…read moremis-shelved. I found an autographed Christoper Morley in the regular fiction section. Alas, it was a novel--I'd've bought it if had been essays. But I always find something I hadn't known I needed. Several somethings, in fact.

A wonderful bookstore made even better by a gracious puppy greeter who sets the tone the moment you…read morewalk in. The range here is striking, with shelves that reward both wandering and intentional browsing. I was especially impressed by the African American history and literature section, which felt thoughtfully curated rather than perfunctory. Beyond the books, the prints are truly stunning. There's a particularly rich selection for anyone drawn to Eastern Shore imagery, from lithographs to historic maps that feel both scholarly and artful. It's the kind of place where time slows, your hands fill with discoveries, and you leave already planning a return visit.

What a great used book store! Customer service is friendly and the books are well organized. You'll…read morefind books of all kinds, maps, and other treasures!

I love this hidden gem. Floor to ceiling rows of used books. What more could you need!?read more

A massive selection of books at very reasonable prices. Shelves are double stacked which can make…read moreit a bit difficult to find what you're looking for unless it's a popular author. Honestly the search is part of the fun. As one of the only used book stores in town (unless you head into the city, no thanks), I will be coming here frequently.

Went in to peruse but ended up getting a couple books! Nice clean store, super big. The Starbucks…read moreis nice inside too!

This B&N has great selection of books, music, and collectibles. the staff is friendly and helpful.read more

I love this store and the kindness and interest Courtney takes with every single potential…read morecustomer. This is typically the store I visit first. So much "shorely" you'll find some unique items for kids and adults of all ages. Thank you!!

Bottom Line: One of the best stores in Saint Michael's filled with gifts, decor, toys, books and…read moresuch. I have no idea what a preppy redneck is but I know I like this store. There are lots of gifty stores on the main drag, N. Talbot Street, in Saint Michael's but I think this is one of the best! I particularly enjoyed looking at the kids section including the various stuffed animals, toys and games. I couldn't help myself from flipping through some of the Priscilla Cummings books as I remember when she visited my school as a kid. I've been a fan of Chadwick the Crab ever since! I also liked looking at the various products from the J.O. Spice Company. I come from a family of commercial crabbers and this might come as a shock to some but JO, not Old Bay, is our preferred crab seasoning. But J.O. isn't just for crabs and they offer spice blends and other stuff like chicken rubs, crab cake mixes and steamed shrimp seasoning. Aside from the above, I also enjoyed looking at cards, soaps, Scout bags, novelty salt and pepper shakers and such. The employee, perhaps the owner, was friendly and welcoming as most people are in this quaint town nestled along side the Miles River. This was definitely a fun stop!