Manchester is vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and Pride

Cambridge, Maryland – Passing through this scenic historic town on the east coast of Maryland, you’ll be captivated by streets lined with unique shops, restaurants and beautifully restored Victorian homes. It’s also amazing to see that they fly through town to the number of LGBTQ pride flags.

The flag is an encouraging signal that despite the town’s location in Ruby Red Dorchester County, everyone is welcome here. But don’t discourage it from visiting you. The new organization, the proud Cambridge, hosts its debut Pride event this weekend, promoting the town’s comprehensive culture of welcoming.

“We stumbled upon a beautiful secret and wanted to help us put our words out,” said James Lemarkuri, an effort to proudly create Cambridge.

The organization is celebrating diversity, strengthening public spaces and trying to raise all that Cambridge has to share according to its mission statement.

The group has held unofficial movie nights and picnics and garden parties so far. The launch party will be held at the Cambridge Yacht Club on June 28th. 75 tickets for the event will soon be sold out, bringing benefits to Doco Pride.

“Tickets will be faster than we could have imagined and we cannot welcome everyone who wants to come,” Lumalcuri said, adding that organizers are planning to turn “Chottank’s Cheers” into their annual event next year.

One of the group’s first projects was to distribute a free Pride flag to those who requested one. Next: Pridefully Cambridge will roll out a program that will provide business-affirming rainbow club stickers to demonstrate inclusion and LGBTQ support. The group also wants to interact with potential visitors and home buyers.

“We want to spread the word outside of Cambridge and Baltimore’s Cambridge. “We want them to come and know that we are a safe haven. You can be present here and feel comfortable and supported by your neighbors in ways you didn’t expect when you moved here.”

Lumalcuri, 53, a federal employee and his husband, Lucardonas, 62, purchased a Victorian home in Cambridge in 2021 and embarked on a major renovation. The couple also owns a home in Adams Morgan, DC

“We wanted to see an opportunity here and share it with others,” Cardenas said. “There’s a lot of housing stock in the $300-400,000 range. Many of these homes need to be just empty and we’re happy to be part of that.”

Lumarkuri was talking to a friend last Sunday at the Yacht Club Gazebo (known affectionately by locals as “Gaizebo”). The idea for Cambridge was proudly born. Founding committee members include Lumalcuri, Corey Van Vlymen, Brian Orjuela, Lauren Mross and Caleb Holland. The group is currently working towards the formation of 501(c)3.

“We need the visibility and support of those who need it,” Mross said. “We started making a list of things we wanted to do and five of us ran with it. We started seeing each week and solidifying what we wanted to do.”

Mross, 50, a brand strategist and web designer, moved from Atlanta to Cambridge with his wife three years ago. They knew they wanted to be near the water and north, and began studying options when they discovered Cambridge.

“I hadn’t heard of Cambridge, but the place looked perfect,” she said. “I pointed to the map and said this is where we move.”

The couple packed their bags, bought camper trailers and parked at various campsites, but returned to Cambridge.

“I didn’t know how correct it was until I moved here,” she said. “It’s the most welcoming place… there’s a vortex of energy here. Why did so many cool, progressive people end up in one place?”

Corey Van Vlymen and his husband live in DC and were looking for a second home. They thought of W.Va.’s Lost River, but they decided they would prefer to be on the water.

“We looked at maps on either side of the bay and came to Cambridge on Saturday and bought a house that day,” said Van Valimen, 39, a senior scientist at Booze Allen Hamilton. They owned it in Cambridge for two years.

They were drawn to Cambridge because of their water-based, affordable housing stock, close to DC. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Now, proudly through Cambridge’s work, they want to highlight many attributes to the town’s residents and visitors.

“What we all agree with is that there are issues of awareness and lack of awareness in Cambridge,” Van Vriman said. “If you tell someone you’re going to Cambridge, can you think, ‘UK or Massachusetts’? ”

He cited the opportunity to save an old historic home as a great draw for buyers.

“It’s all about celebrating everything that makes Cambridge great,” Mross added. “Our monthly social events are joy and celebration.” Around 70 people gathered on the night of the recent game.

She pointed out that the goal is not to calm the town and drive out longtime residents, but to raise all those already there, welcoming new visitors and future residents.

They also proudly stated that Cambridge will not replace existing pride-focused organizations. Dorchester County Pride hosted a countywide pride event, with Del Malva Pride being held in nearby Easton two weeks ago.

“We celebrate all diversity, but it’s led by gay power and gay,” Mross said.

For more information about Cambridge proudly, see the group Facebook and Instagram.

What should I look at?

Located 13 miles above the Choptank River from Chesapeake Bay, Cambridge has a population of approximately 15,000 people. It settled in 1684 and was named in 1686 after the British university town. It is home to the Harriet Tubman Museum, murals and monuments. Nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Reserve It is a popular stop for birders, attracted by over 27,000 acres of Marshland, known as the “Northern Everglades.”

The shelter is easy to walk, bike and drive, making it an accessible appeal for everyone. Kayak and cycling tours are available Blackwater Adventure (blackwateradventuresmd.com).

Return to town, take a walk along the water, pass through historic downtown and admire the architecture. Incorporate something impressive Harriet Tubman’s mural (424 Race St.). Don’t miss out on shopping at many local boutiques and owning it by gays Shore Life Homes and Gifts (421 Race St.), filled with stylish coastal ornaments.

Stop by for breakfast or lunch Black Water Bakery (429 Race St.). It offers a complete tribute to coffee drinks and a full menu of own mimosa bars and creative cocktails.

Cambridge Yacht Club (1 Mill St.) is always lively, but you need to be a member to get in. Snapper The top is temporarily closed for renovations. Rar Brewing (rarbrewing.com) is popular for craft beer served at the 80-year-old former pool hall and bowling alley. The menu includes burgers, wings and other bar dishes.

Don’t miss out on something great for dinner or wine Vintage 414 (414 Race St.), offers lunch, dinner, wine tasting events, specialty foods and a wide range of wines. Homemade cheddar crackers, ingenious flatbreads, and creative desserts (citrus olive oil cake, carrot cake triflu) were hits on a recent visit.

Nearby too Ava’s (305 High St.), a regional chain offering excellent Italian cuisine, pizza and more.

Visit to do something from the beaten path Emily’s produce (22143 Church Creek Rd.) Produce, prepared meals for nursery.

“Ten minutes after the stick, there’s a place called Emily’s produce, where you can pay $5 and walk through the field to choose sunflowers, blueberries, and feed the goats.

There are accommodations available Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay (100 Heron Boulevard on Route 50), a resort complex with golf courses, spas and marinas. Otherwise, check out Airbnb and VRBO for short-term rentals near downtown.

Close to DC and Baltimore, Cambridge is an ideal weekend getaway. The large LGBTQ population is welcome and they are happy to talk in their town and show you.

“There’s an intimacy between neighbors I didn’t feel in DC,” Lumalcuri said. “We take care of each other.”