best towns on chesapeake bay

Located along the Tred Avon and Choptank Rivers, Oxford, Maryland is home to the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, the Tred Avon Yacht Club, and the Oxford Museum. Book a tour with Captain Iris Clarke on the Selina II(410-726-9400), a sleek cat-boat from the Gatsby era. Therefore, downtown is full of historic homes and businesses, making it a great place to go on a guided walking tour. Pell Gardens is one of the prettiest town parks in the Chesapeake Bay region. There are about 3,000 miles of trail and 15,000 years of culture to explore, covering Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and D.C. Maps are available from the National Park Service. Ocean City Flickr / Bernt Rostad It is home to herds of wild horses roaming the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Steeped in the history, culture, and ecology of the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, our Storytellers are trained and dedicated to connecting you more deeply to this true global treasure. The ferry is believed to be the oldest privately owned ferry, with service dating back to 1836. 2 Annapolis 3 Smith Island 4 Chestertown 5 Oxford 6 Deal Island 7 Chesapeake City 8 Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse 9 Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum 10 Cambridge 11 Hart-Miller Island 12 Dock Bars of the Bay 13 Tilghman Island 14 Hooper's Island 15 Baltimore's Inner Harbor 16 Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Calvert Cliffs State Park is one of the best things to do in the Chesapeake Bay area and is a true gem on Maryland's Eastern Shore. A report from a half-day introduction to the pursuit. Come in July to the Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off and Festival for some of the best crabs youll ever eat and take a ride on the skipjack Nathan of Dorchester. An estuarine marshland ecosystem, as well as home to over 250 species of birds, the refuge is also a major stop for migratory birds along the Atlantic Coast. World-class museums, thriving arts and culture districts, history, nightlife, music and more make Baltimore the urban jewel of the Chesapeake Bay. Photograph by Pat Blackley/Alamy. Chesapeake City is also built on one of the largest working commercial canals in the world. Watching boats dock and depart along the scenic Chesapeake & Delaware Canal is the most scenically-relaxing pastime in-town. The good news is that there are quite a few super fun beaches much closer to the DC-Baltimore area. See rural and waterfront cottages, quaint villages and expansive farmlands all along the Bay. Established in 1684 as a seaport town at the mouth of the Choptank River, Cambridge is the seat of Dorchester County and home to around 13,000 residents. The Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond, St. Michael's. Sagamore Pendry Hotel, Fells Point Waterfront in Baltimore. Easton in Talbot County. Swing by Peach Street Books to see possibly the most adorable bookstore in the Mid-Atlantic where baked goods and coffee are always in stock. The Scoop on the Beach at North Beach. America's Sailing Capital (not to mention Maryland's capital city) is a charming historic town with a serious sailing addiction. Established in 1680, Urbanna was one of Virginias primary tobacco ports in the colonial era. The beautiful Potomac River runs directly through the Nation's Capital, making Washington, D.C. a prime destination for sailors. The prime location of where the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay has made Fort Monore a popular place to control. Located 40 minutes south of Annapolis, Deale, MD provides many scenic views of the Chesapeake, making it a popular destination with boaters. As the Covid-19 summer remains in a limbo of reopening, many locals are escaping to spots along the Chesapeake Bay to get out of the city and still stay socially distant. Nicknamed the Jewel of the Chesapeake Bay," North Beach is hopping with things to do, like the free summer concerts, beach-side movies and the Friday Night Farmers Market. It overlooks the canal. Someplace with great seafood restaurants and a museum that puts you in touch with Chesapeake traditions? The active can hike along the state park's 15 miles of wildlife trails, or play a few rounds at the nationally-ranked golf course. The United States Naval Academy has called Annapolis home since 1850. See a performance put on by Main Stage Productions before stopping by one of the many artisan studios Onancock has. The rich cultural spirit extends into the varied cuisine options to choose, from pub food to fine Italian dining, housed in quaint little restaurants. From birdwatching to sailing to doing nothing at all on quiet, tucked away beaches, it is safe to say the Chesepeake Bay has something for everyone. The active drink aficionados will love kayaking to a local winery. Calvert Cliffs State Park. Walk down the picturesque cobblestone streets of Chestertown. Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program. One might remember the scenery from the famous novel and film,Misty of Chincoteague. Bring the family and enjoy the view. A steamship line in Galesville used to connect Annapolis and Baltimore, and the town was once home to many Chesapeake Bay Watermen. Did we mention theres a beach, too? From fishing and national parks to delicious food like crabs and oysters, the Chesapeake Bay has a lot to offer. The next-door Wallops Island is home to the NASA Wallops Visitor Center with rocket-launches. Kent Island is the biggest island in the Chesapeake Bay and is the first English settlement in the area. The charming town with a ring of romance in its name, boasts big personality. Fossil hunters stalk the beaches looking for the remains of ancient sharks, whales and birds. Here are a dozen places to check out. Following the announcement, Chesapeake Bay Foundation President and CEO Hilary . Belmond. In the middle Bay, all the tidal rivers south of Kent Island are reporting good catches as well as all the tidal rivers and creeks of the . At the lighthouse, you're able to see amazing views of the Chesapeake Bay, and while on the fishing pier, feel free to watch the sunrise and watch birds in the fresh air. New construction. In recent years Cambridge has been rated one of the most livable small towns in America due in part to its revitalized downtown area that bustles with shops, restaurants, festivals, and farmers markets. Try the innovative cuisine like fruit pizza at the famed Dockside Cafe or pick up a pair of root-beer floats at Durdings Store. There is a parade, exhibits, and other fun discoveries of heritage and modern life on the bay. Workboats were once a common sight in Annapolis. Sail on the skipjack Nathan of Dorchester, walk in the footsteps of Harriet Tubman, and enjoy the hip culinary and art scene of downtown. The Urbanna Seafood & Raw Bar does offer half shell oysters year-round, however, but this town has so much more in store than shellfish. Destinations Quiet but with a host of waterfront activities, Oxford was once an international shipping powerhouse. 6 Hooper Strait Lighthouse 7 Piney Point Lighthouse 8 Turkey Point Lighthouse 9 Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse 10 Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse 11 Blackistone Island Lighthouse 12 Point Lookout Lighthouse 13 Lightship Chesapeake 14 Even More through Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse Tours 1 2 1 Cove Point Lighthouse Cove Point Lighthouse offers overnight accommodations with private Chesapeake Bay Beach access. For the rest of the year, Urbanna retains a much quieter, laid-back vibe. 9 Underrated Destinations In Michigan To Avoid Summer Crowds, These Small Towns in Florida's Emerald Coast Come Alive in Summer, 7 Most Underrated Cities In South Carolina, 9 of the Friendliest Towns in Pennsylvania. Fells Point is a hip neighborhood of bars, restaurants and row homes that hosts visiting ships and markets in Broadway Square. Neck State Park, leads visitors to a 35-foot lighthouse tower, which sits atop a 100-foot bluff overlooking the upper Chesapeake and provides one of the best . Today, this vibrant town of 1,500 is chock-full of attractions and more than holds its own against the other entries on this list. The shores are dotted with charming towns and villages, home to friendly locals and quaint living atmospheres, with vibrant activities available around the bay. When General Lafayette visited the small hamlet where the mouth of the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay, it reminded him of the French harbor Havre de Grace meaning Harbor of Grace.. Here are the small towns worth a visit, if your idea of exploring involves window shopping, walking cobblestone streets, and soaking up the local vibe. This first national water trail follows the famous captain's 17th-century journey of exploration throughout the Chesapeake Bay. Home port of the schooner Sultana and home to a thriving arts community, this beautiful historic college town is just up the Chester River on the Eastern Shore. Best Beaches in Maryland for 2023. Hooper Island Lighthouse is the only cast-iron caisson lighthouse in Maryland with a watch room and lantern surmounted on the tower. For a relaxing time into the evening, there are great art galleries and sunset dining at waterfront seafood restaurants. With a population under 40,000 and a bayfront location,Annapolisis one of the smallest but most beautiful state capitals in America. With the land changing due to erosion, storms, and rising seawaters, you should visit it while you still can. In this article, we will walk you through towns around the Chesapeake Bay, and tell you more about this beautiful area. PHOTOS: The Most Expensive Homes Sold in Washington in May. Whether you are planning a coastal vacation or hoping to set down permanent roots, you can find a charming Chesapeake Bay community that meets your needs. PHOTOS: The Most Expensive Homes Sold in Washington in April, Baltimore Day Trip: 10 Best Things to Do This Summer, 4 Great Travel Deals You Can Book Right Now, 8 Great Waterfront Airbnbs in the DC Area, Sadly, Dulles Is the Most Expensive Airport for Domestic Travel, The Best Airbnbs With Pools in the DC Area. Harve de Grace, Maryland Start your trip in Harve de Grace, a town rich in maritime history. The only active screw-pile (meaning the pilings are screwed into the sandy bottom) lighthouse left in the Bay, this National Historic Landmark guards the entrance to South River, not far from Annapolis. Mallows Bay is a small bay on the Potomac River, with public boat access from Charles County. Most of the homes have been restored and colorfully painted, making for a pleasant stroll for historic house gazing. Located at the mouth of the Patuxent River, Solomons Island was the home of many 19th century shipyards that supported the local fishing economy. Visit during the annual Privateer Festival!) The promenade of the town's historic downtown area is great for an atmospheric and relaxing evening-full of great shopping and dining. Located just up the Rappahannock River from its entry point into the Chesapeake Bay, Urbanna is best known today for the annual Virginia Oyster Festival, which can bring over 75,000 visitors each November to a town of only 500 residents. Crabs are at the heart and soul of the Crab Capital of the World. Home to the annual Labor Day National Hard Crab Derby and the all-you-can-eat summer Tawes Crab & Clam Bake, Maryland blue crabs can be found everywhere herein our waters, restaurants, museums, art galleries, and gift shops. This amazing city is rich in history and is one of the Mid-Atlantic's most visited municipalities. Pros & Cons Pros Exceptional golf Fresh, local seafood Children's program Experience the full beauty of the Susquehanna River as it flows into the top of the Chesapeake Bay from the picturesque waterfront promenade with its charming Concord Point Lighthouse. One of the oldest towns in Maryland, Oxford retains its charm as a waterman's port city. In addition to its local attractions, Oxford access to the Tred Avon and Choptank makes it a great cruising destination for sailors and boaters alike. ;410-822-1353), a funky cafe that roasts fair-trade beans on-site. Walking and paddling trails give visitors a chance to explore this unique ecosystem. With access to historic views in the heart of D.C. to a variety of parks and outdoor destinations, D.C. is a great place to spend a day out on the water. In addition to the boutiques, galleries, and dining options downtown, Cape Charles has a town beach and ample opportunities for kayaking, hiking, water sports, and other recreational activities. Today, Chestertown is home to Washington College, a number or restaurants and historic attractions. Local tip: St. Michaels looks even prettier from the Miles River. Situated along the Chesapeake Bay on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Oxford has a full-time population of fewer than 1,000. ; 804-438-9356), a place where locals actually do congregate. For things to see, try the Classic Car Cruise-In, Bayside History Museum, or Wetlands Overlook Park. Pro tip: book a table outside for an unbeatable view of the sunset. If we are up and awake we will answer the phone or email. These are also known as bank-owned or real estate owned (REO). For travelers in search of the perfect picture, Cape Charles is a photographers paradise. From former fishing villages to thriving ports, these towns brought historical charm into present-day with marina activities, seafood galore, and atmospheric scenery. People flock to the Chesapeake Bay from all across the world, and for good reason. Shops and restaurants line the main drag, Mason Avenue, which ends at one of the nicer beaches on the bay. Situated along the Chesapeake Bay on Marylands Eastern Shore, Oxford has a full-time population of fewer than 1,000. St. Michaels is one of a cluster of Marylands scenic harbor towns including nearby Easton and Oxford. This town boasts more boats than folks, and is an exemplary way to destress and decompress into the island groove (at least when the oyster festival is not on). One of Americas most dynamic port cities, Norfolk, Virginia sits within the southeastern region of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Visitors to these charming towns get to taste the past, with colonial architecture and historic sites, along with modern dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Following a stroll-along the unique storefronts, the C&D Canal Museum awaits with a story about the canal from birth to its present-day role. Camping on the island is first-come, first-served, and fills up quickly in the warmer months, so make your camping plans early! Take the town by storm and see it through one of the many river cruises and district tours available. Its glimmering surface is a jewel in the Mid-Atlantic which is known for its world-class fishing and astounding natural beauty. While a USDA Natural Amenities Scale gives Annapolis and the rest of the Chesapeake Bay region average rankings on scenery and climate. All around the bay, towns from the colonial era that were once tobacco ports, fishing centers, or railroad and ferry hubs have transformed into beautiful bayfront communities. Listing type. Tucked between the Chesepeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Onancock was called the Gem of the Eastern Shore'' by Captain John Smith, the famous English explorer in the 1600s. The Cross Island and South Island trails provide plenty of outdoor activities across the island. Sometimes referred to as the Sailing Capital of the U.S., Annapolis is home to various boat shows, the Naval Academy, and the National Sailing Hall of Fame. The AARP Livability Index, for example, examines facts and figures related to an individual communitys housing, neighborhoods, transportation options, environment, health, engagement, and opportunity. Powered by Mai Theme, 10 Festive Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Asheville NC. Today, Solomons Island is home to many marinas, seafood restaurants, the Calvert Marine Museum, and the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center. Onancock is a real charmer, dubbed the gem of the Eastern shore by Captain John Smith in the 1600s. Serving as the hub for Kent County's maritime industry, Rock Hall is home to the Rock Hall Yacht Club, over a dozen marinas, various charters, boat rentals, and more! Located at the mouth of the Chester River, this town of under 1,500 boasts over 10 marinas, a yacht club and world-class sailing. The Chesapeake Bay area is a beautiful region. Return to 10 Best Small Towns on the Chesapeake Bay(.) Sandy Point State Park. The town with a big name comes with a whole vacation-worth of activities to charm all of one's senses on a getaway from the real city. There are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water with private boat tour companies or small boat rentals at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The tiny town with a grand personality was founded on the Eastern Shore in the 1600s. Cambridge in Dorchester County. With breathtaking views of the Patuxent River and sunsets, this working waterfront community is a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary, served at a laid-back pace. With easy access to fishing and crabbing destinations, the Wye River is a favorite cruising destination for many.
How To Get An Rvia Sticker In California, Football Player Rankings 2023, Property Consultant Skills, Articles B