Description

The Chesapeake Bay area keeps calling to us and we return year after year exploring new towns. Just 3 1/2 hours away from New York and about 2 hours from Washington, DC is the wonderful waterfront town of St. Michael's that welcomes you with open arms. During a mid-week visit the streets were not too busy with tourists, so shop-hopping was comfortable without the weekend crowds. Many shops typical but many more having displays that were quite artistic with much creativity. Many art galleries and jewelery shops. We enjoyed bottles of A&W Key Lime soda purchased in the Market House Gourmet Grocer where we sat and cooled off on their wrap around porch. A bottle of wine from Mendoza, Argentina that we planned to bring to a friend born in Mendoza was quite good. On a Wednesday several shops and restaurants were closed. We found a delightful coffee house where you could sit inside or on the porch to enjoy your favorite blend.

Many folks highly recommended the Chesapeake Maritime Museum which we are saving for a future visit. A ride to nearby Tilghman Island about 20 minutes away showed another small waterfront town not nearly as attractive nor as wealthy as St. Michael's but depicted typical boating, fishing, and farming area.

A two hour sail boat ride in the afternoon was a delight with Captain Iris Clarke at the helm.

For a whole lot less you can take a 25 minute tour on Harbour Tours Water Taxi leaving from Town Dock at Mulberry St. on demand every 1/2 hour. We enjoyed visits to nearby town of Oxford where we traveled on the oldest privately owned ferry in America. We had the best crab cakes ever in Oxford at the Robert Morris Inn (also highly recommended by the locals).

On our way home we stopped in the artsy town of Easton, shops, art galleries. The Plein Air Competition & Arts festival was being held 7/22-29. Easton is a much larger city than St. Michael's, friendly and charming but not the same charm. ${QuickSuggestions} Most shops close about 5pm mid-week. Restaurants serve till 9 or 9:30. No problem getting in to eat mid-week but I suspect there might be a wait on weekends.

There were some galleries and a vintage poster shop that were closed so I will have to add these two stops on my next visit.

Explore the side streets and discover wonderful Victorian homes neat as a pin with lovely gardens and flowers.

Ask the locals where to eat. ${BestWay} Our B&B was less than 10 minutes away from the downtown area of St. Michael's. Parking was not a problem, on main street, two hour limit but plenty of parking in the Maritime Museum Parking lot.

Many folks rented bikes to get around and this would be fun if you like to ride.

The town is really small so everything is close-by and there is much to see if you wish to explore.