Waterfront Wow
Getting Awash in Nautical Charm
In Historic, Scenic St. Michaels
By Guy Fletcher
Photo courtesy Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
ST. MICHAELS—It seems like most journeys across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge end on a warm ocean beach, but the Eastern Shore is much more than a pass-through to sand and sunscreen, boasting many destination-worthy locales noted for their shopping, dining and history.
Tucked into a corner of Talbot County along the scenic Miles River, St. Michaels is a picturesque maritime community perhaps best known for its appearance in the 2005 comedy Wedding Crashers. But Hollywood didn’t come close to capturing the full charm of St. Michaels, which can be seen in its many boutiques, historic homes and restaurants.
“It’s a gem of a town,” brags Jaime Windon, founder and president of LYON RUM. Located in something of a craft beverage district of town that also includes a winery and brewery, Windon’s distillery occupies an historic factory that once housed a flour mill. The building hovers four stories above visitors who arrive in town by car on South Talbot Street.
Photo courtesy Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism
Of course, St. Michaels is a maritime town and many tourists arrive here by boat, tying up at one of the many docks and marinas in town or just dropping anchor and hitching a ride to shore on the water taxi. Members of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum can dock for free.
Photo courtesy Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Just a short walk from the heart of St. Michaels, the museum explores and preserves the history, environment and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region on its sprawling 18-acre campus through traditional exhibits and artifacts enhanced by unique features like a working shipyard and a fleet of historic vessels.
Last fall, a new Welcome Center opened to greet the 100,000 guests who visit the 59-year-old museum every year.
“Our new Welcome Center is a truly transformational addition to our campus,” says Eric Detweiler, communications specialist for the museum. “We are proud of the storytelling within the new exhibitions that provides a wonderful orientation for our guests to begin their visit, and we believe the building’s amenities, including the new Museum Store, take the guest experience to the next level. We are thrilled to share it with everyone who visits us in St. Michaels.”
Photo courtesy Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Antique & Classic Boat Festival this month (June 14-16). Waterman’s Appreciation Day will take place Aug. 11 and OysterFest will be held Oct. 26.
“Our annual festivals celebrating the best of the Chesapeake Bay offer something for everyone, from boating to seafood to the arts,” Detweiler says. “These are mission-driven events that share what makes our region so special with fun for the whole family, so they make for a great time to check out all that we have to offer.”
Another event this month is the St. Michaels Brewfest (stmichaelsbrewfest.com), which will celebrate its 10th year on June 8 by bringing regional and national craft brews to town.
Of course, there is so much more to do in town, including a wide variety of dining, ranging from crab shacks to gourmet restaurants, nonstop water activities and even more history at the St. Michaels Museum (www.stmichaelsmuseum.org). For those extending their visit beyond one day, lodging options in St. Michaels include mansion-like rentals, historic inns, marina-front rooms and a world-renowned resort at The Inn at Perry Cabin.
For more information about visiting St. Michaels, go to www.stmichaelsmd.org, tourtalbot.org or cbmm.org.
Photo courtesy Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism