St. Michael’s—an experience like no other

June 25, 8:45 PMBaltimore Day Trips ExaminerLaura Pritzker

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St. Michael's Maryland

Enjoy a hybrid of history and recreation at St. Michael’s, MD. Located halfway between the Susquehanna source and the Atlantic mouth of the Chesapeake, St. Michael’s is a quaint little place on the Eastern Shore, ut it holds an enormous reputation for all that it comprises of.

Whether you long to escape back to the Colonial days of old, step through the door of Victorian era elegance or remain grounded in modern times, St. Michael’s has it all. This popular destination combines old 18th century cabins, stately 19th homes and the finest of modern conveniences. If you come wishing to shop, dine, hike, bike, go for a boat ride, crab/fish or even lodge at a bed and breakfast, St. Michael’s is a must-stop destination for Marylanders.

If you’re an avid antique collector or trader, you will love the commerce around every corner. Shoppers who have a more contemporary taste will find satisfaction and delight in all the latest fashions, accessories and other hot items that you can find at any other shopping center. Talbot Street boasts several fine galleries, boutiques and shops including: Artisans of the World, Rings & Things, Swan Cove Flowers and Gardens, A Wish Called Wanda, Petals, Guyette & Schmidt Decoy Gallery, Artiste Locale, Frivolous Fibers and so much more.

You can even find specialty foods to satisfy the pickiest of eaters. From specialty food stores to nationally-recognized restaurants, St. Michael’s is known for its diverse splendor in history, people, activities and impeccable tastes. Epicurean interests include: Sherwood’s Landing Restaurant & Purser’s Pub, Bay Hundred Restaurant, Bistro St. Martin’s, Bella Luna Restaurant and Market, Foxy’s Marina Bar, Key Lime Café and several others. HM Krentz even offers daily cruises departing from the Crab Shanty Restaurant.

For history lovers, St. Michael’s is a dream. The most popular visitor stop is the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Items on display range frokm navigation and fishing tools, recovered artifacts, items relating to commerce and trade plus so much more. Several surrounding historic buildings comprise of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum as well, including the Hooper Straight Lighthouse, various vital boats and a cannery. At St. Mary’s Square Museum, visitors can pick up a brochure telling of 18th and 19th century significance of many surrounding houses and other buildings.

The Oxford Bellevue Ferry is believed to be the oldest privately owned ferry service in the nation and takes guests across the Tred Avon River between Oxford and Bellevue. For more diversions, try hiking the trails, charter a boat for crabbing or fishing or attend one of St. Michael’s many festivals. Each year in April, the St. Michael’s Food and Wine Festival serves as a major crowd pleaser. Last week, St. Michael’s held its 17th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Festival and on Sept. 5, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Boat Auction will take place.

St. Michael’s is a small community that dishes up much more than you would expect. If you want to take a unique summer daytrip getaway that incorporates many diverse options, St. Michael is the place to go. For more information visit www.stmichaelsmd.org.