Safe Harbor St. Michaels Island

St. Michaels is located in Talbot County on Maryland's scenic Eastern Shore. Situated between the Miles River to the north, Micherner's Broad Creek to the south, and the Chesapeake Bay to the east, the town boasts splendid water vistas. Due to the accessibility of navigable waterways, St. Michaels became a bustling trading port during Colonial times. It is still a popular harbor for boating and sailing enthusiasts.

The streets of St. Michaels are lined with carefully restored historic structures dating from the 1700s to the late 1800s. The magnificent churches, eye-catching storefronts, and inviting Bed and Breakfasts give visitors a sense of serenity found in a simpler time.

Shopping seems to be the favorite past time. Antique shops with a distinctive nautical flavor are found in abundance along the main strip known as Talbot Street. In addition, fashionable clothing and unique artisan shops offer a diverse array of browsing pleasures. One shop, which I found most interesting. is "Flying Fred's." This is a gift shop for pets and animal lovers complete with Fred; a friendly Golden Retriever who greets all customers as they enter his shop. Dogs are welcome and the treats are on the house.

Once I had my fill of shopping, or, should I say, once my wife had her fill of shopping, it was time to explore the waterfront. A short walk from Talbot Street, through St. Mary's Square, brought us to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. This exhibit center provides a comprehensive history of the Chesapeake Bay and its people. The most dominant structure is the fully restored Hooper Straight Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1879. One can also explore the skip jack Rosie Parks. The museum consists of 18 waterfront acres and nine exhibit halls featuring interactive displays. The friendly and informative museum staff makes the experience well worth the $7.50 addmission.

After a day of shopping, walking, and history, it was time to find a place to eat. St. Michaels offers a wide variety of dining options, however, seafood reigns supreme in this town. Chesapeake Bay Magazine readers voted The Crab Claw on the harbor the favorite family style restaurant. In addition, the readers voted The Inn at Perry Cabin and 208 Talbot Street #4 and #7, respectively, among the favorite romantic restaurants. We opted for the Carpenter Street Saloon, which offers affordable, family dining in a fun and festive atmosphere.

As the sun set over the Chesapeake, it was time to head home. Our time in St. Michaels replenished our spirits and provided a much needed respite from the daily grind. We are certain that we will return because there is so much more that we would have loved to have seen. It is comforting to know that St. Michaels waits for us on the other side of the bridge.

For more information on St. Michaels, visit their website at www.stmichaelsmd.org or call the St. Michael's Business Association at 1800-808-SMBA(7622)