Chesapeake Bay suggestions ?

[Nick14]

We're going to take a week long trip on the Chesapeake Bay, and were wondering if anyone has been to Onancock, Crisfield, or Reedville recently. How worthwile are those places to visit, and how much time would you allow at each one?

We've done most of our boating on the upper bay (both shores, between Annapolis/Tilghman Island and the C&D canal), any suggestions for places to visit on the mid/southern part of the bay would be appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[Ben]

Do a Google Search for Trawler Beach House dot com. They are forever on their boat and have pictures and stories from the lower Chesapeake this week. That will give you some ideas.

Besides that,
Annapolis, Baltimore, Kent Island, Wye River, St. Michaels, Rock Hall, South River. I like those places, and I am a former native.

Enjoy!

 

[Moonstruck]

Tangier Island. Parks Marina there. Milton Parks is a real character. It's on the Thorofare through the island. Definitely a unique stop. Hilda Crocket's Chesapeake House is a great experience. Family style dining with loads of different dishes.

 

[bnoft]

Chesapeake Bay

Depends on what you are looking for.
The southern bay offers Norfolk, Hampton or Cape Charles on the eastern shore; I think each is worth a stop.
Yorktown is a good stop for history buffs with Williamsburg and Jamestown a short drive.
Deltaville is loaded with marinas and yards if something breaks down and there is a new West Marine in town. Or stay on the east side and stop in Onancock (see below) before heading to Tangier.
Tangier is a step back in time and worth a stop, I'd approach from the east. But dock space is very limited so have a back-up plan.
We were in Crisfield last summer for the 1st time in a dozen years and were shocked at the changes. The town saw some of the mid 2000 building boom and a lot more of the downturn. The town marina is Ok but the property is surrounded by a fence for a reason. I would bypass the town and visit Onancock; a quiet little town on Va's eastern shore; couple of nice restaurants
and other sites. There is a small marina or several anchorage sites.
St Mary's, MD is up the Potomac about 12 miles and another 5 miles up the St Mary's River. Interesting archeological site and a good anchorage, no dockage.
Reedville has some nice anchorages and a couple of marinas. There are two good places to eat and a 1st class museum. But I would be aware of the wind direction as the menhaden plant can cause one to lose that good dinner if the wind is out of the east.
You did say you were planning to stay in the bay for a month didn't you.
Bill Noftsinger
Amazing Grace

 

[Nick14]

Thank you! It sounds like Crisfield has fallen on some hard times. We actually keep our boat on the bay, at the northern end on the C&D canal. Most of our boating has been on the upper and mid parts of the bay, and points north. We haven't been south of Tilghman Island in about 10 years, I appreciate the perspectives on what's happening there these days.

 

[Jim Mason]

I was at Onancock last week. The bath house is under construction so if that matters to you, contact the harbormaster at 757-787-7911 to check on the progress.