Places to visit in Maryland

Maryland is full of diverse attractions. There are plenty of things to do here as well. On one side it is flanked by Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. On the other side it is bolded by the Appalachians Mountains. Maryland is scenic, beautiful and various. There are museums to visit. Cultural events keep happening here. Here are some places to visit when in Maryland.

Eastern Shore

Located on Chesapeake Bay’s east coast, the Eastern Shore is a very famous attraction of Maryland. Dotted with beautiful-looking towns, and a serene natural ambience, the Eastern Shore is a favored destination for local and international travelers during the summer.

Baltimore Inner Harbor

The inner harbor is big and expansive. You can spend the whole day walking along ships docked here. You will see lots of people here who have come to see the gigantic ships. Over here, there is a National Aquarium. There is also a section featuring the historic ships of Baltimore.

Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake is like nature’s backyard. Or you can call it the manifestation of beautiful nature in a splendid form. Over here, against the beautiful backdrops, you can go hiking, bicycling and picnicking; The Lake lets you go swimming, boating, and fishing. During summer this place is ideal for riding horses. In winter, you can use the mountain slopes to go snowboarding.

Brookside Gardens

Brookside Gardens is over fifty acres in area. It’s a pretty garden which includes separate sections for butterflies, roses, fragrant flowers, Japanese plants, and much more.

 

Attractions in Crisfield

city dock 

Image by tangiersound via Flickr

Whether you’re traveling to Crisfield for business or pleasure, it’s best to make time for some of the most interesting and exciting attractions that Crisfield has to offer. Because of its unique position surrounded by inlets and other bodies of water, Crisfield, Maryland is the perfect place to enjoy the rhythmic huh of nature. Enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of seaside habitats.

The most popular and well known attraction in Crisfield, Maryland is Jane Islands State Park. You could spend a week exploring all the waterways, hiking trails and other fun things to do at this park – and many people do. The park is a more rural natural experience. There is no camp counselor making a list of things to do and places to see. Instead, the park is quiet and allows for great family vacations or even a trip with a significant other. Enjoy the isolated shoreline and marshland of with kayaking, canoeing and other water fun or take a hike on one of the several nature trails available. You can go into full camping mode in a campground (although there are restrooms nearby) or rent one of the full-service cabins on the property.

Overwhelmed by everything there is to do at Jane Island State Park or just have time for a day trip? Kayak along the Chesapeake Bay and enjoy the lack of cars on Tangier Island. While you can take a golf cart around the island, it’s even more fun if you bring your bicycle and create your own tour. Make your trip all-inclusive by enjoying freshly caught seafood at Fisherman’s Corner.

Crisfield’s Quaint and Cozy B&Bs

A view of Maryland Route 413 in Crisfield, Mar...

Image via Wikipedia

Known as the seafood capital of the world, Crisfield, Maryland, is a quaint city on the Chesapeake Bay. Along with several delicious seafood restaurants, this quiet spot is home to the annual National Hard Crab Derby, and features ideal fishing spots, a state park and easy access to the scenic Tangier and Smith islands. For anyone looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of a city, Crisfield is the kind of place that will let you kick up your feet and relax. Before traveling to Crisfield, be sure to explore your lodging options; there are several cozy choices for you to choose from.

One option is the Marquis Manor B&B. This historic bed and breakfast opened in 1898, and continues to serve travelers. Close to restaurants shopping and sightseeing, Marquis Manor also boasts a café that serves specialty coffees and teas. With Marquis Manor, you can opt for a fun-filled package, such as the Café, Stay & Play Package, which includes lodging, breakfast and kayaking for two.

Another option is Crisfield’s My Fair Lady Bed & Breakfast. My Fair Lady is said to combine southern hospitality with Eastern Shore charm to create the perfect getaway destination. My Fair Lady is located in a Victorian-style home built in the 1900s, and features a formal dining room, front and back parlor, sun porch, five guests rooms and a top-floor suite. The B&B also offers special packages, such as an intimate wedding package for up to 40 guests.

 

An Overview of Crisfield, MD

Crisfield is the most southern city in the state of Maryland. The settlement sits on Chesapeake Bay on the Tangier Sound and is nestled between the Annemessex and Pokomoke rivers.

Originally the site of a small fishing village named Annemessex Neck, this spot has long been used as a fishing point with native Americans in the area having discovered its delights long before the arrival of the settlers.

Chief among those settlers was an Englishman named Benjamin Summers who was instrumental in the founding of the marina area now known as Somers Cove, paving the way for an explosion in the local fishing industry that earned the area the title of “Crab Capital of the World” an accolade it proudly expounds too this day.

The modern city is a busy urban area, which also benefits from a  strong tourist trade, with visitors flocking to the area to sample the delights of the local seafood as well as making Crisfield a base for trying out some more active endeavours such as water sports along the generous coastline.

Sailors from across America and further afield flock to the area, which provides a generous marina with easy access to the city centre for visitors carried in by the waves.

The downtown area offers a real insight into the history of the area, with architectural reference to its rich past in evidence everywhere you look.

The area also has lots to offer in terms of natural beauty, with the placement of the city of Crisfield making it a great place to explore the environment both on and off shore.

Crisfield – A City Built on Oyster Shells

The city of Crisfield Maryland is now widely known as the “Crab Capital of the World” indeed the area plays host to the National Hard Crab Derby each year solidifying its reputation as one of the main seafood centres of the United States.

But while crab may be the dish of the day in contemporary Crisfield, there was a time when this area served up many more briney delights for the delectation of diners across the country.

Indeed, the site on whcih the city sits is that of the old fishing village Annemessex, and even before the settlers arrived was a recognised sweet spot for seafood used by the local native American Indians.

While city founder Benjamin Summers was responsible for the creation of the Somer’s Cove area, now one of the biggest marina’s along this coast, it was Eastern Shore Railroad president John W. Crisfield who opened up trade routes to the town some two centuries later who was responsible for the boom in the seafood business – with trains making a reliable trade more possible.

Such was the sudden demand for Crisfield’s seafood that the settlement soon became one of the most inhabited citiies in the area, meaning that there was a great need for expansion to accommodate the new arrivals.

And while oyster shells from the city’s longstanding seafood tradition had been dumped in areas outside the original settlement – much of today’s downtown now stands atop these dumps meaning Crisfield is a city that is both literally and figuratively built on oyster shells.

Things to Do in Crisfield, MD

If you are planning a trip to Crisfield Maryland, there are a wide range of entertainment options on offer with something to suit all tastes.

As this city is rich in culture and history, curious visitors may wish to take a tour through the old town area with the local heritage society learning out how the city as it stands today was built on the oyster shells of the substantial seafood trade. Culture vultures may also enjoy visiting one of the city’s three museums.

For those who wish to get their kicks on the water there are a range of exciting options available in the Crisfield area – from daily cruises to Tangier Island and Smith Island for those who like to explore at a leisurely pace to water  sports instruction on the city shore for those seeking something a little more extreme.

Anglers will be spoiled for choice in this area, famous for its seafood and known colloquially as the “The Crab Capital of the World”. Charter fishing is available from range of providers based in the city of Crisfield.

For nature lovers the area, nestled between the Aneemessex and Pocomoke Rivers in the Tangier Sound of Chesapeake Bay has a lot to offer including the popular Jane’s Island State Park.

Sailors can take advantage of one of the biggest and best marina’s along the coast at Somer’s Cove, while foodies will find delight in the local seafood delicacies served up in the city’s eateries.

An exciting programme of open events also runs throughout the summer and early autumn with highlights including the National Hard Crab Derby, the Fourth of July Freedom Fest and the Wheels on the Waterfront Classic Car Cruise In. Details and dates for all events are available from the local chamber of commerce.

Crisfield Somerset Strawberry Festival 2011

The 2011 Somerset Strawberry Festival will take place over two day on Firday 13 and Saturday 14 May in the suburb of Marion – just a short drive from Crisfield city centre.

The event, which is a highlight of the local festival calendar attracts visitors and locals alike to enjoy the local strawberries and take part in a day of fun and frolics with a strawberry theme.

On the Firday opening night of the event, visitors can enjoy street dance around Marion, view live entertainment including music from local bands and even see the judging for the hard fought local titles Little Miss Strawberry and Little Mr Strawberry.

The second day of festival events see things in full swing with stalls opening from 8am to 2pm offering a delightful range of strawberry themed delicacies.

More energetic visitors may wish to take part in the Strawberry Strut – a 5k course for which participants must register on the Friday night, while families can take advantage of special events in the children’s area aimed at entertaining the little ones.

Live entertainment will be laid on throughout the day while judging of competitive strawberry products including jams and prserves takes place.

The finale of the festival begins at 11am with the gathering of the Strawberry Festival Parade, populated by local children, pets and groups who make a special effort for the occasion.

Visiting the Somerset Strawberry Festival is free and well worth the short taxi ride from downtown Crisfield to get a real flavor of local culture.

National Hard Crab Derby – Crisfield, MD

The end of the summer is not allowed to pass unmarked in the city of Crisfield and the arrival of the month of September also heralds the arrival of the National Hard Crab Derby and Fair.

Known affectionately as the “Crab Capital of The World” it is no surprise that this city on the Chesapeake Bay should play host to such an event, which offers a great insight into the local community and culture.

Held at Somers Cove Marina this excellent community event is a real local tradition that is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Help over two days in September, the event features an exciting array of crab-based fun, from live crab racing to crab cooking competitions where visitors can sample some of the exquisite entries.

For those who find their appetites whetted by all this crustacean based fun, recipe books are available to take away which include versions of all of the entries on offer on the day under the tongue in cheek title of the “World’s Crabbiest Recipes”.

The event also plays host to the ubiquitous beauty pageant, where local girls compete for the title of Miss Crustacean (or Miss Crusty as it is affectionately known locally) as well as a 10 kilometer running event, a fitting swimming competition as well as boat based competitions including races and docking challenges. Other challenges include a crab picking contest.

A carnival runs in conjunction with the Hard Crab Derby and the event offers an excellent selection of live entertainment for visitors, before the whole weekend is rounded off with a stunning fireworks display above the waters of Tangier sound.

Celebrate July 4th in Crisfield at the City’s Freedom Fest

Independence Day is a big deal in communities across America, and Crisfield, Maryland is no exception.

The city, known colloquially as “The Crab Capital of the World” sits on the southern tip of the state and enjoys a stunning location on the waters of Chesapeake Bay and Tangier Sound, making the perfect setting for the Fourth of July Freedom Fest Event.

Established in 2009, this new annual community get together is a high point of the local calendar offering a great get together fro locals and visitors alike.

Held at the Somer’s Cove Marina in Crisfield, the Freedom Fest event brings together the people of the city and those visiting the area for a day of fun and frolics with a serious message at its heart.

The Freedom fest is attended by local dignitaries including the mayor and other politicians as well as veterans from the area who are honoured every year for their service to their country.

Families bring picnics to enjoy, although refreshments are available, and visitors can take advantage of a wide range of entertainments that are laid on for the occasion – with something to suit fest-friends of all ages.

Carnival style stalls keep the kids enthralled, while entertainers offer excitement in the form of magic shows and craft displays.

And of course, no Fourth of July would be complete without a fantastic fireworks display with Crisfield’s offering going off above the waters of Tangier Sound with many spectators enjoying the stunning sight from the decks of their boats docked in the marina.

Janes Island State Park

Campsite

Image via Wikipedia

Introduction to the Park

Janes Island HVujPGW4dTis conveniently located near Crisfield. The Janes Island State Park, as the name suggests, includes both an island park section along with a mainland section. The state park offers plenty of camping for visitors along with a conference center, picnic spots, pavilions, and a marina with a boat ramp. The Janes Island section holds an impressive 2,900 acre saltmarsh with more than 30 miles of water trails. Janes island contains uncrowded and uncommercialized beaches, too. In fact, Janes Island is entirely untouched from commercialization and offers a wonderful way to get in touch with nature. Catch a sunset on one of the island’s beaches or watch crabs scuttle across the beach with your family. Janes Island is also a haven for crabbers and fishers looking for a great catch. Motor boats and paddle boats are other great water activities.

Water Trails

The park’s six water trails are largely protected from wind and current, making them a perfect experience for amateur paddlers as well as experienced ones. The American Canoe Association recommended the Janes Island water trails in its first-ever list of water trails recommended for paddlers. Primitive camping spots are also available for those who want to go on overnight exploring adventures.

Swimming

No lifeguards and chattering tourists here! The unguarded, isolated beaches are swim-at-your-own-risk and only accessible by boat, but offer visitors the chance to swim in the Chesapeake.

Camping

With over 100 campsites (49 with electrical hook-up) and three bath houses, Janes Island State Park is a great camping destination. Each campsite contains a camping pad, fire pit, lantern post, and picnic table. There are also five heated/air conditioned cabins that can sleep up to four. The back country campsites on the island have a boat landing and tent platform, but campers must follow the Leave No Trace set of ethics and permits are required.

Enhanced by Zemanta