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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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Are you thinking of moving to Crisfield and wondering what the town has to offer? Are you a new resident of the town looking for things to do? Are you thinking of planning a trip to Crisfield and are looking for the perfect weekend to visit? You’re in luck! Crisfield offers a ton of great local events that celebrate Crisfield’s heritage, community, and seafood culture. So what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Crisfield and visit one of these great events!

1. Somerset Strawberry Festival. If Crisfield is the “Seafood Capital of the World,” nearby Marion Station is the “Strawberry Capital of the World.” While Marion Station is no longer producing strawberries like it did back in the early part of the century, the town hasn’t forgotten the produce that built their town. What better way to kick off summer than with a festival dedicated to one of summer’s most iconic fruits? The Somerset Strawberry Festival takes place in May every year. Events include a Little Miss & Mr. Strawberry Festival Pageant, the Strawberry Strut 5K, Strawberry Jam & Jelly contests, and the Strawberry Festival Parade.
2. Freedom Fest. The Freedom Fest is an Independence Day celebration that features food, fireworks, and fun that costs only $5 for regular admission. Veterans get in free.
3. National Hard Crab Derby. Arguably one of Crisfield’s most famous events, the National Hard Crab Derby is a four-day crab extravaganza in early September. Visitors come from all over the world to celebrate one of the sea animals that made Crisfield famous: the Maryland blue crab. Events include a carnival, a Crab Cooking Contest, live entertainment, a 10K race, a parade, skiff races, and arm wrestling contests. Major events include the Crab Picking Contest, the Governor’s Cup Race, the Boat Docking Contest, and the National Hard Crab Derby Race. The Hard Crab Derby Race is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a race where live crabs race. The crabs are all numbered on the back of their shells so participants and race officials can tell which crab has won. It’s a national event!

One of the forefront attractions in the city of Crisfield is the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum. The foundation runs this museum and invites people to use the museum as a “starting point” in order to learn about Crisfield. The museum showcases the Maryland Lower Shore’s history. The J. Millard Tawes Museum features exhibits on topics like the origins of the Chesapeake Bay and the Native Americans of the region and how they interacted and impacted the area’s colonists. Exhibits on seafood harvesting and processing can be found within the museum’s walls, along with Crisfield’s long and impressive history as the “Seafood Capital of the World.” Museum visitors can explore exhibits about decoy carving and painting. One of the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum’s newest exhibits is a “Shanty” exhibit. Museum visitors can experience the crab shanty of a working waterman. The museum has a low admission price of only three dollars, with children between the ages of 6 to 12 paying one dollar. Children under 6 are free. Find the J. Millard Tawes museum on the Somers Cove Marina waterfront.

In addition to being a link to Crisfield’s past, the museum is also the starting point for Crisfield’s walking tour, The Port of Crisfield Walking Tour. A favorite stop on the port-side tour is always the visit to the modern seafood processing facility.

The Crisfield Heritage Foundation also manages three other properties, including the J. Millard Tawes Library and the Ward Brothers Workshop, which are available by appointment only. The Foundation’s newest acquisition is the Cedar Island Marsh Sanctuary, which totals 330 acres and is the home of a plethora of local wildlife. The sanctuary is right by Jenkins Creek, where local watermen work to harvest the seafood that made Crisfield famous.

One problem that spreading out into the suburbs carries with it is that, by definition, people in the suburbs are far away from everything. So they have got to use a lot of gas, just to get back into town. This obviously put a lot of fluorocarbons into the air. And this is not even considering how many animals have to lose their habitats, just so a bunch of identical houses can be dropped out of an assembly line in five different shades of beige. The overall impact of urban sprawl is ultimately devastating to the ecosystem we have to share with all of the other creatures of the Earth.

Of course, it is still possible to correct these kinds of problems, and stop urban sprawl in its tracks. Good property managers, just like good city planners, can help us to use the land that we have far more efficiently than we would have otherwise. Oceanside property management is an example of how, even in established cities, we can change the way that the land is being used, in order to help the environment to be in balance. With a solid balance between humanity and the environment, our world will get better.

The Watermen’s Inn prides itself on using fresh and local seafood as well as a variety of other fresh local ingredients. The restaurant offers nightly dinner specials to keep the menu fresh and interesting. The restaurant also offers fresh-made desserts. The restaurant boasts a tap room with a full drink menu.

The restaurant is conveniently located two blocks from the City Dock and Somers Cove Marina. The Watermen’s Inn is located on the corner of 9th and Main and is also close to the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum. The seafood restaurant is open only from Thursday to Sunday for lunch and dinner except for July and August, when the restaurant is open from Wednesdays to Sundays. The restaurant also serves breakfast on the weekends. The Watermen’s Inn staff recommends that diners make reservations for dinner. The Watermen’s Inn starts lunch at 11:00 on weekdays and it opens for breakfast at 8 AM on weekends.

The Watermen’s Inn also runs an extensive catering service. The staff promises to work with clients in order to create a customized menu. The catering service also delivers. Kathy Berezoski also runs a “Cakes by Kathy” service which provides wedding cakes along with other specialty cake. At the Pocomoke Elks, the Watermen’s Inn is listed on the preferred catering list and the company has catered at many local businesses, hotels, and museums.

Menu favorites include backfin lump crab cakes, crab soup, and the restaurant’s homemade desserts. Locals always recommend to get the daily special for a true treat.

Of those 1,172 households in Crisfield, 30.3 percent had children under age 18 living within the household. 33 percent were married couples who lived together. 25 percent were women with no husband in the household. Non-families made up 38 percent. 34 percent of the Crisfield households were comprised of individuals. 19 percent were a single individual over age 65. The average household size in Crisfield is 2.3. The Crisfield average family size falls at 2.9.

As for age demographics, 28 percent of the city is under the age of 18. 8 percent is between the ages of 18 to 24. People aged 25 to 44 make up 24.5 percent of the city. 21 percent of the population is between the ages of 45 to 64. People who were 65 or older make up 18 percent of the city. The average age in Crisfield is 37. There are statistically more women than men in Crisfield, with 75 males for every hundred females. There are 71 males for every hundred females over the age of 18.

The average income for a household in Crisfield is just under $18,000. The average income for a family is just under $24,000. Men in Crisfield make about $10,000 more than their female counterparts, with men making an average income of over $30,000. Women in Crisfield make over $20,500 in average income. Crisfield has a per capita income of $12,387. 35 percent of population is below the poverty line while 30.5 percent of families fall below the poverty line.

John W. Crisfield helped bring the Pennsylvania Railroad System’s Eastern Shore Railroad to Somers Cove in 1866. Somers Cove became a city shortly thereafter, in 1872. The town was renamed to honor Crisfield’s efforts in having the railroad connect to the former Somers Cove and boosting its economy through rail traffic. Crisfield was soon called the “Seafood Capital of the World” due to the amount of seafood Crisfield shipped to different parts of the country. The nickname is still used today to describe the city.

Thanks to the flourishing seafood industry, Crisfield was the second largest city in Maryland by 1904, following Baltimore. The town had a population of 25,000, with people coming to Crisfield from all over the country to work in the seafood industry. The town had so many leftover oyster shells from the seafood industry that the shells, along with soot from the rail system, was deposited in salt marshes. The shells and soot formed a peninsula upon which downtown Crisfield was built, leading people to honestly say that the town was built on seafood, or “on top of oyster shells.”

Crisfield is still best known for its seafood to this very day.

First, you will likely want to see if anyone you know is looking for childcare. Just because their children are already enrolled in a day care center doesn’t mean that they aren’t looking for an alternative. Many people would love the opportunity for their children to stay with a trusted family friend than with strangers in a large day care center where they likely won’t get the personal attention that they deserve.

Next, you will want to reach out to “friends of friends.”  If you are a member of the PTA at an elementary school, or you children play on any sports teams, this is a great way to find parents that you don’t know well, but know of that may be looking for a new childcare option.

Hopefully by this time you are full, but if not there are other ways to advertise for potential clients without spending a bundle. The social networking sites are a great way to get in touch with those around you. Post about your business on your Facebook profile or on your Twitter account and encourage your friends to share the post with their friends. If everything works like it should, your message should be shared with dozens or hundreds of people that many need your services.

The traditional approach of handing out business cards and flyers or posting a sign in your neighborhood is also a great option. Many people are too busy to go out actively looking for a new daycare, but if they see your advertisement in their mailbox or while they walk around the neighborhood they may consider giving you a call.

There are many important things that you must consider before you open an in-home childcare business. One of the most important is passing inspections. This goes hand in hand with providing a safe and nurturing atmosphere for the children who will be staying at your home, so this is doubly important.

The inspection process may vary from state to state, but will involve making sure your facility is safe and secure for any children who may enroll with you. There will often be requirements about space, fire escape plans, cleanliness, playground equipment and toys that are left in reach of the children.

The inspection will seem very stressful if you have never been through the process, but  in reality, it should be simple. If your childcare center is normally a nice, safe place for children then it should reflect in your inspection. One thing to remember is that the inspectors are not the enemy, they want the same thing you do, a safe childcare facility.

Hopefully you will pass the inspection on your first try. If you do not, don’t get discouraged, simply fix any problems and prepare for the second inspection. You will likely be better prepared this time around and should pass with flying colors. Once the inspection process is over you can breathe easy and get ready for the adventure of childcare. Just make sure you keep all of your safety practices up to date because most states require retesting at least annually if not more often.

First, you will face inspections that go above and beyond what is typical for other establishments.  In my state all food service businesses are inspected twice a year by the health department. These inspections are very strict and involved. A health department inspection will check out nearly every square inch of your restaurant and the inspector is specially trained to find even small problems that may occur. These inspections seem tough, but they are protection for the business as well as the customer. If you follow health department guidelines you will be better protected if anything bad ever occurs at your business.

Another hurdle that restaurant owners face is that of merchandise with limited shelf life. Your food products may only have a few days before they go bad, which will add to your waste. When calculating your budget and purchasing inventory, make sure you take into account waste that may occur. You want to carefully date every product you use so that you don’t accidently sell spoiled product. This is a sure way to lose business and possibly get shut down by the health department.

A final issue that you may find when running a restaurant is that of finding good help. It is hard to find quality employees that want to work in a food service business. Paying reasonable wages and offering benefits will attract a higher caliber worker than simply paying the minimum wage does. It is well worth the expense of obtaining quality employees.

How do business owners decide which prospective employee is right for to work for them?  It’s not as hard as you might think. Before you even interview the first candidate you can often eliminate many candidates simply by reading their job application and resume. If the resume is not written in good English, or the application is so mess you can’t read it, this is not someone you likely want working for your business. You want someone that is ready to put their best foot forward.

Another aspect to consider is availability. If you are hiring for a position that will require a lot of weekend work and the availability on your prospective employee’s application says that they want Saturdays off, they are probably not a good fit.

Once you have a pool of candidates to choose from you can begin interviewing. Do not be tempted to hire any candidate on the spot. You are only cheating yourself by not interviewing all of the potential candidates you have before you make a decision. If the potential employee finds other employment in the meantime, they are likely fickle and may have left your job in a short time anyhow.

Handling the hiring for your business may never be one of your favorite tasks, but there is no reason why it has to be a task you dread either. Using some common sense, and utilizing all of your options will enable the task to go more smoothly and hopefully allow you to find an employee that will be with you for a long time.

Handling the accounting and tax aspects of a small business is a very difficult part of the process for many first time business owners. It is vitally important to keep good records and save every document you obtain so that you can successfully calculate how well your business is operating and also file your taxes each year.

Another part of owning a business that can be hard for new owners to get used to is handling all of the customer service issues. If you are the owner and manager there is no one you can refer an irate customer to. You will have to do everything in your power to make your customers happy, so that you can keep them as customers for a long time. It is much easier to retain your current customers than to attract new ones.

A final common concern of small business owners is weathering the down times. No matter what business you own, you will have times that are leaner than others. You must be responsible in saving so that you can pull through the rough patches and continue to keep your business running successfully for the long run. If you are not able to save when your business is performing well, you will face many difficult days when things aren’t going your way.

No matter what business you are in you will face hurdles, it is up to you to learn how to get past them. There is always help and advice to be found online, from other business owners and your local chamber of commerce if you aren’t afraid to find it.

I never owned my own website; I simply sold through eBay and some industry specific trading boards. This helped me keep my expenses to a minimum and I was still able to reach the audience that I needed to reach.

My accounting process was simple too. I had an excel spreadsheet where I recorded the purchases I made and the sales I made. I kept my receipts for a couple of years in case I ran into any problems. Doing my own taxes is something that I wouldn’t recommend to everyone, but for me it worked out very well.

I was very lucky because the product that I sold was very small. I could keep an inventory in the thousands in a small room in my basement without feeling cramped. If you sell a larger or bulkier product you may need a storage unit for your overstocked items.

Another way I kept my business simple was my shipping methods. I only offered one method of shipping, USPS Priority Mail. I loved the fact that the post office provided free mailers and boxes and they would deliver them directly to my home. The shipping prices were simple to calculate and the items arrived at their destination quickly.

As you can see, it is possible to keep things very simple when you are running an online business. By figuring out ways you can cut corners you will save time and money in the operation of your small online business.

First, find out the laws for your area about fire extinguishers.  You may be required to have one, or possibly more than one.  This may not be necessary in every location for every type of business.  This information can generally be found on the website for your state fire marshal’s department.

Another thing that many fire inspections check for is working exit signs.  This is important because in case of a fire or other emergency your customers and employees may need to have lighted exit signs to help them find their way out of the building.

The fire inspector will likely help you set a maximum capacity for your building.  This is a set number of people that can safely be in the building at one time.  In an emergency situation it can be hard for customers to move about in a building if it is overcrowded.

Another aspect that may come under the umbrella of a fire inspection is the ADA inspection.  ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Act, and this act requires that businesses make necessary repairs or changes to the structure to make them accessible to the disabled.  Check out what is necessary for your business to meet the required guidelines.

If you find out what you need to do, and do it before you are inspected you will save time, hassle and money in the long run.  The fire inspector is there to make your business a safer place, not to cause you trouble, so take the time to thank them for what they do.

The first consideration is whether you will be operating a bookstore that sells new or used items. A bookstore that sells new books, is especially difficult to succeed at. The discount offered to bookstore owners is often very low, making your profit margin very slim. In addition, it is hard to attract customers when they can purchase the same book cheaper at a discount store or online.

If you open a used bookstore you will have a higher profit margin, but you are left with the problem of getting good stock. You will likely accept books in trade, or purchase from wholesalers, but you may find that the books that people want to buy from you do not often match what you get traded in.

A way to work around this is by operating online as well as in a brick and mortar shop. If you do this, you will be able to thin your inventory out  of the products that do not sell well, and source additional products that may be better sellers in your storefront location. You must remember though, that you may not get the same price you have come to expect when selling books online, as many online shoppers are savvy bargain hunters.

No matter what type of bookstore you choose to open, you will face many hurdles along the way. If this is truly your passion you may find it is worth the struggles, otherwise you may be in the wrong business.

A restaurant makes a great place to be the hub of a town because our lives revolve around food. There is nothing better than sitting down to a good meal with your friends and neighbors and sharing what is going on with your life. In the United States these cafes tend to serve comfort foods. Down home favorites bring back memories for everyone, and remind us of our childhood.

Often in the morning you will find a group of retired folk enjoying breakfast and endless coffee while the talk about what is going on in town, and how things used to be. If you ever have the chance to sit in one of these meetings you should take the opportunity. You will likely learn something about the history of your town and you will certainly be up on the latest news.

May people wonder how does one restaurant becomes the favored place for the town folk to meet? There’s no magical property that makes one place better than another; however, there are many things that can contribute.

A restaurant needs to be comfortable for a large group to sit around and talk. This is most easily achieved if the tables can be moved around to accommodate a varying number of people. The service should be attentive but not overbearing so that everyone gets what they need but don’t feel rushed. Finally the food should be tasty and there should be a large variety of foods available. Having something available for every taste will help attract a large crowd.

Advertising should be a major consideration for any business owner. Businesses can be made or broken based on whether the owner successfully advertises their new business. Failing to advertise is one of the top reasons that a new businesses will fail.

The type of advertising that will work best for your business will vary greatly depending on what type of business you own. A local restaurant for example would not get as much benefit from online advertising and would likely benefit more from a billboard or perhaps a flyer.

Television advertising is one of the more expensive and complicated types of advertising. Not only do you have to pay for the airtime for the ads, but you also have to pay to have the advertisement produced.

Print advertising can be one of the best values available. Depending what form you choose, you can a flat sum or you may pay per item printed. Print advertising is good for local businesses because it provides the customer with something tangible they can hold on to that has your name, address and telephone number on it. Offering coupons can be another affordable way to build business.

There are many other advertising methods that may work out well depending on your business. If you have an online presence you may benefit from banner advertising online. You will pay for ad space and your ad will be shown to potential customers on the Internet. Radio ads can be a great way to get your name out for the public to notice. Many people spend hours a day in their car listening to the radio.

In the early to mid 1900’s, radio was king. Once they became available at a price that was affordable for household purchase, the family would sit around the radio to keep up with the news, hear music from around the country, listen to serial radio shows and simply feel like they had a connection to the outside world.

Now, radio has been somewhat replaced with the television and the internet. Serial radio shows are all but extinct and the radio is not the first place many people look to when they want news, however there are still many uses for radio that have thrived. Talk radio, where regular people and the radio hosts can share their opinions about politics, religion and lifestyle topics are hugely popular. People everywhere also still use the radio in the cars or homes to keep up with what is going on in the musical world.

Radio in Crisfield, Maryland

Like most other places, Crisfield gets radio reception from nearby towns as well. Because of this, there is a large variety of radio stations and formats available in the Crisfield area. The AM radio bands are mostly populated with news and talk radio station formats where local residents can share their opinions on many topics and syndicated hosts from around the country are showcased. The FM stations have a variety of music types available including: Oldies, Country, Rock, Pop, Hip Hop and Urban. No matter what your personal preferences in music, you will likely find a station that meets your needs in the Crisfield, Maryland area.

One of the most popular seafood items in the Crisfield area is crab.  Maryland Blue Crab is the most popular of the crab varieties around.  Blue Crab is a $100 million dollar industry in the Chesapeake Bay region, of which Crisfield helps support.

There are several popular seafood restaurants in and around the town which offer something for everyone.

There are small crab shacks that are very laid back are and don’t have a lot of frills.  These places tend to be very popular among the locals and offer quality food at a good price.  If you have the opportunity to visit Crisfield and spend time with any locals, make sure they show you some of the popular low key places like this.

For those looking for something with a bit of a classier atmosphere, Crisfield can oblige that too.  In addition to the low key places mentioned, there are some fine dining seafood places too.  These restaurants tend to have larger menus, a collection of fine wines and an atmosphere that is great to take a date or hold a business meeting.

Besides these two extremes, there are more typical dining experiences to be found as well.  Seafood restaurants like this are perfect for taking the family for a nice meal out.

As you can see, there is a variety of seafood eateries in Crisfield to meet the needs of anyone who visits.  If you have the opportunity to visit make sure you check out the different options and  available and try something new and exciting.

Chances are if you are business owner you have heard the term Chamber of Commerce. However, very few businesses actually take the step to joining a chamber of commerce. This could be due to the unfamiliarity that people have with what a chamber of commerce is or what exactly one can do for your business. Here is a look at what joining the Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce can do for your business.

Higher Public Rating. A recent study has been conduct amongst shoppers and consumers. They were asking to rate businesses that they had never heard of based off of a description of that business. Many consumers rated businesses that promoted that they were a member of the Chamber of Commerce higher than those that did not. By joining one you raise your company’s image in the consumer’s eyes and give yourself a higher public image.

Attract Referrals. A Chamber of Commerce allows you to network with all the area’s local businesses. This means that those businesses will refer customers to your service if they need it just based off of the fact that you are a local Chamber of Commerce member.

Discounts. What business owner does not like to save money? Being a part of the Chamber of Commerce allows you to take advantage of some great member only discounts through the other members of the Chamber of Commerce. Some of these offers are great money saving opportunities for business owners and can really help with your business’ budget.

Free Advertising. The Chamber of Commerce will list all the local businesses that are a part of the local chapter on a website, inside a local informational packet and other places. This almost serves as a way to gain free advertising and can actually help your business reach a new level of customers that you might not have reached before.

All eleven schools are located in the Somerset County Public Schools School District, which is located in Westover, Maryland. These eleven schools served 2,910 students in all grades in 2007. The School District spent $12,421 per pupil in 2007. These expenditures can be broken down into three areas – 58% on instruction, 37% for support services, and 5% for other elementary and secondary expenses.

The student to teacher ratio in the Crisfield, Maryland Schools is very good as there are just 12 students for every full time teacher. This compares extremely well when compared to the Maryland state average of 14 students per teacher. The dropout rate in the Somerset County Public Schools School District was 7% in 2007 for grades nine through twelve. This is relatively high when compared to the national average of just 4.4% in 2007 for grades nine through twelve.

In the Somerset County Public Schools School Division, as of 2007, there is an Individualized Education Program for 13 percent of the student population. Individualized Education Plans are specific plans for students that meet the criteria for special needs services.

The schools of Crisfield, Maryland are well maintained and serve as a perfect environment for area children to achieve their academic goals. With an outstanding teacher to student ratio each child is virtually guaranteed more than enough attention to succeed. The Individualized Education Program also makes certain that all children with special needs are included in the academic program.

Currently, the largest employer within the city limits of Crisfield, Maryland is the McCready Memorial Hospital. The second largest employer is the Rubberset plant. This subdivision of Sherwin-Williams produces paint brushes. A good portion of the workforce is employed outside the city limits in nearby cities.

In 2000, the unemployment rate for Caucasian males was 0% and for Caucasian females was 7.1%.  For those who are African-American, or of mixed races, the unemployment rate ranged between 19.4% and 35.8%. Of those who were employed, males were most often employed in the construction industry (14%). The second most popular industry for males to be employed in was the public administration industry (12%) and then the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (9%). For women the most popular employment industry in 2000 was the healthcare industry (24%). Public administration was also the second most popular industry for women (15%) and accommodation and food services came in third for women (9%).

In Crisfield, Maryland the median household income in 2008 was $23,860 in comparison to the median income in the state of Maryland, which was $70,545. As much as 34.2% of households in Crisfield were below the poverty level and 12.9% were 50% or more below the poverty level.

The Somers Cove Marina is one of the most popular of the many marinas in Crisfield. From there you can participate in boating, sailing, and fishing. They have many charter boats that you can rent for the day, or even for a week, and the marina offers access to many other attractions as well. You can attend events like the Soft Shell Spring Fair in May, the J. M. Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in July, or the Annual Hard Crab Derby in September. The events at the Somers Cove Marina are attended my many!

Jane’s Island offers many opportunities for going on paddle trails where you can see wildlife and enjoy the outdoors. There is a campground, cabins, and a picnic area so you can make it a whole day that the family will love.

There are many other opportunities to enjoy the water in Crisfield, Maryland. Take a boat tour on the Steven Thomas where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and take a tour to the Tangier Island – a quaint little area that is like stepping into the past.

And don’t forget that since Crisfield is “the crab capital of the world” there are many opportunities to enjoy some great food on the waterfront. Whether you are looking for somewhere to sit down and enjoy a class meal or just a place to find a picnic bench in the sun you will be able to enjoy the great seafood of Crisfield while having fun by the water.

If education and knowledge is what you seek, the Crisfield Heritage Foundation has several attractions that will keep you interested for a long time. The main museum, the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum, is right on the waterfront of the Somers Cove Marina. The history of the Lower Shore, exhibits of the early Chesapeake Bay, the seafood plants, and the background of decoy carving and painting in the area are just some of the topics that you can learn about. Recently, they have added an exhibit where tourists can visit a working waterman’s crab shanty. This is the beginning of The Port of Crisfield Walking Tour. Visitors who want to learn more about decoy carving and painting will not want to miss the Ward Brothers Workshop. This will give visitors and in depth view of the lives of Steve and Lem Ward and the duck decoys that have become so popular in the area.

If you are looking for an activity where you can spend more time outdoors, you will not want to miss the Tangier Island Cruises. On the Steven Thomas you will witness beautiful scenery, waterfowl, and islands.  The quaintest island you’ve ever seen will make this tour a must. Streets on the island are meant for biking and walking, and the restaurants all serve the best fresh seafood. Enjoy your food indoors or find a spot at one of the many seaside picnic tables. This place has changed little since it was first founded in 1686!

Tourism in Crisfield, Maryland is one of the area’s greatest sources of pride. It is known as “the crab capital of the world” and is a great place to visit if you love the outdoors, wildlife, and a quaint community. It has been called “the last gem on the Chesapeake Bay.”

Located on the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay, Crisfield, Maryland is famous for its seafood, especially for the Maryland blue crab. This area is ripe with wildlife, natural beauty, and its simple lifestyle. The climate is temperate but seasonal, and the surface area of the town is about 46% water. For nearly 3 centuries, the town of Crisfield has been a place with a home town feel. It is loved by travelers that enjoy water and ecological wonders.

Some of the highlights of Crisfield, Maryland include:

* 3 museums

* Charter and head boat fishing

* Annual and year round events that include: the National Hard Crab Derby (every Labor Day weekend for the past 60 years), The J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake (every 3rd Wednesday in July for the past 30 years), and Freedom Fest (every 4th of July, a new event since 2009)

There are many hotels, as well as bed and breakfasts to stay in while visiting Crisfield. Visitors can make themselves comfortable and will feel the welcome they get from the residents of the town. There are great restaurants that, of course, offer some of the best seafood to be found in the state of Maryland. When visiting Maryland, Crisfield is a must stop destination. Not only will you enjoy the many opportunities to visit museums, go fishing, and take boat trips, but the people are welcoming and love to show off their beautiful little town. It is like nothing you have ever seen before.

Janes Island State Park is surrounded by Chesapeake Bay and many inlets, and offers many opportunities to explore and learn. The park has several cabins as well as many camp sites to stay at. Some portions of the park are accessible by boat only. There are also picnic areas for those who are just there for the day.

The J. Millard Tawes Museum offers a great place to visit on a rainy day or when it just gets too hot out. It follows the history of the lower Maryland shore and features exhibits on early Chesapeake Bay. It serves as the starting point of the walking tour and the Ward Brothers Heritage tour. You will get a great picture of the area including the past and present seafood industry.

The Tangier Outfitters/Island Cruises are well loved by visitors. The highlight of their cruises is the trip to Tangier Sound Island. You can go by kayak or water taxi or on their cruise boat, the Steven Thomas. This quiet little island has narrow streets that are perfect for walking or biking. It has a population of only 850. A quaint little town like this will make you feel like you have walked into the past as very little has changed since it was settled in 1686.

There are many more activities and events to take part in while visiting Crisfield. Whether you love the outdoors or prefer to stay you will be sure to find something you love.

Here are some of the places you can stay while visiting in Crisfield, Maryland:

* Janes Island State Park: Camp here in one of the 104 campsites or choose one of the 4 modern cabins. This beautiful state park sits on the Annemessex River, just north of Crisfield.

* Somers Cove Marina: This marina has 515 slips and is one of the best marinas on the east coast. It offers modern comfort stations, a swimming pool, playground, stainless steel fish cleaning stations, and much more.

* The Paddlewheel Motel: This is a great place to stay if you want to be within walking distance of attractions like the Somers Cove Marina and close to shopping and downtown Crisfield.

* The Pines Motel: At the heart of the city, this motel has clean, quiet rooms at prices you can afford. It caters to fishing groups and fishermen. They even offer to freeze your catch for the return trip home!

* Friendship Farm Bed & Breakfast: You’ll find this a beautiful place to rest on 12 acres of land on the Pocomoke River. It is only minutes from the Assateague Wildlife Refuge and the city of Crisfield.

* My Fair Lady Bed & Breakfast: You can truly get away and explore the beauty of the Eastern shore from this place. It was built as a Queen Victorian style home in the seafood boom era. All five guest rooms are furnished in period pieces and there is a top floor suite with 3 bedrooms for families.

If you love the outdoors you will want to visit Crisfield, Maryland. This small town is welcoming and filled with opportunities to explore the great outdoors. The fresh air and the many venues will make this a town you will want to visit many times over.

Of course, one of the main attractions of Crisfield, Maryland, is the fishing opportunities. For those who love going fishing there are many places to get out onto the water. There are marinas all over the place – it is just a matter of choosing one! The Somers Cover Marina is one of the largest in the state of Maryland. You can rent charter boats and enjoy the great fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, then bring it back to the Marina to clean it in one of their stainless steel fish cleaning stations. Some of the hotels that cater to fishermen will even freeze your fish for you until you return home.

If you want to relax in a different way you can find other opportunities at the Somers Cove Marina. The kids will love swimming in the outdoor pool or you can rent a boat where you can just cruise along at your own pace. If sailboats are your preference there are also sail boats to rent. And don’t forget the many events. There is always something going on at the Somers Cove Marina!

The Tangier Island Cruises are fun for the whole family as well. A leisurely cruise to Tangier Island on the Steven Thomas will give you plenty of time to relax but don’t forget to enjoy the scenery. Once you get to the island you can enjoy walking around the quaintest village you have ever seen. It’s like walking into the past! Jane’s Island will give you even more chances to go on paddle trails, view wildlife, and picnic in the outdoors.