Greenbook: A Local Guide to Chesapeake Living -Issue 11 | Page 13

Day Tripping in Chesapeake Country New to the area or looking for new ways to enjoy Chesapeake Country? Check out our suggestions below! Find more by using #Chesapeake at facebook/GreenBook S ho re Ea s te rn Is la n d, ho tos/ /p m S m it h co r. 1 flic k an n on , 261 076 y L ee C o n /6 63 le ec a n n Pho to b SMITH ISLAND, EASTERN SHORE Just off the coast of Criswell, Maryland lies a cultur- al treasure that’s rapidly disappearing due to serious environmental factors like erosion. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to visit one of Maryland’s oldest and most unique settlements. Ride a passenger-only ferry to the home of Smith Island Cake and listen to the distinctive Elizabethan accents. Take a bike with you to sightsee, rent a golf cart or go bird watching. A visit here is a reminder of a time gone by, and show- cases the beauty and hazards of making a living from maritime trades. (Budget: $300+ for ferry, lodging and meal). www.visitsmithisland.com CHESAPEAKE BAY MARITIME MUSEUM, ST. MICHAEL’S There’s something new and unique to do everyday at this family-friendly and interactive museum. Check out a working shipyard and explore the maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay in the morning, then spend the afternoon strolling through charming St. Michaels, a lovely Eastern Shore town renown for antiques, great food and excellent shopping. Active service members enjoy free admission, children are just $6. (Budget: $75 for tolls, tickets and lunch for two adults) www.cbmm.org CHESAPEAKE SHIP GRAVEYARD AT MALLOWS BAY Mallows Bay lies on the Maryland side of the Potomac River and is home to the largest shipwreck fleet in the western hemisphere. See how many different species of wildlife you can spot and imagine the ride across the Atlantic in a ship as you glide over more than 200 mys- terious remains. The area is contiguous with the Lower Potomac Water Trail, Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, and Captain John Smith Chesapeake Na- tional Historic Trail and the Charles County Water Trail. Access Mallows Bay with your kayak, paddleboard or canoe via public boat launch in Charles County. (Bud- get: You may have to pay for parking or for a kayak rental. Tours are available. BYOB or visit casual eateries in nearby Nanjemoy or Waldorf) GREENBOOK | SUMMER 2017 13