What comes to mind when you think of the Chesapeake Bay?
For many of us, it’s a vision of three headed fish, frogs with eight legs, rancid bacteria infested water and toxic run-off as the Chesapeake Bay has dealt with its share of legitimate environmental issues.
But here and now, in 2019, things are so much better! The Chesapeake, thanks to restoration efforts is making a comeback and provides a stunning family friendly multi-season retreat.
5 Reasons to Visit Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
Those Views
Rippling blue water juxtaposed against crystal clear skies. Vibrant seaside foliage draped in honeysuckle vines. The lapping waves, the songs of the seagull, the drumming of frogs, the melody of late afternoon crickets. The landscape, is simply stunning.
The History
The Chesapeake Bay region was home to the Powhatan tribe, the same tribe of Pocahontas who lived on the shores and in the woodlands further mainland. John Smith’s famous voyage brought him down the Chesapeake Bay. Centuries later, the Chesapeake Bay region became an integral crossroad on the underground railroad. Harriet Tubman famously waded through its shallow marshlands as she ushered hundreds to freedom. Frederick Douglass crossed the waters to escape to the north. Decades after that, the Chesapeake Bay became a playground for the wealthy of Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Stately seaside mansions were erected as the elite, with the advent of train travel, took the historic honeysuckle express (named for the fragrant honeysuckle that flourished in Southern Maryland, welcoming visitors to the Chesapeake region) to spend the weekend or the summer months at their seaside retreats on the Chesapeake Bay.
Family Friendly
Chesapeake Bay, Maryland is a great place to visit with kids. From the old fashioned train museum near the Rod and Reel Resort, to the boardwalk full of ice cream shops to select beaches complete with playgrounds and pirate themed forts. Kids will have a blast! You can even book a pirate themed boat tour.
Inexpensive
As far as seaside vacations go, resorts, rentals and hotels on the Chesapeake are very reasonably priced. Real Estate (if you’re looking to buy) is another story.
Restaurants can run the gamut from moderately priced to expensive, especially since most feature fresh seafood, which tends to be pricier in general.
Great for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The Chesapeake Bay is a water sport lovers dream!
For fishermen, there are numerous quiet and serene boardwalks. If you prefer to be on the water, you can charter a boat or bring your own as there are plenty of places to dock and store a boat.
Speaking of boating, popular on the Chesapeake are sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. You can rent or bring your own.
The Chesapeake Bay is also a birders paradise. So many varieties to spy and plenty of organized groups to guide you.
Summertime isn’t the only time to enjoy the Chesapeake Bay. Southern Maryland has a relatively mild climate April through November. The autumn foliage along the Chesapeake Bay is truly something stunning and the area is quiet and serene in the winter as it gets decked out for the holidays.
Come for the weekend, stay for a week or two, but come visit the improved Chesapeake Bay!
*Please note than any links included in this post are purely for your convenience as this is in no way a sponsored post :)