One thing about St. Michaels is its rich history. Indeed you will find reference to it as the town that fooled the British. During the 1812 war, the townspeople used quick thinking to avoid the Brits shooting cannons at their houses.
The charming little town is about 1.5 hours from Washington, DC. It is also near Baltimore, Wilmington, and Philadelphia.
While St. Michaels may have a maritime background, it has now evolved. It has become a popular destination for family vacations. True, it may not have the big-city appeal that younger demographics look for. But, the peace and serenity make it worth a visit if you are looking for an ideal R&R spot.
Let’s look at some must-visit places in St. Michaels. We will also share some tips on how to make the trip more fun.
Start By Finding Suitable Accommodation at the Best St. Michaels Hotel
A concern for any traveler would be accommodation. Well, don’t fret because there is no shortage of fantastic facilities.
A top recommendation of a St. Michael hotel is the Inn at Perry Cabin. The first thing you will love is its waterfront location. You can spend hours gazing out into the Miles River or the Chesapeake Bay. There is something so relaxing about the gentle water movement. Couple that with the sea breeze and distant sailboats, and you will feel the stress leave your body.
When looking for the best family resorts, you must ensure they are child/family friendly. That is, of course, unless you are traveling alone. The rooms are spacious, and the inn can accommodate any special requests. The same applies to dining options to cater to the kids.
The Inn at Perry Cabin has many activities that will add to the vacationing experience. Spend a day at the spa if you wish for some pampering. Get in some physical exercise with tennis or golf. Or, tour St. Michaels by signing up for the cruises. We will share more details on this a little further in the article.
Take a Bike Tour of St. Michaels
A bike tour is not only relaxing. But, you can explore St. Michaels at your own pace. The other alternative is to sign up for the biking tours.
Some popular destinations are the Tilghman Islands. In total, the roundtrip covers 30 miles. Note that it can get pretty windy, but the scenery will be worth the slight discomfort. The best views of the Chesapeake Bay are from Black Walrus Point.
The Lowes Wharf Marina has a private beach that makes the 20-mile trip worth the exertion. The spectacular views will make you appreciate the natural beauty of St. Michaels.
Enjoy a Cruise on the Miles River
Opt for a cruise if you don’t like the physical aspect of hiking or biking. The Patriots’ cruise on the Miles River is 75 minutes long. You get to see the old town charm of St. Michaels while enjoying the smooth ride.
The same applies to Sail Selena II. This may be a bit more expensive because it is on a private yacht. But, you don’t have to share the space with too many people.
The Sail Selena is excellent for a romantic cruise on Miles River.
Learn the History of St. Michaels at the Museums
You should visit two museums if you want to know more about St. Michaels.
- The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a must-visit spot in St. Michaels. Imagine over 18 acres of history, artifacts, photos, exhibitions, and more. You can be sure of a very educational experience when you visit. Further, the kids can get a hands-on experience of some of their school lessons.
One of the biggest attractions is the Hooper Strait lighthouse. It is quite an intense experience to learn what it was like staying in one. Imagine darkness all around and only the lighthouse to guide the ships away from danger. Despite some renovations, the museum has tried to maintain most of the lighthouse as it was originally.
- The St. Michaels Museum
The St. Michaels Museum is more like a walking village. It provides a vivid interpretation of the culture and history of the colonial town. You will also get your fill of oral representations of the same.
Explore the Different St. Michaels Destinations
There are some places in St. Michaels that you will love.
- Easton is a center of activity, culture, and art. There are so many small shops that have some pretty unique things. You can, for instance, find antiques and other collectibles. Make sure you try the cuisines at the many eateries.
- Hog Neck in Easton is a golfer’s paradise. The 18-hole Talbot County golf course will give you a run for your money.
- Oxford will bring back nostalgic feelings. The historic town still has tree-lined streets and old-style houses. While in Oxford, do take a walk on the Strand near the ferry landing waterfront. If you watched the movie ‘The Wedding Crashers,’ you might recognize the tree-lined street. Finish the Oxford tour with a visit to the Scottish Highland Creamery. You will not find such delectable Ice-cream anywhere else.
- The Blackwater Wildlife Refuge is 12 miles south of Cambridge. It covers over 28,000 acres of forests, wetlands, hardwood, and more. One of the birds you may see, depending on the season, is the migrating waterfowl. The same applies to the Canadian geese that use the Atlantic Flyway.
- Hop over to Hooper’s island for a spot of fishing. Comprising three islands, the scenery is picturesque.
- Connect with nature at Pickering Creek. You will learn about native plants and other exciting things about plants. The salt marsh habitat also provides nesting gourds for salt marsh sparrows, bald eagles, and rails.
Final Thoughts
St. Michaels, MD, has a lot to offer vacationers. We have looked at some fantastic destinations you can check out. Whether it is uncovering historical facts at the museums or enjoying the outdoors, boredom will never be an issue for you.
St Michael’s hotels like the Inn at Perry Cabin are excellent family resorts. You can be sure of a comfortable stay in a serene environment. Do take advantage of local tours for the best experience.
