11 Most Underrated Towns Along the Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay, the grandest estuary in the United States, is famous for its eye-catching loveliness, abundant annals, and plentiful wildlife. While numerous sightseers throng to prominent locations such as Annapolis and Virginia Beach, the district boasts many lesser-known towns that are as alluring. Travelers can go through the 12 underrated towns in the Chesapeake Bay, each with its exclusive character and enchantment. From the gorgeous Oxford in Maryland to the peaceful Deltaville in Virginia, these towns provide a superb amalgam of natural splendor, cultural legacy, and recreational prospects.
Oxford, Maryland
Hidden on the shores of the Tred Avon River, Oxford is a winsome waterfront township that radiates antique style. Featuring leafy lanes, traditional dwellings, and quaint stores, Oxford is the picture of a small-town USA. Tourists can take an unhurried saunter near the waterfront, rent a canoe or paddleboard, or embark on a picturesque boat cruise to discover the town's native loveliness. The Oxford Bellevue Ferry, one of the oldest ferries in the nation, furnishes a one-of-a-kind method to voyage the Tred Avon River and admire the stunning sights of the Chesapeake Bay. The town additionally has numerous ancestral monuments, including the Oxford-Bellevue Historic District, the Robert Morris Inn, and the Oxford Customs House. With its calm atmosphere and serene landscapes, Oxford is the perfect goal for an unwinding holiday.
Crisfield, Maryland
Sitting at the south end of Somerset County, Crisfield carries a remarkable maritime tradition and a vigorous seafood industry. The city is famous for being the "Crab Capital of the World" and is full of a number of seafood restaurants, crab shacks, and fish markets with the freshest catches. Moreover, the city offers multiple recreational activities, such as fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and bird observation. The historic area of the town encompasses several Victorian-style houses, worship places, and commercial constructions illustrating its long history. In addition, guests are able to experience Janes Island State Park, a 2,900-acre nature reserve with walking tracks, camping sites, and waterways for rowing and sailing.
Tilghman Island, Maryland
Tilghman Island is an idyllic community located at the southernmost point of Talbot County that shouldn't be missed. It's only reachable by motor vehicle through a slender two-lane bridge. This secluded location has aided in safeguarding the island's isolated quality and traditional lifestyle. The island is around three miles long and a mile wide, but it is teeming with magnificent views, outdoorsy pursuits, and hospitable people. One of the main attractions on the island is the Tilghman Island Watermen's Museum, where tourists can understand the past and civilization of the Chesapeake Bay watermen. Tilghman Island is furthermore a favorite stopover for outdoorsy types, with a plethora of possibilities for angling, crabbing, kayaking, and birdwatching. The Black Walnut Point Inn is an outstanding hotel on the island, with stunning views of the bay and clandestine beach. If you are searching for a tranquil getaway or an exciting vacation, Tilghman Island has something for everyone.
Cambridge, Maryland
Nestled alongside the Choptank River, Cambridge is a delightful hamlet that presents a range of leisure pursuits and cultural amenities. Tourists can traverse the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, home to various nomadic birds and other fauna, or savor a picturesque boat ride along the river. The community is also abode to the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center, which recognizes the illustrious abolitionist and Underground Railroad operator who was born in the region. One of the hamlet's most important attractions is the Choptank River Lighthouse. Perched on a jetty near Long Wharf Park, the lighthouse is a look-alike of the original lighthouse that once channeled vessels through the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can climb up to the pinnacle of the lighthouse and admire stunning vistas of the river and the neighboring area.
St. Michaels, Maryland
St. Michaels is an antique borough that lies on the edges of the Miles River, a feeder of the Chesapeake Bay. The municipality is famous for its picturesque alleyways lined with captivating stores and eateries, as well as its many festivities and occasions. Travelers can investigate the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which displays presentations on the territory's wealthy maritime legacy, or take a vessel sail of the river. One of the township's most celebrated draws is the Hooper Strait Lighthouse, a traditional beacon that rejuvenated and opened to the public. Visitors can ascend to the summit of the lighthouse and relish stunning vistas of the river and encompassing region. For those who relish outdoor exploits, St. Michaels is also abode to an array of parks and nature trails, incorporating the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Trail and the St. Michaels Nature Trail.
Cape Charles, Virginia
Situated on the southernmost point of the Delmarva Peninsula, Cape Charles, Virginia is a captivating small town with an abundant past. One of its most noteworthy aspects is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 18-mile-long architectural prodigy that spans the entrance of the bay. Tourists can embark on a guided voyage of the bridge-tunnel to gain an understanding of its formation and value to the area. Cape Charles is also famed for its picturesque beaches, comprising Cape Charles Beach, which locates only a few blocks from the downtown area. This family-orientated beach supplies swimming, sunbathing, and aquatic activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. For those interested in wildlife, the Kiptopeke State Park is a few miles away, where travelers can observe migratory birds, survey the dunes, and relish fishing and hiking.
Irvington, Virginia
Nestled alongside the shores of Carter Stream, Irvington, Virginia is a diminutive community with a big character. The small town boasts various renowned edifices, comprising the Steamboat Epoch Museum, which narrates the steamboat sector that flourished in the district. One of the most prevalent figures of the town is the Tides Inn, a sumptuous waterfront hotel that grants visitors access to a private coastline, marina, and golf course designed by the iconic golf designer, Golden Horseshoe. The town is also enveloped by natural beauty, such as the Rappahannock River, which is a celebrated spot for fishing and canoeing, and the Belle Isle State Park, which offers trekking paths, al fresco dining, and swimming.
Urbanna, Virginia
Urbanna is a petite waterfront municipality situated on the Rappahannock River in Virginia's Middle Peninsula location. This city is famous for its nautical past, boasting several piers and boatyards serving yachtsmen and anglers. Sightseers can delve into the town's background at the Urbanna Museum and saunter along the waterfront at the Urbanna Creek Walk. Urbanna also holds the renowned Urbanna Oyster Festival, occurring each year in November. The festival encompasses live music, food vendors, as well as bountiful oysters from the surrounding waters. Close attractions include the Middlesex County Water Trail, offering activities such as kayaking and angling on the Rappahannock River, and the Dragon Run State Forest, a 10,000-acre wilderness area with trekking paths and a vista of animals.
Onancock, Virginia
Onancock is a delightful town situated on Virginia's Eastern Shore, celebrated for its picturesque downtown area and lovely waterside sights. The town locates on Onancock Creek, which streams into the Chesapeake Bay and offers chances for cruising, fishing, and canoeing. Guests to Onancock can investigate the town's history at the Ker Place Museum and the Historic Onancock School. The town additionally has various art displays, antique shops, and eateries highlighting nearby seafood. Nature lovers can appreciate climbing and feathered creature watching at the nearby Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve, or take a picturesque outing along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which interfaces Virginia's Eastern Shore to the terrain.
Kilmarnock, Virginia
Kilmarnock is a diminutive municipality situated in Virginia's Northern Neck region, notable for its picturesque grandeur and exterior entertainment openings. The town is adjacent to the Chesapeake Bay and has a few streams and brooks, which include the Rappahannock River, granting marvelous angling and nautical activities. One of the town's key tourist spots is the Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve, a 204-acre wilds area with trekking pathways, birdwatching openings, and attractive vistas of the Chesapeake Bay. The town also shelters a variety of recreational zones and stops, such as the Kilmarnock Town Centre Park and the Chesapeake Trail. Tourists to Kilmarnock can discover the town's annals at the Kilmarnock Museum, which harbors displays on neighborhood chronicles and customs, and visit the close Historic Christ Church and Museum, a 300-year-old Anglican church and museum.
Deltaville, Virginia
Deltaville is a humble hamlet located in Virginia's Middlesex County, located at the easternmost point of the lower peninsula. This town presents a breathtaking natural vista that makes it a great destination for the open-air enthusiast. A popular tourist attraction in Deltaville is the Deltaville Maritime Museum and Holly Point Nature Park. The area provides a picturesque view of the Rappahannock River and a restful ambiance for its visitors. The museum boasts interactive exhibits and nautical mementos to illustrate the region's seafaring past. The park and museum together give an idea of both the region's nautical legacy and its natural splendor. Deltaville is an undiscovered jewel that offers an array of natural beauty and outdoor fun. Its location on the Chesapeake Bay, surrounded by rivers and state parks, makes it a superb choice for those who love the great outdoors.
Conclusion
The Chesapeake Bay area is host to some of the most captivating and disregarded towns in the United States. One of the most distinguished things about these towns is their vicinity to the Chesapeake Bay and the profusion of natural features that come along with it. From the meandering rivers and streams to the undulating hills and verdant forests, the region is a safe haven for nature aficionados and anyone in search of a tranquil escape from the hectic life. These 12 most underrated towns in the Chesapeake Bay area have something to proffer for everyone. So, why not devise your next journey to one of these secret treasures and unearth all that the Chesapeake Bay area has to provide?
