6 Lakeside Towns Near The Chesapeake Bay
A string of small, charming towns, some of which will strike you as plucked straight from a fairy tale, dot the area along the Chesapeake Bay, a captivating stretch with white-sand beaches and spectacular views. The past still walks in towns such as Annapolis, which briefly served as the seat of the Continental Congress and the nation’s capital. Others glow with heart-ravishing nautical charm and will not fail to put a sparkle in a visitor’s eyes. Discover below the six towns around the Chesapeake Bay with easy access to a lake.
Parkville, Maryland
Parkville is a relaxed, slow-paced community, just 20 minutes from downtown Baltimore. It provides access to one of the most critical man-made water sources in the county: Loch Raven Reservoir. The reservoir, around 20 minutes' drive away from Parkville, was constructed in 1914 and has a capacity of 23 billion US gallons. Anglers are always drawn to catching several fish species in the lake, including Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Northern Pike. Other activities that one can enjoy in the area include paddle boating, nature photography, and hiking. Then, there is the Double Rock Park in town, a 102-acre oasis with a playground, hiking trails, a serene stream, and a small waterfall. It is the ideal spot if you want some fresh air or a moment of calm and clarity. Don’t forget to pass by Collectors Corner, an eclectic space filled with an incredible selection of comics, graphic novels, and collectibles.
Brookville, Maryland
Brookville, a small, calm town around 45 minutes away from the Chesapeake Bay, is known for one of the most unique claims in the nation: It served as the U.S. capital for a day. In the summer of 1814, in the heat of the War of 1812, the British captured and burned Washington, DC. A weary James Madison, who had been on the road for a while, rode into Brookville and found a prosperous industrial town hosting several other refugees. That is how Brookville earned its “U.S. Capital for a Day” moniker. Today, Brookville is quaint and unassuming and is speckled with several well-preserved 19th-century buildings. There is the Madison House, which provided refuge for President James Madison on that eventful day. That said, with its delicious array of yummy cocktails, Silo Falls should be on every first-timer’s to-do list. Keep in mind that the Triadelphia Reservoir, created by the Brighton Dam, features a 5-acre woodland garden with azaleas and is just 4 miles down the road. Another good news for aquaphiles: the beautiful Lake Needwood is close to town, where one can enjoy boating, hiking, cycling, etc.. Also, A special shout-out to Sharp's at Waterford Farm, a 530-acre space that offers several fun-filled activities in fall, including pumpkin picking and hay rides.
Franklin, Virginia
Franklin is a small, beautiful town, about 31 miles from Lake Drummond. This breathtaking blue-space gem is loved for its crystal clear waters and the recreational opportunities it offers, including fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Also, the lake is part of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, which features several scenic trails that are all worth exploring. On the culinary side, Fred’s Restaurant in downtown Franklin serves creamy and delicious homemade mashed potatoes and is among the best places for breakfast in the mid-Atlantic. There is Barrett's Landing Park as well, a tranquil, swoon-worthy space that overlooks Blackwater River. Depending on the season, you might find yourself reeling in a big, yummy catch.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is a beautiful town with a big dose of history. It served as the Colonial capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780 and played a crucial role in the colony’s road to revolution. On a different note, Williamsburg is the site of the first hospital established in America for the care and treatment of mental illness. Today, Eastern State Hospital is a regular health facility and is not open for tourist visits. Layered in spellbinding natural beauty, Williamsburg is surrounded by several waterbodies, including the York River, the James River, the beautiful Diascund Reservoir (it has a large area to fish), Lake Matoaka, and Little Creek Reservoir. Lake Matoaka, created in the 1700s to power a gristmill, is located within the campus of the College of William & Mary, and is a popular recreational destination in town. Keep in mind that Busch Gardens, with its immersive European theme, is one of the best amusement parks in the world. There is a lot to love about Williamsburg, including its Old World feel and charm.
Havre de Grace, Maryland
Havre de Grace — or "the harbor of grace" — is a beautiful waterside community near Conowingo Reservoir, a 14-mile-long water wonder that supports one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in Maryland. If it is your first time, you will enjoy walking through the town while sampling its shops and eateries. Bomboy's Homemade Ice Cream, on Market Street, serves so many flavors that are all worth trying. The limitation will be the room in your scoop cups. A jaunt ahead is Market Street Brewery, a fun-filled space with games, snacks, and art. If you have not heard it, JoRetro, on Washington Street, probably has the best collection of vintage and midcentury clothes in the Bay Area. At the Lock House Museum, visitors imbibe lots of historical information about the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal and its connection to the canals in Pennsylvania.
Fulton, Maryland
Crowning everything is the small, charming town of Fulton, a clean, friendly community 30 minutes from downtown Baltimore. Residents here are close to the Rocky Gorge Reservoir, a product of the construction of the T. Howard Duckett Dam on the Patuxent. Outdoor lovers troop here to boat, fish, or ride horses. The Patuxent River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, flows nearby and adds a layer of rustic charm to the area. If looking for a place to kickstart your trip, Decadent serves great lattes with tons of variety. However, if you want a quiet place to relax, read a book, or hit up a scenic trail, T. Howard Duckett Watershed is a great outdoor area by the river.
The Takeaway
However you look at it, the Chesapeake Bay is relaxed, slow-paced, and incredibly beautiful. Time slows down like gentle rain as you wander through charm-soaked streets dripping with bashful beauty and timid grace. Williamsburg feels like the 1700s have come back full circle, especially in how it is filled with historic architecture and a nostalgic feel. But many other towns are not drab either. You will find spots that will set your heart ablaze, many of which are close to a beautiful lake.
