The Most Charming River Towns On The Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay is a popular and beautiful part of the country. Bordered by the states of Maryland and Virginia, the bay is a destination for vacationers and a popular place to live. While many people live on the bay, numerous rivers also flow through the region, giving rise to popular destinations. Popular destinations featuring diverse geography and history have become go-to vacation spots and attractive places to live. These six towns are some of the most charming river towns you can find.

Maryland

Havre de Grace

The city of Havre de Grace sits where the Susquehanna River empties into the head of Chesapeake Bay. Visitors are easily charmed by the shopping and dining spots they find along St. John Street, which forms the waterfront along the river. A casual meal can be enjoyed at the Tidewater Grille, taking in perfect views of the water thanks to the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows.

Bayside Antiques is a popular destination for those seeking unique, vintage gifts. In fact, it was named one of the best antique shops in the county. Within walking distance, you will find Frank J. Hutchings Memorial Park tucked against the river. Anglers will enjoy the fact that public fishing is available without a license, while shoppers will want to stop in for the Farmer's Market.

Head further south and you will find Friends-Concord Point Lighthouse. The restored 1827 lighthouse is open to visitors, who can tour the lighthouse itself and the keeper's house to learn more about how this spot guided the boats sailing on the bay waters.

Chesapeake City

There is a charm to towns like Chesapeake City, which is separated down the middle by a river and lined with waterfront views along every inch of its town. The Back Creek runs through the city, and visitors to the area enjoy plenty to do. Visitors should seriously consider staying at The Inn at the Canal, which welcomes guests with a complimentary breakfast, fun times at the Rumur Lounge, and stunning morning views of the water.

A short walk down Second, guests will find the lively Chesapeake Inn Restaurant + Marina. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are all on the menu. Yet the marina is also known for its lively events. New Year's Eve celebrations and other seasonal events occur between live music concerts held throughout the year. Those who want to set out on the water can contact Chesapeake Water Tours. Seasonal cruises on the bay and private boat tours await visitors, offering opportunities to sightsee, enjoy live music, and savor wine tastings.

Solomons Island

Solomons, often called Solomons Island, rests where the Patuxent River meets Chesapeake Bay. This enchanting destination is a popular weekend getaway. The Solomons Inn Resort and Marina is a good choice for accommodations. Elegant rooms and in-resort amenities are complemented by views of Back Creek, which guests can explore by kayak.

Not far away, guests will find the Drum Point Lighthouse and the nearby Calvert Marine Museum. The museum showcases the region's history, from prehistoric times to the development of the maritime industry along the Chesapeake Bay. Guests will find examples of the boats that sailed the region's waters and exhibits showcasing the animals that inhabit the area.

The lighthouse, meanwhile, sits on the museum's waterfront and is open to visitors hoping to see what life was like for lighthouse keepers in the early 1900s. Down the street, visitors can walk along the Solomons Island Boardwalk and enjoy views of the water while finding beautiful waterfront destinations to dine. The Liightrhosue Restaruant and Dockbar puts guests right along the harbor for a meal of seafood with cocktails.

Virginia

Deltaville

It has been said that Deltatville is so small that it has more boats than people, but that is part of its charm. It borders several bodies of water, including Jackson Creek that cuts through town, the Piankatank River, and the larger Chesapeake Bay.

Those wanting to set sail on those waters can charter with Veritas Charters, who boast a 49-foot Hunter Veritas sailboat that provides some of the best sailing on the bay. Diners will want to visit Delatville Tap and Raw Bar, a destination for those who want to enjoy crab claws and oysters while enjoying views of the waterfront.

The special relationship between Deltaville and the bay is portrayed at the Deltaville Maritime Museum. The museum depicts the area's history, dating back to a meteor that struck the region millions of years ago. However, the exhibits focus on the boats and the explorers who mapped the bay.

Kilmarnock

Visitors to Kilmarnock will undoubtedly be wowed by its vibrant downtown area. Main Street is lined with shops and dining destinations. Rivah Antiques and Accessories features unique vintage items to take home, while Rappahannock Hang-ups Frame Shop & Gallery features framed art to decorate your house.

Shoppers can also walk north to Kilmarnock Museum if they want to learn more about the region. The museum is actually housed in one of the oldest buildings in town and today showcases artifacts highlighting the pivotal events that defined Kilmarnock, including a sequence of fires in the early 1900s that the town rallied to recover from.

Meanwhile, those who want to hit the water can take a short, ten-minute drive north to Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve. The surrounding wetlands and forests give way to sandy beaches and dunes along Chesapeake Bay and Ingram Cove. Visitors will find numerous walking trails, while birdwatchers will delight in the egrets, herons, and eagles that make the area their home.

Irvington

The town of Irvington is located along the Rappahannock River. This small town derives much of its allure from the numerous coves that extend into town, such as Bridge Cove and Sam's Cove. A drive through town reveals no shortage of spots to view the waters. As you pass through, shoppers and diners can find plenty to do along Irvington Road, which winds its way through the center of town.

Make sure to stop in at the popular Dog and Oyster Micro-Vineyard and Oyster Bar, a unique spot in town where guests can enjoy a platter of oysters and a glass of wine. You can even spend the night if you are staying in town.

Continuing along Irvington Road, visitors can find Objects Art, which showcases art in a variety of mediums, including sculptures, glass, and jewelry. Within walking distance, the Steamboat Era Museum showcases the history of the Chesapeake Bay region, with a particular focus on the steamers that once navigated the waters.

The Charm of Chesapeake Bay

With all there is to see and do, it is no wonder so many people find the Chesapeake Bay area charming. The rivers that flow into the bay are dotted with popular destinations where vacationers find plenty to see and do, from setting out by boat onto the bay itself to exploring the region's history through museums like the Calvert Marine Museum. These towns enchant and delight, so if you are visiting Chesapeake Bay, make any of these six river towns your next destination.