It's a galaxy of specialty food shops (including candy and ice cream) and superb nationally-renowned restaurants destined to delight even the most demanding gourmet. Of course, succulent Chesapeake seafood, fresh from the harbors, is the regional specialty. St.Michaels is on the eastern shore of Maryland and is a historic waterfront town that has kept its small town character with lots of charm and Chesapeake Bay romanticism. It is a popular B&B spot or many come by boat for the good seafood and slow relaxed beauty of the place. St. Michaels is an area rich in history. In the dark morning hours of August 10, 1813, a number of British barges had planned an attack on the town and a fort on the harbor side. The residents of tiny St. Michaels, forewarned, hoisted lanterns to the masts of ships and in the tops of the trees, tricking the British by causing the cannons to overshoot the town.

This first "blackout" was effective and only one house was struck. Now known as "The Cannonball House" a cannon ball penetrated the roof and rolled down the staircase as Mrs. Merchant carried her infant daughter downstairs. The house still exists as a private residence. St. Michaels derived its name from the Episcopal Parish established there in 1677. The church attracted settlers who engaged in tobacco growing and ship building. In 1805, an area was set aside for a public market known as "St. Mary's Square". Here stands a bell cast in 1841 which rang at 7a.m., noon and 5p.m. to measure the workday for the ship's carpenters in the nearby harbor and the remains of a cannon used in the defense of the town during the War of 1812. 

Lodging

 • Five Gables Inn & Spa, 209 N Talbot Street, 410 745-0100, fax 410 745-2903, 877-466-0100
 • St. Michaels Harbour Inn Marina and Spa, 101 N. Harbor Road, 410 745-9001, toll-free 800 955-9001, fax 410 745-9450. St. Michaels Harbour Inn, Marina & Spa is a full-service resort located on the harbor in picturesque St. Michaels, featuring spacious waterfront suites and a 50-slip transient marina offering all the modern facilities of our luxurious resort.  

Dining

 • Shore Restaurant and Lounge Reservations 410 924-4769. Shore Restaurant & Lounge offers indoor and outdoor seasonal dining throughout the day. This contemporary, casual restaurant focuses heavily on local and exotic seafood, incorporating only the freshest local vegetables and herbs.  

Activities

 • Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Mill Street, 410 745-2916, fax 410 745-6088. Brings to life the story of Chesapeake and its people with nine exhibit buildings and the world's largest collection of traditional Bay boats. Explore our 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, working boatyard, and hands-on displays. Discover exhibitions detailing the Bay's roll throughout history, oystering, steamboats, water fowling, and more.