I think we are going to cruise the Chesapeake this summer during the month of July. Would like some recomendations in general as well as places NOT to go as well as places we MUST go. Thanks in advance. Mark Johnson S/V Anthem
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Only 1 Month
Just toooooo much to see & do in the Chesapeake in only 1 month. But that said ...................... Go to (from North to South - from C & D Canal): Baltimore, Rock Hall, Chestertown, Annapolis, St. Michaels, Oxford, Solomonds & Crisfield. These are ONLY in MD, so about 1/2 of the Northern Bay. You can get a slip or anchor out in millions of areas. Great Rivers to see that have NOTHING to do with the towns I have previous mention include: Bohemin, Sassaras, Middle, Corsica (off of the Chester), Magothy, South, Wye & the Little Choptank. Only negative is July - HOT, Little Wind, Sea Nettles (Jelly Fish that sting) South of the Bay Bridge (Annapolis) - therefore little swimming) & T-Storms late afternoons. I have played on the Chesapeake for over 10 years and have seen less than half. Once you have sailed here you will know heaven. There probably is nothing, not worth seeing. P.S. I hope you like to eat Crabs !
Just toooooo much to see & do in the Chesapeake in only 1 month. But that said ...................... Go to (from North to South - from C & D Canal): Baltimore, Rock Hall, Chestertown, Annapolis, St. Michaels, Oxford, Solomonds & Crisfield. These are ONLY in MD, so about 1/2 of the Northern Bay. You can get a slip or anchor out in millions of areas. Great Rivers to see that have NOTHING to do with the towns I have previous mention include: Bohemin, Sassaras, Middle, Corsica (off of the Chester), Magothy, South, Wye & the Little Choptank. Only negative is July - HOT, Little Wind, Sea Nettles (Jelly Fish that sting) South of the Bay Bridge (Annapolis) - therefore little swimming) & T-Storms late afternoons. I have played on the Chesapeake for over 10 years and have seen less than half. Once you have sailed here you will know heaven. There probably is nothing, not worth seeing. P.S. I hope you like to eat Crabs !
The good and the bad
We are on the Surprise, P42. Avoid Cape Charles, Cambridge MD, Smith Island MD. these places are just bad. So so is Chestertown, Hart/Miller Island, Rock Hall, all in MD, Hampton VA. Must see are Norfolk at Waterside, Carter's Creek on Rappahannock, anywhere on Northern Neck, VA, Onancock VA, Tangier Island, VA, Solomans Island, Md, Oxford and St. Michaels MD, Rhode River, Annapolis [spend 2 or 3 days], Severn River, Magothy River, Baltimore [2 or 3 days; see a baseball game, you can walk], Sasafrass River, and many more. Get the Guide to Crusine the Ches Bay, a great book on every place to go.
We are on the Surprise, P42. Avoid Cape Charles, Cambridge MD, Smith Island MD. these places are just bad. So so is Chestertown, Hart/Miller Island, Rock Hall, all in MD, Hampton VA. Must see are Norfolk at Waterside, Carter's Creek on Rappahannock, anywhere on Northern Neck, VA, Onancock VA, Tangier Island, VA, Solomans Island, Md, Oxford and St. Michaels MD, Rhode River, Annapolis [spend 2 or 3 days], Severn River, Magothy River, Baltimore [2 or 3 days; see a baseball game, you can walk], Sasafrass River, and many more. Get the Guide to Crusine the Ches Bay, a great book on every place to go.
Southern Bay
I sail the southern bay, and there are some great spots there. Good places include Hampton city docks: a $1.25/ft, walk to the VA Air/Space Museum w/ IMAX, and live jazz every Friday night in the park right next to it. Great place! I'm cold on Norfolk Waterside, just because you have to motor through so much industrial area to get to it, but once you get there its nice. Lots of good scenic areas from Mobjack Bay up to the Potomac. Steer clear of Reedsville: Menhadden processing plant will curl your nose hairs. Urbanna and Tides Inn in Irvington are nice stop overs. Have fun...
I sail the southern bay, and there are some great spots there. Good places include Hampton city docks: a $1.25/ft, walk to the VA Air/Space Museum w/ IMAX, and live jazz every Friday night in the park right next to it. Great place! I'm cold on Norfolk Waterside, just because you have to motor through so much industrial area to get to it, but once you get there its nice. Lots of good scenic areas from Mobjack Bay up to the Potomac. Steer clear of Reedsville: Menhadden processing plant will curl your nose hairs. Urbanna and Tides Inn in Irvington are nice stop overs. Have fun...
Visit the Crab Shack
If you visit the mid and southern Chesapeake Bay, pay a visit to Indian Creek. It is one of the several creeks that lead directly from the Bay on the Northern Neck of VA. Beautiful creek and homes. Have dinner at The Crab Shack. The restaurant is more refined than the name, actually named one of "the best of the Bay" in Chesapeake Magazine. If you want some special attention, go to the Tides Inn or Lodge and Marina on Carter's Creek off the Rappahannock River. Have a great time!
If you visit the mid and southern Chesapeake Bay, pay a visit to Indian Creek. It is one of the several creeks that lead directly from the Bay on the Northern Neck of VA. Beautiful creek and homes. Have dinner at The Crab Shack. The restaurant is more refined than the name, actually named one of "the best of the Bay" in Chesapeake Magazine. If you want some special attention, go to the Tides Inn or Lodge and Marina on Carter's Creek off the Rappahannock River. Have a great time!
My Favorite Chesapeake Ports
Mark, I'm envious ! We have sailed the Chesapeake 3 times and would like to go back again. Maybe there will be a Hunter get together like last year. I think it was in July at Solomons I. We spent 5 weeks cruising the lower Chesapeake in Sept and October 1993 and some of my favorites were Crisfield MD, (Great Crab Cakes) Solomons Island MD, Zannheisers or Spring Cove Marina, Jackson Creek near Gwynn Island, Fishing Bay, Reedville if you stay upwind of the menhaden processing plant, Great anchoring in Great Wicomico River, Urbanna off the Rappahannock River. Didn't make ashore at Tangier but we circumnavigated Smith Island and Tangier Island. I think it would be great. We stayed at Waterside in Norfolk and got fuel across the Elizabeth River at Portsmouth. There is more to do and see than I will ever see in my lifetime.
Mark, I'm envious ! We have sailed the Chesapeake 3 times and would like to go back again. Maybe there will be a Hunter get together like last year. I think it was in July at Solomons I. We spent 5 weeks cruising the lower Chesapeake in Sept and October 1993 and some of my favorites were Crisfield MD, (Great Crab Cakes) Solomons Island MD, Zannheisers or Spring Cove Marina, Jackson Creek near Gwynn Island, Fishing Bay, Reedville if you stay upwind of the menhaden processing plant, Great anchoring in Great Wicomico River, Urbanna off the Rappahannock River. Didn't make ashore at Tangier but we circumnavigated Smith Island and Tangier Island. I think it would be great. We stayed at Waterside in Norfolk and got fuel across the Elizabeth River at Portsmouth. There is more to do and see than I will ever see in my lifetime.
Crowded
In July everything will be crowded but must seees on the bay are. Annapolis St. Michaels Oxford Baltimore In that order I think.
In July everything will be crowded but must seees on the bay are. Annapolis St. Michaels Oxford Baltimore In that order I think.
Chesapeake Cruise
Hi Mark! I've only been to the Chesapeake 2X, but don't miss Annapolis. It's motto is 'a drinking town with a sailing problem'. There are antique shops, and marine supply stores, tons of liquor stores. The coolest restaurant is across the river from the public marina. I'm sorry I don't remember the name. The food is great, and you can eat outside on the deck. If you're there on a Tuesday night, you can watch the Tuesday night races while your eating. If you're into gunkholing like I am, don't miss Still Pond, and Swan Creek. Still Pond is as good as its name, and yes there are Swans in Swan Creek. Swimming in both places is great(read nice and warm). All of these places are in the upper Chesapeake Bay. I wish I had at least a month to explore the entire bay. I'll be there in June. In July you might find jellyfish in the water when you're swimming. I hope you have a great trip with perfect weather the whole time. Let us know how your trip went. Best wishes the Pirate of Sha-lin Leslie
Hi Mark! I've only been to the Chesapeake 2X, but don't miss Annapolis. It's motto is 'a drinking town with a sailing problem'. There are antique shops, and marine supply stores, tons of liquor stores. The coolest restaurant is across the river from the public marina. I'm sorry I don't remember the name. The food is great, and you can eat outside on the deck. If you're there on a Tuesday night, you can watch the Tuesday night races while your eating. If you're into gunkholing like I am, don't miss Still Pond, and Swan Creek. Still Pond is as good as its name, and yes there are Swans in Swan Creek. Swimming in both places is great(read nice and warm). All of these places are in the upper Chesapeake Bay. I wish I had at least a month to explore the entire bay. I'll be there in June. In July you might find jellyfish in the water when you're swimming. I hope you have a great trip with perfect weather the whole time. Let us know how your trip went. Best wishes the Pirate of Sha-lin Leslie
July not the best month
July is not the best month to go. Very hot and often not much if any wind. If possible, go earlier or later. What part of Bay are you considering. Northern Bay is more crowded. I sailed mainly mid-Bay region. Lots of great places to anchor and plenty of marinas if you want to tie-up for the night.
July is not the best month to go. Very hot and often not much if any wind. If possible, go earlier or later. What part of Bay are you considering. Northern Bay is more crowded. I sailed mainly mid-Bay region. Lots of great places to anchor and plenty of marinas if you want to tie-up for the night.
home from the Bay
We have a charters Comp. on the Bay. If you would like any info please e-mail me at charters@prodigy.net I see that you are from Westport, Ct I'am staying with my Dad in Stratford, Ct for 4 weeks, so e-mail me and we can have a beer
We have a charters Comp. on the Bay. If you would like any info please e-mail me at charters@prodigy.net I see that you are from Westport, Ct I'am staying with my Dad in Stratford, Ct for 4 weeks, so e-mail me and we can have a beer
Join Us
Why not plan your trip with a group??? The Northern Star Hunter Sailing Club is having its annual two week cruise this June 17th until July 1st...or 4th... The fleet will meet in Lake Ogleton, Annapolis, MD on the 17th. We depart that evening for St. Mary's, MD. This year, we are exploring the Potomac River to Washington and return. Stops include many historical sites along the way including a landing...literally...at Mount Vernon. Contact me at sailor@voicenet.com for more details. Steve Hornberger SF/C, NSHSA s/v Sun Runner
Why not plan your trip with a group??? The Northern Star Hunter Sailing Club is having its annual two week cruise this June 17th until July 1st...or 4th... The fleet will meet in Lake Ogleton, Annapolis, MD on the 17th. We depart that evening for St. Mary's, MD. This year, we are exploring the Potomac River to Washington and return. Stops include many historical sites along the way including a landing...literally...at Mount Vernon. Contact me at sailor@voicenet.com for more details. Steve Hornberger SF/C, NSHSA s/v Sun Runner
This sounds pretty cool
I was planning on taking a trip to DC around that time frame. I have a hunter 27 that is currently slipped at shady side. Could you give me more information. I'd love to join you.
I was planning on taking a trip to DC around that time frame. I have a hunter 27 that is currently slipped at shady side. Could you give me more information. I'd love to join you.
I agree - cruising th ebay is great
Other than the remark about Spring Cove Marina/Comfort Inn in Solomons, I agree with the comments about the bay. We were in Solomons over the fourth of July 1999. Stayed at Spring Cove 3 nights. They NEVER cleaned the bathrooms. They NEVER emptied the trash cans and the pool was so dirty it stunk. I could forgive the pool as it was 105 deg most of the time and it was packed with kids. The restrooms and the trash were unforgiveable though!
Other than the remark about Spring Cove Marina/Comfort Inn in Solomons, I agree with the comments about the bay. We were in Solomons over the fourth of July 1999. Stayed at Spring Cove 3 nights. They NEVER cleaned the bathrooms. They NEVER emptied the trash cans and the pool was so dirty it stunk. I could forgive the pool as it was 105 deg most of the time and it was packed with kids. The restrooms and the trash were unforgiveable though!
Baltimore Inner Harbor
We love it. Right in the middle of the city, near shopping, restaurants, Camden Yards, Science Center, Aquarium, lots of nice marinas (if this is what you're looking for). Call for slip reservations on weekends. Inner Harbor Marina, Francis Scott Key Highway.
We love it. Right in the middle of the city, near shopping, restaurants, Camden Yards, Science Center, Aquarium, lots of nice marinas (if this is what you're looking for). Call for slip reservations on weekends. Inner Harbor Marina, Francis Scott Key Highway.
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