If you crave cobblestone strolls and dockside dining then St. Michaels is your perfect harbor

1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse in Maryland was built in 1879 to guide boats that passed through the Hooper Straight.

During the first 75 years, there was one keeper and one assistant. The lantern that lit up the water burned from sunset to the first sign of morning light. When the fog reduced visibility the keeper and his assistant used a fog bell that operated by a hand crank.

Then in 1934, an electric light and air whistle replaced the lantern and fog bell. Today, visitors who come to the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse can visit the 1920s themed museum that includes the daily logbook from the first keeper.

213 N Talbot St, St Michaels, MD 21663, Phone: 410-745-2916

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) is located on an 18-acre waterfront campus in Maryland. Before the museum was built, the area used to house seafood packing houses and workboats could be seen lined up along the docks.

The museum opened in 1965 to capture and display the economical, social, and geological history of Chesapeake Bay.

Many of the exhibitions portray what life was like from the time of sailboats, to the steamboat era, to the advent of gas-powered engines.

In addition, the CBMM research library has a collection of over 10,000 volumes. Also, its collection of watercraft totals more than 80 boats.

213 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD 21663, Phone: 410-745-2916

St. Michael's Museum is a community-focused museum that brings locals and tourists together. It’s a place where people can learn about and celebrate the rich history of the 19th century. The museum also provides a hospitable, inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors. Those who do visit can participate in a guided walking tour or tour the exhibits that were curated by museum staff. During the guided tour, interpretations are given on St. Michaels culture and heritage. This includes stories that were passed down through the generations by oral history. There’s also programs and activities for children who come with their families or school class.

201 E. Chestnut Street, St. Michaels, MD 21663, Phone: 410-745-9561

Where to Eat

208 Talbot is a fine dining American restaurant located inside an intimate and vintage space. The mastermind behind it all is David Clark. He has several decades of experience in the restaurant and culinary industry. His menu features New American-Chesapeake fare, local seafood dishes, savory selections like lamb, filet mignon, duck, vegetarian, gluten-free dishes and more. There’s also a dessert menu that features a handful of decadent items, such as bread pudding, cheesecake, angel food cake among others. 208 Talbot has a full-size bar that can make a variety of housemade cocktails, and it carries different varieties of wine and beer.

208 N Talbot St, St Michaels, MD 21663, Phone: 410-745-3838

Bistro St. Michaels is owned by Executive Chef Doug Stewart. Doug was born and raised in Talbot County and he began his culinary education at Chesapeake College’s Culinary School. When Doug opened the Bistro he intended to serve food that was rooted in tradition but also had a modern touch. And that’s exactly what he’s created. The Bistro St. Michaels features American food prepared with European style and techniques. Doug sources local and high-quality ingredients, including sustainable seafood, free-range eggs, and organic vegetables. They only work with farmers that use sustainable farming practices and who raise their animals humanely.

403 South Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD, Phone: 410-745-9111

Chesapeake Landing is a restaurant and seafood market that was built by husband and wife, Joe and Nida Spurry in 1991. Over the last several decades, the restaurant has developed a reputation in the Mid Atlantic for having some of the best seafood dishes. In addition to seafood, guests of Chesapeake Landing can also find Certified Angus Beef steaks, burgers and other beef dishes on the menu. Plus, the menu includes chicken entrees and a baby back rib meal. Since the restaurant has its own market, the oysters and crabs being served are always fresh and come from local waters.

23713 St. Michael’s Road, St. Michaels, MD 21663, Phone: 410-745-9600

The owner of St. Michaels Crab and Steak House is a native of Philadelphia who moved to St. Michaels in 1983. Years later, in 1994 he opened Michaels Crabhouse, which was the original name before it changed to St. Michaels Crab & Steak House. The restaurant is located in a 1830s building that was formerly an oyster shucking shed. This area still marks the spot where oysters and crabs get regularly brought in by watermen. Given its location to the sea, many of the items available on the menu are Eastern Shore seafood specialties. To ensure freshness and quality, every meal is made to order.

305 Mulberry St., St. Michaels, Maryland, 21663, Phone: 410-745-3737

For Photographers

Learn all about St. Michaels while taking a relaxing cruise down the Miles River with Patriot Cruises. Known for their 75-minute-long scenic tours, Patriot Cruises allows guests to see many gorgeous locations of St. Michaels’ Eastern Shore from stunning 200-year-old mansions to filming locations of the Wedding Crashers. While steaming down the waterfront, guests can look forward to hearing many stories from the boat’s knowledgeable captain such as the history of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the Battle of 1812, and stories about St. Michaels inhabitants. As an added treat, the captain of the Patriot welcomes patrons to the Pilot House to give them a behind-the-scenes peek at the boat’s operations. Be sure to pick up tickets online to capitalize on great discounts. Additionally, private charters can also be booked ahead of time.

213 N. Talbot Street, St. Michaels, Maryland 21663, Phone: 410-745-3100