Just across the Chesapeake Bay lies a state of calm where leaves rustling in the wind and the water's constant flow are the only things competing for your attention. The Inn at Perry Cabin in St Michaels, MD is the premier resort on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
A short drive from Washington, DC, Inn at Perry Cabin is a storybook setting for intimate ceremonies and vast celebrations. Nestled on the banks of the Miles River, the Inn offers a surprising number of unique experiences.
It is one of our favorite places to visit... as is the sleepy town of St. Michaels!
Courtesy Inn at Perry Cabin
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When asked “what to do in Maryland,” many of the same landmark novelties come to mind: eating crabs, catching the rays in Ocean City, day trips to the aquarium in Baltimore, or visiting museums in nearby Washington D.C. Now, what if you were to narrow down your destination even further: “what to do on the Eastern Shore?”
History buffs can explore the deep-rooted history of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. The fishing enthusiast could spend a lifetime navigating the scenic waterways of the Chesapeake Bay and over 600 miles of tidal shoreline in Talbot County (more than any other county in the United States!). The true culinarian could take the trip to Smith Island, home of the famous namesake cake. Right in the middle of the Eastern Shore, between the big city hustle and bustle and the crowds at the Atlantic beaches is a tranquil site that includes something for everyone: St. Michaels.
Life on the Shore is often referred to as “low and slow”
This certainly holds true in St. Michaels; the speed limits are slow, traffic lights don’t exist, and the town of just over 1,000 residents sits just 10’ above sea level! This kind of relaxing environment will also lower something else: your stress level. Being only 80 minutes from Baltimore/Washington International Airport, St. Michaels is easily accessible by car for a quick day trip, a weekend getaway or a longer stay to really take advantage of the calm our charming seaport town brings to all who visit.
St. Michaels became known as “The Town that Fooled the British” during the War of 1812.
Residents had been warned of an incoming cannon attack, so they darked their homes and hoisted lanterns into the trees. This caused the British to overshoot the town, striking just one house, which still stands today and is known as “Cannonball House.” Before this, the town was a trading post for tobacco farmers and trappers dating back to the early 1600s and is steeped in rich history around every corner.
In present day, the town has attracted talented restaurateurs and chefs, various independently owned boutiques and shops, and amazing art galleries and museums, to include the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, founded in 1965. This iconic non-profit educational organization has a sprawling campus that includes a floating fleet of historic boats, 12 exhibition buildings, and breathtaking views of the Miles River and St. Michaels Harbor. Complete with touch tanks and a fishing boat for pretend play, every generation can enjoy the fun!
Enjoy a stroll down Talbot Street
The main street through St. Michaels, Talbot Street, can be easily explored by bicycle or on foot, if you have somewhere to hold the bags from your retail adventures! Talbot Street boasts over two dozen different shops, each with their own unique flare and collection of items. You can find apparel and accessories, jewelry and glassware, and kitchen delights like infused olive oils and chocolate bourbon barrel maple syrup! The options for dining are just as diverse as the shops. Complete with the natural choice of delicious locally sourced seafood, but also including Contemporary French American, Irish, and Italian cuisine.
After a day of exploring and shopping, our adult visitors appreciate the trifecta of beverages made locally: St. Michaels Winery, Eastern Shore Brewing, and Lyon Distillery. These establishments are all within the same block, so it is easy to stroll from one glass to the next! There is surely something to please every palate during your visit. If you are passing through during the warmer months, a trip to Justine’s Ice Cream Parlour to try something off the Famous Wall of Shakes is a must!
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