Charms of the Chesapeake

Talbot County, Maryland, is packed with great places to stay, play, and eat. The area boasts a fleet of wonderful lodging options, from cozy bed-and-breakfasts and chain hotels to classy inns and full-service resorts. With so many great restaurants, there's absolutely no excuse for going home from this trip with an empty belly. Best of all, there's no shortage of things to do, from sailboat cruises to scenic bike rides.

WHERE TO STAY
Bay View--Tilghman Island Inn: Tilghman Island; (410) 886-2141,1-800-866-2141, or www.tilghmanislandinn.com.
Rates: $150-$300
Boater's Haven--St. Michaels Harbour Inn, Marina & Spa: St. Michaels; (410) 745-9001, 1-800-955-9001, or www.harbourinn.com.
Rates: $189-$525
Cottage Style--Five Gables Inn & Spa: 209 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels; (410) 745-0100, toll free 1-877-466-0100, or www.fivegables.com.
Rates: $160-$405
Country Living--Combsberry 1730 Bed & Breakfast: Oxford; (410) 226-5353 or www.combsberry.net. Rates: $250-$395
Historic--Robert Morris Inn: Oxford; (410) 226-5111 or www.robertmorrisinn.com.
Rates: $130-$350
Practical--Holiday Inn Express: Easton; (410) 819-6500.
Rates: $109-$129
Revitalized--Tidewater Inn & Conference Center: Easton; (410) 822-1300, 1-800-237-8775, or www.tidewaterinn.com. Rates: $99-$388
Romantic--The Lazyjack Inn: Tilghman Island; (410) 886-2215, 1-800-690-5080, or www.lazyjackinn.com. Rates: $129-$259
Serious Splurge--The Inn at Perry Cabin: St. Michaels; (410) 745-2200, 1-800-722-2949, or www.perrycabin.com. Rates: $345-$625


WHERE TO EAT
Bargain--Harrison's Chesapeake House: Tilghman Island; (410) 886-2121 Fresh, fried seafood

Moderate--Legal Spirits Tavern: Easton; (410) 820-0765. Don't miss the cream of crab soup
Mason's: Easton; (410) 822-3204. Outdoor dining on the porch or in the courtyard
Out of the Fire: Easton; (410) 770-4777. Mediterranean fare prepared in a stone hearth oven
Robert Morris Inn: Oxford; (410) 226-5111. Best known for crab cakes

Splurge--Harbour Lights: St. Michaels; (410) 745-9001. Delicious seafood and a great wine list
Isabel's: Tilghman Island Inn, Tilghman Island; (410) 886-2141 or www.tilghmanislandinn.com. Innovative cuisine with a wonderful water view
Sherwood's Landing: The Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels; (410) 745-2200. Upscale menu inspired by the Chesapeake Bay.

WHAT TO DO
Bicycling--Wheel Doctor Cycle & Sport, Inc.: St. Michaels; (410) 745-6676 or 1-800-586-6645

Fishing Charters--Harrison's Chesapeake House Sportfishing Center: Tilghman Island; (401) 886-2121 or www.chesapeakehouse.com.

Kayaking--Chesapeake Outdoor Adventures, Inc.: Harris Creek, Sherwood; (410) 886-2083 or www.chesapeakeoutdooradventures.com

Lighthouse Tour--Chesapeake Lights: Knapps Narrows Marina, Tilghman Island; (410) 886-2215, 1-800-690-5080, or www.chesapeakelights.com. All-day, half-day, or sunset cruises

Museum--Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum: St. Michaels; (410) 745-2916 or www.cbmm.org. Admission: $10 adults, $5 ages 6-17.

Sailboat Cruises--Lady Patty Cruises: Knapps Narrows Marina, Tilghman Island; (410) 886-2215 or www.sailladypatty.com. The Lucky Dog Catamaran Company: St. Michaels Harbor, St. Michaels; (410) 745-6203 or www.luckydogcatamarancompany.com.

Skipjack Tours--Skipjack Rebecca T. Ruark: Dogwood Harbor, Tilghman Island; (410) 829-3976 or www.skipjack.org. Skipjack H. M. Krentz: St. Michaels Harbor, St. Michaels; (410) 745-6080 or www.oystercatcher.com.

This article is from the September 2004 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.