About the Chesapeak & Maryland's Eastern Shore

East of the Chesapeake Bay is the Eastern Shore of Maryland, with its historic towns, farms, seafood and unspoiled land. Spring and fall are the best seasons to linger in this beautiful area. To reach the Eastern shore by car, you can take scenic route 213 which crosses the C & D canal at Chesapeake City. Small historic cities pepper the route, such as Chestertown where they re-enact the boston tea party each year and many pre-revolutionary buildings still stand. Route 413 leads into Crisfield, known as the "Crab Capital of the World" for its famous seafood restaurants. Steaming piles of clams, soft shelled crab, blue crab, barbecued shrimp are among the many delectable choices at various restautants including the simple and intimate Waterman's Inn or the outdoor deck of the Side Street Restaurant. The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry established in 1683 will take you to Oxford Landing where you can stay at the Robert Morris Inn and choose from period rooms in this historic inn. Other notable items: Near Wye Mills is the 400 plus year old Wye Oak, the largest White oak in the United States. Herds of wild ponies roam free at Assateague Island National Seashore For more information, contact Maryland Office of Tourism Development (800) 634-7386 Sandwiched between Chesapeake Bay in the West and Delaware and the Atlantic Ocean in the East, Maryland's Eastern Shore cannot help but be influenced by the water. Eating fresh seafood, boating, fishing and wildlife watching can all be enjoyed in the region. This area is also known for its agricultural and historical attractions. Ocean City, a popular summer attraction, is a year-round resort town located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. A boardwalk, amusement parks, and all of the activities of the ocean can be found here. Nearby, on Assateague Island, watch the wild ponies running on the sand dunes or, within the island's national park, follow cycling trails or tour in a rented boat.

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