A Summer Saturday in Chestertown, Maryland

AUGUST 15, 2009

It’s hot – but that’s what summer is, so, what better way to spend a Saturday in August than in Chestertown – a cool town on the upper Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Described as a colonial gem on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Chestertown and Kent County are a history buff’s Eden - 18^th century houses along and near the river, ancient churches and graveyards, a fantastic farmer’s market, Washington College and the Sultana.

Once a colonial port in the tobacco and grain trade, the town rivaled Annapolis in its civility and was larger than Baltimore. The seat of Kent County, Chestertown was the birthplace and home of many important historical figures including heroes of the Revolution and War of 1812. George Washington visited more than once and approved the use of his name for the local college in 1782.

So, here’s the plan –

For those of you coming over the Bay Bridge, we’ll meet at Steve and Suzon’s house in Queenstown* (see directions below) for coffee and donuts at 8:00am. Then we’ll drive via the scenic route, through Centreville, and arrive in Chestertown in time to make the 11:00 Sultana public sail. This is a two-hour cruise down the Chester River and back to the town dock. Please see the Sultana website at www.sultanaprojects.org click on EVENTS and make your own reservations for this interesting and worthwhile experience. Cost is $30.

BE SURE TO MAKE YOUR OWN RESERVATIONS NOW – SUMMER SATURDAY CRUISES SELL OUT!

For those folks that aren’t bringing their sea legs, we’ll be doing some terra firma traveling to Fountain Park and the farmers’ market or to the shops on High and Cross Streets. Then a tour of the Geddes Piper house, headquarters of the Historical Society of Kent County and a (guided) walking tour of some of the old houses in town. Cost is $10 to help support the Historical Society.

We’ll meet up with the river cruisers for lunch about 1:00 at the Fish Whistle. This restaurant, (some of you may remember the location as the Old Wharf) is right on the

Chester River, next to the town dock at the foot of Cannon Street. Order from the menu and enjoy the food and the view.

After lunch we’ll set out for a short driving tour to St. Paul’s Church and churchyard. Here we will visit the 1713 church and have an opportunity to walk among the grave stones. (Tallulah Bankhead is buried here) and see the largest oak in Maryland. Please see www.stpaulkent.org for lots of information about the church, its history and peaceful setting.

Everyone is invited to travel back to Steve and Suzon’s house in Queenstown for a light dinner before heading home.

*Please note: Those of you coming from places north or east of Chestertown may wish to travel directly there rather than driving to Queenstown. Our plan is to meet at the town dock at the foot of Cannon Street, with parking in the Fish Whistle restaurant lot.

Others may wish to make a weekend of their visit. Please see the Chestertown website at www.chestertown.com for maps, lodging, etc. The Imperial Hotel on High Street is a small hotel with dining – very nice. The White Swan Tavern, also on High Street, is a restored home dating from the 1730s. There are other bed and breakfast places just outside of town. The Blue Heron Restaurant, located at the corner of Cannon and Cross Streets, is great for dinner. The owner is an old car person.

Driving directions to Steve and Suzon’s at 236 Harbor Lane, Queenstown, Maryland 21658

We are a straight shot about 42 miles east from the Washington Beltway and Route 50. Head east on US 50, through Annapolis, over the Severn River Bridge, cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (cash toll or E-Z Pass). Cross the Kent Narrows Bridge. Take the LEFT lane - US 301 at the US 301/US 50 split as if you are heading for points north. IMMEDIATELY move to the far left lane and take the “J” lane to the left on MD Rt. 18 (Main Street). Turn left at Harbor Lane (2/10 mile) and follow to number 236 on the right.

One more thing

Please, give us a call or send an email with any questions and to let us know that we’ll see you on August 15

Steve’s cell phone is 240-506-3752 Our email is sgssms@aol.com