Commentary: Great Escapes - Scenes from small towns

When making the trek across the Bay Bridge and down Route 50 to Easton, visitors are led to what they should consider the crossroads of a wonderful trip. No matter which way they turn, a great day is ahead of them - a guaranteed interesting, relaxing and casually tasteful time.

By heading right onto Easton Parkway (Route 322) then going left at Marlboro Road, visitors will arrive in the charming Upper Shore hamlet of Easton. Or if they keep going straight a bit farther and make the right at the next light, Tilghman Island Road (Route 33), and cruise down several miles of a quiet country highway, they'll be welcomed by the quaint beauty of St. Michaels.

Easton-bound

For those who head toward Easton, they soon come upon some of the town's best-known landmarks: the Tidewater Inn, the Avalon Theater and the 18th-century courthouse (well, part of it was built then, anyway).

A fine backdrop for a quiet weekend or a sojourn through history, the elegant Tidewater Inn is in the heart of the town, nestled among the tree-lined streets. It's home to the Crystal Room and Hunter's Tavern and surrounded by a patchwork of charming antique shops and folk craft boutiques - many of which are great to visit during the monthly First Friday Gallery Walk.

Just across the corner from the inn sits the balconied Avalon, an Art Deco-era cultural theater that hosts community events, as well as nationally known musical acts, plays, films and even a symphony orchestra. Just one block over is the courthouse, built in 1794 to serve Maryland's Eastern Shore capital under the newly formed state government.

To start exploring The Colonial Capital of the Eastern Shore, visitors are wise to drop in the Historical Society of Talbot County (25 S. Washington St.), which offers a guided tour of these sites and other famous buildings in town.

Another must-see in Easton is the Academy Art Museum, the Eastern Shore's premier art museum and cultural center that features nationally recognized exhibits, outreach programs and various other activities.

More athletically inclined guests will enjoy renting a kayak at the Easton Point Marina, perhaps to work up an appetite for a great meal at one of Easton's fine restaurants, including The Inn at Easton, named one of Food & Wine's 50 Best Hotel Restaurants; Mason's Restaurant, which offers gourmet lunches and fine dining in the evenings; Restaurant Columbia, an ambient white-linen establishment; and Out of the Fire, which serves California and Mediterranean cuisine.

That may sound like a full day, but instead of heading home, visitors should check into one of the area's plentiful hotels or bed and breakfasts and rise early to visit some of the other charming small towns in Talbot County (see sidebar).

Onward to St. Mike's

A nine-mile drive down Route 33 to St. Michaels offers visitors more of the same charms of the tiny, but bustling Easton.

Strolling and enjoying the many shops and restaurants along Talbot Street is a main part of the St. Michaels experience. Visitors will find Artiste Locale, where local artists showcase their talents; Chesapeake Bay Outfitters, which sells sportswear and nautical apparel; Flamingo Flats, a specialty food store; and St. Michaels Candy Co. & Gifts, a fine chocolatier.

But these attractions are only part of what the town has to offer.

Situated on the waterfront, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum brings to life the story of the bay - and the people who have lived around it - and it makes it easy to see what so inspired famed novelist James Michener to write Chesapeake. The museum features nine exhibit buildings, the world's largest collection of traditional bay boats and the 125-year-old Hooper Straight Lighthouse, which was key in foiling a nighttime attack by the British during the War of 1812.

Another major attraction in St. Michaels is The Inn at Perry Cabin, which has undergone extensive additions and renovations in recent years. The restored 19th-century mansion sits on 25 sprawling acres on the shores of the Miles River and offers modern amenities, including conference rooms and access by helicopter, as well as fine dining at Sherwood Landing.

The Carpenter Street Saloon, the Crab Claw, St. Michaels Crab & Steak House and the Town Dock Restaurant are some of the more famous eateries in town, as is Harbour Lights in the St. Michaels Harbour Inn Marina & Spa. And the more upscale The Bistro-St. Michaels and 208 Talbot will not disappoint.

As is the case with any good getaway, chances are visitors will leave Talbot County wanting more. So, on following trips, continue past Route 33 on Easton Parkway to Route 333 and explore Oxford. Or pass through St. Michaels and take Route 33 all the way down to its end at Tilghman Island for yet more delights of the Upper Shore.

Copyright 2004 Dolan Media Newswires
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