Close Out the Summer with a Visit to This Crab-Crazed Maryland Island

Check your troubles at the drawbridge and prepare to eat your weight in crab.

When I moved to Washington , DC from Chicago last fall , I was routinely and passionately admonish about the DMV ’s notoriously embarrassing - hot and humid summers . “ It ’s uncollectible , ” they ’d say , hump up their face with care . “ It ’s a swamp . Do n’t even seek to cook your hair — the humidness will always gain ground . ” I mind the advice , sure , but until May eased into June that following summertime , I had no idea how truly terrible it could be—24 hours of air heavy like hot breath , where opening the front doorway finger like stepping into a sweat room and no matter what you do , your leg will ineluctably be covered in mosquito bites .

gratefully for us Washingtonians , respite from the metropolis ’s unsolicited sweaty bear hug lies just a unforesightful drive forth along Maryland ’s Eastern Shore . The quaint low towns curl up into the Chesapeake Bay like wave fern leaves hold many getaways ’ worth of fun in the ( less unrelenting ) sun , from blowy boat rides to waterfront eatery where the blue crabs come stack and the vodka - load Crushes will cure whatever ail you . Tilghman Island is one of these Town , the outflow made even sweeter by its tiny size , honest-to-goodness - school fishing village looks , and relative closing off at the southwestern tip of Talbot County . Once you pass Easton , the county seat and relative metropolis with some 16,000 resident physician , the remaining stretch along Route 33 instantly turns rural , break up by the kinds of strollable community that grace the pages of tourism brochures . And at the very oddment of that wind route sits a lift bridge — take it , and the curiosity of Tilghman Island will be yours ( at least for the weekend ) .

Travel time:

2 hours from Washington , DC by railcar .

If you don’t do anything else: Chesapeake Bay Crabs on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Let ’s not beat around the George Walker Bush : If you ’re going to the Eastern Shore , you ’re hold out for Crab , and plenty of them . Peak crabbing season here runs from April through November , with the meatiest game rising to the surface begin in September . From crab cake and stuffed omelets to Old Bay - laden soups and steamed beauties primed for the cracking , there are as many ways to consume the DoS ’s signature crustacean as there are spot to consume it .

Speaking of crab shacks , your sojourn to Tilghman Island is prevalent with chance for stuffing your face and dirtying your plastic bib . On the agency there , make a pitstop atthe Crab Clawin the oh - so - wizard bungalow township of St. Michaels for piles of steamed and seasoned Maryland blues pertly tweak from the Bay . After you ’ve had your filling , continue on to Tilghman Island where you ’ll be immediately tempted to stretch your appetite ’s limits atMarker 5,Characters Bridge , Tickler ’s Crab Shack , andTwo If By Sea , in that order .

Fill your days:

Things to do outdoors on Tilghman Island

For a ball of land spanning just 2.5 square miles , Tilghman Island punches well above its weight when it comes to outdoor activities . Getting out on the water is a no - brainer here , and while swim , though allowed , is n’t the principal draw ( the beaches are rough and the jellyfish plenty ) , opportunities to slosh around the Chesapeake abound . charter a kayak , canoe , or put up - up paddleboard from your hotel to coast around the heart-to-heart weewee to the W , check out the island’snetwork of designated water trails , or navigate deceivingly wide Harris Creek to the east . For something a little less straining , captain excursions likesunset cruises , nearbyskipjack tourson the historic H.M. Krentz , andfishing and grouse chartersjust a click or call away and jet ski and smaller motorboats usable for rental at theTilghman Island Marina .

Land - devotee , do n’t fret . huckster the duration of the island on a rented or BYO bicycle is always a treat , as is packing a child’s play and cozying up at Black Walnut Point Fishing Area on the island ’s southern tip for an al fresco tiffin in the darkness of Sharps Island Light and the WWII - geological era Naval Research Laboratory . Exploring the town on metrical unit is also light and approachable , and if you ’re looking to wear out the field glasses , venture over to theBlack Walnut Point Natural Resources Management Areaand take the air along the crushed rock path to encounter Hero of Alexandria , ducks , osprey , and maybe even a denuded eagle or two . you may even cast a line and attempt your luck at snagging rockfish , rod , and bluefish in the brackish H2O swosh up on the rocks . The pet - well-disposed NRMA is operated by the Maryland Park Service and open from 9 am to 5 pm daily .

Landmarks and museums on Tilghman Island

Did you have sex that people who arrest crab are not called fishermen ? Neither did I — until I paid a visit to theTilghman Island Watermen ’s Museum . locate insidethe Lee House , one of just seven remaining turn - of - the - century “ W ” houses work up on Tilghman and nearby Sherwood , the well - have a go at it formation will localise you straight on local language , as well as develop you on all things island living via modelling ships , original painting , historic photographs , and other artifacts . The museum is open to the populace on weekends from 10 am to 3 pm or you could call for about booking an off - time of day tour by calling 410 - 886 - 2930 .

Not far from the Watermen ’s Museum along Tilghman Island road lies the historical business district . A modest lineup of a few still - operating buildings , it mark what ’s left of the area ’s three original small town back when the island was a canning hub for seafood and topically grown crop . The backpacking house have , well , packed up and gone , but their end have been converted into shop , restaurants , and other services . Do n’t miss2 Vintage Chics , an quondam brick depository financial institution turned eclectic boutique stock with antiques , hand - picked cleaning lady ’s dress , and more plus a incentive mosaic studio out back .

Eat, drink, and sleep:

Restaurants and bars on Tilghman Island

for reach Tilghman ’s picturesque shores , you necessitate to drive through St. Michaels , a township just so darn cute that it begs a roundabout way . Take your metre perusing the shops along Talbot Street before seize a pre - lunch pint from the fellas atEastern Shore Brewing(the roasty Blue Heron Coffee Milk Stout hits the spot , while the ever - pop Summer Crush Orange compact a underhand 10.7 % ABV punch ) . Next , head next door toGina ’s Cafefor super unfermented Tex - Mex with a pescatarian twist before popping intoWindon Distilling ’s Spirits Shopfor a nip of star sign distil Lyon Rum ( snag a bottle to go would n’t hurt , either ) .

Once you ’re over the lift bridge , Tilghman ’s satisfying bounty of eatery and cafes has you covered . Quirky , folk - runTwo If By Seadishes up character diner - expressive style breakfast and brunch in a pleasant , tchotchke - straw space while postcard - perfectTilghman Island Country Storeoffers hoagie , homemade take - away meal , snacks , keepsake , and , it should be noted , a surprisingly excellent John Barleycorn selection . For dinner party , you ’re looking at a server of scenic spots , including local hangCharacter ’s Bridge , sunset specialistsMarker 5 , and cheffyTilghman Island Inn . And before tucking into bottom , tie one on atTickler ’s Crab Shack , where veritable unrecorded medicine serves as a soundtrack for colourful cocktails shake up by the friendliest barkeeps , waterfront persuasion , and an unparalleled rude cake ( not to mention some killer whale fried poulet ) . Plus , of course of instruction , all the crabs .

Where to stay on Tilghman Island

What Tilghman Island lacks in square footage it more than makes up for in lodging choice . hotel start the gamut from bed & breakfast - style romantic ( Black Walnut Point Inn , Tilghman Island Inn ) to beachy and position - back ( Lowes Wharf Marina Inn , Knapps Narrows Marina & Inn ) to the best of both worlds by mode ofWylder Tilghman Island(our personal cream ) . Home to its own dock and individual beach , traditional outside sauna , seasonal salinity water pool , s’more - equip fire pits , gratuitous kayaks , swallow circuit board , and cruiser bikes , and the one and only tickler file ’s Crab Shack , Wylder span several different room types let in detached cabins and suites , all of which combine innovative aesthetics with a historical coastal guild vibe . Speaking of chronicle , the dimension ’s own runs deep — just ask one of the regulars down at Tickler ’s about the raucous parties the former boarding theatre and marina bar used to throw before its conversion as a polished family - friendly resort and go down in for a story to remember .

Chesapeake bay