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Things to do in St. Michaels

3675 Views 27 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  MJBrown
where to drop the hook, wooden boat builders? Eat lobster instead or crab? theater instead of movies? We hope to be in StMikes around the 20th of June.
I'll do a internet search in the meantime. thanks all!
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St. Michael's is a fun place -- one of our favorites -- but it is not a destination that offers everything for everyone.

If there is a movie cinema or a theatre, we have yet to find it.

Pizza is a bit hard to come by. And unfortunately there is not a decent chandlery.

So those are some negatives.

But there are many positives too. Part of the fun is wandering around and discovering the shops and old buildings.

The gem of St. Michael's is unquestionably the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM). If you plan to spend more than a day in St. Michael's, I highly recommend purchasing a CBMM annual membership (rather than a day pass/admission ticket) which will allow you to peruse the exhibits at a leisurely pace. In addition to many exhibit buildings, they have a working boat shop where you can watch on-going projects.

If you purchase a Contributing Membership, this will entitle you to use the CBMM docks and showers for overnights (reservations recommended). There are other private marinas, but in my opinion, CBMM has the best location in the harbour.

If you prefer to anchor out, your choices are to drop hook in the lagoon just north of Navy Point (part of CBMM). This is a very short dinghy ride -- oars only. If the lagoon is full (it's a small area), you might be able to anchor on the far side of the channel opposite the Hooper Straight screwpile lighthouse, but there's not a lot of space there either. Farther out in the roadstead (beyond G3 and R2) there's plenty of room. This anchorage has the advantage of more breeze, but can get choppy (even lumpy) and is a long row (outboard preferred).

There is very handy provisioning at the ACME grocery store. They will let you roll their shopping cart down to the waterfront. Also, there is a decent laundromat behind the ACME.

Have fun!!
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Crabs at the Crab Claw

Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Anchor in front of the Museum/Inn at Perry cabin if its week day, most like to anchor outside off the point South of the red.

Roam the town, great window shopping.

Good coffee at the Blue Crab Coffee Company

Relax and enjoy the view :)
The water taxi skippers are really cool. Spend a few bucks instead of taking the dink into town and chat it up with the guys. They'll remember you next time you're back.

If you don't have kids around, catch a live band at Carpenter Street on a weekend night and then knock a few back at Foxy's before heading back to the boat.
I second Foxy's, great place for a beverage
I'll second the recommendation for the Carpenter Street Saloon (also know as the "C" Street Saloon. If you're there mid week see if they're having "open mic night". Local players show up and jam. Very entertaining. We'll be there the week of 6-22.
Mike
Chef is "spot On" as usual. Crab Claw is one of the best in Maryland if you want to try the Maryland "bloodsport" of banging crabs ( the only meal you can get hungrier while you eat them)

Quiant shops and hanging out and the museum is the only thing to see really.

Dave
With the love affair I have for wooden boats and wood working in general I will be at the Muesuem for sure. I hopefully if the budget allows we may partake in the local spirits too. I know the Acme Market will be on the must go to list! thanks all!
where to drop the hook, wooden boat builders? Eat lobster instead or crab? theater instead of movies? We hope to be in StMikes around the 20th of June.
I'll do a internet search in the meantime. thanks all!
Navy Point will be crowded this weekend...

21st Annual Antique and Classic Boat Festival
Friday, June 19, 11am-5pm
Saturday, June 20, 10am-5pm
Sunday, June 21, 10am-2pm
Over 100 Chris Crafts, Hackers, Gar Woods and vintage classic boats. Maritime craft vendors, food, and more make this the premier classic boat event like it in the Mid-Atlantic!
bummer I can't be there that weekend! . Which leads me to ask another question.. Are there Moorings available in st mikes? I really like a mooring over dropping the hook ( a real pain in the back)
No moorings that I know of, but plenty of space to anchor. I always anchor pretty far out so I'm away from the crowd, but you can try getting closer in where the water is more shallow if you want to minimize anchor hauling. Another more expensive alternative, of course, is a marina or making the donation to the Maritime Museum and tying up at one of their docks.
No moorings that I know of, but plenty of space to anchor. I always anchor pretty far out so I'm away from the crowd, but you can try getting closer in where the water is more shallow if you want to minimize anchor hauling. Another more expensive alternative, of course, is a marina or making the donation to the Maritime Museum and tying up at one of their docks.
Ditto.

St. Michael's Marina is a nice facility. Very friendly folks. (And they have a mini-chandlery on their fuel dock where you can get a few common items).

Also, re Foxy's -- it's a great place to grab a bite to eat too (al fresco), not just drinks!
where to drop the hook
You're kidding right? Share MY SPOT?

There is a particular place that all the cruising guides I have read indicate has poor holding. Clearly the authors have no personal experience because in my experience that spot has quite good holding and no one else anchors there. <grin> You'll just have to watch for my boat to find out where it is!
You're kidding right? Share MY SPOT?

Clearly the authors have no personal experience because in my experience that spot has quite good holding and no one else anchors there. <grin> You'll just have to watch for my boat to find out where it is!
clearly... uh huh, not everyone has your vast experience and broad knowledge of such things. if i knew what your boat looked like I would not be looking for it anyway! Heaven knows you'd piss on my boat like you pissed on a thread that's been nice and helpful up to now!

ps: "click" your ignored"
Hey, Denise. I think SV Aus. was joking, implying that he had a "top secret" anchoring spot that nobody used because the cruising guides scared them away under pretense of "bad holding". At least that's how I read it.

BTW, I don't know what spot the guides were talking about, but I've never had any anchoring problems at St. Mike's. You could tie a rope to a tea spoon and drop it overboard and I think you'd be OK for the night.
... You could tie a rope to a tea spoon and drop it overboard and I think you'd be OK for the night.
Are you suggesting there is another anchoring method?

:D

P.S. Denise, I do tend to agree with PK about SVA's comment. I didn't get the impression he meant to be abrasive. SVA, perhaps a few smilies next time?;)
eh.. ok may be my bad reaction. :D :laugher :rolleyes: :hammer
Does anyone have any info on the Town Dock listed in the CB Cruising Guide? Size? Can you stay tied up overnight? Does the Crab Claw have tie-up space while you stop for dinner? Thanks in advance...
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