Chesapeake City, MD

The eastern part of Cecil County belongs to what is popularly called 'the Eastern Shore' or the Delmarva peninsula. Chesapeake City lies on the Chesapeake Delaware Canal and is about five miles south of Elkton on Route 213.

The main feature of the town is the Canal and the bridge that links the two sides. Most of of the town lies on the south bank.

The north side has wharves for the boats that take pilots on and off the large ocean going vessels that pass through the canal. The current in the canal can reach speeds of 2 or 3 knots.

The canal heading east. There were no ships going through while we were there, but there are quite a few that pass through each day. There is a website that shows the location of all maritime vessels in the world. It is easy to use and of late we have been using it to identify some of the ships that we can see in the bay now that it is winter and the leaves are gone.

This ship and barge (the Delaware Responder) are stationed here for environmental reasons to aid in any oil spill. They are moored about a mile west of Chesapeake City. This ship was used in the recent BP oil spill in the Gulf.

However the real attraction of the town is the main street with all the pretty old houses that line either side.

Yes, the place is just paradise for little old ladies.

In summer, the place is jumping, but on a cold day in winter, things are pretty quiet.

Quite a few houses on the west side of the street have porches with tables and chairs set out to enjoy the morning sun.

I was intrigued by the purple and the lemons.

When we first arrived in Cecil County, there was no crab house in North East so we would sometimes come to the Tap Room for crabs. Once Woody's in North East started up, we never went to the Tap Room again especially since the Tap Room does not take credit cards.

One of the local B&B's.

This building used to house the library but a new one was built on the outskirts.

A view of the bridge showing the Bayard House restaurant on the left. It's a bit expensive, but this is the place to eat. The food is good and view is wonderful if you get a table by the windows.

You can actually stay in this little cottage by the canal.

Or get ice cream in summer.

The little harbor where small boats can leave the canal and tie up.

Ice in the harbour.

In summer, it is not easy to get a park though there is a free parking area about 200 yards away under the bridge.

The view from our table at the Bayard House. We each enjoyed a bowl of the crab chowder and then shared the baked brie.

Bridge views.

This path continues for about a mile on the south side of the canal. It seemed to be popular with walkers, dogs and runners, even in winter.

Not all of the interesting houses are on the main street. The back blocks are worth exploring as well. So if you are thinking of coming to the area, stop off in Chesapeake City, it has to be one of the most attractive towns in Maryland. And by the way, the road south (213) to the Bay Bridge is listed in at least one book as one of the US's most scenic drives.