The Chesapeake region has so many amazing landmarks and towns dotting both sides of the Bay, each with its own distinct feel and character. But many would agree that there’s just something about Maryland’s Eastern Shore, especially Kent Island and the Kent Narrows waterfront. You cross that bridge and suddenly feel eons away from the often more congested areas of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, DC. It’s as true today as it was when the bridge opened, and even prior when a ferry was the means of crossing.
From 1919 to 1952, the Claiborne-Annapolis Ferry shuttled passengers and vehicles across the Chesapeake Bay, from the Western Shore at Annapolis to the east at Claiborne, a community near St. Michaels. The ferry carried about two million passengers and one million cars annually during its heyday.
When the building of a bridge became imminent, it wasn’t long before the ferry ceased operations. The first span of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge opened in 1952, which meant the time it took to cross over the Bay was shortened considerably. The parallel structure opened in 1973. At four miles, the spans are among the world’s longest and most scenic over-water structures.
Today ‘the shore’ is more developed, of course, but there’s still something so peaceful about crossing over that bridge and being greeted with water and farm fields, woodlands and marshes, as far as the eye can see. Visit Queen Anne’s County (QAC) calls it “where shore living begins.” If you’re planning to attend the upcoming Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point (April 11-13), why not make a full weekend of it? If you need suggestions, we’ve got you covered.
Spend Time By the Water
With hundreds of miles of shoreline, QAC is a haven for water enthusiasts, whether you’re looking for a charter fishing boat, a dock bar, kayak rentals, or even a dog beach. There are almost endless possibilities on Kent Island and the Kent Narrows waterfront alone.
Parks and Points of Interest:
The Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center serves as the official welcome center for QAC and is the central hub for the Cross Island Trail, which encircles the grounds. This is a great place to start your visit to the county, especially if you have any questions or are in need of any recommendations. Visitors can climb the observation towers to see the magnificent view of the Kent Narrows, the Chester River, and the Eastern Bay. The Chesapeake Legacy Museum is located within the center and features a collection of objects and art that reflects the region’s unique culture and heritage.
While at the visitor center, be sure to grab a Watermen’s Way Heritage Brochure to learn more about the rich maritime history in the area. The Watermen’s Way Heritage Trail is connected by the trails, pathways, sidewalks, and roads throughout the waterfront district. Attractions on the route include the Maryland Watermen’s Monument, Miss Betty’s Oyster Plate Collection, Wells Cove Landing, The Oyster Recovery Project and the Working Waterfront, Watermen’s Boat Basin, The Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center, Ferry Point Park, The Cross Island Trail, and the Watermen’s Memorial Drawbridge. The Maryland Watermen’s Monument features two watermen who are trying to keep their boat afloat in the rough Chesapeake Bay. It is dedicated to Maryland natives who died while working on the water and to the watermen for their tremendous contribution to the seafood industry, culture, and heritage.
Also located on the visitor center property is the entrance to Ferry Point Park, which features 41 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands, uplands, and a boardwalk. A variety of wildlife can be observed while taking in the scenery along a short trail that ends at a sandy shoreline. Surrounded by three bodies of water (the Chester River, Kent Narrows, and Piney Creek) the scenic views are magnificent. The park is a popular destination for hikers and bird watchers year-round.
Another hiking option is the 276-acre Terrapin Nature Park (take exit 37 after crossing the Bay Bridge from Annapolis), which features a 3.25-mile oyster chaff walking trail that meanders through wildflower meadows, wetlands, tidal ponds, woodlands, and sandy shorelines. It also features two observation blinds overlooking the tidal ponds. The trail provides a unique vantage point for viewing an incredible variety of waterfowl, wildlife, and plant species. A gazebo is located along the shoreline affording a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and park benches are located along the route. The trail connects to the County’s Cross Island Trail system. Nearby parking for the Cross Island Trail system is available at Old Love Point Park. Fishing is permitted in the red section of the Emergency Trail Marker System or after the causeway.
A short drive from Kent Narrows is the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC), a 510-acre preserve dedicated to promoting stewardship and sustainability through environmental education and habitat restoration. Four miles of hiking trails take guests through woods, meadows, and tidal marshlands and feature observation decks and blinds for viewing native wildlife. CBEC is a popular birding hotspot with over 240 species of birds found here throughout the year (according to eBird). Visit bayrestoration.org for a list of common birds by season, along with trail maps and descriptions. There is no admission fee to explore the property, but donations are appreciated to help maintain the trails. CBEC also offers kayak and paddleboard rentals for exploring Marshy Creek and the Bay. Rentals are free for CBEC members (reservations strongly encouraged) and $20 per day for kayaks; $30 per day for paddleboards for non-members. Individual memberships cost $35 per person or $55 for a family. If you would like to bring your dog to CBEC to explore the hiking trails and beach, you must have a membership and purchase a membership for your furry friend ($20).
Another option for dog lovers is the Dog Beach at Matapeake Clubhouse and Public Beach. A winding trail through the woods ends at the Dog Beach on the sandy banks of Chesapeake Bay. Parking is located at the Matapeake Clubhouse and Public Beach lot; however, pets are not allowed at the clubhouse, its lawn, or the public beach. The pet trail begins at the fence that borders the rear of the clubhouse. Always make sure to clean up after your pet.
Fishing
Whether you’re hoping to fish from shore or hire a charter boat, there are tons of great options, including two fishing piers on Kent Island. Romancoke Pier is a 600-foot fishing pier located at the southern end of Route 8 in Stevensville. There is also a small picnic area; pets are not allowed on the pier. Matapeake Pier is located on Route 8, just three miles south of Rt. 50 on the right. This facility features a 650-foot lighted fishing pier and a 25-foot wide boat ramp. The fishing pier and boat ramp are open 24 hours, year-round. The three-acre park and facility has restrooms and a picnic area with grills. The picnic area is open from sunrise to sunset; pets are not allowed. Both piers use the pay and display system in which the on-site machine accepts cash or credit cards and produces a receipt which must be displayed face-up on your vehicle’s dashboard. The cost is $2.50 per hour, per vehicle.
For a list of fishing charters, check out visitqueenannes.com/fishing-and-boating/fishing-charters and kentnarrowsmd.com/fishing-charters.
Getting Around Kent Island (sans car)
Whether you’re visiting during boat show weekend or another time, there’s no better way to explore the Kent Narrows area than by bike. Take your time, take in the scenery, and have the freedom to stop at landmarks and dock bars along the way without having to worry about finding parking at each stop.
The nearly seven-mile Cross Island Trail traverses Kent Island offering a safe, tree-lined avenue for non-vehicular transportation. The trail spans east to west from Terrapin Park to the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center at Kent Narrows, with future plans for expansion. The trail wanders through farmlands, meadows, and woods accented with ornamental trees. Flanked by park benches, the trail crosses several creeks with wooden bridges, offering a spectacular view of waterfowl and wetlands. The best place to park to access the Cross Island Trail is in the lots under the western or eastern sides of the Kent Narrows Bridge or in the public lots at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center.
The Cross County Connector Trail is a combination boardwalk and asphalt trail that connects to the Cross Island Trail, extending the trail east from Kent Narrows for 1.3 miles. The trail runs parallel to the westbound side of Rt. 301/50. Scenic vistas of the Chester River can be viewed from this section of the trail. Those wishing to use the trail may park for free in the public lot under the east side of the Kent Narrows Bridge.
Dock and Dine
Queen Anne’s County boasts one of the greatest concentrations of waterfront dining establishments in the region with multiple restaurants and dock bars located on the water’s edge. Just on Kent Island and the Kent Narrows waterfront alone, there are several iconic spots to choose from including:
- Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen and Cocktails
- The Kentmorr Beach Bar and Grill
- Dock House Restaurant
- Red Eye’s Dock Bar 2.0
- Harris Crab House
- Big Owl Tiki Bar
- The Narrows Restaurant
- Fisherman’s Crab Deck
- Fisherman’s Inn Restaurant
- Bridges on Kent Narrows
- The Jetty Restaurant and Dock Bar
Many offer indoor and outdoor dining, and of course, fabulous views of the water, especially at sunset. Some of these restaurants are seasonal, so be sure to check their websites for opening dates.
Stories of Kent Narrows
Want to learn more about the history of Kent Narrows? Visit kentnarrowsstories.org for walking tours, orientation and heritage tour videos, and printable directions to the main attractions in and around the waterfront of the Kent Island Narrows, Chester River and Eastern Bay. This project is produced by the Kent Narrows Development Foundation and has a wealth of information, whether you’re familiar with the area or are a first-time visitor. Local historians and storytellers discuss what it’s like, and was like, to live and work on this unique body of water
Upcoming Events:
- Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point: April 11-13
- The Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival: June 7-8 at Kent Island Yacht Club
- Kent Narrows Annual Independence Day Celebration: July 2 at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor’s Center; rain date July 3
- CCWBRA Kent Island Race: July 12 at Kent Island Yacht Club
In our May issue, we will share more events and suggestions for things to do just outside of the boat show gates. But as you can probably tell, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Queen Anne’s County (and we’ve only just scratched the surface). If we missed your favorite spot, let us know! Email [email protected]. For more information, be sure to check out visitqueenannes.com and kentnarrowsmd.com; both are amazing resources to help plan your visit.