Chesapeake City

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Chesapeake City is Maryland's gateway to the Eastern Shore. Slicing the city in half is the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, which serves as the unofficial northern boundary of the Eastern Shore. The canal was built to connect the Chesapeake Bay with the Delaware River to create an important shipping route between Philadelphia and Baltimore.

Today, Maryland Route 213 is also a major transportation corridor, connecting Chesapeake City to the rest of the world. But it's been a mixed blessing. The bridge carrying Route 213 traffic over the C&D Canal is so large and tall that it almost completely travels over the city itself, bypassing it altogether. When the bridge first opened in 1949, a sudden loss in traffic caused a decline in Chesapeake City's economy. However, it's that same route that today brings many day-trippers to the city, which is now known for its dozens of antique stores, gift shops, restaurants, and other attractions.

Chesapeake City's Main Street is Bohemia Avenue. Retail and dining can also be found on Second, Third, and George Streets. But make a point of walking down to the shore and enjoy the scenic waterfront views. You can even watch the cargo ships moving up and down the canal as they pass under the C&D Canal Bridge.

Retail Hours

Despite having numerous stores, the town moves at a slow pace. Some shops are not open on weekdays especially on Mondays. Also, many stores have limited hours during the winter months. However, in the summer a few stores stay open late on Fridays and Saturdays. Therefore, call ahead before visiting.

Parking

There is plenty of free parking located throughout town.

Restrooms

Public restrooms are located on a side entrance of Franklin Hall at 98 Bohemia Avenue.

Attractions

For the complete Chesapeake City experience, visit the C&D Canal Museum (410-885-5622). The admission-free museum features exhibits on the canal's history and construction and even includes a monitor, which lets visitors view the real-time location of ships in the canal. A short walk from the museum is the Bethel Bridge Lighthouse, a full-sized replica of one of the lighthouses once used to guide vessels through the canal.

Tips

Grab ice cream or lunch at the Canal Creamery (9 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-3030) and enjoy the best views of the Canal from one of the nearby picnic tables lined up along the canal. The Pell Gardens also provides a relaxing environment for a stroll near the canal.

If you're visiting Maryland's upper Eastern Shore, Chesapeake City is a good place to visit, especially for its history and spectacular waterfront views. There are several other towns in the area with successful Main Streets. A trip to Chesapeake City can be combined with a trip to Chestertown if you're coming from the south or the town of North East if you're coming from the north.

Directions

Chesapeake City is about 63 miles from Baltimore, Maryland, 56 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 99 miles from Washington, DC.

From Baltimore and Washington, take I-95 north. Take Maryland exit 100. Turn right to head south on Maryland Route 272. Turn left to head east on Pulaski Highway (U.S. 40). Turn right to head south on Augustine Herman Highway (Maryland Route 213). Cross over the C&D Canal Bridge. Turn right immediately after crossing the C&D Canal Bridge. Loop around and drive under the bridge to the stop sign. Follow George Street to the left into town.

From Philadelphia, take I-95 south. Take Delaware Exit 1A for Delaware Route 896 south heading towards Middletown. Turn right to head west on Pulaski Highway (U.S. 40). Turn left to head south on Augustine Herman Highway (Maryland Route 213). Cross over the C&D Canal Bridge. Turn right immediately after crossing the C&D Canal Bridge. Loop around and drive under the bridge to the stop sign. Follow George Street to the left into town.

External Links

www.chesapeakecity.com

Directory

Antiques

Black Swan Antiques (219 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-5888)
Canal Lock Antiques (105 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-2415)
Tattered Treasures (219 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-3933)

Arts and Crafts

Vulcan's Rest Fibers (106 George Street, 410-885-2890)

Coffee and Dessert

Canal Creamery (9 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-3314)

Dining

The Bayard House Restaurant (11 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-5040)
Bohemia Cafe and Bakery (401 Second Street, 410-885-3066)
The Chesapeake Inn Restaurant and Marina (605 Second Street, 410-885-2040)
The Tap Room (201 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-2344)
The Yacht Club Restaurant (225 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-2267)

Galleries

Canal Artworks (17 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-5083)
Kevin Quinlan Photography (208 George Street, 800-330-3127)
Neil's Artwork (226 George Street, 410-885-5094)

Gift Shops

Almost History (222 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-2655)
Back Creek General Store (100 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-5377)
The Dragonfly Gift Shop (19 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-9470)
Marens Gift Shop (200 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-2475)
Tattered Treasures (219 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-3933)

Home Furnishings

Almost History (222 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-2655)
Tattered Treasures (219 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-3933)

Jewelry

My Jewelry Place (98 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-3337)

Toys and Games

Toys from the Attic & More (219 Bohemia Avenue, 410-885-2554)