St. Michaels

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Something pretty amazing happened early on the morning of August 10, 1813. The War of 1812 was raging between the U.S. and Britain, and the British were planning an attack on the seaport of St. Michaels, Maryland. Word got out and the town evacuated. All the lights in the area were extinquished except for lanterns placed in the trees away from town. The British fired their cannons upon what they thought was the town, but aiming for the lanterns, they completely missed their target.

Only one building was hit and today it is known as "The Cannonball House." The event is believed to be the first military blackout in recorded history. It also earned St. Michaels the nickname "The Town that Fooled the British."

It's a good thing the plan worked. If the British had succeeded a lot would have been lost. St. Michaels was voted the eighth most romantic getaway by Coastal Living Magazine.

And it's no wonder. With its quaint inns, boutiques, and restaurants this town on the banks of the Miles River has a lot to offer anyone traveling the Eastern Shore and Chesapeake country. Its atmosphere has even attracted some powerful politicians from Washington, DC. St. Michaels is also a favorite stop for weekend sailors cruising up and down the Chesapeake. But if you travel there by car you'll be rewarded with a scenic trip through the Eastern Shore's picturesque agricultural and seafaring region.

The city's Main Street is Talbot Street, which is part of Maryland Route 33, the major highway leading to the area. Many of the stores reflect the town's nautical roots, but travelers will find a wide range of choices, including antiques, clothing boutiques, and specialty shops to serve the daytrippers from Washington and Baltimore and the recreational sailors making a stop in the town.

Retail Hours

Many of the stores and restaurants are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays particularly in the winter time so you may want to call ahead.

Parking

There is plenty of parking but recently installed meters on the public lots have riled many of the storekeepers.

Restrooms

Public restrooms can be found at the intersection of Talbot and Carpenter Streets behind the Carpenter Street Saloon. Just follow the signs.

Attractions

Be sure to visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (213 North Talbot Street, 410-745-2916) just east of the central business district. The large draw bridge sitting out front makes it hard to miss. Here you can learn about life on the water and even visit the Hooper Strait Lighthouse. There's also a gift shop.

You can learn more about the area at the St. Michaels Museum (Corner of East Chestnut Street and St. Marys Square, 410-745-9561). The museum is open seasonally, usually May to October, so check ahead before visiting.

Tips

If your goal is a romantic getaway, try one of the many Bed and Breakfasts in the heart of St. Michaels. You can also check out nearby Easton, the county seat with its own shopping and arts district St. Michaels can also make a good halfway stopping point from the Washington-Baltimore area on your way to the beach.

Directions

St. Michaels is about 78 miles from Baltimore, Maryland, 80 miles from Washington, DC, and 123 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

From Baltimore, take I-97 south to U.S. 50 east/301 north. From Washington, take U.S. 50 east until it merges with U.S. 301 north. Continue on U.S. 50/301 across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge until the two routes split. Follow U.S. 50 (Ocean Gateway) east towards Ocean City. Make a right onto Maryland Route 33. Follow for about nine miles. Maryland Route 33 will turn into Talbot Street, which serves as the Main Street for St. Michaels.

From Philadelphia, take I-95 south to Delaware exit 4A for Delaware State Route 1 towards Christiana. Take exit 136 for Middletown Odessa Road (Delaware Route 299) and head right. Turn left at Middletown Warwick Road (U.S. 301) and travel about 37 miles. Take the exit for Maryland Route 213 south and turn left. Follow Centreville Road (Maryland Route 213) for about four miles. Turn left at U.S. 50 (Ocean Gateway). Make a right onto Maryland Route 33. Follow for about nine miles. Maryland Route 33 will turn into Talbot Street, which serves as the Main Street for St. Michaels.

External Links

www.stmichaelsmd.org
www.tourtalbot.org

Directory

Accessories

Chesapeake Bay Outfitters (100 North Talbot Street, 410-745-3107)
Keepers (300 South Talbot Street, 800-549-1872)
Rings & Things (105 South Talbot Street, 410-745-3881)
Sailor of St. Michaels (214 South Talbot Street, 410-745-2580)
The Scented Garden (200 South Talbot Street, 410-745-4006)

Antiques

The Blue Oar (306 North Talbot Street, 410-562-6022)
Holly Hocks (500 North Talbot Street, 410-745-0555)

Apparel

Broken Rudder Sportswear (101 North Talbot Street, 410-745-9170)
Charisma Clothing Boutique (201 South Talbot Street, 410-745-0352)
Chesapeake Bay Outfitters (100 North Talbot Street, 410-745-3107)
Keepers (300 South Talbot Street, 800-549-1872)
Sailor of St. Michaels (214 South Talbot Street, 410-745-2580)

Arts and Crafts

B's Stitches Fine Needlecrafts (209 North Talbot Street, 410-745-6146)
Frivolous Fibers (112 North Talbot Street, 410-745-6580)

Breweries

Eastern Shore Brewing (605 South Talbot Street, 410-745-8010)

Christmas

The Christmas Shop (216 South Talbot Street, 800-774-5744)

Coffee and Dessert

Blue Crab Coffee Company (102 Freemont Street, 410-745-4155)
St. Michaels Candy and Gifts (216 South Talbot Street, 410-745-6060)

Dining

Ava's Pizzeria (409 South Talbot Street, 410-745-3081)
Bistro St. Michaels (403 South Talbot Street, 410-745-9111)
Carpenter Street Saloon (113 South Talbot Street, 410-745-5111)
Characters Cafe (200 South Talbot Street, 410-745-6206)
Crab Claw Restaurant (304 Mill Street, 410-745-2900)
Foxy's Marina Bar (125 Mulberry Street, 410-745-4340)
Key Lime Cafe (207 North Talbot Street, 410-745-3158)
St. Michaels Crab & Steak House (305 Mulberry Street, 410-745-3737)
Town Dock Restaurant (125 Mulberry Street, 410-745-5577)
208 Talbot (208 North Talbot Street, 410-745-3838)

Florists

Petals (500 South Talbot Street, 410-745-9098)

Footwear

Chesapeake Bay Outfitters (100 North Talbot Street, 410-745-3107)

Framing

Calico Gallery (212 North Talbot Street, 410-745-5370)

Galleries

Artisans of the World (203 North Talbot Street, 410-745-6040)
Artiste Locale (112 North Talbot Street, 410-745-6580)
Calico Gallery (212 North Talbot Street, 410-745-5370)
London (101 North Talbot Street, 410-745-4000)

Gift Shops

Artiste Locale (112 North Talbot Street, 410-745-6580)
Bliss Jewelry and Gifts (100-A South Talbot Street, 410-745-5533)
The Candleberry Shoppe (210 South Talbot Street, 410-745-2420)
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Gift Shop (213 North Talbot Street, 410-745-2916)
The Cultured Pearl (210 North Talbot Street, 410-745-0995)
Flamingo Flats (100 South Talbot Street, 410-745-2053)
Holly Hocks (500 North Talbot Street, 410-745-0555)
Keepers (300 South Talbot Street, 800-549-1872)
Rings & Things (105 South Talbot Street, 410-745-3881)
St. Michaels Candy and Gifts (216 South Talbot Street, 410-745-6060)
The Scented Garden (200 South Talbot Street, 410-745-4006)
Sign O The Whale (208 North Talbot Street, 410-745-0680)
Simpatico (104 Railroad Avenue, 410-745-0345)
A Wish Called Wanda (110 North Talbot Street, 410-745-6763)

Gourmet

Flamingo Flats (100 South Talbot Street, 410-745-2053)
Simpatico (104 Railroad Avenue, 410-745-0345)

Health and Beauty

Coco & Company (209 South Talbot Street, 410-745-3400)
The Scented Garden (200 South Talbot Street, 410-745-4006)

Home Furnishings

Artisans of the World (203 North Talbot Street, 410-745-6040)
The Blue Oar (306 North Talbot Street, 410-562-6022)
The Candleberry Shoppe (210 South Talbot Street, 410-745-2420)
Coco & Company (209 South Talbot Street, 410-745-3400)
Holly Hocks (500 North Talbot Street, 410-745-0555)
London (101 North Talbot Street, 410-745-4000)
The Scented Garden (200 South Talbot Street, 410-745-4006)
Simpatico (104 Railroad Avenue, 410-745-0345)
A Wish Called Wanda (110 North Talbot Street, 410-745-6763)

Jewelry

Artiste Locale (112 North Talbot Street, 410-745-6580)
Bliss Jewelry and Gifts (100-A South Talbot Street, 410-745-5533)
Coco & Company (209 South Talbot Street, 410-745-3400)
DBS Jewelers (111 South Talbot Street, 410-745-2626)
Simpatico (104 Railroad Avenue, 410-745-0345)
A Wish Called Wanda (110 North Talbot Street, 410-745-6763)

Markets

Acme (114-116 Talbot Street, 410-745-9819)

Pets

Flying Fred's (202 North Talbot Street, 410-745-9601)

Prints

Fine Old Posters (405 South Talbot Street, 410-745-6009)

Toys and Games

Calico Gallery (212 North Talbot Street, 410-745-5370)

Wine

St. Michaels Winery (605 South Talbot Street, #6, 410-745-0808)