Cruising the Shops of the Chesapeake Bay
By Lynne Porter
IB Lifestyle Editor
We wait, with baited breath it seems, for winter to end and spring to peak with flowers and buds on the trees.
In wintertime, when we’re stuck inside – cabin fever raging – our thoughts often turn to boating. Typically, this is the time when we begin planning our cruising itinerary for the summer boating season.
The excitement builds as we decide what the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries have in store for us. Countless hours are spent compiling waypoints on the GPS, making note of water depths and tidal changes, the availability of slips and fuel, water, electric hookups, cable and the like. And then the real search begins. read the full story
This is when I start looking into the really important things. Because I need to know first-hand what kind of shopping there is near the marinas and how easily I can get to it.
I am often asked why I need to shop everywhere we cruise, and every time we cruise. The answer is very simple, really: because each place has such neat and different stuff and, of course, inventory is always turning over so you never know what you’ll find from visit-to-visit.
Kim Ruark, owner of Coco & Company, an antique and vintage furnishings boutique in historic downtown St. Michaels, MD, echoes my sentiments.
“There are many unique shopping opportunities along the Chesapeake Bay. Most of what we have in St. Michaels are small boutiques, so you’ll find more one-of-a-kind-type treasures than you’re likely to see in the malls,” Ruark says. “Plus, you have the charm factor. There is a very diverse mix of people, locals and people from all over who have second homes here, and we still maintain our small-town charm.”
St. Michaels is the kind of place where I could put the collapsible marine bicycles I have been campaigning for us to purchase for years to very good use. Sure, they would be great for getting a little exercise upon reaching land, but that’s a purely secondary – or much lower – goal in this instance. I want a set of wheels so I can get to the shops faster.
Could it be by design that only a few of the Bay’s hundreds of marinas are near major shopping areas? Is this a conspiracy planned by men?
Of course, I know the idea of recreational boating is to commune with nature: to be in close rapport with our natural surroundings, away from urban pressures and deadlines. But a little retail therapy along the way never hurt anyone.
Besides, it’s how I reminisce about a particular boating trip – through the mementos I’ve collected over the years. I can tell you exactly where I bought something, exactly which marina and whether they are outfits or trinkets. In a sense, I’m creating memories through my shopping trips. Yes, that’s it. That’s what I’m doing.
So, now let’s begin our shopping cruise. On this trip, our targets span a course that will take us in search of the treasures along the Bay’s eastern and western Maryland shores.
Baltimore Inner Harbor
Our first stop takes us to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Located along the Patapsco River, in the heart of downtown, Inner Harbor is a shopping mecca. The Harborplace shopping area consists of the Light Street and Pratt Street pavilions, with eateries, restaurants and shops galore, both a short walk from Inner Harbor Marina.
Light Street Pavilion contains most of the eateries and souvenir shops. Pratt Street Pavilion has many clothing boutiques and accessory shops. Across from the Pratt Street Pavilion is The Gallery, a four-story mall where you can continue your shopping frenzy at major national chain stores such as J. Crew, the Gap, Banana Republic, and Nine West, as well as local shops and boutiques.
On the other side of the harbor are the communities of Fells Point and Canton, where many local artists operate clothing and jewelry boutiques and sell all kinds of handmade goods.
Also within walking distance of Inner Harbor are Camden Yards, home of Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles, and M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. Depending on the season, clever first mates would be wise to buy their captains tickets to games so they can shop with reckless abandon.
If you are docked at one of the many other marinas in Baltimore’s harbor area, water taxis can easily and quickly take you to the different spots. An all day pass is a bargain, allowing you to sample some of the best shopping that Baltimore has to offer.
At http://baltimore.org/about-baltimore/inner-harbor you can find all you need to know about the wonderful attractions available at and around Inner Harbor, including the National Aquarium and the Science Center.
Annapolis, MD
As we cruise down the Bay, on Maryland’s Western Shore, we arrive at Annapolis, Maryland’s capital city, situated at the mouth of the Severn River.
Annapolis is one of the state’s oldest port cities. In addition to its many marinas, Annapolis also offers moorings in its harbor area. Here also, water taxis are available to take you from ship-to-shore to the downtown area if you don’t have a dinghy.
Boutiques, jewelry stores, restaurants, and other eateries and shops line Main Street, West Street off Church Circle, and Maryland Avenue, off State Circle, all within easy walking distance of the waterfront. The U.S. Naval academy is located in Annapolis, so many of the shops carry loads of Navy paraphernalia.
In Annapolis, also called “the Sailing Capital,” you will find every special memento or souvenir that you can imagine. For example, near the top of Main Street, browse Alpaca International, where you’ll find luxurious ladies’ and men’s clothing made from the finest Alpaca wool in the world.
Also on Main Street, Madeline, Ltd., specializes in fine European clothing for babies and children, carrying brands like Petit Bateau, Catamini, and Marese. Brown-Eyed Girl on Francis Street, just off Main, carries its own line and offers fun and funky outfits for the young at heart.
La Belle Cezanne, also on Main Street, has been creating fabulous jewelry for four generations. Travel to State Circle to find a gift for the special pooch in your life at Paws Pet Boutique. Antique shops are in abundance on Maryland Avenue.
For more in-depth information about all there is to see and do in Annapolis, visit http://www.visit-annapolis.org.
St. Michaels, MD
A short cruise across the Bay, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, we find the historic town of St. Michaels, my favorite and “the town that fooled the British” in the war of 1812. Located on the Miles River off Eastern Bay, this quaint little town is a cornucopia of shops, including antique stores, clothing boutiques, jewelry stores and art galleries, most of which are located on Talbot Street, the main street running through town.
The natural beauty of the Eastern Shore is boundless and local artists capture that beauty in their paintings, sculpture, pottery and other artistic media found in the many boutiques there. Restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and inns are plentiful.
Whether you’re anchored in St. Michaels Harbor, where water taxis come right to your boat, or docked at one of the many marinas, getting around the town is easy. For example, bicycle rentals are available to facilitate your retail therapy.
For history buffs, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum houses displays and relics that showcase Maryland’s maritime past. If your passion runs to clothes, there is something to suit every style from haute couture to everyday casual.
Stop at Charisma Clothing Boutique for something “sexy, trendy and lots of fun.” If jewelry is your thing, (and it happens to be my passion!), Deep Blue Sea Jewelers, http://www.dbsjewelers.com, has baubles that are to die for. Check out their nautical collection to see the amazing ways artists use precious metals and precious and semi-precious gemstones as art imitating life, creating one-of-a kind pieces.
At 3 Krazy Ladies, the trinkets are “shabby-chic-unique,” making you chuckle at the wit of the artist or admire his or her creativity. At http://www.stmichaelsmd.org , click onto “Shops, Boutique, and Galleries” to find a list of many more of the most exciting places to shop.
Cambridge, MD
Let’s head south, cruising through Knapp’s Narrows and up the scenic Choptank River to the town of Cambridge, home of the Hyatt River Marsh Marina and Golf Resort. Historic downtown Cambridge is the undergoing a revitalization project and with the new restaurants, shops and galleries, the 325-year-old town is experiencing a renaissance.
You’ll find antiques, women’s clothing and other specialty gift shops at http://www.discoverourtown.com/MD/Cambridge/Shopping-1680.html.
To get to the downtown shopping areas, catch a local bus at the Hyatt’s entrance. Or, you can check the kids into Camp Hyatt and while the captain’s getting a round in at the resort’s River Marsh Golf Club, you can visit the hotel’s boutiques for gifts and souvenirs.
The ship’s store also carries fun merchandise – T-shirts, boating gear, knickknacks, etc. – and at the hotel’s Stillwater Spa you can indulge in the many relaxing activities, from facials to massages.
Solomon’s Island, MD
Returning to the Western Shore and heading south to the mouth of the Patuxent River, we arrive at Solomon’s Island. Right away, the boats of several working watermen docked at the marinas peppering the landscape give a glimpse of the island’s fishing heritage.
The island’s many shops feature clothing, jewelry, gifts, antiques and local arts and crafts – all a short walk distance from most of the marinas. At the island’s official Web site, http://www.discoverourtown.com/MD/Solomons/Shopping-1958.html, you’ll find a list of the many gift shops, clothing boutiques, antique shops and other galleries. Stop, for example, at Maertens Fine Jewelry & Gifts to pick up a signature piece from one of their exclusive collections.
When you’ve finished shopping, stop by the Island’s legendary Tiki Bar for a libation, and then dine in any one of the restaurants featuring loads of tantalizing treats.
National Harbor, MD
Cruising back out onto the Chesapeake and rounding Point Lookout, we head into the Potomac River, cruising all the way to Washington, D.C., to National Harbor, the Bay’s area’s newest shopping mecca.
Modeled after Spain’s world-famous Las Ramblas – a one-mile promenade of shopping stalls, restaurants, bars and street performers that runs through the heart of Barcelona – the planned waterfront community boasts residences, restaurants, shopping, galleries and major hotels.
The development made its debut in spring 2008. Familiar national retailers and unique boutiques now line the urban town center. When complete, the Harbor will have 20 dining options, from white tablecloth restaurants to casual cafes, four upscale condominium developments and six on-site hotels.
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the cornerstone of the development, features restaurants, boutiques and galleries, in addition to lodging and convention space. Inside the hotel, Strictly First Glass is a contemporary art-glass and glass-based jewelry shop. Amelia’s Boutique, also in the hotel, is a clothing boutique combining a, “distinctly feminine feel with ready-to-wear convenience.”
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation operates the Williamsburg Shop on the hotel’s main level. There, you’ll find colonial-era collectibles for home and garden and seasonal gifts for children. Or, pick a fun pair of PJ’s at Pajama Party in the main atrium. You’ll find these and other exciting shopping and dining experiences at http://www.nationalharbor.com/consumer/consumer.htm.
Well, that’s our cruise, and I don’t know about you, but I’m ready. When we launch this spring, once again I’ll be cruising the shops all along the Chesapeake Bay’s waterways, looking for goodies at every opportunity.
