SKI ISLAND
Not too far back we weren’t looking at the same place. I know, today it’s nothing more than a declining sandbar at the end of the Severn. A handful of boats & a nice way to get the kids wading and playing for a bit. But go back 15, 20, 30 years and it was far more. A legitimate island complete with trees, 4 distinct sides, dogs fetching, first-time skiers propped for takeoff, coolers packed, and just enough room for those that got there early. This wasn’t a quick stop. It was THE spot.
DOBBINS ISLAND
Take a drive-in movie theatre, add some lawn seats at Merriweather, include a football tailgate, load up some coolers, call everyone you know, push off from the dock, and head on out. Welcome to Dobbins Island. Arguably the most iconic destinations this side of The Bridge, Dobbins holds memories for young island explorers, cliff climbers, black labs, first beers, last calls, and god given sunsets. Be careful stepping off the back, it’s deeper than you think.
THOMAS PT LIGHTHOUSE
The Thomas Point Lighthouse is the last remaining screw-pile lighthouse in The Bay. And what’s that mean (we didn’t know)? Well, it’s a lighthouse built on piles that are screwed into the bottom of a river, typically in soft mud or sand.. so there’s that.
Today Thomas Point Lighthouse serves as your final head nod leaving the South River into the Bay. It also serves as a prolific graveyard for spoons, plugs, and rigs of all sizes.
COCKTAIL COVE
Not much mystery in this one. Swing past Sherwood, come on around St. Helena’s and disappear a little ways back. Anchor for one or five is available. Be prepared to be judged on your skills setting and holding. Between cocktails check your marks and if you find yourself asking “Are we drifting?” The answer is “yes”. We heard more than once… “Man, if that cove could talk.” Quickly followed by… “Thank God it can’t”. Note: bring extra PFDs for floats.
KENT NARROWS
Taking it waaaay back, Kent Island is the largest island in The Chesapeake Bay and was home to the first European settlement in Maryland. The Narrows is the strait that separates Kent Island from mainland Queen Anne’s County. While at one point it was the largest seafood processing location on The Bay, today The Narrows is the Hall of Fame for some of the most iconic dock bars and marinas in Delmarva. For a young man in the 80s & 90s Summer Sundays were not to be missed.
ROCK HALL
For us mainlanders, Rock Hall sits across The Bay, north of the bridge. Originally called Rock Hall Crossroads, it remains an authentic working maritime harbor and town. You want a taste of ‘shore life, make this a must stop as commercial waterman, charter fishing and commercial sailing fill it’s waterways. It’s a daily hub and celebration of the men and women that work the traps, lines, and nets of The Chesapeake every day.
GIVEBACK
A portion of all proceeds are donated to local groups dedicated to Chesapeake Bay protection, improvement, and education efforts. There is a bigger story here that we want to be a part of.
Today we are working with Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Every day they fight for clean water and a healthy environment by supporting Waterkeepers throughout the Chesapeake and coastal regions as they protect their communities, rivers, and streams from pollution
