St. Michaels MD - the Town that Fooled the British

If you've never been to St. Michaels, located on Maryland's eastern shore, you should visit sometime. This beautiful small town is located about 90 miles away from Arlington, VA and Washington, DC. St. Michaels is full of historic colonial, federal, and Victorian homes. Old churches and many antique stores add to the charm of this little town.

We went to St. Michaels this weekend, unaware there was a WineFest in progress. It was a pleasant surprise to see festivities going on around town. Wines from eight countries were served, and those who were not wine drinkers could find beer at several posts. Randy Welch walked around town in a traditional Scottish kilt, playing the Great Highland Bagpipes. It was a fun place to visit. Even my kids had a great time.

Those who love history and architecture, would appreciate St. Michaels. The town was established in 1600s to serve as a trading post for tobacco farmers and trappers. Many historic homes, still in existence, date back to 1700s and 1800s. Most of them are private residences, but during Christmas time, many homeowners make their homes available for a historic-home tour. It is a fun way to spend an afternoon, going from house to house, and stopping for lunch or a drink at one of the local restaurants.

St. Michaels is known as "the town that fooled the British." Below is a brief story of the battle that earned the town its reputation:

"During the War of 1812, St. Michaels gained its name as "the town that fooled the British".The residents of St. Michaels, having been forewarned that British barges were positioned on the waters to attack with cannon fire, hoisted lanterns into the trees above the city. This first successful "blackout" fooled the British into overshooting the town's houses and shipyards. Only one house, forever since known as Cannonball House, was struck."

Among our favorite places to visit is the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, located on 18-acre waterfront campus. It used to be the site of a busy seafood packing houses, docks, and work boats. The museum includes an indoor and outdoor collection of items related to navigation, fisheries, and duck hunting. It includes several historic buildings, Hooper Strait Lighthouse, and a collection of 85 vessels. This collection of sail, power, and row boats is the largest and most important collection of its kind in the world.

St. Michaels offers many great events throughout the year. Our favorites include: Antique & Classic Boat Show, Independence Day, Oyster Fest, and Christmas in St. Michaels. So if you are looking for something to do on weekends, come to St. Michaels. And for those who love antiques, there are many antiques stores along the Talbot Street. And remember to visit Big Al's Market - this is a place known among locals for the best crab cake sandwiches.

Hooper Strait Lighthouse at the Chesapeake Maritime Museum

Big Al's is famous for crab cake sandwiches