Saint Michaels, MD

Santa can still be seen picking up presents and rounding up reindeer following a collision over St. Michaels Maryland. A freak accident between an F-104 fighter jet and santa's sleigh resulted in an emergency landing in a local homeowner's front yard. Santa's will be grounded until the end of the year according to the homeowner. Click Santa and Jet collision incident for the rest of the story and click more Santa and F-104 collision incident for more photographs. This story and these pictures could come in handy, if needed, to explain why Santa didn't get someone what they wanted for Christmas.

In other news, the latest Christmas spirit is manifesting itself in a phenomenon now known as "layaway angles". This style of anonymous gift giving is when folks want to help someone one-on-one at Christmas. So, these layaway angles have been stopping in around the area at layaway desks from Edgwater to Pasadena and paying off customer's bills. Several well know stores are reporting that layaway angles have paid off the balances on layaway accounts ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Some very special people will have had a very special Christmas morning thanks to unknown layaway angles.

So whether you've been naughty or nice or just stopped in for some holiday cheer, Merry Christmas to all and to all I hope it was a good night!!!

The historic town of St Michaels dates back to the mid-1600s when it served as a trading post for area tobacco farmers and trappers. In 1677 the Christ Episcopal Church of St Michael Archangel parish was founded in present day St. Michaels. In 1778 a British land agent, James Braddock, purchased 20 acres and deeded 58 lots. This created St. Mary's Square, the historic center of St. Michaels. To this day, this charming seaside resort town reflects its colonial past, as many of the area's homes date from the late 1700s to the late 1800s.

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

The town is a collage of historic churches, manicured colonial, federal and Victorian homes, historic heritage, diverse artistic talents and pleasant southern culture. It is also the proud cradle and repository of the Chesapeake's maritime history.

St. Michaels, MD Sky View

St. Michaels, MD Cannonball House

St. Michaels, MD Sunset View

A few days ago I wrote a post on St Michaels, MD and wanted to include a video, however, I couldn't figure out how. Steve Hoffacker surprised me yesterday, when he called me and offered his help. He walked me through all steps I needed to follow to embed the video into my post.

Thank you so much, Steve, for taking your time to help me. You are a great instructor - here is the video. 

 

"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."

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

Piper and the Kids

While visiting St. Michaels, MD, we've met a Scottish Piper, Randy Welch. He was in town to provide entertainment for the 2nd Annual WineFest, April 29 - May 1, 2011. Randy was very kind and played the Great Highland Bagpipes for us, right on the street. My kids loved their private concert.