Upper Chesapeake trip: Kent Narrows, MD to Potomac River - destinations to visit along the way

Jaybeaux said:
When I started transiting the confluence of the Potomac and the Bay, there were quite a few warnings to only do this at a slack tide to minimize wave heights. Sort of like running an ocean inlet with an outgoing tide and an on shore wind. Was also regaled with the story of how Point Lookout got its name. You go up to it and peak around the corner to assess the sea state.

Frankly, I’ve never had a problem. Boats in the 40+ foot range can handle quite a bit. Now I have been through there when the sea state is very confused. It’s like being in a washing machine. It’s just annoyingly uncomfortable.

Jaybeaux
Click to expand...

Agreed, it can get lumpy there but not enough that I would alter my plans to time the tide correctly.
 
Ok, makes sense, same thing as when two rivers meet, a creek dumps into a river, etc. A little swirly and choppy.
 
mrsrobinson said:
If all goes well with the boat purchase I will be moving her from Kent Narrows, MD to the Upper Potomac early April. This will be my first upper Chesapeake Bay trip on my own where I plan the trip. I am looking for destinations to stop at along the way. Quaint, charming towns within walking distance of a nice marina is ideal, diesel fuel is ideal as well.

We'd like to stay as close to the Bay as possible versus navigating up a creek/river to the East.

St Michaëls looks close..where should we stay? Tilghman Island? Cambridge? Others?


Thanks
Click to expand...

Where your leaving from, St. Michaels is 20-30 minutes away. You could stay right at St. Michaels Marina this time of year. In season you need to book weeks in advance and forget about holidays. They cater to their log time clientele. This is one of the best spots on the Chesapeake however.

From there anything up the Chop Tank is going to be a lot of time 30-60 minutes off of the bay at least. Not quite sure how much time your looking to spend this time of year, but you might want to go down to Solomin's which is right off of the bay. Lot's of places to stay there and such, but again this time of year is a little sketchy, definitely call before going anywhere. From Solomin's your at the Potomac in an hour or less and then your on your own, I only know of some anchorages from there until you get up to the DC area.

Best of luck with the new boat!
 
I am guessing a two night trip, so I like the idea of going to St Michaels and then Solomon's. I am comfortable with the Potomac once we get there and will make a straight run to her new home from there.

Sea trial has been postponed to next Friday due to rain/high winds this Friday.
 
Last edited:
Pirate Lady said:
Will tell you about a gem in St Mikes most don’t know. Don’t spread this around, between you and me .
Higgins Boat Yard, covered slips, closeted marina to town. Not pretentious place at all. Check it out.
https://www.google.com/search?q=hig...s+md&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari
And go to Carpenter Street Saloon. 5 min walk. Washington and Franklin hung out there. Fkn amazing place, best breakfast in the world for pocket change.

https://www.google.com/search?q=car...AoAEBsAEAyAEIwAEB&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp
Click to expand...

Man, the owner at Carpenter St is loud, profane and obnoxious. Some may say he’s “colorful”. I’d say he’s an ass. There are other options in town where you can spend money, drink beer and have clean surroundings.
 
Pirate Lady said:
Are you kidding?! That is the perfect condition to sea trial. Every boat is good when it’s sunny and water is flat.
You want to know how it performs in the sht. Call back, tell them it’s on!!!
Click to expand...

I don't disagree, bringing the girlfriend and her brother-in-law diesel mechanic, I don't want them to get tossed around and wet. Plus it gives me another week to lose some cash in the stock market.
 
Pirate Lady said:
Cool beans man! When my daughter was around 8 to 13 we had a ritual every summer. Higgins, CSS, the ice cream store, shop for trinkets, 2 days, then Mears KN hang at poolside 3 days, mom was not allowed to come. Father daughter week.
Click to expand...

Go back. Take the girls. Several more ice cream shops now! And take Mom. She’ll love it too! We might end there once I get tired of the 9-5... or, we may end up moving south. It’d be tough to leave the Bay though!
 
Pirate Lady said:
Nope, will never own a boat that I can’t take out on my own. 25 - 27 tops.
Once had a guy tell me he can take out a 44 sedan bridge alone. BS.
Click to expand...

I take mine out alone, well with Cody (Lab) that is.
 
Pirate Lady said:
Daughter lives in NC Jacksonville. We thought about moving then when I looked into how they boat, cost, lack of slips, we decided oh hell no will never leave the Chesapeake. They will scatter my ashes on it.
Click to expand...
I hate it when people hijack threads, BUT, would love to hear a comparison of NC boating vs the Bay.
My apologies to the op for my hijacking.
 
Njlarry said:
I hate it when people hijack threads, BUT, would love to hear a comparison of NC boating vs the Bay.
My apologies to the op for my hijacking.
Click to expand...

Not that this really answers your question, but nothing compares to boating the Chesapeake Bay, except Florida and being able to go to the Bahama's. And this is coming from a Long Island sound boater of many years and traveling the east coast. That's not to say the NC doesn't have it's spots because it does. The bay just has so many spots to tuck into and anchor and every couple of miles, or feet in some cases, another great marina with a tiki bar to hang in.
 
Last edited:
Unless in season and you like waiting and being rushed for good, but not excellent, food snd service. In season there are much better options in town.
 
Looking at the below map are their destinations/marinas on the East side of the Bay from Shady Side south to the mouth of the Potomac we can stop at, at a minimum for fuel and to stretch our sea legs?



InkedCapture_LI.jpg
 
If you are planning on leaving soon, then Solomons would be your best bet, fuel would be easy. Their is a fuel dock on the right side as you come into the harbor that serves the fishing people and I would think a restaurant or two would be open
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,238
Messages
1,429,071
Members
61,119
Latest member
KenBoat
Back
Top