The Chesapeake Bay is best-known for its great charter fishing, however the bay area, primarily Kent Island, also has a lot to provide in the way of attractions for the entire family. Kent Island waterfront is actually to be found off the west shoreline of Queen Anne’s County. Kent Island rests at the foundation of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, linking Maryland’s eastern and western shores. The island includes a variety of marinas as well as eating places that attract visitors from surrounding Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington DC. Separated from the mainland by Kent Narrows, Kent Island once served as a trading post for the first stable English settlement in Maryland. The island later was turned into a major seafood packaging and processing area.
Stevensville is the most well known town on Kent Island and is home to numerous historic structures, including the reconditioned Stevensville Train Depot and Christ Church, home to Maryland’s earliest congregation that was founded in 1631. Visitor information is available from the county visitor’s center at 117 East Main Street.
Metapeake County Park is found on Kent Island’s western shore. This little park provides great views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, boat ramps, in addition to a nine hundred ft. long fishing pier. For people who like lighthouses, the Bloody Point Bar Lighthouse can easily be viewed from the southern point of Kent Island. Terrapin Beach Nature Park will be situated just north of the Bay Bridge on Kent Island. The recreation area consists of a 1 mile wilderness trail, pond, 2 observation blinds, in addition to a boardwalk to the Chesapeake Bay. The park is to be found off MD 18, inside the Chesapeake Bay Business Park.
The Wildfowl Trust of North America manages the Horsehead Wetlands Center just east of Kent Island. The Five hundred acre sanctuary boasts paths around six waterfowl ponds, each representing a unique wetland habitat. The guest center has a large picture window overlooking a waterfowl pond, wonderful hands on displays for kids, and an aquarium with animals from the Chesapeake Bay. The Center maintains a collection of captive waterfowl in the recreation area to represent multiple species, as well as providing a home for wild waterfowl that visit the sanctuary.
Kent Narrows separates Kent Island from the mainland. The local area has plenty of seafood dining places as well as marinas. It also has lots of outlet stores. The Chesapeake Exploration Center is situated on the Kent Narrows waterfront. The Exploration Center holds the Queen Anne’s County Office of Tourism and includes interpretive exhibits relating to the Chesapeake Bay. It is also a nice place to pick up pamphlets and information for local points of interest.
Pick up a copy of Kent Island’s local paper, The Kent Island Bay Times, at a city magazine stand for up-to-date activities in addition to entertainment information. The paper is released weekly.
If you are a sports enthusiast but need to set up an outing for the whole family, then Chesapeake Bay Sports Fishing has the solution to help you set up an exciting sports fishing vacation . With the numerous nearby attractions, there will surely be something to interest each family member. Also, visit this website for entertaining fishing information and up-to-date news.