Over 300 Years of History... Chestertown, Maryland

This past Saturday I spend the day at Art in the Park in a quint little town, Chestetown, Maryland. I was surprised to find that it was full of charm, history, and art. It is a short drive away  and definitely worth the trip. (Don't be alarmed when you begin to pass farm after farm. You're heading in the right direction!)

Chestertown, MD River View

Chestertown is a historic colonial town located on the Chester River. It was founded in 1705 and quickly became one of Maryland's leading ports. Shops, restaurants, and local businesses in the downtown historic district have continued to preserve the original buildings and surroundings. 

If you are not a history buff there is still plenty of places to go and things to see. Imagine a day along the Chester River...

"On a Saturday morning you might start with a trip to the bustling Farmers' Market and Artisans' Market along Fountain Park. Leaving there take a stroll to the waterfront enjoying the colonial homes along the way. Strolling along the waterfront promenade you might see the Schooner Sultana, an educational sailing ship built and launched in Chestertown. Echo Hill Outdoor School's Buyboat and Skipjack may also be at the town dock.

If your interest is art, there are a dozen or more galleries, studios, and shops featuring the work of local, regional and internationally known artists and craftspeople for your enjoyment.

For the more outdoor oriented, you can rent bikes and take a ride through the rural landscape that surrounds Chestertown or rent kayaks and take a paddle on the Chester River where you might see a great blue heron fishing along the bank, an osprey nesting on a channel marker, or an eagle floating in the sky overhead.

After dinner at one the great local restaurants, you might take in a show at the Prince Theatre, or a "Concert in the Park'' if you are lucky to be here on concert night.

During the year, there are major weekend events including Tea Party, The Wild Fowl Festival, and Downrigging, a waterfront Tall Ship Festival.

Venturing out of town, you can take a short drive to the bay front town of Rock Hall where you will find an exciting blend of modern marinas and waterman's workboats. Or Galena, a town known for its antique shops and Betterton with its Bay-side beach where you can go for a swim or watch the freighters and tugs on their way to Baltimore or Philadelphia.

And don't forget that bench by the fountain or down by the river!" (Things to do in Chestertown, Maryland)

For more information and tidbits visit: www.chestertown.com