September 2nd, 2011
Road Trip, St. Michael’s, The Crab Claw, The Bellevue-Oxford Ferry,The Treasure Chest, Oxford, The Creamery, Maryland’s Eastern Shore…A Reunion and the Perfect Get-Away
Someone said that a blog is like a home. That it shows personality and passion. You know…all the things that decorate life. I could not have said it better myself because when I started this website which is written in a blog style, I wanted to make sure that it was honest, fun and from my heart. Sometimes I think I write too honestly, and others I can’t believe I wrote that on paper. But, hey, it is a diary of sorts.
During the past year some of us have met in Miami, others in Puerto Rico, Colorado, Philadelphia and just before hurricane Irene, in St. Michael’s, Maryland.
When I tell you I have not seen Tita in probably about 40 years, I am not kidding. It took her to visit St. Michael’s with her family and for me to drive over to reconnect. The funny part is that even after all those years, we just started talking like I had seen her the other day. Her family? Just as easy going.
I am supposed to be the one that knows the area, the ins and outs. Well, I got so lost. I even got lost in St. Michael’s. The town is so small, how could I? They knew their way around much better.
St. Michael’s looked good. It dates back to the mid 1600s. It was a trading post for area tobacco farmers and trappers. St. Michael’s is keeping its colonial past pretty much intact. Tourists love the town. It is so pretty and the streets are lined with trees and plenty of restaurants and shops. A longer visit will have to wait. This one was strictly for my friends. And they were hungry.
If you want to know more about St. Michael’s, please visit www.stmichaelsmd.org.
We stopped at The Crab Claw right in town. Some wanted lobsters; other fish. I just wanted them to try a blue crab.
The lobsters looked good. The crabs ordered were on the small side. A lesson on how to eat open a crab followed. The other dishes were okay.
The Crab Claw has been the place to go in St. Michael’s for years but I found it a bit too commercialized. It is located at 304 Burns St., St. Michael’s , MD 21663. No credit cards are taken; cash or check. Website? http://www.thecrabclaw.com.
Our next destination? Take the ferry over to Oxford, Maryland. You can drive it but it is more scenic and fun on the ferry. Tita and her family were looking at me skeptically. I am sure they were thinking, could she even get to the ferry?
And, they were wondering where it was. Then, almost in no time it was right in front of our eyes. This ferry is called the Bellevue-Oxford Ferry, and it is very small. It can fit more than a few cars, though. It only took about 10 minutes to cross the Tred Avon River. The view was gorgeous. It was such a pretty day and some sailboats were anchored at Port Oxford. This area is practically known as sailing capital.
The ferry was established in 1683 and it is the nation’s oldest privately operated ferry. More info? Please visit www.oxfordbellevueferry.com.
Arriving by ferry to Oxford is the way to go. You really get to appreciate the beauty of this quaint town that dates to 1694.
From The Treasure Chest in Oxford
It is the perfect get-away. And, you really are away from it all; nature, water, and beauty surrounds this historic town. Its residents want to keep the town the way it is; retaining its charm is on all residents minds. They even think that St. Michael’s is too big.
Walking around Oxford you could feel the wonderful breezes and enjoy its quietness. I am sure my friends were really feeling it because having come from San Juan, Puerto Rico, where noise is a way of life, this was a welcomed change and a haven from the hustle and bustle of that city.
We stopped at The Treasure Chest. This shop is located at 214 N. Morris St., Oxford, MD 21654. Tel 410-924-8817. You can find it on Facebood as The Treasure Chest in Oxford. It is a small shop; Susan is the shopkeeper.
Just like everyone you meet in Oxford, Susan is friendly and ready to tell you about Oxford. Her store has art by local artists, nautical gifts, tee shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, jewelry, hats, bags and souvenirs that promote the port of Oxford.
We bought a few things. You could not help it. You can find something for a friend, for your boat or just your own little indulgence.
In her storefront window, The Treasure Chest is keeping one of the 2011 Picket Fences called Don’t Fence Me In by Joanne Boughner/Sara Koch. These artists’ charity is CaringBridge.
Picket Fence "Don't Fence Me In" at The Treasure Chest
Early photos from the town of Oxford showed that there were picket fences gracing lawns around the mid 1800s. The town does not know who installed the first picket fence or who imagined its distinctive and exotic design, which is an onion dome with a center hole.
2011 marks the 3rd year for this popular event. Half of the profits from the picket fences will be donated to the favorite charity of the artist whose fence raises the most money at the Auction!! If you are interested in purchasing a fence but cannot attend, then, please visit www.portofoxford.com to find out how.
As you walk around the town you will be able to spot the fences. There are 18 in all.
It was hot and Susan sent us to the Scottish Highland Creamery (the Creamery) on 14 Tilghman St. Website? www.scottishhighlandcreamery.com. You can also find them on Facebook.
As we approched the Creamery, we heard a customer say “this is the friendliest ice cream store we have ever been”. It was true. Susan (different from the other Susan) was the owner.
One taste of the coffee and I was sold. It was delicious. That true coffee flavor with chips of dark chocolate. The Creamery also has sugar free and gluten free ice creams. All homemade using local ingredients, fresh milk, cream. We ate our ice creams in a most relaxed atmosphere; by the water with not a care in the world.
Soon we were back on the ferry again. I had to get back to Delaware. Seeing Tita was great. Friends are priceless!!
Note: Oxford’s 1st Nautical Festival and Flea Market will be Saturday, September 3rd from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Causeway Park. It is free and open to the public. Please, also note, that The Treasure Chest will have a table selling brand new Oxford t-shirts (short and long sleeves) and Oxford sweatshirts (crews and hoodies). The Treasure Chest will also be open at their location.
From The Treasure Chest, Oxford, Maryland
See you and have a good one!! Talk to you later…
Tags: gluten free ice cream in Oxford, ice cream in Oxford, local art in Oxford, Maryland, Maryland's Eastern Shore, Nautical Festival and Flea Market, Oxford, Oxford Picket Fences, Restaurant, review, shopping in Oxford, St. Michael's, The Bellevue-Oxford Ferry, The Crab Claw, The Creamery, The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, The Scottish Highland Creamery, The Treasure Chest
