Location: St. Michaels
Top Things to do in St. Michaels
Top 10 Things to do in St. Michaels, United States
Calling itself "The Heart & Soul of the Chesapeake Bay," the town of Saint Michaels, Maryland retains the look and feel of a 19th century seaport. Walk on red brick sidewalks past the Victorian homes and boutique shops of the historic district, or head down to the pier in search of famously fresh seafood. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum preserves the history of Saint Michaels, with restored examples of "bugeyes" and "skipjacks," unique boats developed by the fisherman of Chesapeake Bay.
Restaurants in St. Michaels
1. Lyon Distilling Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 139 reviews
Lyon Distilling Company is a micro distillery located in Saint Michaels, Maryland, steps from the Chesapeake Bay. Founded in 2012, the distillery launched with a signature line of rums paying tribute to the rich, spirited traditions of the Eastern Shore. Hand-crafted from start to finish, Lyon spirits begin as intentionally-sourced raw ingredients, and are hand-crafted – mashed, fermented, and double-distilled in small pot stills – every step of the way, resulting in a superior and unique final product. The goal is to create distinctly American spirits – working to define the category of new American rum, and perfecting Maryland Rye Whiskey & American Malt Whiskey, while experimenting with obscure grains and varied finishes. Tasting room open for tastings & sales Monday - Friday 11-6PM, & Saturday 11-7PM (with tours at 1,2,3 & 4PM) and Sunday 11-4PM - private tours & tastings available by appointment.
Reviewed By ddallas1969 - Linthicum Heights, Maryland
Enjoyed the rum, gin, and vodka. I bought a 5 pieces rum sampler set. They were very friendly and informative here. Enjoyed our visit!
2. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 849 reviews
Experience how people live, work and play on the Chesapeake Bay - cruise on the Miles River,get your hands wet exploring a waterman's shanty, let our boat builders show you their magic, or climb to the top of an 1879 lighthouse. Come do the Bay, your way.
Reviewed By Travel4WorkAndFamily - East Coast
I thought the oystering exhibits were interesting, as was the lighthouse. But a major disappointment is that there was literally nothing about the history of steamboats on the Chesapeake. There is even a building called the "Steamboat Building" that had nothing about steamboats inside. I had been looking forward to this particular area of interest and thought, given how vital the steamboats were for navigating the Bay for nearly 100 years before the Bay Bridge was built, that there would be some mention of them somewhere in this museum. Unfortunately, I was wrong. I would think this glaring omission could be corrected with a little bit of effort by the museum.
3. 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
A picturesque lighthouse that was moved and reassembled at its current location.
Reviewed By pachachuck - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Part of the Maritime Museum 'campus', so you have to pay the admission to the Maritime Museum to get into the area. I think it's definitely worth it to support their work on the Chesepeake Bay.
NOTE: The admission sticker allows you to come for two days. So, if you missed something one day, you can come back without charge. Just keep that sticker to show them!
Inside the first floor of this structure are several interesting rooms. The spiral stairs, leading to the 2nd floor and 3rd floor lookout are steep and the 1/2 door at the top may not work for those with back or hip issues. (You've got to bend over to get outside)
However, it is very interesting to see how the lighthouse keepers lived. There were several delighted kids exploring this when we were there. The view at the top is great for photos of the area.
There's also a 45 min cruise ($10 ?) that leaves several times a day most days, right beside this Lighthouse. Call and ask to be sure you're there on a day it occurs. Sadly, they weren't' having the cruise the day we were there.
This is a good way to spend a morning or afternoon!
4. Eastern Shore Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By Robert T - Baltimore, United States
We visited on Saturday early evening. Sat at the bar and enjoyed friendly banter with bartender "Jay". The band was terrific, group of young men playing some great oldies like the Allman Brothers. Loved it! My favorite beer was the Bufflehead Brown - I tend to like the darker, heartier brews. The bar is on the small side, with a friendly mix of locals & tourists. Yes, the bar is very dog friendly (they do not serve food) BUT I beg you to please, please, please do not bring your dog inside when a band is playing. It is way too loud for a dog's sensitive hearing. When we were there, some fool had a dog right next to the band & he was whining and pulling towards the door. There are tables outside - enjoy your beer & the music outside and be fair to your pet! Please.
5. Saint Michaels Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By Born_to_go61 - Tilghman, Maryland
I had been here before, but was more impressed with this visit. The wine menu was very detailed and showed where the grapes were acquired to make the wines. Most grapes actually came from the eastern shore of Maryland, which surprised me. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Tasting was 10 per person and included about 5 wines that you chose from a list.
Nice way to spend a little time.
6. Tilghman Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 251 reviews
Historic and picturesque island in Chesapeake Bay.
Reviewed By jadapa - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Really enjoyed the drive to Tilghman Island from St. Michaels. About a 15 minute drive. Enjoyed riding around the island, seeing all the bed and breakfast places and stopping to dine by the drawbridge and watch the fishing boats come in with their catch. Sleepy little town and would love to come back here to spend a long weekend.
7. St. Michael's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By pdwarren - Redington Beach, Florida
This is a worthwhile excursion. Old Chesapeake Bay workboats, restored lighthouses, historical exhibits, lots of interesting factoids. Boatbuilding examples, model making, lots of other interactive exhibits to see. Highly recommend this for anyone interested in boats, Chesapeake Bay, or maritime history.
8. Hopkins Original Art
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Art gallery featuring the works of artist, Ryan Hopkins. Possibly the most diverse and plentiful inventory from one artist displayed in any gallery. Paintings of all sizes, colors and textures. Casual yet sophisticated. Most openings are open to the public. Very welcoming.
Reviewed By James H - Arnold, Maryland
This is a fun little Shop with quite a range of art from very good to very amateur. The prices reflect the range and I must say that the entire effect is very colorful. Pleasant StaffThank you for visiting our gallery! I wanted to clarify for you that the works you may have seen as amateur are from a different artist than Ryan Hopkins. These works are not permenant...but yes, colorful:) Come back and see:)
9. Ouvert Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Amazing, modern and breathtaking art right in the heart of St. Michaels. We search and find unique works of art that will bring joy and beauty to any home or business setting. Ouvert was conceived by artists Mike Campbell, Jennifer Wagner and Deena Kilmon to exhibit contemporary art not found anywhere else in Talbot County. We are excited to exhibit an eclectic mix of contemporary and folk art from locally recognized to nationally recognized artists. The gallery is alive with events such as workshops, art discussions and educational experiences.
Reviewed By AineFlorida - Florida
A small little gallery tucked between larger buildings. Right on Main Street in St. Michaels a great place to visit and shop. Loved the unique and quirky pieces on display. Very original and thought provoking. So many different styles from creative to delicate. The guitars covered in mosaics were unique. Paintings on the second floor by a local artist were soothing and stylish. One artist had a painting of a large eye that caught my eye. Lots of three D art on display. Wind chimes made from metal were interesting. The owner creates amazing pieces of art catch her on a day when she is working on her current piece. Quaint little building with a front porch.
10. Iron Will Woodworks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Dolores D - Leland, North Carolina
Owned by a local husband and wife who travel up and down the East Coast for architectural salvage and all sorts of historical treasurers. They build custom furniture, bars, kitchen islands, accent walls, custom lighting fixtures, and just about anything that you can imagine. Locally, they have outfitted several stores and breweries with custom pieces. Plan on spending some time searching for that special piece of history or just kick around some ideas with the owners. They are pretty knowledgeable about the area. Oh, and dogs are welcome! It's a fun place.
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