Location: Tilghman
Top Things to do in Tilghman
- 1. Lady Patty Sail Charters
- 2. Lyon Distilling Company
- 3. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
- 4. Skipjack -Rebecca T. Ruark Charter
- 5. 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse
- 6. Tilghman Island Marina
- 7. Eastern Shore Brewing
- 8. Phillips Wharf Environmental Center
- 9. Chesapeake Lights Lighthouse Tours
- 10. Knapp's Narrows Marina
What to do and see in Tilghman, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Tilghman Island is an island in the Chesapeake Bay. It is part of Talbot County, Maryland. A census-designated place (CDP) of the same name, located on the island, had a population was 854 at the 2000 census.
Restaurants in Tilghman
1. Lady Patty Sail Charters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 90 reviews
The classic yacht Lady Patty departs three times daily for the beautiful Chesapeake Bay from Tilghman Island, MD, just twelve scenic miles past St Michaels, MD from April 1 through October 31. Lady Patty is a 45' sailing yacht built in 1935 for offshore racing. She carries over 1000 square feet of sail and is USCG inspected for 16 passengers. During charters beer, wine and drink service is offered. We specialize in Champagne Sunset Sails. Don't settle for sailing in the rivers and harbors. Join us aboard the only sailing vessel in the area that sails on the open Chesapeake Bay. Come sail away aboard the classic yacht Lady Patty.
Reviewed By M H - Northern Virginia, Virginia
Captain Jeff and his first mate Emma were so accomplished and at ease with the sailboat that I felt as if I were floating on a cloud at times. Prone to seasickness, I always approach any smaller sized boat with a bit of trepidation-- so Jeff's expert maneuvering of his craft was simply a slice of heaven for me on a sunny, breezy June afternoon.
I had booked seven of us (ages 4-64) online to celebrate my husband's 60th birthday, and the two hour cruise turned out to be such an outstanding experience for each of us that we are still talking about it a month later.
Jeff and Emma were personable and friendly but gave us space to enjoy ourselves as a family out on the water, almost as if we were there by ourselves. It simply couldn't have been a better experience!
I'm hoping we can get back to the eastern Shore to enjoy the Lady Patty again.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. Skipjack -Rebecca T. Ruark Charter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By Ian J - Tilghman, Maryland
The Rebecca Ruark is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a "must do" for any visitor to Tilghman Island in the summer months ( it's out oystering in the winter as a regular workboat). It's one of the few ( perhaps only Skipjack) taking tourists on the Bay as a regular service. Wade Murphy, the owner and Captain is in his seventies, but full of vigor and is the Captain and narrator the whole trip. He usually runs daytime and sunset cruises and since there is little shade on the boat I prefer the sunset trips. Wade is full of stories, especially the terrifying time when he almost drowned and the boat sank, Only to be resurrected from the deep with the combined efforts of the Coastguard, State of Maryland and many other watermen. Not surprisingly he is a strong environmentalist, tempered by the recognition that the Bay provides a living for watermen and their families, and needs to be managed constructively. Sadly the surrounding States in the Chesapeake watershed are not as committed to "doing the right thing" as he is. An opportunity not to be missed, and children of all ages are very welcome
5. 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!
6. Tilghman Island Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Offering annual boat slips as well as transient slips with special focus on yacht clubs & groups. We are also the areas largest purveyor of outdoor recreational rental equipment. Renting WaveRunners, Jet-Skis, Pontoon Boats, Fishing Boats, Crabbing Boats, Sailboats, Stand-up Paddle Boards, Kayaks, Canoes, Bikes, Crab/Fishing Gear. We provide personal instruction. All safety equipment and activity gear is included with your rental.
Reviewed By Kyle L
This is the best (if not the only) place you'll get a bona fide Chesapeake Bay boating experience that you get to be the captain of. You'll have a very thorough training briefing from the marina owner (doesn't take long, but it is important). The boats are in perfect shape, and have real-deal motors. Overall, if you're wondering where to rent a boat, go here.
7. 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.
8. Phillips Wharf Environmental Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 29 reviews
Encounter the critters of the Chesapeake Bay at Phillips Wharf Environmental Center. We offer hands on educational experiences for all ages. See and touch the animals that live in the Chesapeake Bay. Learn how you can do your part to help clean up the Chesapeake Bay.
Reviewed By Douglas M - Collingswood, New Jersey
When we were looking for things to do on Tilghman, one that intrigued us was the environmental center. An unpreposssing building located below the Knapps Narrows Bridge, it is not very obvious how to get in. We walked in down a hall, and when we helloed Kathleen, a summer intern from Nova University in Florida greeted us and showed us the tanks in which a wide variety of bay life from eels to pufferfish to turtles to horseshoe crabs lived. Kathleen was an excellent informative guide, and the small facility was a very interesting place to spend an hour.
9. Chesapeake Lights Lighthouse Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Embark on a trip of discovery aboard the M/V Sharps Island, on excursions that take you back through the storied history of the Chesapeake Bay and its Lighthouses. Four different Chesapeake Lights trips accommodate any schedule and all levels of interest. Each includes a narrated recounting of the the Bays history as well as informed local insights about its beautiful and fragile ecosystem.
Reviewed By blondephotog - Washington DC, District of Columbia
We enjoyed a wonderful cruise with Captain Gary & First Mate Shawn - loved learning about the history of the boat & how they came to take over the business! Charming, informative and entertaining, the crew got us close to the lighthouses for some stellar shots and explained the history and details for each sight. We spotted dolphins and a turtle, learned more about the Poplar Island project, and took in one of the most stunning sunsets I have ever seen! Must do while visiting Tilghman or Saint Michaels.
10. Knapp's Narrows Marina
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Come and experience the exhilaration of gliding silently through the water while witnessing the natural scenic beauty of the Bay and the many creatures that thrive in it's waters. Osprey, great blue heron, bald eagle, geese, ducks, and white tail deer. A variety of different waterway trails await paddlers of any level experience.
Reviewed By SuZanSLG - Perkasie, Pennsylvania
Enjoy the area restaurants, cool off in the pool at Knapps Inn and enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast in an inviting area filled while enjoying the local art displayed. They have bikes available if you would like to cruise around on the island and take in the local sites.
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