There’s nothing quite as relaxing as floating along towards the open bay. As the docked sailboats drift into the distance and the houses grow smaller, the water turns to a deep shimmering blue. We stretch out and settle into our spots at the bow just before the boat picks up speed and threatens to blow our hats away. If I had it my way, I’d spend every weekend like this.
To celebrate Jordan’s birthday, we headed back to St. Michael’s. It’s the perfect getaway from the city.
When we got in Friday evening, we were tired from a long week at work. Ordered Sams Pizza, dug in with a few drinks and waited for friends to arrive. Their crust is as good as the cheesy parts, and from me that’s saying a lot.
Saturday morning we walked over to the Farmer’s Market to pick up some fresh fruit and biscuits while Jordan cooked breakfast at home. The Sand Hill Farm stand had some of the prettiest flowers and the Black Bottom Farms stand had a variety of pastries and breads baked with their own wheat. The blueberry peach sticky bun was amazing.
After breakfast we walked back into town for a little shopping. There are a number of boutiques and restaurants along the main road. We considered stopping by the winery or brewery but instead opted for Gina’s. If you are ever in St. Michaels, you have to go. Order up the chum bucket and a big basket of chips for dipping.
The margaritas were everyone’s favorite. You can get them rimmed with cumin salt if you ask nicely. I’m not a big tequila fan so I opted for the blackberry cucumber mojito. By and far the best drink I’ve had in awhile. I wanted to go back for seconds the rest of the weekend.
By midday the morning drizzle had cleared up so we packed lunch and headed out to the boat. Julia and I held down things at the bow while the boys did the real work, untying ropes and pushing off in the back.
After about 45 minutes we arrived at Lowes Wharf where we tied up and jumped out to enjoy the water. The water was shallow so we lounged lazily, with our toes pushed into the sand and enjoyed a few drinks. There were no jellyfish but lots of little fish that nipped at our toes to remind us when we’d been standing still for too long.
A dingy comes around to pick you up if you don’t feel like swimming all the way in to the wharf. We hopped in (with shoes and wallets) to grab a drink at the bar and play a few games. It wasn’t long before we all jumped back in the water to cool off again.
In the evening we posted up at the house and enjoyed a little crab feast. “Crabcakes and football. That’s what Maryland does.”
I’m ashamed to say, despite my 18 years growing up in Maryland, I never learned to properly pick crabs. Mr. Rivera quickly corrected that and before long I was pulling out the back fin meat like a pro. We wrapped up dinner with a giant Smith Island cake before heading into town to celebrate.
Sunday always comes to soon, but we decided to leave in the evening so we could spend most of the day out on the boat. Mr. Rivera steered us towards a nearby cove while Mrs. Rivera kept a close watch for friends (or maybe pirates). We tied up the boats and lounged in the sun until we had no time left to spare.
When we finally made it back to land we decided our visit wouldn’t be finished without a stop at Justine’s ice cream parlour. While everyone loaded up on their delicious raspberry oreo scoops, I selected the lemon sorbet. Which I absoluteley loved. Until I dropped it on the sidewalk. Amateur mistake.
Put together your own getaway in St. Michaels
FRIDAY
Settle in and order a few pies from Sams pizza.
Mix up a grapefruit crush or your favorite summer drink, head out for a walk or sit outside under the stars.
SATURDAY
Stop at the farmer’s market to pick up fresh produce and bread for breakfast.
Walk through town and pop into their boutique’s before enjoying a drink at Gina’s.
Pack up a picnic lunch and head to Lowes Wharf on the boat.
Pick up crabs (and a Smith Island cake if you have something to celebrate, of course you do) for a feast back at the house.
Head to town for a few drinks. C Street and Blackthorn should be fun.
SUNDAY
Sleep in and lounge about, but not for too long.
Take the boat out and find a quiet little cove to put down the anchor.
Stop by Justine’s ice cream parlour for a scoop or two before heading back home.
Wondering what to pack? You know I’ve got you covered.