Page 20 - Baltimore Fish Bowl - Home Guide

Condos, with layouts perfect for accommodating visiting family members, they bought immediately. Founded in 1902 as a seaside assembly retreat for the Disciples of Christ Church, Bethany Beach had few paved roads until WWII. For that reason, the town has remained slightly tucked-away and calm. A few of the original retreat cottages still stand. They mix seamlessly with newer developments in a variety of styles, both condos and freestanding homes, and while the population has grown, the town remains quite manageable even in the summer. On days when summer traffic does hit, locals and visitors alike can opt to take a convenient, local trolley around Bethany Beach for 25 cents. Routes run all over town, Memo- rial Day through September, and the trolley can be
public parks, full of hiking, walking, and biking trails. Beautiful public spaces and river views, excit- ing community events, and a large arts community make Chestertown especially appealing to those seeking a mix of nature and culture while enjoy- ing the benefits of a small-town atmosphere. “To really appreciate it here,” says homeowner Sta- cy Kendall, “you become part of the community. Whether supporting Rails-To-Trails, or joining the gym, there are lots of ways to be involved. We re- ally support our local businesses, and the people here are just great. Chestertown always has some- thing fun to do and good people around to enjoy it.” With architecture heavily inspired by its past as a British trading port, Chestertown is full of histor- ic homes. Georgian styles, from the town’s first cen- tury, as well as Victorians and Italian villas, which gained popularity in the late 1900s, are plentiful. Views of the Chester River and activities along the water are many and varied. A larger shopping cen- ter, a movie theater, and a full-sized grocery store
are just a short drive from historic downtown.
Kent Island
If you have crossed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, you’ve already been on Kent Island. Separated from the Delmarva peninsula by a narrow channel of water called Kent Narrows, it is just four miles from Sandy Point State Park beach, which is on the main- land near Annapolis. While multiple residential communities exist on the island, there are no of- ficial towns. However, Kent Island is home to a nature preserve, a visitor center with access to the Chester River, boat launches into the Chesa- peake Bay, 12 miles of hike/bike trails, and many great restaurants and shops. A Thursday after- noon farmers’ market runs year-round, featur- ing locally grown produce and specialty prepared foods, including the island’s famous crab cakes.
“People who live on Kent Island are here be- cause they crave the more laid-back lifestyle that the Eastern Shore provides, but they also need easy
flagged down anywhere it’s spotted.
CHESTERTOWN
Chestertown
Named for the river that flows through its center, historic Chestertown is a quaint waterfront town that has retained its rural charm. Founded in 1706 as a colonial port of entry and agricultural trade, the town thrived by adding an educational center (Wash- ington College, founded in 1782), and later promot- ing itself as an arts and entertainment destination. A broad main street stretches from the Chester River to Fountain Park at the heart of downtown, which is dotted with restaurants, galleries, and even a theater. A farmers’ market is open Saturdays from March through December in the town square, featuring local produce, flowers, and artisanal crafts. Those looking for nature will find it in the town’s many
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