The small town of North East, Maryland often gets mistakenly thought of as just the northeastern part of the state. Hence, its motto: “Not Just a Direction – It''s a Destination.” North East, Maryland is at the head of the Northeast River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. It is situated 50 miles from Baltimore and 50 miles from Philadelphia. The town itself has a year-round population of just 2700. However, this sleepy town plays host to thousands of visitors each summer, as they flock to North East to partake in boating and other water sports and to enjoy the many outdoor attractions to be found.
In addition to being a boater''s paradise, North East is home to some interesting parks. Elk Neck State Park, which is 2188 acres, contains beaches, marshlands and woods for visitors to explore. It lies at the peninsula formed by the North East River and Elk River, and hikers can take the trail to Turkey Point Lighthouse. Within the town limits is another park, North East Community Park, which also lies along the water and provides another area for many to launch boats.
For those who love to golf, the Chesapeake Bay Golf Club (410-287-0200 http://www.chesapeakegolf.com) will satisfy that need. Horse lovers can ride horses at Fairwinds Stables (http://www.fairwindsstables.com, 410-658-8187).
Most people come to North East for boating and water sports. McDaniel Yacht Basin (http://www.mcdanielyacht.com/) (410-287-8121) provides a place to anchor that boat and to store it in the off-season. There are also a plethora of boat dealers in the area, should you be in need of a boat, including Jackson Marine Sales (410-287-9400).
If shopping is your ideal vacation, the Main Street of North East will delight you, as Main Street is peppered with unique antique, art, curio shops and good restaurants. Some of the more notable shops along Main Street which should be checked out include Main St. Books, Blue Iris Salon & Spa, Pooches & Purrs, England’s Colony on the Bay, and Day Basket Factory. Visitors in late September can participate in the town’s Yesterdays Historical Festival, occurring along Main St., which also coincides with its Annual Auction.
You have your pick of lodging in the North East area, including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. Some of the better hotels include the Best Western (410-287-5450 http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=21048) which averages $96 to $117 per night; or Comfort Inn (410-287-7100 http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-north_east-maryland-MD191), charging $89 to 189 per night. Both of these hotels are convenient to travelers, located just off Interstate 95.
There are many Bed and Breakfasts from which to choose as well. These include Fairwinds Farm (http://www.fairwindsstables.com) 410-658-8187), charging $95 per night; and the waterfront North Bay Bed & Breakfast
http://northbayinc.com/BedAndBreakfast/index.shtml
410-287-5948), which charges between $65 and $125 per night. (All rates quoted are for double occupancy).
When you’re in Maryland, you must try Maryland Blue Crab. A place that specializes in that dish is Woody''s Crab House (410-287-3541 http://woodyscrabhouse.com), located on Main Street. Woody’s is a family restaurant which has a kids menu and moderate to high prices. If you’re looking for Italian family dining, Pier One, on Main St. & Cecil Ave. (410-287-6599) is your best bet. This local favorite also features a kids menu with reasonable prices.
If you visit North East, Maryland, you’ll learn that it’s not just a direction – it’s a destination!
