The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, in St. Michael’s MD, sponsors a week-end long small craft festival each fall. Small craft, many hand-built, are on display. Most of the builders are present and love to share about their craft.

The beautiful wooden paddleboard enthralled me. Particularly after talking to the woman builder who shared she’d had no previous woodworking experience. This board was gorgeous.

We learned about Epic Surf Skis, which one of our cousins is dreaming about owning. The Lewes Historical Society had their model of a Delaware Ducker on display. We viewed countless varieties of wooden sailboats. Finally, something we’d never seen before, a Smith Island Crab Skiff. These souped up boats are for racing, and the “Shady Lady” featured wicker chairs for seats.

Throughout the day on Saturday events included cardboard boat races, kayak and sailboat racing. A caterer was present serving lunch and of course there is always the museum to visit.

Enjoy the slide show!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Places to stay: The St. Michael’s Inn (formerly a Best Western) offers basic rooms with breakfast much more affordably than most places in St. Michael’s.

Places to eat:

• Awful Arthur’s Seafood – excellent crab cakes and their outside seating in the courtyard is delightful. Be sure and ask for a seat towards the back away from the road.
• Crepes by the Bay – from breakfast to desert crepes they offer many choices. Was highly recommended by guests exiting as we were reading the menu. It was excellent.

Winerys:

• St. Michael’s Winery – The Gollywobbler Wines are a favorite in our house.

For more Kayaking Delmarva blog posts visit our Blog Index.