Charming Chesapeake
Bay Vacations
by Caitlin Moore
Chesapeake Bay is not the
kind of place that you'll see looming in the distance as you head down
the highway. You can't just type the name into a Web site or your car's
navigation system and expect it to turn up a specific point on the map,
and when you tell people this is where you're headed, expect follow up
questions. Chesapeake Bay covers an impressive 2,500 square miles just
begging to be explored, so narrow your focus and prepare to encounter a
geographically unique, endlessly entertaining locale that also qualifies
as a state of mind.
Located between Maryland and
Virginia, Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary on the continent,
meaning it's the meeting place for freshwater rivers and the salty sea.
From the Native Americans of yesteryear to the world-weary vacationers
of today, this expansive stretch of open water plus the settlements that
have sprung up around it have attracted all sorts of people looking to
live, work and play in a beautiful place.
If you're interested in the
basic facts, the name means "great shellfish bay" because it is home to
over 170 species of shellfish. There are also at least 350 kinds of fish
and a couple thousand plant varieties. Judging by all this vibrant and
exuberant life, there must be something life-affirming about this
region.
Once you lay eyes on the
bay, you'll start to get a feel for what that is. No matter where you
end up stopping off, you'll instantly absorb the rich history,
conservation-themed attitudes, East Coast charm, and a healthy sense of
fun that pervades the towns. From Annapolis to Virginia Beach, the
restaurants, festivals, and constant array of activities will be more
than enough to fill a memory-making vacation for you and yours.
Watch the constant flow of
ocean-going ships as you walk along the bay each morning. Check out
historic districts that claim ties to the likes of long-ago English
explorers like John Smith, or take a narrated boat tour that will fill
you in on a few juicy tidbits. As you can imagine, fishing is huge here,
so investigate the licensing laws and regulations before casting a line
in the hopes of reeling in some fresh dinner. Rockfish, drum and trout
are just a few of the favorite finds.
Also out on the water you'll
find a number of boating opportunities. Yachters and sailors can take up
their sport of choice in a prime location, and joining a few fellow wave
catchers will add to your joy at being out on the open water.
Camaraderie, speed, and beautiful scenery...what more could you need?
Marinas and docks are everywhere you look, ready to meet your needs no
matter what you decide to do.
Special events are plentiful
here, especially during the warm weather. Easterners know how to cherish
warm days and sunshine, and planning your visit to coincide with a
festival will surely be worth your while. Many revolve around seafood;
Crab Days and Clam Bakes bring people together for music, dancing, and
all sorts of delicious delights. Arts and crafts are also big draws, as
are boat fests and regattas and Fourth of July celebrations. As you can
see, there's rarely a dull moment on Chesapeake Bay.
You may be tempted to dabble
in all the different points of view that the Bay provides; from the head
to the mouth goodness knows there's much to take in. however, in the
interest of a leisurely vacation, it would be best to settle into a
vacation rental. Give yourself a home base to be proud of, one that will
keep you and your companions living in comfort, close to the water and
to one or two city settlements where you can find groceries,
entertainment and lots of laid-back energy.
There are many choices
to be made when it comes to Chesapeake Bay, so do a little research now
in order to fully enjoy yourself later. Select the spot that tickles
your fancy, pick out a
Chesapeake Bay Vacation Rental,
whose pictures and descriptions intrigue you, and prepare to be immersed
in the bounties of the bay.
About the Author
Visit CyberRentals.com to
discover your next fabulous vacation condo, cottage or cabin.
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