Trip to Chesapeake

[bilge53]

We are leaving Sunday for several weeks going to the Chesapeake. I need some suggestions on marinas from Norfolk north western shore to and including Solomons. Prefer restaurants/bar on site. We will have our labradoodle as crew.

Thanks,

Don, Kathie and Meco

 

[ranger58sb]

Zahniser's Marina in Solomons.

-Chris

 

[Bluefish17]

I'd recommend Yankee Point Marina about 12 miles up the Rappahannock river, very well run.
Also Urbanna town dock, about 14 mi up Rappahannock. Look at Windmill Point Marina at the mouth of the Rappahannock.

 

[sdowney717]

https://www.facebook.com/YorkRiverYachtHaven/
Nice place. Right across from Yorktowne which also has River Walk Landing marina.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Yan...3&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sEAE,lf:1,lf_ui:2

 

[Moonstruck]

Zahniser's Marina in Solomons.

-Chris

Yep, Zahnisers in Solomons. Easy walk to several restaurants.

 

[psneeld]

If the weather is pleasant, Calvert Marina across the creek has wonderful walking areas, a loaner car, and is inexpensive compared to the others.

A short dingy ride across the creek to the museum with free dingy access or to the bars and restaurants is only a few minutes.

 

[Moonstruck]

If the weather is pleasant, Calvert Marina across the creek has wonderful walking areas, a loaner car, and is inexpensive compared to the others.

A short dingy ride across the creek to the museum with free dingy access or to the bars and restaurants is only a few minutes.

Scott, I like Calvert's. They also usually have good prices on fuel. Last we were there there was one restaurant on the premises.

 

[tadhana]

There have been several great recommendations. Why the Western shore? Cape Charles Municipal marina has access to many interesting shops and great restaurants. Further on, Onanock is a lovely little town up a picturesque river with several nice restaurants. Tangier should not be missed. This is real Chesapeake watermen's world. . A dinner at Hilda Crockett's is a must. Did I mention ll you can eat crab cakes and clam fritters? On the Western shore, Reedville has the Crazy Crab, run by Charlie who used to fly the spotter plane for the menhaden boats. There is not much in the marina restaurant market in the lower Potomac. Past Solomons, already well covered, is the Choptank. Oxford is a great little town with several nice restaurants and Highland Creamery ice Cream. Further on, the town of Cambridge has become a foodie destination. And Harrison's at Tilghman on the Chesapeake is superb. Up the next river is St. Michaels with its world famous MAritime Museum and a dozen good restaurants. Back to the Western Shore is Annapolis, my home for 25 years. Too many marinas and restaurants to mention. You can't go wrong and will stay a couple of days to enjoy all the town has to offer. There is even a vet you can get to by dinghy. Lets hope you don't need it. WE cruise with a dog, and have visited all of these towns and villages many times. You can't go wrong! Have spent 31 years on the Bay and am still finding new places to go and things to do. .

 

[bilge53]

Western Shore unless the weather is perfect. 50 mile days as I am not getting paid to do this and puppy is going ashore. Weather and winds is the big thing.

 

[bilge53]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Boat is 97% ready but we wore ourselves out yesterday. Lose ends today then leave early in AM.

 

[menzies]

We have decided that we will spend couple of months in the Chesapeake next year instead of starting the loop. So keep the info coming!

 

[ranger58sb]

We have decided that we will spend couple of months in the Chesapeake next year instead of starting the loop. So keep the info coming!

Common boating stops up here include Solomons Island, Cambridge, Oxford, Knapp's Narrows, St. Michaels, Kent Narrows, Rock Hall, Georgetown, Chesapeake City, Havre d'Grace, Baltimore (and environs), Annapolis (and environs), Herring Bay and Deale...

And for other anchorages, almost any creek will do. For that, you might appreciate "Cruising The Chesapeake, A Gunkholers Guide" (something like that) by Bill Shellenberger.

-Chris

 

[menzies]

How do you get from the C to DC?

 

[psneeld]

Up the Potomac River..... some love that trip, others say go to Annapolis and visit by bus or car as marinas can be hit or mis for availability.

Even easier would be a trip to the inner harbor of Baltimore, then run down to Washington by train as the terminal is near the harbor as a long walk or short tavi ride...Uber if desired.

It's a long way up the river, around 90 miles if I remember correctly.

 

[ranger58sb]

How do you get from the C to DC?

For us, it'd be south to the Potomac, then upriver to DC.

We've thought about it, but I don't think I'd make that trip for less than a month's stay... and in the meantime I guess there's still major reconstruction work going on at the Gangplank Marina downtown... so probably wouldn't want to fool with it until the smoke from that clears. (There are other marina options, though.)

And in the other meantime, it's not a horrible drive by car or some combination of car and Metro...

-Chris

 

[tadhana]

We have made the trip up the Potomac to DC, and we have cruised the Potomac several times. It is a beautiful river and very under utilized. There are marinas along the way, and some of the prettiest anchorages on the Chesapeake too. You could easily spend a couple of weeks just exploring the Potomac, visiting a new anchorage or village every day. Colonial Beach, about halfway up the river is a popular stop. The Yeocomico River has a couple of nice marinas. Olverson's Lodge Creek Marina gives MTOA members one free night stay each year.

 

[Bearkeley]

For us, it'd be south to the Potomac, then upriver to DC.

We've thought about it, but I don't think I'd make that trip for less than a month's stay... and in the meantime I guess there's still major reconstruction work going on at the Gangplank Marina downtown... so probably wouldn't want to fool with it until the smoke from that clears. (There are other marina options, though.)

And in the other meantime, it's not a horrible drive by car or some combination of car and Metro...

-Chris

We live on the Little Wicomico (mouth of the Potomac) and lived in the D.C. Area for over 20 years. We just did the drive to D.C. Yesterday to meet up with friends and spent the night at a hotel. We had so much fun and wished we had the boat (so now planning for our next cruise)! If you have time, I highly recommend it. If not, it's only a2 1/2 hour drive from Reedville. A few things you might want to consider:

ActiveCaptain reports indicate that construction isn't impacting the cruising experience....don't let it stop you. Captil Yacht Club is highly rated and similar prices as Gangplank. Both are next to each other and easy walk to the metro and many of the sights. Also consider Old Town Alexandria....a must see if you have not been, or a must visit again. We used to live in Old Town and didn't realize how much we missed it. National Harbor (and new MGM Casino) is across the river and is also a good option....brand new Marina although mixed reviews from transients. Good nightlife but can get busy with tourists in the summer.

Other recommendations....Tangier Island is a must see.....and of course, soft shell crabs are a must as well. We are new to cruising but have fished a lot around the middle bay...it's a great place (if the weather cooperates). Enjoy!

 

[BandB]

We have made the trip up the Potomac to DC, and we have cruised the Potomac several times. It is a beautiful river and very under utilized. There are marinas along the way, and some of the prettiest anchorages on the Chesapeake too. You could easily spend a couple of weeks just exploring the Potomac, visiting a new anchorage or village every day. Colonial Beach, about halfway up the river is a popular stop. The Yeocomico River has a couple of nice marinas. Olverson's Lodge Creek Marina gives MTOA members one free night stay each year.

Wifey B: We saw little Georgie throw a rock across. Had to duck. Actually you know that wasn't even the Potomac. Next we'll probably find out it was an Apple tree, not a Cherry tree.

The cruise up the Potomac is beautiful and arriving in Washington like that very special. Then so much to see there. Many more trips up the Potomac to come.