Hidden Gems for warm weather on the Eastern Shore. (The reason why we moved here.)

The Eastern Shore of Maryland blooms to life in the Spring and Summer months. It's what really drew us to making the big move from Anne Arundel County to Queen Anne's. There are definitely some hidden gems that really announce the beginning of the warm weather seasons in the area. From fresh produce to local dining, life on the shore is pretty sweet. Here's my family's GREAT 8 to welcome warm weather on the shore. 

1. FISHING. Anne Arundel wasn't nearly as easy to find public fishing areas but here on the shore there's plenty. We love to fish near the bridge on Morgnec outside of Chestertown or at Unicorn Lake near Millington. Pack a lunch and grab some night crawlers, there's plenty Bass and Sunfish for the whole family. (Licenses are required for anyone over 16 years of age.)

2. FARMER'S MARKET.
On Saturday mornings, in the heart of downtown Chestertown, there's farm stands and artisans greeting you with small town charm. Beginning abut the third Saturday in March you will find produce, local wine, breads, honey, meats and more. It's a tradition now for my family after breakfast on sunny Saturday mornings to walk through fountain park and see what we can find for dinner.

3. RIVER PACKET. Aboard a 65-foot classic yacht, you can enjoy the scenic Chester River. This 1920-style tour boat is the perfect vessel to see birds, wildlife and the landscapes. Private cruises are available, but hop aboard the public tours and cruises for date night or brunch. 

4. BARBARA'S ON THE BAY. One of Kent County's best kept secrets. With views of the Chesapeake, the western shore and generous platefuls of food, this local spot is perfect summer dining. From Maryland favorites like crab cakes and soup to Scotch Eggs, there is something for everyone. We make an afternoon of it and enjoy a climb up the stairs to the nearby pavilion overlooking the bay or take a walk by the water. The view is pretty spectacular, obviously this woman can cook, she's competed on Chopped, worked with Bobby Flay and cooked at the James Beard house in NY. What will keep you coming back is the atmosphere. If you are looking for a Sunday drive with a great plate of food, this is a MUST! 

5. TUCKAHOE STATE PARK. This is the perfect place for some outdoor adventure. With a 60 acre lake and 20 miles of trails there is plenty to do. We love the recycled tire playground, it's a great place to spend the afternoon with the kids. Starting Memorial Day weekend through the summer there are plenty of family activities that the park hosts. 

6. BAD ALFRED'S. This micro distillery is crafting Brandy, Rye, Gin and Grappa on site. The champion here though is Al's Chestertown Mule, made with their own Jen's Vodka. The atmosphere is rustic and comfortable, and the staff makes it fun. They recently added a wood-fire grill to compliment their liquid menu which is sure to solidify this spot as a "night out" favorite. 

7. WORTON CREEK MARINA. We stumbled upon this hidden gem last summer and it's now on our family's 'afternoon eats' list. Located 1.5 miles off the bay, this mom and pop marina features a pool, picnic area, dock shop and restaurant. The Harbor House restaurant is cozy, friendly and delicious. One of our favorite places to grab lunch when we are out and about. If you are out for a drive or on a boat ride up the bay, drop by. 

8. LOCKBRIAR FARM. This really brings the season to life for our family. The kid's love this family owned farm and it's the U-PICK spot on the shore. With Strawberries starting in May and closing out the year with pumpkins in the fall, this could be one of the sweetest spots we visit. We usually pick our berries, then grab some other produce from the farm stand on site but the cream of the crop here is their ice cream. Their small batch ice cream is just a must! Homemade with local cream, their own fruits and other locally sourced ingredients like Clover Honey, its the perfect summer treat. 

There are so many amazing businesses and locations on the Eastern Shore. Kent County and Chestertown alone have so many hidden gems to share. This list is just a few of our favorites. Eventually after visiting these a few times over our long house hunt, we decided that this community, it's charm and scenery would be the location of our dream home. If you or someone you know is considering life on the shore, please share.