Get Away to Queen Anne’s County This Fall

As temperatures start to cool in Maryland, there is no better time to visit Queen Anne’s County than this fall. From outdoor activities on the water to delicious seafood to the many fishing and hunting opportunities, you’ll find plenty of adventures to fill your travel days. Queen Anne’s County is ideal for a weekend shore vacation, a week to explore the rivers and bays, or even longer, if the imminent oyster season hooks your interest! Located ninety minutes from Philadelphia and an hour from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., our idyllic eastern shore is the perfect getaway for you, your friends, and family this fall.

Explore the Great Shores…

With 414 miles of shoreline and beautiful trails, parks, and nature preserves, Queen Anne’s County has no shortage of opportunities to traverse rivers, islands, bays, and beaches. The county is bordered by water on almost every side by the Chesapeake Bay, Eastern Bay, Chester River, Wye River, and Tuckahoe Creek. Interested in kayaking or canoeing? The Corsica River Water Trails or Kent Island Water Trails are self-guided tours through some of the county’s waterways. You’ll see plenty of wildlife and maybe even a beaver or two! Bring your own kayaks or rent one at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, Tackle Cove, or Dragonfly Paddle & Fitness. You can launch your kayaks or even your own boats at one of 17 different boat ramps and landings to explore the waters on a gentle cruise. Don’t forget to get a ramp permit! Matapeake even has a beach where you can play with your pets!

…And the Great Outdoors!

To explore the county by land, see the sights of the bays from the South Island Trail or Cross Island Trail. The South Island Trail begins at Matapeake State Park and ends at Romancoke Pier, giving you a north to south tour of Kent Island from the Chesapeake Bay side. The Cross Island Trail runs east to west across the top of Kent Island, starting at Terrapin Nature Park and ending in the Kent Narrows waterfront district. Both trails are about seven miles long and offer protected pathways for cyclists, runners, and nature-lovers to experience and enjoy the scenic flora, fauna, and waters of Maryland at their own pace. 

Queen Anne’s County has more parks than you could visit in a single trip, but that can’t stop you from trying! A few local favorites are Terrapin Nature Park, Ferry Point Park, the Conquest Preserve, and Tuckahoe State Park. Discover sea glass along Terrapin’s Chesapeake coastline, and visit Ferry Point for the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including deer, ospreys, herons, and eagles. Conquest Preserve offers great birding spots throughout the year across its 758 acres. Both Conquest Preserve and Tuckahoe State Park feature lovely equestrian trails and opportunities for hiking and biking throughout their grounds.

It’s Always a Good Day for Hunting and Fishing

The outdoor adventures don’t stop with parks and beaches, and you haven’t truly experienced Maryland until you’ve spent a day fishing with our county’s finest captains and their crews. Take advantage of over thirty saltwater and freshwater fishing charters to experience the county’s waterways. Most charters, like Great Wye Charters and Good Time Charters, feature the option of a full or half day of fishing, crabbing, or sightseeing. Some charters even provide you with full breakfasts and lunches served directly on the boat. You might even get to taste your catch of the day!

To continue the adventures, check out Native Shore Hunting Preserve or Shoreman Outfitters for game and waterfowl hunts along the eastern shoreline. Certain charters also offer hunting alongside fishing. For those interested in shooting but not in a hunt, The Point at Pintail has excellent sporting clay options for novices and experienced shooters alike. Some hunting excursions across the county, like B&J Guide Service, also offer deer hunting.

Delicious Waterfront Dining

With the start of fall comes the start of Maryland’s oyster season, which runs October 1st through March 31st! Alongside the mouthwatering oysters, you also can’t miss trying delicious Maryland blue crabs, especially when restaurants bring seafood straight from the docks to your table. Enjoy fresh, local seafood and waterfront dining at the Dock House, Harris Crab House and Seafood Restaurant, Fisherman’s Inn, and The Jetty. All four are located at Kent Narrows on the Chester River and Eastern Bay and serve your seafood favorites, as well as new takes on old classics. For the best Chesapeake Bay views, try Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen + Cocktails for some savory crab cakes you can’t get anywhere else. Check out our full list of dining options to find the perfect restaurant to suit your mood this fall.

Craft-Made and Family-Owned

Queen Anne’s County boasts a large number of craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries that are family-owned and infused with local charm. Featuring beautiful waterfront views, Cascia Vineyards boasts twelve acres of wine varietals, and Love Point Vineyard & Winery is the perfect afternoon outing on a weekend. Ten Eyck Brewing Company offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can taste handcrafted ales and lagers inside while enjoying the regular rotation of food trucks outside. Cult Classic Brewing also features regular food trucks and delicious signature brews. Visit Patriot Acres Farm Brewery for brews that come straight from the farm’s hops crops that have been in the family for over a century. For those who like a touch of history, Old Courthouse Distilling pays homage to the Queen Anne’s County Courthouse, once the oldest working courthouse in Maryland. It shares its facilities with Bull & Goat Brewery, so you can try two local favorites in one day!

Local Events in Queen Anne’s County 

During the month of October, join in the family fun at Artoberfest located in historic downtown Stevensville. Enjoy local art, live music, craft beverages, food trucks, and more in this celebration of the local arts community. In November, participate in the Bay Bridge Run and run or walk the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which is normally closed to pedestrians. One of the county’s most popular events is the Crab Basket Tree Lighting in early December at the Fisherman’s Inn. Stop by for some seasonal cheer and fabulous crafts from our local vendors.

Our county is ready and waiting with a multitude of adventures to fill your days with us. We can’t wait to see you this fall! Don’t forget to download our Visitor’s Guide in preparation for your trip.

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