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The Chesapeake Bay Region consists of a strip of land passing through areas in Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. Within the region is the Chesapeake Bay, along with multiple cities including Salisbury, Berlin, Chincoteague, Ocean City, Rehoboth Beach, Easton, Cambridge, Dover, and Cape Charles. The average high temperature in the region is about 79 degrees Fahrenheit while the average low is around 31 degrees. The change of rainfall is greatest in June and December, though it rains throughout the year. Snow falls from December to March, with the average high amount of snow being approximately 6 inches.[5] Within the region are multiple things to do, including things near the Chesapeake Bay. Pursuits near the Chesapeake Bay are things like Adkins Arboretum, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the Easter Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Smith Island, Sandy Point State Park, the C&D Canal Museum, Calvert Cliffs State Park, and the Academy Art Museum.[3] Within the city of Dover, a city in the Chesapeake Bay Region, are multiple features, such as the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village, the Air Mobility Command Museum, First State Heritage Park, Dover Downs, the Dover International Speedway, the Biggs Museum of American Art, and the Delaware Seashore State Park.[4]
The Chesapeake Bay is an estuary, which is a body of water where freshwater and saltwater mix. The bay is 200 miles long, and the surface of the bay adds up to be around 4,480 square miles. The bay was originally formed 10,000 years ago when glaciers melted and flooded the Susquehanna River valley. Despite the flooding, the bay is relatively shallow. The Chesapeake Bay watershed acts as a home for more than 18 million people, and it is estimated that 150,000 new people move into the watershed every year.[1]
The Chesapeake Bay houses many tourists every year, with the most popular time to visit the area being in the summer months July, June, and August, along with in April.[5] People often come to be on the water, while some come for the activities nearby. The Chesapeake Bay facilities involve the Academy Art Museum, Adkins Arboretum, the C&D Canal Museum, Calvert Cliffs State Park, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Sandy Point State Park, and Smith Island. The Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre native garden/preservation that houses over 600 native plant species. The arboretum was established to promote the conservation and appreciation of plants native to the Chesapeake Bay. A variety of these native plants are sold in the gift and book shop that is located on the property. Calvert Hills State Park is a public reserve and recreation area that preserves the Calvert Cliffs, which are home to over 600 species of fossils. Fossils from the Miocene Era have been found in the nearby cliffs and are featured within the state park. The Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,286-acre island that is a part of the Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It was established in 1962 to act as a sanctuary for migrating birds. Other than bird watching, people can also go hiking, mountain biking, crabbing, fishing, boating, and seasonal hunting in the area.[3]
Within the Chesapeake Bay Region are multiple cities, the main one being Dover. The city of Dover has a population of 982,895 residents and is the 7th-least populated state capitol in America.[8] Within the city of Dover is a variety of things for tourists to do, such as visit the Air Mobility Command Museum, the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village, First State Heritage Park, the Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover Downs, the Dover International Speedway, and the Delaware Seashore State Park. First State Heritage Park is one of Delaware's oldest urban parks. Along with outdoor activities, the park features art and live entertainment regularly. Dover Downs is a hotel and casino with a large number of dining options and casino games. The Delaware Seashore State Park is a southern portion of Delaware that is made up of Atlantic coast beaches. The beaches are a popular place to go surfing, sunbathing, fishing, and body surfing.[4]
The Chesapeake Bay Region is located on a stretch of land that is shared by Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Within the region is the Chesapeake Bay, which is what the region is named after. Also within the region are multiple cities, including Dover, Easton, Cambridge, Rehoboth Beach, Salisbury, Ocean City, Berlin, Chincoteague, and Cape Charles. The surrounding landscape is flat with fields and trees. There are also multiple forested areas, parks, and water sources, the main water source being the bay. The region has an overall oval shape, and it stretches around a piece of land that branches out from New Jersey and Maryland. The section of land makes up the district and a small section of the water surrounding it. The north end of the zone goes through Maryland and New Jersey in a thin strip of land separated from the mainlands by water. The southern end of the region ends before reaching Virginia.
Within the region is the Chesapeake Bay, along with the beaches that go along the bay. Because of the weather, the best time to visit those beaches is from the middle of April to the middle of June. The weather fluctuates in the area throughout the year, with the warmest month being in July and the coldest is February. The average low of the region is around 31 degrees Fahrenheit while the average high is about 79 degrees. The Chesapeake Bay beaches get rain throughout the year, with the most rain usually falling in June and December. Snow falls on the ground in December, January, February, and March, with the highest amount of snow falling in February. The average height of the snow in February is around 6 inches. The Chesapeake Bay is relatively humid throughout the year, though the humidity is lower from January to April. The most common times to visit the area are in June, July, and August.[5]
The Chesapeake Bay, which is located in the Chesapeake Bay Region, is home to many animals, most of which are ocean-dwelling creatures or birds. The bay houses many species of fish, ranging from the bay anchovy to the sandbar shark. Also living within the waters are horseshoe crabs, blue crabs, oysters, eels, rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and jellyfish. Many birds live near the Chesapeake Bay, with the main ones being bald eagles, great blue herons, gulls, swans, ducks, geese, and snowy egrets.[6]
Plants that thrive near the Chesapeake Bay include fourteen species of grasses. The most common of these grasses are sago pondweed, wild celery, widgeon grass, and redhead grass. Outside of the water, plants such as salt grass, smooth cordgrass, salt meadow cordgrass, black needle rush, and marsh elders can be found. In the nontidal wetlands are plants like willows, button bushes, alders, red maples, black gums, black willows, river birches, Atlantic white cedars, and bald cypresses.[7]
The Chesapeake Bay, which is located in the Chesapeake Bay Region, was originally formed at the end of the ice age. As the temperature became more moderate, plants and animals became established, and forests, grasslands, swamps, and lagoons were formed. It is believed that the first people to inhabit the area arrived between 12,000 and 11,500 years ago, though there is the possibility of their arrival occurring several thousand years before that; no one knows the exact date of the arrival of the people to the area. It is known that they are referred to as the Paleoindians. The Paleoindians established temporary camps, fashioned weapons, and tools out of natural materials, and traded with other people. The people lived on the land for thousands of years before the Chesapeake Bay was discovered by Captain John Smith between 1607 and 1609.[2]
Before Captain John Smith discovered the Chesapeake Bay, it was found by Giovanni da Verrazano, who was an Italian man sailing under the French flag in 1524. One year later, Lucas Vazquez de Ayllon explored the coast of North America and went as far as the Delaware Bay. Ayllon also established a small settlement near what would be Jamestown. A Spanish explorer by the name of Diego Gutierrez showed the Chesapeake Bay on his large-scale map of the Americas in 1562.[2]
John White, who was an English explorer, provided the first detailed information about the native people that lived in the area, along with the plants and animals through his drawings and paintings in 1585 and 1593. Most of the interactions that took place with the natives in the area involved trading until the English established a permanent settlement at Jamestown, which is now in Virginia.[2]
The Virginia Company of London first organized their expedition to the area in search of silver, gold, and a water route through North America to the Northwest Passage, which was believed to be full of riches of all kinds. They landed on April 26, 1607, near what is known today as Cape Henry, Virginia. The English later moved their ships up the James River and selected an island which they named Jamestown in honor of King James on May 14, 1607. Over time, more colonists came to begin building a permanent colony in Jamestown. After the town was officially established, many immigrants moved into the area and settled on large portions of land. New colonies were formed across the region, and in the process, many trees were cut down and used to build their homes.[2]
Because of the diseases the English settlers brought with them, many of the Native Indians in the area perished. Many of them were forced to move, though some of them simply adopted a non-native lifestyle within the cities or colonies.[2]
Chesapeake Bay itself played a large role in the American Revolution. The Battle of the Chesapeake ended with a French blockade of the bay. When the war was finished, the blockade was taken away. During the Civil War, the Chesapeake was used by both sides. Because both parties used the bay, there was constant fighting at the location. Much of the land around the Chesapeake Bay was destroyed and took years to recover.[2]
Miller-Dunham House Bed & Breakfast
The Miller-Dunham House Bed and Breakfast is located in Odessa, Delaware. In total, the property encompasses almost four acres of land with a variety of plants and trees that were planted by the Dunham family, the original owners of the house. Behind the inn is also a path that leads through the woods and to a gazebo that visitors can observe. There are a total of four guestrooms available for reservation in the house, each with a unique name and theme. Common amenities in each room include ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers and heated floors, ensuite heating and air conditioning controls, and TVs. The two more popular rooms feature balconies that overlook the property. Bob, one of the house’s innkeepers, says that “we want [guests] to be comfortable” during their stay. As such, he and his wife, Debi, strive to make themselves available to assist guests as needed.
...Read MoreThe Rehoboth Guest House is an LGBT owned bed and breakfast in the city of Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. Aside from the beach that the town derives its name from—which is one of the most popular things to do near the property—the Rehoboth Guest House also has other attractions nearby that guests can explore during their visit. Due to the small nature of the town, guests can experience a more rural setting. The small town has a wide variety of family owned restaurants and businesses, with a large number of them being close enough to walk to from The Rehoboth Guest House.
...Read MoreThe Blue Water House is a bed and breakfast that is located in Lewes, Delaware, and can be found two and a half blocks away from the beach. There are a total of nine rooms available at the establishment, and breakfast is provided each morning. The Blue Water House is open year-round, and the best times to visit are during the summer and later in the fall, around September and October. The first floor has a tiki bar and covered decks for outdoor seating. The second floor has several rooms, a dining room, and a kitchen, which is where breakfast is served. The third floor contains the rest of the living spaces, and the fourth floor is a common area that has games and can be used as a hangout area. The city of Lewes has a couple of beaches and many places to eat food and shop.
...Read MoreTilghman Island Inn is located in Tilghman, Maryland. The inn itself offers 20 units for guest use, ten of which are on the upper floor of the building. All upstairs rooms are waterfront rooms and have their own balconies. The rooms on the ground floor each have seating areas just outside of the unit. Additionally, most rooms have jetted jacuzzi tubs. Other areas that guests can visit include a lobby, a common area, a dining room, and a bar. If visitors would prefer, they can choose to venture outside of the building and participate in activities on the grounds of Tilghman Island Inn, including yard games, swimming in the pool, or playing tennis. Additionally, the city of Tilghman has many attractions people can visit and places that visitors can eat at.
...Read MoreThe Bishop’s House Bed and Breakfast is located near Easton, Maryland. In the home, there are four rooms, each with its own private bathroom, and each room is able to accommodate up to two guests. When staying at the bed and breakfast, a minimum of a two-day reservation is required. The house is currently owned and run by John and Diane Ippolito. The home has been owned for thirty-five and has been a part of the hospitality industry for thirty-three of those years. The two unaccounted for years were spent updating and repairing and adding features. The owners of the bed and breakfast strive to provide a good experience for their guests and they ask that the guests follow the established rules. Breakfast is provided every morning in the dining room with the menu being determined the day before, and the owners seek to accommodate the dietary needs of their guests.
...Read MoreThe Knapp’s Narrows Marina and Inn is found in Tilghman Island, Maryland. The three-story building was built in 2001 and is incorporated with the other services the marina offers. There are twenty-two rooms available for reservation. A continental breakfast is served each morning in the main dining room, with alternative options available for those with dietary restrictions. On the property, there are bikes available to guests, and the marina is also available for use by patrons who own a boat. Many reviews of the inn have highlighted the atmosphere that is present at the marina and surrounding area. Also on the property is a restaurant, the Marker 5, where guests can eat. Fishing is permitted on designated docks, and the marina offers chartered fishing trips based on the season when guests visit. The inn is open year-round, with its busiest months occurring between July and August.
...Read MoreAtlantic House Bed and Breakfast
Located on Baltimore Avenue in Ocean City, Maryland, the Atlantic House Bed & Breakfast is home to a total of 14 guest accommodations. The bed and breakfast is within walking distance of the beach, as well as an assortment of dining and shopping options on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Open from April to October of each year, the establishment has eight units in the main home that have access to a complimentary breakfast and six more guest accommodations that are described as apartments. The Atlantic House recently saw a shift in management, with the current owners, Cassie and William Schriver, taking over in April of 2022. The main home is a historical element of Ocean City due to it being built in 1929 and surviving a hurricane in 1933.
...Read MoreThe Log Canoe Inn is located in the town of St. Michaels in Maryland. One of the most notable features of this property is its three private entrance suites, which offer their own individual space and deck. The main house has a central coffee station, tea, water, ice, and the three outside suites have their own mini-fridges, microwaves, and Keurigs with coffee and tea bars in the room. The property also features a waterfront view and front lawn space. While there are no activities hosted at the establishment itself, guests can walk to attractions in the town within 20-25 minutes, according to the owners.
...Read MoreMiles River Guest House is located near the historic towns of Easton and St Michaels. The Guest House has four rooms and accommodates only one party at a time. On the 12 acres of land, the Guest House, a horse farm, and a pool sit along the waterfront of a river. Will and Dorothy, the owners, strive to give their guests the best experience. They work to give them the privacy and the help needed to enjoy their stay. Upon request, the property owners may lend a kayak or canoe for activities on the river. At the Guest House, breakfast is served in a continental fashion, and guests may receive a message indicating the meal is ready. At the front of the Guest House are a large room with a TV, a jukebox, video games, movies, board games, and other activities guests can use at their leisure. Popular attractions in the area include the historic town of St Michaels with maritime activities, along with the cities Baltimore and Washington D.C., both of which are just under two hours drive from the Miles River Guest House.
...Read MoreSince 2017, Eric Levinson and Michael Abbott, the owners of Hummingbird Inn Bed and Breakfast, have managed the property. Currently, the business is open year-round and offers six guestrooms. Every morning, a three-course breakfast is provided to all patrons, generally consisting of beverages, homemade bread, a choice of an entrée, and side dishes. The owners describe the inn as a "private oasis in the downtown area," as there are a wide range of attractions and restaurants are in close proximity to the bed and breakfast. Eric and Michael remark, "Our guests and their experience are number one and anything else comes second to that." They mention that one of their goals as the innkeepers is to "try to help people have a different impression of what a bed and breakfast is."
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