Chincoteague Island to Crisfield Day Trip
Directions:
Begin your Chincoteague Island to Crisfield day trip by heading west 8.8miles on VA-175 and then north on US-13 into Maryland. Continue on US-13 12.4 miles to MD-667. Go left for 7.1 miles to Hudson Corner Road, and take another left 4.5 miles to MD-413. Turn left again for 5.3 miles into Crisfield. Your total travel time will be about 70 minutes.
Crisfield History and Attractions:
Crisfield was built, both figuratively and literally, on oyster shells. It began on a foundation of shells thrown into a salt water marsh, when, in 1854, massive oyster beds were discovered adjacent to Somers Cove. The discarded oyster shells were tossed into the surrounding marsh to support the newly constructed waterfront, which grew as piles were driven into the bed. More shells and piles were added as the town gradually encroached into the waters of Tangier Sound.
John Crisfield campaigned to have the Eastern Shore Railroad extended into Somers Cove and his actions soon transformed the town into the top oyster supplier in the US. He was rewarded by having Somers Cove renamed in his honor. Crisfield was the 2nd largest city in Maryland by 1904 and its burgeoning seafood industry soon gained it the title "Seafood Capital of the World." Begin your day with a visit to the Tawes Historical Museum, for an in-depth look at the town's history and past and present culture.
If you enjoy life on Chincoteague Island, why not take time on your day trip to Crisfield to visit Tangier Island, 14 miles out in Chesapeake Bay? A cruise to Tangier Island will take you past the chain of islands which create tangier Sound, and Tangier Island itself is nearly unchanged since it was first settled over three centuries ago.
The island's residents make their living by harvesting oysters and crabs and still speak in Elizabethan accents. Learn the meanings of their local sayings at the Tangier Island Museum, and enjoy the fruits of their labor at one of the island's four restaurants. The Fisherman's Corner Seafood Medley Corner includes a freshly prepared crab cake, filet of fish, scallops, clam strips, soft shell crab, oysters, and shrimp.
If you choose to dine in Crisfield, just two blocks from the Tawes Museum you'll find the Watermen's Inn serving fresh seafood, local produce, and home made desserts.
Experience the wild side of Crisfield at 2,900-acre Janes Island State Park, by exploring one of its six marked water trails in a rented canoe or kayak. Paddling times for the trails range from 1.5 to 7 hours. The State Park has overnight camping facilities if you want to extend your Chincoteague Island to Crisfield day trip.
Crisfield's in-town Somers Cove Marina, with a hotel, swimming pool, and boat slips is directly across from the 330-acre Cedar Island Marsh Sanctuary. Guided kayak tours of the marsh's protected ecosystem are available. The Sanctuary is adjacent to the crab shanties and working boats of Jenkins Creek. Or bring along your fishing tackle and angle for rockfish, croaker, perch, spot, trout, flounder from the Crisfield City Dock.
If you decide to turn your Chincoteague Island to Crisfield day trip will turn into an overnight excursion, treat yourself to some turn-of-the-century Southern hospitality (and homemade crabcakes for breakfast) at the My Fair Lady B&B on Main Street. You'll get a great sendoff with fresh muffins to sustain you during your return drive to Chincoteague Island!