Must-Sees: Kent Island is in Queen Anne’s County, and is something of a hidden gem for Maryland tourism. It and the nearby town of Stevensville have plenty of places to go hiking, biking and fishing, and Stevensville’s Art and Entertainment District is a great place to discover new local artists at its many galleries. The nearby town is also the site of Paul Reed Smith Guitars, and visitors can take a tour of the factory to learn how its workers craft guitars for legendary musicians like Carlos Santana.
Interested in learning more about the area and its history? Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center is home to the Chesapeake Legacy Museum, which explores the bay region’s history, culture and the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, as well as exhibiting pieces from local artists. Other historical museums in the area include the James E. Kirwan Museum in Chester and the Museum of Eastern Shore Life in Centreville.
Local Nature: Queen Anne’s County is right by the Chesapeake Bay, so there are many beaches and seaside trails to explore. If you’re traveling with a dog, check out the Matapeake Park Dog Beach, where you can go for a swim with your furry friend. It connects to the nearby Matapeake Beach & Clubhouse. While you’re there, try hunting for sea glass, which commonly washes up on the shore.
You can visit Terrapin Nature Park by taking the Cross Island Trail, which connects the mainland to Kent Island. And the island has plenty of trails of its own for walking and biking. Terrapin Nature Park itself is home to many aquatic species and types of waterfowl, and encompasses wetlands, tide pools, meadows of flowers and the beach. There’s a gazebo there that offers a great view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
