This Oxford, MD home sits along the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry’s route, the Tred Avon River. Photograph courtesy of Flikr user JeffWeese
The Day’s Adventure: A 16-mile cycling loop, between Oxford and St. Michaels on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, has it all: two historic towns, a classic restaurant, even a ferry crossing.
Lay of the Land: Oxford is a good jumping-off point, about 90 minutes from DC. Park at the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry and roll aboard for the ten-minute, nearly one-mile crossing. Cycle the easy seven miles to St. Michaels (Bellevue Road to Route 329, left to Route 33, left into town). In St. Michaels, you can pedal past the circa-1800s houses on either side of Talbot Street, the main shopping area.
Insider Tip: This trip is best for cyclists comfortable sharing narrow roads with cars.
Rest and Refuel: Head back to Oxford for lunch or Sunday brunch on the patio of the 301-year-old Robert Morris Inn, across from the ferry dock; this is where James Michener wrote much of the novel Chesapeake. The old inn has a new beginning with chef Mark Salter, formerly of the Inn at Perry Cabin. He took the reins last year, bringing his signature crabcakes.
Speed Dial:
Oxford-Bellevue Ferry
27456 Oxford Rd., Oxford, Md.; 410-745-9023
Round-trip fare: $6.
Robert Morris Inn
314 N. Morris St., Oxford; 410-226-5111
Reservations are advised for Sunday brunch, served from 8 to 2:30.
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Nancy Bauer is founder of the popular Facebook group, Virginia Wine Love, and the website VirginiaWineLove.com.
