How to Visit Smith Island, Maryland

Smith Island is a tiny island in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. Only accessible by boat, this island is inhabited by fewer than 400 people, many of them descendants of the original inhabitants who settled the island in 1657. The local Tidewater accent is even somewhat reminiscent of Elizabethan English, with a little southern drawl. The island's economic mainstay is still crabbing, as it was three centuries ago, although many islanders are now supplementing the watermen's income by catering to the growing tourist trade as off-islanders discover the charm of this out-of-the-way place.

Things You'll Need

• Cash (no ATMs on the island)

Instructions

1. Take a cruise out to the island. Passenger ferries to Smith Island depart from either Point Lookout, Maryland or Crisfield, Maryland.

2. Stop off at the Smith Island Center, open daily May through October from 12 noon to 4:00pm. You can pick up some tourist information, browse the gift shop and visit a small museum where you can learn about the island's history.

3. Enjoy the family-style luncheon at the Bayside Inn. This includes two crab cakes and all-you-can-eat clam fritters, baked ham, stewed tomatoes, corn pudding, coleslaw, green beans, macaroni salad and homemade rolls. Plus pie for dessert!

4. Rent a golf cart to go exploring the island. If you prefer to work off some of the calories from the all-you-can-eat buffet, you can rent a bicycle instead.

5. Spend the night at a local B&B if you'd like to extend your stay on this peaceful island for just a bit longer. Your choices include the Ewell Tide B&B, S.O.S.(Susan's on Smith Island), the Chesapeake Sun Rise B&B and the Inn of Silent Music.

6. Be sure to pick up a Smith Island cake to take home with you. This traditional eight-to-ten-layer frosted cake has recently been declared Maryland's state dessert. The most popular form involves yellow cake layers with chocolate icing, but you can order different flavors including peanut butter, banana and coconut.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring your binoculars if you're interested in spotting birds and wildlife--there are plenty of both to be seen

Resources

• Smith Island
• Smith Island Cruises
• Inn of Silent Music
• Chesapeake Sunrise Bed and Breakfast
• Smith Island Cakes