Annapolis, MD - we toured the Navy Academy as a side trip to DC, as I knew it was an activity that…read morewould interest my dad. You can either check out the visitor center and free museum (a few blocks away) and walk around on your own (after going through security - this is an active naval base so ID is required to enter), or opt for a public guided tour, if you wish learn more about the history, traditions, and campus life of this institution. The 90-minute historical walking tour is the most popular, but I booked a GEM riding tour for my family (in a 5-passenger electric vehicle), since we were traveling with elders and a young child, so wouldn't be able to cover much ground across the sprawling Yard otherwise. The 75-minute tour takes you all around the Yard in comfort and highlights the "gems" of the naval academy. The campus is beautiful and pristinely maintained, and we were expertly entertained and informed by our wonderful tour guide Anne, whose whole family is Navy, and shared additional insights into the life of a midshipman and beyond. Parking: the limited parking near the visitors center is only available to those who hold a military ID. Otherwise you can either park at a garage or try metered street parking which is limited to 2 hours.

I walked around the campus of the U.S. Naval Academy two weeks ago, when my husband and his family…read morevisiting us from out of town explored Annapolis for a few hours. I wish we'd had time for a guided tour (the other reviewers have really sold me on that experience, and I look forward to doing it in the future), but we had a great time exploring on our own. We arrived in the late afternoon. When you arrive, you need to enter through the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center (even if you're going to the chapel or the museum, navigate your walking directions here to avoid wasting time - Google Maps doesn't know you need to enter at this particular gate), where you'll show ID and put your things through a metal detector, but that was very quick. The highlights of our walk around campus included the walk down Porter Road (the houses on this street looked like I was on the set of Top Gun), the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, and the Naval Academy Chapel. Both the museum and the chapel were easy to find, because the campus has very good signage. The museum is located in Preble Hall and is two floors of naval and U.S. Navy history and a collection of model warships. It's definitely worth a visit (it has its own Yelp page, so you can read reviews specific to the museum there). The chapel really blew me away. It was built in 1904-1908 but underwent extension remodeling in 1940. It's large (it seats 2,500), with a copper dome (the cupola is 193 feet above the main altar area). It's very beautiful, and you should definitely stop in for a look if you're exploring campus. The campus is beautiful and a unique space in Annapolis. I'd been to Annapolis dozens of times (mostly for work before) visiting the Naval Academy! I wish I'd explored it sooner.

They are pet friendly and easy to book. They pick up the phone which is great. You can book River…read morecruise tickets on their website up to 2 hours before departure, or call them on the phone. They take cash at the pier or you can scan a QR code there to pay using your phone. Clean boat and not crowded, which is a plus. The best part is they allow dogs. We had a 1.5 hour cruise. Our captain was great, smooth ride and he shared lots of factoids about Saint Michael. He's a local and loves the town.

We booked a last minute sunset cruise and it was one of the highlights of our trip! This cruise is…read moreBYOB and super laid back. We saw awesome sunsets, beautiful views of the Maritime Museum, Yacht Club, and Inn at Perry Cabin, and the piece de resistance -- a pod of eight dolphins (mother and babies!) frolicking along the water. For $45 a person, it was well-priced. I think this would be great for a group of friends or family.

As another reviewer stated, the H.M Krentz is a working skipjack. Capt. Ed is a working oysterman…read morewho provides tours leaving from the Chesapeake Maritime Museum. His willingness to share his deep knowledge of the history and ecosystem of Chesapeake Bay and oyster industry made the two hour sailing cruise go by too quickly! The small boat makes for a great sailing experience. The sound of the water and no engine was very peaceful.

Spent a beautiful afternoon on the H.M Krentz, a working skipjack. Capt. Ed is a working oysterman…read morewho provides tours leaving from the Chesapeake Maritime Museum. He is extremely knowledgeable and and gave us a clear picture of the history, ecosystem and challenges faced by the Chesapeake Bay and oyster industry. His perspective as a working waterman added a perspective that tours conducted by those not immersed in the issues can lack. The sail was 2 hours long and included a dredging demonstration. This is someone who clearly loves what they do and it shows. The price was reasonable and despite being a native Marylander who tries to keep up with Bay concerns, I learned a great deal. I hope to be back soon.

Some of the best travel memories aren't planned. They're the ones you stumble into completely by…read moreaccident. While spending Fourth of July weekend on a solo adventure in St. Michaels, I decided to drive over to Oxford after hearing it was worth exploring. I found a parking spot, got out of my car and started taking in the waterfront. That's when I realized I had parked directly beside the Oxford terminal of the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry. I hadn't researched the ferry. Honestly...I didn't even know it existed. As I stood there trying to figure out what exactly I was looking at, I noticed a sign advertising a special fireworks cruise that very evening. The ferry would head out onto the water so passengers could watch Oxford's Fourth of July fireworks from the river. The price? Twelve whole dollars. I just stood there staring at the sign thinking..."Wait...THIS is a thing?!" There was only one problem. The ferry was leaving in about two hours. And I didn't have a ticket. And there was no one around. I immediately pulled out my phone to buy a ticket, but online sales had already closed, which made complete sense. I figured I'd missed my chance. While I was standing there wondering what to do next, a gentleman happened to walk by. I asked if he knew anything about the ferry and whether there was any chance I could still get a ticket. As it turns out...he was the captain. Because apparently that's just how my adventures go! He smiled, told me there would probably still be room for walk-on passengers and suggested I come back closer to departure time. Challenge accepted! I set an alarm, spent the next couple of hours wandering around Oxford and made absolutely sure I was back at the terminal when he told me to return. Sure enough...they welcomed me aboard! I happily paid for my ticket and climbed onto the ferry with one thought running through my head. "I cannot believe this is actually happening." What followed was one of the coolest travel experiences I've ever had! Watching fireworks explode over the water from the deck of a ferry was something I didn't even know belonged on my bucket list until I experienced it. The reflections dancing across the river...The darkness surrounding the boat... The fireworks exploding so close that you could actually feel the booms in your chest...It was absolutely magical! I honestly don't know if I spent more time watching the fireworks or grinning from ear to ear. What made the experience even more memorable, though, wasn't just the fireworks. It was the people. The crew didn't have to find room for one random traveler who showed up without a reservation two hours before departure. But they did. Every person I interacted with was welcoming, kind and genuinely happy to help make my evening happen. I don't know if they realized it at the time, but they created one of my favorite memories from my entire Fourth of July weekend. PRO TIP: If you're visiting Oxford, look at the ferry schedule before you arrive. Whether you're taking your vehicle across to Bellevue, walking on as a passenger or getting lucky enough to catch one of their special event cruises, don't make the same mistake I did and discover it by accident. Although...maybe a little bit of serendipity is part of the magic. The next time I'm back in Oxford, riding the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry will already be on my itinerary. Next time, though...I'll actually know it's there!

This short and fun ferry trip was made even better by the fact that they're dog friendly! Kallie…read moreand I walked on from the Bellevue side, had lunch in Oxford, and then went back a few hours later. Staff was super friendly and even took a few pictures for me. Highly recommend!

Love this spot for a view of the Choptank River. Visitor centre has several informative well set…read moredisplays. Notable history of the area, including being the birthplace of Harriet Tubman.

Beautiful place! Lots of literature and flyers on upcoming events available. Clean restrooms. With…read morea playground available for the kids. The views are amazing.

Located 90 minutes from Baltimore and Washington, Osprey Point is a serene and spiritual place that…read morefeels like the large home in which I'd like to live someday. Both secular and religious organizations host conferences here. Amenities include a large meeting room, free WiFi, office services for printing and faxing, tennis courts, a swimming pool and jacuzzi, a library, a chapel, workout facilities, recreation room with pool table and fireplace, a top chef (Dawn McLoughlin), and, of course, spectacular views of the Chesapeake. It is the perfect location for your next gathering (from 10 to 50 people). Golf, bay cruises, kayaking, and the charming town of St. Michaels are all within 20 minutes of the property. The property is operated by the Trinity Forum (www.ttf.org), a D.C.-based Christian 'think-tank' whose mission is to renew Christian culture and to promote human freedom and flourishing. The property is home to the Trinity Forum Academy (academy.ttf.org), an organization that annually enrolls approximately a dozen 20-somethings for a post-graduate year of study on an aspect of Christianity of interest to them. The fellows are housed in a separate building on the property.

I spent the weekend at Osprey Point Retreat and Conference Center to conduct a site visit for my…read moreclient groups. I wasn't sure what to expect since it appeared to be in the middle of an extremely small town but not the usual B&B that you find in these rural Eastern Shore areas. Gorgeous tree lined and winding roads on the way in, bayside homes with tons of land, horse farms; everything you'd imagine a postcard to look like. We encountered about 20 deer bounding in front of us and luckily we were only going 3mph and able to stop. It was unlike anything we've ever seen. The land is protected and wildlife such as rabbits, geese and white tail run freely to the waters edge and back into the woods. Upon arrival, we toured the rooms and grounds. The property itself has one conference room and flexible small group event spaces designed to facilitate group discussion and reflection. Each of the 25 sleeping rooms has its own distinct design, simple and indicative of the region. Some rooms have porches and many face the water. It's awesome just to sit and listen to the water. There are no televisions in the rooms, so come prepared to RELAX and UNPLUG! The living and game room were comfortable and relaxing and do feature a television as does the small gym. The GM is gracious and hospitable and lives on the grounds and easily accessible. I will say for the city slickers and those unfamiliar with the area, do not expect a high end, boutique B&B catering to couples and others looking strictly for a getaway for the weekend. This functional venue and its space is designed and ideal for small social, civic, church and gov't groups. The grounds are shared with the Trinity Academy, a group of students completing a 9 month spiritual fellowship. The students make up most of the staff. It's great for off site retreats and brainstorming sessions with teams and leaders. Seems great for family events such as small and intimate vow renewal and weddings who want the feel of a B&B but need something a bit larger (keep in mind, there are 25 sleeping rooms). The city is small but within close proximity to St. Michaels and Easton. After my weekend, I decided to really start focusing on what's important and trying my best to SLOW down and appreciate the smaller things. It really does only take a couple days away from it all to see the difference a change of pace really makes. My husband commented the time seemed much slower, the days longer. Don't we all want need that sometimes!

If you want the best wine experience in France, these are the people to call. Pascale and Pierre…read moreare the very best. First-class all the way. Wonderful accommodations and hosts. Only the best wineries. They can provide whatever you want your trip to be. We were on a Burgundy Wine Master Class trip and the 9 of us drank through over 100 wines with Michael and Stephen. They did a fantastic job of teaching us about Burgundy wines, and they took us to top-notch wineries that have been in the same families for generations. It was just what we wanted. We stayed at Domaine de Cromey where Dennis and his wife and staff provided an exceptional "feel right at home" experience. Gourmet meals and exceptional rooms. We hated to leave. This was my 5th trip to France with FWE, and I have been more and more impressed with their service each time. Don't go to France without them.

Two star experience at a five star price. The accommodations are horrible. Save your money by…read morebooking your own hotels with local guides and car service. Believe me. I'm in the middle of a French Wine Explorers excursion and it's horrid. My wife and I just spent as much money at The Four Seasons in Paris and the French Rivera as we are on this trip with Pascale and team. Repeat: ask for better or save your money.

Chesapeake Heritage & Visitor Center…read more Located on Kent Island in Queen Anne's County, not far after crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, this visitor center is a beautiful and welcoming stop for anyone exploring Maryland's Eastern Shore. The center offers a wonderful blend of local history, scenic waterfront views, and educational exhibits highlighting the importance of the Chesapeake Bay and the marine life that surrounds the region. The nearby harbor is especially enjoyable to walk around, with its variety of boats ranging from small fishing vessels to larger pleasure craft. Inside, the displays are thoughtfully arranged and easy to explore. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, offering colorful pamphlets, recommendations, and plenty of information about attractions and activities throughout the area. Even though my grandchildren were not with me during this visit, the staff still provided great suggestions for family-friendly things to do for visitors of all ages. One unique feature is the steep winding staircase located outside the visitor center, which leads to a 360-degree overlook. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the beach area, working harbor, surrounding restaurants, condominiums, and local businesses. Overall, this is an excellent place for a short stop to learn more about the history and culture of the Chesapeake Bay region while enjoying some beautiful scenery along the way.

In this age of quarantine, the options for getting outdoors seem limited. For our Easter afternoon…read moredrive, we drove across the Bay Bridge to Kent Island. The Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center is closed, but their outdoor trails are still accessible. It was an overcast day and only a few people were out, so maintaining the social distancing was easy. There is a boardwalk that crosses the marshes, and then another trail along the outer part, along a small sandy beach. There are a few benches and picnic tables. It made for a nice, quiet outing.