You may be living within a half hour of the perfect vacation destination for the whole family: Kent Island in Queen Anne’s County. A historic Maryland spot, Kent Island is the largest island in the Chesapeake Bay and was one of the earliest European settlements in what would later become the Old Line State.
Families out for a visit can dine on seafood, go fishing, hike or bike on trails for any ability level and then finish off the day watching the sun set on the beach before heading back to a local stay at the Kent Island Resort. Along with breathtaking bay views and nature, there are plenty of music, arts and entertainment opportunities in Stevensville. Here are some options for what to see, do and taste on the island.
Food
Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen & Cocktails
Enjoy coastal delicacies such as jumbo lump crab pizza, seafood nachos and Chilean sea bass at this dockside restaurant. A local staple for 50 years, Libbey’s has long been serving the Maryland coast. The dishes are inspired by Eastern Shore tradition and are made with fresh, local ingredients. Online reviewers speak to the restaurant’s quality service and excellent food.
The Kentmorr Beach Bar & Grill
This waterfront restaurant offers fresh seafood, including calamari, crab cakes and oysters, and a tiki bar. Order a cold beer for yourself and something off the special kids’ menu for your little one. Located on the western shore of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Kentmorr restaurant is a picturesque place to crack open crabs seasoned with Old Bay after a day on the beach.
Big Bats Cafe
For a dinner experience that’s a little more laid back, try Big Bats Cafe, a sports bar that serves wings, burgers and other American classics. Cheer on your favorite team inside or sit outside under an umbrella and challenge your family to a game of cornhole.
Outdoor Attractions
Matapeake Clubhouse and Beach, located along the Chesapeake Bay in Stevensville, caters to the whole family—even including a dog park for your furry friend. The only public swimming beach in Queen Anne’s County, its grounds include an amphitheater, family picnic area and trails through the woods with views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The beach is open every day from sunrise to sunset, which could make it fitting for either an early morning or evening family outing.
Hike through wildflower meadows, wetlands, tidal ponds, woodlands and beaches at the award-winning Terrapin Nature Park, spanning 276 acres. Hikers can see the diversity of waterfowl, wildlife and plant species that populate the park. The oyster chaff trails are large enough to accommodate jogging strollers.
The park’s trails are relatively flat, making it great for a family hike with young children. While you’re there, check out the gazebo and wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, showcasing a view of the Bay Bridge. Terrapin Nature Park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Stretch your legs by walking or biking Cross Island Trail or South Island Trail, both easily adaptable to all skill levels. Plan a day trip to go fishing, crabbing and kayaking, and then have a picnic lunch at Romancoke Fishing Pier.
Things to Do
Shop antiques, visit historic sites and take advantage of First Saturday events from April to December in the Historic Stevensville Arts & Entertainment District. Historic Stevensville is a quaint little town with shops, artist workshops and restaurants. Find a unique treasure in one of the independently-owned shops and peruse local artists’ work in the galleries. Try your hand at something new with an art class at the Kent Island Federation of Arts.
Musical maestros should embark on a Paul Reed Smith Guitars Tour of the factory where it’s said some of the world’s best guitars have been made since 1985. Check out the state-of-the-art facility and see where legendary artists’ guitars and amplifiers have been handcrafted. Tourists can strum a real Paul Reed Smith guitar. During your visit, don’t miss the West Street East store and museum room!
Learn the history of Queen Anne’s County at the Chesapeake Heritage & Visitor Center. Interact with informational displays all about the county’s history, heritage and culture. The museum showcases a rotating artists series, highlighting artwork that illustrates the beauty of the Eastern Shore.
Up a spiral staircase is a 360-degree view of the Kent Narrows Waterfront. Once you’re back on the grounds, visit Ferry Point Park. A boardwalk over the marsh leads to a secluded cove with picnic tables and a short hiking trail for a peaceful afternoon.
