Itinerary: (Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting, as-yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available)
A Chesapeake Spring
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum ~ Oxford Day ~ Chester River Cruise
Four Day Tour ~ April 22-25, 2021
Highlights: Three Nights’ Accommodations Historic Robert Morris Inn, Oxford • Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum • Classic Motor Museum • Chesapeake Ghost Tours • Oxford Museum & Walking Tour • Oxford Day • Charming Downtown St. Michaels, Easton, Chestertown • Little Red Schoolhouse • Pickering Creek Audubon Center • Chester River Dinner Cruise • All Breakfasts • Two Lunches • One Dinner • Fully Escorted
Spring has arrived on Maryland’s Eastern Shore! Join us as we delve into the new, fresh season as we visit a number of quaint Chesapeake Bay towns containing a collage of charming churches, manicured federal, colonial and Victorian homes, historic maritime heritage, diverse artistic talents, and pleasant southern culture. Our Spring exploration will include the relaxed, sleepy bay towns of St. Michaels, Oxford, Easton, and Chestertown where each day begins with a peaceful, glorious view and ends at night in candlelight elegance. In the next four days, we will toast in the Springtime happiness at the annual Oxford Day, discover interesting maritime history, marvel at pristine antique cars, run from ghosts and cruise the night away!
Day 1. Our drive to Maryland will be dazzled with blooming Spring flowers and trees lining our way. Once we arrive in the picturesque, historic town of St. Michaels, we will enjoy an included lunch along the banks of the Miles River. After indulging in the gifts of the Chesapeake Bay we will visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Here, we’ll discover the peace and solitude of the bay, take in the beautiful changing exhibitions in the Steamboat Building, climb the historic 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse for magnificent views, learn about the heritage of oystering, water fowling, and much more! Then it’s time to get comfortable in our waterfront, historic accommodations at the Robert Morris Inn in the lovely town of Oxford before going out on the town at your leisure for dinner on your own to enjoy more tastes of the Eastern Shore.
Day 2. This morning we’ll be entranced by the charming, tranquil town of Oxford. A tour of the Oxford Museum will teach us of the 350 years of colonial and American history that led the town from being one of the country’s earliest ports to the present as a premier sailing destination. Next, long time local Leo will guide us on an unforgettable walking tour with stories only a native can share. Afterwards, we may even extend the tour for a drink with Leo at our home, the Robert Morris Inn! The Culture Capitol of the Eastern Shore is next on our list. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring Easton, the idyllic small town that is home to award winning restaurants, eclectic art galleries, and fine boutiques. You’ll be sure to find a wonderful restaurant among the downtown to have a memorable lunch on our own. We will then take some time out in nature at the Pickering Creek Audubon Center where we may hear the joyful cacophony of a large variety of frogs in search of their mate. There will be time to wander the trails to stroll as much or as little as you wish for a chance to view the wood ducks and other birds amongst the wetlands. We will have time to wander and browse the historic tree lined streets of Chestertown before our evening dinner cruise where we’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery and catch a spectacular sunset over the banks of the Chester River.
Day 3. This morning we’ll have the chance to experience Oxford’s annual community event to welcome spring, Oxford Day. Watch the dog walk and show and then ben on the lookout for the piper who leads off the town parade filled with an assortment of floats, fire engines, bands, and old cars that are uniquely Oxford. In the Town Park, enjoy lunch at one of the food booths while browsing the crafts, art while listening to live music. After lunch we’ll be taken back in time at the Classic Motor Museum in St. Michaels that houses pristine examples of pre- and post-WWII classic automobiles, mid-century muscle cars, vintage trucks, motorcycles, and other era inspired collectibles. After dinner on your own in town, you will have the option of walking the ghostly path of rowdy women who get about town at night on a St. Michaels Ghost Walk or heading back to the Robert Morris Inn to relax after a day filled with wine and cheer.
Day 4. An extra special treat awaits us on our way back towards New Jersey; an exclusive retreat on a scenic 130-acre farm at historic Bristoll Plantation. Here at historic Sinking Springs Herb Farm we will enjoy a delicious lunch in a rural setting featuring an 18th century provincial plantation log house, a rustic barn with a bright airy loft, delightful aromatic gardens, and a private pond with an island. There will be time to stroll and explore the grounds, including the amazing 442-year-old sycamore tree born in 1578 and connect with nature though creation of a thyme craft. A wonderful way to end a spectacular Spring getaway!
Departs from Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool parking lot (corner of Linwood Avenue & Northern Parkway) at 7:15 AM and returns at approximately 5:30 PM.
Departs the Chatham Middle School at 480 Main Street (behind the Methodist Church) at 8:00 AM and returns at approximately 4:45 PM.
Departs from South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Avenue at 8:45 AM and returns at approximately 4:00 PM. As you enter from Lane Avenue, park down on the left side along the fence near the gate between the two schools
Tour cost per person is $1,195 Twin & $1,395 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel, and mail to the above address. Final payment is due March 10, 2021. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before March 10, 2021. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after March 10, 2021. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and recommended (approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour), but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one carry-on are permitted. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
————————————————————————————————————————–
Methods of Payment:
Pay by check: make payable to Group Tours & Travel, mail to 1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319, Paoli, PA 19301
Call 973-513-9001 to pay by credit card over the phone (Credit Card payments have a 4% surcharge)
Venmo @educatedwanderer
Please contact us with any questions regarding your payment.
