steveziv

I would like to take the family for a few night in various N. Bay ports. I like Rock Hall because its laid back, friendly and you can get a room at a reasonable price. We would probably get a room every night and take turns sleeping a couple on the boat every night. I'm thinking a night in St. Michaels, a night at the Cambridge Hyatt, then across the bay to Herrington Harbor or Chesapeake Beach, then back home to the Bush River.

I know, sounds like I already have a plan. I've been to Rock Hall and Cambridge but am curious about recommended docking/lodging at the other locations. I have three teenage girls so they'd like a pool, shopping/town, etc. to pass the time (less time on the boat and more time ashore). We may or may not take a small dingy along.

Thanks in advance!

jollyrog305

Steve,

We have friends that have their boat at Herrington Harbor. It is a very nice place, but I would call then in advance to see about available slips (they fill up fast). Not much close by though in terms of shopping. Never been/stayed in Cambridge by boat, but hope to go to the Hyatt this year. Took the family last year to St. Michaels for the weekend. Stayed at Harbour Inn (Marina and spa). Nice place, the dock staff was great, not to crowded, small pool – but had a blast. It is on the “other-side” of the channel so you have to take the water taxi across (pretty expensive if you are going back and forth). Although if you bring the dingy your set – St. Micheals has a tender “parking” by the museum. We were going to use the complimentary bike(s) you get when you stay there, but unfortunately they did not have bikes for kids (mine at the time were 6 and under). Teenagers should be no problem. I actually preferred walking around/through the beautiful old neighborhoods, etc to get to “downtown”. Plan on going back this year. Wife loved the shops (it was her first time there).

__________________
Roger
305 Boston Whaler Conquest / 1967 Boston Whaler Currituck

Wheresjoe

Annapolis seems like a good stop w/plenty to do (e.g., shopping, etc.).

mary wagner

I would highly recommend the Hyatt, espicially with the kids. They have a water slide, several pools, indoor and out, hot tub, beach,minature golf, tennis, volleyball and a great game room with ping pong, pool, table hockey and the like included with the price of the resort. They also have some pretty cool night time activities like a pig roast or smores around the outdoor fireplace. Every year for the last 4 my daughter has asked to go there for her birthday, (she's now 9). We always have fun.
Two caveats...it is a pretty good hike from the marina to the resort so if you have your dinghy along you can hang it on the "right" side. I would also pack a soft cooler for drinks as a bottle of water for the kids will run you about 4 bucks!
I don't know if you're interested in going across the bay or not, but Solomons is pretty cool. We usually stay at Spring Cove Marina...great facilities if you can stay on the boat...really clean with a water front pool. As I recall there is a hotel or two within walking distance if you want a room. Toodle around the on the dinghy to get to town or rent bikes from the marine store. Great shopping, fantastic food, and a mariners museum that is absolutely awesome for the young and old alike. Not sure why, but fuel down there is much less expensive on the water than around these parts.
As for ST. Mikes...nice place for the first couple visits but the stores haven't changed their inventory in the last 10 years. I highly recommend the musuem there too...my kids love it!

Happy Cruising!

Battlewagon

I'm not a big fan of the Hyatt by boat. It's a great resort and all but its just too damn far to the hotel/pool. Also prices are through the roof. We were there last year (Stay 2 nights get the third free). This is a bit of a plug but I suggest you look into your local power squadron. My squadron does family style cruises all around the bay. Some expensive places, some moderate and some raftouts. This year we've got cruises scheduled from Chesapeake City down to Cape Charles. We're based in Dundalk/Middle River but there are squadrons all up and down the bay. The squadron's port captains are also a good source of information about good and bad marinas.

John

PS. I understand your cruising issues. My daughter rates every stop by A. the pool and B. the stores.