| Chesapeake Bay is not the kind of place that you'll | | | | imagine, fishing is huge here, so investigate the licensing |
| see looming in the distance as you head down the | | | | laws and regulations before casting a line in the hopes |
| highway. You can't just type the name into a Web site | | | | of reeling in some fresh dinner. Rockfish, drum and |
| or your car's navigation system and expect it to turn | | | | trout are just a few of the favorite finds. |
| up a specific point on the map, and when you tell | | | | Also out on the water you'll find a number of boating |
| people this is where you're headed, expect follow up | | | | opportunities. Yachters and sailors can take up their |
| questions. Chesapeake Bay covers an impressive | | | | sport of choice in a prime location, and joining a few |
| 2,500 square miles just begging to be explored, so | | | | fellow wave catchers will add to your joy at being out |
| narrow your focus and prepare to encounter a | | | | on the open water. Camaraderie, speed, and beautiful |
| geographically unique, endlessly entertaining locale that | | | | scenery...what more could you need? Marinas and |
| also qualifies as a state of mind. | | | | docks are everywhere you look, ready to meet your |
| Located between Maryland and Virginia, Chesapeake | | | | needs no matter what you decide to do. |
| Bay is the largest estuary on the continent, meaning it's | | | | Special events are plentiful here, especially during the |
| the meeting place for freshwater rivers and the salty | | | | warm weather. Easterners know how to cherish |
| sea. From the Native Americans of yesteryear to the | | | | warm days and sunshine, and planning your visit to |
| world-weary vacationers of today, this expansive | | | | coincide with a festival will surely be worth your while. |
| stretch of open water plus the settlements that have | | | | Many revolve around seafood; Crab Days and Clam |
| sprung up around it have attracted all sorts of people | | | | Bakes bring people together for music, dancing, and all |
| looking to live, work and play in a beautiful place. | | | | sorts of delicious delights. Arts and crafts are also big |
| If you're interested in the basic facts, the name means | | | | draws, as are boat fests and regattas and Fourth of |
| "great shellfish bay" because it is home to over 170 | | | | July celebrations. As you can see, there's rarely a dull |
| species of shellfish. There are also at least 350 kinds | | | | moment on Chesapeake Bay. |
| of fish and a couple thousand plant varieties. Judging | | | | You may be tempted to dabble in all the different |
| by all this vibrant and exuberant life, there must be | | | | points of view that the Bay provides; from the head to |
| something life-affirming about this region. | | | | the mouth goodness knows there's much to take in. |
| Once you lay eyes on the bay, you'll start to get a feel | | | | however, in the interest of a leisurely vacation, it would |
| for what that is. No matter where you end up stopping | | | | be best to settle into a vacation rental. Give yourself a |
| off, you'll instantly absorb the rich history, | | | | home base to be proud of, one that will keep you and |
| conservation-themed attitudes, East Coast charm, and | | | | your companions living in comfort, close to the water |
| a healthy sense of fun that pervades the towns. From | | | | and to one or two city settlements where you can find |
| Annapolis to Virginia Beach, the restaurants, festivals, | | | | groceries, entertainment and lots of laid-back energy. |
| and constant array of activities will be more than | | | | There are many choices to be made when it comes |
| enough to fill a memory-making vacation for you and | | | | to Chesapeake Bay, so do a little research now in |
| yours. | | | | order to fully enjoy yourself later. Select the spot that |
| Watch the constant flow of ocean-going ships as you | | | | tickles your fancy, pick out a Chesapeake Bay |
| walk along the bay each morning. Check out historic | | | | Vacation Rental, whose pictures and descriptions |
| districts that claim ties to the likes of long-ago English | | | | intrigue you, and prepare to be immersed in the |
| explorers like John Smith, or take a narrated boat tour | | | | bounties of the bay. |
| that will fill you in on a few juicy tidbits. As you can | | | | |