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Romantic Spots: Love on the Chesapeake
Romantic spotlight: Island Getaways
Trips to the Bay are the classic Washington getaway, a place to relax and escape without going too far. We can’t tell you about romance: That’s your challenge. But we can show you some Chesapeake places that just might help with matters of the heart.
This Spring’s feature: The islands
You and your mate feel like two ships passing in the night? Escape to the islands—the islands of the Chesapeake. Smith Island and Tangier Island are actual islands; Solomons Island and Belle Isle State Park aren’t. But all four are jewels of the Bay that offer all the beauty, seclusion and romanticism of an ocean getaway—without the jet lag.
Unblemished by the typical trappings of tourism, Maryland’s Smith Island is a welcome refuge from the Beltway bustle. The clock slows down on the island, so take your time to rediscover each other. Savor the hospitality of B&Bs such as the Ewell Tide Inn or the Inn of Silent Music. Stroll the docks among the watermen and workboats, or rent bikes and explore the island.
Smith Island restaurants to try:
> Bayside Inn
> Ruke's General Store and
Seafood Deck
Getting There: Smith Island is about three hours east of Washington, depending on traffic. You can drive to Crisfield on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where passenger ferries depart year-round. During the summer, ferry service also leaves from Point Lookout, Md., and Reedville, Va.
The sunsets are stunning on Virginia’s Tangier Island. Leisurely sunset cruises and eye-opening eco-tours offer views that will rekindle your romance. There are a couple of great bed and breakfasts, and some locals still speak with an Old English accent. Try the oysters (and other fresh Bay delicacies) at local eateries such as Fisherman’s Quarter, Waterfront Restaurant and Channel Marker Restaurant.
Tangier Island B&Bs to try:
> Hilda Crockett’s Chesapeake
House
> Shirley’s Bay View Inn
> The Sunset Inn
Rekindling our love affair with the Bay
Getting There: Tangier Island is about four hours southeast of Washington, DC, depending on the traffic. Passenger ferries leave from Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Reedville, Va., and Crisfield, Md. You also can catch the mail boat.
Solomons Island, a narrow peninsula between the Patuxent River and Back Creek Bay, is a world away from Washington and an ideal spot for reconnecting with your private world. Take a romantic stroll on the Riverwalk. Enjoy the seafood at waterfront restaurants such as The Captain’s Table and The Lighthouse Inn. Head a few miles south and wander around the remnants of the historic St. Mary's City settlement and enjoy the spectacular water views.
Solomons Island B&Bs to try:
> Back
Creek Inn B&B
> Solomons
Victorian Inn
Getting There: Solomons Island, about 60 miles south of Annapolis, is about two hours from Washington, depending on traffic. From the Beltway, take Route 4 east to Route 2-4 to Solomons.
Belle Isle State Park’s romantic Bel Air Mansion is one
reason Virginia is for lovers. A Colonial reproduction furnished with period
pieces and oriental rugs, the mansion offers working fireplaces, a whirlpool
and the ideal setting for a getaway to remember. And the romance doesn’t
stop at the mansion. The park itself is a window to the beautiful lower Rappahannock
River, where couples can enjoy gorgeous sunsets after a day of boating, hiking
or just doing nothing at all. The mansion is a popular wedding spot, so make
your reservations early. Also, the Bel Air grounds are shown by appointment
only.
Getting there: Belle Isle, in Lancaster
County, Va., is about two hours from Washington. From
Warsaw in Richmond County, take Route 3 to Route 354
and then Route 683 near Litwalton to the park entrance.
From Kilmarnock in Lancaster County, take Route 3, turn
left on Route 201, right on Route 354 and left at Route
653 to the park entrance.