Escape to Maryland's Eastern Shore

Indulge yourself with a last-minute getaway this holiday season.

The bells atop Christ Church in the heart of St. Michaels, Maryland, mark the hour, their melodic song swelling through a still, silent night. On Main Street, tiny white lights twinkle merrily, and a few hearty couples walk hand in hand along the narrow sidewalks. Others gather indoors, content to relax at cozy inns and laughter-filled restaurants scattered throughout the village.

"This Victorian town that we live in has a bit of romance," says Pat Howell, owner of St. Michaels Candy and Gifts.

'Tis the Season

St. Michaels casts a kind of spell. Now is a wonderful time to plan a coolweather getaway for shopping, sightseeing, or simply relaxing before the hullabaloo ahead, and St. Michaels fills the bill perfectly.

This charming village sits on a narrow finger of land surrounded by the Miles River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. It's about an hour from the Bay Bridge and 9 miles from Easton on Maryland's Eastern Shore. This time of year, travelers can easily make the trip from either Baltimore or Washington, D.C., in less than two hours.

Though lovely in any season, there's something extra-special about St. Michaels during the holidays. Dozens of shops and boutiques crowd Talbot Street, their windows as pretty as those of any big-city department store. Best of all, you can park the car and walk to most of the town's attractions.

Community Pride

St. Michaels also hosts a whirlwind of activities during December. Merchants kick off the month with Midnight Madness on the first Saturday. Stores stay open until midnight, with many offering discounted merchandise and serving refreshments. One lucky customer even walks away with a $1,000 shopping spree. The winner must spend the money in town, but that's certainly no hardship.

The second weekend of the month welcomes Christmas in St. Michaels, an event guaranteed to fill residents and visitors with cheer. The festivities begin with a kickoff gala featuring a dinner and dance on Friday night. On Saturday, there's Breakfast With Santa for the kids, followed by a delightful parade.

Hometown Harmony

The revelry continues with an oldfashioned Christmas dinner at Union United Methodist Church, a Christmas boutique at Granite Lodge, and the first of a two-day tour of homes. The event culminates Sunday night with a celebration of choirs featuring all the local churches.

"It's a wonderful thing for our town, and, best of all, the money we raise stays right here in St. Michaels," says Mary Lou Williams-McAllister, who organized the first event in 1987.

Since then committee members have raised more than $750,000 for projects that benefit local citizens. Proceeds have helped establish a day care center and a community pool and build homes. Last year, the event came full circle when money was earmarked to renovate the day care center they started in the first year.

"St. Michaels is a fairy-tale town this time of year," says Valeric KenGray, chairperson for Christmas in St. Michaels. "It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, you're invited to join in."

-CASSANDRA M. VANHOOSER

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mid-Oct 2007
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