THE CHESAPEAKE BAY

Cobham Bay on the James River, Hardy, Virginia 37°09'51.9"N 76°44'06.4"W

Maridee Sandridge shared Cobham Bay, another actual backwater up the James River just inside the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, as one of her favorite stops on the Great Loop. This quiet oasis of an anchorage is just across the water from historic Williamsburg and Jamestown. Your trip up the river will take you past a graveyard for retired naval vessels, which itself is worth the trip. Chippokes Plantation State Park, home to one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country, has a museum, an Antebellum-era mansion and formal gardens to enjoy. Sandridge suggests exploring the Chippokes Creek on the east side of the park. The quiet waterway offers classic Virginia forest with slow water, lilies, birds and moss-covered trees.

Colonial Beach, Virginia 8°15'16.5"N 76°57'48.9"W

This is the perfect home base for exploring Washington, D.C. About halfway up the Potomac River, you are a stone’s throw from the nation’s capital while still being in a quaint colonial waterfront town. Colonial Beach offers sandy beaches, historical sites (birthplaces of both George Washington and James Monroe), colonial architecture, great food and natural beauty. Loopers Schucker and Wilson suggest staying at The Boathouse Marina—and if you do, make sure to ask to see the historic car collection.

Tilghman Island, Maryland 38°42'13.4"N 76°20'18.8"W

This last gem was recommended by Schucker and Wilson as an ideal place to take in the essence of Chesapeake Bay. It is another destination where you should leave yourself an unstructured departure time to experience it all. The Tilghman Watermen’s Museum is a must-visit where you can learn about the history of the crabbers and watermen as well as their current way of life. Tilghman Island also offers great food, beautiful biking and spectacular views.