The Daytripper

By Paul W. Ross
Special to the Coastal Point

	Coastal Point • PAUL W. ROSS The view, coming into the dock in Oxford, is breathtaking.

Follow our “How Do We Get There” directions. Proceed on through St. Michaels on Route 33 about 15 miles to Tilghman Island. Tilghman Island is a step back in time to an authentic town where crabs are still king. Fishing and crabbing form the mainstay of the local economy in Tilghman Island.

Just before you go on to Tilghman Island, stop at either side of the modern Bascule lift bridge at Knapp’s Narrows for lunch in one of the restaurants. From their dining room, you can watch boats come in and out of the narrows, and see the bridge lift for taller masted boats. Seafood is the specialty here. It is often fresh off the boat. There are a number of interesting shops in the actual town, just a bit further south on Route 33. If you have time, drive on south to the end of the island to enjoy the scenery, as well as experiencing the atmosphere of the Eastern Shore at its fullest.

On the way back, after you have passed through St. Michaels, there is an exceptional side excursion that we enjoy taking. As you go back on Route 33 toward Easton, look for the sign to your right for the town of Royal Oak. This road winds through the countryside to the town of Bellevue. Here, you can pick up the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry. The ferry is primarily used for local people in the Bellevue area who want to cut some driving time off of their trip into Easton. For us “day trippers,” it is an opportunity to get out on the water and see parts of the Eastern Shore area from a different perspective.

If, by good fortune, you have taken you bicycles with you on this trip, board the ferry as a foot passenger with a bicycle. The ferry runs regularly during the season, so there is rarely a wait. The trip across takes about 10 minutes, to the town of Oxford. Oxford has a number of fascinating shops, and some excellent restaurants. Again, seafood is king! Alternatively, you can take your car, or proceed on foot, or by bicycle. Everything you might wish to see in Oxford is an easy drive, walk, or bike ride from the ferry slip.

If you have taken your car on the ferry, you can drive back to Easton and then on home. Otherwise, take the ferry back, pick up your car, and follow our directions to return to Bethany Beach. The sun on the water can be rather bright, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are the order of the day. They don’t charge for dogs on the ferry, so feel free to take your dog along. Make sure to bring water for your furry friend!

How do we get there?

From Bethany Beach, go west on Route 26. At Dagsboro, turn north on Delaware 113. At Georgetown, swing west on Delaware 404, looking for signs to the Bay Bridge.

Follow Route 404 west towards Denton, Maryland. Swing southwest on Maryland Route 328. This takes you to Easton, Maryland. When you come into Easton, proceed into town on Goldsborough Street. At the end of Goldsborough Street, turn north one block on Washington Street, and turn left (west) on Bay Street. This is Route 33, which takes you into St. Michaels. Continue through St. Michaels on to Tilghman Island.

On the way back, swing right on Bellevue Road through Royal Oak to Bellevue to pick up the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry. It is a good idea to check on the ferry schedule, though reservations aren’t needed in advance. They can be reached at (410) 745-9023. The one-way charge is $8.00 for the car and driver, and $1 for each additional passenger. Bicycles are $3 one-way, and $5 for a round-trip.

This distance from Bethany Beach is Tilghman Island is about 95 miles, and takes around two and a quarter hours, depending on traffic.

If you took the ferry one-way, pick up route 333 in Oxford, and go back to Washington Street in Easton. Swing east on Goldsborough Street to pick up Route 328, as described above. If you took the return trip to Bellevue, then follow back on the Bellevue Road to Route 33 and return to Bethany Beach.