The small town of Chesapeake City is full of history and breathtaking scenery. The locals here know, however, that the town itself isn’t the only photographic gem. Just a ten minute drive away off of Highway 213, I’m at the edge of a small channel off the Bay—named the Bohemia River—and facing right into the sunset. Trees shaken bare for the winter offer a nice contrast to the explosion of pinks and oranges over the water, and, in the distance, I can make out the soft glow of the nearby marina’s lighthouse. I have been here for well over an hour and I’ll stand long after the sun has set, capturing every moment of color until there is nothing but black in my lens. I must’ve snapped well over one hundred pictures, but the beauty of this place is that the image is always changing—always a new color, a new angle, a new subject that has entered the frame. I have come to this spot many times in my life and have essentially never captured the same photograph, which makes it that much more exciting and beautiful to visit. In these moments, I am truly home.

Chesapeake City is one of the most picturesque areas in Maryland (and that’s not just me being bias towards my hometown). The town itself—with its locally owned shops and restaurants—is split neatly in two by the C&D Canal bridge, and makes for stunning pictures in ice, snow, rain and sun. The Canal connects the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, and so it is not uncommon to see one of the massive cargo ships passing by or the native waterfowl flying over colorful boats. A definite tourist spot for seafood, water activities and boaters, we have the luxury of being called a “city” without the crowds or the closed in atmosphere. If you stay long enough, you’ll likely become another familiar, friendly face to us locals and you may even be invited to a fancy yacht party.

A perfect day would start with a jog or bike ride along the Canal on the North side, then heading over to the South side for breakfast at the Bohemia Cafe. Meander throughout the streets and check out the locally owned shops, then grab some seafood or a burger at the famed Chesapeake Inn. Compliment that fantastic lunch with a scoop of ice cream from the Canal Creamery, then take a boat ride down the Canal. Finish off the day with a glass of wine overlooking the water and sunset at Schaefer’s Canal House.

Here in Chesapeake City, the food is a must. You may have already heard that Maryland is known for their blue crabs, and this town doesn’t disappoint—get ’em steamed, soft-shelled, in cakes, and sprinkled in good ‘ol Old Bay.

If you’re looking for chain, department, or grocery stores, you’ll have to drive about 15 minutes away.

You can actually walk across the C&D Canal bridge (there is a sidewalk on the right side—just be prepared to climb up a lot of steps!)

Bambi—peaceful, quiet, beautiful.

Chris Burkard, Bleachers, Kiel James Patrick