Local Tips for Bay Haven
North Beach, MD
Arrival
The Beach
If you're hungry when you arrive, Vaughan Cheese is a great spot for lunch, a glass of wine, or a custom cheese board nearby. Started by a couple from New York, they curate from local farms.
Here's an article about them and other restaurants in North Beach: https://chesapeakebaymagazine.com/bring-your-appetite-to-north-beach/
We highly recommend lunch reservations at Ketch 22, which is on the water for another day. It’s at the Herrington Harbor Marina Club. In the summer, request a table at the end of the deck near the water. Their fish tacos are really good.
Roland’s is the nearest big grocery store that is a short drive away.
Two passes on are on the gold tray. Each purple pass gives free beach access to 4 people. You’ll have 2 passes to cover 8 people. (You only need these in the summer. Beach access is free during the rest of the year.)
We have beach towels.
Food & Drinks
Deale!
Hook & Vine: Cozy spot for dinner. You might need reservations.
Plaza Mexico: Very good and authentic Mexican food. The marinated shrimp is good.
Baia: Brunch
Bakist: Breakfast pastries and sweet treats
Tyler's: Steamed/cajun shrimp and seafood, take out only
Wheelhouse: Beer garden vibe and possible live music.
City Sliders: Good vegetarian and vegan options
Bay Wine & Spirits: Wine shop and local hangout with a Cheers-type vibe
Thai Zapp in Dunkirk: For ordering in on most food delivery apps
*****Skipper's Pier: One of our favorite spots for an outdoor late afternoon drink on the water when it’s warm. Possible live music. 20 mins away but very worth it - hug Fairhaven Road along the coast all the way up.
Boathouse: Near Skipper's Pier. Less seating. Possible live music. https://www.theboathousedeale.com/
Jesse Jay's Latin Kitchen: Should be near Skipper's Pier and someone local has recommended it. They have limited hours.
Day Trips
Walks
If you want to explore the peninsula further south, try: Flag Ponds Nature Park and Beach for shark teeth and fossil hunting on the beach. Dogs are allowed. https://www.calvertparks.org/fpp.html
Anne Marie Sculpture Gardens and Art Center in Solomons. Vera’s Restaurant might be a nice stop for lunch. https://www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/
*****Don’t miss the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail (last item in the guidebook) - it's a very long raised boardwalk over the wetlands behind the water park in Chesapeake.
For dog walks or a run – see the map in our house manual. First, take a right from our gate and the first left on Dayton to get to the Wetlands Overlook Park.. From there, you can walk across the boardwalk. When you reach the end, take a left into the woods and follow the path. (If you’re running you can take a right for a longer run through the woods.) After a few minutes you'll emerge into an apartment complex. From here, you can map back to our address.
A friend liked Fridays Creek.
On summer weekends, the Running Hare Vineyard has outdoor tables, food stalls, and live music on the weekends. The wine wasn't great to be honest but we enjoyed the local beer. People bring their dogs too.
If you’re into wine, check our Bay Wine & Spirits across the street from the beach in North Beach.
Vineyards
Bikes
Water Rentals
Water Park
Spas
Cakes
Dog Grooming & Treats
Running & Biking
There is 1 bike in our shed which you are welcome to use. Tessa Scooters has all kinds of fun bike rentals.
Tell them that you're staying at A Haven Away in the comments of your reservation for $5 off. - https://tessascooters.com/
Here are a few places for rentals. They are probably closed in the off season. Reservations are recommended. We haven't used them so please let us know how it goes if you do!
DMV Jet Skis - https://dmvjetskis.com/
Show Boatin' - https://showboatinonthebay.com/
Chesapeake Flyboarding - https://www.facebook.com/FlyboardMD/
Chesapeake Beach Boat Rental has boats of all kinds - 410-257-1028
Chesapeake Beach Water Park - https://chesapeakebeachwaterpark.com
We haven’t tried it yet but based on the reviews, the Bay Healing Arts Center might be your best bet.
The Bakist in North Beach might have cupcakes in their display!
Baked by the Bay does vegan/gluten free/sugar free baked goods, including cakes. You can email them at bakedbythebaycb@gmail.com. They like to have orders a few weeks in advance.
The Sudsy Mutt is really good.
Let us know if you're training for a triatholon. Our friends found some great routes, which we can share!