There’s no doubt the Chesapeake Bay has been through a lot over the past century — rampant pollution, habitat loss, stormwater runoff, rising sea levels, overfishing and the residual effects of climate change.
But there is still much to celebrate and explore when it comes to Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States — picturesque waterfront towns and shorelines, stunning vistas and serene beauty, flourishing communities for hundreds of years, and tons of history dating long before Maryland’s founding.
And what better way to learn about the region than what the Maryland Office of Tourism’s VisitMaryland.org has branded as the “Great Chesapeake Bay Loop” initiative?
Most Marylanders have likely never heard of the “Great Chesapeake Bay Loop.” The loop extends from the waterside communities along the Eastern Shore to the Upper Chesapeake region, across the metropolitan areas of central Maryland, and to the peninsulas of Southern Maryland forged by the Patuxent and Potomac rivers.
Why not drive a scenic byway or enjoy a sailing adventure to experience quintessential bay towns, natural and historic sites, lighthouses and water trails, maritime museums and countless other attractions?
And it never hurts to have a firsthand narrative from one of the region’s very own, whether it be a seasoned oysterman, local merchant or tour operator, to help bring the Chesapeake’s authentic story to life.
Jmore recently spoke with Marci Wolff Ross, senior assistant director of tourism development at the Maryland Office of Tourism, about the “Great Chesapeake Bay Loop” and “Chesapeake Bay Storytellers” programs.
Jmore: How did the loop initiative come about?
Ross: We’ve been talking to people who are tour operators or travel planners about this because we’re trying to get the ‘Great Chesapeake Bay Loop’ on everyone’s lips.
You can’t fully enjoy or learn about the Chesapeake Bay in just a day. There are so many things to do — bird watch, hiking trails, sailing. The Eastern Shore is so different than the Western Shore. Our approach is to inspire multi-night visits to the ‘Great Chesapeake Bay Loop.’ That way, people can do as much as they want. So on our website and in our materials, we share information about scenic drives around the loop. They take you to the places that inspire the stories of the Chesapeake Bay.
And the storytellers initiative?
We heard from people who work in oystering, fishing, crabbing and other local industries who wanted tour guide training as their businesses and livelihoods slowed down. We partnered with the National Park Service and developed a curriculum and put out a notice to water men and women, and we received responses from 60 people for our first class. For our second class, we went back to land and water-based operators.
How do you select the storytellers who go out with individuals and groups to talk about their experiences?
It’s all volunteers, and it’s a rigorous process. We pay a small stipend to attend [two full weeks of] classes, and we try to hold classes at times that are best for them in their [work] schedules.
Part of the curriculum is developed to help every storyteller with the storyteller process. Ultimately, all of our storytellers become certified interpretive guides and have to present for their final exam.
How does one take a tour of the loop?
You can drive around and experience the Chesapeake from the water to the land, or you can put your kayak or water paddle into water at a water trail. You can have a scenic and historic drive and do some shopping and dining. We generally recommend three days and two nights, or four days and three nights.
Then, you can meet your storyteller, maybe in someplace like Crisfield, and he’ll give you a ferry tour of Smith Island. That all takes some time, so it depends on how much time a customer has.
Why take along a storyteller?
If you take a storyteller journey, you’re going to hear about the culture and environment of the bay. Each of them tells stories about the history of the bay, and then in turn craft their own story to tell.
Right now, we have 48 working storytellers. Our storytellers are amazing. You have to have face time with them and hear their stories. Is there a better way to learn about the bay than on a sailboat or going out with a kayaker to learn about water trails?
Why are these initiatives so important to the Office of Tourism?
The mission of our office is to inspire people to explore Maryland and take their trips to have these experiences. Travel is transformative. The things you see or hear or taste or smell, like being on the bay or learning about it from a storyteller, can be absolutely transformative.
In addition, we want to grow jobs and sustain economies. The bay is a natural treasure. It has a huge and important place in our world. By traveling it, you can help take care of it. It’s wonderful to go out and have fun, but we feel a responsibility for people to understand why the health of the bay is so crucial.
Where are your personal favorite points of interest on the loop?
They’re all my favorites! As far as ‘Don’t Misses,’ I’d say the Oxford Bellevue Ferry — make sure you see St. Michaels and Easton. Also, Chesapeake City is a delightful, great little town. The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center is fascinating — her approach to the Underground Railroad came from her direct knowledge of the water and area [in Dorchester County].
And of course, Annapolis, Chesapeake Beach and Point Lookout where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake Bay. That’s a very impressive place to stand.
For information, see visitmaryland.org/great-chesapeake-bay-loop.
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