Although we left St. Michaels, Maryland, reluctantly, we knew we wanted to see Oxford one more time — and stay again at The Robert Morris Inn. But what route to take? You can drive from St. Michaels along Hwy. 33 through Easton and enjoy the scenery to Oxford, or you can take the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry. We chose the latter.
It’s not a glam trip, by any means, that trip to Oxford on the ferry. But it’s one steeped in history and a chance to ply the waters of the Tred Avon River at a slower pace.
According to Bike Washington/Oxford Loop, the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry (operable since 1683) is “the Nation’s Oldest Privately Owned Ferry Service,” having run continuously since 1836. We drove to the end of Rte. 329 and lined up for the usual 30-minute wait, enjoying our position as the only passengers that morning. (Be sure to check the ferry’s website for schedule, dates of operation, and cost per vehicle before driving out to the site.)
If you need to lower your blood pressure, then Oxford (founded in 1683 as the first seaport) is the town for your next vacation. There’s not a lot to do there (and that’s the good news), especially since it’s winter and so many places have cut their hours due to the coronavirus or closed for the season. But drive around this sweet town to see homes similar to the ones in St. Michaels and even some reminiscent of other coastal areas like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, or St. Michaels.
But it was a return to The Robert Morris Inn that brought us back to Oxford, the famous, historic inn that we remembered from our first trip to the Eastern Shore about twenty-five years ago.
Known as River View House when it was built in 1710, The Robert Morris Inn has maintained its distinction as the oldest full-service inn in America, operating since 1800. The inn proudly claims that President George Washington has slept there along with other dignitaries and political notables.
More recently, James Michener sketched out his novel Chesapeake at the inn, and, if alive today, he might tell you that not much has changed in Oxford or The Robert Morris Inn. But we think that’s a good thing, especially since we love antiques, historic art, and walls that could probably tell you a lot about who’s been there.
After dining on Maryland Crab Soup at Doc’s Sunset Grille and watching waterfowl just “hang out” in these historic waters, we left Oxford reluctantly, but not without regret: Oxford, Maryland, just may have it all — beauty, history, and a welcome respite from the busy life beyond.
Travel the Eastern Shore,
Rusha and Bert
We Travel Happy
Lovely pictures, especially the way they were captured. I don’t want to guess who’s taking the photos, but may I? Hahaha don’t hate me Rusha! But is it Bert? 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
He drives. I click. We’re a good team! But when we’re in motion (Amish country), I have a hard time! But we knew the Amish don’t allow photos of them. So for us, this is as good as it gets. Thanks for looking.
restlessjo
What a lovely trip out! I love all things boats and am always up for a ferry ride, especially with such a nice destination 🙂 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Because we don’t own a boat or have one nearby to rent, we love ferries and boat tours. They’re about our only chance to actually get on the water and see houses from the waterside!
Vandy Leake
Love this area and seeing it through your eyes is even better…
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you. This is a very special area, and I’d love to stay longer.
Greenglobaltrek
It is extraordinary to think that institutions/businesses like the ferry and the inn have been in continuous operation since the mid 19th century. This is not atypical in Europe of course where buildings and businesses have been steadfast markers for 200-300 years past down from one generation to the next, but in the context of the U.S. which has a history of rapid change amongst cities and businesses it is quite a feat. Thank you for introducing us to this little corner of America’s East coast. One has to hope that the current pandemics devastating effect on tourism does not deal these historic businesses a death blow.
The inn looks beautiful ~ so full of character and history.
Ben & Peta
Oh, the Places We See
I think that’s the draw for us to little towns — they tend to remain untouched by progress, and that’s what we enjoy! I’m not sure what that says about us, but we also love antiques, old buildings and monuments, and tales of how things were named or founded. Thanks for your comments. And here’s hoping you’re liking your new place!
rajkkhoja
Very nice place. Good photos.
Oh, the Places We See
It’s a quiet town, one that is like to live in.
Grammy Writes
We lived in the Northeast when my daughter was young, and I remember taking day trips to places like this. Good memories! Our day trips don’t look a thing like this anymore!
Oh, the Places We See
We’re lucky to get in a day trip or two. And they’re mostly to the Great Smoky Mountains. I don’t get to see ferries or seaside towns . . . not in Tennessee!
Anonymous
A gorgeous place, no doubt about it Rusha. Your photographs capture it well and make me want to be there now, celebrating this historic day in the George Washington Room. So much history. And that ferry— operating since 1683. A great post for the day, and I appreciated the house you chose with its Biden sign. 🙂 –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
The Biden sign was quite accidental, but most of the houses in Oxford that put up signs put up Biden ones. We found in Maryland that rural counties were for Trump; towns and cities were for Biden. Not sure how that has panned out in the counting, but now that I’m thinking about it, I’ll look. This is a very historic day — one that I welcome wholeheartedly!
Toonsarah
I love being out on the water so the ferry sounds like a good choice to me! That inn looks like a beautiful place to stay 🙂 Seems like we would enjoy a trip to Maryland one of these days!
Oh, the Places We See
We’ve taken very few car ferries in our lifetime, so it’s a novelty experience as well as a useful one! Thanks for taking a look. Happy weekend!