St. Michaels by Renée Gordon

National Geographic recognized the Eastern Shore as one of the “22 Amazing Journeys for 2022”. The area, within the Atlantic Coastal Plain region, is comprised of the nine counties east of the Chesapeake Bay. The counties are filled with history that dates from the early 1500s and continues to provide immersive experiences that blend seamlessly with local culinary expertise and water-based activities. Captain John Smith receives credit as the earliest authenticated explorer of the bay area in 1608 but the land appears on a Spanish map, as Santa Maria, in 1556. An Algonquian indigenous population greeted the Europeans upon arrival, the Nanticoke and Pocomoke-Assateague, many of whom moved west in the 1740s. Maryland became the first proprietary colony in British North America in 1632 and remained so until July 3, 1776 and in April of 1788 Maryland became the seventh state. As a colony it rebelled against British rule early and zealously even though no battles were fought within the state. Nearly 29,000 Maryland men served in the Continental Army and Maryland Militia from 1775-1783. The troops earned the honorific, the Old Line State”, when they prevented the annihilation of the Continental Army during the Battle of Long Island and subsequent Continental Army retreat in 1776. St. Michaels, Maryland is situated at the heart of the Eastern Shore. As a destination it offers all aspects of the region within a walkable area or by accessing the 1.3mile rails-to-trails bike route, St. Michael’s Nature Trail, path through town. The marina and bay provide a number of water-based activities and stunning views. Along the main thoroughfare there are numerous restaurants, shops and historic structures. St. Michaels looks and feels as if it has been preserved in amber and fortunate visitors have surprising opportunities to experience everything available within this perfect setting. The town itself dates from the mid-17th century when tobacco was the primary crop. A trading post was built on the site bringing settlers into the area. The 1672 construction of the Christ Episcopal Church of St Michael Archangel was founded in present day St. Michaels and led to the naming of the town.

St. Michaels is an Amazing Getaway By Renée S. Gordon Travel & history Writer

The War of 1812 placed St. Michael’s center stage. The town was a shipbuilding center, particularly renowned for building schooners, and the British fleet deemed it and the Chesapeake Bay as primary targets and readied for an attack on August 10, 1813. The town’s militia had no hope of defeating the British forces and firepower and some citizens, aware of their precarious position, began to evacuate, others devised a plan. A total blackout was called for and lanterns were hung high in the trees causing the British to believe it was a hill town and to aim too high and miss the buildings. Only one structure was hit and is known today as the William Merchant Cannonball House. A cannonball pierced the roof and came down the stairs. No Americans were hurt in the attack. St. Michaels is referred to as “the town that fooled the British”. In a unique town one would expect equally singular accommodations and St. Michaels does not disappoint. The newly opened Wildset Hotel is comprised of four 19th-century structures offering 34 rooms in total. No two rooms are alike and each features sumptuous furnishings and linens, stateof-the-art technology and designer amenities with an ambience that is reminiscent of both the history and the regional setting. Many rooms are equipped with fireplaces and luxurious soaking tubs. Complimentary on-site parking is provided. #thewildset

Complimentary snacks are available en suite and breakfast with Ceremony Coffee is in the lobby area daily. Firepits and s’mores kits are available to guests as well as bicycles and yard games to enhance the Wildset experience. Sisters Allie Balin and K.C. Lager opened Ruse Restaurant, the in-house dining establishment, to provide an accessible upscale experience incorporating local cuisine, Eastern Shore décor and superior service. Please turn to next page

The name harkens back to the defining British attack in 1813 when a ruse was used to save the town. The menu changes seasonally with locally sourced fresh foods that Chef Michael Correll combines to create nuanced tastes in regional dishes. The bar’s inventory is filled with specially chosen, small batch wines. There is an oyster bar with a rotating selection of oysters. Reservations are highly recommended. To make your holiday visit even more special the Wildset celebrates from Dec. 16-28. Christmas In St. Michaels, the town’s holiday kick-off event, takes place Dec. 9-11. Visitors stroll the streets amidst the historic homes and along the bayside. Some homes are listed on a tour. The historic structures in the rural areas are accessed by a holiday shuttle service. https://christmasinstmichaels On Saturday, Dec. 10, the St. Michael’s traditional holiday parade on Talbot Street takes place. It showcases expected types of participation in addition to kazoo bands and even llamas. The parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m.. An annual Old Fashioned Eastern Shore Christmas Dinner takes place from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Union United Methodist Church prepares a carryout feast of homemade entrees and desserts. Get a taste of the Holidays past. Water and boats equal the spectacular Lighted Boat Parade around St. Michael’s Harbor. The parade begins at 6 p.m. The 2022 Marketplace and Sweet Shoppe returns for the holiday weekend. This is a wonderful opportunity to round out your visit with a purchase of decorations, baked goods, gifts and mementos from this enchanting historic town. An emphasis is placed on sustainable materials and products www.stmichaelsmd.com For more information on Maryland >CLICK HERE

NEW YORK - If you are seeking something different to celebrate Christmas this year, check out NYC by sea, or at least, by river. Make your extended weekend getaway in New York City extra memorable by cruising with your close family, friends & team members on 1920s style yachts decked out in lights and garland for its holiday décor. Enjoy the cozy wood interior while taking in views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline. Most cruises include a complimentary libation. These motor yachts Manhattan and Manhattan II are heated and have newly installed HEPA air filtration systems. Your group will have an assigned private table inside and an outside deck perfect to grab the best photos of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC Skyline. The private tables are elegantly divided by Plexiglass and feature a 360 view of the iconic Manhattan skyline from large windows and grand skylights. Classic Harbor Line is known for its sightseeing cruises of the city and puts on a number of special holiday boat rides. Choose from daytime brunch cruises, “cocoa and carols,” a swanky jazz cruise, a New Year’s Eve champagne-tasting cruise, and more. The holiday themed boat rides last approximately 1 1/2 hours and are available throughout December. General admission starts at $86. For reservations, visit online at https://sail-nyc.com/browse-bytheme/holiday-cruises/

Please join us for this special warm and cozy cruise with your friends, family, and all your loved ones during the Holiday Season. Step inside the toasty solarium in full holiday decor for a one hour and thirty minute cruise to see the New York City lights. Listen to Holiday songs backed by a live band! One complimentary drink of Beer, Wine, Champagne or Delicious Hot Cocoa (Spiked if you please), Cookies, and treats for all our guests are included! (**Additional Drinks are available for purchase) This is a NYC Holiday cruise that you just can’t miss!

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From charming carriage rides and historic downtown shopping experiences to holiday performances, caroling and more – Lehigh Valley sets the stage for a magical experience. Experience the magic of the Christmas City. Bethlehem, PA boasts one of the top-ranked holiday markets in the world, now celebrating its 30th season. Christkindlmarkt (Thursdays-Sundays, through Dec. 18, 2022) offers visitors the chance to browse wares from artisans, while enjoying musical performances, watching glass blowing demonstrations, and more. But that’s not the only shopping outlet you’ll find. Shop along charming Main Streets in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton (Easton Winter Village), and beyond. Browse the Moravian Book Shop, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the country. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride for a unique way to take in the scenery. You might even spot a strolling trombone choir, pulling inspiration from Moravian heritage, playing festive tunes. Across Lehigh Valley, local theatres showcase delightful performances ranging from the classics like The Nutcracker & A Christmas Carol to unique productions that you can only see here, like Christmas City Follies. If lights are a must-see for you and your family, you’ll find no shortage of brilliant displays showcasing tens of thousands of twinkling lights, like Lights in the Parkway or Koziar’s Christmas Village. The Lehigh Valley Zoo transforms into a Winter Lights Spectacular featuring tree-lined paths lit by millions of twinkling lights and animated displays. Enjoy holiday music, family-friendly activities, hot cocoa, and other festive food and beverages. Winter Lights Spectacular is open with a timed-ticketing system on Wednesdays - Sundays through January 1, 2023 If you’re looking to end this crazy year in a sweet, family-friendly way, check out PEEPSFEST. You can watch from anywhere in the world, or join in-person for socially-distanced Peeps Chick Drop! For more information on Lehigh Valley, visit https://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/ For More on Pennsylvania >Click Here

First Commonwealth Bank’s “It’s A Wonderful Life” Festival takes place each weekend December 18, 2022 at the IRMC Park (7th Street/Philadelphia Street) in Indiana, PA Visits with Santa & marshmallow roasting is schedled between noon and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays. You are sure to feel as though you’ve just stepped into Bedford Falls when you visit this festival. The celebration includes a 30-foot LIVE Christmas tree and vintage Christmas light displays situated throughout the downtown area, lovely Christmas tree decorations adorning the lamp posts and twinkling lights dotting the buildings. Experience a shopping and dining adventure as you stroll the streets in downtown Indiana surrounded by specialty boutiques and locally owned restaurants. Additional activities include: Visits with Santa, marshmallow roasting, vintage holiday light displays, selfie locations and more! Proudly supported by the Indiana County Center for Economic Operations.

Continuing weekends through December 18:

• A 30-Foot LIVE Christmas Tree. • Vintage Christmas light and window displays. • Specialty boutiques and locally owned restaurants. • Visit with Santa and enjoy marshmallow roasting • Visit the Jimmy Stewart Museum for a host of activities. See the special “It’s A Wonderful Life exhibit and memorablia from the movie. •“Toys of Christmas Past” exhibit at the Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana County. •Holiday “Wheels and Thrills” community miniature train & quilt show at the Indiana Mall. The Indiana County Woodturners Association will display their handmade ornaments at Luxenberg’s Jewelry stores throughout the holiday season. There will be a silent auction to bid on and possibly win your favorite ornament. All proceeds will benefit the Teddy Bear Fund Drive. Please contact Luxenberg’s for store hours: 717 Philadelphia Street Location: (724) 465-2122. Indiana Mall location: (724) 4655888.

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