Hidden Chesapeake Beach + Underground Railroad Commemoration

MARYLAND — A quiet Eastern Shore town is one of Maryland's best-kept secrets. The village has a gorgeous Chesapeake Bay beach. On the side of the bay, a museum will commemorate International Underground Railroad Month.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"Jewel of the Chesapeake

Looking for a low key beach experience on Maryland’s Eastern Shore? Hidden less than an hour from the Bay Bridge, lies the charming, historic town of Betterton Beach. Betterton’s bayside beach offers jellyfish-free waves and plenty of opportunities for swimming, sun-bathing, fishing, and relaxation in a quiet, picturesque setting. Betterton was once a bustling summer destination with hundreds of people arriving by steamboat, with huge Victorian-style hotels and restaurants serving up Chesapeake Bay seafood. Read more about the fascinating history of this beach town and why it is still a great place to visit."

"Riversdale and The Underground Railroad

Commemorate International Underground Railroad Month at Riversdale House Museum as you discover the stories of Riversdale's enslaved families and individuals. Explore this Network to Freedom site with self-guided tours, a Kitchen Guild demonstration, and a family-friendly exploration station. If you visit Riversdale on October 2, Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day, admission is free and you can print your ticket here. The For the Love of Freedom and Liberty: Riversdale & The Underground Railroad free event takes place on Sept. 18 and 19, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm; Riversdale House Museum, Riverdale Park, MD. More information."

"Defenders' Day

Defenders' Day commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of the nation's national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." This event is celebrated at Fort McHenry in Baltimore every year since the Brits sailed away in 1814! This year's program will include the Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps, living history, the U.S. Army Old Guard, U.S. Army Drill Team, and evening luminaries. This year's event will not have fireworks, but instead experience evening luminaries lighting up the fort and grounds for a rare nighttime display! Sept. 18, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Fort McHenry. More information and complete schedule.

On Friday, Sept. 17 there will be a procession at 6:30 pm: the Fort McHenry Guard, representing the Defenders of 1814 in uniforms of the War of 1812, lead by the Fifes & Drums of Fort McHenry, a group of National Park Service Rangers in their distinctive “gray & green” uniforms. The National Park Trust mascot Buddy Bison will parade a replica of the big “Star-Spangled Banner” flag. Local residents and visitors are invited to “find their park” by cheering the procession and waving flags as they walk Hull Street to Fort Avenue and end at Fort McHenry’s gate."

"Mount Harmon Colonial Faire

Travel back in time and enjoy hunting for handcrafted treasures at the open-air Mount Harmon Colonial & Artisan Market Faire. Handmade colonial and artisan crafts and collectibles will be on display for purchase, enjoy hearth cooking demos, the colonial encampment, manor house tours, and the Eastern Shore food court and tavern. $10 per person; children 12 and under free. Sept. 25, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sept. 26 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; Mount Harmon Plantation, Earleville, MD. More information and tickets."

"Marshy Point Fall Festival

Celebrate fall at the 13th annual fall festival at Marshy Point Nature Center in Baltimore. Enjoy live music, animal talks, hay rides, apple cider pressing, food, and more! Canoe and boat trips will be available, too (weather and tide permitting). Event is rain or shine. Free parking and admission. Sept. 25, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; Marshy Point Nature Center, Baltimore. More information."

"When and Where To Catch the Fall Bird Migration

There is no bad season for birding on the Chesapeake, but fall is fantastic if you are into a wide variety of migrating birds. Avid birder/blogger Melanie Lynch has some tips for fall birding, like when certain species either pass through our area or come to winter, and how birds will move in large numbers following low-pressure systems that provide the most favorable winds. Looking for some great places to do your fall migration birding? From Gifford-Pinchot State Park in Pennsylvania to Kiptopeke State Park in southern Virginia check out these can’t-miss destinations for fall birding."

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