Historic MD Ship To Be Commissioned + Tall Ship Festival Coming Soon

MARYLAND — A new replica of the Maryland Dove, one of the first two colonial ships to arrive in the colony, will be commissioned this month. Other upcoming nautical activities include a tall ship festival, several paddles and two waterfall hikes.

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:

"The New Maryland Dove Commissioning Day

You are invited to the long-awaited arrival of the new Maryland Dove to its home birth, Historic St. Mary’s City. The new, more historically accurate Dove was built by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels and is making its way to Southern Maryland. After the ship’s arrival [on Aug. 27], there will be a commissioning ceremony and ribbon cutting. Timed tours of the new vessel will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Naval Architect Iver Franzen, CBMM Shipyard Lead Rigger Sam Hilgartner and HSMC Captain Will Gates will lead a discussion about the design of the ship. Schedule of events and tour tickets"

"Downrigging Is Coming!

If you’ve never heard of the Sultana Downrigging Festival in Chestertown, Maryland, let us just say, it’s EPIC! That’s why we’re giving you the heads up for an October event in August – it sells out every year. First of all[,] there’s the gathering of the magnificent tall ships – there is nothing quite like seeing the Downrigging Fleet illuminated along the Chestertown waterfront. And for music lovers[,] the co-star of the festival is live bluegrass music. The festival also offers tall ship sails and tours, fireworks, lectures, exhibits, family activities, regional food and more. Proceeds benefit the Foundation’s environmental education programs and the other nonprofits participating in the festival. October 28-30. More information and tickets"

"Baltimore County's Best Kept Secret

North Point State Park probably received this accolade for having so much to offer in such close proximity to a major metropolitan area. Its over six miles of shoreline provide scenic views overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, with two fishing piers, picnicking, and hiking trails through protected wildlands. Paddler/writer Saki discovered a secret within the secret one day when his paddle hit something hard just a foot below the surface. The discovery of a graveyard of World War I concrete barges led him to not only research and explore the vessels, but create what he refers to as the “Craighill Challenge” – paddling to all four Craighill Channel lighthouses. Read more about paddling the waters off North Point and the story behind the concrete ships."

"Chester River Sunset Paddle

Join the Chester River Riverkeeper, Annie Richards, for a Tour the Shore paddle celebrating the Clean Water Act 50th Anniversary. The two-hour paddle is open for ages 10 and up. Paddlers can bring their own kayak or use gear provided by ShoreRivers. $40. Sept. 1, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Langford Creek. MD. More info and registration"

"Hike to Cunningham Falls

Cunningham Falls, Maryland’s highest cascading waterfall, is located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. Join a volunteer state park naturalist to hike to the falls. This is an easy to moderate one-mile roundtrip hike. Aug. 21 and 28, 10 a.m.; Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont, MD. More information"

Related:

• Visit White Sand Beach On Eastern Shore + Enjoy Western MD Mountains
• Enjoy Free Day At National Parks In MD + Visit Local Farmers Market
• Ghost Tour Offered On Historic Ship + Fishing Tournament Planned In MD
• Latino Conservation Week Approaches + Native American Festival On Tap
• Sharkfest Coming To MD + London Town To Celebrate Independence Day
• Chesapeake Bay History Celebrated + Annapolis Prepares For Fireworks
• Fireworks Shows In MD, DC + Introduction To Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
• Seining Class At Sandy Point + Juneteenth Celebration In Annapolis
• Strawberry Festival In Linthicum + Snakehead Fishing In MD
• Antique Boat Show Coming To MD + Father's Day Cruise Offered
• All of the stories from year one of this partnership are posted here