The charm of Chesapeake Bay

Have you ever wanted to build your own boat and take to the sparkling waters of the Eastern Seaboard? For the nautically-minded the chance to spend a couple of days building a skiff and then launching their vessel is a dream come true. The Inn at Perry Cabin on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay offers such a course. Not only can you stay in the lap of luxury you also get the chance to hone your skills both in the boathouse and on the bay.

The Inn is in the village of St Michaels, which is one of many stunning, small villages and hamlets, complete with clapboard style houses and small speciality shops, which run the length of the bay in Maryland. As you might expect, the coastline is dominated with sailing, canoeing and other water-sports for all levels of enthusiast, as well as one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the nation, the U.S. Naval Academy, in Annapolis.

Land-lovers can also enjoy some pristine hiking trails around the shores, including the special Beach to Bay American Indian Trail. The trail runs for 70 miles through the southern parts of the state following routes that the Algonquin tribe used centuries ago. Highlights on the trail are Assateague Island National Seashore and the Nature Conservancy's Nassawango Cypress Swamp at Furnace Town.

Maryland is home to more than 200 golf courses for those that like to ‘ruin a good walk.’ For the hardened golfer they have a choice of some of the most immaculate courses to practice their swing. For those who can’t quite get to grips with a club, Ocean City is number one for ‘crazy golf’ offering a vast array of twists and turns designed to tease and test the skills of all the family.

Little known delights in the state are the fabulous beaches. Betterton Beach has all the charm of its Victorian heritage, complete with over 300 feet of sandy beaches, boardwalk and even a bathhouse where locals and visitors alike can take in some rays.

For more information on activities in Maryland, visit Visitmaryland.org or Capitalregionusa.co.uk.