rockin around the docks

Rock'n Around The Docks

Tour of Historic

Rock Hall

The Town of Rock Hall

Arriving by boat, Rock Hall is part of the Chesapeake Bay’s golden triangle of

cruising. A few hours under sail brings weekend mariners from Annapolis, Baltimore and St. Michaels. Once anchored in Swan Creek or moored at any of our beautiful marinas you will find the charm of a 300 year old waterman’s town. Arriving by car, Rock Hall is a beautiful destination, not just a passing stop. Relax and enjoy the mix of old and new, be part of an event, march in a parade, or just relax and watch the sunset over the Bay.

As you walk, bike, or drive around town you can gather some groceries or hardware supplies and

visit quaint shops and museums. You can spend the night at a bed and breakfast and dine at a host of different restaurants. Take a tour and you will instantly become part of this very special place.

Welcome to Rock Hall

“Nice People Live Here.”

Touring Rock Hall

Rock Hall Beach

Become famous in Rock Hall by visiting all the stops on our tour route. Each completed tour will be awarded a

photo published in the Rock Hall Wave and a “major award” from the

Rock Hall Business Association.

At each stop, read the description of the site’s significance to the character

of Rock Hall. Visit the nearby establishment and chat with nice

friendly citizens while your stop is validated. When you have visited all the stops on our tour, return your map

to Rock Hall Properties at the “flashing light” to receive your award.

© 2011 Toucan Designs lkzelinski@gmail.com

Greater Rock Hall Business

Walk, Bike, or Drive to learn about our history and meet nice people

Greater Rock Hall Business Association

P.O. Box 16 Rock Hall, MD 21661

President Linda Kimble www.RockHallMd.com

Tour Stop Descriptions 1 Waterman’s Fishing Shanty. The northeast corner of Rock Hall Ave. and Main St. honors Waterman Stanley B. Vansant with a life size carving and a historic shanty. A historic marker honors Continental Naval Officer, Captain Lambert Wickes. This corner is our famous "flashing light" which serves as the navigation point to local destinations. Visit Cindy or Robin at Rock Hall Properties to get your stop validated. 2 Historic Peoples Bank Building. The original building was built in 1928 as Peoples Bank. Today, ornamented with a distinctive iron gate and decorative scrollwork it is the Rock Hall Kitchen, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy a great meal outside with your canine friend at the cozy cafe tables. Take a stroll around back to visit a village of quaint cottage shops known as Oyster Court. On the east side of Oyster Court, visit the third of Rock Hall’s museums, Tolchester Beach Revisited. Throughout the year, there are many “Musical Magic” events hosted by the Mainstay. Stop by the Rock Hall Kitchen or any Oyster Court establishment to receive your validation. 3 Rock Hall Crossroads. In 1675, Rock Hall Crossroads, today Main Street, is part of the first street cut in Kent County. Some of the most historic buildings in Rock Hall are here and it remains the town’s social hub. Durding’s original soda fountain serves hand-dipped ice cream and sodas drawn from chromed taps at the marble-top bar and dates back to 1872. The Smilin Jake's building was originally built in 1890 and today offers quality island wear and Parrothead gifts. The "Walkers and Talkers," an informal meet-up of locals and visitors, converge at Java Rock every weekday at 8:00 a.m. to meet for coffee and walk a 1 or 3 mile course. To receive your validation, visit any of these establishments. 4 Rock Hall Oysterman. The sculpture of an oysterman using hand tongs to harvest oysters was carved by Kenneth Herlihy and erected in 1995. The bulkhead of Rock Hall Landing is the location of the annual Waterman's Day competitions, Rock Hall’s Bike Fest, and offers front row seats to the RHVFD 4th of July Fireworks. Stop by the River Rock Outdoor Store to have your tour stop validated. 5 Ferry Park. In 2004, this public beach received the Chesapeake Partner Program Award in recognition of the town's commitment to water quality with adoption of stringent storm water control and low impact development practices. Every evening visitors and local citizens come to enjoy the magnificent sunsets with a view spanning from the Kent Island and Chesapeake Bay Bridges to Baltimore and the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Beach Rd. homeowner, Herb Cullis, resurrected Old Nun Buoy # 6 after it had been lost at sea in the fierce storms of 1961. Visit Gratitude Marina to get your validation. 6 Strawberry Factory. The Strawberry Factory on the waterfront was built in 1932 on the foundation of an earlier building. Since WWII it has been an aircraft parts manufacturing plant, boat electrical harness factory, vegetable and fruit-canning factory, produce cold storage facility, and the home, gallery, and studio of the late Henry W. Peacock. Today this is the home of Patricia Moller, the current U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea, and her husband, retired Diplomat Gil Sperling. The neighboring public landing and small sand beach is a great place to let your dogs swim. At low tide on the south-side bulkhead of Gratitude Marina you can see the remains of a shipwreck. Visit the Gratitude Marina office to get your validation. 7 Gratitude. The Gratitude area, elevation 3 feet, was named after the Steamship Gratitude, which made routine trips to Baltimore from 1887 until 1914. Many houses on Lawton (originally named Halsey) were once businesses supported by the steamship traffic. The structure that is now Moonlight Bay Inn was built in 1850 and also contained a U.S. Post Office until the early 1900s. Three Peaks, built in 1900, was a boarding house for ferry workers and travelers. Gratitude was annexed by Rock Hall on Feb 21 1977. Visit the Gratitude Yachting Center office for your validation. 8 Swan Point. Swan Point appears on the U.S. Geological Survey map as a navigation point for international flights. Entering Swan Creek, boaters pass Deep Landing as the first greeting to one of the best boat anchorages on the Bay. The marinas to be found in this protected haven include Swan Creek, Haven Harbor, Osprey Point and Spring Cove. Visit the Swan Creek Marina office to get your validation. 9 Blue Heron Pier. This observation deck offers a peaceful rest with a magnificent view of tidal wetland grasses, Heron Cove, and boat anchorages in Swan Creek. The pier was built in 1999 as the Eagle Scout project of Jeremy Walbert of Troup 130. The patient observer will see White Swans, Blue Heron, Osprey, ducks and other wildlife in this area preserved by the DNR under Program Open Space. No need to have this stop validated. 10 Ayers Farmhouse. Have this stop validated at the Osprey Point Inn office at the end of the gravel road. Along the way, notice the “Farmhouse” built in 1912. It is now part of The Inn at Osprey Point and Inn guests occupy the rooms. The “Farmhouse” was originally home to Mr. Ayers, principal of Rock Hall High School for a number of years. The surrounding land accommodated both grazing sheep and cornfields that provided feed. 11 Waterman’s Museum. This is 1 of 9 museums in Kent County and 1 of 3 in Rock Hall. The museum features old photos and artifacts honoring the role watermen played in the heritage of the Eastern Shore. West of the museum is a life size carving of a sail rigger. The carving also marks the crossing of local families of ducks. Stop by the Ditty Bag Marina Shop to pick up the key to the museum and have your stop validated. Across the street visit with Jessica or Jane at Remember The Day Photography to receive a special discount on photo orders. 12 Rock Hall Museum. The museum is located in the Municipal Building that was built in 1920 as the Rock Hall Elementary School. The mission of the museum is to preserve and present artifacts documenting the lifestyle, economy, and traditions of Rock Hall from its beginnings. Two of the most prized displays is the “One Horse Open Sleigh” and the decoy carver workshop replica. Have your stop validated at the Museum or at the Town Clerk's counter. 13 Old Salt Sculpture. The Old Salt and His Cat sculpture at the Sailing Emporium Marina bulkhead watches over the Rock Hall harbor and offers a unique opportunity for a memorable photo. Visit the Cat's Paw for your validation and browse the wide selection of active wear, nautical gifts, jewelry, decorative accessories, stationery, and Chesapeake Bay memorabilia.

!"#-$%&-'"&!www.ospreypoint.com

!"#$% Rock Hall AvenueRock Hall, MD !&%!"