Blue Crab - King in Maryland

PORT FOURCHON, LA - MAY 03: Blue crab caught by fishermen in the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary sit in a tub on May 3, 2010 near Port Fourchon, Louisiana. Fishermen who fish the estuary are concerned that oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico could adversely affect fishing either through oil contamination or overfishing as other fishermen seek out new areas to make a living. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

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As oil spreads in the Gulf of Mexico - seafood lovers treasure the Chesapeake Bay

 Crab is king in Maryland

Residents relish delicious bounty of Chesapeake Bay

"Chesapeake" comes from an Algonquin word meaning "great shellfish waters," and the Maryland blue crab lives up to the reputation



Article qoutes By Marlene Parrish
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



Talbot County is "crab central" for foodies, as well as for fishermen and canners. The official books say that the bay produces more blue crabs than anywhere else on earth, along with a quarter of the U.S. oyster harvest and half of the country's soft-shell clams, or Ipswich clams. In the language of the Algonquin Indians, Chesapeake means "great shellfish waters."


St. Michaels, Easton & Oxford

St. Michaels was already a shipbuilding center by the War of 1812. It earned its nickname, "The town that fooled the British," when the Brits aimed to blast it with cannonballs. They were foiled when the residents hoisted lanterns up into the trees to fool the enemy into shooting over the town's houses. One house took a ball in the attic.


With its sailboat-filled harbor, antiques and boutique shops and all-American pride, St. Michaels could be the poster child for small-town USA. Old frame and brick Colonial homes on tree-lined streets almost seem to compete for the honor, with white picket fences, porches swagged in red, white and blue bunting, cozy wicker furniture and window boxes sagging under the weight of geraniums and petunias. Mounds of black-eyed Susans, the state flower, crouch in front of almost every house.



Oxford was the Colonial capital and is one of the oldest towns in Maryland. The official founding was in 1683. To get there evenings, make the 30-minute drive from St. Michaels. But before dusk, it's more fun to take the daylight-only, 10-minute ferry ride over the Tred Avon river. The nine-car Oxford-Bellevue ferry claims to be the oldest in the nation, in operation for 300 years. That's the best way, I think, to get on the local water without an outboard. Bikers use the ferry as part of a loop through all the local towns.


Easton is the county seat of Talbot County. Because of its historical significance, the guidebooks call it "the Colonial capital of the Eastern Shore." It is handsomely preserved, restored and just downright charming. Serious shoppers should go there through the week, to visit the art galleries and antique shops and to admire the architectural period homes. On Sundays, most shops are buttoned up, but there's an open-air market for antiques and collectibles from nine to three. Mosey around the market, then go to brunch.



Article qoutes By Marlene Parrish
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



Information about Maryland blue crabs sourced from: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06225/712646-34.stm Find the full artice there