blue crab coffee co. | st. michaels, md

The best local coffee shop is one of the first things I find when we travel. Not only do I love starting my morning off with an excellent cup of joe, but a great local coffee shop also gives me a window into the flavor and culture of the place where Mr. H and I are visiting or working. It's a perfect spot to people watch and get a good read on a place. I was an anthropology minor, so I love slipping into the background of a culture and absorbing what life really feels like in that city or town. Plus, as hospitality consultants, getting a feel for the local culture helps us give our clients insight into what visitors want out of their experience in that place. It's so easy to miss the charm or draw of your own culture since it's your "normal."

Blue Crab Coffee Co. in St. Michaels, Maryland was such a fun place to "drink in" the local culture while sipping on a perfect Iced Americano. It's housed in the historic Freedom's Friend Lodge, which was built in 1883 for the African-American community in the area. The building and it's interiors are so true to place -- bringing out the rich, nautical vibe that infuses the area. And, their homemade baked goods are the perfect combo with your caffeine fix. Blue Crab Coffee Co. is undoubtably our favorite coffee shop on the Eastern Shore! 
-mrs.h

where to play in st. michaels

I've told you where to stay in St. Michaels, now onto the fun... where to play in St. Michaels! 

It wasn't hard to pick the two stops that made it onto my "you have to do this/go here" list.


The first is St. Michaels' newest shop, american holiday. American holiday is my idea of the perfect shop to discover on vacation because it's not disgustingly themey but is true to place. In the case of St. Michaels, some shops border on nauseatingly nautical. American holiday, however, pays a rightful ode to the nautical roots of St. Michaels while pairing it with current furniture or an array of fun ikat pillows in nautical colors. The store's design is spot-on in my opinion. It's totally true to the vibe of St. Michaels but keeps it fresh all the while. 

(please excuse the "iphoneography" above - just had to give you a visual of how amazing this store is)

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If shopping isn't your gig on vaca (or should I say "not your significant other/children's gig"), not to worry... everyone will love the next recommendation. Chartering the sailboat Selina II was a favorite adventure of everyone in our group. Captain Iris was the perfect tour guide for the area--friendly, knowledgable, and entertaining. Seeing St. Michaels by sailboat was by far and away the most relaxing way to experience it.

bon weekend! -mrs.h

Fun fact: Captain Iris is actually the great-grandaughter of Selina II's orginal owners. 

A boat we passed by while on the Selina.

where to rest and relax in st. michaels, md