Queenstown, the original county seat of Queen Anne's County, is located approximately 15 miles east of the Bay Bridge off Route 301. Rich in history and wildlife, Queenstown also boasts a nationally acclaimed golf course and the largest designer outlet center on the Eastern Shore.
Queenstown was established in 1707 and was named for Anne, the Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland. Although it was just a small village, it had a significant shipping port that was used as a hub for cargo received from England. During the War of 1812, the British even considered Queenstown important enough to attack.
Queen Anne's County is one of the oldest sites of colonial settlements in the nation. Farming the lands and harvesting the water's bounty have been a way of life for residents since the early 18th century. Today, the farms of Queen Anne's County lead the state in production of corn, wheat and soybeans. The watermen who work the waters of this area are carrying on a tradition started generations ago by catching crabs, oysters or clams, depending on the season.
The town of Queenstown has many quaint and charming houses that are privately owned, but can be viewed from outside. There are two historic buildings that are open to the public: The first courthouse in the county, the Colonial Courthouse, and Saint Peter's Catholic Church, which holds Mass every Saturday and Sunday.
One of the most popular attractions in the Queenstown area is the Prime Outlets, with more than 55 designer and popular brand-name stores. Another unique shopping attraction is the Chesapeake Antique Center just behind the Prime Outlets. For those who can never get enough of Christmas, The Christmas Goose, Ltd. carries holiday collectibles and year-round gifts.
The Eastern Shore of Maryland is best enjoyed outdoors, and Queenstown offers many different ways to take advantage of the peaceful countryside and scenic water views that have made this area popular. The Chester and Wye rivers lure recreational boaters to fish or crab in their waters, and the Queen Anne's County Department of Parks and Recreation has public boat ramps available.
Waterfowl and wildlife are abundant in this area. Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area is located on 2,400 acres of public land. These rural roads are safe for bicycles and Wye Island has a picnic area. This property is also home to the internationally renowned Aspen Institute and the Wye River Conference Center, which offers limited conference facilities.
Two recreational facilities worth visiting are the Queenstown Harbor Golf Links, a nationally recognized golf course, and Pintail Point Farm, which is a gaming preserve. Pintail Point Farm also has two bed and breakfasts -- the Irishtown and the Manor House.
If you want a closer view of the charm of small-town America, there are two historic bed and breakfasts located in downtown Queenstown -- The Queenstown Inn Bed and Breakfast, built in the 1800s, and The Stillwater Inn Bed and Breakfast, built in 1904.
For lunch and dinner, there are many fine restaurants located on Kent Island, just minutes west of Queenstown. Kent Narrows has Annie's Paramount Steak and Seafood House, The Fisherman's Inn, Harris Crab House and The Jetty. Stevensville offers the Kent Manor Inn and Restaurant.
Whether stopping on your way to or from the beach, or making Queenstown your destination for a getaway, you will be assured of a soothing atmosphere and a slower pace. With its unspoiled rolling hills, farms and pristine water views, Queenstown offers a delightful respite from the usual routine.
Queenstown was established in 1707 and was named for Anne, the Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland. Although it was just a small village, it had a significant shipping port that was used as a hub for cargo received from England. During the War of 1812, the British even considered Queenstown important enough to attack.
Queen Anne's County is one of the oldest sites of colonial settlements in the nation. Farming the lands and harvesting the water's bounty have been a way of life for residents since the early 18th century. Today, the farms of Queen Anne's County lead the state in production of corn, wheat and soybeans. The watermen who work the waters of this area are carrying on a tradition started generations ago by catching crabs, oysters or clams, depending on the season.
The town of Queenstown has many quaint and charming houses that are privately owned, but can be viewed from outside. There are two historic buildings that are open to the public: The first courthouse in the county, the Colonial Courthouse, and Saint Peter's Catholic Church, which holds Mass every Saturday and Sunday.
One of the most popular attractions in the Queenstown area is the Prime Outlets, with more than 55 designer and popular brand-name stores. Another unique shopping attraction is the Chesapeake Antique Center just behind the Prime Outlets. For those who can never get enough of Christmas, The Christmas Goose, Ltd. carries holiday collectibles and year-round gifts.
The Eastern Shore of Maryland is best enjoyed outdoors, and Queenstown offers many different ways to take advantage of the peaceful countryside and scenic water views that have made this area popular. The Chester and Wye rivers lure recreational boaters to fish or crab in their waters, and the Queen Anne's County Department of Parks and Recreation has public boat ramps available.
Waterfowl and wildlife are abundant in this area. Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area is located on 2,400 acres of public land. These rural roads are safe for bicycles and Wye Island has a picnic area. This property is also home to the internationally renowned Aspen Institute and the Wye River Conference Center, which offers limited conference facilities.
Two recreational facilities worth visiting are the Queenstown Harbor Golf Links, a nationally recognized golf course, and Pintail Point Farm, which is a gaming preserve. Pintail Point Farm also has two bed and breakfasts -- the Irishtown and the Manor House.
If you want a closer view of the charm of small-town America, there are two historic bed and breakfasts located in downtown Queenstown -- The Queenstown Inn Bed and Breakfast, built in the 1800s, and The Stillwater Inn Bed and Breakfast, built in 1904.
For lunch and dinner, there are many fine restaurants located on Kent Island, just minutes west of Queenstown. Kent Narrows has Annie's Paramount Steak and Seafood House, The Fisherman's Inn, Harris Crab House and The Jetty. Stevensville offers the Kent Manor Inn and Restaurant.
Whether stopping on your way to or from the beach, or making Queenstown your destination for a getaway, you will be assured of a soothing atmosphere and a slower pace. With its unspoiled rolling hills, farms and pristine water views, Queenstown offers a delightful respite from the usual routine.