We love to find small towns in Maryland with fun things to do and just spend a day trying to see everything that the town has to offer. Oxford makes for a great day trip, as it’s only about an hour from Annapolis and it has a lot to offer. Established in 1683, Oxnard is home to the nation’s oldest continuous-operating and privately-owned ferry service, The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry. My son and I hung out and waited for the ferry to take us across Tred Avon River, which is a main tributary of the Choptank River, to Bellevue Landing. My son liked seeing them put the cars on and off as we just stood at the edge of the ferry boat. Also, there is a one-room museum in downtown Oxford where you can see some neat artifacts and history of the ferry – and it’s free. The ferry operates from April through October, 9AM to Sunset (7 Days a Week). Crossings are every 15-20 minutes and it’s only 3/4 of a mile (one-way) trip, taking 7-10 minutes. Make sure to bring cash or a check for the ferry.
Right across the street from the ferry is a park with swings and slides that is right on the water – also free! We ate lunch at Docs Sunside Grille which has a great kids menu. For an added treat we had some awesome fresh-made ice cream at the Scottish Highland Creamery which is only a few blocks from Docs. Right near there is a wonderful beach called the Strand. We set up umbrellas and got out the sand toys and wrapped up the day that way. What a fun-filled and adventurous day!
Address: 27456 Oxford Rd, Oxford, MD 21654
Distance from Annapolis: 60 minutes
Cost: Depends what you do
Call (410) 745-9023 for the exact time of the last trip.
by Frank Bolinsky, Contributor, Parks & Rec
