Kent Narrows Waterfront

EXIT 41 KENT NARROWS WEST EXIT 42 KENT NARROWS EAST

Adjacent to both the Chester River and the Eastern Bay, the 995-acre Kent Narrows Waterfront Village region encompasses parts of Chester and Grasonville. The region is located on the western coast of Kent Island and is connected to the Delmarva Peninsula by the Rt. 50 bridge and the Rt. 18 Watermen’s Memorial Drawbridge.

The body of water known as the Kent Island Narrows, or to locals, “the Narrows” serves as a main thoroughfare for commercial and pleasure boating traffic. The strait joins the Chester River to the Eastern Bay. Kent Narrows boasts eight marinas, a new boatel, and other high-quality boat storage and repair facilities. It also is a popular with those who wish to purchase a boat or yacht, offering several sales and service facilities scattered throughout the business district. Construction is currently underway on a new waterfront Hyatt Place Hotel that is scheduled to open in 2022.

The freshest seafood is here Home to Harris Seafood and United Shellfish, the area remains a working waterfront and serves as the epicenter of the Chesapeake Bay’s thriving seafood processing and commercial fishing industries. The region supports hundreds of water-related businesses and is rich with maritime heritage. Local watermen keep their workboats and fishing boats here in the Waterman’s Boat Basin at Heritage Harbor, which is located just across from the seafood restaurants many of them supply.

A popular waterfront destination The Kent Narrows Waterfront area is best known for award-winning seafood restaurants, world class marinas, waterfront hotels, and as a place to enjoy live music. Its dock-and-dine facilities are popular with the boating crowd; many restaurants and marinas offer free transient boat slips to those passing through. Several waterfront venues are available for small retreats, weddings and celebratory events. Fresh seafood dishes like Maryland Crab Cakes, Crab Soup, Oyster Stew and traditional Maryland Crab Feasts are enjoyed on the waterfront year ‘round. Well-known bands and musicians entertain during the boating season and on weekends throughout the rest of the year.

Center for sportfishing The Kent Narrows is also a popular destination for Chesapeake Bay sport fishing. Some of the most experienced captains manage their fishing businesses from here. Head boats and charters depart daily from the landings and marinas during the boating season.

Stop and stay A popular stop along the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway, the area serves as a welcoming spot for visitors to the Eastern Shore. It’s home to the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center and to scenic Ferry Point Park. Both places offer opportunities to become acquainted with life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, and to enjoy direct access to the waterfront. The Watermen’s Way Heritage Trail map connects visitors to the waterfront attractions. A central feature of the trail is the Maryland Watermen’s Memorial and the new Stories of Kent Narrows Maritime Heritage Project. The area also serves as a central location for recreational boating and an entry point to the Cross Island Trail, the new Cross County Connector Trail. The Captain John Smith Water Trail and is home to the Kent Narrows Public Boat Ramp. Goods and services focus around water-based activities. Seafood processing, hospitality and maritime trades, real estate and financial services generate the bulk of the employment in this area. The Kent Narrows Waterfront is home to many marinas, boat sales and maintenance businesses. Two Yacht Clubs are also located here. Golf, fishing, antiquing, outlet shopping, and the activities at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center are nearby. The area is only 47 miles from Capitol Hill and just 20 minutes from Annapolis — easily accessible to major transportation hubs along the New York/Philadelphia/Baltimore/ Washington Corridor.

THE KENT NARROWS FOUNDATION The Kent Narrows Foundation provides guidance and oversight for the formulation of a strategy to balance new economic growth, community redevelopment, support for the County’s fishing and seafood industries, and public access to waterfront activities and amenities. The Foundation is also concerned that environmentally sensitive areas within the Kent Narrows be preserved and contributes to the character of this unique Eastern Shore community. Today, the Foundation reviews development projects to ensure they are in concert with the Kent Narrows Community Plan that was adopted by the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners in 2006. It is active in promoting visitation to the area and in funding, managing and coordinating a variety of projects that serve to improve the district for property owners, residents and visitors. An Executive Director coordinates the activities of the Foundation and oversees day-to-day operations. The Board generally meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. Meeting notices and agendas are posted on the Queen Anne’s County website. The Foundation’s Office is located in the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center at 425 Piney Narrows Road, Chester, MD 21619. For visitor or other information call 410-604-2624 or visit www.kentnarrowsmd.com. Events are posted on the Foundation’s Facebook page: Kent Narrows Waterfront

View of the Kent Narrows looking to the east from the Kent Narrows Boatel’s docks at sunrise.