North East

August 27, 2018October 2, 2018 Staff North East Community Park, North East Maryland, North East MD, North East River, Northern Chesapeake Bay

North East is a village at the top of the Chesapeake Bay that’s shared by boutiques and fishermen. You can spend a pleasant day strolling through shops or hit the outdoor sports.

The town has about 2,000 residents and is only a few blocks wide, but even so it can be a fun day trip. The boutiques are in town and the sporting good shops are on the edge of the main shopping area.

Downtown North East, Maryland — North East captures the essence of Main Street USA where you can shop for that antique or collectible treasure you’ve been hunting for.

The North East River starts north of here, flows through town and widens at the south end of town.

One side of main street is backed up to the scenic river. Actually, it’s a creek in this portion, but quickly pools into a river by time it’s on the other end of town.

North East has two parallel main drags — they’re both one way streets — Main Street going south through the downtown area and Mauldin Avenue taking you back north through mainly residential neighborhoods.

The two streets merge into Highway 272 like a Tootsie Roll at the north and south ends of town.

The town doesn’t dwell much on its history, but they’ve held on to their old general store and mill, along with other former trade buildings.

Those buildings are now shops and restaurants along Main Street, similar to what you’d find at Rehoboth and other small Delaware towns near the ocean.

Main Street in North East, MD — Strolling down Main Street, visitors will find various shops full of artisanal goods and antiques, and several restaurants.

North East indoor shopping mall — An indoor shopping mall in a former North East department store. It’s now full of antique stores, boutiques, restaurants and a bar

North East ice cream shop — A creative North East, Maryland, ice cream shop with cows in the front yard, along with a giant turtle.

North East River — Located at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay, North East is less than an hour drive from Philadelphia and Baltimore.

Saint Mary Anne's Episcopal Church, North East, MD — The cemetery at Saint Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church located on Main Street is one of the oldest in the State of Maryland with graves of Susquehannock Indians dating to the 1600’s.

North East Maryland — Between the well-kept shops and the outdoors, the town is host to thousands of visitors during the summer months.

The town has a number of historic homes, including the home of a former coffin maker and a combination inn/stage coach stop.

North East Homes — North East was the first permanent settlement in Cecil County.

South of the downtown area on Main Street, you’ll come across two historic churches kitty-corner to each other: the colonial St. Mary Anne’s church which dates back 300 years and the 1903 craftsman-style North East United Methodist Church.

Both are still active churches.

North East United Methodist Church, North East, MD — North East United Methodist Church was built in 1912 in the stylish “craftsman” style popular in those days.

St. Mary Anne’s has a lovely cemetery that dates back to the colonial days. Graves of Susquehannock Indians date back to the 1600s.

St. Mary Anne's Episcopal Church, North East, MD — St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church in North East is one of the older Episcopal parishes on the Eastern Shore. The church was established in the early 1700s, but the current brick church was built in 1743 to replace the original wooden church.

There’s a great view of North East Creek from the back of the cemetery.

Even though it seems like there should be a beach nearby — because it really does look like a beach town — there is no public access to the river until you go to the south end of town, and hang a right where the two streets merge.

That’s where you’ll find North East Community Park, a large beautiful park overlooking the river.

North East River seen from North East Community Park — Located at the end of Walnut Street on the Northeast River, North East Community Park is 10 acres with four pavilions

North East Community Park is well worth visiting.

It has 10 acres of waterfront park with a boat dock, kayak launch area, walking path, playground and picnic tables.

North East Community Park bench — North East Community Park has a number of walking paths with benches pointing toward scenic spots

There’s no beach. The park is mainly for water views and fishing.

North East Community Park playground — The playground next to the Crouch, the largest of the three pavilions next to the playground and within easy walking to water and the museum

Inside the park, you’ll find the Upper Bay Museum, focusing on the region’s fishing and hunting heritage.

Upper Bay Museum in North East, MD — The Upper Bay Museum was created to preserve the lifestyle of the local watermen and hunters. Visitors can see outlawed gunning rigs and skillfully carved decoys. It also claims one of the country’s best collections of boat engines.

However, be aware that seeing the museum exhibits can be tricky. The volunteer-run museum doesn’t keep regular hours; it varies by season and other events going on in town.

Check the website or call before heading over if you want to visit.

Geese in North East Community Park, MD — Geese grazing near the Upper Bay Museum, not worried about getting shot

Near the park’s boat dock is the Nauti Goose Restaurant and tiki bar, a summer hotspot with spitfire seafood and cocktails on the bay.

And as they point out, it’s one of the very few waterfront restaurants on the upper bay with ample car parking and boat docking.

Nauti Goose Restaurant in North East, MD — Nauti Goose restaurant specializing in local seafood. The waterfront bar is a popular spot for boaters during season.

The shopping area is easily walkable, but the riverfront park is about a mile down the road, so it’s better to cycle or drive over.

Basically, the community is a nice visit if you want to stroll through the shops and have a nice lunch or dinner, or spend the day on water activities and stop-off for a bite in town.

North East is a village at the top of the Chesapeake Bay that’s shared by boutiques and fishermen. You can spend a pleasant day strolling through shops or hit the outdoor sports.

The town has about 2,000 residents and is only a few blocks wide, but even so it can be a fun day trip. The boutiques are in town and the sporting good shops are on the edge of the main shopping area.

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