The Secret of Smith Island

I first heard about Smith Island on a radio cooking program and was instantly intrigued: a small island in the Chesapeake continually occupied for centuries, and the home of Maryland's state dessert. So when I heard a friend was going I felt fortunate to tag along. We drove a few hours south to catch the ferry boat, and enjoyed a gorgeous day on the Bay as we sailed to the island.

Arrival dock at Smith Island, and some of the best crab cakes.

the state dessert of Maryland: Smith Island cake

After lunch, we had a few hours before the return boat left and rented bikes to explore the island. There were a few dozen homes, some for rent and some that appeared vacant. With so many centuries and a small group of people, you knew there were secrets and intrigue that happened here. This place was a Nancy Drew mystery waiting to happen! The island was so flat that as the island has sunk (or as sea level's risen), parts of the road were submerged at high tide.

biking around Smith Island as the tide comes in

looking for adventure

Our short time there was more than enough to see everything, but it would be a great place to spend a weekend away from it all.

enjoying the return cruise

One Weekend, Two Capitols

Soon after Ohio, I was on the road again. This time it was due south, and I was flying solo to a singles conference in North Carolina. It was a great excuse to finally visit some old DC friends who'd moved there, including a surprise reunion at the conference.

drinking from the Old Well at UNC

surprise reunion with Dee at the conference

Raleigh, NC LDS temple

Duke University's chapel

Geography nerd that I am, I used the drive back to visit the state capitols of both North Carolina and Virginia.

Confederate monument at North Carolina's state capitol

Three US presidents hail from North Carolina

Virginia's state capitol

statue at Virginia's state capitol--I loved the quote