Smith Island, MD

[Princess_Michelle]

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[bluesaturn]

I've been there. It was nice, but I don't think it's really a retirement, vacation island kind of place. A lot of the people there have been there their entire lives, but the younger people are starting to move away. There isn't much work, I think there's like one store and a church. The people were nice, but it was very isolated. I really wouldn't want to take a ferry anytime I needed anything.

When we went, we went to the church and the store to look around. It was a school trip so we spent a lot of time by the water talking about the bay. I don't know that there would be a lot to do, you could generally look around.

I would recommend St. Michaels instead. There is a little downtown area and restaurants on the water. There would be much more to occupy you.

Also edited to add: I was there about nine years ago. The houses aren't like beach houses. Most of the people were (probably still are) watermen. The houses are very modest, you can tell most have been there many years, people live there full time. They are nice, it just didn't seem like a vacation home type of atmosphere. Maybe they have increased tourism over time though.

 

[KirstenB]

I've not been to Smith Island, but I've been to Tilghman Island. My college roommate was born and raised there. Her father was a waterman. She rode the ferry to school everyday. It was a truly unique childhood, and I enjoyed hearing her talk about it. Her dad encouraged both her and her brother to go to college, and pursue careers. Unfortunately, the oyster and crab populations have declined steadily, so working on the water has become even harder.

 

[JimmyPicker]

Princess, my MIL was actually born and raised on Smith Island. She moved off when she got married, which was quite a long time ago. She still has family there, and my husband and I have some pretty good friends still living there.

There is a book you might want to check out if that kind of environment is your thing. It's called "An Island Out of Time" but I forget the author. It has some background and some cute stories in it, it's all about Smith Island.

You're right, it's a completely different world down there. Everyone knows everyone -- and it's pretty darn hard to keep a secret, because the only thing people have to do down there is talk.

They are pretty hard workers, mostly all of them are watermen, which is a bit of a different class of people (mostly enjoyable). But they're also a tight knit community, so be forewarned that they look a little closely at "foreignors" for a while before making any decisions about them.

They are so hospitable, and so down-homey. I swear, if somehow you missed the ferry back and got stuck on the island, I'm sure someone would take you back by their own boat, or possibly even put you up in their home for the night.

Truly a different world.

There are three islands that make up Smith Island. Each island has it's own church, and the pastor goes back and forth between the churches. Most of the cars on the island are old beat-up cars with no license plates (or plates from the 60's or 70's).

They have some of the best cooking. It's different, but sooooo good. You'll definitely have to try a piece of authentic Smith Island cake (the state dessert) while you're there.

If you want, you can PM me, and I'll try to answer your questions.

But I agree, it's a great place to raise a child. It's its own world. And it's not a bad world. But there isn't much to do other than relax and talk to your neighbors.