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Maryland Crab Dip and St. Michaels, Maryland

25 July, 2017 by Tara 6 Comments

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A recipe for Maryland Crab Dip inspired by our visit to St. Michaels, Maryland! Crab meat is coated in a combination of cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and spices and baked until hot and bubbly.

Maryland Crab Dip arranged on a stack of crackers.

We recently took a trip through the Eastern Shore of Maryland and explored St. Michaels and Easton, then Ocean City, and back to Cambridge before heading home.

Today, I am covering St. Michaels and the Phillips Wharf Environmental Center on Tilghman Island along with a recipe for Maryland Crab Dip!

In case you missed it, here are my other posts from our trip:

  • Smith Island Cake and Easton, Maryland
  • Boardwalk Fries and Ocean City, Maryland
  • S’mores French Toast and Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
  • The Black-Eyed Susan and Cambridge, Maryland: Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

St. Michaels

Street in St. Michaels lined with colorful buildings- one red and blue and another white with pink trim.

St. Michaels is a waterfront town located on the Miles River off of the Chesapeake Bay. It is 10 miles west of Easton (80 miles from Baltimore and Washington DC) in Maryland’s Eastern Shore and is known as “the town that fooled the British.”

On August 10th, 1813, during the War of 1812, residents hung lanterns in the trees while dimming the lights in their homes, causing the British to overshoot their cannons and spare the town (minus one house) from damage.

We visited on a Friday and it was nice and relaxing. Weekends are often a different story, particularly during the summer, since St. Michaels is a popular location for weddings and the area can fill with people.

Sitting in two white lounge chairs in front of a brick building.

We found parking in the lot behind The Candleberry Shoppe. As a note, this lot is unavailable on Saturdays for the farmers market (8:30-11:30 am).

There are other parking areas off of Talbot Street, on Railroad Avenue, and around the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Ava’s Pizzeria and Wine Bar

Pizza, pasta, and cocktail at Ava's Pizzeria and Wine Bar in St. Michaels.

Our first stop was lunch at Ava’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar. I loved the patio seating in the back of the restaurant with the unique beer tap fountain.

Chad got the special White Pizza with Spicy Pulled Pork, Tomato, and Red Onion while Evan and Claire split a Boardwalk Pizza (noted on the menu as great for kids- a blend of mozzarella and provolone, it was definitely a hit). I enjoyed a Sangria and Chicken Marsala.

The Candleberry Shoppe

Outside of The Candleberry Shoppe with the American and Maryland flag hanging from the storefront.

The Candleberry Shoppe is located on Talbot Street and features a variety of unique gifts and souvenirs. We especially loved the toy section towards the back.

The owner was incredibly nice and took the time to show a number of toys to Evan and Claire.

Christ Church

Outside of Christ Church (gray brick building with brown trim) in St. Michaels.

Across the street from The Candleberry Shoppe is Christ Church. The current building was constructed in 1878.

Simpatico

Outside and interior of Simpatico- an Italian shop in St. Michaels.

While The Candleberry Shoppe was the favorite for the kids, I especially loved Simpatico.

Simpatico is located on Railroad Avenue and features ceramics, foods, wines, liqueurs, and other items imported directly from Italy. They often have wine and liqueur tastings along with events throughout the year.

I recently made Strawberry and White Chocolate Panna Cotta using a white chocolate liqueur from here.

Blue Heron Coffee

Outside of Blue Heron Coffee with black patio tables and orange umbrellas.

Chad’s favorite spot for coffee during our week in the Eastern Shore was Blue Heron Coffee. This is a specialty small batch roastery without frills.

There are fifteen types of coffee in stock with four brewed each day (decaf, coffee of the week, at least one fair trade organic, and one other). They also have a few pastries and other items.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Entrance to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and light blue bicycles lined up.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum was another highlight of our day.

This museum is located in the northern part of town along the water at Navy Point and focuses on the history and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay. We spent about 2 hours here, but could easily have stayed longer.

Wooden buildings and boats at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

It was created in 1965 and has 35 buildings, 10 open to the public with exhibitions. The museum is also home around 85 Chesapeake Bay watercraft (world’s largest collection).

The working boatyard provides a closer look at the restoration and maintenance projects along with hands-on educational programs and other special events.

Hooper Strait Lighthouse

Hooper Strait Lighthouse at the waterfront with a green lawn and a dark purple tree.

At the waterfront, you will find the Hooper Strait Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in 1879 after the original was destroyed due to moving ice.

The building was condemned and set to be demolished in 1965 before the museum took over and transferred it 60 miles north to the current location.

Outside of the Hooper Strait Lighthouse and the interior exhibits with a table setting, workshop, and view of the museum from the top.

Evan especially enjoyed exploring the exhibits inside the lighthouse and in a couple of nearby buildings, including At Play on the Bay.

Standing on a black ladder under the lighthouse.

Many areas were interactive with restored boats that were open for a closer look, historical artifacts, photographs, and video.

Boats docked at the waterfront.

The museum is open daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s) 10-5 from April to October and 10-4 from November to March.

Admission is currently $16 for adults and 13 for seniors, students, and retired military. Children (6-17) are $6 and members, active military, and children under 6 are free.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the immediate family members of active duty military also receive free admission. Tickets are good for two days. Special events occur throughout the year.

Justine’s Ice Cream Parlour 

Outside of Justine's Ice Cream Parlor and eating a scoop of ice cream.

After exploring the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, we stopped by Justine’s Ice Cream Parlour on the way back to the car.

Along with scoops of different ice cream flavors, they also serve parlor fare such as ice cream floats and egg creams, sundaes, and milkshakes.

Awful Arthur’s Seafood

Meal at Awful Arthur's Seafood with Maryland Crab Dip.

We went to the hotel to check in and relax for a bit, (the Holiday Inn Express in Easton), but returned to St. Michaels that evening for dinner at Awful Arthur’s Seafood (now closed). Quite a few regional and seafood favorites can be found here.

Evan and Claire both had mac and cheese (a popular option while traveling). I tried the Maryland Crab Soup (blue crab, fresh vegetables, tomato broth, JO spice) and the seasonal berry salad with grilled chicken while Chad enjoyed the rockfish special with potatoes and broccoli.

I also had Maryland Crab Dip for the very first time. For dessert, we shared a vanilla bean cheesecake.

Inn at Perry Cabin

Outside view and waterfront at Inn at Perry Cabin.

We stayed at a hotel in Easton, but St. Michaels is home to a few inns and bed & breakfasts including the Inn at Perry Cabin at the edge of town.

The grounds are beautiful and a favorite for weddings (the site was also used to film the wedding reception for the movie, Wedding Crashers).

Tilghman Island

Outside of Knapps Narrows Bridge at Tilghman Island.

After exploring Easton and St. Michaels, we took a bit of a detour to Tilghman Island before continuing on to Ocean City. Tilghman Island is about 14 miles west of St. Michaels.

It is 3 miles long and is situated on the Chesapeake Bay and Choptank River.

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center

Outdoor view of Phillips Wharf Environmental Center with mobile buses, tanks along the waterfront, and trailer.

Just over the Knapps Narrows Bridge is the Phillips Wharf Environmental Center. This was such a fun stop with Evan and Claire. The center is open daily from 10-4 (no admission charge) with special events held throughout the year.

The day before our visit was Oyster Planting Day. In coordination with the Tilghman Islanders Grow Oysters Project, they planted over 115,000 oysters at the Rabbit Point sanctuary site in an effort to repopulate the oysters in Chesapeake Bay.

Tanks inside Phillips Wharf Environmental Center with turtles, crabs, and horseshoe crab.

Evan and Claire were able to get up close and personal with some of the wildlife that can be found in the Chesapeake Bay. They learned about horseshoe crabs, blue crabs, turtles, local fish, and more.

There are also coloring pages and other activities available.

In addition to the classroom, the center also has the Fishmobile- a mobile aquarium that travels to schools, summer camps, festivals, birthday parties, and other events.

Other Stops

Walking down the sidewalk in St. Michaels.

Other notable stops that I came across in my research, but didn’t get the chance to try: St. Michaels Winery, Eastern Shore Brewing, 208 Talbot, The Christmas Shop, Olivins Tasting Room, St. Michaels Museum, Crepes by the Bay, Lyon Distilling Company, The Crab Claw, and Crabi Gras.

Maryland Crab Dip

Aerial view of Maryland Crab Dip in two rectangular dishes alongside crackers and pretzel bread.

I first tried Maryland Crab Dip at Awful Arthur’s in St. Michaels and was immediately hooked. Lump crab meat is coated in a creamy combination of cheeses, sour cream, mayonnaise, spices, and seasonings before baking until bubbly.

The dip is most often paired with water crackers. While in Ocean City, I tried it with pretzel bread and loved it even more. I picked up some pretzel bread at the Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe in Arlington, Virginia, but also have recipes to make your own Pretzel Bread or the smaller Swiss Silserli.

Avoid substituting with lower fat dairy products- this can cause the dip to come out watery.

Old Bay Seasoning is one of the notable spice blends used in this crap dip. It was created in 1939 by German immigrant, Gustav Brunn.

The seasoning mix has become a staple in Maryland with uses ranging from steamed seafood and crab cakes to everything else like corn on the cob, fries, popcorn, steamed vegetables, burgers, and even cocktails. It can be found in the spice section of many grocery stores or you can make your own.

Maryland Crab Dip in two teal rectangular baking dishes.

Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

Adapted from Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts and Sweet Salty Tart

Print Pin

Maryland Crab Dip

A recipe for Maryland Crab Dip inspired by our visit to St. Michaels, Maryland! Crab meat is coated in a combination of cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and spices and baked until hot and bubbly.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword appetizer, cheese, crab, dip, maryland, seafood
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 -6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese divided
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons old bay seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 pound lump crab meat

For serving:

  • Chopped chives
  • Water crackers
  • Pretzel bread

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400˚F.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix in 3/4 cup of the cheddar, 1/4 cup of the parmesan, chives, garlic, lemon juice, old bay, ground mustard, worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Gently mix in the crab meat.
  • Transfer to desired baking dish (about 1 quart). Top with remaining cheddar and parmesan cheese. Bake in preheated oven until golden and bubbly, 25-30 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, top with additional chopped chives, and serve immediately with water crackers or pretzel bread.
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Filed Under: Appetizers/Snacks, North American, Seafood, Travel

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeni @ Coquette Kitchen

    25 July, 2017 at 10:22 am

    That pizza looks soooooo good! And crab dip? Hot crabby cheesy dip is amazing! This version looks so easy!

    Reply
  2. Beth

    25 July, 2017 at 11:37 am

    What a lovely, quaint town! A fun day for the kids, too! I am loving the sound of this dip! I wish I lived near you because crab is terribly expensive here!

    Reply
  3. Kristina

    25 July, 2017 at 9:34 am

    how FUN – now *I* want to take this trip! 🙂 and this dip… oh my, it sounds so tasty good!

    Reply
  4. Kim @ Three Olives Branch

    25 July, 2017 at 10:08 am

    Looks like a great trip! I love finding great food when I travel, the dip looks wonderful and like a great way to remember Maryland!

    Reply
  5. Lucy @ Supergoldenbakes

    25 July, 2017 at 10:18 am

    It looks like a beautiful place- so please the British were tricked back in 1813 and the town was spared. The dip sounds amazing.

    Reply
  6. Tara

    7 August, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    Thanks everyone!

    Reply

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