FAQS

NOISE WARNING: Please be mindful of noise (using “inside voices” outdoors or on the screened porch after 9pm). Our neighbors look far away but sound carries easily across the water. Thanks!

Yes! The Cottage has a quiet and powerful central heating and air conditioning system, so there’s no need to use the wood stove unless you want to.

Yes and yes! Feel free to head straight to the Flat Plus when you arrive. If Shawn isn’t home, just make yourself comfortable. Please text her when you’re about an hour out—especially if it’s late—so she knows you're on your way and can check if you need anything. While you're here, it’s your home—come and go as you please!

Yes! We have a full 3D virtual tour of The Cottage that lets you explore every room and get a glimpse of the waterviews so you can get a feel for the property. Click and drag in the tour below to have a look!

Definitely! You can take a 3D walkthrough of the entire Chesapeake Paradise House to see the rooms, views, and layout in detail. Check it out here!

Yes, the Flat Plus (including the Solarium) is a fully private apartment with its own entrance. It’s not a shared space—you’ll have your own front yard, swing, and firepit. Many guests love it for romantic getaways, anniversaries, or peaceful solo retreats. While there’s no stovetop or oven inside, you’ll have access to a BBQ grill for cooking.

Yes! We provide crab traps and basic tools for all guests to enjoy crabbing from the pier. All accommodations have access to the traps, but not all have full kitchens. The Cottage and Chesapeake Paradise House include stoves and ovens for cooking, while the Flat Plus has a BBQ grill but no indoor stovetop or oven. Let us know if you need help planning your crab feast—we’re happy to help!

Yes! There’s a small public beach about 15 minutes south of us in North Beach, which charges a $25 per person day pass. Please note, we’re not near any ocean beaches—these are on the Chesapeake Bay.

Yes! We provide two single closed kayaks, one double open (ocean) kayak that can also be used as a single, and a canoe—along with paddles and life jackets—all at no extra charge.

The kayaks and canoe are leaning against the main house and are available to you any time. Most guests like to paddle out toward the Bay if it’s not windy—there’s a little sandbar/island to the right that’s fun to explore, and another creek to the left that’s peaceful and scenic. We're closer to the Bay than most creeks on the Chesapeake, which makes for quicker access to open water.

There’s a shoal at the mouth of the creek, so you’ll want to keep an eye on the tides when heading in or out, especially if you’re not using a shallow-draft boat. Flat-bottom or v-hull boats work best in this area.

If you’re kayaking during the winter, it’s usually your best option as the canoe can be a little more tippy. The weather here is often mild even in the colder months—some guests have gone on long kayaking excursions as late as February. Ice is rare but can happen.

Please drop your kayaks into the water at the end of the pier—hold the rope and go down the ladder with care, as it can be slippery or have sharp barnacles (water shoes are a good idea!). If needed, you can also launch from the shoreline, but please note this can cause erosion, so we recommend using the pier when possible.

Feel free to text Shawn when you're planning to go out—especially if you'd like help getting set up. She loves supporting guests and may be able to assist if she's home!

If you're interested in additional boating adventures, South River Boat Rentals is about 10 miles away and offers various options. In Annapolis, there's a fun and affordable water taxi service and several scenic boat tours. A local guide in nearby Galesville also offers educational trips about the Chesapeake Bay and its history.

Absolutely! Late spring, summer, and early fall are ideal times to enjoy swimming, floating on our big inflatable rafts, kayaking, BBQing, or just lounging around outdoors.

I personally love swimming off the pier and do it for much of the year. Many guests enjoy it too—especially floating on our provided rafts. Just know that the bottom is deep, soft "silky mud" (which I happen to like!). That said, all water and boating activities are undertaken at your own risk, and there are some important safety notes:

• Life Jackets: Please bring your own flotation devices for children and non-swimming adults. We do supply a variety of life jackets, as required by the Coast Guard, but we can’t guarantee availability for all sizes—especially for kids or non-swimmers.

• Pier Safety: No children under 12 on the pier without a life jacket or close adult supervision. The ladder can be slippery and may have sharp barnacles—water shoes are strongly recommended.

• NO Diving or Jumping from the Sides: The depth changes with the tides, and there may be glass or sharp objects in the mud. Experienced swimmers may jump off the end of the pier only after testing the water depth.

• No Swimming with Open Cuts: Please do not enter the water with fresh wounds or skin lacerations due to occasional bacteria in the Bay.

• Jellyfish (Sea Nettle) Alert: Rare, but mildly stinging jellyfish may appear for a few days (typically July or August). They are usually gone by mid to late September.

If you’re looking for swimming options beyond the pier, here are a few fun alternatives:

• Nearby Marina Pool: I’m a guest of a slipholder at a local marina with a pool and sometimes bring guests along. It often stays open well past Labor Day if the weather holds.

• Hotel Pool Passes: One nearby hotel offers weekday swim passes (Monday–Thursday) for $20/person from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It’s a lovely spot with a bar overlooking a quiet harbor and a big shady tree—perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

• North Beach: About 15 minutes away, North Beach has a small sandy beach on the Bay with a sea nettle net and a $25/day entry fee.

• Franklin Manor (next community over): Offers a public fishing pier, basketball courts, and more.

Yes, many guests have enjoyed fishing from our pier, and it’s totally fine with us—as long as you're mindful of others who may also want to use the space. It’s best to check in with any other guests staying on the property to share pier time respectfully. So far, it’s worked out beautifully!

As for fishing from the kayaks or canoe out in the water, that may require a license. We’re not able to guarantee or give official guidance on Maryland fishing regulations, so we recommend that guests look into the most current state laws themselves. (Our understanding—based on hearsay—is that no license is needed for casual fishing from the pier, but one might be required when fishing away from shore.)

Crabbing from the pier is also a favorite guest activity! We provide crab pots, a propane crab cooker for outdoor cooking, and a selection of poles and fishing tackle. While we don’t guarantee the condition or completeness of the gear, it’s usually enough to enjoy a fun afternoon on the water.

The amount and size of fish caught can vary widely—but the experience is always memorable!

Yes. There is a fee of $18 per dog, per night. We’ll calculate the total based on the number of dogs and request payment via Airbnb five days before your check-in. Please approve the payment within 72 hours—or you can arrange to bring a check instead.

For dogs who haven’t stayed with us before, we also ask for a $250 refundable deposit. Just bring a check and give it to Shawn when you arrive. When you check out, she’ll either return the check or tear it up—your choice. Shawn is very lenient and, in eight years of hosting dogs, has only ever withheld $20 (for a chewed blanket).

Note: The $250 deposit is not required for Cottage or Cottage Plus guests—unless you're bringing a puppy or a cat. In those cases, please let Shawn know ahead of time so she can confirm the arrangement.

Thanks—and welcome, doggies!

Yes, your dogs are welcome to swim off the pier! We just ask that you wash them off thoroughly and have them mostly dry before bringing them back into the house. There’s an outdoor shower on the property, and many guests find it easiest to rinse off their pups right there—even bringing them into the shower with them if needed. (The outdoor shower has hot water, but just a heads-up—it takes about a minute for the hot water to kick in.)

Please note: the bottom here is very black, silky mud, about six inches deep in most areas. Some dogs love it, but others might not! It’s a bit less muddy right near the shoreline where there’s more sand, but as they get farther out, it can get messier. So be prepared for some muddy paws!

If you’d prefer a cleaner swimming experience for your pup, there’s a neighborhood park about a mile away that locals use as a “doggy park.” It’s not fenced, but there’s a little sandy boat launch area into a shallow bay—great for throwing a ball or letting dogs wade in. It stays shallow for almost half a mile out, and the bottom is firmer and more sandy than our pier area.

We've also heard good things about a dog beach at Beverly Triton Park, located north of here.

Either way, I’m happy to support you in having fun with your dogs in the water! We already go the extra mile to allow dogs here, so I really appreciate your help in keeping the place clean and fresh-smelling—which it still is, even after many happy doggy guests. The Bay water can sometimes have a fishy smell, so giving your pup a quick soapy rinse will likely make the rest of your stay more pleasant for everyone!

Great question! While there’s no fence on the property, there’s plenty of space for your dog to run and explore. Technically, dogs are supposed to stay leashed. That said, if you completely trust your pup to stay close and under voice control, it’s generally fine to have them off-leash in certain areas of the property.

Shawn’s little dog, Winnie, wears a special collar that keeps her within the property boundaries, so she’s not always leashed. She gets along well with other dogs but also doesn’t need to interact if you'd prefer to keep the pups separate.

A few important notes:

• Please do not let dogs into the large open field next door, as it belongs to a neighbor.

• The Cottage has its own one-acre field, but it’s bordered by woods—so if your dog is prone to chasing squirrels or deer (like Winnie!), keep an eye out.

• On the far side of the Cottage, our neighbors have adopted a few semi-feral cats, which they’ve kindly had neutered. The cats mostly keep to themselves and rarely wander onto our property, but they may occasionally be near the shared driveway. If your dog is near that area, please keep them on a leash to avoid any issues.

No guests have had problems with the cats so far, and there’s no need to worry about them. But your attention to these small details helps us maintain the peaceful vibe and warm relationships that make Chesapeake Paradise so special. Thank you!

There’s so much to explore nearby—whether you're into history, nature, wine, or waterfront fun! Here are some of our favorite local attractions:

• Annapolis (13 miles / 22 minutes away) – A beautiful and historic waterfront town, known as the first U.S. capital and now the capital of Maryland. It’s home to the U.S. Naval Academy and full of charm with its brick streets, unique shops, great restaurants, and scenic harbor. It also has larger shopping areas and malls nearby.

• Washington, D.C. – Just under an hour away, our nation’s capital offers world-class museums, including all the Smithsonian Museums (many of which are free), monuments, and cultural sites.

• Baltimore – About 30 minutes away by a scenic, rural route (avoiding the Beltway!), Baltimore offers the incredible National Aquarium, Orioles Park at Camden Yards, Inner Harbor attractions, and great food. It’s a straight and easy drive from our location.

• Chesapeake Beach – A nearby town with a charming nature walk, a water park (with slides and a lazy river), and local shops. There are also some great little beaches, including Brownie’s Beach and North Beach, which also has a Bayfront pier and quaint boardwalk.

• Running Hare Vineyard – Located in Prince Frederick, about 40–45 minutes away. A picturesque vineyard with wine tastings, live music, and beautiful views.

• Herrington on the Bay – About 20 minutes away, this waterfront venue often hosts weddings and events, and is worth visiting for the views and gardens.

• Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary – Just 10 miles away, this peaceful nature preserve offers trails, wildlife observation, and boardwalk paths through wetlands.

• Smithsonian Environmental Research Center – Offers wooded and waterfront hiking trails and a unique look at environmental research in action.

• Local Wineries & Waterfront Dining – The area features several small wineries and great spots for dining by the water, perfect for a relaxing afternoon or evening out.

Absolutely! Chesapeake Paradise would be a wonderful setting for your gathering. The atmosphere is relaxed and nature-filled—perfect for a country-style picnic, lawn games, and time by the water. Guests love the peaceful vibe, the views, and the easy flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. We’ve hosted many such gatherings, including small weddings, and people are often surprised and delighted to find such a perfect hidden gem.

In addition to The Cottage, we have other accommodations on the property. All of the spaces are close enough together that it can feel like one big house, but with the added bonus of plenty of private nooks for rest and retreat. I also host personal development retreats here, and it’s really fun and easy to take over all the houses for a larger group.

We’re happy to provide a couple of air mattresses if needed—and the gorgeous grounds at Chesapeake Paradise offer space for tent camping too, if that’s something your group would enjoy!

Yes! Chesapeake Paradise has been a beautiful setting for many intimate gatherings and small weddings. We’ve hosted casual weddings with around 20 guests, and the largest so far had about 50. That group brought in tables, a karaoke booth, a dance floor, and tents in case of rain—and it was a hit! Guests loved spending time on the spacious screened porch and relaxing in the yard with views of the water.

We could likely accommodate more people, but at that size and above, special arrangements for parking and logistics are required, so please reach out early to discuss details. Whether it’s a family reunion, special celebration, or waterfront wedding, we’re happy to help you create something memorable.

Chesapeake Paradise includes several unique rental properties on two lush waterfront acres. In addition to the main house (Chesapeake Paradise), we have a free-standing house called The Cottage, and the Carriage House (a small glamping-style apartment).

There are 200 feet of shared waterfront and a shared pier available to all guests.

Each accommodation has its own designated yard space, so guests naturally spread out and enjoy their own area. Sometimes there are friendly interactions between guests, which adds to the fun and creates a relaxed, resort-like vibe—without ever feeling overcrowded.

Guests staying at The Cottage, for example, enjoy their own private waterfront lawn, complete with a large shade tree that creates a beautiful canopy over the outdoor dining table and chairs.

We do our best to make sure everyone has a peaceful and enjoyable experience, whether you're seeking solitude or a little neighborly connection.

There are some great local options, especially if you’re craving seafood!

• Skipper’s Pier – The closest and most casual of the bunch. The food is consistently good, and guests love the laid-back vibe. There’s also a dock bar and an upstairs deck with a nice waterfront view.

• Pirates Cove – A step up in atmosphere (though still casual), with a lovely dining room, cozy bar with a fireplace, waterfront deck, and a screened porch. While they don’t serve steamed crabs to crack, they’re known for their crab soup and monthly specials that often include crab dishes.

• Yellowfin – About 18 minutes away, this upscale spot overlooks the South River and has beautiful sunset views. Their half-price seafood appetizers during happy hour are a great deal and a favorite among guests.

Need supplies? The nearest local grocery store is just about a mile away and has everything you’ll need. There are also two nearby liquor stores for wine, beer, and other beverages.