Kent County Tourism Office, (410) 778-0416, www.kentcounty.com.

ATTRACTIONS

Old St. Paul's Church, Chestertown, (410) 778-3180, (410) 778-1540. Old St. Paul's is the oldest continuously used church in Maryland. The cemetery, which dates all the way back to the 1600s, is the final resting place for actress Tallulah Bankhead.

Waterman's Museum, Haven Harbour Marina, 20882 Rock Hall Ave., Rock Hall, (410) 778-6697, donation requested. The museum's reproduction of a shanty house, exhibits on crabbing, fishing, and oystering, and historical photographs, wood carvings, and restored boats provide an insight on the area's water-driven economy.

EVENTS

July Fourth Parade and Flat 5 Race, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 4, Rock Hall, (410) 639-7611, www.rockhallmd.com. You gotta love a patriotic parade with young and old together, the sun shining, Old Glory waving, and red, white, and blue food. Whatever a "Flat 5 Race" is, here's hoping you win it.

Kent County Fair, noon-10 p.m. July 19-20, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. July 21, Tolchester, (410) 778-0767. Yet another classic county fair with livestock and horse shows, 4-H exhibits, games, rides, and a chicken and beef BBQ with all the fixins.

GETAWAYS

Imperial Hotel, 208 High St., Chestertown, (410) 778-5000. Historic charm in a classic hotel.

Swan Haven, 20950 Rock Hall Ave., Rock Hall, (410) 639-2527. The Swan Haven B&B offers boat rentals, so after coffee and croissants you can hit the water in a kayak, canoe, daysailer, or windsurfer.

SPORTS & RECREATION

Chester River Kayak Adventures, 5758 Main St., Rock Hall, (410) 639-2001. Environmental and bay wildlife tours for all ages, with or without a guide. Suggestion: Opt for the guide.

East Neck Boat Rentals, East Neck Island, (410) 639-7100. Outboard-motor and rowboats are for rent, as is fishing and crabbing equipment.

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Rock Hall, (410) 639-7056, free. This wildlife preserve is a major feeding and nesting place for Eastern Shore waterfowl, but since it's summer, you don't have to compete with ducks for prime boating and crabbing spots.

Maryland Swim for Life, 6:30 a.m. July 14, Rolph's Wharf, Chestertown, (410) 243-4418. Here's the rundown: free breakfast at 6:30 a.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. (you must be registered by this point), one- to five-mile swims (you choose) begin at 9 a.m., and then they feed you again at the post-swim celebration. The band Bittersweet plays as you feel sweet victory, all the while benefiting people with HIV/AIDS.

MS Bike Tour, June 9-10, Washington College, Chestertown, (410) 527-1770. This annual two-wheel tour not only raises money for research and programs to help people with multiple scleroris, it also lifts your own spirits and endomorphic level. Both recreational and serious cyclists are invited to tackle routes of 29, 50, 75, or 100 miles, and families can ride together on the new 25-mile family ride on Sunday. Washington College hosts an after-party.

SHOPPING

Dixon's Auction Sale and Farmers Market, 9 a.m. Wednesdays, Route 544, Crumpton, (410) 928-3000. Bid on crazy old furnishings you can never find at Goodwill and are too expensive at antique stores. Then get fresh munchies at the farmers market for the ride home.

Lucinda's, Chestertown, (410) 778-4987. Go to Lucinda's for vintage clothing and jewelry, linens, and antiques.

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