The Daytripper

By Paul W. Ross
Special to the Coastal Point

	Coastal Point • PAUL W. ROSS Above, Main Street in Snow Hill is a thin slice of Americana. Below, when the mood strikes, one can always find a place to get away from it all.

The history of Snow Hill goes back further than you might think. English settlers founded Snow Hill in the year 1642. Snow Hill was made a royal port on the Pocomoke River during the reign of William and Mary. Imported goods came through Snow Hill to be taxed. Further, Snow Hill was the home at that time of a flourishing shipbuilding industry.

As Snow Hill gained economic importance, the Pocomoke River became more heavily traveled. Large ships called at the town. These boats offered overnight service to Norfolk and Baltimore. With the increase in river traffic, Snow Hill prospered. Hotels and boarding houses sprang up. The Richardson, Smith and Moore Lumber Company dominated the waterfront as the largest employer in the County. There is still a significant amount of lumbering in the area, as we encountered a number of logging trucks on our trip. A variety of merchants and small businesses made their livelihood from the river traffic.

After the Civil War, railroads were built along the Eastern Shore. These railroads provided a faster and less expensive way to transport goods and passengers to market. As railroad technology progressed, the Pocomoke River was used less and less. The town of Snow Hill went into decline. The shipyards closed, and the boarding houses became empty. The people of Snow Hill turned to agriculture, growing the magnificent corn, soybeans, and livestock that you saw on your trip south.

So, what do we do in Snow Hill, other than seek out a good place for lunch, ice cream, or something cool to drink? There are all sorts of interesting shops along the main street. For those of you with a yen to fill your house with “stuff,” there are lots of antique shops. I try to stay out of those!

In addition, the Pocomoke River beckons! The most interesting possibility for the day on the river is to rent a canoe or kayak. These can be rented just to the north of the bridge. You can have a delightful journey through an exceptionally pretty part of the river, including a moss-draped cypress forest. There is also a riverboat for cruises and parties, which can be taken for a nice day trip, or rented for a party. Works for me!

For the bird watchers among you, look for herons, ospreys and even eagles. It is said that there have been more different bird sighting in this part of Maryland than any other. Make sure to bring you notebook, bird guide and binoculars.

For those inclined to fishing or boating, Snow Hill offers an excellent boat ramp, docking space, and parkland from which you can fish from the shore. Of course, you need the necessary equipment, and a Maryland fishing license.

Grab some lunch, have something to drink, and enjoy the day along the river before you return to Bethany Beach!

How do we get there?

This trip involves a charming drive through rural Delaware. As usual, begin in Bethany Beach by the totem pole. Proceed west on Route 26 to Clarksville. At Clarksville, turn south on Route 17 toward Selbyville. Selbyville’s initial claim to fame was strawberries. It is now renown for its chicken growing.

When you get to Selbyville, turn west on Route 54, following it through town to Route 113. Turn south on Route 113. Just keep going south on 113, turning right onto Business 113, which brings you into downtown Snow Hill.

There is ample free parking at the various municipal parking lots in the downtown area.

The distance is about 35 miles, and takes around an hour.

On the way back, if you want to vary your route, pick up Route 50 north of Berlin. Proceed east to Ocean City, and connect with Route 1, which will take you back north to Bethany Beach.