If you're looking for a town where boating is king, look to Rock Hall, MD. They love boats more than fish love to drink. They have over a dozen marinas there, and that's saying a lot considering it's not a huge town. There are marinas back to back, which gives plenty of room to dock. Looking out over the docks, seeing the hundreds of masts of the yachts, was like looking into a floating forest. A major point of interest for folks who visit Rock Hall is its reputation for being among the top locations for custom boat work on the Chesapeake Bay. When we went there, we were told some 1,500 slips were in town, there were people from as far as Minnesota, Texas, and at least 40 boats from the Western Shore.

Toby Perry, who works at the Haven Harbour Marina, said he'd been in Rock Hall all his life, and has done boat work for many, many years. Fixing up boats is a part of life in this town. Toby marveled at peoples' willingness to travel so far just to visit Rock Hall. "Boating's what they like," he said. Aside from working on boats, visitors are also drawn by the plentiful duck and goose hunting. Rock Hall also has sailing schools, fishing charters, fine yacht clubs and inns where travelers may stay.

After finally heading off the water and into town, we discovered how easy it was to meet and talk to people there. Shopkeepers like Antoinette and Barbara were just as concerned with conversation and friendliness as running their businesses. What a bundle of charm, they were! Antoinette, or "Annie," does hand-made soaps, candles, and origami jewelry, while Barbara makes tapestry handbags and summer clothing.

We also came across Durding's Ice Cream, only partly by accident, where we occupies our palettes for a time. This ice cream shop has been open since 1892, and they'll have plenty to tell you about those many years in business. After getting our fill of facts and hot fudge sundaes, we hopped a few doors down, where we met Mr. Robert Switzer in his Trader's Alley. He ran a plein air pawn shop, you might say.

Rock Hall offers live music at the Mainstay, featuring anything from rock to Brazilian. Locals say the caliber of artists who show up is amazing. There are also other art galleries worth visiting, and then there's the Waterman's Museum. For more pictures, click here.

Written by Erik Yount. Photography by Errol Webber.