Matthews In charming little town of Matthews, home buyer will find waterfront property on tidal rivers that lead to Chesapeake Bay. Homes often include a boat dock and marinas are also nearby. Eat fresh, local seafood in restaurants and play a round of golf at Tides Mill in Lancaster County - a world-renowned golf course. Visit Donks Theater for a L'il Oprey show of country western entertainment. Famous singers who played here include Earl Scruggs, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette. Matthews historic district dates to Colonial times. Find relaxation along Chesapeake Bay on a secluded, almost private beach not widely known to tourists -- Festival Beach. It's perfect place to get some sun, swim, or do some bird watching. 'Downtown' Matthews has banks, a video store, gas station, and auto parts store. A Coast Guard station is located just before drawbridge.

Gwynn's Island Cross drawbridge from Matthews onto enchanting Gywnn's Island, known by Colonial Indian tribes as a place 'inhabited by Great Spirit' and once visited by Captain John Smith. The island has a nautical 'Cape Cod' feel to it without ostentatious neighbors or high property taxes and cost of living. Gywnn's Island is three miles long and two miles wide and has a population of roughly 900. A number of residents have notoriously lived past 100 in this part of Chesapeake Bay country. Waterfront estates are found along perimeter and center of island is still dotted with small waterman's cottages, many converted to second homes or vacation homes. John Dixon, author of Gwynn's Island: a Brief History, describes Gwynn's Island as "happy homes and fertile farms on smiling waters."

These are just a few of areas that make Chesapeake Bay Country a pleasant place to retire, relocate, or purchase a second home or vacation home. Come visit and explore this little known area. But, be prepared to fall in love with it and leave your heart.