Side Trips

A Drive to Wye Mills

Three things in the hamlet of Wye Mills make the detour from Easton worthwhile: a flour mill, the remains of a tree, and beaten biscuits. Even if you doubt it, this could be one of those trips the kids talk about for a long time.

From Route 50, go west on Route 404 or Route 213, about 13 miles north of Easton or 14 miles southeast from Kent Island. This burg is a mile off Route 50.

Flour ground at Wye Grist Mill, Old Wye Mills Road (Rte. 662), off Route 50, in Wye Mills (tel. 410/827-6909; www.historicqac.org/sites/WMgristmill.htm), was sent to George Washington's troops at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War. The mill has been in operation since 1671. Visitors can see it at work on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Guides are good at explaining all the gear that makes the water wheel and grinding stones turn. After a visit, you can buy wheat flour or cornmeal ground here. There's no admission fee, but a $2 donation is requested. Hours are mid-April to mid-November, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday 1 to 4pm. Because volunteers staff the mill, hours may vary; it's best to call ahead.

The 450-year-old Wye Oak fell in a 2002 storm -- but the stump of the largest white oak in the country and Maryland's official state tree remains, now surrounded by a fence. Also on the property is the tiny brick Wye Oak House, Talbot County's oldest school building. During daylight hours, take a peek inside.

You can't leave Wye Mills without getting a taste of an old Maryland tradition. Orrell's Maryland Beaten Biscuits, 14124 Old Wye Mill Rd. (Rte. 662), Wye Mills (tel. 410/827-6244), in business since 1935, has limited hours, but try to schedule a stop. The dough really is beaten -- usually with a hammer, though the back of an ax works as well -- to get the biscuits to rise. The method was used in a time when leavening was in short supply. You can try the finished product or buy some to bring home. Free admission. Open Tuesday (baking day) and Wednesday (call ahead for hours); tours are available.

If you bring your fishing rod, you can try your luck in the Wye Mills Community Lake, across the street from the mill. This 50-acre lake is home to bass, bluegill, and who knows what else. A non-tidal-waters fishing license is required. There are lots of grassy spots for a picnic, too.