Stevens’ Gift on the Blackwater, weekly

This riverfront farm is one of the last in the U.S., located within the Harriett Tubman Historic District and bordering Blackwater Refuge on two sides. With kayaks and canoes available, bald eagles and numerous waterfowl put on quite a show. Our dock is open for crabbing and fishing in season. The farm is along the bike route for the Eagleman Triathlon. The home is 110 years young, with flower gardens and a porch swing overlooking the river. Come enjoy the sunrise with your morning coffee. The space This is a nature-lovers paradise, on the Little Blackwater River, with numerous hiking trails and river access. Most rooms have a river view. The brand new Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center is only 3.7 miles away. Cambridge, with plenty of restaurants, watering holes and shops, is a quick 6 miles down Egypt Road. Being the home of the Chesapeake Ironman Race, the area caters to visitors. Guest access Guests are welcome to use our dock for fishing or boating. Hiking is allowed along our lane to our private pond, as well as around all buffers around our fields, many bordering on the river. There is a two-acre yard to enjoy a porch swing and patio overlooking the river. Several picnic tables are scattered to allow as much privacy as possible. Other things to note This is a working farm, so the lawn is sometimes has numerous divits from tractor or cornpicker wheels. There are spots in the yard where bare feet will not be comfortable, such as near the holly trees with their fallen leaves. While I do try to keep them away, there is the occasional snake, which are harmless. My dog is naturally a hunter and if she finds a snake, she will take care of it. We have our share of bugs and insect repellent is a must— especially for ticks. You will not want to swim in the river as it is brackish with a muddy bottom. We do have sizable snapping turtles, called ‘turkles,’ that are not to be played with. They can bite your finger off. Taking a hook out of a snakehead’s (fish) mouth will also damage your finger. These are all rare possibilities, but a word to the wise is sufficient. I don’t personally know of anyone who has been hurt by the wildlife here and I was born and raised here. Childhood here was straight out of Norman Rockwell’s paintings, so just enjoy! You’ll find yourself well rested and peaceful at day’s end.