Beautiful Swimmers

The Blue crab, whose scientific name translates to “beautiful swimmer,” is an icon of the Chesapeake Bay and a cornerstone of its culture. In addition to the crabs’ abundance on dining tables across the region, they are critical to maintaining the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay. Alongside our resident ecologist, Will, you’ll board a boat and head into Carter’s Creek. Out on the water, you’ll learn about the history of crabbing and the crab itself, from reproduction and gender differences to its lifecycle, migration patterns and diet. You’ll get hands-on as you learn how to set and pull crab pots and evaluate which crabs can be captured and which must be thrown back. Back on land, a steaming pot stands ready for your cookout, which will include tips for prepping and eating crabs. This feast is complemented by beer and wine pairings suited to the occasion.