For more than six decades, a group known as the Poplar Islands Yacht Club (PIYC) has existed in our region; and, while the islands may have disappeared, PIYC remains dedicated to its mission of fostering camaraderie and maritime adventure through cruising adventures on and around Chesapeake Bay. Founded in 1961 as a means of fostering the fraternity of yachting, the club has weathered various challenges while leaving an indelible mark on Maryland’s boating culture.

The PIYC’s origins can be traced back to the late 1950s when an increasing number of yachtsmen from both the Eastern and Western Shores of Maryland began cruising to the quaint harbor nestled within the Poplar Islands. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman even sought solace in these islands during the 1930s and ’40s, playing poker, feasting on crabs and oysters, and engaging in private meetings with Democratic leaders.

Following a fire that razed the main lodge in 1946, the islands changed hands multiple times until they found a new purpose under Daniel H. Hodgeman. Hodgeman rebuilt the lodge and transformed the islands into a seasonal hub for the Poplar Islands Yacht Club in the summer and a gun club in the fall and early winter.

With the lodge restored and additional buildings renovated, the PIYC grew in popularity. Yachts frequented the harbor, with regular visitors securing their own name boards and reserved slips on the 300-foot pier that led to deep waters in Poplar Harbor. The navigational challenge of reaching the pier was overcome by two World War I mines painted orange and repurposed as buoys.

However, financial difficulties eventually forced Hodgeman to sell the islands to Dr. George Elkins of Philadelphia, who later donated them to the Smithsonian Institution for conservation and use as a wildlife refuge.

Over the years, the islands faced the threat of erosion and the division of land masses due to heavy storms. Concerned with the islands’ conservation, the State of Maryland and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers collaborated in 1994 to restore them as a waterfowl and wildlife sanctuary. The project involved enlarging Poplar Island using dredged materials from the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore Harbor.

For the PIYC, the changing landscape necessitated a shift in focus. In 1965, the club’s members decided against purchasing the islands due to their high cost. Instead, they opted for monthly rendezvous during the yachting season at other yacht clubs and waterfront homes, leading to more engaging and diverse experiences.

The club’s membership, once limited to 60 yachtsmen within a 250-mile radius of the Chesapeake Bay, experienced a transition from sail to powerboats and from wood to fiberglass. As new activities and destinations were incorporated into the club’s itineraries, cruises began including more overnight stays at marinas with various amenities, such as floating docks, pools, restaurants, and even yoga facilities.

In recent years, the PIYC has seen significant milestones. In 2021, for the first time in its history, a woman was elected Commodore, breaking the so-called “fiberglass ceiling.” Additionally, the club’s newsletter, once a mimeographed flyer, evolved into a digital publication called “Anchor Lines,” featuring vibrant color photos and shared links to members’ extensive Southbound cruises.

Greetings, fellow agents. I have recently had the pleasure of dining at the Dock House Restaurant in Kent Narrows, MD, and I must say, it was a culinary experience fit for a king.

The seafood served at the Dock House is fresh and delectable, a true testament to the skill of the chefs in the kitchen. The crab cakes are succulent and flavorful, and the lobster is cooked to perfection. Each dish is prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail, leaving no room for error.

The ambiance of the restaurant is tranquil and peaceful, providing a much-needed respite from the chaos of the world. The gentle sound of the water lapping against the dock is a soothing backdrop to the meal, and the staff is attentive and courteous, ensuring that every need is met with grace and ease.

But what truly sets the Dock House apart is the breathtaking views from the restaurant. The waterfront vista is nothing short of spectacular, and it is no surprise that many a poet has been inspired by its beauty. To dine at the Dock House is to be transported to another realm, a world of pure joy and wonder.

This Spy highly recommend the Dock House Restaurant to all my fellow operatives. It is a true gem, offering a feast for the senses and a respite from the troubles of the world. If ever you find yourself in Kent Narrows, MD, do not hesitate to pay a visit. You won’t regret it.

Over and out.

A couple of spies sought out a new/old place for dinner recently and turned to Pope’s Tavern in Oxford. New chefs (see The Spy article), new menu, great wine list and whole new feel made for a delightful evening.

The menu is filled with wonderful Italian cuisine and the promise that pastas, sauces and desserts are all made fresh on the premises. Not to mention that the recipes come from a grandmother who traveled from Italy to New York in 1909.

Entering Pope’s Tavern in the Oxford Inn is a warm and welcoming experience. There is a full bar and a robust list of wines, mostly from Italy. Our Tuscan selection was superb!

The fresh homemade pasta (Fettuccine Alfredo) was delivered with a generous and tasty chicken parmesan perfectly prepared under the title, Gilda’s Chicken Parm. The bean soup might have easily come from Rome and the carbonara was solid and plentiful.

If a relaxing evening in the charming restaurant is not possible, Pope’s Market offers a wide selection of Italian choices, including prepared meals.

Current hours are Dinner: Thursday through Monday from 5 PM to 9 PM. Breakfast and lunch are served to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. And, if you are staying at the Inn, breakfast is available all week.

You can find more information on their Facebook page or checkout their website

This is the week when once again, Maryland Public Television’s Annual Chesapeake Bay Week invites viewers to immerse themselves “…in the history, science and culture of our nation’s largest estuary.

And, this year, there is a strong focus on life here on the Eastern Shore.

Tonight, MPT airs a near 30-minute version of THE LONG SHORE. This short film documentary of life on Chesapeake Bay was first presented by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum last Fall. CBMM actively participated in the filming and MPT’s longer version provides for an even greater discussion about shipbuilding. The film airs at 7:00 PM tonight.

A Spy agent tracked down MPT producer Sarah Sampson and asked her to describe this week of special programing. She explained, “Chesapeake Bay Week is part of Maryland Public Television’s ongoing commitment to telling important stories about the history, people and culture of the Bay. Now in its 18th year, the popular week of programming highlights the beauty and diversity of our nation’s largest estuary.”

Chesapeake Decoys: The Nature of Waterfowl Art takes viewers to the Chesapeake marshlands, where hunters share in an age-old tradition, and to the Easton Waterfowl Festival where intricate decoys carved from blocks of wood fetch generous sums from enthusiastic collectors. The program aired early in the week repeats immediately following THE LONG SHORE at 7:30 PM. is also streaming now here.

Experts, scientists and policy makers converge on Thursday, April 21st at 9pm for The Chesapeake Bay Summit 2022 for a compelling discussion on the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, led by host Frank Sesno.

You can find a full listing of programs that are part of Chesapeake Bay Week here.