Guests of the Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island may find themselves questioning whether they are at a destination vacation spot like Martha’s Vineyard or the Hamptons. The white wrap-around porches and balconies of the 1898 original buildings offer stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and all who voyage out on her waters for commerce, pleasure, or sport.

The Wylder’s nine acres on Talbot County’s Tilghman Island are deeply entrenched in Eastern Shore fishing history, a story that attracted Wylder’s CEO and founder, John Flannigan, to the property.

“I chose Tilghman because it was an iconic property that I had gone to many times for charter fishing trips and I always thought it was magical,” said Flannigan. “Presidents, governors, senators, and sports figures used to go fishing off of its shores in previous years. It is an irreplaceable piece of real estate.”

To support Flannigan’s dream to renovate the Eastern Shore destination with all the trappings of an upscale resort, but with a casual vibe that beach-goers know and love, was the Enterprise Zone Tax Credit program. The Tilghman Enterprise Zone was newly designated in 2017 by the Maryland Department of Commerce to provide real property and state income tax credits for businesses located in the area to promote job creation and investments.

“Mr. Flannigan chose Tilghman Island as a business location because of its natural beauty and the ample opportunity here,” said Cassandra Vanhooser, director of economic development and tourism for Talbot County. “We are delighted to have Wylder Hotel doing business in Talbot County, and we’re glad we could offer the benefits of the Enterprise Zone as a tool to help him succeed.”

The hotel boasts a heated saltwater pool, 54 rooms that pay tribute to the charm of the Bay, a bocce court, private marina with 25 boat slips, as well as Tickler’s Crab Shack and Bar Mumbo.

“Tilghman is a real working waterfront, commercial fishing village with a rich history and a great community,” said Flannigan. “It is very charming and when you come over the draw bridge, you feel transformed back to different age in a good way. The watermen and local vibe is terrific.”

“Tilghman is a real working waterfront, commercial fishing village with a rich history and a great community,” said Flannigan. “It is very charming and when you come over the draw bridge, you feel transformed back to different age in a good way. The watermen and local vibe is terrific.”

The Wylder Hotel won the honor of the Conde Nast Traveler Top Hotel Reader’s Choice Awards for 2018 and, to hear Flannigan talk about the property, it’s no mystery why.

“Watching the boats pull in and out with the amazing views and sunsets is truly memorable. Swing on a tree swing, play bocce, go for a bike ride around the island, take a sunset cruise on one of our boats, or catch rock fish with one of the best charter captains in the Chesapeake Bay.”

To book a room at the Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island visit wylderhoteltilghmanisland.com.