Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2019 Maryland Official Visitors Guide
Southern Maryland Attractions
2018-12-12 00:04:22
Things to See and Do
Southern Maryland’s bayside communities offer warm, welcoming and revitalized recreation destinations, making the region a premiere resort locale.
Bryantown
HISTORY & HERITAGE
St. Mary’s Church and Cemetery
13715 Notre Dame Pl, Bryantown, 301-870-2220
Historic church (est. 1793) and final resting place of Dr. Samuel Mudd who treated John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg following Lincoln’s assassination.
California
ATTRACTIONS
Cecil’s Old Mill
20854 Indian Bridge Rd, California, 301-994-1510
www.visitstmarysmd.com/site/detail/cecils-old-mill
State’s only double overshoot water wheel and an early industrial district offering unique shopping with local artisans, craftsmen goods and antiques. Jan-Jun: Thur-Sun, 10am-5pm; Jul-Oct: Thur-Mon, 10am-5pm; Nov-Dec: 10am-5pm.
Callaway
OUTDOOR RECREATION
St. Mary’s River State Park
Camp Cosoma Rd, Off MD Rt 5, Callaway, 301-872-5688
www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/stmarysriver.aspx
State park with wildlife across a 250-acre lake, woodlands, fields, swamps and small streams as well as largemouth bass fishing and varied hunting. Year-round, sunrise-sunset.
Chesapeake Beach
HISTORY & HERITAGE
The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum
4155 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, 410-257-3892
An 1898 railway station with exhibits on railway history, the boardwalk, steamboats and a historic local amusement park that once existed on the water. May- Sept: 1-4pm; Oct & Apr: Sat-Sun, 1-4pm; or by appointment.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Dolly Diesel Sportfishing
c/o Rod N’ Reel, 4160 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, 301-855-8940
www.dollydieselsportfishing.com
Charters for sportfishing excursions, with “no fish, no pay” policy, fishing the entire Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean and seating 27 passengers. Apr-Dec; call for schedule.
Jennifer Ann Charters
c/o Rod N’ Reel, 4165 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, 410-320-2517
Fishing charters and memorable adventures for young and old alike quarrying bluefish and stripers on the Chesapeake Bay; maximum charter size is 30. Apr-Jan.
Coltons Point
ATTRACTIONS
St. Clement’s Island Museum
38370 Point Breeze Rd, Coltons Point, 301-769-2222
www.visitstmarysmd.com/see-do/detail/st.-clements-island-museum
Nationally accredited museum about Maryland’s first colonial landing at St. Clement’s Island (1634) with Potomac River history and water taxi tours. Summer: Daily, 10am-5pm; Winter: Wed-Sun, 12N-4pm.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
St. Clement’s Island State Park
38370 Point Breeze Rd, Coltons Point, 301-872-5688
www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southe/stclements.aspxstclements.aspx
Landing site of the first English settlers in Maryland (1634) at a 40-acre park with tours, fishing, hiking and new Blakistone Lighthouse. Year-round: sunrise-sunset; Tours: May-Sept.
Dowell
ARTS & CULTURE
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
13470 Dowell Rd, Dowell, 410-326-4640
Gallery with a wooded walking path and exhibits on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, a children’s natural play space, native gardens and artLAB. 9am-5pm.
Drayden
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Drayden African-American Schoolhouse
18287 Cherryfield Rd, Drayden, 301-994-1471
www.visitstmarysmd.com/site/detail/draydenafrican-american-schoolhouse
One of the best-preserved schoolhouses (c. 1890) in the country sitting on its original site location and offering interpretive panels. By appointment only.
Hollywood
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Sotterley Plantation
44300 Sotterley Ln, Hollywood, 301-373-2280, 1-800-681-0850
Mansion (1703) overlooking the Patuxent with an authentic 1800s slave cabin, Colonial Revival gardens, nature trails and historic buildings; NHL. Year-round self-guided tours: Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 12N-4pm; May 1-Oct 31: Guided tours; call for schedule.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Greenwell State Park
25450 Rosedale Manor Ln, Rt 245 to Steerhorn Neck Rd, Hollywood, 301-872-5688
www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/greenwell.aspx
Home of Greenwell Foundation offering therapeutic riding programs designed for individuals with disabilities as well as hiking, canoeing and fishing. Year-round, sunrise-sunset.
Huntingtown
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Kings Landing Park
3255 Kings Landing Rd, Huntingtown, 410-535-2661
www.co.cal.md.us/kingslandingpark
A 260-acre park for environmental education with picnic shelters, kayak rentals and launch, a wetland boardwalk, fishing pier and swimming pool. Call for schedule.
Indian Head
ATTRACTIONS
Black Box Theatre/Indian Head Center for the Arts
4185 Indian Head Hwy, Indian Head, 301-743-3040
Center and production group for the grassroots development of artistic expression in and around Indian Head housed within a performing arts theater.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Chapman State Park
3452 Ferry Pl, Indian Head, 301-743-7613, 1-888-432-2267
www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/chapman.aspx
Park featuring mature forests, rare plants and bald eagles in the dramatic woodlands stretching from the Potomac River to Mattawoman Creek. Sunrise-sunset.
Purse State Park
Rt 224, Riverside Rd, Indian Head, 301-743-7613
Area for hunting, bird-watching and fishing on the Potomac River at Wades Bay with fossilized shark teeth, bones and shells found along water’s edge. Sunrise-sunset.
La Plata
HISTORY & HERITAGE
African-American Heritage House
7485 Crain Hwy, La Plata, 301-609-9099
Depicts the life, history and contributions of famous African Americans from Charles County with artifacts from the William D. Diggs collection. Tours by appointment only.
La Plata Train Station
101 Kent Ave, La Plata, 301-934-2564
www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/la-platamo-lap
Historic building recalling railroad’s impact on Charles County during the 1800s growth boom with two-room “La Plata Station” and old red caboose. Apr-May & Sept-Oct: Sat, 12N-4pm; Jun-Aug: Sat, 12N-4pm; or by appointment.
Mt. Carmel Monastery
5678 Mount Carmel Rd, La Plata
www.carmelofporttobacco.com/index.html
First Carmelite Monastery (1790) in the U.S. est. by Mother Bernardina Matthews, her nieces and Sisters Mary Aloysia, Mary Eleanora and Clare Joseph.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Reel Bass Adventures Guide Service
406 Butternut Ct, La Plata, 301-932-1509
www.reelbassadventuresguideservice.com
Guided fishing on the Tidal Potomac River at one of the top-rated places to bass fish by Bassmaster magazine; half-day/full-day tours available. Call for schedule.
Leonardtown
ATTRACTIONS
Port of Leonardtown Winery
23190 Newtowne Neck Rd, Leonardtown, 301-690-2192
Agricultural cooperative consisting of 15 vineyards and dedicated to producing the best wines from the best Southern Maryland growers. Mon-Sun, 12N-6pm; 1st Fri monthly, 12N-9pm.
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Old Jail Museum and Tourist Information Center
41625 Courthouse Dr, Leonardtown, 301-475-2467
www.visitstmarysmd.com/activities-attractions/detail/old-jail-museum
Historic jail museum (c. 1850-1940) with tours, a 17th-century cannon and early Maryland artifacts relating to the local area through the years. Wed-Fri, 10am-2pm; closed Dec-Feb.
St. Francis Xavier Church
21370 Newtowne Neck Rd, Leonardtown, 301-475-9885
The oldest continually used Catholic church (1731) in the original 13 colonies on over 700 acres and an example of a self-contained Jesuit community.
Tudor Hall/St. Mary’s County Historical Society
41680 Tudor Pl, Leonardtown, 301-475-2467
A Georgian-style house (c. 1744), once the home of Francis Scott Key’s uncle, overlooking Breton Bay with genealogical and historical research center. Wed-Fri, 9am-4pm; Research Center: Thur-Fri, 11am-4pm; 2nd & 4th Sat, 10am-4pm.
Lexington Park
ATTRACTIONS
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and Visitor Center
22156 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park, 301-863-1900
Museum dedicated to the scientific and technological story of U.S. Naval Aviation research and development with more than 25 aircraft on display. Tues-Sat, 10am- 5pm; Sun, 12N-5pm. Closed major holidays.
Lusby
ATTRACTIONS
Cove Point Lighthouse
3500 Lighthouse Blvd, Lusby, 410-326-2042
One of the oldest continuously working lighthouses in Maryland (1828) with keeper’s home and tours provided by Calvert Marine Museum; NRHP. May-Sept & Holidays: Sat-Sun, 1-4pm.
Cove Point Winery/Cove Point Vineyard
755 Cove Point Rd, Lusby, 410-326-0949
A family-owned micro winery producing a number of unique wines with a small tasting room and a selection for all tastes from dry to sweet dessert wines. Wed-Sun, 11:30am-5:30pm.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Calvert Cliffs State Park
10540 H.G. Trueman Rd, Lusby, 301-743-7613
www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/calvertcliffs.aspx
Park with renowned cliffs stretching across 30 miles of Chesapeake shoreline for scenic trails and a treasure trove of 600 known species of fossils. Sunrise-sunset.
Flag Ponds Nature Park
1525 Flag Ponds Pkwy, Lusby, 410-586-1477
A 545-acre park with forested uplands, wetlands and beaches on three miles of trails, including observation platforms, a boardwalk and fishing pier. Call for schedule.
Marbury
ARTS & CULTURE
Mattawoman Creek Art Center
5565 Upham Pl, c/o Smallwood State Park, Marbury, 301-743-5159
Monthly art exhibits at the scenic waterfront featuring a wide variety of visual arts, illustrated talks, lectures, a gift shop and studio rentals. Mid-Jan-mid-Dec: Fri-Sun, 11am-4pm.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Smallwood State Park
2750 Sweden Point Rd, Marbury, 301-743-7613
www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/smallwood.aspx
Site of Smallwood’s Retreat, estate of General William Smallwood, Revolutionary officer and 4th governor of Maryland with marina, camping and tours. Apr-Oct: 5am-sunset; Nov-Mar: 7am-sunset.
Mechanicsville
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Fishamajig Guide Service
40344 Morgan Brothers Rd, Mechanicsville, 240-538-1260
www.fishamajigguideservice.com
Light tackle fishing guide on the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River specializing in striped bass fishing and accommodating 1 to 4 anglers. Call for schedule.
Nanjemoy
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Mallows Bay Park
1440 Wilson Landing Rd, Nanjemoy, 301-932-3470
www.charlescountyparks.com/parks/mallows-bay-park
Park on a bay of the Potomac offering excellent outdoor recreation opportunities with wildlife viewing, hiking, small boating access and fishing. Year-round: 5:30am-sunset.
Newburg
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park
11000 Crain Hwy, Newburg, 301-932-1900
Museum with personalized exhibits dedicated to honoring the lives of those who contributed to America’s freedom and veterans throughout history. 11am-4pm; or by appointment.
North Beach
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Bayside History Museum
4025 4th St, North Beach, 410-495-8386
Museum with local artifacts and photographs of North Beach, illustrious information on the Twin Beaches and fossils from John Smith’s expedition. Wed-Sun, 1-4pm.
Owings
ATTRACTIONS
Fridays Creek Winery
3485 Chaneyville Rd, Owings, 410-286-9463
Stately old barn where tobacco once hung and now home to a winery offering rustic ambiance, tastings and art displays just 25 minutes from D.C. Thur-Mon, 11am-5pm.
Piney Point
HISTORY & HERITAGE
U-1105 Black Panther Historic Shipwreck Preserve
44720 Lighthouse Rd, Piney Point, 301-994-1471
mht.maryland.gov/archeology_U1105.shtml
Shipwreck in the Potomac offering diving privileges at a U-boat by pre-arrangement, while the explanation is offered in Piney Point Lighthouse Museum. Apr-Sept: Daily, 10am-5pm; Oct-Jan: Thur-Mon, 12N-4pm.
Port Tobacco
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Port Tobacco Courthouse (1819)
Off Rt 6 on Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco, 301-934-4313
The reconstructed 1819 courthouse and museum containing tobacco and Civil War exhibits with archaeological finds and colonial-dressed guides on site. Apr-Oct: Sat-Sun, 12N-4pm; closed Nov 1-Apr 1.
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Port Tobacco Historic Village-Stagg Hall (1766)
8450 Commerce St, Port Tobacco, 301-392-3418
Historic Parnham-Padgett House and one of the only surviving 18th-century buildings in town with two stories and a gambrel roof; tours by appt. Apr-Dec: 1st Wed-last Sun, 10am-4pm; Mon, 10am-4pm.
Port Tobacco One-Room School (1872)
7215 Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco, 301-934-2870, 301-934-9483
Original one-room, town schoolhouse (c. 1872) with period furnishings, offering showings by appointment only. Jun-Aug: Sat, 12N-4pm.
St. Ignatius Catholic Church
8855 Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco, 301-934-8245
One of the oldest continuously active Catholic Parishes in America with former Pastor Francis Neal, who brought the Carmelite Nuns to America (1790).
Thomas Stone National Historic Site
6655 Rose Hill between Rts 225 & 6, Port Tobacco, 301-392-1776
A 1770s Georgian mansion on 328 acres known as Haberdeventure and once the home of Thomas Stone, a Maryland signer of the Declaration of Independence. Mar-Dec: Thur-Sun, 10am-4pm.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Chapel Point State Park
8950 Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco, 301-743-7613
www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/chapelpoint.aspx
An undeveloped beauty of scenic multi-use park boasting a waterfront with boating, kayaking, hiking, a small beach, swimming and excellent fishing. Sunrise-sunset.
Prince Frederick
ATTRACTIONS
Calvert Brewery Company Beer Garden
150 Adelina Rd, Prince Frederick, 240-245-4609
Maryland’s first designated farm brewery with a selection of craft brews, beer flights, beer garden, events and a dedication to pride and quality.
Running Hare Vineyard
150 Adelina Rd, Prince Frederick, 410-414-8486
Vineyard with award-winning wines, tastings and events and a style reminiscent of the gentle hills of France, the beauty of Tuscany and feel of Napa. Apr-Nov: Wed-Sun, 12N-6pm.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
American Chestnut Land Trust
676 Double Oak Rd, Prince Frederick, 410-414-3400
Pristine 3,000-acre preserve with 22 miles of hiking trails, including interpretive panels and historic structures, a farm and guided canoe trips. Sunrise-sunset.
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary
2880 Grays Rd, Prince Frederick, 410-535-5327
Protected 100-acre sanctuary and home to wildlife, a quarter-mile elevated boardwalk, a 100-ft. canopy of cypress trees and seasonal wildflowers. Mon-Fri, 9am- 4:30pm; Sat-Sun, call for schedule. Closed major holidays.
Ridge
ATTRACTIONS
Slack Winery
16040 Woodlawn Ln, Ridge, 301-872-5175
Winery with fine white, rosé and sparkling wines made from 30 acres of grapes at Woodlawn and Jubilee farms; reds from Italian and French vinifera.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Buzz’s Marina
49675 Buzz’s Marina Way, Ridge, 301-872-5887
Marina and small campground, dry storage/slips with boat ramps and fishing boats, bait, ice, gas and supplies; fishing charters available. Year-round: Call for schedule.
Point Lookout Marina
16244 Millers Wharf Rd, Ridge, 301-872-5000
Marina with slips, gas, cabin and bike rentals, an open deck restaurant, a picnic area, pool and picturesque sunsets in scenic Southern Maryland. Winter: Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm; Spring & Fall: Daily, 8:30am-6:30pm.
Scotland
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Newtowne Neck State Park
c/o Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, 301-872-5688
www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/newtowne.aspx
A 776-acre peninsula surrounded by Breton Bay, St. Clements Bay and the Potomac River with seven miles of wildlife and recreational waterfront. Sunrise-sunset.
Point Lookout State Park
11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, 301-872-5688
www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/pointlookout.aspx
Picturesque peninsula, once the site of a Confederate prison, and now with a museum, monuments and mysterious hauntings recalling its notorious past. Year-round, sunrise-sunset.
Solomons
ATTRACTIONS
Calvert Marine Museum
14200 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, 410-326-2042
Museum detailing the prehistoric past, natural environments and maritime heritage as well as sharing the unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. 10am-5pm. Closed major holidays.
Chesapeake Biological Lab Visitor Center
200 Farren Ave, Solomons, 410-326-7443
Museum on the ecology and natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay and the important contributions to our environmental heritage made by scientists. May-June: Fri-Sun, 9:30am-4:30pm; July-Labor Day: Wed-Thur, 9:30am-4:30pm; Labor Day-Nov: Fri-Sun, 9:30am- 4:30pm; Dec: call for schedule.
Drum Point Lighthouse
14200 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, 410-326-2042
An 1883 screwpile, cottage-type lighthouse and museum at one of three remaining icons of its type still situated on the Chesapeake Bay; NRHP. 10am-5pm. Closed major holidays.
Joseph C. Lore & Sons Oyster House
14430 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, 410-326-2878
Restored 1934 oyster-packing house with tools and gear used by local watermen, new exhibits and displays on the Maryland Crab and Oyster Trail. May & Sept: Weekends & holidays, 1-4pm; June-Aug: Daily, 1-4pm.
Solomons Island Winery
14571 S Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, 410-394-1933
Winery established in July 2004, producing award-winning wines and offering tastings of various specialty wines from orange cream to pumpkin roll. Mon-Sun, 11am-6pm.
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Wm. B. Tennison
14150 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, 410-326-2042
An 1899 log-built bugeye sailboat, the oldest Coast Guard-licensed, log-hulled vessel in the U.S. offering one-hour cruises around Solomons.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Loch Jaw Charter Fishing
255 Lore Rd, Solomons, 410-474-0606
www.fishsolomons.com/fishingcharters/lochjaw.htm
Charter offering fishing and hunting tours with old squaws, surf scoters, common scoters and white-winged scoters on the scenic Chesapeake Bay. Call for schedule.
Renegade
c/o Beacon Marina, 255 Lore Rd, Solomons, 301-839-9270
Charter company offering a lifetime of fishing and boating experience (25+ years) and making half-day to full-day tours around Solomons Island. Mid-Apr-mid-Dec.
Spring Cove Marina-Solomons
455 Lore Rd, Solomons, 410-326-2161, 1-866-539-6039
Resort-style marina with full-service boatyard and slips, ship’s store, pool, fuel dock, free shuttle to area restaurants, shops and boat rentals. Daily: 8am-5pm; Summer: 8am-6pm.
St. Leonard
ATTRACTIONS
Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL)
10545 Mackall Rd, St. Leonard, 410-586-9700
Research center expanding the knowledge of nature and inspiring stewardship of the environment with tours and hands-on activities by appointment. Closed major holidays.
Perigeaux Vineyards & Winery
8650 Mackall Rd, St. Leonard, 410-586-2710
Eight acres of vines on a 27-acre farm providing beautiful settings to enjoy traditionally crafted wines unique to the soils and climate of the area. Wed-Fri, 2-6pm; Sat, 12N-8pm; Sun, 12N-6pm.
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum
10515 Mackall Rd, St. Leonard, 410-586-8501
State museum of archaeology overlooking the Patuxent with picnicking, biking, hiking, a Visitor & Exhibit Center, kayak launch and an Indian Village. Mon-Fri, 7:30am-sunset.
St. Mary’s City
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Historic St. Mary’s City
Rt 5 & Rosecroft Rd, Visitor Center, 18751 Hogaboom Ln, St. Mary’s City, 240-895-4990, 1-800-762-1634
The first state capital and home to a colonial plantation, tall ship, brick chapel, Indian hamlet, archaeological digs and hands-on history for all. Seasonal: 10am-5pm; closed Thanksgiving.
Valley Lee
HISTORY & HERITAGE
St. George’s Episcopal Church
19167 Poplar Hill Ln, Valley Lee, 301-994-0585
Site of the oldest Episcopal Parish in Maryland that has held continuous services on site since 1638, and now with the current church built in 1799.
Waldorf
HISTORY & HERITAGE
The Dr. Mudd House Museum
3725 Dr. Samuel Mudd Rd, off Poplar Hill Rd, Waldorf, 301-274-9358
Home of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd who treated John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln’s assassin, offering a Victorian Christmas the 1st full weekend in Dec. Apr-Nov: Wed & Sat, 11am-4pm; Sun, 12N-4pm; Last tour at 3:30pm.
Welcome
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Goose Bay Marina & Campground
9365 Goose Bay Ln, Welcome, 301-932-0885
Marina and campground with boat slips and repairs, bath houses, pump-out, 3 boat ramps, a swimming pool, fuel dock (gas/diesel), store and groceries. Apr-Oct.
Visitor Services
Leonardtown
COUNTY & CITY TOURISM OFFICES
Visit St. Mary’s MD
23115 Leonard Hall Dr, Leonardtown, 301-863-1900 ext 2
Boundless adventure awaits in Maryland’s best kept travel secret. From history to technology and everything in between, we’re eager to share it with you.
See ad on page 1.
Newburg
WELCOME CENTERS
Crain Memorial Welcome Center
12480 Crain Hwy, Newburg, 1-800-766-3386
Go Free...free attractions and activities. Visit the Crain memorial Welcome Center and pick up your free maps and brochures to plan you next adventure. 8:30am-4:30pm.
Port Tobacco
COUNTY & CITY TOURISM OFFICES
Charles County Government, Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism
Office Of Tourism, 8190 Port Tobacco Rd, Port Tobacco, 301-396-5819, 1-800-766-3386
Will assist you in exploring hundreds of miles of shoreline, abundant park lands and historic locales. Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm.
See ad on page 3.
Prince Frederick
COUNTY & CITY TOURISM OFFICES
Calvert County Department of Economic Development
Office of Tourism 175 Main St, Prince Frederick, 410-535-4583
With lighthouses, trails, museums, festivals, shops and galleries, there’s always something to enjoy here on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay.
See ad on page 95.
©Maryland. View All Articles.