Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide
Southern Maryland
2020-01-08 11:52:47
Your Southern Escape
Open for flowing rivers and the Bay.
Unspoiled woodlands meet rolling farmland on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay here, in the birthplace of Maryland. Enjoy scenic drives, the bounty of local watermen and farmers and the hospitality of Southern Maryland in this quintessential tidewater wonderland.
Eat & Drink: Three Ways to Savor the Local Flavor
1 Time for Happy Hour at the Beach
The mood is conversational where wine enthusiasts gather for personalized daily tastings and retail sales of old and new world varietals at Bay Wine & Spirits, located just off the boardwalk in North Beach.
2 Savor Fresh Seafood on the Water
Zahniser’s Dry Dock marina-side restaurant is always a class act, from the tasty Maryland crab soup to the peaceful water views. Enjoy the view of sailboats and yachts in Solomons Harbor while dining on fresh fish and sinfully rich desserts.
3 Dine & Unwind at The Front Porch
The Front Porch inside the Sterling House hosts an intimate, relaxed restaurant that serves up Southern coastal cuisine in historic downtown Leonard-town. Local burgers, fried chicken dinners, pork belly BLTs, more than 40 wines, boutique beers and traditional cocktails are just some of the offerings found within this quaint building dating back to the 1850s.
See & Do: Thirteen Authentic Maryland Experiences
4 Visit the State’s First Capital
Way back in 1633, colonists set sail on the Ark and Dove from the Isle of Wight before landing at Old Point Comfort then St. Clement’s Island. Historic St. Mary’s City was then named Maryland’s first capital. Today, visit the town’s Woodland Indian hamlet to learn about the early days in St. Mary’s City.
5 Stroll through Classic Bay Scenery
Take a leisurely self-guided tour on the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail, a mile-long coastline boardwalk through the Town of Chesapeake Beach that begins at the Railway Museum and concludes at Bayfront Park. All sorts of wildlife and waterfowl can be seen as you take in the classic bay scenery along the trail.
6 Choose a Boat from the Fishing Fleet
The “Charter Boat Row” at the Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort has been referred to as the “charter fishing capital of Maryland” since 1946. You can reel in rockfish, blue fish and Spanish mackerel on trolling tours with baited lines and lures drawn from the back of boats in motion, or use weighted lines to bottom-fish for white perch and croaker.
7 Hang with Otters at the Marine Museum
The Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons Island explains and interprets the physical history of Southern Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay with a hands-on, interactive experience and popular river otter exhibit. These adorable river otters are sure to please, and if you’d like to see them before meeting them in person, check out the live Otter Cams. The museum’s annual Sharkfest takes place on the second Saturday in July, and boat cruises depart daily from the museum’s own dock.
8 Touch Down at NAS Pax River
Learn ongoing naval aviation history and how the U.S. Navy established its flight test center at Patuxent River Naval Air Station Museum in Lexington Park. Artifacts, photographs, film and memorabilia tell the story. View two dozen naval aircraft on display and test an F-14 Tomcat flight simulator.
9 Ain’t No Drag at the Racetrack
Thrill at the sights and sounds of the world’s fastest sport at the Maryland International Raceway. You’ll want to bring your earplugs for the various motor sports drag racing events held on the tracks of Mechanicsville from March to November.
10 Walk Along Secluded Shores
A great place for history buffs and nature lovers alike, Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum in St. Leonard is home to a small, secluded shore and 65 archaeological sites (as well as an “FAQ Archaeology” interactive experience in the visitors center). Visitors find plenty to explore at a nearby reconstructed Native American village and coastal trails. See the Patterson Estate built in Colonial Revival style.
11 Big League Dreams
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs play 70 home games from late April through September at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf. Dozens of aspiring major leaguers and major league alumni once honed their skills in the Atlantic League with eight teams located along the mid-Atlantic seaboard.
12 Uncover Plantation Living
A Tidewater plantation, historic Sotterley Plantation dates back to 1699. The former tobacco plantation is now a 95-acre National Historic Landmark dedicated to research, preservation and an interpretation of early American plantation life. UNESCO has designated the plantation as one of 31 Middle Passage arrivals locations in the U.S.
13 Wander Whimsical Woods & Galleries
Combining art and nature, the Smithsonian affiliate Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center features 30 acres of forests, fields and meadows and paved walking and bike paths adorned with a vast collection of outdoor sculptures as well as gallery Look Out exhibits.
14 Follow the Trail of the Assassin John Wilkes Booth
The Dr. Samuel Mudd House & Museum in Waldorf and The Surratt House Museum in Clinton are stops on one of five Civil War Trails. They offer a fascinating look into the conspiracy to kill President Abraham Lincoln, the assassin John Wilkes Booth and the largest manhunt in American history.
15 Seek Tranquil Nature Scenes
For those seeking solitude in a natural setting, Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary offers a nature center viewing room where kids can get up close to small indigenous animals, as well as short trails on the boardwalks through swamps and meadows. See an albino snapping turtle, a red-tailed hawk, a barred owl and butterflies floating about this tranquil setting.
16 Look Out for the Lighthouses
Take a Southern Maryland lighthouse tour from Cove Point to Drum Point to Piney Point and Point Lookout. Plan ahead and book a night at Cove Point Lighthouse for a true nautical memory.
Places to Stay: Two Ways to Unwind
17 Stay at Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort
Chesapeake Beach’s premier luxury property offers 72 nautically-appointed rooms with balconies overlooking the bay. Don’t miss a meal at the Rod ‘N’ Reel restaurant, shop the boardwalk promenade, drop the kids at the arcade and enjoy the rooftop pool and bar.
18 Stay Awhile in Luxurious Settings
The Guest Quarters at the Westlawn Inn is a five-unit 1930s boutique-style hotel. This family-owned and operated hotel features two self-contained, condo-style apartments available for short or long-term stays as well as a whole list of amenities, from casual upscale dining to live entertainment.
Cities & Towns: Two Places Ready to be Explored
19 Find the Essentials— Arts, Crafts & Wine in Leonardtown
Leonardtown, Southern Maryland’s premier Arts & Entertainment District, is home to the St. Mary’s Arts Council, dozens of galleries and studios, distinct artsy and craftsy retail shopping and dining. By the banks of the Potomac River, Newtowne Neck State Park presents a paddleboarder’s paradise on Breton Bay and ample opportunities for hiking, biking, bird-watching and hunting. Leonardtown’s Wharf Park provides the perfect vista for taking in the region’s signature sunsets on the bay.
20 Spending Time on Solomons Island
Where the mouth of the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay, Solomons Island has evolved from early-17th-century settlements into one of the state’s top tourism destinations—the town’s maritime history has been woven into the fabric of its allure. Climb the lighthouse tower at the Calvert Marine Museum, take a cruise on the harbor or charter a fishing boat. The craft beer craze has also found its way to the Island at the Ruddy Duck microbrewery located in the neighboring Dowell Township.
Shop: Four Places to Pick Up a Souvenir
21 Shop, Sip and See Eclectic Renaissance at Shepherd’s Old Field Market
“SOF” as coined by the locals can be found just off Leonardtown Square in the historic Leonardtown Building Supply. Step through the original wood garage doors and into a fully renovated marketplace that is home to more than 40 different ‘storefronts.’ Make a day of it with a bite at the Botanic Coffee Shop & Deli, or with a visit to the Brudergarten Beer Garden, where you can sample local brews. Pups are welcome too!
22 Amish Tradition Meets Modern Delights
St. Mary’s County is home to Maryland’s largest Amish community and its scenic back roads are filled with Amish-run shops and farmers’ markets. From Loveville Leather and Produce Auction to the Clover Hill Dairy and Kurtz’s Cabinet Shop & Variety Store, you’ll find handcrafted treasures, fresh produce and meats and homemade treats and gifts.
23 53 Custom Tattoo and Art Studio Redefines the Tattoo Shop
Forget everything you know about tattoo shops when you visit this new studio concept. A group of all female artists showcase their tattoo talents while surrounded by a rotating art gallery featuring work by local artists. Whether you are looking for an original piece of art for your arm or to hang on your wall, this one-of-a kind shop is something you won’t soon forget.
24 Step Back in Time at Grandmother’s Store
The waterfront is loaded with charm, and Grandmother’s Store on Dowell Road is no exception. Family-owned for more than 100 years, it is the perfect place to take in some history while you shop for antiques and gifts. A true treasure trove, you never know what you’ll find, but you are certain to have fun browsing the ever-changing inventory.
Events: Three Reasons to Mark Your Calendar
25 Get Your Art On
The 27th annual ArtsFest La Plata—the largest arts festival in Southern Maryland with more than 60 artists, vendors, food booths and live entertainment—is scheduled for the second Saturday each June on the scenic grounds of the La Plata Town Hall in Charles County’s La Plata.
26 Balloon for a Bird’s-Eye Vantage Point of the Patuxent
Southern Maryland Balloon Festival presents an amazing vantage point of Jefferson Patterson Park. By day, delight in music, balloon rides, KIDZONE inflatables and local vendors, or watch the balloons glow and fireworks displays by night.
27 Have Fun on the Half Shell at the U.S. Oyster Festival
The annual U.S. Oyster Festival is a must for seafood lovers. Experience Southern Maryland oyster culture along with the crowning of King Oyster and the national shucking championships on the third weekend in October. And did we mention the seafood?
SPOTLIGHT
Heritage with a View
Secluded shores and stunning sunsets over the Patuxent River call from Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum. Public archaeological digs at this 17th-century tobacco farm as well as a Native American village museum with reconstructed dwellings blend a mix of history that stretches from the indigenous people all the way to Colonial, early American and 20thcentury life.
The open and lush, green natural space presents a picturesque setting for public and private events throughout the year with scenic trails for wandering, old cabins and ruins. Quiet beaches provide a calm place to retreat, while fishing spots and kayaking lend leisure time along the shore.
Check the calendar of events for children’s activities and yearly traditions, such as the Halloween Festival and haunted barn in October, along with the acclaimed Southern Maryland Celtic Festival and Highland Games competition in April.
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TRIPADVISOR TOP DINING DESTINATIONS IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Kim’s Key Lime Pie and Lotus Kitchen in Solomons
What looks like a charming white house surrounded by a white picket fence and lush greenery is actually one of the area’s top-rated restaurants. Guests can sit on an outdoor deck under a majestic oak tree as they dine on homemade muffins, pierogi casserole and Kim’s famous key lime pie.
The Ruddy Duck Seafood and Alehouse in Piney Point
If you are looking for dinner with a view, seasonal craft brews and innovative daily specials, you’ve found it. Dock your boat right outside this St. George’s Island favorite and settle in for house favorites such as clam dip, fisherman’s stew and some of the best crabcakes around.
Marie’s Diner in La Plata
How do you take a classic and make it world-class? Start from scratch, then top it with blue cheese and caramelized onions like they do at Marie’s Diner. Home cooking at its finest, this diner is known for the best breakfast in town and its menu is filled with classics like ultimate grilled cheese and meatloaf.
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