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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 www.stmarysbryantown.com 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. Callaway OUTDOOR RECREATION St. Mary’s River State Park Camp Cosoma Rd, Off Rt 5, Callaway, 301-872-5688 http://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. Chesapeake Beach ATTRACTIONS Chesapeake Beach Water Park 4079 Gordon Stinnett Ave, Chesapeake Beach, 410-257-1404 www.chesapeakebeachwaterpark.com Great family place with two big water slides plus six more, lagoon, kids pool and great food. Group and corporate outings, birthday parties are also available; call to reserve. CHARTER SERVICES Chesapeake Windsail Cruises 4160 Mears Ave Dock A, Slip 15, Chesapeake Beach, 1-855-561-8810 chesapeakewindsailcruises.com Sail into the Chesapeake Bay on Eternal Hope and spot dolphins, ospreys and other amazing habitats or cruise ships in the shipping canal. HISTORY & HERITAGE The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum 4155 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, 410-257-3892 www.cbrm.org An 1898 railway station with exhibits on railway history, the boardwalk, steamboats and a historic local amusement park that once existed on the water. OUTDOOR RECREATION Chesapeake Adventures Sportfishing 5230 Breezy Point Rd, Chesapeake Beach, 301-758-3475 www.goreeltime.com Enjoy Chesapeake Bay fishing at its best. For comfort, a private restroom is on board. Max charter size is six people. Dolly Diesel Sportfishing Rod N’ Reel, 4160 Meers 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. Jennifer Ann Charters Rod N’ Reel, 4165 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, 410-320-2517 www.jenniferanncharters.com Fishing charters and memorable adventures for young and old alike quarrying bluefish and stripers on the Chesapeake Bay; maximum charter size is 30. Tamshell II Charters 3748 Harbor Rd, Chesapeake Beach, 301-802-4027 Six-passenger charter fishing vessel. All tackle and bait provided. Half and all-day charters available. 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. OUTDOOR RECREATION St. Clement’s Island State Park 38370 Point Breeze Rd, Coltons Point, 301-872-5688 http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/stclements.aspx Landing site of the first English settlers in Maryland (1634) at a 40-acre park with tours, fishing, hiking and Blackistone Lighthouse. Dentsville HISTORY & HERITAGE Southern Maryland Studies Center College of Southern Maryland Library Bldg, Rm LR211, 8730 Mitchell Rd, Dentsville, 301-934-7626 ext 7107 www.csmd.edu/community/southern-maryland-studies-center Provides resources with information on slavery, freedom and the culture and development of Southern Maryland from the Colonial period forward. Dowell ARTS & CULTURE Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center 13470 Dowell Rd, Dowell, 410-326-4640 www.annmariegarden.org Gallery with a wooded walking path, exhibits on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, a children’s natural play space, native gardens and artLAB. Drayden HISTORY & HERITAGE Drayden African-American Schoolhouse 18287 Cherryfield Rd, Drayden, 301-994-1471 www.visitstmarysmd.com/site/detail/drayden-african-american-schoolhouse One of the best-preserved schoolhouses (c. 1890) in the country sitting on its original site location and offering interpretive panels. Hollywood HISTORY & HERITAGE Sotterley Plantation 44300 Sotterley Ln, Hollywood, 301-373-2280, 1-800-681-0850 www.sotterley.org Mansion (1703) overlooking the Patuxent with an authentic 1800s slave cabin, Colonial Revival gardens, nature trails and historic buildings; NHL. OUTDOOR RECREATION Greenwell State Park 25450 Rosedale Manor Ln, Rt 245 to Steerhorn Neck Rd, Hollywood, 301-872-5688 http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/greenwell.aspx Home of Greenwell Foundation offering therapeutic riding programs designed for individuals with disabilities. Also offers hiking, canoeing and fishing. Hughesville HISTORY & HERITAGE Camp Stanton Prince Frederick Rd, Hughesville *http://mht.maryland.gov/historicalmarkers/details.aspx?id=rm-297&recnum=6&county=charles%20county Former Union encampment established in 1863 for recruitment/training of black soldiers, some who had recently escaped enslavement. 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. Indian Head ATTRACTIONS Black Box Theatre/Indian Head Center for the Arts 4185 Indian Head Hwy, Indian Head, 301-743-3040 https://www.charlescountymd.gov/locations/indian-head-center-arts-black-box 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 http://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. Purse State Park Rt 224, Riverside Rd, Indian Head, 301-743-7613 www.stateparks.com/purse.html 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. La Plata HISTORY & HERITAGE African-American Heritage House 7485 Crain Hwy, La Plata, 301-609-9099 https://www.charlescountymd.gov/locations/african-american-heritagesociety-charles-county Depicts the life, history and contributions of famous African Americans from Charles County with artifacts from the William D. Diggs collection. La Plata Train Station 101 Kent Ave, La Plata, 301-934-8421 www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/la-plata-mo-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. 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. Leonardtown ATTRACTIONS Port of Leonardtown Winery 23190 Newtowne Neck Rd, Leonardtown, 301-690-2192 www.polwinery.com Agricultural cooperative consisting of 15 vineyards and dedicated to producing the best wines from the best Southern Maryland growers. HISTORY & HERITAGE Old Jail Museum and Tourist Information Center 41625 Courthouse Dr, Leonardtown, 301-475-2467 www.visitstmarysmd.com/activitiesattractions/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. St. Francis Xavier Church 21370 Newtowne Neck Rd, Leonardtown, 301-475-9885 www.stfrancisxavierchurch.org The oldest continually used Catholic church (1731) in the original 13 colonies on more than 700 acres and an example of a selfcontained Jesuit community. Tudor Hall/St. Mary’s County Historical Society 41680 Tudor Pl, Leonardtown, 301-475-2467 www.stmaryshistory.org A Georgian-style house (c. 1744), once the home of Francis Scott Key’s uncle, overlooking Breton Bay with genealogical and historical research center. OUTDOOR RECREATION Breton Bay Golf & Country Club 21935 Society Hill Rd, Leonardtown, 301-475-2300 www.bretonbaygolf.com Golf overlooking the Potomac River. Lexington Park ATTRACTIONS Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and Visitor Center 22156 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park, 301-863-1900 www.paxmuseum.com Museum dedicated to the scientific and technological story of U.S. Naval Aviation research and development with more than 25 aircraft on display. Lusby ATTRACTIONS Cove Point Lighthouse 3500 Lighthouse Blvd, Lusby, 410-326-2042 www.calvertmarinemuseum.com One of the oldest continuously working lighthouses in Maryland (1828) with keeper’s home and tours provided by Calvert Marine Museum; NRHP. Cove Point Winery/Cove Point Vineyard 755 Cove Point Rd, Lusby, 410-326-0949 www.covepointwinery.com 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. OUTDOOR RECREATION Calvert Cliffs State Park 10540 H.G. Trueman Rd, Lusby, 443-975-4360 http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/calvertcliffs.aspx Park with renowned cliffs stretching across 30 miles of Chesapeake shoreline, scenic trails and a treasure trove of 600 known species of fossils. Flag Ponds Nature Park 1525 Flag Ponds Pkwy, Lusby, 410-586-1477 www.co.cal.md.us/flagponds A 545-acre park with forested uplands, wetlands and beaches on three miles of trails, including observation platforms, a boardwalk and fishing pier. Marbury ARTS & CULTURE Mattawoman Creek Art Center 5565 Upham Pl, Smallwood State Park, Marbury, 301-743-5159 www.mattawomanart.org Monthly art exhibits at the scenic waterfront featuring a wide variety of visual arts, illustrated talks, lectures, a gift shop and studio rentals. OUTDOOR RECREATION Smallwood State Park 2750 Sweden Point Rd, Marbury, 301-743-7613 http://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. Site has a marina, camping and tours. 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 1-4 anglers. 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. Newburg HISTORY & HERITAGE Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park 11000 Crain Hwy, Newburg, 301-932-1900 www.mdvets.cc Museum with personalized exhibits dedicated to honoring the lives of those who contributed to America’s freedom and veterans throughout history. North Beach HISTORY & HERITAGE Bayside History Museum 4025 4th St, North Beach, 410-610-5970 www.baysidehistorymuseum.org Museum with local artifacts and photographs of North Beach, information about the Twin Beaches and fossils from John Smith’s expedition. Owings ATTRACTIONS Fridays Creek Winery 3485 Chaneyville Rd, Owings, 410-286-9463 www.fridayscreek.com 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. Scorpion Brewing LLC 929 Skinners Turn Rd Ste 100, Owings, 410-279-9700 www.scorpionbrewing.com Microbrewery focusing on locally-sourced ingredients and experimental beers. Piney Point HISTORY & HERITAGE Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park 44720 Lighthouse Rd, Piney Point, 301-994-1471 www.visitstmarysmd.com/see-do/detail/piney-point-lighthousemuseum-and-historic-park Climb oldest lighthouse on the Potomac, see historic boats and maritime history in the museum, learn about the U1105 Historic Shipwreck Dive Preserve and more. U-1105 Black Panther Historic Shipwreck Preserve 44720 Lighthouse Rd, Piney Point, 301-769-2222 https://mht.maryland.gov/archeology_U1105.shtml Shipwreck in the Potomac. Diving excursions must be pre-arranged. Additional shipwreck information available in Piney Point Lighthouse Museum. Port Tobacco HISTORY & HERITAGE Port Tobacco Courthouse (1819) Off Rt 6 on Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco, 301-392-3418 www.charlescountymd.gov/tobacco-courthouselocations/port- The reconstructed 1819 courthouse and museum containing tobacco and Civil War exhibits with archaeological finds and Colonial-dressed guides on site. Port Tobacco Historic Village-Stagg Hall (1766) 8450 Commerce St, Port Tobacco, 301-392-3418 www.charlescountymd.gov/locations/port-tobacco-courthouse 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. Port Tobacco One-Room School (1872) 7215 Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco, 301-934-9483, 301-934-9483 www.charlescountymd.gov/locations/port-tobacco-one-room-school-house Original one-room town schoolhouse (c. 1872) with period furnishings and offering showings by appointment only. St. Ignatius Catholic Church 8855 Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco, 301-934-8245 www.chapelpoint.org 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 www.nps.gov/thst 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. OUTDOOR RECREATION Chapel Point State Park 8950 Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco, 301-743-7613 http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/chapelpoint.aspx A scenic multi-use park boasting a waterfront with boating, kayaking, hiking, a small beach, swimming and excellent fishing. Prince Frederick ATTRACTIONS Calvert Brewery Company Beer Garden 150 Adelina Rd, Prince Frederick, 240-245-4609 www.calvertbrewingcompany.com Maryland’s first designated farm brewery with a selection of craft brews and beer flights, a beer garden, events and a dedication to pride and quality. Mully’s Brewery 141 Schooner Ln #15, Prince Frederick, 443-968-9426 www.mullysbrewery.com Delicious brews in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy a flight or pint and take some beer to go. Running Hare Vineyard 150 Adelina Rd, Prince Frederick, 410-414-8486 www.runningharevineyard.com Vineyard with award-winning wines, tastings and events and a style reminiscent of the gentle hills of France, the beauty of Tuscany and the feel of Napa. OUTDOOR RECREATION American Chestnut Land Trust 676 Double Oak Rd, Prince Frederick, 410-414-3400 www.acltweb.org Pristine 3,000-acre preserve with 22 miles of hiking trails, including interpretive panels and historic structures, a farm and guided canoe trips. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary 2880 Grays Rd, Prince Frederick, 410-535-5327 www.co.cal.md.us/battlecreek Protected 100-acre sanctuary and home to wildlife, a quarter-mile elevated boardwalk, a 100-ft. canopy of cypress trees and seasonal wildflowers. Ridge ATTRACTIONS Slack Winery 16040 Woodlawn Ln, Ridge, 301-247-8800 www.slackwine.com Winery with fine white, rose 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, 301-247-7887 www.buzzsmarina.com Marina and small campground, dry storage/slips with boat ramps and fishing boats, bait, ice, gas and supplies. Fishing charters available. Point Lookout Marina 16244 Millers Wharf Rd, Ridge, 301-872-5000 www.pointlookoutmarina.com Marina with slips, gas, cabin and bike rentals, an open deck restaurant, a picnic area, pool and picturesque sunsets in scenic Southern Maryland. Scotland OUTDOOR RECREATION Newtowne Neck State Park Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, 301-872-5688 http://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. Point Lookout State Park 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, 301-872-5688 http://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. Solomons Island ATTRACTIONS Calvert Marine Museum 14200 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons Island, 410-326-2042 www.calvertmarinemuseum.com Museum detailing the prehistoric past, natural environments and maritime heritage as well as sharing the unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Biological Lab Visitor Center 200 Farren Ave, Solomons Island, 410-326-7443 www.umces.edu/cbl/outreach Museum about the ecology and natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay and the important contributions to our environmental heritage made by scientists. Drum Point Lighthouse 14200 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons Island, 410-326-2042 www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/199/drum-point-lighthouse An 1883 screwpile, cottage-type lighthouse and museum; one of three remaining icons of its type still situated on the Chesapeake Bay; NRHP. Joseph C. Lore & Sons Oyster House 14430 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons Island, 410-326-2878 www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/191/lore-oyster-house Restored 1934 oyster-packing house with tools and gear used by local watermen, new exhibits and displays on the Maryland Crab and Oyster Trail. Solomons Island Winery 14571 S Solomons Island Rd, Solomons Island, 410-394-1933 www.solomonsislandwinery.com Winery established in July 2004, producing award-winning wines and offering tastings of various specialty wines from orange cream to pumpkin roll. HISTORY & HERITAGE Wm. B. Tennison 14150 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons Island, 410-326-2042 https://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/194/wm-b-tennison An 1899 log-built bugeye sailboat; the oldest Coast Guard-licensed, log-hulled vessel in the U.S. offering one-hour cruises around Solomons Island. OUTDOOR RECREATION Loch Jaw Charter Fishing 255 Lore Rd, Solomons Island, 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. Renegade Beacon Marina, 255 Lore Rd, Solomons Island, 301-449-7111 www.renegade-captainwally.com Charter company offering a lifetime of fishing and boating experience (25+ years) and making half-day to full-day tours around Solomons Island. Spring Cove Marina-Solomons 455 Lore Rd, Solomons Island, 410-326-2161 www.springcovemarina.com Resort marina with full-service boatyard, ship’s store, pool, fuel dock, free shuttle to area restaurants, shops and boat rentals. St. Leonard ATTRACTIONS Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL) 10545 Mackall Rd, St. Leonard, 443-885-5926 www.morgan.edu/pearl Research center expanding the knowledge of nature and inspiring stewardship of the environment with tours and hands-on activities by appointment. Perigeaux Vineyards & Winery 8650 Mackall Rd, St. Leonard, 410-586-2710 www.perigeaux.com 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. HISTORY & HERITAGE Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum 10515 Mackall Rd, St. Leonard, 410-586-8501 www.jefpat.org State museum of archaeology overlooking the Patuxent with picnicking, biking, hiking, a Visitor & Exhibit Center, kayak launch and an Indian Village. OUTDOOR RECREATION Flag Harbor Yacht Haven 1565 Flag Harbor Blvd, St. Leonard, 410-586-1915 www.flagharbor.com Full-service marina and boatyard. St. Mary’s City HISTORY & HERITAGE Historic St. Mary’s City Rt 5 & Rosecroft Rd, Visitor Ctr, 18751 Hogaboom Ln, St. Mary’s City, 240-895-4990, 1-800-762-1634 www.hsmcdigshistory.org Colorful living history and amazing archaeology at Maryland’s first capital. Explore a Colonial plantation, tall ship, a brick chapel and an Indian hamlet. Valley Lee HISTORY & HERITAGE St. George’s Episcopal Church 19167 Poplar Hill Ln, Valley Lee, 301-994-0585 www.stgeorgesvalleylee.org Site of the oldest Episcopal Parish in Maryland that has held continuous services on site since 1638; current church built in 1799. Waldorf HISTORY & HERITAGE The Dr. Mudd House Museum 3725 Dr. Samuel Mudd Rd, off Poplar Hill Rd, Waldorf, 301-645-6870 www.drmudd.org Home of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, who treated President Lincoln’s assassin John Wilkes Booth, offering a Victorian Christmas the first full weekend in Dec. Welcome OUTDOOR RECREATION Goose Bay Marina & Campground 9365 Goose Bay Ln, Welcome, 301-932-0885 www.goosebaymarina.com Marina and campground with boat slips and repairs, bath houses, pump-out, three boat ramps, a swimming pool, fuel dock (gas/diesel), store and groceries. VISITOR SERVICES Leonardtown COUNTY & CITY TOURISM OFFICES Visit St. Mary’s MD 23115 Leonard Hall Dr, Leonardtown, 301-863-1900 ext 2 www.visitstmarysmd.com 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. @VisitStMarysMD See ad on page 1. Newburg COUNTY & CITY TOURISM OFFICES Explore Charles County, Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism Crain Memorial Welcome Center, 12480 Crain Hwy, Newburg, 1-800-766-3386 www.explorecharlescounty.com Will assist you in exploring hundreds of miles of shoreline, abundant park lands and historic and cultural locales. See ad on page 3. WELCOME CENTERS Crain Memorial Welcome Center 12480 Crain Hwy, Newburg, 301-259-2500 www.explorecharlescounty.com Free attractions and activities. Visit the Crain Memorial Welcome Center and pick up free maps and brochures to plan your next adventure. Prince Frederick COUNTY & CITY TOURISM OFFICES Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Office of Tourism 175 Main St, Prince Frederick, 410-535-4583 www.choosecalvert.com 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 35.
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