SOUTHERN MARYLAND Eat & Drink A family affair, Jerry’s Place in Prince Frederick is known for its inviting atmosphere, warm service and mouthwatering menu of Maryland-style seafood—crab cakes, of course, but also soft-shell crabs and fresh-caught local fish during the summer months. See & Do Mechanicsville is the epicenter of Maryland motor sports, and is home to three venues. Drag racers burn rubber at the Maryland International Raceway, stock cars hit the turn (and demolition derby cars hit each other) at the Potomac Speedway, and Budds Creek Motocross Park hosts high-flying, dirt-flinging motocross. Savor the Seafood at Jerry’s Place Hear the Roar of Mechanicsville Motorsports Annmarie Sculpture Garden, Dowell has been called America’s most haunted place. Ghost tours in October fill up fast, so reserve ahead for a spooky good time. and all that’s left is their fossilized teeth (and a reconstructed skeleton at the Calvert Marine Museum). Beachcombers often find fossilized remains of aquatic creatures that dwelled here long before we did. A one-stop shop for groceries and sundries, plus fried chicken and stuffed ham regarded among the best in the county—high praise indeed in Southern Maryland, where standards are high and competition is fierce. Relish Maryland Cooking at Chaptico Market Join the Party at Vera’s Beach Club Point Lookout State Park, on the southern tip of St. Mary’s County, is well known for its amazing fishing and crystal-clear skies. But it’s also home to a Civil War prison that Explore One of the Civil War’s Most Haunted Sites Hunt for Fossils at Calvert Cliffs Fifty-foot-long sharks in the bay? Yes, but fortunately that was millions of years ago Marvel at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park, Piney Point Plantings enhance the sculptures in this stunning 30-acre Smithsonian-affiliated celebration of beauty from man and nature. The dramatic, bi-level art building houses additional works and classes. A children’s garden entertains and informs the youngsters. It’s always a party at this award-winning restaurant and al fresco bar overlooking a bustling marina. Bands fill an outdoor stage on weekends, lodging is available in an eclectic onsite villa, and there’s a shuttle service for patrons within 15 miles. Trace History at the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum At this 560-acre park, archaeological sites document 9,000 years of human occupation. Explore the reconstructed Indian Village or learn about the War of 1812 on an interpretive trail. Interested in seeing how wooden boats are made? The Calvert Marine Museum houses a wood carving shop and a small craft building that highlights 20 small crafts including a dugout canoe. See Shipbuilding in Action at the Calvert Marine Museum PHOTO: ST. MARY’S COUNTY Plan a trip on a head boat or board a local charter out of Scotland, Ridge or Dameron for a day of rockfishing. Or stroll the Leonardtown Wharf and rent a kayak from the Patuxent Adventure Center to explore Breton Book Passage for Fun 108 ✥ VISITMARYLAND.ORG | 1-877-333-4455
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2017: Page 108
