SOUTHERN MARYLAND 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 Time for Happy Hour at the Beach than 40 wines, boutique beers and traditional cocktails are just some of the offerings found within this quaint building dating back to the 1850s. 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. See & Do: Thirteen Authentic Maryland Experiences Visit the State’s First Capital CHARLES La Plata CALVERT Prince Frederick 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. 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. ST. MARY’S Leonardtown The Front Porch inside the Sterling House hosts an intimate, relaxed restaurant that serves up Southern coastal cuisine in historic downtown Leonardtown. Local burgers, fried chicken dinners, pork belly BLTs, more Dine & Unwind at The Front Porch 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 Stroll through Classic Bay Scenery bay scenery along the trail. 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. 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. Hang with Otters at the Marine Museum The Front Porch, Leonardtown 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 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. Touch Down at NAS Pax River 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 92 ✥ VISITMARYLAND.ORG | 1-877-209-5883
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 92
