COASTAL PURSUITS While in Southern Maryland, take to the bay aboard a Waterman’s Heritage Tour. A day on the Chesapeake Bay with an experienced waterman is a must for seafood lovers, history buffs, naturalists, and anyone intrigued by this historic Maryland lifestyle. The boat captains in this consortium offer everything from crabbing adventures with trotlines and crab pots, to scenic kayak tours, photography trips, sunset sails, and traditional skipjack charters. Many can be customized to your interests, whether you’d like to visit the lighthouses of the Southern Bay, battlefields of the War of 1812, oyster seeding beds, or simply relax on the water and take home some crabs. Tours range from a two to three hour cruise to full-day charters and weekend packages. On land (barely) are stunning bayfront beaches. North Beach, Chesapeake Beach—home to the largest charter fleet on the bay—and the surrounding communities offer inns and vacation rentals for relaxation in any season. There’s sandy North Beach, Chesapeake Beach Water Park, and the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail, frequented by both joggers and stroller pushers. The area is also home to a couple of great museums. The Bayside History Museum’s exhibits include everything from paleontological and archaeological finds to a reproduction carousel from the old Chesapeake Beach Amusement Park and the original jukebox from Uncle Billie’s, a North Beach hot spot in the 1940s and ‘50s. With a reservation, you can take your young surfer or skateboarder to see the vintage boards and other displays at Bruce “Snake” Gabrielson’s Surf Art Museum. It’s a straight shot “from the White House to the lighthouse” as Washington, D.C.’s Pennsylvania Avenue turns into Maryland Route 4—delivering drivers to Solomons Island in less than an hour-and-a-half. In addition to its marinas and boardwalk, Solomons Island is the home of the Calvert Marine Museum (and its adorable otters), the Annmarie Sculpture Garden, and a number of fine waterfront seafood joints. Environmentalists young and old will enjoy the exhibits at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, highlighting the health of the bay. For some travelers, it’s all about the sunset. Leonardtown Wharf Park has got those sunset seekers covered, whether on land or from a rented kayak or stand up paddleboard. Home to Southern Maryland’s only Arts & Entertainment District, a winery, and terrific restaurants, Leonardtown hosts many a reunion and girls getaway. Plan your trip to coincide with events such as the summertime Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival or the National Oyster Shucking Championship, which takes place along with the U.S. Oyster Festival each October. North Beach @ceelowphotographs Annmarie Sculpture Garden @austinkgraff Find more things to do in Southern Maryland online at: visitmaryland.org/regions-cities/southern-maryland Photo: (left page) Mallows Bay Kayak Tour (Sarah Reardon) SOUTHERN MARYLAND / 91
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2022 Maryland Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 91
