Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Day Tripping to St. Mary's County, MD in Winter

Sun
Water 
Fishing 
Boating 
Sailing 
Crabbing 
Kayaking 
Swimming 
Fishing Charters 
Golf
UNLESS 
It's winter... 
Then what do you do when it's winter? 

St. Mary's County, MD

Clearly St. Mary's County in Maryland is a summer destination, 
but with the PAX River NAVAIR base drawing people in, 
you would think there would be more winter happenings. 

St. Mary's County, MD

Our soccer boy 
turned PSU Nittany Lion
is now a Maryland crab, 
so to speak. 
He lives in St. Mary's County. 

The Front Porch Restaurant, Leonardtown, St. Mary's County, MD

We visited one winter weekend - 
although it was almost 60 degrees! 
If you find yourself visiting in winter, 
here is what you need to know...
cause their tourist info is sadly lacking. 

St Mary's County is divided into 6 communities. 


Obviously being surrounded by water 
you can take advantage of the scenic views 
at any of the wharfs, landings, or marinas.  

And then visit...

South County

11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687

Civil War Museum, Ft Lincoln, Lighthouse, Confederate Cemetery and Memorial
All are small attractions and only open to walk around in winter.
As of 2/2020 the lighthouse is under renovations
 and is not accessible. 

Point Lookout, St. Mary's County, MD

18751 Hogaboom Lane, Visitor Center, St. Mary’s CityMD 20686 (240) 895-4990 or (800) 762-1634
You can walk the grounds in winter. 
17th c living history with building reproductions on 800 acres.

The Maryland Dove, Historic St Mary's City

Lower Potomac Area
Open Daily 12-4, when closed you can walk the 6 acre grounds and pier. 

Piney Point Lighthouse


18287 Cherryfield RoadDraydenMD 20630 (301) 994-1471
You can peek in the windows but to go inside you need to arrange a tour.
Drayden African American Schoolhouse

Patuxent-Chesapeake Corridor 
This is where the military base is located. 
We were able to get a tour by our son since he is employed there. 

Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and Visitor Center
22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653 (301) 863-1900

Escape From the Past: Southern Maryland’s Orignal Escape Room
22595 Three Notch Road, California, MD 20619 (301) 247-1721

Historic Sotterley Grounds only Nov - Apr.
44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636 (301) 373-2280

Leonardtown Area
Leonardtown is a historic town and County Seat of St Mary's County
located around a town square just up from a public wharf. 
It seems to be leaning mostly toward the arts offering 
art classes and related shopping opportunities. 
It makes a nice place to walk around and have lunch. 
We enjoyed Sunday brunch at The Front Porch. 

Leonardtown Wharf Park

Leonardtown Wharf Park (free access)
22510 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650 (301) 475-9791 

Leonardtown Walking Tour Map

Tudor Hall
41680 Tudor Place, Leonardtown, MD 20650 (301) 475-2467

Old Jail Museum, Leonardtown, MD

Old Jail Museum (Closed winters but walk by this and the courthouse.)
11 Courthouse Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650 (301) 475-2467

Escape Rooms Southern Maryland
22715 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650 (301) 690-0704

Seventh District Area
Hmmm...I couldn't find anything to do here.


North Country
Amish moved from Lancaster, PA to this region. 
You can take a scenic ride through the countryside
and watch for the Amish horse and buggies. 

Since we live near Lancaster, PA
I can see the Amish farms anytime. 
So we didn't venture into North Country. 

Really, that's all I can find. 
Let me know if you know of something more to do here in winter.  

Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge, Maryland

I'm saving the best for last. 
But you need to cross the bridge into Calvert County 
 onto Solomon's Island. 

The Pier Restaurant at Solomon's Island, Calvert County, MD

Solomon's Island, Calvert County 
This popular weekend destination is a happening spot even in winter, 
except for the tiki bar which I hear is the place to be in summer.
In winter about 75% of the parking spaces on Main Street were full. 

Drum Point Lighthouse, Solomon's Island, Maryland

Calvert Marine Museum and Drum Point Lighthouse  $
14200 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, MD 20688 410-326-2042


We enjoyed dinner at The Pier Restaurant 
on the water as the sun was setting. 
We all had their delicious crab cakes, 
skip the side salad though, it was boring. 

We stayed at the Holiday Inn
since my husband had enough points for a free night. 
The HI is a 9 acre waterfront property with a marina. 

Hidden Harbor, Solomon's Island, Calvert Co, Maryland

Click here for more of my images from St Mary's County, MD.

If you go....
You may find this interactive map helpful in planning your trip. 

Image result for st mary’s county md map
Maryland Counties highlighting St. Mary's County. 


4 comments:

Tamar SB said...

What a beautiful place to spend a day!

MadSnapper said...

well we know what a photographer can do in winter. wow and wow and wow again. Awesome photos. trying to pick a favorite is hard to do, but I think the choice is drum point lighthouse. piney point is a close 2nd. and I want to sit on the porch

likeschocolate said...

It looks like a lovely outing!

Kadie said...

Wow! Just wow! These are absolutely amazing and beautiful. For some reasons the picture of the old classroom just speaks to me. I love taking pictures of old schools.

Kirsten | A Story About A Girl