Staycation somd053014

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A special supplement to Maryland Independent, The Calvert Recorder and The Enterprise www.somdnews.com


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Southern Maryland Staycation 2014


Southern Maryland Staycation 2014

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Southern Maryland summer

Staff photo by MEGAN JOHNSON

Fireworks over Regency Furniture Stadium — home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs — to celebrate Independence Day in 2013.

Spend more time with the family — and less time driving — as you explore what’s just around the corner. Make plans this summer that keep you close to home and ready to enjoy all Southern Maryland has to offer. Here are some to get you started, though the list is endless. Be sure to explore on your own! • Attend a Blue Crabs game. Southern Maryland’s own baseball team plays all summer long — and who can beat the chance to chow down on funnel cake? Fireworks after selected games, too. Check out the team’s schedule for fun theme nights and other activities at www.somdbluecrabs.com. • Visit a winery. Southern Maryland is home to many wineries offering

delicious libations to visitors, and you just might find one you can’t live without. Local spots include Running Hare Vineyard in Prince Frederick; Port of Leonardtown Winery in Leonardtown; Fridays Creek in Owings; and Solomons Island Winery in Solomons. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the Patuxent Wine Trail through Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. Visit www. marylandwine.com/wine-trails-interior/Patuxent-Wine-Trail. • Come to La Plata every Friday throughout the summer for the Summer Concert Series, featuring performances at 7 p.m. on the lawn at La Plata Town Hall. Upcoming shows will feature Four of a Kind, Max Impact, 360 Band and more. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Coolers are permitted and

food is for sale. Visit www.townoflaplata.org. • Walk the Solomons Island boardwalk. Relax with an ice cream cone or duck into nearby shops or restaurants. Lovely views of the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge are offered from the boardwalk, too, and don’t miss a chance to unwind at the nearby Tiki Bar — it’s a local institution. • Visit Sotterley Plantation. A National Historic landmark and a jewel of Southern Maryland, the plantation offers a new guided tour of the 1703 Plantation House and many signature events. Coming up: a Star-Spangled Celebration Concert from 12-7:30 p.m. July 6, featuring live music and fun. Admission at the gate; military free with ID. For more infor-

mation about the site, history, tours, summer mini-camps, education programs, special events, site rentals and more, visit www.sotterley.org or call 301-373-2280. • Play mini golf in White Plains. No vacation — or staycation — is complete without a round or two of miniature golf, a longtime vacation staple. Fun Haven Golf in La Plata offers that and a batting cage, plus a driving range for the talented members of your entourage. It’s easy to make fond memories at sunset, laughing and marveling at how bad your family members play. Form a friendly competition — it’s all in good fun. Visit funhavengolf.com or call 301-609-7858.


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Southern Maryland Staycation 2014

Staff photos by MEGAN JOHNSON

Left, enjoying the fruits of the Chesapeake in Cobb Island. Sunrise at Cove Point Lighthouse in Lusby, above.

• Bask in the beauty of the Chesapeake at Cove Point Lighthouse in Lusby. Acquired by the Calvert Marine Museum in 2000, Cove Point is open to the public daily (unless rented for a private event) from 1-4 p.m. June through August, and open weekends and holidays 1-4 p.m. in May and September. Views are breathtaking. Visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/exhibits/cove-point-lighthouse.php.

• Pick crabs. Marylanders know — and are known for — our seafood. With our proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, be sure to enjoy the fruits of our waters. Many local restaurants offer seafood best enjoyed with friends and the beverage of your choice this summer. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty — your Old Bay seasoning is calling. • Cool down and enjoy the flair of the

1950s at Bert’s 50’s Diner in Mechanicsville. Don’t put off an amazing milkshake experience any longer. Visit berts50sdiner. com. • Check out a farmers’ market for the best of the summer’s bounty. Waldorf, La Plata, Charlotte Hall, California, North Beach, Prince Frederick, Solomons and more host markets offering fresh produce and local items. See full listings at www. marylandsbest.net. • See Thomas Stone National Historic Site in PortTobacco, once home toThomas Stone, prominent lawyer and signer of the Declaration of Independence. With a restored manor house, nature trails and more, the site is a chance to walk through time and appreciate some of Maryland’s early history. The park is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Admission is free. Visit www.nps.gov/thst/. • Calling all radio enthusiasts! The Charles County Amateur Radio Club meets on the first Friday of each month at the Charles County Rescue Squad, 2 Calvert Street, La Plata. Emphasizing the education/technical parts of amateur radio, the club also assists with public service

emergency and non-emergency communications. No license required to come to meetings or become a member, though licenses are required to operate a radio. A friendly group welcoming radio enthusiasts. Visit k3smd.org. • Relive Civil War history at Dr. Samuel Mudd House in Waldorf. Open every Wednesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12-4 p.m., the Dr. Samuel Mudd House has guided tours, a gift shop and more. Visit drmudd.org. • See a car show. Auto enthusiasts meet many weekends (and other days, too!) for shows and a friendly atmosphere, and you can participate with the ride of your choice — or just bring the family for fun. For listings, see Autoline in the Autotrends section, published every Friday in the Maryland Independent, The Enterprise and The Calvert Recorder. • It’s concert time! See the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire, Rescue & EMS’s concert line-up at www.slvfd.org, and check out Calvert Marine Museum’s upcoming shows at calvertmarinemuseum.ticketforce.com.


Southern Maryland Staycation 2014

You worked hard for it! Show that diploma off in a custom frame.

R

Student Instrument Rental Program

Staff photo by MEGAN JOHNSON

Calvert Marine Museum with Drum Point Lighthouse

Point Lighthouse, one of only three lighthouses remaining from the original 45 that served the Chesapeake Bay in the 1900s. Climb to the top (carefully!) on a guided tour for amazing views. Visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com. • Attend a play. Productions put on by local theater groups offer an alternative to television and movies this summer. The Port Tobacco Players perform in La Plata (www.ptplayers.com); the Twin Beach Players in North Beach (twinbeachplayers.com); and the Hard Bargain Players in Accokeek (www. hbplayers.org).

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• Join the Calvert Photography Club. Local photographers of all skill levels — amateur, expert, just-gettingstarted-and-can’t-figure-this-thing-out — meet the third Saturday each month in Prince Frederick to chat, share tips and learn more about taking great photos. Local photo trips are organized, too. All are welcome; no experience required. Visit www.calvertphotographyclub.com. • See the stars with the Astronomy Club of Southern Maryland or the Southern Maryland Astronomical Society, when members gather for discussion and nighttime observations. Discover the wonders of the night sky and learn how to use telescopes and other amateur astronomy gear. For meeting times and more, visit somd-astro. s5.com or www.smas.us. • Take the waters at Ye Coole Springs. Once the site of the first hospital in Maryland, the natural water springs in Charlotte Hall feel like a swampy step back into history. The springs are located directly across from the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home on Charlotte Hall Road. • See Calvert Marine Museum at the mouth of the Patuxent River, a place always brimming with activities and fun. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum is also home to Drum

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Looking for the most Creativ Cr Creative eativee Outlet for your y our children childr en this year y ear for Stay-Cation! Stay-Cation! The St. Mary’s Art Buzz Kids Summer Camp is the perfect program pr ogram progr am to offer your y our children childr en with a fun, educational, and artistic experience that they will not forget. for get. Located conveniently in downtown Leonardtown, MD, this year’s Art Buzz Kids Summer Camp activities take place during the weeks of June 23-27 and July 7-11. W orld - This camp is themed to take your June 23-27: Out of This World children on a galactic adventure with art projects inspired by the cosmos! JJuly uly 7-11: Into the Wild - This camp is themed to bring the essence of nature to your children with art projects inspired by creatures old and new! The cost per child is $200 for the full week w eek or $45 for an individual day. Classes Start at 9am and end at 1pm. Please provide pro vide a bagged lunch for your y our child; howev how ever er we will provide pro vide a light snack! To find out more about Art Buzz Kids Camps or any of our other offerings please call or visit us at:

S t. Mary’s County Wine and Design St.

41610 Fenwick Street • Leonardtown, Maryland, 20650

www.wineanddesignus.com/smc www.facebook.com/wineanddesignsmc

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Southern Maryland Staycation 2014 • Try as you might, it’s hard to resist the gorgeous confections in cases at Charles Street Bakery in La Plata. And since you can’t have a cupcake without coffee, make sure you grab a latte, too. Visit www.facebook.com/charlesstreetbakery. • Visit the Drayden African-American Schoolhouse, still in its original location. Though not open to the public, the schoolhouse can be toured if pre-arranged by the Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park. Visit www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/draydenschool.asp. • View Civil War exhibits and more at the reconstructed Port Tobacco Courthouse in Port Tobacco. • See the Little Red Schoolhouse, also called the Charlotte Hall School, in Colton’s Point. Built in the 19th century, the one-room school has been preserved and is open to visitors during the operating hours of the St. Clement’s Island Museum. Visit www. co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/Littleredschool.asp. • Get out for a walk on the American Chestnut Land Trust, more than 3,000 acres of beautiful preserved land in Calvert County. Guided canoe trips and more are also available. Visit www. acltweb.org. • Rev up those engines — lawn

Art & Computer Camp Journey w/ American Girl Dolls PK4-Elementary Day Camp

SUMMER CAMPS 2014 • Registered with the state of MD • Excellent Facilities • Qualified Counselors and Coaches • Early Registration Discount

Check out our website for details and registration info at www.graceknights.org

Sports Camps including basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, & cheerleading Drama Camp Elementary Gym Games Camp

GRACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

13000 Zekiah Drive Waldorf, MD 20601 301-645-0406 www.graceknights.org Grace Day Camp

• Cost for 1 week • $185 if registered by May 1 • Week 1 – July 7-11• 8 am – 4pm • $215 if registered from May 2-June 1 • Week 2 – July 14-18 • 8 am – 4pm • $245 if registered after June 1 • Week 3 – July 21-25• 8 am – 4pm • PK4-Grade 5: 4 years of age by 9/1/14-entering 5th grade. • Registration must be turned in with non-refundable deposit ($50 per week) to reserve a spot. Full • Before-Care from 7-8am for $40 per week Payment is due before the camp starts. • After-Care from 4-6pm for $70 per week

• Junior Knights Soccer Camp • $85 • July 28-Aug 1 • 8am-12pm • Boys/Girls entering grades 2-6 • Before Care from 7-8am for extra $40 • Knights Soccer Camp • $125 • July 21-25 • 8am-3pm • Boys/Girls entering grades 7-12

Art/Computer Camp • $85 • Week 1: June 23-27 • 12-4pm • Week 2: July 28-Aug 1• 12-4pm • Boys/Girls entering grades 1-6 • After Care from 4-6pm for extra $70 per week Basketball Camps

• Junior Knights Basketball Camp • $85 • June 23-27 • 8am-12pm • Boys/Girls entering grades 2-6 • Before Care from 7-8am for extra $40 • Rising Knights Basketball Camp • $125 • July 7-11 o 8am-3pm • Boys/Girls entering grades 6-9 • Knights Basketball Camp • $125 • July 7-11 • 8am-3pm • July 14-18 • 8am-3pm • Boys entering grades 8-12

Drama Camp

Saturday Morning Samurai Camp Martial Arts Training for the Whole Family

Traditional Japanese Martial Arts Training for the Whole Family!

• Secondary Drama Camp • $150 • June 9-13 o 8am-4pm • Boys/Girls entering grades 6-12

Volleyball Camp

Saturday Morning Samurai Camp is a great opportunity to interact and learn with your children!

• Junior Knights Volleyball Camp • $85 • June 9-13 • 8am-12pm • Boys/Girls entering grades 2-5 • Knights Volleyball Camp • $100 • June 9-13 • 8am-12pm • Girls entering grades 6-12

Southern Maryland Aikido Center

70 Industrial Park Drive, Unit 1B, Waldorf, Maryland • 301-645-6660

Softball Camp • $75

• June 3-6 • 8am-12pm • Girls entering grades 6-12

Journey with American Girl Dolls • $85

• June 9-13 • 12-4pm • Girls entering grades 1-5 • After Care from 4-6pm for extra $70 per week

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Power Camp • $100

• Volleyball, Lacrosse, Soccer & Basketball • June 16-20 • 8:30-12:30 • Boys/Girls ages 8-12 • Check payable to So MD FCA Power Camp 2014 • July 28-Aug 1 • 8am-12pm • Girls entering grades 7-12

Barns & Sh e d s , I n c .

1 6 0 1 0 C ra i n H w y.

Elementary Gym Games Camp • $75 • June 3-6 • 8am-12pm • Boys/Girl entering grades 1-6 • Before Care from 7-8am for extra $40

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Cheerleading Camp • $100

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• Elementary Drama Camp • $75 • June 3-6 • 12-4pm • Boys/Girls entering grades 2-6 • After Care from 4-6 for extra $70

mower engines, that is. Bowles Farms in Clements hosts the 10th Annual St. Mary’s County National Lawn Mower Race this summer. Visit bowlesfarms. com. • Cool down at Edward T. Hall Aquatics Center in Prince Frederick. Facilities include a competition pool with diving boards, a children’s/leisure pool, hot tub, fitness room and more. Visit www.co.cal.md.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/9. • See the labyrinth at All Saints Parish in Sunderland, also home to impressive gardens. Established in 1692, the parish boasts an impressive history. Visit www.allsaints1692.org.

• Saturday Mornings at 9:30 • Individual Children 8-11 years old $35 per month • Bring the entire family for $50 per month! We require an adult to participate with children under 8 years old. • Information at SMDAIKIDO.com or call 301-645-6660

?Registrations must be turned in with payment to reserve a spot Soccer Camps

Staff photo by MEGAN JOHNSON

A partial view of the labyrinth at All Saints Parish.

(North) Brandywine • 301-372-1119 • Toll Free 877-372-1119 www.bestbuiltsheds.net

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Southern Maryland Staycation 2014 • Can’t get enough puppy snuggles or kitty kisses? Kids can participate in summer camps at the Humane Society of Charles County in Waldorf, where campers receive humane education and foster a special appreciation for animals. And if you’re looking for a new addition to your family, well . . . you know where to go. Visit www. humanesocietycc.org. • See a piece of history at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum in Chesapeake Beach, which features train and amusement park exhibits, summer concerts and more. The

museum is located at 4155 Mears Avenue. Visit www.cbrm.org. • See Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Dowell, a place always bursting with life and activity. Maker’s Markets throughout the summer offer handmade, homemade and homegrown products, and Annmarie’s sculpture garden features works on loan from the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden and the National Gallery of Art. Workshops for adults, teens and children offer special skills for artists at every skill level and much more. As you take a relaxing walk

around the grounds, be on the lookout for “tree pops”: hidden gems modeled after master works of art. It’s a scavenger hunt! Visit www.annmariegarden. org. • Partake in the arts at the College of Southern Maryland. CSM’s summer schedule is bursting with concerts and events like their Twilight Performance Series, including performances in La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick. Visit www.csmd.edu/Arts/. • Get a world-famous chocolate éclair at Walls Bakery. No trip through Waldorf is complete without dessert from the place once affectionately known as “The Wigwam.” Open daily at their new location, 2260 Old Wash-

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ington Road, Waldorf, locals speak endlessly of the éclairs that have made the bakery a local institution. Visit www.wigwamwallsbakery.com. • Celebrate the historical, cultural and artistic history of the African American experience at the 11th annual St. Mary’s County Juneteenth African American Heritage Celebration from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 21 at Freedom Park, 1744 S. Coral Place, Lexington Park. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S. A festival for everyone of every culture to enjoy and celebrate. Visit ucaconline.org.

CHESAPEAKE BEACH RAILWAY MUSEUM

P.O. Box 1227 • 4155 Mears Avenue, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732

FREE Children’s Summer Programs

Select Thursdays June - July 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

FREE Summer Concert Series 2nd Tuesday June - September

Weekend Hours Jun - Aug 11:00AM - 5:00PM, Mar, Apr, May & Nov 1:00PM - 4:00PM Weekday Openings Apr - Oct M-F 1:00PM - 4:00PM A tree pop on display at Annmarie Garden. Staff photo by MEGAN JOHNSON

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All other hours by appointment

410.257.3892 - www.cbrm.org

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Southern Maryland Staycation 2014 • Get your fill of food and tunes at the Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival in St. Clement’s Island, held July 12 at the St. Clement’s Island Potomac River Museum in Colton’s Point. Presented by the Friends of the St. Clement’s Island and Piney Point Museums in St. Mary’s County, the festival takes place on the museum lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Jazz groups will perform as vendors offer seafood, desserts and beverages. Proceeds will benefit museum education programs and more, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit www.facebook.com/PotomacJazzandSeafoodFestival. • View fine art at North End Gallery in Leonardtown, where original fine art, jewelry and crafts by local juried artists and artisans are displayed. Visit www. northendgallery.org. • Craving crustaceans? Be sure to attend the St. Mary’s County Crab Festival on June 14, a celebration of St. Mary’s culture and cooking. Expect to find plenty of steamed hard crabs, crab soups and crab cakes, plus entertainment and fun at this family- and petfriendly event. Visit www.stmaryscrabfestival.com. • Climb the oldest lighthouse on the Potomac River — built in 1836 — at Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum & Historic Park in Piney Point, where a six-acre park welcomes visitors to pic-

nic, kayak and enjoy the beach. Visit www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/ museums.asp. • Take a walk on the Indian Head Rail Trail. Stretching 13 miles along a once-abandoned and now converted railroad trail, this path is perfect for walking, jogging and bicycling, and is a great place to enjoy nature, too. The trail connects White Plains and Indian Head and is open dawn to dusk. • Appreciate the arts at Mattawoman Creek Art Center in Smallwood State Park, Marbury. The Art Center is a not-for-profit organization seeking to encourage the practice and appreciation of the visual arts in the Southern Maryland community through their permanent facility for exhibitions, workshop space and much more. Admission is free, though donations are greatly appreciated. For current exhibits, a calendar and more, visit www. mattawomanart.org. • Feel the history at Summerseat Farm, a 127-acre working farm in Mechanicsville with a Queen Annestyle house, outbuildings, barns and gardens. Summerseat also breeds American Buffalo and has other animals, a vineyard and trails. Tables and a gazebo are available for picnickers, and events are also hosted. Visit www.summerseat.org.

NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH Come down to Spinnakers for awesome sunsets and outside waterfront dining!!!

Located at Point Lookout Marina 16244 Millers Wharf Road Ridge, MD 20680

301-872-5020

For menu and special events please visit us on facebook or at

SpinnakersWaterfrontDining.com

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FRIEND US ON FACBOOK OR VISIT US AT SPINNAKERSWATERFRONTDINING.COM FOR HOURS OF OPERATION, SPECIAL EVENTS AND CURRENT MENU

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WEDNESDAY THRU FRIDAY 11AM - 9PM • SATURDAY 7AM - 9PM SUNDAY 8AM - 7PM


Southern Maryland Staycation 2014 • Visit the library! Use your public library’s free resources to plan your road trip, long weekend at home or summer project. From travel guides, audios for the car and beach, gardening and home improvement help, fun kids’ programs and more, your library is the place to discover and learn. Each of three county library branches has free computers and high-speed internet available, as well as plenty of books, DVDs, audios and e-books and play-aways (digital audio players). Regu-

Staff photo by MEGAN JOHNSON

Attendees relax by the water during a River Concert Series event.

lar events and clubs, too. For more information, visit your library’s website: www.cal-

vert.lib.md.us (Calvert); www. ccplonline.org (Charles); or www.stmalib.org (St. Mary’s).

• Enjoy the sounds of the River Concert Series, events held throughout the summer at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The series kicks off June 20, so bring the family and a picnic and relax on the shores of the St. Mary’s River. Get more information and view the summer schedule at www. smcm.edu/riverconcert. • Visit an open house at Point Lookout Lighthouse from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7, July 12 or August 2 in Scotland, Md., where docents from the lighthouse will be on hand to

UNIQUE DAY CAMP Time: 8am-4pm

Dates: June 23-August 22 Closed June 30 - July 4

(Every session will be a new, fun theme) Bi-Weekly field trips to PUMP IT UP/ Special Visitors

THE ULT ULTIMATE IMATE FUN AND FIT FITNE NESS SS CAMP

Our highly trained staff works to provide a fun-filled fitness experience your child will never forget. 1924674

Before & After Care Available (7-8am; 4-5pm)

Ages: 4-12

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answer questions. With donations, the lighthouse is being restored to its state in 1927. Visit www.pllps.org. • Buy local! Flowers, vegetables and fresh fruit are among the many products available at Forrest Hall Farm & Orchard and Avie’s Place, the Forrest Hall Farm Shop in Mechanicsville, where local products are available. Country gifts and souvenirs from local crafters and artists, too. Open seasonally, August through November. Visit www.forresthallfarm.com.

Register in person or by calling

301-396-4934

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

$35 Registration fee per family Space is limited

Cost: $125 per week Location: Unique Sports Academy 109D Post Office Rd, Waldorf, MD

uniquesportsacademy.com


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HICKORY HILLS EAST Townhomes

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Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm • Saturday 10am - 3pm • Sunday 12noon - 3pm

• Get a taste of naval history at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, which conserves and presents the story of the base’s impressive history since World War II. Exhibits include a propulsion display, unmanned aerial vehicles, crew system artifacts, ejection seats, radars, test instrumentation and more. The museum, located at 22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 12-5 p.m. Sundays. Visit paxmuseum.com. • Stock up on good reads at the used bookstore at the La Plata Library. Hardcover and paperback books, audiobooks on CD, music (on CD) and movies on DVD or Blu-Ray donated to the Charles County Public Library are sold at the La Plata Branch every Saturday that the library itself is open. Many genres for both kids and adults make it a family outing, and funds directly benefit our local libraries. Consider bringing donations with you, too. Visit www.ccplonline.org/C4CCPL/index. html. • Visit the St. Mary’s County African American Monument in Lexington Park, which recognizes the significant contributions African Americans and African-American organizations have made to the county. Erected in 2000 and constructed with river stores, it is located at Tulagi Place near Gate

2 of Patuxent River Naval Air Station. • See the St. Clement’s Island Museum in Colton’s Point for a look at Maryland’s earliest history and artifacts telling the story of life on the Potomac River centuries ago. • Start scootin’ with the Southern Maryland Boot Scooters, a group that offers free line dancing lessons and gives performances. Practices and lessons are conducted Wednesday evenings in Hughesville. For more information and a schedule, visit www. bootscootersofsomd.blogspot.com. • Square dance more your style? Get moving with the Aqua Square Dancers, a group that meets at the Southern Community Center in Lusby. Visit www.aquasquaredancers.org. • Have a novel brewing inside you, or want tips on how to cultivate your literary sensibilities? Join a local writer’s group like Writers By the Bay, which meets at the Calvert Library in Prince Frederick for “critique and camaraderie.” Visit calvert.lib.md.us/ writing.html. • Snapping photos in or around St. Mary’s County? The St. Mary’s County Camera Club meets often for workshops, competitions, photo talk and more. Visit www.smccc.org.


Southern Maryland Staycation 2014

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Page 12 Southern Maryland Staycation 2014

Sunset scenes in Jefferson Patterson Park. Staff photos by MEGAN JOHNSON

• Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum boasts more than 70 identified archeological sites and is a place “full of secrets waiting to be unearthed.” Hike miles of trails, explore interactive exhibits, see the sandy shoreline or check out events happening frequently at the park. Visit www.jefpat.org. • Camps and family activities happen often at Greenwell State Park in Hollywood — and horse lovers, don’t miss their equestrian programs. The site also hosts Sundays in the Park on the second Sunday of every month — a family-friendly event where the community is welcomed to visit historic Rosedale Manor. Self-guided tours of the manor house available. Visit www. greenwellfoundation.org.

• Swing and a miss? Not in Southern Maryland. Visit Wicomico Shores Golf Course (www.co.saint-marys. md.us/recreate/golfcourse.asp) in Mechanicsville, where you can play a round of golf with friends and enjoy the scenery. Other local golfing locales include Twin Shields Golf Club in Dunkirk (twinshields.com), Mellomar Golf Park in Owings (www.mellomar. com), Chesapeake Hills Golf Course in Lusby (www.co.cal.md.us/index. aspx?nid=422), Hawthorne Country Club in La Plata (www.thehawthornecountryclub.com) and Swan Point Yacht & Country Club in Swan Point (www.swanpointgolf.com). • If you’ve got a taste for oysters, why not “pick” your own? Circle C

Oyster Ranch in Dameron, an aquaculture farm, allows visitors to watch or assist in harvesting oysters from floats at St. Jerome’s Bay. Bring your own cooler and ice. Visit www.oysterranching.com. • Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? It doesn’t get much richer and creamier than a stop at Carvel in La Plata, offering delicious treats with a delightfully retro interior. Perfect for cooling off on a warm day — and don’t forget the sprinkles. • Craving collectibles? Head to the Maryland Antique Center in Leonardtown for great jewelry, art, linen, furniture finds and more. Visit marylandantiquecenter.com. • Grab your tents, flashlights and

canteens for camping fun at Cedarville State Forest, Goose Bay Marina and Campground and other local accommodations. A great way to get in touch with nature! • Visit Chesapeake Beach Water Park for family fun and plenty of splashing. Summer events include swim lessons, Character Days, night slides and more. Visit www.chesapeakebeachwaterpark.com. • Check out O’Donnell Lake in Waldorf for the Sunset Concert Festival and Farmers’ Market, happening every Friday at 7 p.m. through August 29. See the summer schedule and more at www.stcharlesmd.com/ summer-concert-series.html.


Southern Maryland Staycation 2014

SUMMER CAMPS SINCE 2005! AGES 6-12 CALVARY GOSPEL CHURCH

BOTH FUN AND EDUCATIONAL! • Six Flags Theme Park • Six Flags Water Park • Swimming • Museums • Parks • Ball Games • Skating • Pump It Up • and More!

EDUCATIONAL THEMES CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

FACILITIES INCLUDE UNIVERSITY-SIZED GYMNASIUM, COMMERCIAL KITCHEN & BANQUET HALL

$215 FEE IS ALL-INCLUSIVE Discounts For Family Members. If Your Child Attends 3 Weeks Or More, Receive a $20 Per Week Rebate At The End Of Summer! To register stop by our office or download application at www.calvarygospel.org, croland@calvarygospel.org

4580 Crain Hwy, White Plains, MD 20695

1923098

CALVARY GOSPEL CHURCH FAMILY LIFE CENTER 11150 BERRY ROAD WALDORF, MD 20603

301-843-5588 WWW.CALVARY GOSPEL.ORG

(301) 392-1770

1923798

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Page 14 Southern Maryland Staycation 2014 • In the mood for biking or kayaking? Rent equipment from Patuxent Adventure Center in Solomons, Southern Maryland’s local outdoors store. Visit www.paxadventure.com. • It’s easy to cool down when you’re on ice. Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf offers ice skating sessions, rock climbing and much more, plus has World Gym Express and Jazzercise on site. Perfect for shaping up before the beach! Visit www.capitalclubhouse.com. • Don’t strike out! Lord Calvert Bowling Center offers bowling fun, food, karaoke and more at 2275 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown. Visit www.lordcalvertbowling.com. • Visit Historic St. Mary’s City, which hosts a wide variety of events, workshops, children’s programs and lectures all summer long. Step onboard a tall ship, play colonial games and wander through an Indian witchott. The plantation household will show you what’s growing in the kitchen garden and introduce you to heirloom livestock. Find out how archaeologists and historians piece together the past to reveal this colony’s remarkable legacy of democracy and toleration. Visit www.hsmcdigshistory.org. • It’s always teatime at the Royal Tea Room in La Plata. With a full menu, Staff photos by MEGAN JOHNSON charming atmosphere and gift shop, Walking on and near the Leonardtown Wharf, which features a boardwalk and more each summer. visitors are treated to a special ambiance and scrumptious meals. Call 301and all with the thrill of the hunt! Chesapeake Auc- Located at 110 Solomon’s Island Road, the gallery is 392-1111. tion House in St. Leonard holds an auction Fridays open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. • Take a peaceful walk along the Leonardtown at 6 p.m. and on some Saturdays and Sundays. Visit www.calvartgallery.org. Wharf, enjoying the boardwalk and lovely water • Fulfill your need for speed at Maryland Interviews. When you’re ready, walk back up the hill to Browse their schedule, inventory and hours by visitnational Raceway in Budds Creek, featuring worlddowntown Leonardtown for lunch at one of several ing www.chesapeakemarketplace.com. • Feel artsy at calvART Gallery, which features class championship drag racing on Fridays, Saturnearby restaurants. • Furniture, artwork and much, much more — local artists, galleries and events in Prince Frederick. days and Sundays. Visit www.mirdrag.com.


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Fresh items for sale at the Amish market in Charlotte Hall. Staff photos by MEGAN JOHNSON

• An Amish Farmers’ Market is held Monday through Saturday in front of the St. Mary’s County Library in Charlotte Hall. Get there early and shop for fresh local items, flowers, baked goods and more. • Don’t miss Leonardtown First Fridays, when the town’s art galleries, restaurants, cafes, gift shops, antique shops, bookstores and more open their doors to showcase local artists and/or serve specials at their establishments. The town hosts a free evening of art, entertainment and specials where people gather to enjoy local art, the company of others and wine. Visit www.leonardtownfirstfridays.com. • Check out county history and a cannon from The Ark, one of two

ships that first brought colonists to Maryland’s fair shores, at the Old Jail Museum and Visitor Information Center in Leonardtown. Downstairs, the jail keeper’s quarters are home to artifacts relating county history. For operating hours and additional information, visit www.stmaryshistory.org. • Warm and inviting, The Coffee Quarter Roastery in California’s San Souci Plaza roasts its own imported beans and delivers fine treats as well. Visit www.coffeequarter.com. • Always wanted to feel the wind at your back? Take sailing lessons with Sail Solomons this summer. Luxury yacht charters and a sailing club are available, too. Visit www.sailsi.com. • If bluegrass music and home-

cooked food aren’t enough to woo you, maybe the antique cars, crafts and fun will. Check out Lil’ Margaret’s Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival happening August 7-9 at Goddard Farm, 21810 Clay Hill Road, Leonardtown. This family-style event will feature a concert area under a permanent pavilion — bring your favorite lawn chairs! Food, home-cooked meals, drinks and ice will be available on the grounds. Visit lilmargaretsbluegrass. com. • See the smallest federal cemetery in the nation, marked in St. Inigoes by the USS Tulip Monument. Union troops established a refueling facility here for gunboats patrolling the Potomac during the Civil War. On Nov.

11, 1864, the USS Tulip departed from this facility and exploded, killing 47 of 57 men aboard instantly. Of the 10 survivors, two later succumbed to their injuries. • Want a water view of St. Mary’s County? Take a boat tour! Fish the Bay Charters, based in Dameron, offers scenic cruises, off-shore lighthouse photo opportunities, fishing charters and more. Visit mdcharterfishing. com. Check out other chances to get on the water with Smith Island Cruises (smithislandcruises.com), too. List compiled by Megan Johnson


Page 16 Southern Maryland Staycation 2014

ALL-IN-ONE OUTDOOR STORE ST ORE

3256 LEONARDTOWN RD, WALDORF

OFFICIAL BOY/GIRL SCOUT DEALER

301-645-0077

$

10 OFF Any Item Over $50 With this coupon.

Not valid with any other offers, sale items or Scout items. Expires 06/28/14

$

5 OFF Any Item Over $10 With this coupon.

Not valid with any other offers, sale items or Scout items. Expires 06/28/14

$

10 OFF work boots $50 Or more With this coupon.

Not valid with any other offers, sale items or Scout items. Expires 06/28/14 1924672

Thomas Stone National Historic Site welcomes visitors in Port Tobacco. Staff photos by MEGAN JOHNSON


Southern Maryland Staycation 2014

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Page 18 Southern Maryland Staycation 2014

2014 was the summer of . . . •


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St. John’s School CATHOLIC IDENTITY • ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE • STEM STEWARDSHIP • EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES • BAND SPORTS CLUBS • ROBOTICS • TECHNOLOGY • PRAYER FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION • SERVICE LIFETIME OF LEARNING • FUTURE OF FAITH • COMMUNITY

43900 St. John’s Road Hollywood, Maryland 20636

www.sjshollywood.org

1917199

301.373.2142


Page 20 Southern Maryland Staycation 2014

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