Breezes wash over Solomons, nudging leaves on sturdy old trees shading neighborhoods and enticing sailors out of their slips with the promise of gently billowed mainsails. Formerly an island attached to the mainland in 1870 via a bridge built atop oyster shells, Solomons and its residents have long been linked to the Chesapeake. Once a seafood packing house supported the local economy, but now tourism is its mainstay. The town remains a fishing village (recreational and commercial) but it's also a place to escape and learn about the Bay's past, present and future.
Things to see and do: Less than 1.5 miles long, the town has a single two-lane road traveling its entire distance. At the northern end sits the Calvert Marine Museum, dedicated to local Bay life. Exhibition Hall explores marine history, prehistory and estuarine biology in addition to chronicling regional heritage. The Bay's birth and the formation of nearby Calvert Cliffs are explained in Paleontology Hall and in the exhibit "Treasures from the Cliffs: Exploring Marine Fossils." A maritime history exhibit tells the Patuxent's story; fish and animals indigenous to Southern Maryland are the focus of Estuarine Hall. Young children will be captivated by the Discovery Room's hands-on activities, such as digging for fossils, meeting the inhabitants of a touch tank and donning watermen's clothes.
Outside, a pair of river otters delight onlookers and a raised walkway provides a perfect vantage point for observing the life that flourishes in fresh and salt water marshes. Behind the marshes, the refurbished Drum Point Lighthouse offers a window into the life of its keepers. The 1899 bugeye Wm. B. Tennison, the oldest Coast Guard-licensed passenger vessel on the Bay, still embarks for cruises (May through October). Other traditional Bay-built wooden boats are docked or displayed and a wood-carving shop features demonstrations. One half mile south of the museum gate, the off-campus J.C. Lore Oyster House (which operated from 1888 to 1978) displays artifacts from the local seafood and boatbuilding industries.
Follow Riverwalk, the wooden promenade, towards the south end of town where you'll find the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, a University of Maryland facility that does extensive estuarine research. At the welcome center on the edge of the CBL campus, exhibits, an aquarium and a video give visitors an overview of the researchers' work; 90-minute tours of the labs are offered Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m. (The welcome center is closed on Mondays.)
Although visitors can easily stroll downtown Solomons, there are other enjoyable ways to explore this popular Southern Maryland destination and its environs, including renting Segways, electric cars, bicycles and kayaks. Rentals are available at Island Time Rental (410-326-8463), which also provides local taxi service in the evenings. The service is free but tips are appreciated. Use rental transportation to visit peaceful Annemarie Garden, an outdoor sculpture park and arts center located about three miles north of town along St. John Creek. The garden features an exhibit gallery and a paved path that meanders through the forested sculpture park.
Solomons is located near some of the most bountiful fishing grounds on the Bay and experienced charter captains are ready to take you there. You can also try your luck from shore by dropping a line off the fishing pier at Riverwalk.
Shopping: Many of the town's small cottages have been converted into unique gift and clothing stores. Other chic shops and ship's stores are tucked into marina grounds. If you need to restock the galley, head to the north edge of town where you'll find fresh seafood, convenience stores and Woodburn's, a gourmet market offering an extensive array of foods, prepared entrees and fresh coffee. Nearby supermarkets are about a mile farther north.
Dining: Solomons has the distinction of occupying a narrow strip of real estate within close proximity to fine fishing. This translates into panoramic views of the Patuxent River or Back Creek from most restaurants and fresh seafood as a menu staple. Upscale: CD Cafe (Continental cuisine) and its Next Door Lounge (light fare), DiGiovanni's Dock of the Bay (Italian seafood), the Dry Dock at Zahniser's Yachting Center (seafood and steaks) and Vincenzo's at Calvert Marina (Italian). Casual: Boomerangs Original Ribs, Calypso Bay Raw Bar, Captain's Table (seafood, family fare), Catamarans (seafood and steaks), China Harbor (seafood), Four Winds Cafe at Calvert Marina (sandwiches, soups, salads), Great American Grill at the Hilton Garden Inn Solomons, the Grill Sergeant (barbecue at the famous Tiki Bar), Isaac's at the Holiday Inn Select, Jerry's Subs, Jethro's (barbecue), the Naughty Gull (seafood and steaks), Solomons Pier (oyster bar and restaurant), Stoney's Kingfishers Seafood House (a branch of the Broomes Island eatery famed for its crabcakes). Indulgences: Annie's Ice Cream, Cone Island and Kim's Key Lime Pies and Coffee Shop.
Special happenings: The Calvert Marine Museum celebrates the first Friday of the month by offering free admission and hosting a variety of special events. Its Waterside Concert Series features performances throughout the summer by the likes of ZZ Top, Kenny Loggins, Willie Nelson and Smokey Robinson. (For a concert schedule, visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.) The town's busy calendar of events includes: in May, the Solomons Maritime Festival celebrating Southern Maryland traditions (antique boat and marine engine show, Bay food, music and cultural activities); in July, fireworks for the Fourth, Sharkfest! at the Maritime Museum and the Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge Regatta; in September, the Calvert Waterman's Day Festival (with lots of seafood), the West Marine Trawler Fest and Annemarie Garden's Artsfest; in October, the gala Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) celebrates the river and its impact on the area (music, boat rides, arts and crafts, children's activities).
Information: Calvert County tourism, 800-331-9771; www.calvertcountymd.us. Solomons Visitor Information Center; www.sba.solomons.md.us, 410-326-6027.
