2018 Discover St. Mary's County Visitors' Guide - 19

SCENIC PLEASURES, HIDDEN TREASURES
Each of our communities has its own character and
is worth exploring. Here are some itineraries that
combine scenic pleasures and hidden treasures.

ST. MARY'S NORTH COUNTY
Charlotte Hall, Golden Beach, Sandgates, Budds Creek, Wicomico Shores,
Mechanicsville, Loveville, Helen, Morganza, Oakville

The historic section of Charlotte Hall just off of Route 5 is home to the Charlotte
Hall Veterans' Home. This site was once Maryland's oldest military academy. Here
you'll find Ye Coole Springs, the Three Notch Trail (see page 29) and the seasonal
Amish market located at the Charlotte Hall Library. It's a great place to pick up
local produce and baked goods. Route 236 winds through Amish country to Budds
Creek, home to three major motor sports venues and the Wicomico Golf Club with
greens along the Potomac River.

The area boasts several water-side seafood restaurants. National brand hotels and
restaurants are clustered along Route 235 approaching Lexington Park and the
Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum is located
just outside its gate. The Monument to African-American Contributions, the U.S.
Colored Troops Memorial and the Three Notch Community Theater are nearby.

LOWER POTOMAC AREA
Valley Lee, Drayden, Piney Point, St. George Island, Tall Timbers

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVENTH
Chaptico, Bushwood, Avenue, Abell, Coltons Point, St. Clement's Island,
Maddox, Oakley, Dynard, Avenue

St. Clement's Island is where colonists landed in 1634 proclaiming the land as
"Terra Mariae," or "Maryland." The St. Clement's Island Museum tells this story.
The island is now a state park accessible by boat or seasonal water taxi. Tour Blackistone Lighthouse and view the cross commemorating the first landing. Several
agri-tourism sites, tiny Morris Point Restaurant, plus scenic back roads make a
visit to the area a worthwhile adventure. Chaptico's Christ Church was vandalized
during the War of 1812, but today, stands postcard perfect. You'll also find some
classic country stores in the Seventh.

PATUXENT-CHESAPEAKE CORRIDOR
Hollywood, California, Lexington Park, Patuxent River Naval Air Station,
Great Mills

On the east side of the St. Mary's Peninsula along the Patuxent River you'll discover lots of variety. This is home to the Grande Dame of 18th-century Maryland,
Sotterley Plantation, as well as Greenwell State Park with its many hiking trails.

The area features campgrounds, marinas, several restaurants and a boutique resort
hotel. The Merchant Marines Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training is located in
Piney Point. Piney Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Potomac, is now
a museum and lies at the end of gazebo-lined Lighthouse Road. St. George Island
at the mouth of the St. Mary's River is separated from the mainland by a narrow
strip of water. This traditional fishing community now has vacation homes set
amidst beach grass. The area is great for paddling. For back-road explorers, check
out Drayden African-American Schoolhouse.

ST. MARY'S SOUTH COUNTY
St. Mary's City, St. Inigoes, Ridge, Scotland, Point Lookout, Dameron,
Park Hall

Route 5 and Route 235 converge in "South County" at the tip of the St. Mary's
Peninsula. St. Mary's College of Maryland and Historic St. Mary's City share a
tranquil spot along the St. Mary's River. St. Mary's City was Maryland's original
settlement and is now an outdoor living history museum. The area offers seafood
restaurants, marinas and charter fishing plus bed & breakfasts. Woodlawn FarmSlack Winery is the state's only B&B and winery. Point Lookout State Park is a
favorite for fishing and camping. The flat terrain makes South County a great place
to cycle-this is the end point of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
VisitStMarysMd.com

http://www.VisitStMarysMd.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2018 Discover St. Mary's County Visitors' Guide