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NOTE: The descriptions of the places in this guide were accurate at the time the articles were posted. Please be advised that you should call ahead before traveling to any of them. |
Solomons Island, MD - Good Things Come In Small PackagesBy: Michelle
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Solomons
Island, MD is located on Rt. 2 in Calvert County where the Patuxant River
meets the Chesapeake Bay. This tiny harbor village, established in 1867,
is separated from the "mainland" of Solomons, MD by only a mere
23 ft long causeway but crossing it is like stepping into a mini-resort
paradise. Your real adventure, however, begins even before you reach the
island when your route takes you over Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge on
Rt. 4. This bridge, connecting Calvert and St. Mary's County, is over
140 feet high with only a jersey wall separating you from the 120 foot
deep Patuxant River below. If the height and the view weren't enough to
get your adrenalin pumping, the occasional crosswinds blowing across your
path will definitely get your attention. 
The
island may be small, scarcely over a mile long, but from the moment you
park your bike (ample public parking is available), you will find an abundant
list of activities all within a short walking distance: fishing and crabbing
along the pier, boating, cruising, shopping, dining, or just leisurely
walking along the Solomons Riverwalk. The island has many restaurants
and bars that feature live entertainment, music and dancing. 
Solomons
Island is also home to the infamous Tiki Bar, an open air bar whose annual
reopening in mid-April has come to symbolize the unofficial beginning
of the season to thousands of visitors who flock from near and far to
celebrate the event. A recommended place to eat is The Wharf whose reasonably
priced fare includes a fried catfish sandwich, which is quite tasty. There
are also several inns and bed & breakfasts conveniently nearby should
you decide to stay the night. To learn of all the possibilities it is
recommended that you begin by paying a visit to the Solomons Information
Center. 
In
addition to recreational activities, the island includes educational attractions
as well including the J.C. Lore & Sons Oyster House. This historical
building was actually built on a huge pile of oyster shells that had been
discarded over the years and was an operating packing house until it closed
in 1978 due to the sudden decline in the number of fish and marine life
available. Today it has been preserved as a museum dedicated to the history
of the fishing, clamming, crabbing, oystering and eeling industries that
began booming in the area in the late 1880s and virtually became nonexistent
in the early 1970's. 
Another
educational attraction is the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. Here you
can learn about what is being done to protect the remaining marine life
in the area that is threatened by the ever growing human population moving
into the area and over-harvesting. You can also learn what you can do
to help "save the bay". Admission to both the Oyster House and
the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory is free.
A
great place to visit within a half-mile of the island is the Calvert Marine
Museum and Drum Point Lighthouse - a fully restored cottage-style light
house that served the bay in the early 1900's. The museum itself contains
a collection of Chesapeake Bay Small Crafts such as canoes, skiffs and
workboats. Through its many aquatic and historical exhibits you can learn
of the life and history of the region. You can also get a first hand glimpse
of the variety of life in the area while strolling along the Marsh Walk.
Special activities at the museum include the Waterside Music Festival
in May, Sharkfest in July, and Solomons Christmas Walk in December.
If
it is serenity you seek, Annmarie Garden is located just a few miles north
in Solomons, MD. The garden is a combination of public sculpture and botanical
gardens which demonstrates man and nature in harmony. It is the perfect
place to seek peace or just to commune with nature. Seasonal activities
include Artsfest, Gardenfest, Haunted Trail at Halloween and the "Garden
of Lights" drive-through at Christmastime.
For
a memorable day trip or even an overnighter, this tiny island packs enough
punch to keep you entertained and coming back for more. Whether it's for
a special event such as the island wide "Spring Launch" in May,
the "Waterfront Fireworks" on the 4th of July or just to spend
a lazy afternoon along the river, Solomons Island, MD is proof-positive
that "good things do come in small packages".