An Outdoor Odyssey: The Chesapeake's Western Shore
Annapolis to Solomons and Leonardtown, 139 miles, 5 days / 4 nights
Day 1 - Be in Natural Harmony
Annapolis to Rose Haven
- Travel to Edgewater (30 minute travel time)
- Explore the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center’s (SERC) trails
- Visit the Reed Environmental Center at SERC to see aquatic animals and learn the latest Bay science
- Join a naturalist program or guided paddle at SERC to discover research in action
- Savor a laid-back lunch overlooking the South River at Coconut Joe’s Bar and Grill
- Charter an afternoon sailing trip with Chesapeake Bay Storyteller Chesapeake Bay Yacht Charters to visit Bay habitats
- Travel to Rose Haven (30 minute travel time)
- Stop for a casual dockside dinner at the Happy Harbor Restaurant in Deale
- OR Dine on regional seasonal favorites from an upscale casual menu at Ketch 22 at The Inn at Herrington Harbour
- Relax and settle in for the night at the beachfront Inn at Herrington Harbour, a boutique resort
Day 2 - Uncover Nature’s Hidden Treasures
Rose Haven to Lusby, Prince Frederick and Solomons Island
- Watch the sunrise and feel the tranquility at Herrington Harbour
- Order a cheesesteak and egg “sammy” or grilled breakfast burrito to-go from the Chesapeake Market and Deli at the resort and gather provisions for your picnic lunch while you’re there
- Travel from Rose Haven to Flag Ponds Nature Park (40 minute travel time)
- Join Chesapeake Heritage and Paleontology Tours for a fossil hunting trip (begins at 9 a.m.)
- OR Take a boat trip to remote beaches for fossil hunting with Megalodon Adventures
- Enjoy your picnic, stroll the sandy beach, and swim at Flag Ponds Nature Park
- OR Travel to Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Nature Center (15 minute travel time) where you can
- Walk the Battle Creek Boardwalk Trail and
- See a unique natural environment with stands of Bald Cypress trees
- Drive to Solomons Island (25 minute travel time)
- Check in at Back Creek Inn, a waterfront accommodation that’s off-the-beaten path
- Dine at The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dock Bar for classic local favorites OR the Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill for casual fare
Day 3 - Find Solomons’ Secrets
Solomons Island and Lusby
- Greet the day with a serene water view from the lawn at Back Creek Inn
- Get a breakfast bowl or stack of buttermilk pancakes for breakfast at Boomerangs
- See the Calvert Marine Museum, including the Drum Point Lighthouse, the Marsh Walk and the Lore Oyster House. Say “Hi” to the live otters at the museum.
- Dig into creative local fare for lunch at the cozy CD Cafe
- Hike through lush wetlands and woodlands to the dramatic Calvert Cliffs in Calvert Cliffs State Park
- Feel the sand between your toes while wading on the beach and take in expansive Bay views
- Enjoy happy hour drinks with an island vibe at The Tiki Bar & Grill
- Dine on fresh cuisine in a modern and casual setting at The Island Hideaway
- Stroll the Solomons Island Boardwalk and gaze across the wide Patuxent River in the moonlight
- Retire for the night at Back Creek Inn
Day 4 - Paddle, Pedal and Play
Solomons to Leonardtown
- Enjoy breakfast at the Lighthouse Restaurant
- Embark on a morning paddle on Back Creek (rentals at Chesapeake Bay Storyteller Bunky’s Charters) OR bike the streets of Solomons Island (bikes available to check out from Back Creek Inn)
- Visit the UMES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Visitor Center to see oyster restoration in action
- Travel to Leonardtown (20 minute travel time)
- Shop for provisions for a local seafood picnic lunch at Crab Knockers
- Enjoy your picnic in a gazebo and sample award-winning wines with locally grown grapes at Port of Leonardtown Winery
- Stroll through Leonardtown Square and the waterfront boardwalk at Leonardtown Wharf Park
- Dine on southern coastal cuisine with the locals in Leonardtown at The Front Porch
- Take a sunset cruise from Leonardtown Wharf to see Breton Bay and views of St. Clement’s Island
- Return to Back Creek Inn (20 minute travel time)
This trip idea can be joined with Option 2 to extend your "baycation."
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