Victor's Guidebook
Food scene
This is a local favorite, and, located on historic St. George's Island (site of a Revolutionary War battle), there are great views, with water on both sides of the restaurant. If you run into Brian (behind the bar) or Sofia in the bar area, tell them you are staying at Vic's and Eric's AirBnB. It hasn't gotten us any free drinks yet, but we keep trying.
27 locals recommend
Ruddy Duck Seafood & Alehouse
16800 Piney Point RdThis is a local favorite, and, located on historic St. George's Island (site of a Revolutionary War battle), there are great views, with water on both sides of the restaurant. If you run into Brian (behind the bar) or Sofia in the bar area, tell them you are staying at Vic's and Eric's AirBnB. It hasn't gotten us any free drinks yet, but we keep trying.
Sweetbay, in the town of Leonardtown, is the restaurant we recommend that is closest to the cottage. Sweetbay is partially owned by a successful DC restaurateur, and it shows: great service, stylish interior, and sophisticated food. It’s pricey but worth it.
15 locals recommend
Sweetbay Restaurant & Bar
22680 Washington StSweetbay, in the town of Leonardtown, is the restaurant we recommend that is closest to the cottage. Sweetbay is partially owned by a successful DC restaurateur, and it shows: great service, stylish interior, and sophisticated food. It’s pricey but worth it.
***** TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 15, 2022 **** It’s a little bit of a haul at @ 30 minutes (few traffic lights), but we’re big fans of this eclectic but refined waterfront restaurant further south along the Potomac. It’s off the beaten track, which makes it special, and we admire the ambitious efforts of the owners in their creative renovation of the the existing space. The outdoor patio space (including outdoor bar in the warmer months) is pretty amazing.
17 locals recommend
Pier450 - Restaurant, Hotel, & Boutique
48342 Wynne Rd***** TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 15, 2022 **** It’s a little bit of a haul at @ 30 minutes (few traffic lights), but we’re big fans of this eclectic but refined waterfront restaurant further south along the Potomac. It’s off the beaten track, which makes it special, and we admire the ambitious efforts of the owners in their creative renovation of the the existing space. The outdoor patio space (including outdoor bar in the warmer months) is pretty amazing.
Great local beers and friendly people. The outdoor area is amazing and a great way to pass a few hours in the afternoon.
9 locals recommend
Brudergarten (Bru)
22725 Duke StGreat local beers and friendly people. The outdoor area is amazing and a great way to pass a few hours in the afternoon.
IL Piccolo Morso
22845 Washington StreetA relatively new restaurant in Leonardtown with delicious authentic Italian fare.
This relatively new restaurant, on Solomons Island, is about a 25 minute drive from the cottage. We have enjoyed the food and the environment here, which is a little more intimate than some of our other restaurant recommendations. This might be a good spot for a date night or special occasion meal. It also has a few outdoor seats facing a scenic marina.
12 locals recommend
La Vela Italian Restaurant
251 C StreetThis relatively new restaurant, on Solomons Island, is about a 25 minute drive from the cottage. We have enjoyed the food and the environment here, which is a little more intimate than some of our other restaurant recommendations. This might be a good spot for a date night or special occasion meal. It also has a few outdoor seats facing a scenic marina.
This is a funky, casual place with tasty sandwiches — good for carry out or dine-in. If you like Cuban sandwiches, try the Babalu.
Do Dah Deli
22845 Washington StThis is a funky, casual place with tasty sandwiches — good for carry out or dine-in. If you like Cuban sandwiches, try the Babalu.
Neighborhoods
Leonardtown Square is one of the few remaining town squares from Maryland’s provincial period. There are some great restaurants and shops to explore. Also, don’t forget to check out Leonardtown Wharf.
29 locals recommend
Leonardtown
Leonardtown Square is one of the few remaining town squares from Maryland’s provincial period. There are some great restaurants and shops to explore. Also, don’t forget to check out Leonardtown Wharf.
Although a little bit of a drive — 20 to 25 minutes by car — Solomon’s Island is located at the mouth of the Patuxent River, the other major local Chesapeake tributary. It is a major boating hub and has many local shops and restaurants. It’s definitely worth a visit.
74 locals recommend
Solomons Island Gazebo
Solomons BoardwalkAlthough a little bit of a drive — 20 to 25 minutes by car — Solomon’s Island is located at the mouth of the Patuxent River, the other major local Chesapeake tributary. It is a major boating hub and has many local shops and restaurants. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Sightseeing
A 30 minute drive from the cottage, but an amazing spacious waterfront park, and the southernmost point of the “western shore” of Maryland.
59 locals recommend
Point Lookout State Park
11175 Point Lookout RdA 30 minute drive from the cottage, but an amazing spacious waterfront park, and the southernmost point of the “western shore” of Maryland.
This college is a hidden gem in Maryland and an amazing value in higher education. The waterfront views from the college are idyllic and it’s worth a visit.
21 locals recommend
St. Mary's College of Maryland
47645 College DrThis college is a hidden gem in Maryland and an amazing value in higher education. The waterfront views from the college are idyllic and it’s worth a visit.
Saint Marys City
Maryland’s first capital! A must visit when you are in the area.
This is the oldest lighthouse on the Potomac (1836) and features a museum and park.
26 locals recommend
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park
44720 Lighthouse RdThis is the oldest lighthouse on the Potomac (1836) and features a museum and park.
This scenic state park is about 10 minutes from the cottage and has a well- established path around the lake at its center. It has a launching area for kayaks and is a great place to hike, bike, or run. Note: there is a fee for entry.
9 locals recommend
Saint Marys River State Park
21250 Camp Cosoma RdThis scenic state park is about 10 minutes from the cottage and has a well- established path around the lake at its center. It has a launching area for kayaks and is a great place to hike, bike, or run. Note: there is a fee for entry.