Solomons

Older than Monticello or Mount Vernon, Sotterley is the only Tidewater Plantation that is open to the public. The original house was built in 1703 by James Bowles, a member of the Maryland Lower House of Assembly. The mansion was completed by George Plater III, the sixth governor of Maryland. In the 1800's it was the home of one of the largest group of enslaved African Americans in Maryland, and the grounds have a very rare standing slave cabin as well as a full array of other outbuildings. The grounds also have classic 19th century formal gardens as well as kitchen gardens and orchards. A National Historic Landmark.

The premier marine museum of Maryland. Extensive exhibits showing the history of the Chesapeake Bay, including local fossils, an impressive set of aquariums highlighting various Bay ecosystems, and historical artifacts. Historic boat exhibit showing classic Bay watercraft. Children's Discovery room with period costumes, a boat to play in, touch-and-feel animal exhibits, and dig your own fossil sand box. The Drum Point screwpile lighthouse, which was relocated to the museum grounds after being retired, has been restored and can be toured every hour. During summer months, take a cruise on the bugeye Wm. B Tennison every afternoon at 2:00. Home of the Patuxent small craft guild, which works to preserve historic Chesapeake Bay boats and boatbuilding skills.