Southern MD Real Estate and Community Info

History

The region was inhabited by the Piscataway Indians when Capt. John Smith arrived in 1608. The first settlement by those of European descent was St. Mary's City, founded in 1634. The first Jesuit church in America was established in St. Mary's City. The community would be Maryland's colonial capital for 61 years before Annapolis was eventually named as the new capital.

Nineteenth century southern Maryland was largely agrarian in nature, with tobacco and wheat farming dominant. Later, crabbing and oyster fishing became popular. Until the 1930s, passenger and freight steamboats served area residents until a major bridge on U.S. Route 301 finally linked the region to points west.

Parks and Recreation

History and nature's beauty are both attractions at Point Lookout State Park in Scotland, Maryland. It is now difficult to imagine that there was a prison camp here during the Civil War. Learn more about the profound history of Point Lookout at the Civil War Museum/Marshland Nature Center. There are many memorable activities possible at the park. Attend a re-enactment at Fort Lincoln. Rent a canoe or launch your boat here. Take off one one of the park's tranquil, yet invigorating hiking trails. Plan on a picnic, go camping or take some time out to go swimming. The 710-ft fishing pier attracts anglers of all ages, and 200 acres are set aside for deer hunting.

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum (JPPM) features an Indian village recreation. The 560-acre park lies along the Patuxent River in Calvert County. It is also the home of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory and its 8 million artifacts. The exhibit barn is open several days a week from March to November. JPPM offers a free canoe and kayak launch. Once you're out on the water, watch for the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead.

Chesapeake Hills Golf Course in Lusby is an 18-hole layout measuring 6,545 yards from the longest tees. Towering trees frame many of the rolling Bermuda grass fairways. Creeks and lakes add to the beauty and the challenge of this mature course established in 1968. Calvert County recently spent $1.5 million on course upgrades. Leonardtown's Breton Bay Golf and Country Club is an 18-hole semi-private course that the public can play. The 7,010-yard championship layout features Bermuda grass fairways and bent grass greens. It hosts the Southern Maryland Amateur Golf Tournament.

Attractions and Activities

Baseball fans often head to Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf to take in a game played by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The unique stadium architecture is inspired by the region's 19th century tobacco farms. For an especially relaxing experience, try the lawn seating in the outfield.

Budd's Creek Motocross Park in Mechanicsville, Maryland, is one of the nation's preeminent motocross facilities. It has hosted the AMA Nationals and three world championships. The valley location creates a natural amphitheater setting that's ideal for viewing the races.

Historic St. Mary's City is the home of Dove, a tall ship that is a replica of the one that first brought European settlers to the area in 1634. Historic St. Mary's is an 800-acre living history museum that became a National Historic Landmark in 1969. Visit the 1667 brick chapel, 1676 State House and a tobacco plantations while you are here. Costumed volunteers bring the rich history of the community to life with intriguing stories and interesting facts.

Southern Maryland has historic lighthouses that played a vital role in protecting shipping interests and steamboat services. Piney Point Lighthouse in St. Mary's County dates to 1836. Today, it is a museum. The Drum Point Lighthouse is adjacent to the Calvert Marine Museum. Cove Point Lighthouse is a meticulously restored, active facility originally built for less than $6,000 in the early 19th century.

Portions of southern Maryland possess a soil composition that has been compared to that of Tuscany in Italy. Not surprisingly, a number of vineyards and wineries operate in southern Maryland. Follow the Patuxent Wine Trail, attending wine tastings along the way.

Festivals and Annual Events

Residents of southern Maryland can enjoy a variety of well-attended festivals every year. In April, Buddfest at Budd's Creek brings many of the state's top bands together at a Woodstock-style weekend music festival. In August, the Wine, Jazz, R&B and Funk Festival comes to Prince Frederick. Twenty Maryland wineries and 30 food vendors participate in this celebration of food, wine and great music.

The Brew and BBQ Festival in historic Leonardtown is another mid-summer festival to enjoy. Savor craft beers and local wines along with some of the best BBQ in Maryland. The event is held at the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds. Live music fills the air, and younger attendees always find fun at the Kid's Zone. In October, attend the blessing of the fleet at the historic, 40-acre St. Clement's Island where the first European settlers landed. During a visit to St. Clement's Island Museum at Colton's Point, you'll step back in time to the 17th century.

Real Estate in Southern Maryland

Whether your preferences include quaint waterfront homes in small towns, amenity-filled new construction in master-planned communities or sprawling estates, you'll find just what you're looking for southern Maryland. There are often surprisingly affordable homes with water views in or near communities like St. Mary's City, Scotland, Lusby, Colton's Point and Cobb Island. Equestrian estates and horse properties with acreage are also available in Charles County and beyond.

D.C. commuters looking for a more laid-back lifestyle, military personnel, retirees, entrepreneurs with local businesses all find that southern Maryland offers properties that address every budget and taste.

I'd welcome the opportunity to share much more about southern Maryland's endless recreational and housing opportunities. Please contact Gerri Ross today!