Whether you’ve been in Maryland for your whole life or you’ve just recently made a move to the state, Calvert County is a welcoming area with an array of outdoor recreational activities to discover. Admire the prehistoric remnants found at Calvert Cliffs State Park or spend your afternoon at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden. The county has plenty of dining options, as well as freshly baked goods and handcrafted coffees that are sure to get your morning started on the right foot.
The Best Coffee Shops in Calvert County
Coffee drinkers come in a diverse array of individuals, with some preferring milk-based lattes and others sticking to their black coffee. Whether you enjoy sampling the seasonal creations or you prefer to keep things classic, these Calvert County coffee shops and cafes have something for you.
The Bakist
Where? 9124 Bay Avenue
The Bakist is situated in North Beach, Maryland, and is serving up delightful coffee and espresso beverages, as well as pastries and light breakfast options. This small American cafe is the perfect neighborhood spot to get your morning caffeine fix. The shop has recently moved to a larger location, so patrons can enjoy a more spacious experience and a welcoming atmosphere. Fuel your morning with a hearty breakfast sandwich or sip on a house specialty, such as the lavender brown sugar latte. There are tea options on the menu as well, such as the matcha latte and the lavender fog using Earl Grey tea.
Lobby Coffee Bar & Cafe
Where? 6201 Solomons Island Road
Lobby Coffee Bar & Cafe is described as “More Than Coffee” because they’re a shop that cares about the community. When people purchase from the Lobby, they are also supporting a local nonprofit organization, End Hunger In Calvert County. The authentic cafe offers freshly roasted brews, as well as tasty bites like the acai bowl! Whether you enjoy your traditional lattes or you prefer an americano or a cappuccino, the bar and cafe has a bit of everything. Try the decaf drip brew if you want to skip the caffeine jitters or try the iced cold brew if you need an extra boost for your morning. Specialty offerings include a coffee flight with sample-sized lattes, mochas, nitro cold brews, and specialty cortaditos with rotating flavors. More decadent offerings include the craves, such as the Caramel Crave which blends an ice cream shake with espresso and caramel! The menu additionally features homemade pastries, such as apple turnovers, scones, mini cheesecakes, and even rotating pop tarts!
Where to Wine & Dine in Calvert County
Want to enjoy a meal out in Calvert County? Foodies have plenty of options to choose from! Dive into authentic Italian dishes at La Vela or enjoy fresh seafood at Brick Wood Fired Bistro.
The CD Cafe
Where? 14350 Solomons Island Road South
The CD Cafe is serving up some of Southern Maryland’s most creative cuisine. The lunch and dinner menu is served 7 days a week, so you can always swing by for a bite to eat. The handcrafted menu includes starters such as the savory cheesecake with goat cheese, a walnut crust, and toasted rosemary focaccia, and the delicious roasted corn and crab hushpuppies with an Alabama white BBQ sauce. Dig into a Bistro Burger on a corn-dusted Kaiser roll or opt for the curry chicken salad on toasted pita bread. The dinner menu features hearty entrees, such as the Bangkok scallops, the pan-seared beef tenderloin, and the sous vide duck breast with the chef’s seasonal vegetables on the side. The drink menu has non-alcoholic options, as well as cocktails like the classic Moscow Mule and a Dirty Bleu Martini.
La Vela Italian Restaurant
Where? 251 C Street
You won’t find more irresistible Italian food in Solomons than on the menu at La Vela Italian Restaurant. Designed as an upscale trattoria setting, the restaurant serves a lunch menu Wednesday through Sunday and a mouthwatering dinner menu with your favorite pasta like the fettuccine bolognese, the lobster ravioli, and the shrimp scampi with a savory garlic lemon butter sauce. Don’t skip the appetizers, with options such as grilled octopus, bruschetta, and The Italian Boat with cured meats and cheeses, as well as grilled veggies, nuts, and condiments. The cocktail menu doesn’t disappoint, with refreshing options like the New York sour and the limoncello martini. Of course, there is an abundant selection of wine as well that you can pair perfectly with your entree.
Brick Wood Fired Bistro
Where? 60 Sherry Lane
The menu at Brick Wood Fired Bistro is a melting pot of different cultures and techniques, all while highlighting the classic flavors of the Chesapeake Bay region in new and innovative ways. The restaurant makes the effort to source the freshest ingredients possible and allows them to be the star of the dishes that patrons have come to know and love. Shareables include the steamed mussels, the crispy brussels sprouts and the crab avocado stack with jumbo lump crab, Chesapeake aioli, and kettle chips. Happy hour runs Wednesday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the bar, so grab a specialty cocktail or a glass of wine while you get ready for dinner! Light bites on the happy hour menu include Brick fries and the arancini.
Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill
Where? 13200 Dowell Road
Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill is known for their fresh handcrafted beers, so next time you’re in need of a 5 o’clock beverage, make sure to swing on by. The menu uses high-quality ingredients, such as chicken wings that are cooked fresh daily to ensure patrons are met with the signature taste they’ve come to love. The grill also uses fresh and never-frozen jumbo lump crab, chicken breast, pork, haddock, and salmon — which are delivered daily! They source grass-fed, all-natural steaks and hamburgers to ensure the highest quality possible while also supporting local farmers. The current beer lineup includes a seasonal pumpkin ale, as well as a honey bourbon stout with dark, full-bodied, and malty notes.
The Island Hideaway
Where? 14556 Solomons Island Road S
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere at The Island Hideaway, with your favorite comfort bites and some innovative twists on the classics. Start your dining experience with an order of fried calamari or Italian flatbread topped with salami, pepperoni, and banana peppers before enjoying a warming bowl of cream of crab soup. The menu has plenty of sandwich options, ranging from the Hideaway burger to the mahi-mahi fish sandwich which can be ordered sautéed, fried, blackened, or parmesan-crusted. The Island Hideaway is also serving up house-made pasta like a cheese-stuffed ravioli and a seafood cannelloni as well as protein-packed entrees such as the adobo brined pork chop and the garlic and ginger salmon. The cocktail menu is sure to delight, with Italian margaritas, seasonal sangrias, and a classic Woodford old fashioned on the menu.
Where to Indulge in a Sweet Treat in Calvert County
Everybody needs a sweet treat every once in a while! If you’re in the mood for ice cream, crepes, or homemade dessert — swing by these local establishments that are sure to give you a sugar rush.
Cone Island Ice Cream Shoppe
Where? 14441 Solomons Island Road S
If you’re craving soft serve ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, or ice cream floats — Cone Island Ice Cream Shoppe is the place to be! This Solomons staple is a local favorite for all things sweet and delicious. Whether you’re a chocolate or vanilla person (or swirled!), you can customize your creation with toppings. Sit back, enjoy your cone, and soak in the beautiful views of the surrounding water or take a walk along the boardwalk.
Brrrr Ice Cream, Shakes & Crepes
Where? 14636 Solomons Island Road S
Brrrr Ice Cream is proud to offer Hershey’s premium and premium gold hand-dipped ice cream flavors, as well as custom milkshakes, signature sundaes, and soft-serve ice creams! The menu also includes a rotating dole whip flavor and a range of creative sweet dessert crepes. Seasonal specialties include pumpkin spice Cheerios cereal treats and apple cider floats! If everyone in the family has a hard time agreeing on what they want for dessert, this is a great spot that allows everyone to get creative with their sweet treat. Decadent milkshakes include the Fluffernutter with vanilla soft serve, marshmallow cream, and peanut butter sauce or you can keep it lighter with a chocolate-dipped dole whip.
Calvert County’s Parks & Green Spaces
Calvert County offers residents and visitors alike a range of outdoor recreation opportunities, such as fishing, sports, hiking, and even fossil discovery! Walk along sandy beaches before relaxing with a picnic and soaking in the sunset at Calvert Cliffs State Park.
Cove Point Park
Where? 750 Cove Point Road
Cove Point Park is located in Lusby and is open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM from mid-March through mid-November, with shortened hours during the off-season. Park amenities include baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, a playground, a dog park, a seasonal pool, and restrooms. There are even spaces for picnics and family gatherings! The park is situated near the beach, allowing visitors to walk to the water and search for shark teeth.
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Where? 10540 H G Trueman Road
The namesake of Calvert Cliffs State Park isn’t a secret, as visitors will be greeted by the massive cliffs that dominate the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay for approximately 24 miles. These cliffs were formed millions of years ago and have been exposed as the sea receded. The cliffs have revealed the remains of prehistoric species, such as sharks, whales, rays, and seabirds that were once the size of small airplanes! The state park is day-use and includes a sandy beach area, as well as an accessible recycled tire playground, fishing options, and even hiking trails. Day-use service charges are priced at $5 per vehicle, with an additional $2 tacked on for out-of-state residents.
Points of Interest in Calvert County
Whether you fancy a walk through the sculpture garden or an education trip to the Jefferson Patterson Museum, Calvert County has various points of interest waiting to be discovered and explored!
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
Where? 10515 Mackall Road
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum is jam-packed with secrets waiting to be discovered. Whether you want to hike across miles of trails or you want to check out the interactive exhibits in the Visitor Center, the park has an abundance of educational programs and activities to offer guests. Spanning 560 scenic acres situated alongside the Patuxent River, there are over 65 identified archaeological sites in the area. Make sure to pay a visit to the museum shop!
Drum Point Lighthouse
Where? 14200 Solomons Island Road S
The Drum Point Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so if you’re a history buff — make sure to cross this one off your bucket list. The lighthouse is open year-round, weather permitting, except on a handful of holidays when the museum is closed. The museum admission fee allows you access to tour the lighthouse or you can opt for a virtual tour! The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1962, beautifully restored at the museum’s waterfront, and is an iconic landmark for area residents.
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
Where? 13470 Dowell Road
There’s no better way to enjoy the beautiful weather in scenic Solomons than a trip to the Annmarie Sculpture Garden, which features a shady walking path that gently meanders through the woods past both permanent and loaned sculpture pieces. There are over 30 works on loan from the Smithsonian Institute and the National Gallery of Art! Artists displayed in the collection include Barbara Hepworth, Robert Engman, Kenneth Snelson, Francisco Zuniga, and more. The garden and arts center presents a variety of annual festivals, as well as rotating exhibitions, family activities, and creative public programs throughout the year.
Interested in Learning More About Maryland’s Calvert County? Let Us Help!
If you’re planning a move to Maryland’s Calvert County, we hope you’ve gotten a taste of what the region has to offer! From fresh seafood to an abundance of creative, outdoor, and community activities — residents love being able to call the county home sweet home.