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Things to do in Charles County Maryland
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Things to Do, Eat, and See in Maryland’s Charles County

Check out all that Charles County has to offer, from delicious cups of java to tasty bites at local restaurants. The county also has plenty of parks to hang out at and even museums and historical sites that will help you gain deeper insight into the region.

The Best Coffee Shops in Charles County

Don’t skip your morning cup of coffee! If you run out of the house in a rush, swing by one of these local shops for your daily fix. If you’re just visiting Charles County, no sightseeing tour is complete without a refreshing beverage in hand!

Clarity Coffee House

Where? 4175 Indian Head Highway

Clarity Coffee House is serving up some of the best espresso in town, as well as pour-over and brewed coffee from the Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company. The shop has dine-in seating, as well as outdoor seating and in-store pickup options. New specials are often in the works, especially as the seasons begin to change. Enjoy rotating sweet treats, such as the infamous German apple cake and the lemon blueberry scones. Sip on your favorite flavors in latte form, such as the peanut butter mocha latte or the Earl Grey lavender latte. The coffee house even has refresher options, which combine sparkling water with tasty flavors.

Wee Bean Coffee Roasters

Where? 6580 Robert S. Crain Highway

Wee Bean Coffee Roasters sources their beans from small farmers and cooperatives who practice organic, sustainable growing methods. The passion for coffee is apparent when you visit the roasters and by purchasing organically grown coffee, you’re helping to support healthy ecosystems, community development, and ethical trade. The menu features a Dark Star drip brew, a caramel macchiato, and a warming chai latte. Depending on which season you visit, you may have the chance to sample seasonal specialties like the Platinum pumpkin spice or the caramel apple butter latte! There are also select food items available, such as bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and yummy treats like cookies, brownies, and chocolate danishes!

Where to Wine & Dine in Charles County

If you’re celebrating an anniversary or you just want to enjoy a casual night out, these are the best spots to enjoy a meal in town or throw back a few brews on game day!

IL Gusto Ristorante

Where? 230 Rosewick Road

The menu at IL Gusto is mouthwatering, from options such as penne pasta with a veal ragù, mozzarella sticks, and an Italian charcuterie platter — you won’t know where to start! The gnocchi di ricotta is served in a fresh cherry tomato sauce and the Zuppa Toscana features spicy Italian pork sausage with fresh kale and russet potatoes. Pair your meal with a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail such as the red sangria or one of the flavored margaritas. On Mondays, take advantage of the Monday Special where signature dishes and drinks are discounted! The dessert menu has all your favorites, like tiramisu, cannolis, affogato, gelato, and even a cheesecake with mascarpone and amaretto crumbs.

The Blue Dog Saloon

Where? 7940 Port Tobacco Road

The Blue Dog is a family-friendly local restaurant and bar that features all your favorite American dishes, as well as regional staples. Take your pick from appetizers such as the jumbo lump crab dip or the scallops or hit up the raw bar with an order of oysters Rockefeller! The menu goes on to include stuffed rockfish, shrimp and jalapeño mac and cheese, hand-tossed pizzas, bison burgers, and more. Don’t skip dessert at The Blue Dog because the vanilla bean creme brûlée is calling your name! More of a chocolate fan? The triple chocolate ganache cake is also calling your name.

The Prime Street Grille

Where? 4680 Robert S. Crain Highway

The Prime Street Grille is an award-winning, veteran, and locally-owned restaurant. The establishment opens at 3:00 PM on weekdays and 12:00 PM on weekends. Appetizers include buffalo fried shrimp, lamb chops, and cherry pepper calamari. Entrees are served with two sides, so pair your filet mignon with your choice of baked potato, brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, cajun rice, or broccolini. If you want to embrace the seafood experience, try the fried seafood platter or the North Atlantic wild-caught cod. When dining at The Prime Street Grille, reservations are strongly recommended. Of course, don’t forget about dessert. The grille serves up a mean lemon cake and a to-die-for apple cinnamon bread pudding.

Silver Diner

Where? 3081 Festival Way

On the menu at Silver Diner, you’ll find classic American dishes, as well as reinvented contemporary options that fit today’s lifestyles and dietary restrictions. The diner has become a neighborhood gathering spot for all ages and once you experience the welcoming atmosphere, you’ll see why! Whether you’re a vegan or a traditional diner lover — you’ll find something on the menu that’s exciting and delicious. Classic entrees include the roasted Allen Farms chicken pot pie and the Creekstone Farms black Angus meatloaf. Plant-based dishes include the Impossible meatless taco bowl and the Thai cauliflower quinoa pasta. For diners 21 and up, you’ll be able to sample local brews and handcrafted drinks such as the Atomic Bloody Mary or one of the deluxe mimosas. Skipping the alcohol? No problem! Indulge in one of the hand-spun milkshakes or house-made sodas.

Where to Indulge in a Sweet Treat in Charles County

If you’re in need of dessert ASAP, then check out these county favorites. From delicious ice creams and freshly baked goods, treat yourself to something yummy at the end of the week (or on Tuesday — we’re not judging)!

Landon’s Ices & Creams

🎥 Video courtesy of Landon’s Ices & Creams

Where? 505 Charles Street

Landon’s makes some of the best premium homemade ice cream in Southern Maryland. If you’re in need of something sweet and delicious, swing by and order a scoop or two! The shop was born due to a necessity for a safe and clean ice cream shop due to Landon’s peanut allergy. All too often, cross-contamination was present. After testing homemade creations, Landon’s Ices & Creams was created and you’ll find decadent and delicious flavor options on the menu such as the banana pudding, Charles Street Crunch, chocolate peanut butter, rum raisin, mint chocolate chip, and Honey Drew Bear. There are non dairy flavors as well, such as honey lavender, cinnamon toast, and chocolate, and an array of water ice flavors like raspberry lemon, wild berry, and mango!

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Where? 1276 Smallwood Drive West #4761

Bruster’s serves up premium ice cream and baked waffle cones for a tried and true satisfying dessert option. Products are made fresh in-store each day, so available flavors can vary by day. Some fan-favorite premium ice cream flavors include banana, butter pecan, birthday cake, cherry vanilla, horchata, maple walnut, and white raspberry truffle. Sherbets and ices come in varieties such as blue pop, sour apple, and cherry. You can even opt for a sorbet or a non dairy ice cream, such as the peach sorbet or the non dairy chocolate chip oat milk!

Charles Street Bakery

Where? 507 Charles Street

One visit to Charles Street Bakery and you’ll be in love. The shop has been stealing hearts since 2002, with a small-town bakery feel that doesn’t skimp on big flavor and an even bigger heart! Whether you’re in the mood for a homemade latte, award-winning cookies, and pastries or you need a custom-decorated cake for an upcoming event — Charles Street Bakery has you covered. Cake flavors come in almond, carrot, chocolate, red velvet, and of course, vanilla. You can even enjoy spice, coconut, German chocolate, rum and more! Mix and match frostings and fillings for a cake that’s truly one of a kind.

Charles County’s Parks & Green Spaces

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly playground, a fishing pier, or some scenic nature trails — Charles County has a variety of parks with great amenities that can be used year-round.

Gilbert Run Park

Where? 13140 Charles Street

Gilbert Run Park features a stunning scenic wooded parkland, as well as hiking and nature trails and picnic areas equipped with grills and tables. There are pavilion spaces, as well as playgrounds for young visitors and fishing piers if you want to cast a line. The main attraction of the park is the 60-acre freshwater lake, which provides recreational opportunities such as row boating, pedal boating, and canoeing. Fishermen can hope to catch bass, bluegill, trout, and catfish. There is a boat ramp as well, for convenience.

Laurel Springs Regional Park

📷 Photo courtesy of Charles County

Where? 5940 Radio Station Road

Laurel Springs is home to the largest and most popular playground in Charles County. If you haven’t yet visited with your little ones, make a plan to! The playscape is designed for inclusivity, allowing children of all ability levels to interact and play together. There are multiple climbers, slides, ladders, swings, and even a wheelchair swing that provides hours of fun for families of all sizes and abilities. The park also features picnic facilities, restrooms, and a water fountain.

Turkey Hill Park

Where? 9430 Turkey Hill Road

The facilities at Turkey Hill Park include an off-leash enclosed dog park, as well as four soccer fields, one football field, and a multipurpose area used for informal recreation activities. The athletic fields are available for official league use by permit only. There is a half-mile roadway for walkers and runners, as well as picnic pavilions available.

Points of Interest in Charles County

Whether you’re a longtime resident of Charles County or you’re just passing through, make sure to check out these interesting sites and centers in the county. Catch a show at the Black Box Theatre or enjoy a history lesson at the Thomas Stone National Historic Site.

Thomas Stone National Historic Site

Where? 6655 Rose Hill Road

Back in 1776, Thomas Stone and 55 others signed the Declaration of Independence. In doing so, Stone risked his home, his family’s security, and even his own life. However, Stone opted to support the promise of freedom. This historic site operates on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so make plans to swing by on the weekend and take a guided tour or walk the Stone Family Cemetery Trail.

Indian Head Center for the Arts

Where? 4185 Indian Head Highway

The Indian Head Center for the Arts and its Black Box Theatre are dedicated to cultural advancement in the region by offering a diverse array of performing arts programs. The 80-seat theater is intimate, which provides a unique venue for a variety of programs from musicals to dramatic performances, as well as recitals, exhibits, literary readings, and more. The new and refined Arts Center provides a multi-purpose space to perform, gather, and create together. The facility strives to enhance the image and viability of the town it calls home.

Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum

Where? 3725 Dr Samuel Mudd Road

Samuel A. Mudd was an American physician who was imprisoned for conspiring with John Wilkes Booth about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum is open seasonally, from spring to fall on select days. Tours are included as part of admission on these dates and last approximately 30-45 minutes. No reservations are required to visit and the house and grounds are accessible to the public beyond these hours of operation. Admission is priced at $3 for children ages 6 to 12 and $10 for everyone 13 and up. Children 5 and under get in free.

Interested in Learning More About Maryland’s Charles County? Let Us Help!

We hope you’re excited to visit Maryland’s Charles County. If you live here — we hope you’ve found a few new spots that you want to check out. Whether you’re thinking of moving to the area or you’re considering selling, let us help you reach your real estate goals!