St. Mary’s County is one of Maryland’s best-kept secrets. Come experience the clean country air, as well as beautiful vistas and a diverse and welcoming community that’s waiting to meet you. Whether you’re looking to make a move or you’re just visiting, check out these local staples from coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, and parks to get the full experience.
The Best Coffee Shops in St. Mary’s County
If you haven’t already discovered your favorite neighborhood coffee shop, then check out these quality options around the county. Whether you want a basic hot drip coffee, brewed fresh or you’re looking for a tasty seasonal treat like the infamous pumpkin spice latte — these coffee shops are excited to serve you a handcrafted beverage.
Better Black Coffee
Where? 25805 Point Lookout Road
Coffees at Better Black Coffee are roasted in-house using meticulously selected beans from a variety of countries that help the shop capture the unique and delicious flavors that can be found across the world. Pair your latte with gourmet crepes and made-to-order sandwiches. Indulge in the sweetness of a handcrafted crepe with Nutella and fresh fruit or order one of the made-from-scratch chocolate chip cookies. Order a Better Black iced coffee for all-day caffeine or opt for a smooth traditional cappuccino to warm yourself up on a cold morning. The coffee shop also makes London Fog lattes, chai tea lattes, and even a coffee-free kid’s latte!
Social on Fenwick
Where? 41655 Fenwick Street
Social on Fenwick whips up your favorite neighborhood coffees by day and cocktails by night. This welcoming space is a great community hangout spot and is well-versed at artfully combining local ingredients into mouth-watering espresso-based drinks, cocktails, and even an assortment of cuisine options! Take advantage of the outdoor seating, where you can cozy up to one of the fire pit tables. Breakfast options include bagels, avocado toast, acai bowls, and a hearty hash brown casserole. Coffeehouse favorites include the nitro cold brew, the Earl Grey latte, and seasonal specialties like the pumpkin pie frappe or the Salem chai topped with a cinnamon vanilla cold foam.
The Beanery Cafe and Bakery
Where? 22741 Three Notch Road
At The Beanery Cafe and Bakery, you can count on the coffee being hot and the pastries being irresistibly fresh. Located in the heart of St. Mary’s County, this is a go-to spot for good times and awesome flavors. The coffee shop brews up the finest blends from Rise Up Coffee Roasters. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic latte or you want to sample a specialty blend, you’re in for a treat when you visit The Beanery. Whether you prefer your matcha frozen or your coffee bulletproof, the menu caters to every taste. Good Vibes Specialities on the menu include Lavender Fields, which is a white chocolate and lavender latte, or the Basic B, which is a vanilla latte topped with cinnamon cold foam. The cafe and bakery also offers freshly baked pastries, which are made daily to ensure every bite is pure bliss.
Where to Wine & Dine in St. Mary’s County
Looking for your next dinner in the town? Check out these local favorites and enjoy complex flavors, delicious appetizers, handcrafted drinks, and great company at these St. Mary’s County restaurants and ale houses.
The Front Porch
Where? 22770 Washington Street
The Front Porch is an intimate restaurant, making it perfect for date night or a special celebration. Located in the historic downtown Leonardtown, the cozy atmosphere is inviting and the menu features fresh, quality ingredients at an affordable price. Try the loaded pork nachos, the Mediterranean veggie pita, the corned beef reuben, or the southern classic chicken and waffles with fried green tomatoes. The hearty mushroom risotto is served with shaved parmesan, garlic butter spinach, and caramelized onions, and the RFP jambalaya is served over a bed of homemade dirty rice.
Mac’s Tap & Table
Where? 25470 Point Lookout Road
From food and drinks to awe-inspiring milkshakes and desserts, you won’t regret a visit to Mac’s Table & Tap. Start your evening with appetizers like Boom Boom Shrimp, Southern MD fried green tomatoes, or house-fried potato chips before digging into one of “Mac’s Macs,” a flavorful smash burger or entrees like blackened shrimp Alfredo, country fried steak or honey bourbon pork chops. Specialty cocktails include the apple butter old fashioned, The Irish Goodbye, or the Pom & Mary. Make sure you have plenty of room for dessert, as Mac’s is known for their mason jar milkshakes and shareable desserts such as the cinnamon roll skillet or the triple chocolate brownie.
Nicolletti’s Pizza
Where? 22741 Three Notch Road
Nicolletti’s Pizza is a family-run restaurant that is bringing St. Mary’s County some truly delicious pizza pie options. The menu prides itself on using quality, fresh ingredients and is always changing, so you can sample new dishes, flavors, and experiences when you visit. Not on the menu but just as popular is the weekday lunch buffet that’s served between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM Monday through Friday. The buffet features a salad bar, assorted pizzas, desserts, and drinks. Mix and match toppings when you order or opt for one of the specialties like the meat feast, the bacon chicken ranch, or the classic, well-loved pepperoni.
Pax River Ale House
Where? 46590 Corporate Drive
The Pax River Ale House has a diverse menu, meaning there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for cheesesteak egg rolls, barbecue chicken pizza, a patty melt, Bavarian pretzels, Maryland crab soup, gyros, fish & chips, or a rubbed ribeye steak — you’ll find it on the menu. Save room for dessert, which includes apple pie a la mode or a lemon blueberry bread pudding. Splurge on the jumbo lump crab cake dinner and see why the ale house claims to have some of the state’s best crab cakes!
IL Piccolo Morso
Where? 22845 Washington Street
IL Piccolo Morso is a local favorite Italian restaurant located in Downtown Leonardtown. Whether you’re in the mood for an elegant sit-down dining experience or you want a quick weeknight takeaway option, you’ll fall in love with this handmade Italian food from carbonara pasta, linguini with clams, or classic spaghetti and meatballs. The restaurant is female-owned and family-owned and uses fresh ingredients to serve up quality dishes that stay true to the flavors of Italy. You can even enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail with your meal.
Where to Indulge in a Sweet Treat in St. Mary’s County
No shame if your sweet tooth knows no limits. These county dessert shops, bakeries, and creameries can give you the sugar rush you’re looking for. Whether you’re interested in trying date-sweetened chocolate or you’re searching for a specialty cake for an upcoming celebration, St. Mary’s County has everything you need.
Wildewood Pastry Shop
Where? 23415 Three Notch Road #2031
Hailing as Southern Maryland’s premier bakery, the Wildewood Pastry Shop is a family-owned and operated European bakery that’s been in the region since 1993. There is a daily selection of breakfast pastries, such as danishes, muffins, coffee cakes, and scones, and a wide range of dessert options like cakes, cookies, tarts, and chocolates. Everything is baked on the premises using fresh, natural ingredients such as butter, real cream, and imported European chocolate. The shop holds the title of the Best Pastry Shop in St. Mary’s County, so next time you need a custom cake or an on-the-go morning pastry — swing by and see what all the hype is about.
Bon AppéSweet
Where? 25805 Point Lookout Road
The chocolate at Bon AppéSweet is premium, date-sweetened, and dairy-free. Dates are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, giving your sweet treat a nutritional boost. There is zero added sugar and the chocolatiers use high-quality ingredients, allowing you to taste the difference after just the first bite. Featured flavors include the Better Than Milk Chocolate with just 4 ingredients and the Deep Dark Chocolate. If you can’t decide, opt for the chocolate variety pack or get a caffeine boost with the Golden Chocolate Espresso Bitties.
The Salted Scoop
Where? 22966 Washington Street
The Salted Scoop is serving up farm-fresh ice cream and homemade cones. Next time you need something to satisfy your sweet tooth, dig into a scoop of birthday cake, black raspberry, blueberry crumble, butter brickle, burnt caramel bourbon, cookie overload, eggnog, peanut butter cup, or salty pretzel delight! Options are nearly endless, so you may need to sample a few before you can decide on a winner. Customers can also order pints and quarts online and swing by the Leonardtown shop for pickup. The ice cream shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so you’ll need to have a backup plan in place if you need an emergency dessert at the beginning of the week.
St. Mary’s County’s Parks & Green Spaces
If you’re looking for a relaxed experience, check out these parks and green spaces in St. Mary’s County. Stroll around the wharf or play a range of sports at the John G. Lancaster Park.
Leonardtown Wharf Park
Where? State Highway 326
The Leonardtown Wharf Park features boat tie-ups, a canoe/kayak launch, and various rentals available if you want to spend a day on the water. There are restrooms onsite, as well as event facilities where you can host a ceremony that overlooks the beautiful Breton Bay. There is open green space, with a capacity of 400 for outdoor receptions and gatherings. Other park amenities include a playground and a floating dock. Enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk or settle into a park bench as you watch the sunset.
John G. Lancaster Park
Where? 21550 Willows Road
Maryland’s John G. Lancaster Park has a range of recreation opportunities and facilities, including baseball and softball diamonds, multi-sport fields, basketball courts, an accessible playground, a dog park, public restrooms, and a picnic pavilion. Additional amenities include charcoal grills, shade structures, and video surveillance for safety! The park is open from sunrise to sunset and features 100 acres of property, giving you plenty of space to spread out and explore.
Points of Interest in St. Mary’s County
If you’re looking for an afternoon activity or a way to explore St. Mary’s County on a deeper level, check out these local points of interest that hold historical significance!
Historic St. Mary’s City
Where? 18751 Hogaboom Lane
Want to check out one of America’s premier historic sites? Check out this Museum of Living History and Archaeology, which tells diverse stories on the site of the state’s first capital in beautiful Southern Maryland. The museum commemorates the fourth permanent English settlement in North America, as well as Maryland’s first city. Keep an eye on the calendar of events for exciting opportunities throughout the year, such as trick or treating in October! Tickets can be purchased in person at The Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary or the HSMC Visitor Center. Admission prices are set at $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $6 for youth between the ages of 6 and 18 or students with a valid college ID.
The Old Jail Museum
Where? 41625 Court House Drive
The building known as the Old Jail Museum was constructed back in 1876 to replace the original 1858 single-story two-cell building which has been deemed “a nuisance and a public disgrace” by members of a grand jury. The jail remained in operation until 1945, at which point a new facility was constructed in response to the rapidly growing population. Admission is free for all ages and there are restroom facilities for visitors. The second floor of the museum is not accessible to wheelchairs, so keep this in mind if you plan on visiting. The museum is also the official Visitor Center for the Town of Leonardtown!
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