2 Best Sights in Solomons, Annapolis and Southern Maryland

A world-class sculpture and botanical venue, Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park and Arts Center is a 30-acre property on the St. John Creek. The sculptural art is by artists both local and from around the world. One of the more intriguing installations is a series of 13 "Talking Benches." Each tells an ecological story by depicting a plant that grows in southern Maryland, including dogwood, loblolly pines, papaw trees, and tobacco. Smooth, user-friendly pathways curve through the grounds. Don't miss the lyrical brass statue of a crabber in front of the museum. The figure and water feature perfectly captures the dependence of the area on the seafood industry. Little here is off-limits, and picnickers are welcome to settle in virtually anywhere. Be sure to visit the mosaic-filled restrooms. Annemarie Garden has a special Christmas display, "The Garden in Lights," from mid-December through New Year's Eve. Children get in free and there are many specialized programs that provide a hands-on art experience.

Many of the restaurants in southern Maryland serve Kim's pies —especially the key lime. The bakery is located in Solomons Island in a cottage that is a combination café, Kim's Key Lime Pie and Coffee Shop, and gift shop, Kim's Riverwalk Gifts. Although the key lime is the most popular, we also highly recommend the carrot cake.