Barely a mile long and fittingly fishhook-shaped, Solomons Island was named in 1870 for Isaac Solomon, the Baltimore businessman who established its first oyster plant. At one time the island was separated from the mainland, but a 23-foot causeway now links the two.

This charming seaside town also offers about 20 casual restaurants; dozens of antiques, craft, and gift shops; several lovely inns and guesthouses and numerous unique attractions.

We took advantage of free bikes from the marina and headed towards the Annemarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center. It’s a whimsical and eclectic space where fairies and gnomes come to life! We explored hundreds of unique sculptures, some on loans from the Smithsonian, others from original artists themselves, flower gardens, search for tree pops, and Fairy Lolly. Yes, Fairy Lolly. This is quite a place for kids. We were both big kids today.

Next we hit up the Calvert Marine Museum, a world-class facility packed with marine life exhibits, a paleontology gallery and tons of hands-on activities that’s fun for all members of the family. Outside, we meander down the marsh walk, view exhibits featuring historic small watercraft, climb the Drum Point Lighthouse and saw the typical living quarters for a lighthouse keeper and his family at beginning of the 20th century and take in the breathtaking waterscape from top of the lighthouse.

No fine day is complete without good food. We treated ourselves to a great meal at the picturesque waterfront restaurant “LA Vela” then shared an apple crisp dessert before retiring for the night.

Tomorrow we start our journey up the Potomac River towards Washington DC.