Schooner Heron Charters is ready to take you sailing!!! Our season starts April 16th, and springtime brings great temperatures and great winds. Our $390 offer, for a five hour sail for six people, out of Solomons Island, is unbeatable on the Chesapeake Bay. Get out on the water and throw your cares to the wind!

Our local Department of Tourism hero, Joyce Baki, writes a column, ongoing, about activities and events in Calvert County. We’re privileged to be able to reproduce that column in the Schooner Heron Charters blog. If you want the latest information about interesting ways to spend your time in Southern Maryland, look here, or go to Joyce’s website: www.ecalvert.com and click on “Tourism.” She is happy to help one and all get the most out of their recreational visit to Southern Maryland.
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Spring is popping out all over! Crocuses are starting to bloom and you can actually smell the fresh scent of spring. We are moving from the dull browns and grays of winter to the colors of spring and there are many great events in Calvert County – it is time to get out of the house and enjoy life.
Make a date with Annmarie to enjoy an adult evening of art, wine and live music on Saturday, March 20, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Annmarie After Hours: AAH! Annmarie Garden opens their newest exhibit Constructed Place, where you can interact and immerse yourself in the created spaces, built places and imagined environments designed and sculpted by the Washington Sculptors Group. Annmarie After Hours will feature the jazz music of Joyce Kinser, complimentary appetizers and tastings from the Blue Wind Gourmet and special sales in the gift shop. This is a perfect stop before or after dinner. (www.annmariegarden.org)
The Calvert Artists’ Guild will host their Guild Art Show on the mezzanine at Annmarie Garden on Saturday and Sunday, March 20-21. An artists’ reception is planned for Saturday, March 20, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and artists from around Southern Maryland will be featured. Since its inception in 1978 the Calvert Artists’ Guild has promoted art in Calvert County and works to develop interest and appreciation in all media of art. (www.calvertartistsguild.org)
Put on your Easter finery and hop down to Chesapeake Beach for an Easter Parade on the Boardwalk, Saturday, March 27, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The parade will begin at 17th Street and the Boardwalk and make its way down to Bayfront Park, where games await the children. The Easter Bunny will pass out treats supplied by the Town of Chesapeake Beach and local merchants so bring your Easter basket. Raindate – Saturday, April 3 (www.chesapeake-beach.md.us)
The Solomons Business Association hosts the 10th annual Taste of Solomons on Saturday, March 27. Participating restaurants will showcase their signature dishes with tastings. Tickets are $4 per tasting and are available at participating restaurants and the Solomons Visitor Center. But that’s not all: Patuxent Adventure Center offers kayak rentals and classes with demonstrations on the Riverwalk. Stop by Bunky’s Charter Boats or Kingfisher’s Charters to learn how you and your family can enjoy a day of sportfishing. Explore maritime history and visit the river otters at Calvert Marine Museum. Sample tastings of recipes from the many cookbooks in the Calvert Marine Museum gift shop will also be available. Stop by Port of Call Liquors for a wine tasting. The Taste of Solomons brings many tasty and fun opportunities to see what this vibrant little island has to offer. (www.solomonsisland.com)
Head down to Pepper’s Pet Pantry on Sunday, March 28, for a very special event sponsored by the Humane Society of Calvert County and St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League. “Black Tie/White Tails Event” will feature black and white canines and felines looking for a home. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided for this free and fun event. Pepper’s Pet Pantry is located at 13858 Solomons Island Road, next to Solomons Vet and Patuxent Adventure Center. The store is full of wonderful items for your furry four-legged friends! For more information, visit www.humanesocietyofcalvertcounty.org or www.smawl.org. Learn more about Pepper’s Pet Pantry at www.pepperspetpantry.com.
Get outdoors with the American Chestnut Land Trust on Saturday, March 27, for hiking trail maintenance and vine vindicator work day. From 9 a.m. to noon the group will work to improve the native plant species by identifying and removing non-native invasive plant species. Bring work gloves, loppers and clippers if you have them. Or help ACLT on Sunday, March 28, for Barn Work Day. Join the barn volunteer crew from 8 a.m. to noon as they maintain historic barns located throughout ACLT’s preserved property. To register, call 410-414-3400 or visit online at www.acltweb.org.
Children in grades one through three can find out how spring is springing into our local parks. Join the staff at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp for the Spring Into Spring Mini Camp, Monday through Wednesday, March 29-31. Children will explore the woods, streams and swamps in this program, discovering if there are tadpoles in the pond and using binoculars to see birds singing in the woods. Songs, games, crafts and live animal observations will also be part of the learning experience. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Call 410-535-5327 for fees. (www.calvertparks.org)
Annmarie Garden and the United Way are teaming up with an afternoon of healthy and creative programs for all ages. On Sunday, March 28, visit the Garden Garden for “Sunday FunDay.” Take a walk, play with clay in the Ceramics Studio and enjoy other fun family-friendly programs. Annmarie Garden will offer free site admission from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and additional information can be found at www.annmariegarden.org.