Explore history, arts and outdoors in the smallest county in Maryland
By WP Creative Group
March 18, 2024
It takes less than 30 minutes to drive across the width of Calvert Peninsula.
Last December, Rod Cofield, the executive director at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, decided to do just that–starting on the Chesapeake Bay side on the east and ending on the Patuxent River on the west.
“You can go to the Chesapeake Bay in the morning and see the sun rise, and then go to the Patuxent River side in the evening and see the sun set over the water,” Cofield said. “You get really good views on both sides.”
The miles in between, making up Calvert County, span a variety of terrains for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
“We’re the smallest county in Maryland, but we have landscapes that include tidal wetlands, freshwater marshes, sandy beaches, sandy cliffs, meadows and forests,” said Hilary Dailey, Calvert County’s tourism program specialist. Adventure seekers will delight in the many ways to experience these outdoor attractions, from leisurely nature trails to fossil hunting on the beach.
Calvert County is also one of the oldest counties in the country, with history stretching back 12,000 years. Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, extending 560 scenic acres along the Patuxent River, puts that history on display through archaeological sites, educational programs and interactive exhibits.
Travelers looking for an arts scene will find a well-rounded list of galleries and performance venues featuring local artists that represent the spirit of Calvert County.
“One artist that has been particularly at the forefront of my mind is Elaine Strong,” said Joe Davis, who serves as the executive director of the Arts Council of Calvert County. “Her artwork really pays homage to her grassroots and her culture. It’s a fantastic representation of Calvert; where we’ve gone, where we’re going, and where we’re hoping to be at the end of our journey.”
Combined with plenty of waterfront eateries, the history, arts and outdoors of Calvert County make for an exciting, activity-packed weekend getaway.
Friday
Start the weekend outside at the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, one of the northernmost stands of bald cypress trees in North America.
Bald cypress trees are known for their knobby “knees,” conical shapes in the trees’ roots that emerge from the water. At Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, a thin boardwalk runs through the trees and roots, providing visitors with the perfect view of the water and amphibians below. The swamp, almost 100 acres wide, is home to a wide range of wildlife, from green frogs and mud turtles to red-bellied woodpeckers and bald eagles.
Calvert Cliffs State Park is another popular destination in Calvert County – one that made headlines twice in the past few years.
In December 2022, a nine-year-old found a 15-million-year-old shark tooth in shallow water at Calvert Cliffs State Park. The tooth, bigger than her hand, measured around 5 inches. Two months later in February, a fisherman pulled another tooth from the Chesapeake Bay measuring 5.5 inches.
“At Calvert Cliffs State Park, massive cliffs dominate the shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay,” said Dailey. “At one point, this whole area was covered by the sea, but the sea receded, and then all these fossils, sharks’ teeth and bones stuck in the cliffs. You can still find all kinds of fossils, all different sizes of sharks’ teeth. Those big ones are rare, but you can find them and you can take them home with you!”
Visitors can search for their own historic finds on the open beach areas at Calvert Cliffs State Park, plan a day of fishing at the park’s one-acre pond, or just relax at the pavilion and picnic area.
Saturday
Spend Saturday uncovering history with your own hands.
Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum features more than 65 identified archaeological sites and offers a variety of Saturday programs and activities throughout the year including walking tours, Woodland Indian Village days and other visitor-focused programming. Check the park’s social media page for upcoming events.
“Archaeology is a great way to tell the stories of all kinds of people because everybody had the same basic human needs: shelter, food, clothing and other life necessities,” said Patricia Samford, director of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum. “Archaeology looks at those types of information and charts changes across the landscape, and how people are using the land over time.”
Sunday
Before the weekend is over, make sure to experience the best of Calvert County’s art scene, starting with Artworks@7th. Locals founded this artists’ cooperative in 2004, and in addition to Elaine Strong’s landscape paintings, visitors can see the stoneware of Ray Bogle and the jewelry of Suzanne Nawrot.
Next, stop by the CalvART Gallery. The gallery is an extension of the Arts Council of Calvert County, whose mission it is to support the arts of all mediums. Not only does the gallery display a steady rotation of local artists including painters, woodworkers and potters on-site, but they also created the Calvert Barn Quilt Trail.
Running from North Beach to Solomons Island and from the Chesapeake Bay to the Patuxent River, this collection of hand-painted wooden quilt squares decorates barns and buildings throughout the county in an effort to promote Calvert County’s agricultural heritage, local history and artistic talent. The squares tell the story of beloved traditions, multigenerational farms and small businesses.
“You can drive from the southernmost point [of Calvert County] to the northernmost point and you’re getting almost every facet of art,” said Davis. “You see things from start to finish.”
Near the bottom of the Calvert Peninsula, you’ll find the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, a staple in the Calvert County arts scene. Stroll along a ¼ mile wooded path while enjoying a collection of sculptures, some on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and some specifically commissioned for the space.
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center hosts a range of events throughout the year, such as the Enchanted Summer at the Garden, which invites families and children to build fairy houses, picnic in the garden and search for hidden tree pop paintings, colorful art found in the base of tree trunks.
Plan your visit today. Maryland. You’re Welcome.
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