WELCOME TO THE RESORT TOWN OF SOLOMONS! Solomons is located in Calvert County & is approximately 55 miles south of Washington, D.C. & less than an hour drive from the Annapolis, Maryland area. Solomons Island is a major boating center located at the mouth of the Patuxent River, in southern Calvert County.  Solomons offers several full service marinas, intriguing antinque, gift & specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, museums, and a boardwalk overlooking the Patuxent.  Take a walk along the Riverwalk, and enjoy wonderful views of the Patuxent River.  There is also a public fishing pier.  Solomons, Maryland offers a variety of attractions and events year-round.  Area restaurants include Mediterranean fare, world-famous crab cakes and other seafood options, gourmet coffees and desserts, ... 03/30/2009

  YOGA and MORNING WALKS in the GARDEN Location:  Annmarie Gardens, Solomons Date:  April 1, 2009, Tuesday through May 20, 2009 Time:  9 AM - 10:15 AM Yoga Series:  Morning Walks in the Garden Cost:  $106 (for series of 8 classes) Adults Only Turn your morning walk into a soothing adventure with gentle yoga postures, breathing techniques, relaxation, and meditation.  You will feel relaxed, refreshed, and revitalized. Pre-registration is required:  Call (410)-326-4640 to register, or Visit:  Annmarie Garden to print a registration form and view the complete course catalog.   03/30/2009

I interviewed Ray Gagner with C&F Mortgage to get an update on what is going on with home loans. He is the lender I use whenever I purchase a home. He said 20% down is required for second home loans unless you go through a credit union they may have a different program. He has been very busy this month with first time home buyers. Rates are great right now but Ray thinks at some point they will begin rising because of inflation. He thinks in a few years we may be back to double digit interest rates. Conforming loan limits will for Calvert County were raised to $729,750. Feel free to contact Ray and tell him I sent you! He can be reached at (301) 885-2831 or email him at rgagner@cfmortgagecorp.com. Phyllis Minik, WesternShoreBlog.com 03/30/2009

CONCERT:  HANK WILLIAMS JR. IN SOLOMONS AT THE CALVERT MARINE MUSEUM EVENT:  Hank Williams Jr. DATE:    May 23, 2009, Saturday TIME:     7:30 PM LOCATION:  Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland   Hank Williams Jr. In the music industry, Hank Williams Jr. is one of only a few artists who surpass superstar status to become true American icons.  Over the years, Hank, Jr. has blazed a trail with such classic hits as "Whiskey Bent" and "Hell Bound", "All My Rowdy Friends", "Old Habits" and "Born to Boogie".  He has long been the voice of common man, serving up observations on life & society that have made his fans listen intently as he puts words and music to their thoughts, hopes and everyday life. Come to the concert for an amazing evening as country music legend Hank Williams Jr. p... 03/28/2009

  Please join us on Sat March 26, 2009 at "Clipper's Canine Cafe" for a joint venture! Vendor attending and what they are about! O'Brien Realty: Providing local information about the area, Properties for sale, First Time Home Buyers Information, Maps and more.. Southern Maryland Real Estate Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland:Adopt, Foster, Gatherings, Golden Get Togethers, Fundraising & local vendors providing discounts. Southern Maryland Spay & Neuter, Inc. SPOT: non profit organization dedicated to ending the euthanasia of all healthy companions through low cost spay and neuter. Spot provides individuals and local humane organizations with grants for low and no cost spay and neuter of companion animals. Please Join Us! Monique Hailer & Rita Minion: (410)326-0000       03/26/2009

EVENT TITLE:  JOHN LUSKEY IN CONCERT Organization:  Southern Maryland American Red Cross Brief Description:  Benefit concert for SOMD Red Cross.  John Luskey with special guest Jeff Miller.  Ticket Price:  $20.00 - Doors open at 7PM.  Seating is limited, make reservations.  Call (301)-342-4635 Date:  March 27, 2009 Time:  7PM - 11PM Address:  Holiday Inn, 155 Holiday Drive Location:  Solomons     03/26/2009

  HISTORY OF THE TIKI BAR The Tiki Bar first opened in front of the Island Manor Motel at its present location in Solomons Island, Maryland on April 13, 1980.  John and Kathy Taylor were the first to create an open air bar in Southern Maryland.  The Tiki Bar began and is still a seasonal operation from April to October of each year. The annual opening of the Tiki Bar has become a firmly entrenched Southern Maryland tradition with crowds in excess of 10,000 people pouring in each year to celebrate the event.  The house drink is the Mai-Tai-the popularity and potency of this drink has been known to cause people to react in a variety of ways! 30TH ANNUAL TIKI BAR OPENING DAY:  APRIL 17, 2009, NOON A world class Tiki Bar designer was brought in and many new Tiki poles and carvings now adorn... 03/26/2009

 DATE NIGHT AT ANNMARIE GARDENS!      A GREAT PLACE AND VENUE TO ATTEND WITH FRIENDS! FOR A SMALL FEE OF $3.00 ENJOY AN ARTSY ADULT EVENING! You may even make a few new friends and find out what a wonderful area Solomons . Tour the Art exhibits, wine tasting (Featured from local vendors, music! Anne Marie Gardens purpose is to nuture the human spirit and promote a healty local community. Search Anne Marie Gardens website for other events & exihibits. Friday, June 12, 6-9pmFriday, July 24, 6-9pmFriday, October 2, 6-9pm Annmarie Gardens is a Public Sculpture Park & Art Center loacted in Solomons MD and Association with the Smithsonian Institution! 03/25/2009

Adopting or Fostering a Golden Retriever!A golden rescue group, has asked The  "Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland Inc."  if anyone who is willing to foster Top Gun, a  four year old male golden retriever being given up along with 9 other goldens. See the available adoptive "Happy Tails"  If you are available to foster hit "Foster Info" . Donations are greatly appreciated. You can Donate online.  For more inofrmation about this wonderful rescue group.  www.goldenretrieverrescueofsouthernmaryland.org   03/25/2009

WATERFRONT LIVING IN SOLOMONS LANDING!  Whether it's a second home, a primary residence, or an investment toward the future, nothing beats the lifestyle and scenic beauty of waterfront living at Solomons Landing. Wonderful community amenities include nature walking trails with footlights, spacious recreation activity center, pool, marina with boardwalk & tennis courts. Considering a waterfront home & carefree living?  For more information, on Solomons Landing & available homes for sale, contact us.  Your vacation that never ends awaits! Currently there are 10 waterfront listings available for sale ranging in price from $249,900 to $734,990.  Most convey with boat slips.  There are also 11 non-waterfront listings currently available. Boat slips are also available for sale.   The units ha... 03/23/2009

BEACHCOMBING:  LESSONS FROM THE SHORE Location:  Calvert Marine Museum Auditorium, Solomons Island Date:  March 22, 2009, Sunday Time:  3:00 - 5:00 PM Admission is FREE Beachcombing:  Lessons from the Shore by Dr. S. Deacon Ritterbush will be presented in the Calvert Marine Museum  auditorium.  Nature has many useful lessons to teach us that can enhance our journey through life.  Dr. Ritterbush shares the lessons she learned while combing for beach treasures on shorelines scattered across the globe.  Follow her on beachcombing expeditions from Calvert Cliffs and Fiji to Tonga, Jekyll Island, Hawaii and the French Riviera as she discusses the inspirational insights culled while beachcombing.  Drawing from chapters in A. Beachcomber's Odyssey, Vol. I, sold in the museum store, as well as ... 03/20/2009

SPACIOUS & ATTRACTIVE "WATERFRONT" TOWNHOME W/PANORAMIC VIEWS OF MILL CREEK! This lovely townhome in Solomons area offers 3 bedrooms & 3 full baths with 2,354 sq. ft. of living space.  Waterviews of Mill Creek from main and upper level decks.  Floorplan boasts open kitchen, livingroom with fireplace, dining area, full bath & bedroom on the main level.  Vaulted ceilings and spacious closets in master bedroom.     Quick walk to deep water boat slip on Mill Creek.  Short drive to Solomons Island, shopping & restaurants.  Convenient to Patuxent River Naval Air Station.  Easy commute to DC/VA & Annapolis areas.  List Price: $335,000 To view additional photos & information, visit:  Waterfront Townhome in Solomons Area For additional information or real estate assistance, feel free to contact ... 03/18/2009

Patuxent Point townhomes are located in Solomons off of Route 4 across from the Foodlion. I like these townhomes because they are an affordable option when comparing to the Condo's in the area. They are also resonably priced around 270,000 is the average sales price. You can walk to the Patuxent River which has a beach and a pier. The community also offers a swimming pool. Stores, shops and restaurants are located close by too. If you have a boat there are plenty of marinas in the area. Currently there is only one listing available and it is priced at 269,900 with fees of $587/ Quarter. Homes for sale don't come up very often here and when they do they usually sell quickly so be sure to email me if you want to be notified when a new one comes up. You can also view available listings at... 03/12/2009

ST. MARY'S ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE - Pet Adoptions in Solomons SMAWL will have pets up for adoption that are looking for good homes.  All the cats & dogs have had a complete veterinary exam, are up to date on all vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and micro chipped.  The SMAWL volunteers can also help you with information regarding volunteering, fostering, low cost rabies clinic and spay/neuter discount vouchers. Location:  Pepper's Pet Pantry - Solomons Date:  March 15, 2009, Sunday Time:  12:00 - 3:30 PM Pepper's Pet Pantry is located at 13858 Solomons Island Rd. in Solomons.  Look for the store between Patuxent Adventure Center and the Solomons Veterinary Hospital.  Call (410)-326-4006 for more information or contact SMAWL or call (301)-373-5659   About St. Mary's Animal Welfare League ... 03/10/2009

The Southern Maryland Chapter of MSSA is sponsoring their annual Solomons Fishing Fair at the Solomons Firehouse. This event will be held on March 28 & 29, 2009, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm each day. There will be vendors offering fishing tackle and supplies, boats for sale, and lots more!  I went a few years ago and had a great time. 03/10/2009

WASHINGTON, DC METRO AREA HOSTS ACCLAIMED PET TRADE SHOW FOR MAN'S BEST FRIEND Chantilly, VA - Super Pet Expo  will again unite pet owners and animal lovers at the premier shopping extravaganza and animal entertainment destination.  From March 20th through March 22nd, join featured presenters, unique entertainment, local and national animal welfare organizations, and countless exhibitors for a one-stop location for all things animal-related.  The fun-filled family event will feature more than 150 pet-related exhibitors along with some highly unique entertainment and educational activities.  To name a few: Pets with Disabilities:  Joyce Darrell, founder of Pets with Disabilities, has recently written a wonderful book called Extraordinary Dogs - a fabulous collaboration of inspirational s... 03/09/2009

There are currently 57 active listings. 23 are new construction. One is a foreclosure. Three homes went under contract.  Two homes sold in February, both were new condos. Home prices range from 99,900 for a 2 bedroom home built in 1930 to 1,290,000 for a large waterfront home. View homes for sale and information on vacation and second homes in the Solomons area go to http://www.SouthernMarylandVacation.com/ Phyllis Minik, WesternShoreBlog.com   03/03/2009

ANNMARIE GARDEN - Scultpture Park & Arts Center   MARCH DATE NIGHT:  On Friday, March 6, 2009, 6-9pm Come and join the fun for March Date Night & the opening of Touch!  art that breaks the rules. Brought to you by:  Annmarie Garden & Vincenzo's Restaurant at Calvert Marina.  Date night is an artful adult evening for singles & couples.  Enjoy wine tasting and delicious food as you meet and greet the artists of Touch! Located at Annmarie Garden - a 30 acre sculpture park and arts center located in scenic Solomons, Maryland at 13480 Dowell Rd. in Dowell.  (410)-326-4640 UPCOMING EXHIBIT TOUCH!  art that breaks the rules March 7 - May 3, 2009 Arts Building at Annmarie Garden - Main Gallery The exhibit invites guests to use their sense of touch to explore the texture and shape of art.  Seven... 03/02/2009

Woodburns is about 60 years old. They just updated the store to include Glueten free products. I like this because last year I found out I am alergic to wheat. It is so nice to be able to go to a local store to get items instead of ordering online. If something is not there all's I do is ask Joe who is in charge of the inventory there to order it for me. My other favorites when I could eat wheat are the breads in the bakery and they also have great sandwiches. They have the best meat in the area. I like getting rib roast there since I usually cook for only 2 and they sell all sizes there. You will also be able to find local fish including rockfish which is my favorite.  Woodburns is located at Patuxent Plaza, Solomons Phyllis Minik, www.WesternShoreBlog.com   02/27/2009

In the Solomons area there are two large condo developments: Oyster Bay and Solomons Landing. Oyster Bay is located in Dowell which is the town next to Solomons. They are still building and offering great prices. The builder, Marrick Homes is one of my favorites. You get a free boat slip on Back Creek when you purchase a condo. Condos are great because if you are only spending weekends in your vacation home you can just show up. No mowing lawns and other duties required with a house. Many people with boats like this style of living because they can spend more time on their boats when they vacation. The  community includes Walking paths, Outdoor pool, Clubhouse, and Tennis Courts. You also get covered parking, elevator to each floor. Granite counter tops, ceramic tile floors in Kitchen, ... 02/24/2009