By Lani Gering

Somehow the month of October got away from us and the weekend before this issue was to go to press, we still hadn’t been on an adventure to write about in this column. Time to scramble…

We decided to head down Route 4 to a part of Maryland that has a special place in our hearts – Solomons Island. This small section of southern Maryland real estate has been dubbed as the “Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine. That’s quite a compliment. This is also a great time of year to spend a couple of nights on Solomons. The tourist season has waned so no standing in line at restaurants and no crowded sidewalks.

For those of you who have been following this column for very long, you know that we have written about this little town more than a couple of times over the years. You also know that Bob – the usual author of this column – has kept his sailboat at Calvert Marina, a couple of miles from the island for many years. Unfortunately, getting older – both the boat and us – has made our sailing days a thing of the past. She is no longer in the water and is looking for a new captain. It was a good run.

Even though we aren’t spending most of our sailing season weekends down there anymore, we visit regularly, at least once a month, since it is on our “From the Bay” distribution route. Things are a bit different with our “floating” accommodations being housed on jack stands in the marina yard – we don’t often get a chance to spend the night anymore.

Fortunately for us, we were able to secure a last-minute Saturday night at our good friend, and very talented artist, Carmen Nance Gambril’s Art Cottage in the heart of the Island. This quaint cottage is located directly behind Carmen’s Gallery located on the “main drag” at 14550 Solomons Island Road.

Bob typically retraces our steps when he writes about our treks and I was going to follow suit but after spending the night in the Art Cottage, I’m sticking with telling you about this unique place to stay.

We have stayed in all sorts of places during the course of doing the R & D for this column over the years. They have ranged from high end resorts with every amenity known to man to log cabins and yurts with the basics. The Art Cottage falls somewhere in between. As mentioned earlier, it is located right behind the Gallery and is literally within walking distance of the majority of the shops and restaurants on the Island. No need to get in your vehicle that is very conveniently parked next to your front door until you want to venture to some of the areas popular attractions. See a few of our suggestions on these pages.

I’m not usually at a loss for words, as most people that know me can attest to, but I had a tough time coming up with the right words describing how “comforting” this little space is. In looking at Art Cottage reviews on the internet and the notes in the guest book, it has been described as cozy, quaint, charming, very private, artsy and the list goes on. It is all of those things and something a little bit more. We may be a bit biased since we have known Carmen for several years and know how passionate she is about not only her art and Gallery but about animals and the people in her community. This passion has carried over in to the décor and feel of the cottage. It is an amazing mixture of seaside/beach with a touch of Bohemian influence. The majority of the art that graces the walls are her creations and all of the art is for sale.

The cottage sleeps two in one of the most comfortable beds we have experienced. It is reminiscent of the “Princess and the Pea” in that you have to use a step stool to get on board. The kitchen area is fully equipped so if you have a penchant for cooking while on holiday, you have just about everything you need. The bathroom has a walk-in shower and a skylight that literally “lights up” the entire space. The pictures accompanying this column tell the story about the space. You see me pictured in the Bohemian chaise lounge – not really sure what to call it – all settled in for the evening in my crazy cat lady (they were a gift, so ya know) pajamas and a glass of wine. Other amenities include free WiFi and Cable TV and access to laundry facilities. Bed linens and towels are included with your stay.

This time of year, doesn’t lend itself to very pretty landscaping but the view from the bedroom and the backyard is still spectacular. You have a couple of options for hanging out on padded chairs and a tables closer to the cottage that can probably be relocated closer to the water during your stay (as long as you put them back), a picnic table and a hammock. There is a new bulkhead and a pier with boat slips in the event you want to arrive by water or if you rent a party boat on the island you have a place to tie up.  There are kayaks available for your use as well.

Let’s get you out of the cottage to explore the Island. Head out of the door and take a right and walk down to the River Walk that follows a good portion of the Patuxent River facing west. This is a fabulous place to catch one of the spectacular Solomons Island sunsets. There are several small shops and restaurants that dot the main drag that will interest the shopaholics. If you like the abstract art on the walls of the cottage, you may want to ask your host to show you the Gallery. It is by appointment only these days but I am sure she would be happy to give you a tour.

We have a couple of favorite places to eat and drink but don’t want to influence your decision since there are a few of them that we know are great but we just haven’t frequented them lately. However, it wouldn’t be a trip to Solomons without a stop at the infamous Tiki Bar. Both of us have spent our fair share of time sipping on a Mai Tai or two at this iconic locale.

Getting there from Alexandria and DC is a matter of three turns after you get yourself off the Beltway and on your way down Route 4 South. Stay the course until you get to sign that directs you to the Island right before you head across the Patuxent River Bridge. It is a right exit that curves down to Solomons Island Road. Take a right at the intersection and proceed onto the island. Stay the course until you see the Carmen’s Gallery sign on your left and turn into the drive between the Gallery and the Island Hideaway lot. You have arrived.

Reservations via Airbnb.com

Waterfront Solomons Island Art Cottage

14550 Solomons Island Road

Additional Places to Visit

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center

13470 Dowell Road

Annmariegarden.org

Calvert Marine Museum

14200 Solomons Island Road

Calvertmarinemuseum.com

On Watch Statue

14485 Dowell Road

Nationalwarmemorialregistry.org

Cove Point Lighthouse

3500 Lighthouse Blvd.

Lusby, MD

410-474-5370

Calvertmarinemuseum.com