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Looking for a Special Gift?

Look to Southern Maryland's Specialty Stores

Story by Kathy Warren
Photography by Grace Anastasi

Instead of fighting long lines at the mall, or circling the parking lot for an hour looking for a parking space, why not take advantage of Southern Maryland's many unique places to shop? This holiday season, and throughout the year, you'll find almost everything you need to satisfy even the toughest people on your gift list with these one-of-a-kind shops.

Often located in unique historic buildings or tucked far away from the maddening crowds, the stores we visited offer everything from designer handbags to culinary treats and everything in-between. With so many wonderful items at every shop, we could only mention a few items from each store, so get out your check book and grab a map to discover what we found: that giving (or at least shopping) is truly more fun than receiving.

ST. MARY'S COUNTY

Apple Basket Country Store
301-884-8118, 27056 Mount Zion Church Rd., Mechanicsville
Items for the country enthusiast, children's gifts, and a large collection of Victoriana including antique reproduction jewelry and furniture.

The Upper Notch
301-373-3515, 25132 Three Notch Rd., Hollywood
Imported English teas, gourmet foods, and teapots. Stained glass lamps, estate jewelry and antiques.

Sassafras Hill
301-862-4020, 23415 Three Notch Rd., California
Over 20 local artisans' wares. Handmade baby items, decorative wooden pieces, painted glassware and artwork.

Stencil House Stamps
301-863-8336, 23415 Three Notch Rd., California
Everything for the scrapbook or craft lover.

Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Gift Shop
301-863-7418, Three Notch Rd. (next to Gate #1), Lexington Park
Items for the Naval and Marine Corps aviation enthusiast.

Dragonflies
301-863-7474, 21865 Three Notch Rd., Lexington Park
Distinctive steel and rock lamps, sandcast aluminum serving pieces, Candela rechargeable candle lamps by Vessel, Inc. Jewelry and accessories.

The Shop at Farthings Ordinary
240-895-2088, 18751 Hogaboom Ln., St. Mary's City
Seventeenth Century reproduction items, including tinware, glassware, traditional pottery by Henderson, and redware by Wisconsin Pottery.

Cecil's Old Mill
301-994-1510, 20853 Indian Bridge Rd., Great Mills
Housed in an old grist/saw mill, local artists showcase wooden furniture, tole painting, pottery, needlework, homemade baked goods and spiced tea.

Cecil's Country Store
301-994-9622, Indian Bridge Rd., Great Mills
Across the street from Cecil's Mill this historic old general store carries Beanpod soy candles, decorative Bulgar Pottery, and La-Tee-Da effusion lamps (decorative vessels that burn scented oils without the use of an open flame and at only 1/2 the heat of traditional candles).

Home Impressions
301-475-9660, 41685 Fenwick St., Leonardtown
Hand painted furniture, upholstered furnishings by Country Manor Furniture, and extensive line of home accessories and gifts including Bethany Lowe folk art collectibles.

S-Kape Bed and Bath Décor
301-475-6929, 41675 Fenwick St., Leonardtown
Linens and pajamas by Pinecone Hill, bath/home products from Caldrea, Votivo aromatic candles and imaginative jewelry.

North End Gallery
301-475-3130, 41652 Fenwick St., Leonardtown
Over 30 artists representing several different types of artwork, including painters, potters, photographers, metalwork sculptors, and glass and fiber artists.

David's Flowers
301-475-3704, 41656 Fenwick St., Leonardtown
Floral designs, antique glassware, furniture and one-of-a-kind lamps.

Jeanie's Flowers & Gifts
301-475-5211, 22698 Washington St., Leonardtown
Custom florals, jewelry, gifts and souvenirs.

Old Towne Crafters
301-997-1644, 22745 Washington St., Leonardtown
A consortium of local crafters selling handmade wooden items such as handcrafted salad bowls, stained glass art, crocheted items and wearable art.

Z Boutique
301-475-6814, 22720 Washington St., Leonardtown
Unique women's clothing and accessories.

Crazy for Ewe
301-475-2744, 22715 Washington St., Leonardtown
High quality yarns, needles, books and notions for the needlework lover.

The Maryland Antique Center
301-475-7960, 26005 Point Lookout Rd., Leonardtown
Over 30 antique dealers. Furniture, glassware, books, jewelry, collectibles and more.

Traditions of Loveville
(301) 475-8280, 28420 Point Lookout Rd., Loveville
An eclectic mix of fine linens, beautiful garden adornments, unique jewelry, Vera Bradley items, and elegant designer furnishings.

Crab Claw Museum Gift Shop
301-769-2222, (Located at St. Clements Island Museum), 38370 Point Breeze Rd., Colton's Point
Nautical inspired gifts from Southern Maryland and around the state.

CHARLES COUNTY

Hughesville Bargain Barn
301-934-8580, Rt. 5 South, Leonardtown Rd., Hughesville
Antiques, collectibles, books, coins, jewelry, linens, new and used furniture.

Sycamore Accents & Gifts
301-934-9008, 406 Charles St., La Plata
Salisbury Pewter, decorative flags, artwork by local artists including Robert Bealle and hand carved decoys by Burkey Boggs, and Byers Choice Collectibles.

Joson Fine Jewelry & Home Boutique
301-934-7188, 113 La Grange Ave., La Plata
Designer jewelry, including collections by David Wysor and Stephanie Albertson, as well as unique pieces made by local artisans. Vietri Italian dinnerware, Shabby Chic brand items, and Vera Bradley Designs.

Nostalgia Nook
301-753-6940, 36 Mattingly Ave., Indian Head
English period and country furniture, glassware and interior design accessories.

Waldorf Pottery
301-870-3002, 4781 Crain Hwy., White Plains
Fine garden and home décor including fountains, statuary, glitter shell ornaments, Dept. 56, and Al's Garden Art.

Embellishments A La Maison
301-932-7177, 2788 Crain Hwy., Waldorf
Specializing in home décor and fashion accessories. Tocca Candles, Lampe Berger, handbags and wallets by designers Kate Spade and Longchamp.


CALVERT COUNTY

Coffee Tea & Whimsey
410-286-0000, 4109 Seventh St., North Beach
Tea-related gifts, Maryland wines, feather boas, and tiaras for the princess in all of us.

Picadillo's Southwest Accessories
7628 Bayside Rd., Chesapeake Beach
Southwest inspired gifts and accessories, including zesty gourmet foods, pottery, artwork and jewelry.

Mariana's Studio of Handcrafted Quilted Art
410-257-6473; 8314 F St., Chesapeake Beach
Quilted wall hangings, hot pads, placemats, wearable art and wreaths.

Bayhill Market
410-257-2349, 7544 Bayside Rd., Chesapeake Beach
Nautical inspired and other unique home furnishings, as well as gourmet foods.

Hugs
301-855-9988, 3150 Solomons Island Rd., Huntingtown
Unique gifts and collectibles, including Cat's Meow Village.

The Berry Patch
410-535-4321, 2440 Hallowing Point Rd., Prince Frederick
Faerie Glen collectible figurines, Red Hat merchandise, floral decorations, estate jewelry and other gift items.

Periwinkle Place
410-326-8006, 11870 H G Trueman Rd., Lusby
Unique gifts and home décor, including furnishings, custom window treatments, April Cornell linens, Gail Pittman pottery, beautiful La Contessa jewelry by Maryland artist Mary DeMarco.

Bears By the Bay
410-394-1900, 14560 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons
Gift shop featuring an old fashioned candy shop, gourmet foods, unique windsocks and spinners, and Bridgewater Candles.

Clippers Canine Café
410-326-9294, 14520 S Solomons Island Rd., Solomons
Gifts for the pets in your life, including leashes, sweaters, collars, and even dog life jackets by Ruffwear. Bakery treats for your pampered pets and all natural treats for "Fido" or "Fifi's" Christmas stocking.

Calvert Marine Museum Gift Shop
410-326-2042; 14200 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons
Nautical related gifts, artwork and books.

Carmen's Gallery
410-326-2549, 14550 S. Solomons Island Rd., Solomons
Paintings, jewelry, unique hand painted pieces and accessories.

Harmon House Shops
410-326-6848, 14538 S Solomons Island Rd., Solomons
Three unique stores all housed in one location. Metaphysical can be found at the Whispering Hoop, such as jewelry, crystals, incense and candles. Beachcombers features nautical items and collectibles and Grandmothers Too carries souvenirs, Faerie Glen collectibles, and gourmet foods by Blue Crab Bay Co.

Kim's Key Lime & Coffee Shop
410-326-8469, 14618 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons
Gourmet coffees and Mighty Leaf brand teas, contemporary silver jewelry, embroidered flour sack towels, infusion teapots, soy candles, and of course, key lime pies.

Sandpiper Shop Too
410-326-3166, Holiday Inn Select, Solomons
Custom Cat's Meow Collectibles, decorative tassels, mermaid and seahorse items, gourmet foods including Virginia Peanuts and Mango Margarita Mix, T-shirts and sweatshirts.

Seagull Cove Gifts
410-326-7182, 14488 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons
Nautical themed gifts and decorative items including brass diver's helmets and sextons, Tursiops perfume and Chesapeake Bay Spice cologne, Solomons Island wines, lighthouses, Asner's Chocolate Shop and pirate gifts.

Main Street Gallery
410-535-3334, 486 Main St., Prince Frederick
A unique collection of hand made tiles, pottery, jewelry and more.

House of Frames/Chesapeake Galleries
410-257-1420, 410-535-3334, 445 Main St., Prince Frederick
Please visit this lovely Georgian House and experience the warmth and elegance, seven rooms of orginal artwork, glass, wire scultpture, pottery, jewelry, candles and more.

Calvert Country Market
410-414-9669, 98 South Solomons Island Rd., Prince Frederick
Calvert Country Market, housing local crafts, farm products, bakery, seafood market, custom meat market, and more.

Chesapeake MarketPlace
410-586-3725, 5015 St. Leonard Rd., St. Leonard
An oasis of small shops defined only by the uniqueness of their owners. Stroll through the alley ways or along the covered porches for a wide variety of antiques and quality specialty gift shops.

There you have it, no more need to waste time at the mall looking for a place to park. Check these local gifts stores. We promise you'll find the perfect present for everyone on your list. Please keep in mind that we have attempted to give you as many gift stores as we could find. For the most part we have left out antique stores, not because they don't have great gifts, but because we don't have room to list them all like we have in other issues. If we've overlooked a gift store please let us know. We appreicate your support. Happy shopping and happy Holidays!

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