St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival Draws Thousands
From Southern Maryland and Beyond

Story by Debra Zimmerman Murphey

Story by Caroline Miller King and Photography by August Selckmann

There’s something iconic about an American flag proudly displayed on an old, weathered barn.

American flags are painted or hung on several barns (and a few other buildings) here in Southern Maryland. To commemorate Veterans Day, we wanted to share their stories with you. Enjoy the pictures, or take a drive and see them for yourself. You might just be inspired.

Story by Susan Glauner

A craft fair is truly a feast for the senses. It’s a veritable cornucopia of aromas, colors and textures. Within the stalls, booths and tables of Southern Maryland’s plentiful fairs and festivals you can find a one-of-a-kind paper creation alongside a home-baked tart or a handcrafted bath lotion. Or a craft – a painting, piece of pottery, wood carving, piece of jewelry, hand-sewn baby gift or hand-woven basket – as unique as the artisan who created it. Local craft fairs provide a special space for local artisans to display their talents and interested buyers to discover them.

Story by Danita Boonchaisri and Photography by Somchai Boonchaisri

“There are many things to induce women to piece quilts. The desire for a handsome bed furnishing, or the wish to make a gift of one to a dear friend, have inspired some women to make quilts. With others, quiltmaking is a recreation, a diversion, a means of occupying restless fingers. However, the real inducement is love of the work: because the desire to make a quilt exceeds all other desires.”  -Marie D. Webster, “Quilts: Their Story & How To Make Them,” 1915.

Story by Jamie Clark Tiralla and Photography by August Selckmann

Here in Southern Maryland, the equine industry is diverse and colorful, offering something for every horse enthusiast. Horse farms, stables and riding trails speckle the local landscape, preserving the agricultural charm of our area and providing a source of recreation and enjoyment for its residents.

In the wine industry, the adage is this: “Make one or two wines, and make them well.” At the new Port of Leonardtown Winery in St. Mary’s County, however, the winemaker doesn’t have that luxury. That’s because the winery is a cooperative that uses grapes from the vineyards of 17 different member-growers. The winemaker, Patrick Isles, crafts wines from whatever they produce. “We have eight wines bottled now. We’ll have 11 in the next year, and we’re going to try to hold it to 12 if we can,” says Rich Fuller, manager of the winery. “But someone always has a new grape,” he laughs.

Ahhhh … summertime. Backyard barbecues, trips to the beach, lush gardens, long days and evenings spent enjoying the sweet sound of music in the open air. Outdoor concerts are a staple of summer in Southern Maryland. Families pack their picnic baskets and load the kids into the old red wagon. Friends meet to relax and socialize with the grass between their toes. Others prefer simply to focus on the music. However you choose to enjoy them, outdoor concerts are events not to be missed. Fortunately, our area boasts an abundance of them.

Nothing compares to the taste of just-picked produce or homemade baked goods, or the satisfaction of knowing that something was lovingly grown or prepared at a nearby farm. Fortunately, such delicacies are within our reach here in Southern Maryland. On almost any day of the week, we can find a farmers’ market to provide our families with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Nothing compares to the feeling of pride when hearing the words, “Where did you get that!?” A comment of admiration on a carefully selected accessory or piece of clothing that reflects your personal sense of style is a true compliment, indeed. And, if you’re willing to share your source with your admirer, imagine her delight when you tell her you bought your treasure at a boutique right here in Southern Maryland.

In the hallways of government buildings, tucked away in little cafés, in hospital corridors and in front of banks, in the back of antique shops, in church basements, schools and gardens, art is everywhere in Southern Maryland. Often it is viewed from the periphery or overlooked - after all, Southern Marylanders can take a short drive to see Picassos and Van Goghs. But the abundance of Southern Maryland’s natural beauty inspires an abundance of creativity.