June 22 we arrived at Solomons, Maryland. As with every state, there are so many places to visit. We knew we wanted to stop at Solomons to visit our niece Colleen Raney and her family – Harold and son Lucas. I posted a request on Facebook Great Loop site asking what’s a good marina in Solomons. Turns out there are at least nine marina options there.

Fellow loopers confirmed what our books referenced – stay at Spring Cove Marina. Soon after we arrived, Darin from the boat next door came over. He was one of the Facebook followers who recommended Spring Cove! So we befriended another Looper couple – Darin and Susan and their cute dog. Their boat is Sea Gem – a beautiful Cruisers Yacht 415. They hail from Kennewick, Washington!

Solomons includes Solomons Island and the mainland on the north side of the mouth of the Patuxent River, where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. It is just across from the U.S. Naval Air Station Patuxent River – where Colleen and Harold work! Originally called Bourne’s Island (1680), then Somervells Island (1740), Solomons takes its name from 19th century Baltimore businessman Isaac Solomon, who established a cannery there shortly after the Civil War. Solomon’s home still stands an the front of the island.

Solomons Island was once famous for its wooden sloops, schooners, and bugeyes (forerunner of the skipjack) built for the island’s fishing fleet. Solomons is home to the Calvert Marine Museum and the restored Drum Point screw pile lighthouse exhibit. Main street is very walkable, with great views of the Patuxent River waterfront. It’s famous for the Tiki Bar – interesting place for serious people watching right at the harbor.

Visit with Colleen, Harold and Lucas

The highlight of our trip to Solomons was visiting with Colleen, Harold, and Lucas. They stopped by Thursday early evening and treated us to a wonderful waterfront dinner.

The next morning Colleen brought breakfast for our cruise on Sunshine. So much fun to have family on the boat!

After our boat ride, Colleen took us through the Naval Air base where she and Harold work. This is a testing center that helps planes land and take off on aircraft carriers. I was so surprised at how expansive the grounds were. We saw the osprey airplane and many fighter jets.

We went for provisions at the local WalMart (our favorite place!) and made a stop at the bank and West Marine. The best was seeing Colleen’s home in Lexington Park and meeting her two greyhounds! And we left with fresh lettuce from her garden. Special thanks to Colleen, Harold and Lucas for letting us visit and helping us out!

Spring Cove Marina

What a delightful place the Spring Cove Marina turned out to be! It reminded us of the lake in New Hampshire. Manicured grounds with lots of pine trees, picnic tables, and flowers. The lounge was nice with tons of books. When packing for the Loop, no need to bring novels to read. Every marina has a book exchange with lots of novels to choose from.

And for once – we actually enjoyed the pool. Even Patrick!