Escape to Solomons...a small, flat fishhook-shaped bit of land at the confluence of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County in historic Southern Maryland.

Discover primeval shark's teeth at nearby Calvert Cliffs, ship out on a century-old oystering boat, bicycle quiet streets to a seafood feast.

The appeal of Solomons is the simplicity of a small 128-year old fishing village, settled comfortably around a deep, protected harbor rimmed with busy marinas. Bordered by the Riverwalk on one side, wander down the main street bordered by small white and gray houses of weathered wood, casual restaurants, pot-pourri-scented gift shops, and a general store that offers bait, tackle, hot coffee, ice and rental boats.

The Calvert Marine Museum's exhibits are aimed straight at youngsters and the young at heart. Therešs a lighthouse to explore, a marshwalk to meander, a "touch tank" where you can pet crabs and turtles and terrific aquariums where you can go eye-to-eye with jewel-bright fish. The "stars" of the Museum are two river otters named Bubbles and Squeak who get to show off their tricks in their own 9,000 gallon tank.

You can't miss Annmarie Garden on St. John, a sculpture garden in the making, with museum,quality outdoor artwork in combination with the unique, tranquil setting of a natural garden.

There are several inns, guest houses and two hotels in the Solomons area. Over twenty restaurants offer the finest in Chesapeake Bay seafood and water is the star attraction at many with breathtaking views of the Patuxent River. Gifts, antiques, painting, sculpture and clothing crowd the shelves in a number of trendy shops.