Lauren + Nicholas
Things to Do
The Reluctant Navigator Restaurant & Double 'T' Oyster Ranch at Tall Timbers Marina
Farewell Brunch venue Nicholas worked at the Marina on and off since he was a teenager. When Lauren lived in Tall Timbers, she would often visit him while he was behind the bar or in the kitchen. Known for their thick, buttery oysters and "the best damn bloody marys" you'll ever have.
Green Door Tavern
After Party venue An iconic St. Mary's County institution (aka dive bar) where the couple first met through mutual friends - they enjoyed (too) many rounds of drinks and darts over the years at the Door. This favorite local watering hole is always the "same as it ever was." Grab a pitcher and a pizza for under $10!
WJ Dent & Sons | Chief's
One of Nicholas and Lauren's favorite hidden gems and home of the best Southern Maryland stuffed ham and chicken salad sandwiches. The couple also recommends the stuffed ham pizza/eggrolls or the wings.
Ruddy Duck Seafood & Alehouse
A popular seafood restaurant with breathtaking 360° water views - must try the duck fat fries!
Leonardtown Square
Visit the heart of historic downtown Leonardtown. One of the few remaining town squares from Maryland's provincial period, explore this walkable area for a variety of local shops and restaurants. Check out Nicholas' mom's paintings in North End Gallery, shop local artisans at Shepherd's Old Field Market, or venture down to the scenic Leonardtown Wharf. Some of the couple's early dates took place at Brüdergarten Beer Garden and The Slice House. Other recommended restaurants include Olde Town Pub, The Front Porch, and SweetBay Restaurant & Bar.
St. Mary's College of Maryland Waterfront
Visit Lauren's alma mater and experience the St. Mary's River waterfront, where you can check out kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats.
St. James Deli & Spirits
Get yourself a Ciabatta Dan or buffalo chicken pizza and head on down to the waterfront - a St. Mary's tradition.
Solomons Island
Brave the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge for waterfront dining and shopping. Visit the resident otters at Calvert Marine Museum, explore Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, or gulp down an orange crush at the notorious Tiki Bar. For restaurants, the couple recommends The Island Hideaway or La Vela Italian Restaurant, but you really can't go wrong at any of the spots on this island destination!
Historic St. Mary's City
For the history buffs - check out one of the premier historic sites in America, an outdoor museum of living history and archaeology on the site of Maryland’s first colonial capital. Beautiful walking paths surround the grounds that even the non-history buffs would appreciate.
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum preserves the history and heritage of Naval Aviation and associated technology. Check out Nicholas' dad's former helicopter on display!
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park
Check out the oldest lighthouse on the Potomac River. The six-acre park includes a picnic area, kayak launch, boardwalk, pier, and beach.
St. Mary's Lake
One of the couple's favorite spots to get fresh air during the pandemic. The trail surrounding the lake is an easy 7.3-mile loop - an idyllic area for hiking, running, fishing, mountain biking, and kayaking.
Point Lookout State Park
Venture down to the southernmost point of Maryland, situated between the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. As a camp that imprisoned over 50,000 Confederate soldiers during the Civil War, many consider the lighthouse to be one of the most haunted spots in the state.
Calvert Cliffs State Park
One of the couple's first dates was a hike here! A popular spot for fossil hunting and shark teeth, the cliffs reveal the remains of prehistoric species, including sharks, whales, and rays. Calvert Cliffs offers 13 miles of hiking trails through a freshwater and tidal marshland ending at a sandy beach on the Chesapeake Bay.
Pier 450 - POV Restaurant
Where the couple celebrated their 1-year dating anniversary. A beach-chic locale offering upscale waterfront dining on the Potomac River, plus fire pits.
Sawatdee Thai Seafood
Craving Thai food?
Teariffic Cafe
Craving Chinese food?
Asahi Japanese Steak & Seafood
Craving sushi?
Bollywood Masala
Craving Indian food?