Southern Comfort

To explore a different world, head to Southern Maryland to chat up colorful characters and visit a remote island with smoldering sunset views.

Route: Take Route 210 south and turn left on Route 228 and right on Route 229 (Bensville Road) through Pomfret. Continue across Route 225 onto Rosehill Road, then make a left at Port Tobacco Road and an immediate right on Causeway Road, then another right on Chapel Point Road into Port Tobacco and on to Chapel Point State Park. Then head right on Route 301, left on Route 234 to Chaptico, right on Route 238, right on Route 242 and left on Abell Road to Abell. Get back on Route 242 and head south for the last stop, Coltons Point.

Highlights:

B&J Carry Out offers fuel for the road: a banana split perfect for sharing. 15805 Livingston Rd., Accokeek, 301-292-5631.

Thomas Stone National Historic Site is the former home of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The 322 acres of sweeping hills and woods are perfect for meandering and picnicking. 6655 Rose Hill Rd., Port Tobacco, 301-392-1776.

Quade's Store is run by George Quade, 61, who talks local lore and shares crabbing secrets. Spend time on one of the marina's docks, or rent a fishing boat. 36786 Bushwood Wharf Rd., Bushwood, 301-769-3903.

Morris Point Restaurant serves up pots of mussels steamed in a garlicky tomato broth, fried oysters and local fish. 38869 Morris Point Rd., Abell, 301-769-2500.

St. Clement's Island State Park is accessible only by water taxi, so plan ahead: Trips leave at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. The island offers rugged trails, scrub pines and incredible views of St. Clement's Bay. Boats leave from the pier at St. Clement's Island Museum, 38370 Point Breeze Rd., Coltons Point, 301-769-2222.

ABOVE PHOTO: Art Baltrotosky - For The Washington Post; MAP: Nathaniel Vaughn Kelso - The Washington Post