Wrap It Up
Looking for a trinket to remember your trip to Solomons Island? Check out Maertens on the Island, purveyor of ocean-themed jewelry: freshwater pearl chokers, gold seahorse charms, and sea glass necklaces. Also peruse the abundance of funky purses, wallets, beach hats, and sarongs. 14575 Solomons Island Rd. 410-394-0230, http://www.maertensjewelry.com.
Sweet Treats
When it’s ninety-six degrees in the shade, seek refuge inside The CD Café and refresh with one (or two) of co-owner/pastry chef Catherine File’s desserts. Choose from the likes of rhubarb, strawberry, and raspberry pie, peanut butter ice cream cake, and strawberry shortcake, loaded with homemade whipped cream. “No one wants to eat a healthy dessert,” says File. This is also the place in town for lunch, where specialties of the house include crab cakes and curry chicken salad. 14350 Solomons Island Rd. 410-326-3877, http://www.cdcafe.info.
In Frame
The art lover will dig Carmen’s Gallery, home to local, national, and international works, from oils to watercolors to wood carvings. We adored the moody, edgy paintings of Persian artist Goli Mahallati, while manager Laura Howard’s freshwater pearl and Swarovski crystal jewelry makes the perfect complement to strappy summer fashions. Also, say hello to the two resident cats, Bella and Buckaroo, who is known as the Mayor of Solomons for his daily habit of calling on local merchants. 14550 Solomons Island Rd. 410-326-2549, http://www.carmensgallery.com.
Great Gifts
Woof It Down
Ten years ago, Kate Bowman’s golden retriever, Doodad, nearly died from intestinal troubles—not to mention his countless allergies—for which he was taking everything from Prednisone to Prilosec. The former vet tech had decided to put him down when she found The Nature of Animal Healing, a book that lauds raw food pet diets. She eagerly gave the regimen a shot—and a fanatic was born. In 2005, she opened Clipper’s Canine Café, the area’s only all-natural pet store, offering pesticide-, wheat-, corn-, and soy-free items: quinoa biscuits, sweet potato chews, freeze-dried salmon, cod, and venison treats. As for Doodad, he’ll be celebrating his twelfth birthday in December. 14520 S. Solomons Island Rd. 410-326-9294, http://www.clipperscaninecafe.com.
Great Gifts
Kim’s Riverwalk Gifts (also home to Kim’s Key Lime Pies) carries accessories for the home (lamps, frames, night lights), kitchen (mugs, bowls, coffee), and bath (get a whiff of the Esteban room scents, one of Oprah’s favorite things). Locally made items include beaded jewelry by Marylou Palonen and painted furniture by co-owner Bill Sledge. The “perfect hostess gift award” goes to Solomons Island Winery for its Chocolate Marytage Sauce, a dream to pour over summertime desserts. But we couldn’t leave without a little something for ourselves: prettily packaged freesia, lavender, and jasmine soaps by Floral Sense. 14618 Solomons Island Rd. 410-326-8469, http://www.kimskeylimepies.com.
