{"entries":[{"entry_id":1394905,"date":"2022-01-19T15:31:00-0500","title":"The Legend of Moll Dyer","link":"https://www.visitstmarysmd.com/blog/legend-of-moll-dyer/","main_image":"https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/st-marys/production/images/Moll-Dyer-Rock2.jpg?w=1203&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1665174852&s=9395aa2a470d563c0156e9a5c4558885","summary":"Learn all about the story and legend of one of St. Mary's most mysterious mavens.","body":"
In the late 1600s, in what would become Leonardtown, Maryland, the townspeople were disturbed by the presence of a woman named Moll Dyer. She is believed to have been a healer who often aided the community, however, when an epidemic of influenza arose during the winter of 1697, the Town inhabitants looked to lay blame and named her as its cause.
Fearful of the sickness, a mob accused Dyer of witchcraft and set upon her. When they set fire to her small cabin on a bitterly cold night in February 1698, Dyer escaped into the surrounding woods. Days later, a young boy looking for lost livestock found her body with one hand frozen to a large rock and the other outstretched to the sky.
For many years, the famous rock’s location was unknown. But in 1968, writer Philip H. Love read about the legend and went in search of Moll Dyer’s rock. Love located the stone at the edge of a ravine and in the 1970s, it was moved to the Old Jail Museum in the town square of Leonardtown.
\nThe legend says you can still see the imprint of her hands and knees on the rock on which they found her. The legend also says that Moll put a curse on the land and on the rock. It's rumored that anyone who touches the rock may become dizzy or even fall ill.
\nDuring a dedication ceremony in 2021, Leonardtown's Mayor, Dan Burris, proclaimed February 26th Moll Dyer Day. The famed Moll Dyer Rock was moved from the Old Jail Museum--where it sat for almost 50 years marked by a small plaque--to Tudor Hall Manor, the home of the St. Mary’s County Historical Society, where the organization oversees the preservation of this important piece of Maryland history. The Society has helped build a platform and protective covering to shelter the rock from the elements. Since its move, the rock has seen a steady flow of visitors who often leave trinkets and small gifts for Moll.
In 2014, the Weather Channel aired an episode about Moll Dyer in their series American Supernatural.
Published on October 31, 2017, Sister Witch, The Life of Moll Dyer was written by southern Maryland native author, David W. Thompson. This novel pulls together the historical record and local oral traditions surrounding her legend.
Moll Dyer's Revenge, written by St. Mary's County native and author Mike Marcus, was published in the anthology From The Yonder: A Collection of Horror from Around the World in February 2020.
Moll Dyer and Other Witch Tales of Southern Maryland by Leonardtown resident, Lynn J. Buonviri was published in 2019. Buonviri uses period records and local lore to discover the truth behind the legend of Moll Dyer and her curse.
\nMoll Dyer was one of the historical figures that inspired The Blair Witch Project.
\nThere is a locally distilled Moll Dyer Cinnamon Whiskey from Tabaco Barn Distillery and several Moll Dyer songs.
For even more about Moll's legend, check out the special Moll Dyer Day video below.
","categories":["Explore"],"images":["https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/st-marys/production/images/Moll-Dyer-Rock2.jpg?w=1203&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1665174852&s=9395aa2a470d563c0156e9a5c4558885"]},{"entry_id":642055,"date":"2021-05-01T09:31:00-0400","title":"Get Summer Started Here in St. Mary's County!","link":"https://www.visitstmarysmd.com/blog/get-summer-started-here-in-st-marys-county/","main_image":"https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/st-marys/production/images/Things-to-Do/IMG_5558-resized.JPG?w=800&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1619875999&s=1a3bf0353ee2f928ded8dbf6a7c98453","summary":"Come discover all the fun opportunities and exciting things that are happening here in St. Mary's County!","body":"Come down to Downtown Leonardtown on Friday, May 7th for specials, deals, and activities at local businesses! Enjoy shopping, dining, and fun activities!
\nFind the perfect gift for your mom right here in St. Mary's County! Explore local shops, art galleries, country stores and more!
\nShop local produce and goods at St. Mary's County's local farmers markets!
\nLearn About Our Farmers Markets Here
May 2nd - May 8th is National Travel and Tourism Week! Make sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages all week to learn about what St. Mary's County has to offer for people looking to travel.
\n\nEnjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and more here in St. Mary's County! Make us your summer vacation spot this year!
\nLearn More About Water Activities
With over 500 miles of shoreline, the beach is where you'll want to be at! Come explore St. Mary's County beaches and enjoy a weekend of fun!
\nYou won't want to miss out on the fun events happening in St. Mary's County this summer! Come down for a weekend and have a great time!
\n","categories":[],"images":["https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/st-marys/production/images/Things-to-Do/IMG_5558-resized.JPG?w=800&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1619875999&s=1a3bf0353ee2f928ded8dbf6a7c98453"]},{"entry_id":474033,"date":"2021-03-31T11:26:00-0400","title":"Spring Time Fun in St. Mary's County","link":"https://www.visitstmarysmd.com/blog/spring-time-fun-in-st-marys-county/","main_image":"https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/st-marys/production/images/Main-Images/IMG_3142.JPG?w=4272&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1617204680&s=aae60ad4cb4b956adda9fe1ecb51ff43","summary":"Spring has arrived! Enjoy the outdoors, local vendor fairs, and so much more right here in St. Mary's County!","body":"Warm weather means more outdoor fun! Enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and more here in St. Mary's County.
\nSip, Shop and Hop April 2nd in Downtown Leonardtown for First Friday! Enjoy deals, specials, and activities taking place all day!
\nCome down to St. Clement's Island Museum to enjoy a day full of art and wine on Saturday, April 10th! Shop local art vendors and free wine tasting from the First Landing Wine Trail!
\nFirst Landing Wine and Arts Festival
Let us help you plan the perfect weekend escape in Downtown Leonardtown. Enjoy dining, shopping, history, wine and more!
\nNew ice cream shop in Leonardtown! The Salted Scoop is located at Shepherd's Old Field Market. Stop by for a delicious sweet treat!
\nCheck out safe events that are happening in St. Mary's County, from craft vendor shows, virtual shows, local events, and many more.
\n","categories":[],"images":["https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/st-marys/production/images/Main-Images/IMG_3142.JPG?w=4272&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1617204680&s=aae60ad4cb4b956adda9fe1ecb51ff43"]},{"entry_id":93926,"date":"2020-06-03T15:30:00-0400","title":"Summer Fun in St. Mary's County!","link":"https://www.visitstmarysmd.com/blog/summer-fun-in-st-marys-county/","main_image":"https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/st-marys/production/images/Things-to-Do/Quiet-Beach.JPG?w=3072&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1584028767&s=3b891f3e1a6ec5b61a3d76f80e8c0635","summary":"","body":"Visit St. Mary's MD has a fresh new look! Check out our new website and new logo! Same great and exciting information, brand new look and feel!
With new additions to Stage One Re-openings in St. Mary's County, you can now enjoy some of your favorite restaurants in an update and safe dine-in style! Here are restaurants that are currently open:
\n- The Front Porch*
\n- Sweetbay Restaurant and Bar
\n- The Rex*
\n- Old Town Pub*
\n- SeaBreeze*
\n- Dos Amigos
\n- Days Off Deli
\n- Brudergarten Beer Garden
\n- Big Dogs Paradise
\n- Taphouse 1637
\n- Foxy Fish
\n- Helen's Cafe and Catering
\n- Linda's Cafe
\n- Ruddy Duck Seafood and Alehouse*
\n- Stoney's Clarke's Landing*
\n- Blue Wind Gourmet
\n- Social Coffeehouse*
\n- Generations Vineyard
\n- Xella Vineyard and Winery
\n- Port of Leonardtown Winery
\n- Antoinette's Garden
\n* = local restaurants that are also participating in the BOOST St. Mary's Gift Card Program
The Drive-Thru Farmer's Market is back on June 14th from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Come to the St. Mary's County Regional Airport to pick up all your favorite goods and produce! Click here to for more information on the event!
Thank you to Historic Sotterley for sponsoring this event.
The BOOST St. Mary's Gift Card Program is still going on! Order a $25 gift card from participating restaurants and get a $35 spending value! Click here for the list of participating restaurants and for more information.
Historic St. Mary's City, Historic Sotterley, PAX River Naval Air Museum, St. Clement's Island Museum, and Piney Point Lighthouse Museum are offering fun and educational learning opportunities during quarantine! From weekly educational videos to a 3-D virtual tour of the Blackistone Lighthouse! Grounds are open for visitors during this time, but social distancing is still encouraged for visitors.
\nClick here for details and information about what the museums in St. Mary's County are offering!
","categories":[],"images":["https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/st-marys/production/images/Things-to-Do/Quiet-Beach.JPG?w=3072&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1584028767&s=3b891f3e1a6ec5b61a3d76f80e8c0635"]},{"entry_id":87792,"date":"2020-04-13T17:00:00-0400","title":"Supporting Local Farms and Farmer's Markets","link":"https://www.visitstmarysmd.com/blog/supporting-local-farms-and-farmers-markets/","main_image":"https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/st-marys/production/images/DSC05955.jpg?w=7360&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1586811688&s=f443d474c7663487073aa125b6d9c3a0","summary":"Farms and farmer's markets open in April!","body":"North St. Mary's Farmers' Market will open on Saturday, April 4th from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.! They will remain open every Wednesdays and Saturdays during this time. During this time, they will be operating as a drive thru.
\nHome Grown Farm Market, LLC will open on Saturday, April 4th from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.! They will also be operating as a drive thru.
\nThe Loveville Produce Auction is still open on Friday's starting at 9 a.m.
\nCalifornia Farmers Market is geared to open up on Saturday, April 25th! More information to follow, so make sure to check our Facebook page!
Local farms in St. Mary's County are also open and providing goods and produce for the community. Take a look at the list below!
\nForrest Hall Farm is open Friday – Sunday 10am – 4pm
39136 Avie Lane, Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Russell Brothers Meat Shop is open Saturday 9 am – 1 pm
25111 Colton Point Road, Morganza
Trossbach Family Meats is open
18281 Saint Jerome’s Neck Road, Dameron
Hole in the Woods Farm
36859 Hollyfield Lane, Chaptico MD
In St. Mary’s County, the hospitality industry employs thousands of individuals - hotel workers, chefs, retailers, tour operators, event planners, wedding vendors, caterers, museum staff, and so many more - who make their living by serving both visitors and local residents alike. You’ll find your fellow citizens working at restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, attractions, sporting events, and elsewhere helping make St. Mary’s County a wonderful place to live and an exciting spot to visit.
\nHowever, due to the novel coronavirus / COVID-19, canceled gatherings and a loss of revenue, our locally-owned, locally operated small businesses need community support now more than ever.
\nYou can help! If you can afford it, consider making a purchase in the coming days and weeks from a local business - whether it's shopping online, ordering take-out/delivery, and so much more.
\nSo many of our local businesses can have their products delivered right to your door or made safely available for curb-side pickup. Many of our local restaurants have the option to purchase gift cards for future use, and tickets for future events, classes, and activities can be purchased now to help keep small businesses up-and-running.
\nBelow, Visit St. Mary’s has compiled a list of direct links to websites of local businesses you can support while we continue social distancing. If you do not see the business you are looking for, you can always give them a call directly to ask what options they may have. If you can’t afford to make a purchase right now, consider sharing this page with a friend or family member who may be interested in helping.
\nRestaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops
\nLeonardtown:
\nBotanic Deli - Cafe
\nBreton Bay Golf & Country Club
\nBrudergarten
\nCrabknockers Seafood Market
\nDo Dah Deli
\nHappy Dragon Chinese
\nJessie’s Kitchen
\nKevin’s Corner Kafe
\nLeonardtown Grille
\nSalsa’s Mexican Cafe
\nSocial Coffeehouse
\nThe Front Porch
\nThe Rex
\nThe Slice House
\nOlde Town Pub
\nYe Olde Town Cafe
\nHollywood, California, Lexington Park:
\nAsahi Japanese Steak & Seafood House
\nThe Beanery Cafe & Bakery
\nBlue Wind Gourmet
\nBollywood Masala & Taphouse 1637
\nCaptain Pat’s Seafood
\nThe Cow and the Fish
\nDays Off Deli & Grill
\nEl Rinconcito Mexican Restaurant
\nHacienda Los Guayabos Mexican Grill
\nLinda’s Cafe
\nMom & Pop’s Pizza
N&N Oriental Marketing
\nNicolletti’s Pizza
\nPax River Ale House
\nSawatdee Thai Carryout
\nShowtime Deli
Teariffic Cafe
\nAround the County:
\nCaptain Leonard’s Seafood Restaurant
\nChaptico Market
\nChief’s - Your Neighborhood Bar
\nCourtney’s Seafood Restaurant
\nEnso Kitchen & Bakery at Historic St. Mary's City
\nFiesta Cafe
\nThe Foxy Fish
\nGridiron Grill
\nMorris Point Seafood Restauarnt
\nOld Line Pub
\nRuddy Duck Seafood & Alehouse
\nSeabreeze Restaurant
\nSunset Cove Waterfront Restaurant
\nShops, Crafts, and More
\nPort of Leonardtown Winery - Open for purchases only
\nGenerations Vineyard - Products available around county, currently not doing tastings
\nXella Winery - Products available around county, currently not doing tastings
\nSouthern Trail Distillery - Products available around county
\nTobacco Barn Distillery - Products available around county
\nFree State Ciders - Products available around county
\nHome Grown Farm Market
\nCalifornia Farmers Market - Open April 25, 2020
\nShepherd’s Old Field Market - While the market is currently closed, we encourage you to visit them online to plan for all your spring and summertime shopping needs
\nBourbon & Bows - Online sales available for the clothing boutique
\nThe Craft Guild Shop - Plan your future classes now!
\nThe Good Earth Natural Foods Company
\nHeritage Chocolates - Online ordering available!
\nNorth End Gallery - Shop online and visit the artists!
\nPatina + Stone - Venue for silversmithing, book your future classes and jewelry party/workshops
\nThird Eye Comics - Online shopping available
\nWhite Rabbit Children’s Books and Gifts - Curbside service only
\nWine and Design - curbside delivery of painting / design kits
\nBoard & Brush - Wood design kits for curbside delivery
\nWild Birds Unlimited of Lexington Park - curbside and delivery
","categories":[],"images":["https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/st-marys/production/images/IMG_1265.jpeg?w=252&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1586448806&s=88e5f69d217beae7478063def7f1e0b6"]},{"entry_id":63475,"date":"2017-11-01T16:30:00-0400","title":"Amish Quilt Auction","link":"https://www.visitstmarysmd.com/blog/amish-quilt-auction/","main_image":"https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/st-marys/production/images/Blog/Amish_Quilt_Show_04_016-1.jpg?w=1557&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1585608832&s=770045483edbe0420e054d6dc9c14163","summary":"St. Mary's County is known for its Amish heritage, farm markets, and other agricultural traditions.","body":"Be part of the tradition and attend the annual quilt auction of the Amish Community. In November of each year, attend the auction to bid on beautiful Amish-made quilts and other hand-stitched items. The annual auction features more than gorgeous quilts. Find smaller hand-sewn items plus wonderful baked goods. Warm up with delicious homemade soup.
Why not make it a weekend! Find other St. Mary's County Events & Lodging possibilities below!
\nEvents in St. Mary's | Lodging in St. Mary's | Amish & Mennonite Community
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