Good morning, St. Mary’s. 👋
Spring has arrived. The flowers are blooming, the waterfront is calling, and everything you own is about to be coated in a fine yellow film. Welcome back.
In today’s Insider:
Leonardtown hits the national stage as a small-town finalist.
$5 gets the kids into the Touch-a-Truck festival.
Free street tacos at La Vida.
Otters are taking over the museum in Solomons.
Let’s get into it.
🏡 Around the County
Leonardtown is officially a finalist in the Parade America’s Favorite Small Towns competition. Regional winners are announced June 1, with the national title following on June 12. Downtown will probably see more visitors than usual once the word gets out, so don’t be surprised if parking gets tighter on weekends.
The famous lobster truck is scheduled for the Lowe’s parking lot on Worth Avenue this Thursday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It’s a weekday stop, but the line usually starts forming before the window even opens. If you want a lobster roll without the three-hour drive to the coast, this is your shot. 🦞
The Health Department just awarded Gold Star status to 23 local schools for food service excellence. It’s a quiet win for the county, but it matters for families who pay attention to the day-to-day quality of school meals.
⭐ Top Pick: 43rd Annual Easter Egg Festival
Sat, March 28 (11:30 AM to 4:00 PM) | St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds —This is the heavyweight champion of the local spring calendar. The fairgrounds will host age-based egg hunts, visits with the Easter Bunny, food trucks, and a massive vendor lineup. It’s a full-scale production that’s worth a stop if you have little ones.
🌮 The Insider’s Spotlight: La Vida Mexican Bar & Grill
A year ago, this spot was Plaza Tolteca. Now it is something completely different.
La Vida is a full reset. New ownership, new energy, and a young local team that saw an opportunity on Three Notch and decided to build something better. The owners are from right here in Great Mills, and you can feel that in how the place runs. It isn't trying to be a chain. It has the potential to be a St. Mary’s staple.
The Vibe: Clean, modern, and built to feel alive. Big open space, bold colors, and an authentic Mexican atmosphere that makes it easy to stay longer than you planned.
Why It’s Good: This is not recycled Mexican menu filler. It leans into authentic roots with a modern edge, and you can see it in the details. The biggest tell is the tableside guacamole. Fresh, made right in front of you, and honestly a must if it’s your first time in.
The Play: This one is for Insider readers. Mention St. Mary’s Insider to your server and you’ll get a free street taco with your order. 🌮 Valid through Tuesday March 31.
👨👩👧 Family & Kid Friendly
OtterMania!: Sat, March 28, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM | Calvert Marine Museum—I know, not technically St. Mary’s, but close enough. Just across the bridge, the otters are a major draw for local families. The day includes specialized crafts, otter mascots and the real deal (Chumley, Calvert and Chessie Grace). It’s included with museum admission and usually keeps younger kids engaged longer than a standard visit. 🦦
2026 Touch-a-Truck Festival: Sat, March 28, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM | Little Flower School—This is the ultimate low-stress parent win. For a $5 entry fee, kids can climb on fire trucks, construction equipment, and emergency vehicles. It is simple, loud, and effective at burning off energy before nap time.
Easter at Keep It Simple Stables (K.I.S.S): Sun, March 29, 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM | Hollywood—This is a laid back farm setting with an egg hunt, animals, and space for kids to run around. They spread the eggs out in waves so kids actually walk away with some goodies. It’s donation-based with no reservations needed. Just show up with a basket.
Homeschool Day: A Day in the Life: Fri, March 27, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM | Historic St. Mary’s City—This is a full-day immersive experience across all four exhibit areas. It is framed specifically for families looking for a hands-on history lesson. If you are already planning a Friday outing, this is the most productive pick on the board.
🍷 Date Night
Spring Flair Latin Dance Night: Thu, March 26, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM | La Vida Mexican Bar & Grill—If you want to move the weekend up by 24 hours, this is your chance. The night kicks off with a traditional bachata lesson at 7:00 PM, followed by an open social dance. It’s a more active alternative to the standard "dinner and a movie" routine. 💃
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: Sat, March 28, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Pier450, Ridge—This is the high-effort, whimsical option for the weekend. Expect themed sweets, savories, and a dress code that leans into the Wonderland angle. It’s less of a meal and more of a two-hour afternoon production in a great waterfront setting.
🎶 Night Out
Comedy Night: Sat, March 28, 7:00 PM | The Rex, Leonardtown—James Lawson and Ben Jones are headlining a stand-up set in the Square. Get the full comedy club experience without the DC traffic.
Blooms & Booze Spring Sip & Shop: Thu, March 26, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | The Rex Theater, Leonardtown—This is an 18+ event with vendors and cocktails. No ticket is required, making it a solid early-weekend social. If you want to get your weekend shopping done while holding a drink, this is your chance. 🥂
Live Music by Smoke Signals: Sat, March 28, 8:00 PM | Taphouse 1637, California—This isn't just a regular show. Taphouse is throwing a March Madness themed party and they are encouraging everyone to wear their favorite team jerseys, so don't be the only one in the room in "civilian" clothes.
Leonardtown, MD
While the rest of the county is hunting Easter eggs, you could take this 794-acre peninsula for yourself.
The Experience: Seven miles of waterfront with shoreline access and quiet trails that lead through woods and open fields.
The Catch: It’s more of a passive park, so don’t expect playgrounds or pickleball. It’s strictly for those who want to get outside and disappear for a few hours… ahh, peace and quiet. 🌲
That’s your Insider for this week.
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See you next Tuesday. ✌️