Good Morning St. Mary’s 👋.

Mother’s Day weekend is coming in hot, and St. Mary’s decided to absolutely overload the calendar.

So if your plan was “figure it out Saturday morning,” respectfully, that plan is no good. Let’s fix it now.

In today's Insider:

Let's get into it.

Got a shot that feels like St. Mary’s? Reply to this email and send it in. It might land here next week.

Last week, you made it clear that you want more restaurant and local opening news. That tracks. But around here, "worth the drive" is a sliding scale. Before I start stretching the list beyond the usual spots:

Spring Shine Festival | Saturday | 10 AM to 5 PM | Southern Trail Distillery (Mechanicsville) – This isn't just a vendor fair; it's the 7th annual takeover of the Morganza lawn. We’re talking 40+ local artisans, a massive food truck lineup, and the distillery’s signature moonshine cocktails flowing all day. If the sun is out, grab a spot in the grass for a full set by Pork Donut. Admission is free, but your self-control at the candle and beef jerky stalls definitely won’t be.

Tucked inside Shepherd’s Old Field (SOF) Market on Duke Street, Botanic Deli & Café feels like you just stepped into a trendy D.C. coffee shop. Owned by a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, the vibe is elevated and the menu is totally scratch-made. Think chimichurri breakfast burritos, hot paninis, and a full espresso bar. They even have a three-story setup with extra indoor and outdoor dining. If you need a new spot to work from your laptop or grab lunch, this is exactly where you want to be.

Maryland Declares "Drought Disaster" | Statewide - Heads up before you go crazy at the plant sales this weekend: Maryland was officially placed under a "drought disaster" last week.

Angelika’s Kitchen Soft Opening | St. Mary’s City - The familiar spot is back with farm-fresh comfort food, beer, and wine on weekends, so if you like finding places before everyone else does, this is your move.

New Honda & Kia Dealership | California - Carter-Myers Automotive (CMA) is developing an 8-acre property on Three Notch Road just before the Route 4 intersection into a massive new dual Honda and Kia dealership.

Avid Hotel Opens | California - A new 95-room Avid Hotel by IHG just opened its doors on Three Notch Road, proving the California business travel corridor still has plenty of momentum.

Starbucks Coming to Gate 2 | Lexington Park - Construction is rolling on the new location right across from Pax River Gate 2, and a barista job listing just went live, keeping that summer opening right on track.

Savvie’s Blue Shell Boutique Ribbon Cutting | Friday | 10 AM | Solomons - Grab refreshments, score door prizes, and check out the new coastal retail spot at The Blue Shell.

If you haven't figured out Sunday yet, consider this your lifeline. The county calendar is absolutely loaded with Mother's Day events this weekend.

Toast to Mom Mimosa Brunch | Saturday | 9 AM to Noon | Port of Leonardtown Winery - Skip the crowded diners and book this instead with a mimosa flight, a massive breakfast grazing table, live music, and local vendors (Reservations required, 16+).

Mother’s Day Teatime | Fri & Sat | Noon to 2 PM | The Cottage Boutique - A warm afternoon setup in Charlotte Hall with desserts and small bites designed specifically for moms.

Afternoon Tea at Historic Sotterley | Saturday | 1 PM | Hollywood - High tea inside the restored Historic Barn featuring Miss Maryland 2025 Maria Derisavi and a guided tour.

Mom’s Day Out | Saturday | 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM | Town Market LLC - A massive shopping event with crafts, apparel, and flower bouquets so you don't have to panic-shop at the last second like a rookie.

Society Hill Garden Club Plant Sale | Saturday | 9 AM | Leonardtown - A sneaky strong Mother's Day move if Mom prefers daffodil bulbs and garden plants over restaurant chaos.

Charcuterie, Focaccia & Wine Workshop | Friday | 6 PM to 8:30 PM | Xella Winery - A hands-on food and wine workshop where you learn charcuterie styling and bake your own focaccia.

Muffins with Moms | Friday | 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM | My Gym St. Mary’s - A Mommy & Me dance party and craft project during extended practice and play night.

Mom & Me: Flowers & Photos | Friday | 5:30 PM to 7 PM | Imaginarium - A highly memorable evening with a wooden flower craft, photo backdrops, open play, and a charcuterie boat for Mom.

Free Museum Admission for Moms | Sunday | 10 AM to 5 PM | Piney Point Lighthouse Museum - Treat Mom to some waterfront history completely on the house.

Barns, Blooms and Bubbly | Saturday | 6 PM | Plowdens Purchase Farm - A quieter ticketed date-night option out on the farm.

📍 NEW GUIDE: 15 Things to Do in St. Mary’s County For Families Who Hate Being Bored - We just published a new cheat sheet for anyone staring down the weekend trying to figure out how to keep the kids entertained. From hidden fossil beaches to the best parks, bookmark this list so you never have to default to screen time again, or at least a while.

Little Explorers: Our Five Senses | Wednesday | 10 AM | Historic St. Mary’s City - A low-cost preschool sensory exploration program in the Woodland Indian Hamlet.

Nature Camouflage and Hide & Seek | Wednesday | 10:30 AM | Myrtle Point Park - Wild Stallion Academy is teaching kids animal survival skills and turning it into a massive predator vs. prey game.

Truck Mania | Saturday | Maryland International Raceway - A massive all-truck event featuring a custom show, race classes, and a burnout contest if your family likes loud engines and a break from the normal routine.

Live Birds of Prey | Saturday | 11 AM to 2 PM | Wild Birds Unlimited - See live raptors up close with the Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Center because it absolutely beats another trip through Target.

Maryland Dove Passenger Sail | Saturday | 10 AM & 1 PM | Historic St. Mary’s City - Take a two-hour public sail on the reconstructed Dove.

Play a Chess Master for St. Jude | Saturday | 3 PM to 6 PM | St. Inie’s Coffee - Play against International Master Oladapo Adu in a simultaneous exhibition. Pro tip: Watch The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix before you go. It will improve your skill by 20%.

The Veil Brewing Co. Tap Takeover | Thursday | 3 PM | Olde Town Pub - A one-night tap takeover featuring special releases you won't find anywhere else.

Cinco De Drinko Cocktail Class | Thursday | 6 PM | Quality Street Kitchen - Make three craft cocktails with guided instruction and light bites for a very respectable Thursday night upgrade.

Salsa & Bachata Heat | Thursday | 7 PM | La Vida - Free beginner lessons followed by social dancing. No partner needed, just bring energy and maybe some humility.

Soulja Boy | Saturday | 8 PM | The Rex Theatre - Hip-hop royalty Soulja Boy is headlining downtown Leonardtown.

Fresh Pasta: Sacchetti | Saturday | 6 PM to 9 PM | No Thyme to Cook - Learn to make purse-shaped sacchetti by hand with an insane menu of guanciale, burrata, and brown butter mushroom sauce.

Parker Barrow Live | Friday | 5 PM | Tiki Bar & Grill - Waterfront drinks and big classic rock energy for a Friday night that doesn't require overthinking.

The Market at MedStar Health | Friday | 10 AM to 2 PM | Leonardtown - An easy lunch-break stop for local goods right on the hospital campus.

Annual Plant Sale | Saturday | 8 AM to 2 PM | Summerseat Farm - A massive spread of annuals, perennials, and veggies that is highly dangerous if you've ever said, "I'm just going to look."

California Farmers Market | Saturday | 9 AM to 1 PM | BAE Systems - Local food, local vendors, low effort.

Home Grown Farm Market | Saturday | 9 AM to 1 PM | Lexington Park - The weekend staple for local produce, plants, and baked goods.

Coastal Arts Market | Saturday | 9 AM to 3 PM | Leonardtown Wharf - Shop handmade goods right on Breton Bay where the location does half the work.

Glass Blowing with McFadden Glass | Saturday | 11:30 AM | Port of Leonardtown Winery - Hands-on mobile glass blowing where you can make your own wine glass or ornament while drinking actual wine.

Analog Pop-Up Market | Sunday | 1 PM to 5 PM | Slice House - A curated vintage pop-up full of records, skate gear, and physical media that you'll somehow leave with a sticker and a story.

St. John’s School Golf Tournament | Thursday | 8 AM | Breton Bay Golf & Country Club

Spring 2026 Golf Tournament | Friday | 7:30 AM to 2 PM | Cedar Point Golf Course

Community Shred Day | Saturday | 9 AM to 12 PM | Cedar Point Federal Credit Union (Lexington Park)

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That’s your Insider for this week.

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See you next Tuesday. ✌️