Half Day Outings

South River

1. Yellowfin Steak & Fish House – Colorful and contemporary, with a bank of windows overlooking the sparkling South River, Yellowfin puts sizzle in a summer evening. Start with a selection from the martini or margarita menus, and then enjoy light fare, salads, steak or seafood as you watch the sun go down. Boaters can call ahead to arrange docking at nearby Liberty Marina. Yellowfin Steak & Fish House, 2840 Solomon’s Island Rd., Annapolis, 410-573-1333. Dinner daily.

2. Mike’s Restaurant & Crab House – As the name implies, Mike’s specialty is crabs-steamed, soft-shelled, in crab cakes or crab imperial. And the place to enjoy them is Mike’s open-air tiki bar, where you can pull up, dock, dine, and dance to live music on the weekends. This South River landmark has lots of other options, too (ribs, steak, chicken and seafood), but for authentic Chesapeake flavor, you won’t go wrong with the ol’ crustaceans. Mike’s Restaurant & Crab House, 3030 Old Riva Rd., Riva, 410-956- 2784. Lunch and dinner daily.

3. Coconut Joes Hawaiian Bar & Grill – There’s plenty of room to relax indoors and out at Coconut Joes. On a summer evening, you can sip a drink (from one of four bars) and watch the boats go by while anticipating a meal of stuffed rockfish or grilled steak. On Friday and Saturday night, customers can listen to some of the finest local bands. Patrons arriving by boat (The restaurant is located just beside the South River Bridge) can dock along the pier closest to the South River Bridge. Coconut Joes, 48 South River Rd., Edgewater. 443-837-6057. Lunch and dinner daily

4. Historic London Town and Gardens – Located on Almshouse Creek, this 23-acre Anne Arundel County-owned park contains the refurbished William Brown House, a National Historic Landmark, over eight acres of gardens and ongoing archaeological excavations. Boaters can dock free at a private pier (4-foot depths) while touring the site.

5. Harness Creek – Backing to Quiet Waters Park, Harness Creek is one of the most sought-after “anchor spots” along the South River & Chesapeake Bay. Located about 2 ½ miles from Oak Grove Marina, you can spot many of your fellow Oak Grove marina boaters anchored to enjoy a swim, lunch on the boat, or just a cool drink and some sun. Harness Creek is located on the left side of the South River while heading toward the bay at red marker 10. When in Harness Creek water depth stays around 8 to 10 feet, even along the shoreline.

6. South River Water Ski Course – Located at the farthest west end of the south river (past the Riva Bridge) lays a calm and secluded ski course. The ski course has markers for water skiers. Even if you are not a water skier, you can find some of the calmest waters of the South River to just anchor and watch others ski. The ski course lies about 2 miles west of Oak Grove and backs to the Route 50 Bridge (over the South River).

Annapolis Waterfront – 13 Miles from Oak Grove Marine Center

1. Annapolis City Marina – The entrance to Annapolis is quite easy to navigate, although shoals do exist. As you round “Greenbury Point” honor the large “spider buoy” platform light (FL. 4 sec. – 40 ft. 8m). From the spider, you can follow the fairway marked by cans, bells, and nuns for about 3/4 mile. This will allow you to clear “Horn Point” shoal to port (FL. 6 sec. PA). The Severn River and the U.S. Naval Academy will be directly in front of you. Bearing to port you will enter Annapolis Harbor. At the split channel, marker bear left leaving the mooring field to starboard. Approaching the Spa Creek Bridge, Annapolis City Marina is the large gray and red facility to port. From Annapolis City Marina you can catch a water taxi to many locations within Annapolis for $2.00. Latitude 38° 58’ 34”, Longitude 076° 29’ 03” Telephone 410-268-0660, Monitors VHF channel 9

2. Buddy’s Crab and Ribs – Ribs, jumbo crab cakes, salads, steaks and more: whatever your appetite desires, Buddy’s can deliver. The spacious dining room overlooking City Dock and Main Street offer great views, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Bring the kids: ages 10 and under eat free. Buddy’s, 100 Main Street, Annapolis, 410-626-1100. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

3. City Dock Café – As a purveyor of fine coffees and products, City Dock Coffee is committed to providing the best to our customers at all times. And with the help of our many coffees from all around the world, our customers can relax and enjoy all that each of our unique locations has to offer, providing an environment away from the daily grind of everyday life! 18 Market Space, Annapolis, MD. 410-269- 0961

4. Griffins – Griffins is nestled among a shopping and sightseeing haven. Have lunch and experience the unique charm of the world’s sailing capital or visit us for dinner to check out Annapolis’s extraordinary nightlife. 26 Market Space, Annapolis, MD 410-268-2576

5. Ego Alley Tropical Grill – Maybe you’re not the guy in the Hawaiian shirt, but that doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate the tropical style and decor of Ego Alley. This hip joint serves a variety of Caribbean cuisine, but also offers traditional options for the less adventurous. Ego Alley has outside tables just across from the Harbor. The drink specials change daily, and many a local band has been known to perform upstairs at Samson’s Music Lounge. Ego Alley, 136 Dock St., Annapolis, 410-263-3353. Lunch and dinner.

6. O’Brien’s Oyster Bar and Grill owned and operated by Jerry Hardesty. Jerry brought back the emphasis on Chesapeake Cuisine and Annapolis Hospitality. The décor pays homage to the sports heroes of the Naval Academy as well as the history of Annapolis. Any property that has been around as long as O’Brien surely has its ghosts; O’Brien’s is supposedly the home to a few. During its long life, the building has been the scene of a few notable events, not to mention the use of the upstairs as a place of “ill repute.” The storage rooms where liquor and other such items are now stored, used to be tiny bedrooms. Now, of course, the trade is in food and for fun. Whatever the century or decade, O’Brien’s at 113 Main Street Annapolis is the place to be in Downtown. O’Brien’s has live entertainment nightly and a great menu.

7. Middleton Tavern – For a prime view of the City Dock parade, look no further than Middleton Tavern. The covered porch offers some of the city’s most coveted summer seating; it’s a great place to recharge with a beverage and a selection from the very generous menu (steaks, seafood, crab cakes, salads and more). The mussels and crab dip here were voted the best in Annapolis-taste and see. Middleton Tavern, 2 Market Place, Annapolis, 410-263-7973. Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch.