Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton was the onetime estate of Harvey… (Handout photo )
June 30, 2011|By Donna M. Owens, Special to The Baltimore Sun
When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the United States as part of their forthcoming North American tour, no doubt their host city of Los Angeles will provide plenty of pomp and circumstance.
Yet Marylanders could show Will and Kate a jolly good time, too, if given the royal nod. From pub crawling and shopping on Thames Street in Fells Point, to steeplechase races in Cockeysville, not to mention locales with royal pedigree — think Annapolis and Queen Anne's County — there's plenty here to remind them of Merry Old England. We even have castles.
So just in case the world's most famous newlyweds can squeeze in another stop during their 11-day itinerary, herewith are our suggestions for a royal tour of the former English colony of Maryland.
Cambridge, Dorchester County
Royal reason to visit: Located in the heart of Chesapeake Bay country, it offers natural beauty and tranquility that's perfect for newlyweds.
Royal resemblance: William and Kate were named Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their nuptials in April.
Royal treat for William: He's biked across South Africa with brother Harry; here, he can bike through the sprawling Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, where he's sure to spot plenty of eagles. 2145 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge. 410-228-2677. fws.gov/blackwater.
Royal treat for Kate: The Caviar Facial at Stillwater Spa, part of the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina. 100 Heron Blvd. at Route 50. Cambridge. 410-901-1234. hyattregencychesapeakebay.com.
Royal slumber: At the Mill Street Inn B&B, a restored Victorian house with views of the Choptank River, the couple could snuggle in the "Cambridge Suite" and soak in a Jacuzzi. For breakfast, innkeepers Jennie and Skip set the dining table with china and silver and serve such gourmet fare as eggs Florentine with Alaskan smoked salmon. 114 Mill St., Cambridge. 410-901-9144. millstinn.com.
For more information: tourdorchester.org
Harford and Baltimore counties
Royal reason to visit: Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton was the estate of Harvey S. Ladew II, a wealthy bon vivant who often hobnobbed with British royals.
Royal resemblance: Gorgeous landscaped gardens on a royal scale. The on-site manor's regal Elizabethan Room boasts rare paneling purchased at a shop on London's Dover Street.
Royal treat for William: The Maryland Polo Club holds polo matches nearly every Friday and Sunday through September. Route 152 in Monkton (fields are behind Ladew Gardens). 410-557-6448. marylandpolo.com.
Royal treat for Kate: The fun-loving princess can party at Ladew's Groovin' in the Grass summer concert series. 3535 Jarrettsville Pike. Monkton. 410-557-9466. http://www.ladewgardens.com.
Royal slumber: The couple can zip down to Gramercy Mansion in Baltimore County. Accommodations include the Tudor Room (king-sized bed and antique English oak fireplace mantel) and the Camelot Room (sitting room, marble tub and private balcony). 1400 Greenspring Valley Road, Stevenson. 410-486-2405. gramercymansion.com.
For more information: harfordmd.com. enjoybaltimorecounty.com
Queen Anne's County
Royal reason to visit: With its charming small towns, scenic waterfront views and rich history, the county is named for Queen Anne of Britain, who reigned 1702-1714.
Royal resemblance: A statue honoring Queen Anne is located in Centreville, the county seat.
Royal treat for William: The avid sportsman can fish, ride horses and hike amid the 3,800 acres of Tuckahoe State Park. 13070 Crouse Mill Road, Queen Anne. 410-820-1668. http://www.dnr.state.md.us.
Royal treat for Kate: A former clothing buyer, she can shop for frocks and perhaps another fascinator hat at Queenstown Premium Outlets. Designer brands like Coach, Gucci, Kate Spade and Ralph Lauren can be scored at "commoner" prices. 441 Outlet Center Drive, Queenstown. 410-827-8699. premiumoutlets.com.
Royal slumber: The secluded Brittland Manor in Chestertown is situated on 530 riverside acres, with gardens and a pool. It sleeps 26, so Prince Harry, Pippa and other royal relatives could bunk, too. 800 High St., Chestertown. 410-810-7591. http://www.brittlandestates.com.
For more information, discoverqueenannes.com
St. Mary's County
Royal reason to visit: Leonard Calvert established St. Mary's City as the first settlement and new capital of the Maryland colony in 1634 — the fourth permanent settlement in British North America.
Royal resemblance: Costumed interpreters at the Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation speak with an English accent, while offering visitors a peek into Colonial life. http://www.stmaryscity.org.
Royal treat for William: Having studied art history and geography at St. Andrews University, where he met his future wife, the prince can explore St. John's Site Museum, filled with 17th-century archaeological displays and artifacts. Campus of St. Mary's College of Maryland, 18952 E. Fisher Road, St. Mary's City. 240-895-4990. http://www.stmaryscity.org.
