Side Trips

London Town

There are three reasons to set aside half a day to visit the remnants London Town, one of Maryland's oldest towns: the 1760 house set high above the South River, the lush 8 acres of gardens surrounding the property, and the ongoing archaeological research to uncover the lost buildings of this once thriving seaport. Although it was central to the state's trade, with a busy ferry in the 1600s and 1700s, by the 1800s it was just a memory. Today, only the William Brown House remains.

The three-story brick mansion, now a National Historic Landmark, is worth a look for its 18th-century furnishings and its tavern, which covers much of the first floor. Don't miss the antique clock (with only an hour hand), leather water buckets, and prints by Elizabeth Blackwell. Children will like the basement, with its toys, clothes, and hats helping them "get into" the 18th century. Knowledgeable docents lead tours on the hour, tailoring their presentations to the ages of their guests.

In the gardens, native plants, wildflowers, and hollies cover 8 acres overlooking Almshouse Creek and the South River. Don't miss the medicinal plants and kitchen garden directly behind the house.

Reconstruction around the house is ongoing. Archaeologists have discovered a number of buildings, including a tobacco barn, along with several homes from the vanished village. They continue to sift through the soil, looking for clues about tavern life, the townspeople, and the lives they lived.

Historic London Town & Gardens (tel. 410/222-1919; www.historiclondontown.com) is open year-round, except major holidays, Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 3pm and Sunday from noon to 3pm. Guided house and self-guided garden tours cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for children 7 to 18. A house-only tour or self-guided garden tour is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $3 for ages 7 to 18. Between January and March, the Brown House is closed.

To get here, take U.S. 50/Md. 301 to Exit 22, Aris T. Allen Boulevard. Exit onto Route 2 south, go over the South River Bridge, and continue 1/2 mile. Turn left onto Mayo Road, go 3/4 mile, and turn left onto Londontown Road. Go 1 mile to the end of the road and enter the site through the gates.