Hog Neck GC
Easton, MD (90 mins east of OCMD)
1.25 mi. to course on RIGHT
Directions (90 mins. from O.C. w/out beach traffic):
RT 50 through Easton
2 mi. north of Easton, RIGHT onto MD 309
1.25 mi., LEFT onto OLD CORDOVA RD.
400 yard to course on LEFT
4 stars by Golf Digest
T&L Golf Review: 3.5/5 stars. Set deep in the heart of MD farm country, this course was indeed once a hog farm. Nearly every hole is punctuated by slanted clusters of bunkers meant to catch errant shots and highlight pinched fairways. Features sloping greens and a few blind tee shots.
Where To Grub (See also: Harbourtowne GR): Karen recommends local joint Schooner's for great seafood on the pier overlooking the water. For a casual breakfast or lunch, Philadelphia Magazine likes Alice's Cafe (22 N Harrison St, Easton, 410-819-8950, breakfast for 2 @ about $12), a charming neighborhood spot. OR, New Money meets the West Coast spirit at casual Mediterranean eatery Out Of The Fire (22 Goldsborough St, Easton, 410-770-4777, dinner for 2 @ about $60). Hearth-oven pizzas around $12, nice salads. Sit at the short bar abutting the open kitchen for a glimpse of your dinner's preparation. For upscale, try Restaurant Columbia (20 S Washington St, Easton, 410-770-5172, dinner for 2 @ $120) for a menu featuring inventive, natural ingredients, which changes every 3 weeks (except for the house-specialty roast rack of lamb with pistachio and raspberry sauce). Exclusive American wine and beer selection. OR, try Mason's (22 S Harrison St, Easton, 410-822-3204, dinner for 2 @ $120) for a menu featuring local ingredients prepared with a NY flair. Order the masterful almond-crusted rockfish over white bean puree, or traditional MD favorites like oysters and crabs. T&L Golf says don't miss the smoked-salmon app or the menu-staple grilled beef tenderloin. Check out the adjoining coffee bar and gourmet shop. Or check out bustling Coffee East, also open several nights a week as a wine & beer bar.
Where To Stay: T&L Golf likes the rustic Inn at Easton ($140-$395/night, www.innateaston.com). Splendor in the front foyer's goldenrod parlor with a sunburst mirror above a marble fireplace, as well as the countrified guest rooms with beds covered in European linens. For something slightly more affordable, try the stately Tidewater Inn ($120-$200/night, www.tidewaterinn.com, Easton) where the outsized lobby features a sweeping spiral staircase and an equally grand fireplace, circled by Federal era couches and chairs.