Queenstown Harbor GL (River Course)
Queenstown, MD (97 miles from Philly, 70 miles from Dewey Beach/OCMD, on 301 on the eastern edge of Chesapeake Bay)
River: 1991, Lindsay Earvin (local MD architect, Hog Neck)
7110, 138
'03 Fees: $76-$99
T&L Golf Review, River Course: 4/5 stars. Of Queenstown's pair, the River course is the more challenging and scenic. 5 holes offer views of the picture perfect bay; a few wander through wide-open meadows; others are routed through thick pockets of vegetation and over wetlands. Most are framed by colorful wild flowers, including a bountiful lot along the short par-4 6th, which requires an exacting drive through a chute to a wide-open landing area. A plaque alongside the 14th tee commemorates Francis Scott Key's writing of the "Star Spangled Banner" while captive during the War of 1812 on a ship in Baltimore Harbor--a spot puportedly visible from here. You'll play the final 5 holes with that inspiring tune in your head.
Fat Guy Notes: Highly recommended by my buddy Pete. 36 strong holes, good conditions, and great value afternoon/twilight rates accompanied by a fast afternoon pace of play.
Where To Grub (See also: Harbourtowne GR): Pete raves about Harris' Crab House (425 Kent Narrow N, Grasonville, www.harriscrabhouse.com), about 2 miles down 301 & 50. Karen recommends local joint Schooner's (314 Tilghman St, Oxford, 410-226-0160, about 20 miles away) 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 $12), a charming neighborhood spot. OR try nearby Island Beef & BBQ (3 Kent Towne Mkt, Chester, 410-604-2333,$) for authentic Carolina vinegar-based pulled pork and beef. Great boardwalk fries too. 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 Mason's smoked-salmon app or the menu-staple grilled beef tenderloin. Check out the adjoining coffee bar and gourmet shop. Or nestle into 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), with 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.
Further Distractions: Your golf widow can kill an easy 4 hours across the street at the Prime Outlet Mall (www.primeoutlets.com/locations/queenstown.aspx).