For many of this blog's readers, going to Edgewater probably doesn't feel much like traveling. It's only about 20 minutes south of Annapolis and still well within commuting distance to Baltimore.

And yet, this small community near the South, West and Rhode River is definitely worth exploring.

The best reason to go there is for the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, a research institution that doubles as a vast wildlife preserve. You'd have to look long and hard to find this much unspoiled land in Anne Arundel County -- acres and acres of forests, wetlands and coves. It's just off of 214 and is open to the public Monday thru Saturday from 9-4:30. They have kids' activities, teen activities and adult activities organized for you, or you can do your own hiking along the trails or canoeing. Pick a day when it's not freezing and you will probably have an afternoon of peace; even in more touristy seasons, I don't think too many people know about SERC.

Of course, after all that activity, you'll have to eat. Fortunately, there's Yellowfin Restaurant on Route 2, not far away. I've never eaten there, but Janet Owens used to hold her fund-raisers there, so how bad could it be? I have been to the faster-food version of Lebanese Taverna at the Annapolis Harbour Center. Except for the spelling of "harbour," I have no complaints.