I can't believe it, but it appears I have never done a travelblog on Solomons. How can that be? I've been there numerous times.

Chances are, you have too. Solomons isn't exactly a secret, particularly to the Washingtonians who have snapped up vacation homes there. It's about an hour's drive from D.C., and almost two from Baltimore. A worthy day trip if you like boating, seafood, pretty views and the occasional "boom" from the nearby Naval bases.

For a small place, Solomons is choc-a-block with restaurants, hotels and shops. There's Solomons Victorian Inn and The Blue Heron Inn, both lovely B and B's, and there's also a Hilton Garden Inn and a Holiday Inn Select.

In terms of food, it's hard to go too wrong. The Captain's Table is your classic crab-cakes-and-waterfront-dining place; here you'll find a menu of crabs, scallops, cole slaw, catfish and other classics. DiGiovanni's does Italian; CD Cafe has a very good reputation for eclectic cuisine.

As far as activities, I've always found walking around the island, which seems to be a 1.5 mile trip there and back, is quite relaxing. you can also get a boat from Bunky's or hire a fishing party; various captains work out of Solomons Harbor. A well-kept secret is Annemarie Garden, a 30-acre public scupture park associated with the Smithsonian.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the Tiki Bar, Solomons' best-known attraction. People in Solomons either love this kitchy, straw-bale hot spot, or they wish it would go away. That is unlikely; Tiki is seeking ot expand and serve drinks in its back part, which is currently a hotel.

Tiki opens in April and kicks off the Solomons season. My husband, who enjoyed a My Tai while I was off on assignment there a few years ago, reports the drinks are quite strong. I couldn't confirm or deny.