<p>Just returned home from my DD having an overnight at St. Mary's. I had a little time on my hands, so wrote down what was nearby. These stores/restaurants, etc., are about 10-12 miles from the college on Route 235. Route 235 is a 6-lane road with a grassy median. Sometimes it seems like people think St. Mary's is in the boon-docks - but I guess it depends on where you're from. If you're used to being in a city and walking everywhere, then it would seem like it's in the middle of nowhere. By the way, my one word for describing St. Mary's College is "peaceful". Loved it. DD will be applying there.
Stores: Old Navy, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Ross, Marshalls, Best Buy, Staples, Lowes, Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Big Lots, Tuesday Morning, Pebbles, Bath and Body Works, Payless Shoes, Fashion Bug, Dress Barn, BJ's
Restaurants: Starbucks, Lonestar, Damons, IHOP, Ledo, McDonalds, Panera, 5-Guys, Popeyes, Subway, Arby's, Burger King, Wendy's, Pizza Hut, KFC, Checkers, CiCi's, Chic-fil-A, Bob Evans, Applebees, Chipotle
Grocery Stores - Shoppers Food Warehouse, Food Lion, Giant
Banks - Bank of America, SunTrust, BB&T, Merchantile of Southern Maryland, Maryland Bank and Trust, Navy Federal Credit Union, First National, Citibank, Chevy Chase Bank, 1st Mariner
Movies - Leows Lexington Park Six
Amusement Parks and their distance (used my GPS from my hotel in Lexington Park) - Six Flags America (46.7 miles), Kings Dominion (61.4 miles), Busch Gardens (72.3 miles)
I hope this is helpful to parents and students!</p>
<p>Very helpful! Thanks!</p>
<p>This is great, thanks!</p>
<p>Now that D is contemplating being there next fall, this thread is more relevant to us.</p>
<p>To anyone who knows -</p>
<ul>
<li>is there something akin to a Bath, Bed, and Beyond within an easy drive?</li>
<li>are there any restaurants around that aren’t your standard chains?</li>
<li>I had heard that shuttles to nearby airports were being considered for every weekend (rather than just around breaks). Do these exist?</li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Hi - I did not see anything like a Bed Bath and Beyond near St. Mary’s. I think there is one in Waldorf, which might be a 1/2 hour-45 mins away? Target and Walmart are the only nearby stores I found that have bedding, linens, storage stuff, gadgets, supplies, etc.</p>
<p>Can’t help with any nearby restaurants, except chains, but if I hear of any, I will let you know.</p>
<p>Thanks, pumpkin. Guess I need to set Eddieodessa back out to scout for us!</p>
<p>Hi,
I’m a student at St. Mary’s, so I thought I could help a little.
First of all I don’t think there is Bed Bath and Beyond (or similar) store nearby. During August and September I know Target is stocked with everything a college dorm could ever need, and I can’t think of anything Bed Bath and Beyond would have that Target wouldn’t have.</p>
<p>As far as non-chain restaurants, one of my favorites is “Blue Wind,” which is on 235. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it has amazing sandwiches and everything is really fresh and flavorful. If you’re over 21 (I guess that would be a couple years for freshmen, but you parents could drink!) They also have a big selection of wine (lots of Maryland wines) and micro-brewed beer. <a href=“http://www.bluewindgourmet.com/[/url]”>http://www.bluewindgourmet.com/</a></p>
<p>There are a surprising number of ethnic places around too, a lot of which are pretty good. There are 2 Indian restaurants, 2 Mexican restaurants, 2 Japanese steakhouse/sushi restaurants, 1 Thai place and others I’m unaware of I’m sure.
(If you are going south on 235 towards school, turn right after the Taco Bell, and one each of the Indian, Mexican, Japanese and Thai places is in that shopping center on the left side.)</p>
<p>There’s also Cheeseburger in Paradise, which is a chain I think, but a little more classy than most. That is next to Outback, both of which are further away than most places. (on 235, slightly North of the 235/Rt 4 intersection)</p>
<p>There are a couple seafood restaurants of course, Schiebel’s is a popular one, although I’ve never been there.
There are some pricier places on Solomon’s Island, one of which is Captain’s Table, which is really good.</p>
<p>ubug, what a resource! I’m glad you are reading this.</p>
<p>Do you happen to know the answer to my question about shuttles to the airport?</p>
<p>Even more important, how do you like St Mary’s? Do you recommend it to HS seniors trying to make up their mind at this last moment? :)</p>
<p>Hmm as far as airport shuttles go, as far as I know they are only available for breaks. Maybe they might increase that, but I haven’t heard.
I believe there is a really roundabout way of taking a public bus (with possible transfers) to the closest metro station (almost an hour away by car), and then from there you could take the metro to a place where there is an airport shuttle provided by the airport.
I know people who have taken weekend flights before and they either drive themselves to the airport, or find someone going home to DC or Baltimore for the weekend and get a ride. It usually works out, and even if you don’t have a car, you always know someone who does. So unless someone needs to get to the airport a lot and doesn’t have a car, I don’t think it would be a huge problem.</p>
<p>I would definitely recommend St. Mary’s! I love it here. I’ll be honest though, I had my heart set on Georgetown and when I didn’t get in I was not too happy about it. I chose St. Mary’s over a few others though, and now I know its the perfect school for me, so it worked out. I really don’t know anyone who hasn’t liked being here, so that’s a good sign! St. Mary’s is unique though, and its probably not for everyone. Its very laid back, and for some people that might not be right. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves the outdoors, the water, and a small community. Its a challenging school, but its also really fun because there’s always something to do.</p>
<p>If there’s anything else I can tell you more about I’d be more than happy to do so. I don’t want to ramble on about everything!</p>
<p>Thanks so much! Check back often - we on CC appreciate your help!</p>
<p>Freshmen can have cars on campus right?</p>
<p>Yep, everyone can have a car on campus.</p>