On a secluded stretch of beach all their own, yelping hounds from great danes to dachshunds disturb the tranquil silence of Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis while paddling in the surf and sunning themselves.
This canine scene plays out during warmer climes within walking distance of Hillsmere Shores and typifies the range of amenities available in this bayside neighborhood.
Hillsmere has it all – hiking, swimming, boating, kayaking, festivals, concerts – and that’s just what’s available in the park.
With a wide selection of 1,200 homes, a beach for its residents with picnic tables and recreation areas, eclectic local eateries, and the exclusive Key School, the neighborhood also has the fluffiest four-legged creatures around.
The first stop for most pooches after a dip in the bay is Muddy Paws Dog Wash.
“Hillsmere has been a great supporter of Muddy Paws Dog Wash,” said Theresa Laranang-Mutlu who owns the business with her husband Qadri.
Since it opened in 2005, Muddy Paws Dog Wash has been a central hangout for Hillsmere residents and dog owners from all over the Baltimore area.
You have the choice of relaxing with a latte while Paws handlers scrub down the pooch, or you can don the grooming apron and shampoo your dog in the stainless steel tub. They will soon rename their coffee concession “Bark n’ Bean.”
From quick wash to full serve, there are many options on the Muddy Paws menu. Another store has opened in Severna Park with more on the way.
“We’ve reached out to families, students, pet support groups and other community organizations of Hillsmere as a way of saying thank you,” said Laranang-Mutlu.
The park, the dog wash and the neighborhood have energized the area and they are only three miles from downtown Annapolis.
From the boating set to small business owners, the neighborhood attracts a wide cross-section of people in large part because Hillsmere provides a range of housing options to choose from.
Contemporary waterfront homes exceed $1 million while inland dwellings can start as low as $400,000. Ranchers, split-levels, and colonials are walking distance from the beach.
“I grew up in tract housing in California,” said Teri Van Wormer, a Hillsmere resident who owns a Jazzercise business. “What I like most is the diversity of home styles.”
The Key School – a private college preparatory school from K through 12 whose students, faculty, and programs are recognized for their excellence – is located along with Hillsmere on what used to be a farm. One of the school buildings was the mansion on the original estate.
“I love how quiet the neighborhood is,” said Van Wormer.
When the dogs are asleep and dreaming of another day at the beach.
10 Things Hillsmere
>>Muddy Paws Dog Wash
Perfectly situated next to Quiet Waters Park on Hillsmere Drive, Muddy Paws is the place to being your pooch after a good swim at Quiet Waters dog beach. With the holiday season coming up, everyone wants their dog to look their best. Muddy Paws provides a menu of washes and offers a fun time for the whole family to scrub down their dog. It helps to be well caffeinated and their coffee option — Bark n’ Bean — serves the best latte in town.
>>Quiet Waters Park (Dog Beach)
Beautiful and expansive with a dog beach, a skating rink, gazebos, hiking trails, and ball fields – the park is located on Quiet Waters Park Road. If you have never seen the pooches sunning themselves and taking a dip on their very own stretch of sand – it’s worth it, dog lover or not. 410-222-1777. Closed Tuesday/$5.00 entry fee
>>Main Ingredient Cafe
Informally known as the “ladies who lunch” spot on Bay Ridge avenue, when you arrive at noon on any given day and it’s like being on the View. Very popular for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they also do catering for lots of local events. In additional to the regular menu, chefs create daily specials focusing on seasonal items.
>>Grumps
Located on Hillsmere drive, the name is appropriate (owner Duncan is grumpy in a cheerful way), Grumps serves excellent breakfasts, and the wait staff dress in pajamas. (410) 267-0229
>>Ebb Tide Bar and Restaurant
This biker bar on Forest drive with good karaoke is a huge favorite among locals. There’s a pool table in a side room and a dartboard in back — but the real entertainment happens on Thursday and Friday. On these days all sorts pack the bar either waiting for their moment in the limelight or to observe the action. Starting at 9:30PM karaoke goes until close or until the bar runs out of brave souls, which rarely happens.
>>The Parthenon
A classic old time Greek restaurant — Is that Vic Damone singing from the kitchen? With decades of food service experience behind him, the owner set out to introduce to Annapolis an authentic taste of Hellenic Mediterranean cuisine. A decade and a half later, this family business on Bay Ridge Road is still cooking some of the best Greek food this town has ever tasted. 410-268-7121
>>Key School
Founded upon the conviction that children are innately curious about themselves and the world — they want to learn, they want to discover, and they want to create — the School’s role is to nourish and guide this natural exuberance, energy, and delight in the search for meaning. It is the school’s hope that each student may develop into an informed, thoughtful and constructive member of society — with a lifelong commitment to learning. 534 Hillsmere Drive.
>>Jack’s Fortune Restaurant
A Chinese food restaurant serving good and cheap lunch specials on Bay Ridge road – a special treat when Jack himself is in the kitchen. Prices range from $11 to 29. (410) 267-7731.
>>Jazzercize
After all of this great food, there is an excellent place to work off the pounds on Hillsmere Drive. Jazzercise combines elements of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, kick-boxing, and more to create truly effective programs for people of every age and fitness level.
>>BruMar Garden Center
Known for its great selection of plants and greeneries, BruMar on Bay Ridge road always does an outstanding job of seasonal stuff (including great Christmas decorations), Xmas trees, wreaths, topiaries. In summer, they feature lovely veggies and fruit. 410-990-9898
