06/23/2025
Anyone recognize this historic place on Solomons Island?
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If you knew it was Bowen's Inn, you'd be correct. The original house was built in 1888 by Captain James W. Northam. In 1918, Mortimer Bowen and his wife Florence (Flo) purchased and began a massive building expansion that would become Bowen's Inn. The largest and most famous inn, restaurant, bar, and charter fishing/hunting fleet in the area. You might say that Bowen's Inn was an all inclusive joint! People were welcome from all walks of life. From the oysterman who plied the bay, the laborers in nearby oyster houses, to politicians and the Washington DC elite. In fact, Bowen's Inn hosted folks like Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy.
What were the favorite foods? Everyone loved the crab imperial and the fried chicken. But I also found a lot of comments about oyster stew being a big hit.
Sadly, the fine establishment was burned down in 2006. But the Great Granddaughter of Mortimer and Flo, Gwyn Novak, started the equally amazing No Thyme to Cook on the same property. There is no question that Gwyn's ancestors are proud of the legacy of great food and hospitality that they started.
Was it haunted? Of all the Solomons Ghost stories told to me, the stories from the Bowen's Inn were the most frequent and known throughout the town. Do you have a story from the Bowen's Inn that you'd like to share? Put it in the comment or IM with the story (if you wish to remain anonymous).