Island View Waterfront began in 1928 as a summer escape: a waterfront dance hall, tavern, and picnic grove where Baltimore City families could get out of the heat and enjoy the Chesapeake breeze.
In 1968, Tom & Fran Laing purchased the property, running it as Tom’s Tavern until 1983, when it became the Island View.
Over the decades, the property evolved with care, eventually being renovated in 2000 to showcase the spectacular waterfront views that make it so special today.
Though Tom and Fran have passed, their granddaughter, Jessica Laing-Heddings, and her children carry on the tradition, operating a four-generation family estate that welcomes weddings, events, and family celebrations.
A Family Legacy on the Chesapeake Bay
For nearly sixty years, our family has cared for this stretch of Chesapeake Bay shoreline.
Each generation has added something meaningful while preserving the quiet, private, and scenic character of the peninsula.
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Private Chesapeake Bay estate — not just a rental space
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Wide open water & uninterrupted views
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Intimate corners and expansive lawn
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Historic pavilion architecture
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Limited bookings each year — so every event feels intentional
Goth’s Grove
Mac’s Grove
1928–1940
1940–1965
Gaff’s Grove
1965–1968
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Tom’s Tavern
Island View Inn
1969–1983
1983–2000
Island View Waterfront Café
July 2000 - October 2021
Island View Waterfront Wedding & Events
2021-
Island View Waterfront isn’t just a venue.
It’s a private estate on the Chesapeake Bay where generations of families have gathered, laughter has echoed across the water, and every event carries the sense of history and care that only comes from decades of stewardship.
Here, you’re not renting a space — you’re joining a story that has been unfolding for nearly a century.
Local Business of The Month
Reflecting on our incredible journey, we're proud to share that in 2022, The Blazer Team honored us as their Local Business of the Month. Discover the passion, dedication, and story behind Island View Waterfront.
Bold Journey Interview
"What I love most about what I do is making the process easy for everyone. I try to solve problems before anyone even knows there’s one — that’s what I mean by high-touch, sometimes even unreasonable hospitality. Our couples and clients are usually the type who want their day to feel like them — relaxed, fun, memorable — and Island View makes that possible. You can have a wedding weekend with lawn games and late-night fires by the water, or a simple, cozy party where it feels like all your favorite people just came together at the best spot in town."
Simply a beautiful venue and wonderful people to work with while planning your big day. Cannot say enough amazing things about it and will forever be grateful we chose this spot.
Jen & Cameron R.
