We continue our tour of Maryland’s counties with Montgomery County, only an hour’s drive from the Anne Arundel region. Learn what fun activities you can do as a family, what to see and what role this county plays in Maryland history, from performing arts to Brookside Gardens.
Must-Sees
As Maryland’s most populous county, Montgomery County has plenty of things to do and see. Larger towns like Rockville and Bethesda are bustling with restaurants and places to go shopping. There are many options for people who enjoy performing arts, as many of Maryland’s most famous theaters are in Montgomery County, such as The Music Center at Strathmore and The Fillmore Silver Spring.
If you’re looking for something a bit less urban, check out the town of Olney — while not a small town by definition, it has a humble, cozy atmosphere and many local parks, museums, and the Olney Farmers and Artists Market. The Woodlawn Manor Living History Museum is an especially unique way to explore Maryland history.
Glen Echo Park is a particularly interesting place to visit. It was one of the DMV’s most popular amusement parks for over 50 years, and while it’s no longer an amusement park, it’s still a hub of entertainment. There’s an aquarium, a carousel, community dances held every week, and regular art classes encompassing a variety of different subjects.
Local Nature
As densely populated as Montgomery County is, there are still plenty of places to get away from the rat race. If you’re looking for something family-friendly, visit Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Regional Park. It’s a gorgeous botanical garden with plants from around the world, as well as an event venue that hosts art exhibits and other activities. Butler’s Orchard offers pick-your-own fruits, vegetables and flowers throughout the year, with berries during the summer, apples in fall and Christmas trees in winter.
Sugarloaf Mountain is a particularly notable natural spot for hiking, skiing and walking, offering stunning views of the county from above. If you’re more interested in boating than hiking, Seneca Creek State Park offers boat tours and kayak rentals, so visitors can explore the creek and Clopper Lake.
