Wine Trails, Museums, Beaches: Summer Getaways In Maryland

MARYLAND — With the year Marylanders had, we all deserve a summer getaway.

And now that warmer weather is finally here — and people are getting vaccinated — it's time to step outside, breathe that fresh air, and get moving.

Whether you're looking to expand your wine repertoire or hike a mountain range, there's plenty of activities to enjoy in Maryland.

Patch has rounded up some of the best things to see and do in the area during the warmer months. But before you go, be sure to check out any coronavirus-related restrictions your destination might have.

CAPITOL REGION

Cherry Hill Park

Cherry Hill Park is the D.C. area's only full-service facility. Located in Prince George's County, minutes from the University of Maryland, the park has RV sites with hookups, log cabins with central A/C and heat, express check-in and free delivery from the camp store and cafe, and more.

Woodland Horse Center

Beat the boredom at Woodland Horse Center, where you can learn how to ride a horse for $20. This equestrian facility in Silver Spring offers riding lessons almost every Sunday. Remember to wear pants and hard-soled, closed-toe shoes. A helmet will be provided. Classes are divided by age and ability.

More details here.

Canal Quarters Lockhouses

Experience what life was like 60, 90, or 150 years ago along the C&O Canal.

Canal Quarters lockhouses — located in Montgomery, Frederick, and Washington counties — can sleep up to eight people and have been used for parties, celebrations, and reunions.

Click here for more info.

College Park Aviation Museum

The College Park Aviation Museum was founded in 1909 when Wilbur Wright came here to give flight lessons to military pilots. The 27,000-square-foot facility now boasts historic aircraft and unique artifacts, as well as hands-on activities for children of all ages.

More details can be found here.

Pike & Rose

Pike & Rose is chock-full of clothing, outdoor, and home, and decor retailers. After all that shopping, you can refuel at a selection of restaurants and bars.

The mixed-use development is located at 11580 Old Georgetown Road in North Bethesda, just a stone's throw away from the White Flint Metro station.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Everyone can enjoy Sugarloaf Mountain — regardless of skill level. The 3,300-acre mountain and park is privately owned and is open to the public from sunrise to sunset year-round. There is no fee to get into the area.

Feel free to bring your furry, four-legged friend on the adventure, too. An added bonus: pack a picnic to enjoy at one of many scenic locations along your route.

Sugarloaf Mountain straddles Frederick and Montgomery counties. However, it's officially located in Dickerson.

Here's how to get there.

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National Harbor

Think of the National Harbor as an all-in-one destination.

Located along the Potomac River — just minutes from the nation's capital — this vibrant waterfront district is home to 160 stores, 40 restaurants, and one ginormous Ferris wheel.

Dubbed the Capital Wheel, this 180-foot-tall structure offers unbeatable waterfront views of the DMV from the comfort of climate-controlled gondolas. General admission is $15. For seniors and military members, it's $13.50. And children 12 years and under, it's $11.25. Tickets can be bought here or at the onsite ticket booth at the pier.

A stone's throw away is the MGM National Harbor — a luxury entertainment resort featuring restaurants operated by acclaimed chefs, a 3,000-seat state-of-the-art theater, and one of the largest gaming floors outside of Las Vegas.

Also nearby is the Tanger Outlets, where you can get some of the best deals on 85 premium brands.

CENTRAL REGION

National Aquarium

The National Aquarium in Baltimore has consistently been recognized as one of the top aquariums in the country. It's home to more than 20,000 animals representing 800 species of fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.

Click here for more details.

Monster Mini Golf

This indoor mini golf course in Columbia is sure to be a hit with the kids. The monster-themed, glow-in-the-dark course is surrounded by a virtual canvas, which comes alive with witty artwork.

While golfing, you can enjoy music, both old and new, from the facility's internal radio station.

More info can be found here.

Downtown Annapolis

Soak up the sun at City Dock. Grab a sandwich at Chick & Ruth's. Tour the U.S. Naval Academy grounds. Or buy a new outfit at Brightside Boutique.

There's plenty to see and do in downtown Annapolis. You can't go wrong.

Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail

There's nothing more Maryland than seafood and the Chesapeake Bay.

And now's a great time to eat your way through Central Maryland at some of the most charming waterfront restaurants the state has to offer.

A number of recommendations are posted on Maryland's tourism site, which you can find here.

The Maryland Zoo

If you're looking for something to do for the day, a visit to the Maryland Zoo might be just the ticket. The zoo is open seven days a week and reservations are required for members and guests.

Learn more here.

Korean Way

This five-mile stretch in Ellicott City is home to more than 100 Korean-owned restaurants, cafes, and specialty shops. Spend the day indulging in authentic cuisine, shopping the latest Korean beauty trends, or taking a mixed martial arts class.

Here's more info.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND

John Wilkes Booth's Escape Route

On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

The Maryland native and Confederate sympathizer then fled to Maryland, where he eluded capture for nearly two weeks.

You can tackle much of his escape route in a single day. Here's where to go.

Leonardtown's Arts & Entertainment District

Southern Maryland's only Arts & Entertainment district is located in Leonardtown. There you'll find dozens of art galleries, craftsy retail stores, world-class restaurants, and quaint coffee shops.

Click here to learn more.

Mallows Bay Park

About an hour from Washington, D.C., this national marine sanctuary holds at least 100 remnants of World War I-era steamships and other historic vessels.

Take in the unique sights from the shoreline or explore the "Ghost Fleet" by paddle (during low tide).

Patuxent Wine Trail

Sip your way through the Patuxent Wine Trail, which offers some of the best vino on the Eastern Seaboard. The trail cuts through both Calvert and St. Mary's counties — and is connected by the Patuxent River, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Check out the wineries here.

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center

In Solomons, this is where nature meets art.

Saunter down the wooded walking path and admire the permanent works and sculptures on loan from the Smithsonian Institute and National Gallery of Art.

Now through Sept. 6, you can check out the 12th Annual Fairies in the Garden Outdoor Exhibit — a charming display of more than 100 handmade houses scattered throughout the trails and woods of the garden.

The Annemarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

The facility has instituted a "pay what you can" policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Any amount is appreciated, but a $5 admission donation per person is suggested.

EASTERN SHORE

Assateague Island

Assateague Island in Worcester County is famous for its beautiful beaches and wild horses. Spanning 37 miles, the barrier island has two oceanside and four bayside camping areas.

Remember to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, screen tents for shade and insect protection, and long tent stakes to anchor tents.

Not in the mood to camp? Here are some other options.

People who aren't fully vaccinated must wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces. Masks are still required for everyone on all forms of public transportation. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

Before visiting, check the park website to determine its operating status.

Ocean City

Ocean City is pretty much synonymous with summer — which makes it the perfect destination for a weekend of building sandcastles, unwinding to the sounds of crashing waves, and (of course) eating your weight in Fisher's Popcorn.

The popular resort town — located about 30 miles east of Salisbury — features a historic boardwalk flanked by restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and arcades. For thrilling rides and unique attractions, head over to Trimper's Rides and Amusement Park on the boardwalk's southern end.

Learn more about Ocean City here.

Harriet Tubman Museum and Scenic Byway

Did you know Harriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County? Yes, it's true!

You can learn all about her service as an abolitionist, Civil War spy, and conductor of the Underground Railroad at the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cambridge.

The museum is one of 30 stops of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railway Scenic Byway.

Chesapeake Wine Trail

Get a taste of the Eastern Shore (literally) on the Chesapeake Wine Trail. It boasts more than a dozen wineries and vineyards — from Rising Sun to Eden. Here's a list of locations.

WESTERN MARYLAND

Deep Creek

Located in the mountains of western Maryland, Deep Creek is a four-season destination that's fun for the whole family (including your four-legged best friend).

Spend your days soaking up the sun on a boat and nights drinking wine by a crackling fire.

More information about Deep Creek can be found here.

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad isn't just a train ride. It's an experience.

Climb aboard one of the old-fashioned locomotives to learn about the region's rich transportation history and take in the gorgeous mountaintop scenery.

The 16-mile journey begins in Cumberland. Then you'll head west through a breach in the Allegheny Mountains, around Helmstetter's Horshoe Curve, and through a 914-foot brush tunnel under Piney Mountain. The train route follows the former Western Maryland Railroad right-of-way and then joins the old Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad.

Click here to learn more.

Breweries

Western Maryland is home to many awesome breweries. Beer expert or not, you should check them out.

They include:

• Dig Deep Brewery (2 Howard St., Cumberland)
• 1812 Brewery (13006 Mason Rd. NE, Cumberland)
• Antietam Brewery (140 Western Maryland Parkway, Hagerstown)
• Cushwa Brewing Company (10210 Governor Lane Blvd., Williamsport)

Rocky Gap State Park

The 3,000-acre park in Allegany County is a year-round oasis for hikers, fishers, swimmers, and boaters. You can camp out there, too.

Here's how to make a reservation.

Antietam National Battlefield

If you're a history buff, swing by Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg.

Some 23,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed or wounded in the Battle of Antietam, and it changed the course of the Civil War.

Take a self-guided driving or hiking tour through the battlefield and learn how the Union stopped the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North.

Hagerstown Premium Outlets

Shop at a variety of brand-name stores, including Under Armor, Kate Spade, Bath & Body Works, Sunglass Hut, Nike, and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Here's a store directory for Hagerstown Premium Outlets.