Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide
Capital Region
Kasai Richardson 2020-01-08 11:49:52
A Memorable Journey Awaits In The Capital Region
Open for delectable dining, thrilling nightlife, captivating national history...all just outside our nation’s capital.
Just outside Washington, D.C., you can go from strapping yourself into the the new Harley Quinn Spinsanity with the family at Six Flags America to antiquing in historic Frederick in the same weekend. Challenge yourself with a hike in the refreshing forest air of Catoctin Mountain Park, hit the links at Maryland National Golf Club, enjoy both the classical and the contemporary at Strathmore Music Center or try your luck and enjoy the luxury dining and accommodations at MGM National Harbor. With so much to choose from, this region stands as a premium destination with a wide variety of travel experiences on offer.
Eat & Drink: Five Cosmopolitan Culinary Delights
1 Settle in at Dutch’s Daughter
If ambiance is as important to you as what’s on the menu, Dutch’s Daughter is a must-dine experience. A favorite in Frederick, this restaurant serves steaks, crabcakes and vegan and vegetarian options. Relax with patio seating for when it’s warm and sunny, or visit Dutch’s Dungeon, the most comfortable such-named space you’re likely to find, replete with a bar, flat screens and a cigar room.
2 Take a Sip at Waredaca
This spot is more than a brewery: Begun as a camp for youth on farmland in Laytonsville (Camp Waredaca: Washington Recreational Day Camp), Waredaca Brewing Company continues a family tradition started two generations ago. Sip on a White Belgian while admiring the horses and take comfort in the fact that everything Waredaca Brewing Company does is done sustainably and with the environment and land in mind.
3 “Good People Drink Good Beer” at Flying Dog Brewery.
With up to 20 beers on tap, gourmet eats from the Roasthouse Pub Food Truck, including Beer Battered Mac n Cheese Fritters and an events calendar packed with live music and draft releases, Maryland’s largest craft brewery is a destination you won’t want to miss.
4 Sample Southern Favorites With a Twist at Succotash National Harbor
Named for the corn and bean dish with Native roots that’s a Southern staple, James Beard Award nominee Edward Lee’s restaurant offers a reverent spin on Southern fare. At this “Inspired Southern Kitchen,” the recognizable is made sublime (take the collard greens mixed with kimchi for example), and the atmosphere feels just like down home.
5 Escape at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
Since 2006, Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard has been creating award-winning vintages. Its location at the base of the mountain is not only beautiful, but practical, as it provides a unique micro-climate ideal for growing. Enjoy the idyllic scenery as you sample a variety of reds, whites and rosé. Live music on the weekends from April-October makes for an even more delightful escape.
See & Do: Ten Authentic Maryland Experiences
6 Catch a Game with the Frederick Keys
For fans who want a family-friendly, affordable pro baseball experience, the Orioles Class A-affiliate Frederick Keys have you covered. The team’s alums include Orioles Stevie Wilkerson and DJ Stewart, and who knows what future star one could catch at bat at a Keys game?
7 Find Adventure at C&O Canal National Historical Park
With 184.5 miles of terrain along the Potomac River, you won’t run out of experiences at this National Park. Try a hike up the Billy Goat Trail for a view of Great Falls. Experience a one-of-a-kind boat ride led by a mule. Rock climb at the Carderock Recreation Area. There are trails for horseback riding, biking and even cross country skiing in the winter. And at the end of the day, single-night tent camping is available at more than 30 hiker-biker campsites.
8 Enjoy the Sights and Sounds of the Strathmore, the Fillmore and AFI Silver Theatre
The Strathmore, the Fillmore and AFI Silver Theatre serve as a trinity of some of the best entertainment venues in the country. For film, music and the visual and performing arts, these spaces create unique experiences for fans of everything both classical and contemporary.
9 Go Above and Beyond at NASA Goddard Visitor Center
While many may associate other places with NASA, Goddard Space Center is Maryland’s own. Named for Dr. Robert Goddard, the father of modern rocket propulsion, the Visitor Center offers tours and educational exhibits on engineering, earth science and, of course, space exploration. The museum features a solarium, with a video feed of the NASA solar probe’s images of the sun’s volatile surface. And, see NASA equipment that’s actually been to space, from tools used by astronauts on space walks to actual rockets and rovers.
10 Hit the Links at Maryland National Golf Club
Designed by world-renowned architect Arthur Hills, Maryland National is laid out over rolling hills, with views of the Catoctin Mountains. The challenging course offers a layout with plenty of variety, and the clubhouse amenities include a pro shop, tavern and corporate meeting space, all with friendly and knowledgeable staff to boot.
11 Connect with the Past
Home to the Mason-Dixon Line and bordering the nation’s capital, Maryland played a vital role during the Civil War. Today, Maryland offers visitors experiences to connect with some of the most pivotal events in American history. See a re-enactment or walk the path of soldiers on six walking trails at The Moncacy National Battlefield, the site of the “Battle that Saved Washington.” Learn about the history of medicine, patient care and innovations that helped save lives at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick. Visitors can even visit the Surrat House Museum where Lincoln’s assassination was plotted.
12 Experience the Glenstone Museum
Reopened in 2018, this 7,200-square-foot space brings together the aesthetics of art, architecture and landscape with a collection of more than 1,300 pieces. With post-World War II art at the core of its collection, Glenstone invites visitors to experience the environment of its picturesque campus. A quiet and pensive stroll through the pavilion makes for a world-class experience right here in Maryland.
13 Celebrate African-American Cultural Contributions
The Prince George’s African American Museum & Cultural Center offers a diasporic view of African-American history and culture through the lens of Prince George’s County’s rich traditions. Engaging exhibitions, kid-friendly events and workshops can be found in this cultural hub, whose mission of raising awareness and inspiring community members goes beyond its walls.
14 Be Awed at Weinberg Center for the Arts
Originally opened as the Tivoli in 1926, Downtown Frederick’s Weinberg Center for the Arts has featured everything from a silent film series (accompanied by an in-house Wurlitzer) to Neil Gaiman, David Sedaris and a Russian Ballet Theater performance of Swan Lake.
15 There’s Much to Do in Glen Echo Park
With its distinctive art deco architecture, classic Dentzel carousel, and expansive Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park in Montgomery County has enough to offer to fill an entire weekend. Hike and take in nature along one of the surrounding trails, visit the park’s aquarium or take a class in ceramics, painting or photography. Dance classes are also offered. Take a lesson and then dance the night away in the beautiful ballroom.
Places to Stay: Five Ways to Unwind
16 Sit in the Lap of Luxury at MGM National Harbor
Nestled against the Potomac and with convenient access to Washington, D.C. MGM National Harbor is a perfect place to unwind, offering more than 300 well-appointed rooms and world-class entertainment for a variety of tastes. The 3,000-seat theater hosts an array of musicians and performers such as the Temptations, George Lopez and Jill Scott. Treat yourself to the prime rib at Top Chef’s (and Maryland natives) Bryan and Michael Voltaggio’s Voltaggio Brothers Steak House or try your luck at the tables.
17 Find Total Relaxation at Bethesda Salt Cave
Descend the staircase into this hidden gem and find an oasis of tranquility amidst the grind of your daily routine. Whether it’s massage, acupressure, facials or yoga you fancy for your spa treatment, Bethesda Salt Cave’s friendly and experienced staff will guide you through a journey of relaxation and restoration. And yes, there is an actual salt cave to experience.
18 For Business or Leisure, Enjoy a Stay at Bolger Center
This unique 43-acre campus in Potomac is the perfect setting for a stay on business or a trip to see the sights. With fitness centers, a junior Olympic pool, the Pony Express Bar & Grill and complimentary shuttle service for the surrounding area, Bolger has your stay in the Capital Region covered.
19 Enjoy the Total Frederick Experience at 10 Clarke
Located in a historic area of Frederick, this tranquil, upscale Victorian bed and breakfast is within walking distance of the excitement of downtown Frederick. Spend a quiet morning sipping tea and relaxing on the deck and then hit the town come sundown, with dozens of popular dining and entertainment destinations just a few blocks away.
20 Chill Out at Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery
For the right mix of hip and historic, Springfield Manor offers the perfect setting for both your next event and a laid-back afternoon with friends over cheese and one of Springfield’s ten award-winning varietals. Visit the distillery and brewery for a tour and tasting.
Shop: Three Places to Pick up a Souvenir
21 Go Antiquing in Historic Frederick
A town as full of character as it is historic, downtown Frederick boasts an impressive antiquing scene. While thousands descend on the city’s 200 or so dealers every weekend, such as Emporium Antiques and Cannon Hill Place, the whole of Frederick County boasts antiques stores with impressive collections from all over the world.
22 Shop the Clarksburg and Tanger Outlets
Whether you’re looking for new workout gear from Under Armour, searching out that perfect dinner date outfit from Kate Spade or picking up a souvenir for family back home, Clarksburg Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets offer amazing outdoor shopping experiences with a wide range of brands. Delicious dining options and views of National Harbor are added bonuses.
23 Experience Pike & Rose
With a continental, open-air market feel, Pike & Rose is more than a shopping destination—it is a completely walkable, all-inclusive experience. It offers a luxury theater with plush recliners, a sophisticated bowling alley complete with a firepit, a farmers’ market that brings together 38 vendors, a beach where you can picnic and get your toes sandy while you take a break, and even a rooftop farm that offers seasonal farm memberships, not to mention the more than 40 curated shops and restaurants. With so much to do, you may want to stay the night at the conveniently located Canopy by Hilton.
Events: Three Reasons to Mark Your Calendar
24 Sample the State’s Best at the Maryland Craft Beer Festival
Held each May, the Maryland Craft Beer festival in Frederick is a celebration of the state’s booming craft beer scene. 2019’s festival saw more than 40 Maryland breweries bring nearly 200 varieties of beer, with live music, food and vendors rounding out the experience. And for those outside the Frederick area, purchasing a BAMBus ticket gets you to and from the festival safely along with VIP access.
25 Find Your Groove at Capital Jazz Fest
“The jazz festival with soul.” Every year since 1993 has seen the Capital Jazz Fest bring some of the best soul acts in the world to Maryland. 2019’s lineup included Babyface, Gladys Knight and India Arie, among many more. Delicious food, an arts and crafts marketplace and a fantastically fun atmosphere make this a premier summer event.
26 Enter a Winter Wonderland at Gaylord National’s ICE!
Part of the “Christmas on the Potomac” celebration, Gaylord National Resort’s ICE! is a signature holiday event. This kid-friendly walkthrough attraction is kept at a frigid nine degrees Fahrenheit, but there’s a method to the coldness, with magnificent ice sculptures chipped out of two million pounds of ice by world-renowned artists from Harbin, China. But don’t worry, parkas are provided.
Cities & Towns: Three Spots Ready to be Explored
27 Do it all at National Harbor.
Anchored by the MGM National Harbor and the Gaylord National, this waterfront retreat has quickly become a premier destination. Try your luck at the tables. Go on a spending spree at the more than 160 upscale boutiques and specialty shops. Find exactly what you crave at over 40 restaurants. See all that National Harbor has to offer as you soar 180 feet above on the Capital Wheel. This all-in-one destination is perfect for an adult getaway and with signature events and experiences like ICE! and Top Golf it’s filled with family fun too.
28 Explore Downtown Bethesda
This thriving, modern urban district just northwest of Washington derives its name from the Aramaic “beth hesda,” meaning “house of mercy.” Downtown, you’ll find the arts and entertainment district with enough to keep anyone busy for a weekend. Visit the incomparable Music Center at the Strathmore, cart the kids to Cabin John Park, and take your pick from one of the nearly 200 restaurants the town has to offer.
29 Get to Know Bowie
Just miles from Annapolis and close to D.C., what was once a small railroad stop is now Bowie, the largest municipality in Prince George’s County. Bowie pays homage to its roots at the Huntington Railroad Museum and that’s just the start of things to do in this growing town. Home to Bowie Baysox, an Orioles minor league team, Terrapin Adventures and Six Flags America, it is filled with activities for the kiddos. A growing culinary and arts scene, including the Bowie Center for Performing Arts, offers up adult fun making Bowie a spot to please everyone.
SPOTLIGHT
Family Fun, On The Wild Side
The Capital Region lets you connect with your wild side in more ways than one. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve in Thurmont is home to macaws, lemurs, leopards and kangaroos alike. Considered a hidden gem, this park prides itself on both its variety of animals and the caring environment they thrive in among the 50 acres of the park.
The preserve’s friendly staff helps visitors navigate the park easily, and Catoctin Wildlife Preserve offers more touch-and-feed experiences than any park in the region. It’s also the only mid-Atlantic zoo with an escorted safari ride, allowing you to see animals up close and in a setting far more natural than other venues.
For those chasing thrills of a different sort, Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro has rides and attractions for both laid-back family fun and adrenaline-pumping, gravity-defying craziness alike. Those not ready to be strapped into high-flying serious coasters like the Batwing or the new Firebird Floorless Coaster can enjoy family rides like the Flying Carousel or tour the park on the classic locomotive, Capital Railways.
Little ones can have their fun too with rides for smaller kids and their parents, and the Six Flags water park is the perfect place to cool off in the warmer months.
#MDinFocus
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TRIPADVISOR TOP DINING DESTINATIONS IN THE CAPITAL REGION
Clyde’s Tower Oak in Rockville
“Woodsy and magical” is how patrons describe this unique restaurant. A deep menu filled with locally-sourced ingredients offers something for everyone. Cream of crab soup and double-dipped wings are always a hit, and the pastry chef offers a daily cupcake special.
Mayta’s Peruvian Food in Frederick
Quickly becoming a TripAdvisor favorite, the chef at Mayta’s is known to step out from the kitchen to talk with patrons and make recommendations. Ceviche, empanadas and tres leches cake are among a list of traditional Peruvian fare that’s drawing rave reviews.
Jerry’s Seafood in Bowie
Known for its “crab bomb,” a 10-ounce crabcake, all meat, not filler, Jerry’s has been pleasing palates for 30 years. Fresh seafood fills the menu. If you like lumps of Maryland Blue Crab, this is your place!
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