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We have put together a list of memorable day trips you might like to take. The area in which we live is incredibly rich; in this guide, you will find all sorts of ideas for adventures to embark on. Some suggest places where you can easily practice social distancing. We hope the other sites will become more accessible as the year goes by. Just be sure to check with each location before you visit to verify if the venue is still open, the activity is still on schedule, and which amenities will be available. Some welcome centers will be closed and may not have restroom facilities. Best advice for day tripping is to be prepared—especially when public health is a determining factor. Pack a lunch and something to drink and be ready for whatever the adventure brings!
JUNE 2020 | Adkins Arboretum
Explore five miles of hiking trails that loop through forests, meadows, and wetlands. Watch nature evolve with the changing seasons and reconnect with wildlife.
adkinsarboretum.org | 410.634.2847 | 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely, Maryland 21660
JULY 2020 | Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
The C&O Canal spans 184.5 miles from Washington, DC to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal’s historic towpath is a beautiful adventure along the forests of the Potomac Riverway. The trail is completely flat with a slight incline as the path continues westward. With many towns to choose from as a starting point, consider setting out on your hike or bike tour at Harper’s Ferry or Great Falls. Visit the website to determine which areas are open to visitors.
nps.org | 310.739.4200
August 2020 | Color on the Creek
With lotus blossoms, lilies, and other aquatic flora, this colorful water garden winds through historic downtown Frederick. Consider a visit here as a jumping-off point to stroll the shops and dine at Volt or Firestone’s. At Carroll Creek Linear Park.
coloronthecreek.com | 301.663.6968 | 50 S. Market Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701
September 2020 | Hard Crab Derby
Featuring the Mr. and Miss Hard Crab contest, a 5K foot race, the coveted hard crab derby, boat docking contests, musical entertainment, carnival rides, and more, Labor Day weekend is the ideal time to visit Crisfield, the southernmost town in Maryland. (August 31-September 6).
nationalhardcrabderby.com | 410.968.2500 | Crisfield, Maryland
October 17, 2020 | Spocott Windmill
See the Spocott Windmill at work on this day. Once used to grind grain, windmills dotted the Maryland countryside in the mid-19th century. Reconstructed in 1972 with parts from the original 1850 structure. Other historic buildings are on site.
spocottwindmill.org | 410.228.7090 | 1609 Hudson Road, Cambridge, MD 21613
November 2020 | Catoctin Mountain
Indulge in humankind’s need for biophilia as you commune with nature in the crisp, lovely fall mountain air. Catoctin Mountain has hiking trails for every skill level. Open every day in November except for Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving Day.
nps.gov/cato/index.htm | 301.663.9388 | 14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
December 2020 | Distillery Lane Ciderworks, Washington County
Tasting rooms are open weekends, from noon until 5 p.m. Hard cider is made here. Find a special cider for holiday celebrations. Cider making classes available in January.
distillerylaneciderworks.com | 301.834.8920 | 5533 Gapland Road, Jefferson, MD 21755
January 2021 | The United States Botanic Garden Conservatory
The United States Botanic Garden Conservatory is the perfect place to visit during the doldrums of January. Escape to balmy indoor temperatures and orchids blooming in profusion.
usbg.gov | 202.225.8333 | 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20001
February 2021 | Kennedy Center Opera House
February is Opera month at the Kennedy Center. Performances of Rigoletto, Così Fan Tutte, and Boris Godunov are all you need to transport you to another place and time. Just try not to look at the supertitles. Can you follow the action? Do you know what is going on? Does it matter? With all of the soaring vocalizations and orchestral movements, sometimes just sitting back and absorbing is all you need to do.
kennedy-center.org/wno | 202.467.4600 | 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
March 2021 | Pope-Leighey House
Visit the Pope-Leighey House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. A guided tour takes you through the only Wright house in Virginia that is open to the public. Experience the classic Usonian home designed according to Wright’s strictures.
woodlawnpopeleighey.org | 703.780.4000 | 9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA
April 2021 | Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Delaware
With walking trails, a wildlife drive, and observation towers, the refuge is an optimal place to view spring migrating birds, a rare tidal salt marsh, and freshwater pools. Don’t forget your binoculars!
fws.gov/refuge/bombay_hook | 302.653.9345 | 2591 Whitehall Neck Rd, Smyrna, Delaware 19977
May 2021 | Longwood Gardens
Spring in Longwood Gardens is a glorious time… but let’s face it, any time is glorious at Longwood! In May, the gardens are bursting with new growth, the bulbs are happening, the beer garden is open (with pizza!), and the choreographed fountain show with projections is ravishing.
longwoodgardens.org | 610.388.1000 | 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Annapolis Home Magazine
Vol. 11, No. 3 2020