There is no better way to enjoy a warm summer day than to eat and drink at some of Montgomery County, Maryland’s best outdoor attractions. Enjoy a craft beer along the Tastemakers Trail, treat yourself to a scoop of cow-to-cone ice cream, or visit one of the county’s diverse outdoor dining locations!
1: Silo Falls is the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry outside with live music, an outdoor bar, and dozens of tables spread throughout their 48-acre property. You can even bring a picnic basket filled with local goodies from several nearby farms and relax overlooking the lake.
2: Visit Smokey Glen Farm for their family-friendly Fridays at the Farm! This crab and barbeque feast features steamed spiced #1 crabs and shrimp, Smokey Glen Farm’s Famous barbequed chicken and spare ribs, and a variety of tasty sides every Friday from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. With horseshoes, miniature golf and a playground, this is more than just a meal! Advanced paid admission is required.
3: Dine in a historic farmhouse at the Comus Inn with views of Sugarloaf Mountain. Enjoy live music and craft brews at their on-site sister venues, Vanish @ The Comus Inn and El Segundo, located on the lower level of the inn.
4: Check out Locals Farm Market for all-day breakfast, fresh-brewed coffee, house-made beverages, and delectable baked goods next door to the historic John Poole House. With a homey feel and beautiful landscaping, sipping a coffee or grabbing a bite on the patio is the perfect midday pick-me-up!
5: Venture to Park Potomac for great happy hour deals, culinary delights, and outdoor patio seating! Founding Farmers offers cocktails, beer, and wine along with an extensive menu of delicious pastas, sandwiches, and more. Across the street, the lively Gringros & Mariachis offers refreshing house-made margaritas that pair perfectly with their tacos, both of which are just $7 every weekday from 3:00 -6:00 pm, and just next door, King Street Oyster Bar offers delicious $7 food and drink specials every single afternoon from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
6: Make a reservation and head out to the farm to pick-your-own blueberries, tart cherries, and black raspberries at Butler’s Orchard. Once you’ve picked your produce, head inside the market for a refreshing strawberry lemonade slushy or a freshly baked pie!
7: Invite a friend to brunch and stop by ala in Bethesda for a locally sourced, farm-to-table meal. We recommend the Levantine Tasting Experience or their three-course brunch menu. Then take a walk and enjoy a hip and casual dining experience in Bethesda by dining at rooftop bar, Hip Flask located at the Marriott Bethesda Downtown.
8: Take a mini food tour along Rio’s lakefront, starting with happy hour at new Tiki Bar located at The Bench at Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center. Enjoy dinner at Copper Canyon Grill, where you can find anything from fresh sushi and fish tacos to loaded burgers and prime rib, and end the evening at True Food Kitchen with their incredible vegan strawberry cheesecake or flourless chocolate cake – or both! All three restaurants offer patio seating and unbeatable views of the water.
9: On those hot days, there is nothing better than cooling off with a scoop of farm-fresh ice cream! Head to Woodbourne Creamery for a scoop of “cow-to-cone” ice cream. The farm’s herd of Golden Guernsey cows are grass-fed and provide all the goodness of double Omega-3 fat to create a lush, rich ice cream like no other. A few fun flavors include Toasted Coconut Chip, Ginger, Malted Milkball, Andes Mint, and Cuppa Joe. Another local fresh-from-the-farm favorite is a scoop of South Mountain Creamery ice cream from The Family Room in Laytonsville. Try out a TFR Scoop Sampler – a delicious flight of four yummy flavors all in one boat. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own!
10: Whether you own a dog or not, stop by Bark Social at Pike&Rose any morning, afternoon or night. From coffees and breakfast sandwiches to soft-pretzels and ice-cold drinks, this dog social club is the perfect summer pick-me-up. The best part? Happy hour offers incredible deals on food, wine, beer, seltzers, and cocktails every day from 8:00 pm – close!
11: Pop-up picnics are trending this summer – and we can see why! Eat, Picnic, Explore offers guests a four-person picnic equipped with not only a delicious meal from a local vendor, but also an experience to go with it! A recent pop-up provided directions for a lovely hike which led to a picturesque picnic set-up and a locally made charcuterie board.
12: Head to The Gardens at Zinnia for a unique dining experience, perfect for summertime. With a diverse menu of shared small plates, fresh garden-fare, specialty cocktails, craft beer and a wide selection of wines, these beautiful gardens are the perfect spot for you and your friends to spend an afternoon or evening.
13: Spend the day at the scenic Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company in Olney, MD. The farm features 28.66 acres of bucolic fields and streams, a pond, and wide-open spaces filled with wildflowers and wildlife. We recommend ordering a charcuterie plate, paired with their signature Lone Oak Lager.
14: Calleva Farm in Dickerson is a great rural spot for good food, good drinks and good views. Head out to the farm on Friday nights for delicious wood-fired pizza, fresh-made lemonade and local craft beer and wine. Save room for ice cream and wander the farm on a beautiful summer evening!
15: Sip, savor and explore more of the craft beverage scene in Montgomery County. Use the Tastemakers Trail as a guide and toast to the perfect summer weekend!
