Winter really is a magical time here in Montgomery County, Maryland, and it makes for the ultimate place to get away. Lace up your skates at an outdoor rink, do some shopping at a premier outlet, see a live performance, or go for a winter hike. You can do all of this and more just outside of Washington, DC. 

Ice Skate Outdoors
Ice skating is fun but there is something extra special about doing it outside in the middle of a city center—especially in Rockville Town Square. Rockville has the largest outdoor rink in the area, giving you ample space to skate with family and friends—and maybe learn a new trick or two. Looking to explore other skating options? There are a variety of indoor and outdoor rinks scattered across the county that are definitely worth adding to your weekend itinerary.

Sip Seasonal Brews
Montgomery County, Maryland has so many local breweries to visit, each with its own unique features that make for a one-of-a-kind experience. Third Hill Brewing Co. and Elder Pine Brewing and Blending Company offers classic brews and seasonal beers, on tap. Create your own self-guided brewery tour along the Tastemakers Trail.

Get Outside at C&O Canal
You can’t go through winter without getting outside and partaking in a seasonal activity. One of the county’s most frequented destinations, the C&O Canal National Historical Park, has everything you need for an active weekend outing, including Maryland’s Great Falls Overlook along the Potomac River, Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center, and Canal Quarters. From sledding and ice fishing to cross-country skiing and hiking—winter truly is the ultimate time to get outdoors.

See a Live Performance
Beat the cold and head inside to see a music or theater performance at one of the many venues and concert halls around the county. See award-winning performers and favorites at Strathmore, watch Next to Normal at Round House Theatre, or take your little one to see a Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Music Box concert for budding classical music fans at AMP by Strathmore. Be sure to also check out a wide range of performances offered by Olney Theatre Center—one of two Maryland state theaters.

Sweet Treats Galore at Lancaster Dutch Market
Get your hands on fresh, homemade pies, muffins, cupcakes, tarts, and more at the Lancaster Dutch Market in Germantown. The indoor market has everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. We recommend tasting a few of their handmade donuts with mouthwatering flavors like Glazed Apple Cider, Oreo, Powdered Cream Filled, and Red Velvet Vanilla. There’s even a Gluten-Free goodies section with delicious freshly made treats.

Shop for the Perfect Outfit at the Clarksburg Premium Outlets
Everything you need to buy from cozy, work-from-home loungewear to the perfect going-out bag can be found at Clarksburg Premium Outlets. The outlet mall has retail shops like Coach, Calvin Klein, Nike Factory Store, GAP Outlet, and Tory Burch—all in one place so you can shop with ease at discounted prices of 25-65% off.

Get Cozy Indoors
Cozy up by the fire at Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge—a log-style American restaurant that is located adjacent to a 21-acre nature preserve. Choose from fresh salads, hearty steaks, and savory seafood dishes to have a meal you’ll never forget. Then head over to Silver Branch Brewing Company, an indoor beer-tasting experience where you can sip your way through some of the world’s best brews. 

Take Your Best Swing
At Topgolf they’ve made socializing a sport through a blend of technology and entertainment—and that’s just the game! If you journey through the venue on any given day, you’ll find the place buzzing with energy. Enjoy climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort and HDTVs in every bay and throughout their sports bar and restaurant.

Create a Piece of Art
Spark your creative side by taking a class at VisArts. Choose from a wide variety of classes in ceramics, painting, jewelry making, fused glass, and more. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

Visit African American Heritage & Historic Sites
February is Black History Month. Take an African American Heritage Road Trip, visit Josiah Henson Museum & Park, venture along the Underground Railroad Experience Trail at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, or get hands-on experience of plantation life at the Sandy Spring Slave Museum.

Make sure to share your winter adventures with us by using #MontgomeryMoment and tagging @VisitMoCo on Instagram!

Looking for more ways to explore? Check out 10 Weekend Brunches That Are Worth Every Dollar and 10 Unique Montgomery County Experiences for Seniors and Retirees.