Brimming with must-see museum exhibits, spectacular theater performances, and adventurous outings, Montgomery County, Maryland is shaping up to be a top destination to visit in 2019. As we look ahead to what promises to be an exciting year in Maryland’s culture capital, we’ve compiled a list of places not to miss when planning your trip.
1. Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
Climb and zipline through Adventure Park at Sandy Spring’s Glow in the Park ropes course challenge. This 2-hour special event gives participants the opportunity to experience the park lit up at night while listening to music.
2. AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center
Check out film festivals held at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center. See award-winning documentaries at AFI DOCS in the summer, while the Latin American Film Festival and European Union Film Showcase take place in the fall.
3. City Perch Kitchen + Bar / iPic
Head to Pike & Rose in Bethesda for a delicious brunch at City Perch Kitchen + Bar for savory staples like Eggs Benedict or a sweet specialty like their Infamously Decadent French Toast. Then head next door to watch the latest movie in the iPic Theater.
4. Glen Echo Park
Take a visual or performing arts class at the historic Glen Echo Park. From ceramics and silversmithing to dance and theater, the arts and culture venue offers a variety of courses and workshops for beginners and advance students alike.
5. Glenstone Museum
Visit the Glenstone Museum, which re-opened following a five-year expansion project in October 2018, to see 20th and 21st century exhibits and installations, architecture as artwork, and an integrated outdoors landscape. (Ages 12+)
6. Brookside Gardens
Explore Brookside Gardens’ Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly and Caterpillar exhibit. Learn about metamorphosis and ecosystems as butterflies soar around the Conservatory.
7. Little Bennett Campground
Spend the night in a yurt at the Little Bennett Campground after a day of hiking or biking through acres of trails and meadows in the regional park.
8. Woodlawn Museum
Discover multimedia exhibits throughout the Woodlawn Museum set inside a 19th century barn. This attraction dives into the history of the area’s agricultural landscape and the Underground Railroad through the perspective of the Woodlawn’s former residents and slaves.
9. National Capital Trolley Museum
Ride a historic streetcar through the woods at the National Capital Trolley Museum and discover their collection hailing from local, national, and international origins.
10. National Museum of Health and Medicine
Delve into the National Museum of Health and Medicine to gain a better understating of the past, present, and future of medicine through innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific research.
11. Olney Theatre Center
Watch a performance at the Olney Theatre Center. Their 2019 calendar includes musicals and plays like Once, Matilda, and Twelfth Night.
12. Sandy Spring Museum
Attend the Strawberry Festival at the Sandy Spring Museum. This fundraiser supporting the museum features live music, a beer garden, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and, of course, fresh, local strawberries.
13. Shadow Land Laser Adventures
Tag your friends and family at Shadow Land Laser Adventures in Gaithersburg. Whether you’re looking to host a birthday party, organize a team building outing, or gather a group together, Shadow Land’s laser tag is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
14. Smokey Glen Farm
Eat some finger-licking good barbeque at Smokey Glen Farm’s Fridays at the Farm. Besides the barbequed chicken and spareribs, numerous sides, and delicious pies, this event is also fun for the whole family with activities like horseshoes, miniature golf, and a playground.
15. True Respite
Cheers to 2019 at True Respite and enjoy their Grain to Glass Tour, a behind-the-scenes experience that gives visitors a taste of how the brewery chooses ingredients and puts flavors into production to create their award-winning beers.
16. The Inn at Tusculum Farm
Book a weekend escape at The Inn at Tusculum Farm. With an array of accommodations to choose from, this luxury farm has amenities and services that make for a perfect getaway.
17. VisArts
Spark your creativity at VisArts’ Inside Art program, an immersive experience including workshops, artist discussions, and docent-led tours that allow participants to discover everything that goes into the exhibits and studios.
18. Waredaca
Ride a horse as you’re guided through the trails on Waredaca Farm before enjoying a flight of beers from Waredaca Brewing Company.
19. C&O Canal
Hike along any of the numerous trails in the C&O Canal National Historic Park before spending the night in one of the six Canal Quarters, each of which are restored lockhouses that transport guests back into different time periods.
