Love is in the air, and it’s about time to treat your special someone to a weekend getaway curated just for them in Montgomery County, Maryland. Whether your loved one is an art lover, history buff, sports fanatic, or food enthusiast, our itineraries were made special with you and yours in mind.
Art Lovers
DAY 1: Start your trip by checking into the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel, a beautifully renovated space right in the heart of North Bethesda, Maryland.
Spend the day exploring Glenstone Museum, a blend of art, architecture, and nature seamlessly integrated into a vibrant field of green filled with shrubs, flowers, and over 7,000 trees in Potomac, Maryland. This museum has a focus on contemporary art that features work of all mediums, including multimedia, film, paintings, digital arts, and outdoor sculptures.
DAY 2: Stroll through the historic Glen Echo Park and take in sights from this former 1900s-era amusement park. During your visit, you’ll get to peek into the numerous art studios and galleries located throughout the park, as well as choose from one of the hundreds of classes in visual and performing arts.
Wind down the day by unleashing some creativity at VisArts. This nonprofit organization brings art education to the community by offering classes in drawing, ceramics, photography, jewelry making, painting, and more.
History Buffs
DAY 1: Live like a lockkeeper for the weekend and stay at Swains Lockhouse—an experience designed to transport you back to 1916. The lockhouse is located right on the Potomac River and outfitted with furniture from the early 1900s, so you can have a comfortable stay while also experiencing firsthand what life was like during that time.
Established in 1959, the National Capital Trolley Museum is home to a variety of trolley and streetcar exhibits that convey the rich history of street life in Chevy Chase, Maryland. After your museum visit, head back towards your temporary home at Swains Lockhouse to enjoy everything that the C&O Canal National Historical Park has to offer. Explore the canal, take in the beautiful Great Falls, visit the Great Falls Visitor Center, and discover new sites by using their C&O Canal Explorer mobile app. With 184.5 miles to discover, you’ll never have a dull moment at the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
DAY 2: Continue your historical weekend at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, where you can explore Black history by participating in the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. Stroll hand in hand through the historical park grounds, visit the Federal-era Woodlawn Manor House, or wander through an 1832 stone barn, also known as the Woodlawn Museum.
Finish your weekend at the National Museum of Medicine and Health. Established during the Civil War, the National Museum of Medicine and Health features a large collection of specimens and artifacts related to military medicine and the bullet that was used to assassinate former President Abraham Lincoln.
Competitive Thrillseekers
DAY 1: Check in to EVEN Hotels in Rockville and start your morning off with a couple’s workout in their best-in-class athletic studio or with a private workout in the fitness area in your room.
Next, drive over to Topgolf, an entertainment complex that includes a driving range, restaurant with delicious food options, and bar with handcrafted cocktails. Challenge your loved one to a few rounds of gameplay to see who has the best swing.
DAY 2: Then, test your strength at SportRock, an indoor rock-climbing experience for all skill levels that includes a variety of terrains to challenge you and your significant other. If you’re new to climbing, Movement offers a series of classes to help build your comfort level.
End your romantic weekend by peddling your way through the scenic views of Rock Creek Regional Park. Capital Bikeshare bicycles are conveniently located around the area so you can quickly rent a bike with ease and return at your leisure.
Food Enthusiasts
DAY 1: Kick-off your weekend getaway by taking a trip to Lancaster County Dutch Market, which has a variety of savory bites, sweet treats, produce, and dairy products all handcrafted by Lancaster farmers. Try homemade pastries, such as donuts, pies, cakes, and cookies, and make sure to grab a few for the road!
Finish off the day by grabbing dinner at Paladar Latin Kitchen and Rum Bar, an authentic Latin American establishment home to mouth-watering tacos, craft-your-own guacamole, grain bowls, sandwiches, and a large rum selection from all over the world.
DAY 2: There’s nothing like starting the morning with warm croissants and lattes, especially if they are from Sunday Morning Bakehouse. All of their products are handcrafted, made in-house, and use only high-quality ingredients. Their flaky croissants and breakfast toasts will definitely have you coming back for more.
Finish off your food-filled getaway with a seafood feast at The Grilled Oyster Company, a locally owned neighborhood restaurant and raw bar in Potomac, Maryland. Their menu is filled with seafood favorites, like raw oysters, pan-seared scallops, whole Maine lobsters, and jumbo lump crab cakes (because you couldn’t visit Montgomery County without trying a famous Maryland crab!).
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