Visit Montgomery sat down with the host of What’s Happening MoCo Podcast, Derrick Kenny to talk about fun experiences, activities, and the festive season in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Leticia Engel, Senior Marketing Manager with Visit Montgomery unraveled the holiday magic on What’s Happening MoCo? A Podcast with Derrick Kenny.
“I always encourage people to be a visitor in their own backyard. We’re a very large county and the most popular thing to do this time of year is to see the winter lights, and we have a lot,” Engel says.
Residents and visitors can experience Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD. Get ready for a 3.5-mile ride through 450 illuminated displays with your family and friends. Brookside Gardens located inside Wheaton Regional Park hosts Garden of Lights.
But there’s more to see and do than holiday lights. What about shopping?
There are plenty of shopping options in the county including downtown centers and shopping centers like Clarksburg Premium Outlets showcasing Nike, Coach, and Ferragamo, and also a lot of small local boutiques.
“Shafa Blends here in Rockville has their own custom teas and spices, Joyful Bath does handcrafted small batch like body care items, bath bombs, and scrubs and soaps that smell amazing, they have their own fragrant blend,” Engel says.
At Rockville Town Square, the Shop Local is part of the Maryland Women’s Business Center with their handmade gifts. Local artisans make glassware, ceramics, jewelry, and décor while giving them a brick-and-mortar store to sell their items in.
Another fun thing visitors don’t think about to find a unique gift is at one of the county’s museums that have gift shops. If you’re a history lover, head to Josiah Henson Museum & Park to learn about the Underground Railroad or visit the gift shop at The Mansion at Strathmore, Sandy Spring Museum or at Brookside Gardens.
Engel also spoke about fun things to do with families and friends that are visiting you for the holidays. Go on the Tastemakers Trail.
Over 20 craft beverage producers are creating some of the libations and Visit Montgomery created the Tastemakers Trail as a self-guided trail throughout the county.
“It’s a great way to go and explore and learn all about the different types of producers and makers, these local families who are having a lot of fun creating these different brews and blends,” Engel says.
She mentioned eating and drinking outdoors is doable in MoCo like relaxing with a glass of wine at a wood or gas fire pit at Windridge Vineyards or experiencing the new Fallen Oak Distillery at Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company.
And if you’re still shopping for that last-minute gift, try gifting an experience. Get a gift card to a glass-blowing class at Glen Echo Park or go on a rope course at Adventure Park Sandy Spring. For someone not as adventurous, Topgolf is a good idea.
Performances are also playing at the Music Center at Strathmore, Round House Theatre, or Olney Theatre Center. Or rock out to a concert at The Fillmore.
For those wondering where else you can go to find holiday activities and itineraries, head to our Holiday Hub for an events calendar with seasonal events, tree lightings, menorah lightings, and Santa’s Workshop at Westfield Montgomery. It’s a way to plan your weekend getaway during the holidays.
