Fall means sweater weather, crisp mornings, and vibrant foliage. From outdoors locations to see the leaves change to cozy spots for a locally crafted beverage, there’s something for everyone to do this fall in Montgomery County, Maryland. Here is our list of fall activities that should not be missed.
Pick Your Own Apples at Butler’s Orchard
Pumpkin spice lattes have returned to coffee shop menus everywhere, officially marking the beginning of the fall season. Rather than picking up a pumpkin-flavored drink, we recommend ringing in fall by picking your own apples from an orchard instead. Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland, is a family-run farm offering pick-your-own produce, from sunflowers to apples to tomatoes. Apple picking is an iconic fall activity fit for the whole family (and what is better than the smell of apple pie baking in your oven?).
Wander Along the C&O Canal
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (or C&O Canal) was originally built in 1828 and served as a way to transport cargo, namely coal, from the Allegheny Mountains. Today, the canal is surrounded by forests and towpaths that span from DC to Maryland. The towpaths provide an excellent opportunity to explore nature and see the fall foliage change right before your eyes. The 184-mile trail can be easily broken up into smaller sections for shorter hikes and is mostly flat with small sections of uphill hiking.
Live Like a Lockkeeper for the Night
If you are looking to take a deep dive into the history of the C&O Canal, look no further than the Canal Quarters, a program of the C&O Canal Trust. The Quarters program has six historic lockhouses in Montgomery County that have been preserved to show what life was like 60, 90, and 150 years ago. Each house has a different story and is furnished according to its time period. The lockhouses can accommodate up to eight people, providing the perfect opportunity for a couples’ getaway, a weekend with friends, or a family reunion.
Drink Locally Crafted Beer on a Horse Farm
Searching for that perfect spot to cozy up with a pint of beer and snacks? Waredaca Brewing Co. is Montgomery County, Maryland’s premier brewery, committed to using locally sourced ingredients and creating delicious beer using the best practices possible. Evolving from its namesake, a recreational day camp, Waredaca Brewery is on a working horse farm. This brewery is the perfect destination for a day out with the family, with ample parking and space for kids to explore.
Take a Ride on a Historic Streetcar at the National Capital Trolley Museum
Open every weekend, the National Capital Trolley Museum serves as a terrific source of history for trolley cars. Learn about the mission and development of trolleys in the United States and even go for a mile-long ride on a working, restored car.
Attend a Fall Festival
Fall is one of the best seasons for festivals in Montgomery County, Maryland, with cool weather and autumn traditions abound. From festivals centered around art and music to food and drink, there are many to choose from. With that in mind, here are some fall festivals we recommend:
The Bethesda Row Arts Festival is recognized as one of the top fine arts festivals in the United States. For two days, the streets of Bethesda row host over 190 artists showcasing their work. This event is held rain or shine, and admission is free.
The Silver Spring Arts and Crafts Fall Fair provides the perfect opportunity to welcome the fall season. Celebrate with local arts and crafts vendors with beautiful holiday displays, foods, and drinks. The Arts and Crafts fair is fun for the whole family, especially with pumpkin decorating for the kids.
The Harvest Festival, hosted at the Agricultural History Farm Park, is an annual event that started back when communities and farms came together to support World War I efforts. With historians dressed in period costumes, this festival is a learning opportunity for people of all ages.
