Need a Break from Philly? This Maryland Weekend Delivers More Than Beaches 

Summer weekends are too short to spend them all the same way. 

Sure, you could head to the beach. Or you could spend the weekend hiking along the Potomac, sampling cuisine from around the world, browsing local markets, or uncovering stories that helped shape America. Montgomery County, Maryland, makes it easy to trade the expected for something new.

Whether you want to plan the trip around trying great food, finding the ultimate outdoor adventure, exploring American history, or finding your new favorite artist at a festival, there’s something for every type of vacationer. 

For the history buffs

Living in Philadelphia means American history is practically in your backyard, but you can only visit the Liberty Bell and Old City so many times.

During America 250, destinations across the country are shining a light on the people and places that helped shape the nation. Just minutes from Washington, D.C., Montgomery County offers a deeper look at the stories that often get overlooked, from the Underground Railroad to presidential history and Civil War medicine.

The Josiah Henson Museum & Park in North Bethesda is a must-see. Located on the former plantation where Rev. Josiah Henson lived while enslaved, the site tells the story of the man whose autobiography inspired Uncle Tom’s Cabin while exploring slavery, resilience, and Montgomery County’s role in the Underground Railroad.

Next, head to Brookeville, where President James Madison sought refuge after British troops burned the White House and U.S. Capitol during the War of 1812. The town’s extraordinary role in history earned it the nickname “U.S. Capitol for a Day.”

Wrap up your history tour at the National Museum of Health & Medicine in Silver Spring. Philadelphia’s Mütter Museum fans will appreciate its fascinating collection, which explores military medicine through Civil War artifacts, groundbreaking medical advancements, and exhibits tied to pivotal moments in American history. One of its most notable artifacts is the bullet that killed President Abraham Lincoln. 

For the foodies

Philadelphians know good food is reason enough to plan a weekend away. From classic French dining at Mon Ami Gabi to authentic Asian, Latin American, African, and Peruvian restaurants, Montgomery County’s dining scene proves memorable meals aren’t limited to major cities.

Start the morning with house-made bagels from Bagels n’ Grinds before spending the day hiking nearby. Or settle in for a farm-to-table brunch on the patio at Locals Farm Market, where fresh-brewed coffee, house-made pastries, and seasonal ingredients make it easy to linger.

When it’s time to cool off, stop by Deere Valley Farms for a scoop of “cow-to-cone” ice cream, made with milk from the farm’s own dairy cows. It’s worth building into your itinerary.

When the sun starts to set, the scenery becomes part of the experience. Spend the evening at rio, where a scenic lake, waterfront boardwalk, paddle boats, shops, restaurants, and live music create an easy place to end the day. Grab a drink or dinner overlooking the water before heading to your next stop.  Try a locally brewed beer surrounded by rolling farmland at Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company. Or, unwind with dinner overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain at the historic Comus Inn.

If you can’t decide where to stop next, let the Tastemakers Trail do the planning. The self-guided route connects the area’s craft breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries, making it easy to sip your way across the destination.

For the outdoor adventurers

Some vacations are meant for slowing down…. This isn’t one of them.

Whether you prefer life on two wheels, two feet, or on the water, MoCo offers more than 250 miles of trails, parks, and outdoor recreation areas to explore. Cyclists can cruise the scenic C&O Canal Towpath, pedal the Capital Crescent Trail, or tackle the climbs around Sugarloaf Mountain, where rewarding views await at every turn.

Prefer hiking? Head to the Great Falls Overlook for one of the region’s most dramatic views, wander the shoreline trails around Lake Needwood, or time your visit to catch the colorful blooms at the McKee-Beshers Sunflower Fields.

The adventure doesn’t stop on the trails. Rent a kayak on the Potomac River, sign up for a paddling lesson or white-water rafting excursion with Calleva’s River School, or saddle up for a horseback ride through rural Montgomery‘s rolling countryside. You can also tee off at one of the county’s public golf courses, catch a match at one of its premier soccer and sports complexes, or spend the afternoon swimming, boating, or picnicking in one of the area’s parks.

For the festival-goers

If your favorite trips revolve around live music, great food, and a little culture, the busy event calendar in MoCo gives you plenty of reasons to visit.

Pack a lawn chair for Live From The Lawn, catch local performers during the Bethesda Summer Concert Series, dance the evening away at Salsa at the Square, or stretch out with a Pop-Up Yoga class in one of the county’s scenic parks. Art lovers can browse local galleries during Art Walk, while history enthusiasts can explore special America 250 exhibits and programs that celebrate the people and places that helped shape the nation.

The best part? You don’t have to build your weekend around a single event. These are the kind of experiences that fit naturally between a morning hike, a leisurely lunch, or an evening out.

For the farmer’s market enthusiasts

One of the best ways to get to know a place is to wander its farmers’ market.

Thanks in part to Montgomery County’s 93,000-acre Agricultural Reserve, the county is home to dozens of markets where local growers, bakers, florists, and artisans gather throughout the week. Browse seasonal produce at the Takoma Park Farmers Market, visit the FRESHFARM farmers market in Downtown Silver Spring—one of the area’s premier producer-only markets—or stock up on regional favorites at the Rockville Farmers Market.

Beyond the fresh produce, these markets offer a chance to meet the people behind the food, discover handmade goods, and gather everything you need for an impromptu picnic before heading off to your next adventure.

Whether your ideal weekend includes tracing America’s history, discovering a new favorite restaurant, tackling miles of scenic trails, catching a summer concert, or browsing a bustling farmers’ market, MoCo proves there’s more than one way to spend a summer getaway just a short drive from Philadelphia.

Ready to start planning? Visit VisitMontgomery.com for even more trip ideas.

This is a paid partnership between Visit Montgomery, MD and Philadelphia Magazine