4 Outdoor Activities You Can Enjoy Near Lake Needwood

The warmer weather makes it the ideal time for a summer road trip from Rockville, MD. Hop in your Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Compass, or RAM 1500, hit the road, and discover some of the most fabulous and unique places while traveling in Maryland. 1. The Eerie Ghost Town of Daniels Take a 40-minute drive out to Daniels Road in Ellicott City to visit the remains of Daniels, a romantic ghost town slowly fading away into the forest. Once a small industrial town, vines and weeds now cover the few remaining stone ruins and rusted cars of what was once known as Elysville, a booming town on the Patapsco River established in 1810 by Thomas Ely when he built his textile mill here. By the 20th century, the little town had a church, a school, various stores, and a railroad station. After the textile mill closed in the late 1960s, many residents left. Then storm Agnes flooded the town in 1972, destroying many of the buildings, and it was abandoned entirely. Peeking out between the trees, you can still see remnants of the Pentecostal Holiness Church and Saint Stanislaus Kostka Church with its small graveyard. more 2. The Enchanted Forest Pine Tree Maze at Elioak Farm Drive down Route 108 west towards Clarksville to Martha and Nora Clark's 540-acre farm to see an unusual and delightful collection of vintage structures from a defunct storybook roadside amusement park. The Clarks salvaged, repaired, and painted most of the figures and storybook buildings of what was once a famous Maryland amusement park, The Enchanted Forest. Navigate your way through the twists and turns of The Enchanted Forest Pine Tree Maze and discover colorful storybook figures. Bump into Cinderella's pumpkin coach, the six mice, gingerbread men, Mother Goose and her gosling, Papa Bear, and giant mushrooms between the pines. Elioak Farm is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays, the farm closes at 5:30 p.m. 3. The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Take a trip to Oxon Hill and drive over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge that spans the Potomac River to Alexandria in Virginia. The Woodrow Wilson Bridge has two long multiple-span bascule drawbridges, each with six lanes. It is the only bridge in the country that passes through three different jurisdictions, connecting Oxon Hill, Maryland, on the eastern end to Alexandria, Virginia, on the western end. For approximately 300 feet, around the middle, the bridge passes over the southernmost point of our nation's capital. It's a great summer drive, not only for the view of the Potomac River but also for a bit of interesting Americana. 4. The Crystal Grottoes Cavern Head to Boonsboro for a unique cave experience at Crystal Grottoes Cavern, which has more formations per square foot than any other cave in the world. The caverns were discovered in 1920 while quarrying for limestone to build State Route 34 and opened to the public in 1922. The friendly and knowledgeable guides will tell you all about this well-preserved, beautiful natural phenomenon. The great thing about visiting the cavern in summer, it's constantly cool at 54 degrees throughout the year. Crystal Grottoes Cavern is at 19821 Shepherdstown Pike in Boonsboro. Ready for a Road Trip? Get a Service at Our Rockville Service Department Take a trip down Maryland's highways and byways and discover magical destinations along the way. Before you hit the road, stop at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Rockville today for a thorough inspection and service for your car.

If you're a fan of nature, there's a good chance that Rockville, MD is the city you were meant to call home. While this quiet city of just over 68,000 full-time residents offers all the advantages of cities, including great food and indoor entertainment, today, we're looking at the side of the city that is a little off the beaten path. 1. Great Falls Park Great Falls Park boasts 800 acres a mere 15 miles from Washington, D.C. It is in this park that the mighty river picks up speed, flowing forcefully through the narrow mouth of Mather Gorge. People travel from across the country to see this river flow, and you and your precious pooch can gaze in awe together at the waterfall created by the river. Just be sure to not take your dog on Section A of the side trail, Billy Goat Trail, which is for human foot traffic only. more 2. Billy Goat Trail If you can stand to leave your trusty canine companion at home on one hiking adventure, you have to check out Billy Goat Trail. This 4.7-mile trail spans the distance between the Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Section A of the trail is strenuous and only allows for travel downstream to protect the natural habitat of the local wildlife. According to the Natural Park Service, Section B is currently closed due to trail damage, but you can check their website in the future to see if the section is open when you want to go. Section C is currently open, and you are allowed to take your beloved pup on this section of the trail. 3. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School Currently open Wednesday through Sunday, The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School has something for everyone. If you're looking for a core workout unlike any you've ever experienced, you have to do the obstacles. If you're just looking to take a break from the stress of daily life, reserve a time slot for you and your kid or a few of your best friends for the zip lines. The Adventure Park is the largest aerial adventure park and boasts an astonishing 16 courses. Even if this isn't your first aerial adventure park, you have to try out their climbing challenges never before seen anywhere else. 4. Upper Watts Branch Trail If your kids aren't ready for the advanced hiking Rockville has to offer, you need to check out Upper Watts Branch Trail. This trail is clearly marked, features little elevation change, and crosses a small, stunning stream. Take advantage of this trail to teach your kids about the local birds and encourage them to spot and observe deer and other local wildlife quietly. If you're ready to start exploring all that Rockville has to offer, you'll need a way to get there. Call the transportation experts at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM now for help picking out the new or new-to-you vehicle that you deserve. We make the car-buying process easy, stress-free and fun, and we guarantee that you'll love your new ride.

Rockville, MD, sits less than 20 miles outside of D.C., offering all the amenities you can get in the city without the crowds. Rockville isn't the largest city in the area, but it is one of the coolest. Whether you live in Maryland or are just visiting, you can easily find some fantastic local spots to enjoy a drink and some food. Here are some of the best places to grab a drink in Rockville. more Full On Craft Eats & Drinks They don't hold back at Full On Craft Eats & Drinks. Everyone here feels passionate about craft beer and wine, and they work hard to make sure you have a great experience every time you go in. Their wine and beer list feature a wide variety of flavors and beverages. You can get draft beer or get it in a bottle or can. The list changes with the seasons, and some of the selections you might see in fall, for example, include the Flying Dog Agave cerveza, Peabody Heights Astrodon IPA, and the Jailbreak Funk Sway. Stop by for a drink and one of the best sandwiches in the area. You can also catch the game on TV while you are there. Quincy's South Bar & Grill Head to Quincy's South Bar & Grill for happy hour or to watch a game. This sports bar has all your bar food favorites, beer on tap and by the bottle, and a long list of specialty cocktails. The bartenders are very friendly and helpful if you can't decide what you want and will help you decide on the perfect drink. Stop into Quincy's on Sunday to grab a drink and watch the football game, or you can go for late-night drinks on Friday or Saturday night. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant offers a place to go if you want something other than the bar scene. This winery provides fun from start to finish with a free sample of wine as soon as you walk through the door. The bar is huge, with walls lined with bottles of wine. The restaurant is a popular spot in Rockville, and it's not uncommon to have a two-hour wait, but once you get in, it is well worth it. If you can't decide on just one wine, try the tasting option where you can try an ounce of eight different wines for just $8. You can also get the Bubbles Flight, which comes with four champagne-sized glasses filled with different sparkling wines. Finnegan's Wake Irish Pub You'll get the full Irish experience at Finnegan's Wake. This is Rockville's home of the perfect pint with an extensive drink and beer menu. You can also choose from a list of Irish whiskey, bourbon, and scotch selections, along with beer mixes. If you want something lighter, there is also an assortment of wines or you can ask the bartender to create a mixed drink for you. Check out these places in Rockville for some great drinks and food. Grab some friends and head to one of the above establishments. image via pixabay