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.
We all get tired of doing the same old things all the time, and sometimes all you need is a nudge in the right direction to get that spring in your step again. This is why we've done a bit of homework to inspire you to get out there and enjoy what Lake Needwood has to offer. So kick off your slippers and get out there: we have a list of great activities for you to enjoy. 1. Lake Needwood Archery Range Take your aim at this scenic outdoor archery range, located in Upper Creek Park. Lake Needwood Archery Range is equipped with measured shooting positions for 20 - 100 yards, and there are also a number of spots where you can erect your own targets. Compete with your friends and family to find out who's the best shot, you may be surprised at your own sporting skills! more 2. Needwood hiker-biker trail Bring your family, your dogs, and don't forget your walking shoes. You can spend an active day on one of several short trails around the lake or get serious and walk the 14-mile trail to DC. There are lots of lovely spots to have a picnic. After your gentle or active hike, you can relax next to the Needwood lake, recharge your batteries, and listen to the bird sounds. You may even see a turtle peeking out the water at you from your lakeside spot. Chill time. Things to do include: Kayaking on the lake Biking trails Children's playground 3. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Get your adrenalin rush ziplining through the forest at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring. For ages 5 and up this is our recommendation for an exhilarating excursion. They are open from 9 am to 8 am (and on weekends till 10 pm) and bookings are essential. At the largest adventure park in North America you will find: 200+ platforms in the treetops ziplines crossing over 5 acres of forest 7 difficulty levels (beginners to ultimate thrill-seeker level!) "Glow in the Park" evening zipline adventure 4. Needwood Golf Course This well-groomed all year round golf course was designed for golfers at every skill level. You may just find that this sometimes challenging course brings out the best golfer in you. All skill levels will have fun playing here. For beginners and golfers who have limited time to play, we recommend that you play the executive 9 hole course. It's a great little course with two quite tricky par 4's which makes for 2 hours of sporting fun in the fresh air. Now that you have your places to go to, you are nearly 100% ready for a fun day out. Last but not least is for you to make sure you will get there and back home safely AND stylishly! Visit DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Rockville, where you will find the professional and high level of care you need for your automotive needs, be it snapping up your new dream car or getting quality automotive service.
