Washington, D.C. and Baltimore are also both about an hour away. Reach out to us directly for those recommendations.

Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve

Sugarloaf Mountain, a small privately owned mountain that’s open to the public is minutes away from the wedding venue.

Sugarloaf Mountain is an example of a monadnock — an isolated hill or small mountain rising abruptly from gently sloping or level surrounding land. It is either an outlier to the east of the main mass of Catoctin Mountain, or a root remnant of the ancient Appalachian Mountains.

Accessible from the parking lot north closest to the West View, the mountain loop trail offers views of the region’s sprawling and lush farmlands. Though the park is free, a $5 donation is suggested to help maintain the facilities.

C&O canal towpath runs through the region. Originally built for mules to tow canal boats through the waterway, it’s now a recreational trail for walking, biking and kayaking (in designated areas).

Our favorite canal trails goes through the Monocacy Aqueduct and White’s Ferry. Both locations offer parking and picnic tables. White’s Ferry has a small country store with a restaurant.

We also enjoy Black Hills Regional Park, which offers picnic areas, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and trails. Canoe, kayak, paddle boards, and rowboats are also available to rent. We love kayaking on Little Seneca Lake. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and more often than not, the waters are calm.

Dining and Libations

Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard and Rocklands Farm Winery are close to the wedding venue and offer a delectable selection of fine wines in picturesque settings. Charcuterie is available for purchase at both establishments and food trucks are usually on site during the weekend.

We recommend the Comus Inn. About a minute away from Comus Farm, the restaurant boasts serene views of Sugarloaf Mountain, park-like grounds, a delicious selection of farm-to-table nibbles, and an extensive beverage list. The live music can be hit or miss, but it’s a fun spot to spend an afternoon or evening outside with family or friends.

Frederick, Maryland

Downtown historic Frederick, a quaint small town with specialty shops, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, art galleries and trails is nearby.

Carroll Creek Park runs through downtown, offering pretty views, and access to shops, outdoor dining, breweries, and a distillery.

Dining

Maxwell’s, a burger joint, is a family hit, as is, Il Porto, a homey Italian restaurant.

Civil War History

Admittedly, we’re less well-versed in civil war spots.

Monocacy Battlefield and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine (Chelsea’s favorite) are both in Frederick.

Gettysburg National Military Park and Antietam National Battlefield are about 40 minutes away from Frederick.

The Eisenhower National Historic Site, the farm of General and 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower, is adjacent to the Gettysburg battlefield as well. The Beroza family enjoyed the tour. (The House’s decor reminded them of Grandma and Grandpa Beroza’s Malta Lane residence.)