DC has just about everything you could want from museums to restaurants, shops and history. As great as DC Is, sometimes you have to get out of the city to unwind, decompress and be part of a nature. While most people look for outdoorsy things in the summer, we found a relatively unknown wildlife sanctuary that is absolutely amazing in the winter.
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is an hour outside of DC in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. But even though its only an hour, it feels like its a world away.
The sanctuary was named after Edgar Merkle who was an active conservationist and worked to protect wildlife. Mr. Merkle encouraged thousands of geese to visit the 400-acre farm to feed and rest.
Today the sanctuary is the wintering ground for several thousand Canadian geese, the largest concentration on the western shore of the Chesapeake. it's an absolutely impressive sight to watch the birds take flight around the sanctuary.
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 11704 Fenno Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The sanctuary and the trails are open daily from 7am to sunset and it's free to visit.
You can feel the chill of fall all over the District. Washingtonians are digging out their boots, and sweaters, and filling up on pumpkin spice everything! It’s important to get your fill of fall activities when the air is still crisp and the foliage is still bright and gorgeous. While exploring the area this season, we want you to make sure to stop off at these 10 charming apple orchards near Washington DC for some good old-fashioned fall fun!
Milburn Orchards is located in Elkton, Maryland and provides supreme apple picking opportunities. You can enjoy a free wagon ride into the orchards and all of the trees are fit to be reached by little hands, perfect for bringing the kids!
Homestead Farms has been family owned since 1763 and offers a wide variety of pick-your-own apples. You can picnic on the farm, enjoy the hayrides, and even the pumpkin patch during your visit.
3. Butler’s Orchard - 22200 Davis Mill Road Germantown, Md.
Next up on our list of great apple picking near Washington DC, Germantown, Maryland is this Germantown farm which is very popular this time of year. In addition to apple picking, visitors can enjoy picnicking at the farm, slides, play areas, and a charming market to purchase even more delicious, homegrown fruits.
You can find many different types of delicious apples at Hartland Farm and Orchard. And while you are picking, we recommend checking out the fun fall activities they have, including the corn maze and hay ride.
At Larriland Farm, you can wander through the rows of Gala, Fuji and Smokehouse apple trees. You can also explore the rest of the farm during the hay ride and explore the surrounding Maryland wooded areas and fields.
You will find so much more than apples at this quaint Virginia farm in Delaplane but you won’t want to miss out on the apples! They offer a wide variety of pick-your-own apples, as well as many vegetables and gourds.
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7. Great Country Farms - 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd. Bluemont, VA
Great Country in Bluemont, Virginia is a huge farm that offers tons to do in addition to apple picking. This farm is not free but you will find delicious apple cider, tastings, and fall-themed activities.
You will not only find delicious apples and berries fresh for picking at the Catoctin Mountain Orchard, you will also be able to enjoy fresh apple cider, pies, and jam at their on-site kitchen and bakery.
You are going to find awesome apples at the farm in Parkville but what you really want to check out is the apple cider here. The cider mill here is the oldest in continuous use in Maryland and they offer fresh pressed cider every day until generally December.
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10. Marker Miller Orchards - 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, Va.
There are 325 acres on Marker-Miller Orchards. You can pick apples until your heart is content and when you have enough, you can explore the wagon ride, tractors, and Kiddie Land playground. You also won’t want to miss out on this farm’s popular apple cider donuts.
Have you ever been to any of these DC apple orchards? If so, which ones were your favorites? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
If you're researching "corn mazes around Washington D.C.," and "corn mazes near me," then that can only mean one thing: fall is upon us! -- or at least, it's coming soon.
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You know it’s autumn when the leaves start to change colors, football fans get excited about the season, flip flops become abandoned in favor of boots and pumpkin patches, and haunted houses and corn mazes pop up all around Washington DC. There’s no better way to spend a crisp fall day in DC than getting lost in one of these fun-filled and family-friendly corn mazes. So don your best flannel, load the family in the car, and prepare to have some good ol' fashioned fall fun.
Editor's Note: Unfortunately, this corn maze is permanently closed. Every year, Corn Maze in the Plains creates a new and different corn maze to get lost in. As you make your way through the maze, you will come across different stations that ask a challenging question or puzzle. If you answer the question correctly, you will get directions to the next station and if you get the question wrong, you are on your own! This is one of the best mazes in the DC area.
The Cornnundrum and the Cornnightmare at Cox Farms aren’t exactly corn mazes but they are fun (and spooky) walks through corn mazes. During the day the Cornundrum is a fun adventure for children where kids and adults can wander through the winding path and encounter pirates, caves, jungles and more. In the evening, it becomes the much creepier Cornnightmare. Learn more about planning your visit to Cox Farms this season.
From pumpkin picking to hayrides, there's simply no shortage of fall-friendly activities to enjoy at Montpelier Farms in Maryland. The farm grows its own pumpkins, which you can admire when you attend the annual festival. Just be sure to note that pumpkins are not included in the admission price. Learn more about all you can look forward to at Montpelier Farms this season. Learn more about the history of Montpelier Farms when you watch the fascinating video below:
Summers Farm has been celebrating fall for over 25 years, and its 12-acre corn maze is not to be missed during the celebration. Test your navigation skills and make memories to last all year long! Learn more about planning your visit to the beloved Summers Farm in Maryland.
The Belvedere Plantation corn maze has been a local favorite for 30 years. You can explore the corn maze multiple times with the purchase of one ticket, take a hayride or relax in front of the bonfire. They also have a mini corn maze that is more child friendly. Learn more about all you can look forward to at Belvedere Plantation this fall!
The corn maze at Liberty Mills Farm is the biggest maze in Virginia with eight miles of trails over 25 acres. It’s divided into four trails of varying difficulties so it’s perfect for all ages! Have you ever visited the famous Liberty Mills Farm in Virginia? Take a look at the corn maze from 2022 when you watch the incredible drone video below:
Just outside of Leesburg, Temple Hall Farm is one of the bigger corn mazes in the area at 24 acres. There are also other attractions like pumpkin launching games, pig races, and a paintball gallery. There's a lot to love about Temple Hill Farm this time of year!
Magnolia Meadow offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions including, of course, a giant corn maze. In fact, the seasonal farm adventure includes over 20 activities for little ones! Learn more about planning your visit to Magnolia Meadow Farms this time of year. You can get a tour of this one-of-a-kind farm when you watch the video below:
Right along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wayside Farm is a beautiful location for a corn maze. This year’s corn maze has football theme at Wayside Farm! In addition to corn maze fun, you can enjoy hayrides, slides, playgrounds and the best pumpkins in the land!
From pumpkin picking to hay rides and an unforgettable corn maze, Bowles Farm is an excellent fall destination in the D.C. area. Plus, it's home to the largest corn maze in southern Maryland! You'll just have to see it for yourself. For more information, head on over to Bowles Farm online.
