Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Burke, VA to Germantown, MD
Driving from Burke, Virginia to Germantown, Maryland is a scenic and picturesque route that takes you through some of the most iconic landmarks of Virginia and Maryland. This drive takes around two and a half hours on a good day. However, driving straight through the highway can make this trip feel monotonous. To make this drive more memorable, here are five unexpected places to stop and explore.
Halfway Point: Bethesda, MD
Before we embark on the journey, let's first stop at Bethesda, MD. As the halfway point, it offers a vast array of restaurants and cafes to satisfy your cravings. Bethesda Row, a pedestrian-friendly area, has more than twenty restaurants that offer unique cuisine. From Korean BBQ to Italian pasta, from fresh sushi to a vegan restaurant, one can explore different types of food in Bethesda.
- Meadowlark Botanical Garden
Meadowlark Botanical Garden is located in Vienna, Virginia. The 95 acres of beautiful flora and fauna are a perfect escape from the bustling city life. One can wander into this garden and enjoy the seasonal blooms, plants, and waterfalls. The garden has multiple vantage points, including the Korean Bell Garden, which has a bell sent by the government of Korea. It is a must-visit spot that offers excellent photo opportunities.
Food to try: Fairfax County comes under the DMV (DC/Maryland/ Virginia) region, known for some unconventional and delicious cuisine. When visiting Meadowlark Botanical Garden, head to the Korean spot Honey Pig BBQ, where they serve one of the best pork belly samgyeopsals in Virginia.
- Seneca Creek State Park
Seneca Creek State Park is in Gaithersburg, Maryland. It offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The view of Clopper Lake is breathtaking, the perfect spot to relax and absorb the serenity. The park also has campsites available for rent, making it a great place for camping enthusiasts.
Food to try: After a day of outdoor activities, one may want to satiate their hunger. A hidden gem in Gaithersburg is the Authentic Chinese cuisine at Peter Chang. The restaurant is less than 10 minutes away from the park and offers unique Sichuan cuisine, giving people a chance to explore a different variation of Chinese food.
- Pink Cadillac Diner
The name itself is intriguing enough to visit this place. Pink Cadillac Diner, located in Rockville, Maryland, takes one back to the classic 1950s diner era. With a range of options to choose from, like burgers, hotdogs, fries, and milkshakes, it's a must-visit spot when driving through Route 355.
Food to try: One must try their signature dish "The Caddy Burger" - the name inspired by Cadillac. It's a double-sided patty topped with melted cheese and caramelized onions, making it a perfect meal to indulge in.
- Butler's Orchard
Butler's Orchard is in Germantown, Maryland, and has been offering fresh fruits to the community for over 70 years. This orchard covers over 300 acres of land and offers a large variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The locals frequently visit this orchard to get their hands on freshly picked strawberries, blueberries, apples, and pumpkins.
Food to try: What's better than freshly baked cakes, pies, pastries, and apple cider donuts, made with freshly picked fruits from the Orchard at Butler's Orchard.
- Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park is in Virginia and offers a panoramic view of the Potomac River. Visitors can hike through the park's fifteen miles of trails and enjoy the stunning view of the Great Falls. Guided tours, bird-watching, and rock-climbing are a few of the many outdoor activities the park offers.
Food to try: The outdoor galore deserves a unique food spot, like "The Old Brogue Irish Pub." It's less than ten minutes away from Great Falls Park, offers an Irish-themed menu, and a wide variety of beer and whiskey.
Conclusion
Driving from Burke, Virginia, to Germantown, Maryland, is not only a road trip but an adventure. Exploring the scenic routes, tasting food inspired by various cultures, and visiting iconic landmarks are some of the numerous highlights of this trip. With the final destination of Germantown, Maryland, the journey becomes more intrinsically valued by the stuff one explores on the way. Without a doubt, this journey will leave one mesmerized and appreciating the diversity that Maryland and Virginia offer.