Top Five Popular Attractions between Chevy Chase, MD and Colesville, MD

Are you lost in Maryland's scenic roads and idyllic landscapes? Don't worry! Here are the top five must-visit places on your way from Chevy Chase to Colesville. Pack some snacks, fill up the car tank, and let's hit the road!

The Route and Halfway Point: Silver Spring, MD

Starting from Chevy Chase, get on Wisconsin Avenue, and follow signs for 495 East towards Silver Spring. Silver Spring, Maryland, is the perfect middle point between Chevy Chase and Colesville. Stop for lunch at the charming Charlie's Market Restaurant. This humble eatery is perfect for a relaxing meal and a quick refresher before continuing your journey. If you have time, take a detour to the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, a historic movie palace that's home to the American Film Institute.

The Top Five Must-Visit Places

Brookside Gardens

Just 10 minutes away from Silver Spring, you'll find Brookside Gardens, an award-winning horticultural display garden. The gardens cover more than 50 acres and offer visitors an opportunity to explore 23 different gardens, including a butterfly garden, aquatic garden, rose garden, and fragrance garden. Brookside Gardens is a perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy Maryland's natural beauty. Don't miss the trails and the nature center, which provide an opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna.

Lake Needwood

If you are looking for fun in the sun, Lake Needwood is the perfect destination. This beautiful and serene lake is located within Rock Creek Regional Park and offers picnicking, boating, paddle boating, fishing, and hiking. The clear blue waters of Lake Needwood are sure to mesmerize all who visit, and the scenic surroundings make it an ideal place to unwind and soak in nature. Make sure to rent a paddle boat and cruise around the lake.

Sandy Spring Museum

If you want to experience American history, the Sandy Spring Museum is a must-see attraction. The museum showcases the history of Sandy Spring, one of Maryland's earliest areas that were settled by Quakers in the eighteenth century. The museum covers exhibits on everything from early education to agriculture, the Underground Railroad, and a Civil War collection. There are also hands-on exhibits and family programs. Don't miss the historic house tours that provide a glimpse of life in the past.

Patapsco Valley State Park

For adventure seekers, Patapsco Valley State Park is the perfect destination. This 32-mile-long park is located along the Patapsco River and offers stunning scenery, hiking trails, and waterfalls. The park is also home to the historic Thomas Viaduct, one of the oldest and most impressive railroad bridges in the country. Whether you are up for a challenging hike or just want to relax by the river, Patapsco Valley State Park has something for everyone.

National Museum of Health and Medicine

If you are curious about the human body and its anatomy, the National Museum of Health and Medicine is the place for you. This museum, located within the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Silver Spring, features exhibits on military medicine, wartime surgery, medical advancements, and anatomy. Some highlights of the collections include President Lincoln's deathbed and the bullet that killed him, as well as a human skeleton with documented injuries from the American Civil War.

Conclusion

Maryland is a beautiful state filled with natural attractions and historic landmarks. The best way to explore it is by car, enjoying the scenic routes and its surroundings. On your way from Chevy Chase to Colesville, don't forget to stop and explore the beauty of Silver Spring, with its cultural offerings, charming restaurants, and historic landmarks. And of course, don't miss Brookside Gardens, Lake Needwood, Sandy Spring Museum, Patapsco Valley State Park, and the National Museum of Health and Medicine. Happy travels!