Create Heritage Moments with Self-Guided Tours in Montgomery County, Maryland

Montgomery County, Maryland, is brimming with holiday magic and historical charm. Heritage Montgomery is excited to offer five curated heritage holiday itineraries. These self-guided tours provide a unique mix of history, nature, and holiday cheer.

Western South County: From Art to Ice Skating

Morning: Start your day at Glen Echo Park, where you’ll find unique gifts by resident artists during the Holiday Art Show & Sale. Adjacent to Glen Echo Park is the Clara Barton National Historic Site. While tours of the house’s interior are not regularly available, you can learn about Clara Barton’s remarkable life through interpretive signs on the grounds.

Afternoon: Relish lunch at the scenic Old Angler’s Inn. Follow it up with a tour of the Josiah Henson Museum and Park, then head to Rockville Town Center for some ice skating, an ideal way to embrace the winter season. Before evening, visit the Latvian Museum to appreciate the diverse cultural heritage.

Evening: Dine at a nearby favorite restaurant and cap off the night with a holiday performance at The Music Center at Strathmore.

Eastern South County: Nature, Nostalgia, and Holiday Lights

Morning: Spend the morning browsing antique shops in Kensington. Join the Audubon Naturalist Society for a nature-inspired holiday activity.

Afternoon: Treat yourself to lunch at Zinnia, set in the former Mrs. K’s Tollhouse, a beloved spot known for its cozy ambiance. Continue your journey with a screening of an indie film at AFI Silver Theatre & Cultural Center, a historic gem.

Evening: Conclude your day with dinner in Wheaton, then step into the illuminated paradise of Brookside Gardens Garden of Lights, where paths come alive with twinkling displays celebrating the season.

East County Historic Road Trip: Museums and Holiday Arts

Morning: After breakfast at Olney Farmer’s and Artists Market, shop for vintage treasures at the Olney Antique Village.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, hop on the Holly Trolley at the National Capital Trolley Museum for a festive ride. For a treat, grab cider donuts or pie at Heyser Farms, and spend time browsing local art at the Sandy Spring Museum. Reflect on history at the Sandy Spring Slave Museum.

Evening: Savor a memorable dinner at Salt & Vine, followed by a holiday performance at the Olney Theatre Center, offering a perfect end to a cultural journey.

Western Agricultural Reserve Tour: Historic Charm with Holiday Lights

Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Locals Farm Market, savoring seasonal produce and local delicacies. Afterward, step back in time as you wander the historic town of Poolesville. Explore the John Poole House and the Old Town Hall Bank Museum, then take in views of the Potomac River at White’s Ferry Park.

Afternoon: Embark on a scenic drive along the C&O Canal Scenic Byway, stopping at Sugarloaf Mountain for a hike and breathtaking vistas. Visit the Monocacy Aqueduct, an engineering marvel on the canal, before heading to Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard for a wine tasting. Enjoy lunch with a view at the historic Comus Inn, then pay respects at Monocacy Cemetery, a resting place for Civil War soldiers.

Evening: Wrap up your day at the Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival in Seneca Creek State Park. Wander through a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights, a true winter wonderland.

Eastern Agricultural Reserve Tour: Historic Sites and Seasonal Spirits

Morning: Begin at the Olney Farmer’s and Artists Market, sampling fresh-baked treats and unique crafts. Explore the historic Brookville community, with stops at the Brookeville Academy, the town’s oldest schoolhouse, and remnants of Thomas Mill, then take a stroll along Reedy Branch Park trails.

Afternoon: Dive into African American history at the Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park, where an augmented reality experience brings the past to life. For lunch, enjoy the rustic charm at the Manor at Silo Falls. Sip local brews at Waredaca Brewing Company or the cozy Brookeville Beer Farm.

Evening: End with dinner at Salt & Vine, a charming spot in the historic Olney House, and bask in the glow of the Winter City Lights Festival, where the night sky is alight with thousands of holiday lights.