GEORGE WASHINGTON ’ S MT . VERNON There is much for everyone in the family to enjoy on this sprawling plantation : history , trails , waterfront , interactive learning , gorgeous gardens , farm animals and nearby dining . Located just past Alexandria , Virginia , a day trip to Mt . Vernon should include a picnic with treats sourced off King Street . ( Budget : $ 20 / adult $ 10 / child admission , plus extra for the gift shop and goodies ). www . mountvernon . org and www . visitalexandriava . com .
The Awakening Sculpture Photo by IntangibleArts flickr . com / p h o tos / in ta n g ib le / 264419298 8
THE AWAKENING AT NATIONAL HARBOR “ The Awakening ” is a 15-foot-high , multi-piece sculpture of a bearded giant bursting from the ground . For 30 years , the National Park Service displayed this art in Washington D . C . Now his home is on the beach at National Harbor . Aim for a sunrise or sunset visit . Be sure to enjoy everything the National Harbor offers , including casual or fine dining , a ride on the Eye , fireworks and even a roll of the dice at MGM Casino . ( Budget : A view is free , but National Harbor is not . Parking , meals and entertainment are discretionary ) www . nationalharbor . com tour , enjoy a walk through tiny Solomon ’ s Island . A stop for ice cream on the boardwalk , some southern Maryland seafood , a boat tour from Calvert Marine Museum and classic Maryland sunset . If you time it right , you may be able to enjoy a concert at the Museum or a drink at the infamous Tiki Bar . ( Budget : $ 25 per person for tickets , lunch and a treat ).
PARKERS CREEK PRESERVE , MANAGED BY AMERICAN CHESTNUT LANDTRUST NEAR PRINCE FREDERICK Nowhere else in Chesapeake country offers a pristine 3,000 acre natural area with 19 miles of hiking trails , including interpretive trails and historic structures , a community farm and guided canoe trips . Explore the self-guided hiking trails on your own , join a guided canoe trip , or attend one of the activities included in the ACLT ’ s schedule of events . ( Budget : Free , but consider making a donation to this wonderful not for profit endeavor ). www . acltweb . org
GAMBRILL STATE PARK NEAR FREDERICK Gambrill State Park is a beautiful mountain park , located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains in Frederick County . Its most popular feature is the 16 miles of trails for hiking , mountain biking , and horseback riding . From the 1600-foot High Knob , three stone overlooks offer breathtaking views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys then continue to the northern reaches of the Shenandoah Mountains . The High Knob area also offers wooded picnic areas , three picnic shelters , and a large stone lodge , called the Tea Room . The picnic shelters and the Tea Room are available for reservation . The Rock Run area offers a cozy family-style campground , a picnic area , and a small pond for fishing . ( Budget : parking , BYOB food & drink ).
ANNMARIE SCULPTURE GARDEN & ARTS CENTER AT SOLOMON ’ S ISLAND Follow Pennsylvania Avenue all the way until it deadends at the southern end of the Bay . Annmarie Gardens is a whimsical 30-acres of limitless magic for young and old alike . Walk or bike the paved path to see unforgettable 3D art including a circle of granite standing stones , fairies and an interactive boardwalk . After your
Visit a maritime museum or lighthouse such as Drum Point Lighthouse on Solomon ' s Island .
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GREENBOOK | SUMMER 2017