Fall is such a wonderful time of year. The leaves are changing, and you can smell the crispness in the air. The end of summer means it’s time to pack up your bags and head to the nearest getaway. If you’re looking for a destination near Anne Arundel County, there are plenty of options that will suit every type of traveler. Whether you want to be surrounded by nature or have access to shops and restaurants, there are several top-notch fall destinations.
Antietam National Battlefield
Antietam National Battlefield is a Civil War site that’s perfect for fall visitors. The park, which has been open since 1890 and has experienced more than 25 million visitors at this point, is a great place to learn about American history. The first major battle of the Civil War was fought here in 1862, but there are also other historical sites throughout the park.
The best time to visit Antietam National Battlefield is in October or November when you can see beautiful fall foliage in the area and enjoy other activities like hunting for acorns or hiking along any of their trails. If you’re looking for things to do near Anne Arundel County then this should definitely be on your list!
Hike at Quiet Waters Park
Hiking is a great way to get exercise, enjoy nature and have fun. There are many trails at Quiet Waters Park that offer beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. You can bring your dog on most trails, but please keep in mind that some trails may be too rocky or steep for them to navigate easily. If you plan to hike with your pet, make sure they are up-to-date on their rabies shots as well as other vaccinations before going out into the park.
If you’re looking for an overnight stay near Quiet Waters Park, consider renting one of the cabins or yurts available for rent! They’re spacious enough for families or groups of friends and are fully equipped with linens, dishes, and utensils in case you want to cook something tasty after getting back from an exciting day spent exploring the park’s many trails.
Tour the historic homes of Annapolis
Annapolis is a beautiful city with a rich history. You can learn about the city’s past by visiting its historic homes, which are open to the public and offer guided tours.
The best way to see them all is with the Historic Homes of Annapolis Tour, which costs $20 per person but gives you access to six houses in one day. The tour starts at 10 am on Saturdays and lasts until 3:30 pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore each house before heading back into town for dinner or drinks.
This event provides access to over 100 historic buildings around the city center. It also includes special events like an antique car show at Quiet Waters Park and free admission at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts!
Visit the Historic London Town and Gardens
London Town is a living history museum, with costumed guides and historical buildings. You can see the past come alive as you hear stories of Maryland’s first settlers and learn about life in Colonial Annapolis. The gardens are beautiful and educational too, with labeled plants that have been cultivated since the 17th century.
The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming to visitors of all ages! They offer special programs for children (including summer camps) as well as adult classes like cooking demonstrations.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon learning more about local history while enjoying the fresh air (and maybe even catching some rays), taking a trip to London Town & Gardens is sure to be worth your time—and money.
Attend Maryland Renaissance Festival
The Maryland Renaissance Festival is a fun, family-friendly event that celebrates the history
of the Renaissance period. It’s held every year on weekends from late August to mid-October at its permanent home in Crownsville, Maryland. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, shopping, and games while feasting on food and drinks from all around the world!
The festival offers everything you’d expect from a fantasy-themed celebration: There are jousting tournaments; knights fighting for glory; courtly lovemaking between noblemen and fair maidens; magicians performing tricks with cards or swords—you know, whatever it takes to impress their queen. You’ll even get to see some pretty interesting creatures.
There are many things you can do at this festival: You can ride rides like roller coasters or carousels if you’re feeling adventurous; try your hand at archery or fencing lessons if that sounds more like your speed; take pictures with jesters who will pose however you want them too. There’s something for everyone! And there’s no age limit either–kids under 12 years old get in free.
Go scuba diving in Lake Ogleton
This lake is a great place to go scuba diving for those with some experience. If you don’t have any yet, you can get certified at Diving Unlimited International in Baltimore or Patuxent Dive Center in Laurel. When diving in Lake Ogleton, you can see schools of bluegill sunfish and largemouth bass swimming above you as well as aquatic plants and mosses on the bottom. Lake Ogleton is located off Route 44 near Marriottsville and can be accessed by boat or kayak.
Take an apple cider tour of Anne Arundel County
You’ll find a variety of apple orchards throughout Anne Arundel County, including several that offer visitors the chance to watch cider being made. For example, visit the family-run Apple Core Cider in Davidsonville for a lesson on how cider is made and then enjoy a tasting flight of their seasonal varieties. You can also get an overview of Maryland’s orchard industry at the Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau’s annual festival at Camp Letts Road Orchards in Glen Burnie, where you’ll get to sample local ciders while enjoying live music and other activities.
In addition to these attractions, there are many fall foliage tours and guided hikes that take place during this time of year—along with delicious food tours featuring apples (think pie!). If you’re looking for something more adventurous than simply touring an orchard, try ziplining through some beautiful trees on one of our nearby trails!
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a short weekend getaway or planning a longer trip, the options are endless. From hiking in the mountains to exploring seaside villages or relaxing by a warm fire with friends and family, Anne Arundel County has it all. There are so many great places to see and things to do. If you’re looking for a fun weekend trip or just want to get away from the city a bit, consider going on one of these adventures.
