Fall in Maryland is beautiful. The leaves are changing, the sky is like a painter’s masterpiece and there are about one million fall events and festivals one can attend. You can even venture out and explore Northern Virginia – countless hiking options, restaurants, history and events make your stay at the Fort Meade Military Crashpad one you will never forget.
Vineyards
October is Virginia Wine Month, and with nearly 300 wineries across the state, you’re bound to find something you like. In fact, you won’t have to drive far to find some amazing Virginia wineries.
- Antietam Highlands Wine Trail – Visit eight amazing vineyards including a Governor’s Cup winner and an organic cider brewery, all while traveling historic civil war trails through the mountains of Western Maryland.
- Head into Virginia to Mount Vernon and take part in the Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour, held once a year at the beginning of October.
- Visit the Howard County tourism website to learn about the local wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the area.
Festivals
We’re sure you’ve made some new friends, so you may be looking for family-friendly events, as well as weekend getaways for you and your spouse, or just a day of fun with your friends. Don’t worry the area surrounding Fort Meade has got you covered.
- Sunflowers at Clear Meadows Farm – Come visit the most picture-perfect spot of the area! Peak bloom is in the first couple weeks of October. Stop a half a mile down the road at the Jarrettsville Creamery and Deli and grab a bite to eat.
- Summers Farm, located in Frederick, Maryland, opens September 22 and will provide a day packed with adventure. A corn maze, pumpkin patch, pig races, special weekend performances, campfire sites to rent, wagon rides, giant slides, and amazing food are only a few things that will keep adults and kids alike happy.
- Graver Farm in Mt. Airy, Maryland hosts one of the longest running festivals, open from September 7 to November 4. Graver boasts over 50 activities and attractions to check out during your visit. Free admission for military families the weekend of September 22-23.
- And here are some more ideas for fall fun in Maryland!
Apple Picking
If you’ve never lived in this area before, you might have heard someone mention how you must go apple picking! Any list of fall must-do things is not complete without a trip to the orchard. And with your fully-equipped kitchen, you could even try your hand at some applesauce or apple pie making. Here are our suggestions on where to get started:
- Boyer Farms
- Larriland Farm
- Butler’s Orchard
Foliage Viewing
If you’ve never lived around here before or in the New England area, foliage viewing might sound like the crazy talk. But around here, “leafers” or a “leaf peeper,” is a real thing. The leaves truly are incredible, and something everyone should see. These prime leaf areas not only boast excellent views but feature some of Maryland’s cutest towns to spend the day in.
- Looking for a weekend getaway? Check out the Autumn Glory Festival in McHenry, Maryland.
- Visit Patapsco Valley State Park in Ellicott City, MD and find 32 miles of the Patapsco River with 16,000 acres and five recreational centers.
- Oregon Ridge Nature Center – Not only does this location host beautiful views of the leaves, but in early October, they also play host to the Honey Harvest Festival. There’s hiking and a guest speaker series in October and November.
When you’re done exploring the area, you’ll love heading back to your crash pad, located within 10 minutes of Fort Meade. Staying with Military Crashpad means you get all the comfort and necessities of home at an affordable price. Enjoy two in-home, chef-prepared meals a month, bi-weekly maid service, top quality amenities, an off-base gym membership and $30 of monthly lift credits per person. There is always something new to see in the Fort Meade area, so go on, get going! Enjoy your stay, and have a happy fall.
Written exclusively for Military Crashpad by Rheanna Benard.
