Escapes

Northern Central Rail-Trail

By Katherine Bigley, Staff

Northern Central Rail-Trail - Mountain Biking Trail in Maryland

This converted rail trail leads its visitors across Maryland's beautiful fields and meadows, past forests and rural farmland, and along the rushing waters of Little Falls and Gunpowder Falls. As you pedal along, you'll pass through the many historic little towns whose whole history is based upon the corridor's connection between Baltimore and Harrisburg. Celebrate the thousands of volunteers who helped make this 20-mile stretch of uninterrupted rail-trail possible by taking time to enjoy this converted and historic old rail line. Continue an additional 20.5 miles along the trail's latest extension called the York Heritage County Rail-Trail all the way to York, PA.

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Baltimore Inner Harbor-Waterfront Promenade Trails

By Katherine Bigley, Staff

Baltimore Inner Harbor-Waterfront Promenade Trails

Join the throngs strolling around Baltimore’s tourist mecca, but end up where few tourists venture. At the Living Classroom Foundation, you’ll see a sign pointing you to the “pedestrian walkway” (the “Baltimore Waterfront Promenade” sign is 0.1 mile away on Lancaster Street). You’ll see the water right in front of you; head left on the brick walkway toward the Inner Harbor. Initially you’ll see lots of construction to the right, and even though this isn’t always the most pleasant view, it indicates a growing, vibrant city. The small skiffs in the water to the left make a more pleasing backdrop.

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Brookside Gardens

By Katherine Bigley

Hours:
Gardens: sunrise - sunset
Visitors Center: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Conservatories: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Admission is free.

Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County's incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children's Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. Brookside Gardens also feature two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. A horticultural reference library is located in the airy Visitors Center.

Address:

1800 Glenallan Ave

Wheaton MD 20902

Robert E. Lee Memorial Park

By Laura Dauer, Staff

Need a nice place to get some of that tedious studying done or just want a break from all of the schoolwork in general? Head down Falls Road to Robert E. Lee Memorial Park.

This is a great place to take a break and destress. There are various trails to adventure on and numerous spots to just take a break and enjoy the world around you. It's also a great place for dogs to run around freely and plunge into the cool water of Lake Roland. Take this opportunity while the weather is still nice!

Lakes at Homeland

Looking for a quiet place to relax on a lazy afternoon, then head over to a peaceful little area just over the way from Loyola affectionately called the “Lakes” by neighborhood residents.