Butler's Orchard, Sugarloaf Mountain: Places To Go This Spring

BETHESDA, MD — Tired of being cooped up in your home all winter? I know I am. And now that spring is finally here, it's time to step outside, breathe that fresh air, and get moving.

Whether you're looking to expand your wine repertoire or hike a mountain range, there's plenty of activities in Montgomery County to enjoy.

Patch has rounded up some of the best things to see and do in the area during the warmer months. Check them out below:

Sugarloaf Mountain
Everyone can enjoy Sugarloaf Mountain — regardless of skill level. The 3,300-acre mountain and park is privately owned and is open to the public from sunrise to sunset year-round. There is no fee to get into the area.

Feel free to bring your furry, four-legged friend on the adventure, too. An added bonus: pack a picnic to enjoy at one of many scenic locations along your route.

Sugarloaf Mountain straddles Frederick and Montgomery counties. However, it's officially located in Dickerson. Here's how to get there.

Rockwood Manor Retreats & Events
Looking for a vacation that isn't too far from home? Check out Rockwood Manor. Located at 11001 MacArthur Blvd. in Potomac, this secluded wooden retreat is less than 30 minutes from places like the National Institute of Health, Westfield Montgomery, and RIO Washingtonian Center.

The iconic manor sits on the shores of the C&O Canal and Potomac River and includes a 30-acre park and 1920s country house.

You can schedule a tour of the manor, book a room, and even schedule meetings and celebrations. Click here for more information.

Olney Winery
Olney Winery is one of many places in Montgomery County to find great-tasting wine. Boasting more than 34 award-winning wines, Olney Winery offers the full package for novices and connoisseurs alike. Step inside the tasting room for a sample selection of any five wines for $8.

Olney Winery, which is open seven days a week, is located at 18127 Town Center Dr. Click here to learn more.

The Adventure Park
An aerial forest adventure awaits! The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is perfect for kids and adults looking for high-flying activities. When you arrive, you'll get a harness and equipment, as well as a safety briefing that explains how to climb and zip line in the park. There are 13 trails with varying levels of difficulty to choose from. "Bridges" between tree platforms made of rope, cable, and wood also provide more than 190 unique challenges.

Click here for more information.

Brookside Gardens
Located at 1800 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton, Brookside Gardens is the perfect, peaceful getaway. The award-winning, 50-acre public display boasts dozens of gorgeous gardens, including the Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children's Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. Click here to learn more.

Pike & Rose
I don't know about you, but I love indoor-outdoor shopping centers. And what better time to go to one than in the spring?

Pike & Rose is chock-full of clothing, outdoor, and home and decor retailers. After all that shopping, you can refuel at a selection of restaurants and bars.

Pike & Rose is located at 11580 Old Georgetown Rd. in North Bethesda, just a stone's throw away from the White Flint Metro station.

Cabin John Dog Park
There are so many great dog parks in Montgomery County. One of them, not surprisingly, is Cabin John Dog Park.

The half-acre, off-leash dog park is divided in two: one half is for smaller dogs and the other is for larger dogs. It's located inside Cabin John Regional Park and is sure to make your dog happy.

Click here to learn more.

True Respite
Montgomery County is home to many awesome breweries. Beer expert or not, you should check them out. One brewery that's worth visiting is True Respite.

Located at 7301 Calhoun Place in Rockville, True Respite has a great selection of beers, expert brewers, and exciting brewery tours. Stay for an hour — or even three. Everyone's friends at True Respite. Click here for more information.

Strathmore
There is no shortage of great performances at Strathmore, a nonprofit multi-disciplinary arts center and presenting organization in North Bethesda. Offerings include performances by international pop, rock, R&B, jazz, blues, folk, and classical music artists. Click here for more information.

Butler's Orchard
Starting in mid- to late-May, you can pick your own strawberries at Butler's Orchard in Germantown.

A day pass is $3 per person (children under 24 months are free). A day pass grants you access to the orchard's Pick Your Own Fields, the Farm Park Picnic Area, the Giant Slides, the Nature Trail, and Farm Park Animals.

Click here to learn more.