We love a rural drive, especially when it involves hidden gems along the way. The following road trip includes stops at delicious restaurants, hiking spots, and even a secluded winery. You can follow along with the map, and enjoy this countryside adventure in Maryland.
To help you fit all adventures into one day, we made driving time for this trip about an hour in length. Prepare for hidden gems along the way, such as…
Google Maps
- Bear Branch Nature Center
Justin Laucks / AllTrails Bear Branch Nature Center covers 320-acres, including five-miles of trails, a scenic lake, and historic homestead. The onsite nature center is a fascinating place to learn about local wildlife and more. Bear Branch Nature Center, 300 John Owings Rd, Westminster, MD 21158, USA
- The Sunflower Garden
The Sunflower Garden / Facebook If you’re taking this trip during warmer months, be sure to add The Sunflower Garden to your route. This place is bustling with sunflowers and other colorful flowers, and they’re perfect for picking and creating your own bouquet. The Sunflower Gardens, 2390 Manchester Rd, Westminster, MD 21157, USA
- Galloping Goose Vineyards and Winery
Galloping Goose Vineyards and Winery / Facebook You may be feeling parched at this point so why not whet your whistle at Gallping Goose Vineyards? Reviewers love how peaceful this place is, and the wines are a must-try. Galloping Goose Vineyards and Winery, 4326 Maple Grove Rd, Hampstead, MD 21074, USA
- Friendly Farm Restaurant
Friendly Farm Restaurant / Facebook Time for some comfort food! Friendly Farm Restaurant is known for its sprawling rural scenery, but most of all, its hearty cuisine. The fried chicken and sugar biscuits are practically famous. Friendly Farm Restaurant, 17434 Foreston Rd, Upperco, MD 21155, USA
- Prettyboy Reservoir Park
Michael McAdam / Google Pretty Boy Reservoir is home to a variety of trails, from easy to difficult. Most of them include beautiful views of the water, so bring your camera! Prettyboy Reservoir, Maryland, USA
- Freeland Crab and Seafood
Bill Lakenan / Google It’s dinner time! Hiking at the previous stop probably worked up an appetite, so consider ending your day at Freeland Crab & Seafood. Grab some carryout, including crab cakes, shrimp, oysters, and more. Yum! Freeland Crab and Seafood, 20235 Middletown Rd, Freeland, MD 21053, USA
What other stops would you add in the area? Let us know in the comments!
Google Maps
Justin Laucks / AllTrails
Bear Branch Nature Center covers 320-acres, including five-miles of trails, a scenic lake, and historic homestead. The onsite nature center is a fascinating place to learn about local wildlife and more.
Bear Branch Nature Center, 300 John Owings Rd, Westminster, MD 21158, USA
The Sunflower Garden / Facebook
If you’re taking this trip during warmer months, be sure to add The Sunflower Garden to your route. This place is bustling with sunflowers and other colorful flowers, and they’re perfect for picking and creating your own bouquet.
The Sunflower Gardens, 2390 Manchester Rd, Westminster, MD 21157, USA
Galloping Goose Vineyards and Winery / Facebook
You may be feeling parched at this point so why not whet your whistle at Gallping Goose Vineyards? Reviewers love how peaceful this place is, and the wines are a must-try.
Galloping Goose Vineyards and Winery, 4326 Maple Grove Rd, Hampstead, MD 21074, USA
Friendly Farm Restaurant / Facebook
Time for some comfort food! Friendly Farm Restaurant is known for its sprawling rural scenery, but most of all, its hearty cuisine. The fried chicken and sugar biscuits are practically famous.
Friendly Farm Restaurant, 17434 Foreston Rd, Upperco, MD 21155, USA
Michael McAdam / Google
Pretty Boy Reservoir is home to a variety of trails, from easy to difficult. Most of them include beautiful views of the water, so bring your camera!
Prettyboy Reservoir, Maryland, USA
Bill Lakenan / Google
It’s dinner time! Hiking at the previous stop probably worked up an appetite, so consider ending your day at Freeland Crab & Seafood. Grab some carryout, including crab cakes, shrimp, oysters, and more. Yum!
Freeland Crab and Seafood, 20235 Middletown Rd, Freeland, MD 21053, USA
For another unique adventure in Maryland, check out this rail biking experience!
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