Mount Airy

Sitting on a 230-acre family estate in the countryside just outside Mount Airy, Linganore Winecellars is a family-operated winery and vineyard that has been making high-quality wine since 1976.

The winery produces more than 30 different types of wines, including both sweet and dry reds and whites, and a handful of their wines are estate bottled. Fruit wines and honey wines are also available for anyone who wants something a little different.

The winery is open seven days a week except for select holidays, and complimentary guided tours are offered several times a day. Wine tastings always available during opening hours.

13601 Glissans Mill Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771, Phone: 301-831-5889

A welcoming family farm that was established in 1978, Gaver Farm is the perfect place to go for some good old-fashioned fun between September and December.

Their opening season kicks off with the Fall Fun Festival at the beginning of September, which features a corn maze, a petting zoo, and plenty of kids' game. U-Pick pumpkins and apples are available as soon as they're in season, and complimentary hayrides are offered on weekends.

Between November 29th and December 23rd, the farm also sells Christmas trees, and customers can choose from the pre-cut selection or head out into the field to cut their own.

5501 Detrick Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771, Phone: 301-865-3515

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Black Ankle Vineyards is a beautiful winery with one of the best tasting rooms in the Mount Airy area.

Visitors can participate in a guided tasting at the bar or order a wine flight to enjoy at a table, and complimentary tours are offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Guests can also purchase wine by the glass or by the bottle to enjoy right on the winery's beautiful property, and if you want to have a picnic, you're welcome to bring your own food or order some meat, cheese, and bread in the tasting room.

14463 Black Ankle Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771, Phone: 301-829-3338

Situated on a small 47-acre property in the Maryland countryside, the Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm serves a rotating selection of six beers, all of which are made with hops grown right on the farm. A small selection of local cheeses, meats, and other snacks are available for purchase, but visitors are also welcome to bring their own food to enjoy on-site. Outside alcohol is not permitted, but sparkling wine is available on tap. The brewery is open Thursday through Sunday, and it often hosts special events like live music, buck-a-shuck oyster nights, and special appearances by local food trucks.

8253 Dollyhyde Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771, Phone: 301-829-6950

Widely recognized as one of the best wineries on the East Coast, Elk Run Vineyards produces high-quality wine using a combination of old and new practices. The tasting room is open six days a week, and the staff are happy to suggest wines based on your preferences. Complimentary tours of the wine-making facility are offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and if you have a group of ten or more people, you can also arrange to do a special tour with a wine and cheese tasting. Tented outdoor picnic areas are available year-round, and live music is played on weekends between May and October.

15113 Liberty Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771, Phone: 410-775-2513

Located on the same property as Linganore Winecellars, the Red Shedman Farm Brewery and Hop Yard produces a wide range of craft beers, including everything from seasonally inspired fruity brews to barrel aged stouts. Customers are welcome to stop by the brewery to sample whatever brews are on tap at the moment; the tasting room features big screen TVs and a small food menu, and beer can be purchased in cans and growlers to take home. The brewery is open Wednesday through Sunday, and tours are available by request, although it's best to call in advance to ensure your group can be accommodated.

13601 Glissans Mill Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771, Phone: 301-831-5889

Formerly a private farm, the Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary is a 129-acre property that was donated to a local conservation society in the 1990s. More than 155 different species of birds have been spotted here, and visitors might also see spotted turtles in the marsh and butterflies flitting around in the fields. Approximately half the property is covered with well-maintained trails, and guided wildlife walks are held every other month. The sanctuary is open to the public year-round, but annual highlights include the spring and fall bird migrations, the monarch butterfly tagging in September, and the native plant sale in April.

13030 Old Annapolis Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771, Phone: 301-514-5419

Home to a herd of pasture-raised Golden Guernsey cows, the Woodbourne Creamery at Rock Hill Orchard makes some of the best farm-fresh ice cream in Maryland. All the ice cream is made right on the farm using seasonal ingredients whenever possible, and it can be purchased by the cone or by the pint in their charming farm market, which also sells fresh milk, honey, local produce, and sometimes even homemade pies. Visitors can pick their own herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables starting in June, and in September and October, there are fun weekend activities like a corn maze, hayrides, and a pumpkin cannon.

28600 Ridge Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771, Phone: 301-831-7427