
Kick Back on the Farm
Located in upper Montgomery County on a historic 500-plus-acre property, Tusculum Farm is a working farm and agricultural oasis where guests can hike, fish, go horseback riding, tour a world-class outdoor sculpture collection, eat fresh from the farm—and sleep, too. Purchased in 1964 by the Freeman family, the farm boasts the only inn located within the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve.
Following a complete renovation of its farmhouse, The Inn at Tusculum Farm is now comprised of three historic buildings. Opened to guests last year, The Carriage House is a five-bedroom, three-bath home away from home with a full kitchen. The Coop, a two-bedroom, two-bath (with kitchen) hideaway in a red barn with sweeping views from its balcony, also opened last year. Both rent out in their entirety. The main farmhouse was transformed into a five-bedroom inn that debuted this spring. Its features include serene outdoor seating areas, lovely gardens, a screened-in porch for dining and TV watching, an outdoor pool with kid-friendly floats, firepits and cornhole boards.
Guests at The Carriage House and The Coop receive a dozen farm-fresh eggs for their kitchen and continental breakfast goodies. Take a tour with Farmer Joel, the “chief farm officer,” to see horses, alpacas and chickens, pick a few items from the vegetable garden, and learn more about farm operations past and present.
Rates begin at $225 per night, including breakfast.
The Inn at Tusculum Farm, 4601 Damascus Road, Laytonsville; 833-733-2276; tusculumfarm.com.
A New Tasting Route
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is best known for its historic Civil War battlefields, but it also has new offerings that are worth checking out. Established last year, the Adams County Pour Tour is a craft beverage trail through orchards, vineyards, farmland and a game-filled tasting room. There are 21 stops on the self-guided trail, including 10 in Gettysburg’s walkable downtown.
Just outside of Gettysburg, Adams County Winery (adamscountywinery.com) offers a tour of its wine-making facilities (best to book in advance) and tastings. The winery’s Tears of Gettysburg, a sweet white, and Rebel Red have won numerous awards. Relax on the stone terrace, which features a wood-fired brick pizza oven and live music on Sundays. Thirsty Farmer Brew Works (thirstyfarmer.com) serves craft ales, lagers, ciders and pub food.
In downtown Gettysburg, Reid’s Winery Cider House (reidsorchardwinery.com) offers cider and wine tastings. Knob Hall Winery’s tasting room (knobhallwinery.com) features a few cheekily named wines (such as Gold Digger and Jealous Mistress), bookshelves stuffed with board games, and “paintings” so detailed it’s hard to believe they were created from duct tape.
Stay the night at Gettysburg’s Federal Pointe Inn (federalpointeinn.com), a historic school turned luxury inn that’s located within walking distance of a few Pour Tour tasting rooms. Don’t miss the school-themed pub in the basement. Rates begin at $149.
Pick up a trail map and passport at any Adams County Pour Tour stop and collect stamps for prizes. 800-337-5015; destinationgettysburg.com/pourtour.