To say that families need a change of scenery is an understatement these days. Luckily, you don’t have to go far to see rolling hills and open spaces, or to spot the occasional deer or fox. The county’s Office of Agriculture has mapped out a scenic self-driving tour, called Revive the Sunday Drive, on rural upcounty roads that takes roughly two hours without stops. The relaxing drive starts in Germantown near the Maryland SoccerPlex, brings you through Homestead Farm in Poolesville, and includes three hiking spots along the C&O Canal before winding up at Sugarloaf Mountain. Some of the roads are unpaved, bumpy and feature one-lane bridges, so get in the leisurely drive mindset and resist the urge to pick up the pace. With kids, give yourself extra time or choose part of the loop and take a couple breaks to run around and experience nature up close. The best stops are the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area off of River Road in Poolesville, where you can see fields of sunflowers in the summer, and White’s Ferry, with its large picnic area, eatery and easy access to the towpath.
Revive the Sunday Drive, montgomerycountymd.gov/agservices/resources/files/farm-tour/final_revive_sunday_drive.pdf
