Colesville-Burtonsville Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Colesville-Burtonsville, Maryland, with information on places to visit, things to do, where to eat, stay and buy souvenirs, local culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options.


Introduction to Colesville-Burtonsville

Colesville-Burtonsville is a charming small town located in Montgomery County, Maryland, in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The town is known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and outdoor activities. Colesville-Burtonsville offers visitors a fascinating glimpse of the past and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the region. This travel guide will provide you with all the information you need for a memorable trip to Colesville-Burtonsville.

List of Places to Visit in Colesville-Burtonsville

There are many attractions and landmarks to explore in Colesville-Burtonsville. Here’s a list of some of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Historic Savage Mill: This historic mill complex has been transformed into a premier shopping destination, featuring over 175 unique stores, galleries, and restaurants.
  • Sandy Spring Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Sandy Spring and the surrounding areas.
  • Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center: This visitors’ center represents The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and provides guided tours of the temple.

Natural Attractions of Colesville-Burtonsville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park: This park is a natural oasis in the heart of Colesville-Burtonsville. Activities include hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
  • Rachel Carson Conservation Park: This park offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and a nature center.
  • T. Howard Duckett Watershed: This beautiful and serene watershed has miles of hiking trails, wildlife, and water activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Colesville-Burtonsville

Colesville-Burtonsville is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beautiful surroundings. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in the area:

  • Hawlings River Trail: This 3.4-mile trail offers a scenic route along the Hawlings River and through the rolling hills of Montgomery County.
  • Northwest Branch Trail: This 8.5-mile trail is great for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail runs through scenic woodlands and offers stunning views of the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River.
  • Cross Trails: Cross Trails offers some of the best mountain biking trails in the area.

Best Things to Do in Colesville-Burtonsville: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are many other activities and tours that you can enjoy in Colesville-Burtonsville. Here are some of the best:

  • Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course: This high ropes adventure course is a great way to challenge yourself and explore the canopy of trees.
  • Brookside Gardens: This beautiful garden features a variety of flora and fauna, butterfly exhibits, and smart water features.
  • Oasis Splash Park: A great place to cool down on hot summer days with slides and spray features.

Food and Drink Scene of Colesville-Burtonsville

Colesville-Burtonsville has a growing food and drink scene that offers diverse options for all palates:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crab Cakes: A signature dish from the Chesapeake Bay region made with locally-sourced crab meat.
  • Pork Barbeque: A Southern staple that’s a must-try when visiting Maryland.
  • Old Bay Seasoned Fries: A local twist on the classic French fry, dusted with Maryland’s famous Old Bay seasoning.

Local Beverages

  • Flying Dog Brewery: This popular brewery offers a variety of craft beers with seasonal favorites like Dogtoberfest.
  • Waredaca Brewing: A family-owned brewery with a taproom offering an array of beers and ciders.
  • Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard: A beautiful spot offering locally-made wines, tastings, and wine tours throughout the year.

Where to Stay in Colesville-Burtonsville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Colesville-Burtonsville has a range of accommodation options that cater to all budgets and preferences:

  • Courtyard by Marriott: Comfortable rooms and amenities, the Courtyard is a great choice for business and leisure travelers alike.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites: Located in nearby Laurel, MD, the Hampton Inn offers modern amenities and a complimentary breakfast.
  • Holiday Inn Express: Also located in beautiful Laurel, MD. Has a stunning indoor pool, exercise room, and free breakfast.

What to Buy in Colesville-Burtonsville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Don’t forget to bring back a piece of Colesville-Burtonsville to remember your trip. Here are some of the local products you should consider purchasing:

  • Crab Chips: This fun snack is a blend of two Maryland favorites, crab and chips.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: A classic Maryland spice that pairs perfectly with seafood and veggies.
  • Sandy Spring Museum Merchandise: Purchase unique and handcrafted souvenirs or books.

Local Culture and Customs of Colesville-Burtonsville

When visiting Colesville-Burtonsville, it’s important to respect the local culture and customs. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Etiquette: Colesville-Burtonsville is a small, friendly town. It’s polite to use “please” and “thank you” when interacting with locals.
  • Dress Code: Maryland has a relaxed style, with casual attire worn throughout the year.
  • Cultural Festivals: Colesville-Burtonsville holds cultural festivals in the town throughout the year, which are a great way to experience the local traditions and customs.

Best Time to Visit Colesville-Burtonsville

The best time to visit Colesville-Burtonsville is between March and May and October and November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the foliage is beautiful. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Colesville-Burtonsville

When visiting Colesville-Burtonsville, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do:

  • Explore the Great Outdoors: With an abundance of parks and hiking trails, it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area.
  • Enjoy the Local Cuisine: Maryland has some unique and flavorful dishes to try.
  • Respect the Local Customs: Colesville-Burtonsville is a small town with a friendly culture. Make sure to follow local customs and etiquette.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Help keep Colesville-Burtonsville clean and beautiful by respecting the environment.
  • Trespass: Make sure you have permission before exploring private property or farmland.
  • Forget to Tip: It’s customary to tip at restaurants and cafes.

Safety and Health

When it comes to safety and health, Colesville-Burtonsville is a safe place to visit. However, it’s always important to take precautions. Here’s what you need to know:

Safety in Colesville-Burtonsville

  • Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night.
  • Lock Your Car Doors: Make sure your car doors are locked at all times, and valuables are out of sight.
  • Observe Traffic Laws: Always follow traffic laws when driving, biking, or walking.

Health in Colesville-Burtonsville

  • Stay Hydrated: Make sure you have plenty of water, especially during hot summers.
  • Sun Protection: Protect your skin and wear sunscreen or protective clothing.
  • Watch for tick bites: Tick-borne illnesses can be common in forested areas like Colesville-Burtonsville; use an insect repellant and check for ticks.

Getting to Colesville-Burtonsville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Colesville-Burtonsville is easily accessible from many major transportation hubs, with multiple options for getting here.

Airports Near Colesville-Burtonsville

  • Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport: Located approximately 30 miles from Colesville-Burtonsville, this is the nearest major airport.
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: Located approximately 32 miles from Colesville-Burtonsville, it’s easily accessible via Metro or taxi.

Bus Stations Near Colesville-Burtonsville

  • Greyhound Bus Station: Located in nearby Silver Spring, MD, this station offers multiple bus options from major cities.

Other Options

  • Metro: The Washington D.C. metro system offers convenient access to Colesville-Burtonsville.
  • Car Rentals/Private Car Services

How to Get Around in Colesville-Burtonsville

Getting around Colesville-Burtonsville is easily accessible by car, bike, or foot.

  • Car: Renting a car is the easiest way to get around, especially if you plan to explore the region.
  • Bike: Biking is an excellent option for exploring the beautiful scenery and trails.
  • Foot: Walking is another great way to explore the town center and parks.

Where to Go Next from Colesville-Burtonsville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider exploring:

  • Washington, D.C.: Just a short drive away, the nation’s capital offers world-class museums, monuments, and historic landmarks.
  • Annapolis: A historic city situated on the Chesapeake Bay, it’s known for its colonial architecture and seafood cuisine.
  • Baltimore: A vibrant city famous for its Inner Harbor and seafood restaurants.

Conclusion

Colesville-Burtonsville is a small town packed with history, natural beauty, and fun activities. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll have all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to Colesville-Burtonsville. We hope you enjoy your visit!