Rockville – located in Montgomery County, Maryland – is an easy day trip from both Baltimore and Washington DC, and its vibrant arts scene and rich history will make you want to spend the whole weekend!
Rockville is home to several historical sites, including the famed St. Mary’s Church, the final resting place of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda.
The arts scene in Rockville is thriving. VisArts believes that the arts should be accessible to everyone, and offers classes and opportunities for every age and ability. VisArts also strives for equality and inclusivity within the arts community, and the VisAbility Art Lab is open to artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
If you’d like to plan a trip to Rockville, be sure to check the Rockville Arts Festival in Spring!
A true reflection of Rockville’s multiculturalism, these 10 local restaurants will transport you around the globe through their unique, delicious and authentic dishes. Here are 10 restaurants from countries you can ‘visit’ in Rockville!
Mexico – Plaza Oaxaca
“We are a restaurant focused on promoting traditional Mexican food, our main focus being Oaxacan gastronomy, we are an authentic cuisine, an exquisite combination of pre-Hispanic and contemporary ingredients…”
“We make all of our Jamaican food from scratch with traditional cooking methods. The result is popular favorites such as curry chicken made in a way that brings out all the natural flavors.”
“The food we offer is a combination of authentic Peruvian cuisine and old family recipes. We wish to offer a small taste of our beloved Peru and we hope to be an accurate representation of our country.”
Address: 141 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850 Website: https://lacanelaperu.com/ Be sure to try: Ceviche de Pescado
La Canela
Ethiopia – Sheba
“Here at Sheba we try to bring the diverse mix of ethnic backgrounds of Ethiopia through our rich menu which consists of popular meat based dishes, as well as renowned vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.”
“Mykonos Grill welcomes you and invites you to experience the Aegean, the tranquility of our island, our beautiful colors and our rich heritage. We bring it all together, put it on a plate and serve it to our guests.”
Address: 121 Congressional Lane, Rockville, MD 20852 Website: https://mykonosgrill.com/ Be sure to try: Mousaka Smyrna
Mykonos Grill
Italy – Fontina Grille
“Fontina Grille offers a delightful Italian fare prepared fresh daily using the highest quality ingredients. Whether you are in the mood for something new or just want to enjoy some old favorites, our friendly staff will make your next dining experience a pleasant one.”
Address: 801 Pleasant Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 Website: https://fontinagrille.com/ Be sure to try: Saltimbocca
Lebanon – Lebanese Taverna Café
“Lebanese Taverna brings a little piece of Lebanon back to us, and in turn, the customers experience Lebanese food and culture. The mood is always festive and, as is the Lebanese tradition, dishes are served with sharing in mind.”
“Om Fine Indian Cuisine is a cornerstone in the Rockville community and has become recognized for its outstanding Indian cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff. We are known for our modern interpretation of classic dishes and our insistence on only using high quality, fresh ingredients.”
“We have been awarded recognition by the Washingtonian Restaurant Guide, the Washington Post, Yelp and Zagat survey. Our menu favorites have been the pork soup dumlpings and the crab pork dumplings.”
Address: 305 N. Washington Street, Rockville, MD 20850 Website: https://www.bobsshanghai66.com/ Be sure to try: Leek & Pork Dumplings
Japan – Gyuzo Japanese BBQ
“We are an authentic Japanese yakiniku restaurant. At Gyuzo, we offer delicious grilled meat with a focus on imported beef. Our A5 Japanese Wagyu beef is hand cut by our chef and is characterized by the original taste of the meat and the sweetness of the marbling fat content.”
Address: 33 Maryland Avenue, Suite B, Rockville, MD 20850 Website: https://www.gyuzobbq.com/ Be sure to try: Uni-Meets Wagyu
Spend the day at Rockville Civic Center Park, the city’s largest park, full of fun places to explore. Get close to nature at the Croydon Creek Nature Center, explore the gardens of Glenview Mansion, or catch a show at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre.
The Croydon Creek Nature Center is a short distance from downtown Rockville. The center sits on 120 acres of forest preserve and presents a world of discovery through interpretive exhibits and seasonal programs. Take a hike along 3 miles of marked trails to discover historic relics and tributary of Rock Creek.
Glenview Mansion sits at the heart of the Civic Center overlooking 28 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Stroll through the six-room art gallery, featuring rotating exhibitions by local, national and international artists. Get lost in the magic of the formal gardens. The stone archway and flagstone walkways make for the perfect photo opp.
Experience a captivating musical by the Rockville Musical Theatre, feel moved by the Victorian Lyric Opera Company. Or lose yourself in the spellbinding Rockville Civic Ballet. The F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre is a vibrant, local theatre dedicated to the performing arts.
Rockville’s history stretches back to the 1770’s starting as one of the first settlements in Montgomery County slowly growing into a bustling city post-World War II. Some 250 years later, Rockville would be almost unrecognizable to its residents of the past except for these historic Rockville treasures
Presently the centerpiece of the Rockville Civic Center Park, Glenview Mansion’s history traces back to the 1830’s. Named for its view of the valley below, Glenview’s original two-story farmhouse overlooked the estate’s 500 acres was built in 1838 by the Bowie family.
Glenview remained in the Bowie family until 1904 until it was finally acquired by a wealthy and connected couple from Washington. The property underwent significant upgrades in 1923, transformed into a country estate designed for entertaining. The 30+ room property is included on the National Register of Historic Places and because of its significant architecture and formal gardens, and is free and open to the public during visiting hours
This historic path cuts through Rockville and was used as an organized escape system for slaves, uniting fugitives with volunteers who would assist slaves before conveying them across the border to states where they could live in freedom. According to historians, fugitives walked up the C&O Canal towpath, traveled north on what is now Rockville Pike/Frederick Road.
Dr. Frieda Fromm-Reichmann’s Cottage 19 Thomas Street, Rockville MD 20850
The cottage in the west end of Rockville is associated with Dr. Frieda Fromm-Reichmann, a leading figure in American psychiatry renowned for her pioneering contributions to the treatment of schizophrenia. Dr. Fromm-Reichmann served as director of psychotherapy at Chestnut Lodge in Rockville, then a premier center for the study and treatment of schizophrenia.
The cottage was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2021 and is preserved and maintained by Peerless Rockville. Look out for events hosted at the cottage by Peerless Rockville
Image copyright Peerless Rockville
Rockville B&O Railroad Station
98 Church Street, Rockville MD 20850
Built in 1873, the Rockville station was one of several stops along the route between Washington and Point of Rocks. The station is designed in a Victorian Gothic style with Eastlake detailing, emblematic of its age.
By the development of the Metro in the 1970’s, the Rockville B&O Station had been seldom used and fallen into disrepair. In 1981 Peerless Rockville acquired and facilitated the move of the 400-ton station to its present location on Church Street. The former B&O Station is now occupied by a local law firm committed to the preservation of the building.
Renowned for his modern classic, “The Great Gatsby”, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s remains rest at the historic St. Mary’s Church in the heart of Rockville. Fitzgerald was a descendant of prominent Maryland families (the Scotts, Keys, and Fitzgeralds) with his father, Edward Fitzgerald born in then pre-Civil war Rockville.
Fitzgerald’s remains were originally interred at Rockville Cemetery, but was relocated along with his wife’s remains to St. Mary’s Catholic church by their daughter in 1975 upon the Women’s Club of Rockville’s suggestion. Today 15 member of the Fitzgerald and their extended family rest at St. Mary’s.
Looking for a weekend getaway destination? Why not spend time just outside of Washington DC in Montgomery, County Maryland? You’ll never have a dull moment while you wine, dine, hike, and climb your way through Rockville in our 48-hour weekend itinerary.
Day 1: Cambria Hotel
Cambria Hotel, located conveniently near the Rockville Town Center, is the perfect suite-style place to call home for the weekend. Enjoy the hotel’s many amenities such as the Bistro and Barista Coffee Bar, an indoor heated pool, fitness center, and a full dining menu to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Day 1: Breakfast at First Watch
Start your day off right by fueling yourself with a hearty breakfast from First Watch. Choose from a full list of fresh, made-to-order breakfast dishes such as the smoked salmon & roasted vegetable frittata , power breakfast quinoa bowl, or the million-dollar bacon.
Day 1: Take a class at VisArts
Get your creative juices flowing by learning a new art skill at VisArts. Choose from an array of classes like drawing, painting, photography, jewelry making, and more.
Day 1: Grain to Glass Tour at True Respite Brewing Company
Sip and unwind at the “Grain to Glass Tour” at True Respite Brewing Company. Schedule a private tour to explore every detail that goes into the production, conditioning and flavors of their award-winning beers during this immersive experience.
Day 1: Dinner at Il Pizzico
Wrap up your first day in Rockville with authentic Italian food from Il Pizzico. Delicious dishes like Rissoto Del Giorno and Penne Alle Melanzane will leave you feeling like you just touched down in Italy.
Day 2: Breakfast at Silver Diner
After a good night’s sleep, fuel up for your second day with a farm-to-table breakfast from Silver Diner. The menu includes popular American-style breakfast staples like eggs Benedict, caramel French toast, and buttermilk pancakes.
Day 2: Explore the Croydon Creek Nature Center
Let a day of exploration begin at the Croydon Creek Nature Center. Immerse yourself in nature during a hike along the three miles of trails, and on your way back, visit the Nature Center where you’ll find a variety of animals as a part of their conservation and education efforts.
Day 2: Go for a climb at EarthTreks
Exercise while having a blast at EarthTreks! Climb your way through more than 38,000 feet of terrain during an instructed class or head to “Open Climb” to experience extensive lead, top rope, and bouldering routes at your own pace.
Day 2: Dinner at Clyde’s at Tower Oaks
Adjacent to a 21-acre nature preserve, Clyde’s at Tower Oaks is the most ideal spot for a relaxing dinner to end your getaway to Rockville. Take in the beautiful lodge-like décor while you enjoy dishes sourced from local farms in the Maryland area.
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The holidays are here which means the hunt for the perfect gift is on! These businesses are full of fun and unique products that you won’t find anywhere else. Here are five Rockville small businesses to check out this holiday season:
Shop Local Rockville
Rockville Town Square – 36D Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20871
This store is a collective of multiple small women-owned businesses who are a part of the Maryland Women’s Business Center’s retail business incubator – Shop Local. From handmade chocolates, jewelry, and natural body care products to bespoke international clothing, the Shop Local Rockville store’s convenient location in Rockville Town Center is a must visit for holiday gifts.
Shafa Blends
1327 Rockville Pike, Suite F, Rockville, MD 20850
Shafa Blends is a family-owned tea and spice shop featuring small batch specialty tea, spice, herb, botanical, and salt blends. With a focus on using all-natural ingredients, these hand-crafted blends are made with the goal of healing mind, body and soul
The Cottage Monet
Rockville Town Square – 36 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850
Located in Rockville Town Square, The Cottage Monet offers thoughtful gifts and distinctive home furnishings. As a Platinum Vera Bradley retailer, The Cottage Monet carries the area’s largest inventory of Vera Bradley products in the area. The shop also offers a full line of linens as well as unique, decorative accessories for the home.
Lil’ Thingamajigs brings the best of Asian pop culture to America with hundreds of toys, stationery, home accessories, and K-Pop merchandise. For all things anime and kawaii (cute), look no further than Lil’ Thingamajig’s store in Rockville.
Appalachian Spring
Congressional Plaza – 1641 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
From toys and games to kitchen accessories, Appalachian Spring in Rockville has a wide variety of fun, fancy pieces to choose from. This store is known for its beautiful, handcrafted one-of-a-kind art pieces made by artists and craftspeople throughout the United States. From the designer jewelry to their handmade wooden boxes and pottery, their selection of fine handcrafted items are sure to bring joy to that special someone in your life.
