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.
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.
