Montgomery, Maryland at a Glance
Location: Central Maryland within the Washington, D.C., metro area
Access: Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore Washington International Airport, Ronald Reagan International Airport
Major Meeting Spaces: Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Hotel Rooms: 8,800+
Off-Site Venues: Waredaca Brewing Company, Loan Oak Farm, Marriott Bethesda Downtown
Contact Info:
Visit Montgomery
240-641-6752
visitmontgomery.com
As Maryland’s “cultural capital,” Montgomery County’s blend of history, culture and community makes it a standout in its own right, especially in the bustling Washington, D.C., metro area. Just over 20 miles from the nation’s capital, Montgomery County is a convenient meeting point for groups that want to enjoy its small-town feel while still experiencing landmark attractions in D.C.
Affectionately nicknamed MoCo, the region is ideally situated near three major airports — Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore Washington International Airport and Ronald Reagan International Airport — allowing convenient access with hundreds of daily flights and less than an hour’s drive between all three airports and the county. Once in town, accessibility to the Metro transit system allows for ease of travel across Montgomery County and into D.C.
“We are one of the most culturally diverse counties in the country,” said Leticia Engel, senior marketing manager for Visit Montgomery. “When we say cultural capital, we’re talking about the cultural diversity of our communities, but also the experiences you’ll find here.”
One of the most unique experiences in Montgomery is the access to outdoor spaces and attractions.
“One-third of our county is designated as an agricultural reserve,” Engel said. “So many don’t realize that there’s a lot of farm heritage here.”
There are more than a dozen breweries, wineries and distilleries located in the county, featuring farm-chic tasting rooms and cozy urban wineries. Meeting attendees who are coffee lovers will also appreciate visiting Mayorga Coffee, the largest organic coffee roaster in Maryland, which has spent 23 years roasting specialty coffee in Montgomery County.
Major Meeting Spaces
The 455-room Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center is the largest conference center in Montgomery County. Its conference space spans 50,000 square feet, featuring a 23,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,500 guests, an intimate 4,000-square-foot Junior Ballroom, and some of the highest ceilings in the area.
Off-Site Venues
Located along Montgomery’s Tastemakers Trail is Waredaca Brewing Company, a working horse farm that’s open year-round. The brewery has recently added pavilions with space for up to 100 guests and stunning views of the farm. Small, adult-only meetings and events can use the indoor space within the industrial-style Brew House. Slightly larger groups with up to 30 seated guests can spread out in the outdoor orchard space.
After the Meeting
Planners can organize group tours for up to 40 people to visit Glenstone, the largest privately funded museum in the U.S. Thriving at the intersection of art, architecture and nature, it’s a place for art lovers and novices alike to immerse themselves in the elements that inspire the artwork. After exploring the free admission galleries and exhibits, visitors can walk the Woodland Trail to view outdoor sculptures.
For a history-focused tour, Engel suggests organizing a visit to Josiah Henson Museum & Park, which is where Henson, an influential author, abolitionist and public speaker, was born and enslaved in 1789. Henson’s legacy includes leading over 118 enslaved people to freedom as a conductor on the Underground Railroad as well as his autobiography, inspired by Harriet Beecher Stowe’s famous novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
Explore the Outdoors
Sugarloaf Mountain, a Registered Natural Landmark, has long been a geological wonder situated on the border of Montgomery County and Frederick County. At an elevation of 1,282 feet and standing 800 feet tall, the mountain is home to more than 500 species of plants that bloom in the warmer months, as well as wildlife like white-tailed deer, black bears and flying squirrels. As someone who isn’t an avid hiker, Engel loves that it’s a great place for a leisurely hike. At the base of the mountain is the award-winning Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, the perfect post-hike spot.
“It’s fun to see everyone come down the mountain and hang out at the winery, just chill and listen to live music,” Engel said. “It’s a really nice outdoor experience.”
Cosmopolitan Cuisine
It’s easy to experience a world of culture through food in Montgomery County, from Ethiopian cuisine in Silver Spring to Asian fare in Rockville. The area is full of mom-and-pop restaurants and shops that reflect the diversity of the communities that call the county home. In August, there’s an annual Ethiopian Day Festival where chefs, artists and businesses share their vibrant culture with the attendees. There are also numerous farmers markets in the region to explore, such as Bethesda Central Farm Market, one of the largest in the area, which focuses on Maryland beer and wine tastings. In Takoma Park’s historic business district, the market features farm-fresh produce, artisanal cheese and meats, and often hosts street performances as well.
