Posts Tagged ‘C&O Canal’
Washington Day Trip: Sunflowers, Riley’s Lock, and Old Angler’s Inn
Thursday, July 21st, 2011
Planning day trips around Washington is a great way to get to know the area. Upon the recommendations of a friend, we visited the McKee-Beshers sunflowers during their peak bloom period this July and also made a stop on the C&O Canal at Riley’s Lock before getting lunch at Old Angler’s Inn. We’ve added a few points of interest along the route.
View Sunflower Day Trip in a larger map
We began our morning at the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Area. Outside of Potomac in Poolesville, MD and just off River Road (almost immediately after you pass signs for Homestead Gardens, a pick-your-own farm) there is a parking area on the left side of the road. Pull over here and park. A trail entrance on the right side of the parking lot will guide you to the sunflower fields. As the trail opens up, the area glows an enchanting warm yellow where acres of four foot high sunflowers await. In cooler weather this is a hunting area. The sunflower seeds will bring doves to the fields.
We drove up the road a few minutes to see the Kunzang Palyul Choling Maryland temple. There are at least 28 stupas (Buddhist shrines) to explore along with Peace Park and refuge for parrots.
Following River Road back toward Seneca Road we stopped at Riley’s Lock on the C&O Canal. This area is ripe with history. The Calleva outdoor adventure school is located here and offers River and Riding programs. We walked along the trail and saw people jogging, horseback riders, and many people in canoes and kayaks.
Riley’s Lock
Signage about the history of the area. The house still stands.
A picnic spot with commanding views, picnic tables and grills. Just across the water we spotted Trump National Golf Club in Virginia.
And if you prefer a leisurely lunch, it’s well worth the drive to Old Angler’s Inn, an historic restaurant offering outdoor seating in a unique location.
When planning our outing, I found this article from the Washington Post helpful.
Tags: C&O Canal, mckee-beshers sunflowers, Old Angler's Inn, Poolesville, Potomac, riley's lock, Washington Day Trips
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