A Stone’s Throw: Laurel, Md.

According the historical society of Laurel, this town was once known as “Laurel Factory” due to the large number of mill workers housed in the town during the 1800’s. Main Street in historic Laurel still has many of the original structures standing from this time period.

Laurel offers many activities for a daytrip, Patch has outlined a few suggestions for you:

The Laurel Museum: This quaint little museum may be a good place to start your day trip to Laurel.  Located in what once a house for families of local mill workers, this museum contains artifacts and photos from historical Laurel.

Currently, the museum is hosting a small display focused on the tenth anniversary of 9/11 and its devastating effects on the Laurel community and the rest of the world. The museum website has additional details about this display and other events.

Montpelier Mansion: This beautiful Georgian-style mansion was built in the 1700’s and is furnished with pieces reminiscent of the same time period. The back yard of the mansion has a colonial garden, a great spot for a picnic after taking a self-guided tour of the mansion and its carriage house.

Also on the grounds is the Montpelier Arts Center which houses three galleries, several artist's studios, and classrooms. Artist’s studios are open to the public so you can view their work in progress, before it goes on display in one of the three galleries. The Main Gallery is also the site for the performances of a Jazz, Folk/Blues and Classical music series.

There is a small fee for touring the museum, although you can enter the grounds free of charge. Go to their website for hours of operation and special events.

Patuxent National Wildlife Visitor Center: This center has interactive exhibits on environmental issues from all over the world: migratory bird routes, various wildlife habitats, and endangered species.  The exhibits are presented in a museum style atmosphere, which includes a hands-on area for children, and an auditorium for movie presentations. 

A “viewing pod” equipped with binoculars and radio tracking equipment offers visitors the chance to observe wildlife through a large picture window overlooking acres of natural habitat.

There are also hiking trails, outdoor education areas, and a tram ride which takes you through forests, meadows, and wetlands.  Admission to the center is free, but there is a small fee for the tram ride. Check out their website for times and additional information.

Laurel Park: And they’re off…this weekend marks opening weekend for live horse racing at Laurel Park. Opening day (Friday) includes food and drink specials and a barbeque. Admission is free on Saturday and everyone attending gets a souvenir mug.

The races will be held four days a week in Sept. (Wednesday through Saturday) and five days a week in Oct., Nov. and Dec. (Tuesday through Saturday, with Columbus holiday exception). Check out Laurel Park’s website for additional details.

Laurel has quite a few interesting places to dine during your daytrip, here’s a few to choose from:

Tastee Diner: This retro-style diner is open 24 hours a day and features a menu with items from the grill for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Belly up to the counter or pick a booth to enjoy daily blue plate specials and more, served in the atmosphere of a classic 1950s diner.

Red, Hot, & Blue:  Features Southern-style barbecued ribs and chicken as well as catfish and other finger-lickin’ favorites. Enjoy a great meal in a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by southern decor and blues music.

To learn everything there is to know about Laurel, visit the Laurel Patch website.