Road trip to visit Bowie, Maryland
This past weekend, my husband and I took a road trip to visit our friends in Bowie, Maryland. It was one of the best trips we’ve ever taken together, and we have a few tips to help you plan your visit to the charming town. There are so many things to do in Bowie, MD, for all the family.
I first became aware of the area after we saw a photo in a magazine article about a local brewery, so we planned a trip there to enjoy a couple of cold ones. We’d been to the area many times before, but I still had so much to learn about the town. For example, I never knew that Bowie is the birthplace of both the Baltimore Colts and the Washington Redskins! I also learned that it was named for British Admiral John Rennie who had a hand in building the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
So, let’s start by talking about the best areas to visit while you’re in town. There are many reasons to come here, but it’s mostly because of the beautiful setting and the interesting history of the area. The town is located in the heart of Anne Arundel County. This is the oldest county in the state, and it is also one of the wealthiest counties in the country. It’s a lovely area, and you should definitely take advantage of some of the activities in the surrounding counties.
Places to stay
There are two great places to stay in Bowie. We stayed at the Red Roof Inn, which is the closest hotel to the area’s attractions. I highly recommend it for its central location, as well as for its amenities. There are also several other hotels nearby that offer a similar level of comfort, and some of them are more affordable.
Restaurants
You can also find many restaurants in the area that serve classic dishes with a twist. I enjoyed the food at the Frenchmen’s Steakhouse, and I’m looking forward to trying some of the other local options.
Museums and historic sites
In addition to the great food, there are plenty of great museums and historic sites in the area. You’ll find a museum dedicated to the history of the town itself at the Charles L. Bruce Museum. It’s also possible to learn about the history of the local area and the surrounding areas through the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Another museum worth visiting is the Bowie Historical Society. It has an interesting collection of antique items that are displayed in a beautiful building.
Bowie State University
Another must-see is the Bowie State University, which has a beautiful campus and a fascinating history. You can find out more about the school through the College of Education’s website. The Maryland Historical Society is also located near the campus, and it’s a popular stop for those interested in learning more about the area’s past.
Anne Arundel County Zoo
Bowie is also home to the Anne Arundel County Zoo, which offers many exciting activities. You’ll find it a bit out of the way, but it’s worth a visit.
In addition to these wonderful sights and activities, Bowie is known for its quaint shops and restaurants. You can find a wide variety of shops in downtown Bowie, and you can also shop online through the local shopping website. I loved browsing the stores at the Towne Center and the Tuckahoe Mall. If you’re looking for some unique gifts, then you can find some fun items at the Unique Boutique.
While you’re exploring the area, you’ll also want to check out some of the local festivals. The town hosts the Bowie Arts Festival every year, and it features a wide range of events. I especially enjoyed the festival’s children’s activities. There are also several festivals in nearby towns, including the Calvert Cliffs Festival.
My favorite way to spend a day in Bowie is by going on a walking tour. The tours are led by local historians who provide interesting tidbits about the town and its history. There are a lot of different tours to choose from, so I suggest that you sign up for a tour that best suits your interests.
The history of Bowie is rich and diverse, and you can learn about it through the experiences that you have during your visit. That’s why it’s important to do some research before you go, so that you can make the most of your visit.