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Brrrrr, it’s cold outside, which means it’s that time of year when you’re probably wanting to get out of the house without sacrificing the warmth of the indoors. The good news is there are lots of great indoor activities in Washington County and the surrounding area. The hard part may be choosing which to do first! Of course there’s always the option of bundling up and enjoying the quiet beauty of the outdoors during the winter months.
Enjoy some indoor play!
There are many options throughout the region for indoor play for all ages, from downtown Hagerstown’s Discovery Station, a STEAM-based children’s museum with hands-on play and educational activities, to Rocky Gap Casino, offering video poker, slots and table games (must be 21 or over to be on the casino floor), and everything in between. Recently opened Tilt Studio at the Valley Mall is a fun experience for both the young and young-at-heart. With more than 100 arcade and video games, two level laser tag, mini bowling, blacklight mini golf, bumper cars, Hummer cars, Daytona racing and more, it’s fun at full blast! Seven Ten, in the north end of Hagerstown, offers 40,000-square-feet of entertainment under one roof. It features bowling with lane-side service, billiards, a high-tech arcade, an upscale restaurant and an event venue. If you’re up for a bit of a drive, the Carlisle Sports Emporium is known as the “Place to Play!” There’s an indoor go-kart track, miniature golf, laser tag, a roller skating rink, arcade and a rock climbing wall.
Catch a show or performance!
Winter is the perfect time to catch a show or performance. Venues like the Maryland Theatre and the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University, offer diverse lineups, from vocal and musical groups to comedians, dancers, speakers, musicals and more. There’s truly something for every age! The Maryland Theatre is also home to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, which has several performances planned throughout the winter months. Interested in dinner and a show? Take a look at the upcoming schedule for Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater and Children’s Theater, presenting Broadway-style musicals and comedies. Antietam Recreation, a dinner theater and family camp, offers heart-warming, high energy shows during the cold weather months. Maryland Entertainment Group showcases local artists and performers with shows at Hagerstown Community College.
Visit a winery or brewery!
Washington County wineries and breweries remain open for business during the winter months, giving visitors and residents a fun reason to get out of the house. Whether you want to do a brewery tour and tasting at Antietam Brewery, spend your Friday evening enjoying live music at Red Heifer Winery’s After Dark, enjoy craft beer and test your knowledge at Cushwa Brewing Company’s Thursday trivia nights or relax with a glass of wine and live music at Big Cork Vineyards or Knob Hall Winery, there’s always something going on! Craft your own wine or beer at Blue Mountain Wine Crafters, try Maryland wines from Olney Winery at their local wine tasting bar, Olney Winery at Stone House Square, or spend the day traveling and enjoying wine along the Antietam Highlands Wine Trail. The options are limitless!
Go antiquing!
If you enjoy antiquing and vintage finds, Washington County is a great destination for treasure seeking! Antique Crossroads, Hudson House Galleries, and Valley Antiques and Uniques, Memory Lane Antiques & Collectibles , Rocky Ridge Collectibles are all within a short driving distance in Funkstown and Hagerstown. Hagerstown also has GameRoom Garage, a fun specialty shop featuring game room and garage items and collectibles. Farther west in Washington County you’ll find Buddy Lou’s Eats, Drinks & Antiques and Hancock Antique Mall, both great stops when out and about antiquing. You can even grab something to eat at Buddy Lou’s!
Enjoy art, history and more at a museum!
Considering Washington County’s rich history, it should come as no surprise that the county has a multitude of museums! Some smaller museums are only open seasonally, while others are open year round. Historic sites like Antietam National Battlefield and Fort Frederick State Park offer museums with exhibits on soldiers, weaponry and local civilians. If you enjoy model trains, the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum and The Train Room, located within walking distance of each other, are fun stops that bring out the child in everyone! If you’re interested in the county’s agricultural and rural history, the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum should definitely be on your list of places to stop. For those who appreciate art, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Washington County Arts Council Gallery and Engine Room Art Space all showcase an ever-changing array of art.
Don’t let the cold keep you home. There’s lots to explore in Washington County, even during colder weather! Plan your winter adventure now!
