PCS to Fort Meade: Things to do and places to visit

PCS to Fort Meade - if you have just picked orders to Fort Meade, all I can say is CONGRATULATIONS! Fort Meade is a great base in a wonderful area. The good news is, there is so much to do in Central Maryland. The bad news is, there is so much to do in Central Maryland. You probably wont have the time to do it all!

THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT AROUND FORT GEORGE G. MEADE

The close proximity to downtown Baltimore and Washington DC lends itself to days of sightseeing. If you feel like hitting the beach you can try one of the local beaches along the Chesapeake Bay or take the drive across the Bay Bridge and head to Ocean City, Dewey Beach or Bethany Beach - and while you are there, don't forget to check out Assateague Island!

If you like being outdoors you can go hiking or mountain biking in Patapsco Valley State Park (free admission for military) there are more than 16,000 acres along the Patapsco River to explore! Centennial Park in Ellicott City, MD is a favorite among the locals for a nice afternoon jog or a leisurely walk around the lake with the family. Gorgeous - especially in the fall - you can feed the geese, fish or rent a boat to take in the scenery from the middle of the lake.

The many quaint historic Main streets are so inviting you'll return again and again. Just pick a Saturday afternoon and head on over to Ellicott City or Annapolis for example, you will not regret it. If you are up for a day-trip make your way west to New Market or Frederick, and stop by one of the local farms on your way for some pick-your-own vegetables and fruits - Larriland is a favorite all throughout summer and fall.

You can also easily spend a whole day at Arundel Mills Mall or The Mall in Columbia - both make for extraordinary shopping but Arundel Mills Mall has quite a few outlet stores of which Tommy Hilfiger Outlet, Calvin Klein Outlet and the Stride Rite/Keds Outlet offer an additional 10% military discount.

There's Six Flags in Prince George's County for a fun-family day or Hershey Park and Dutch Wonderland in PA if your kids are smaller. A yearly trip to Dutch Wonderland is a must for my family, you can make it there, spend a few hours creating great memories, and make it back home for dinner in one day. They also offer a small military discount ($3 off regular admission).

If you are looking for more kids-centered activities, check out the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, the National Zoo on Connecticut Ave NW in Washington DC (close to WRNMMCB) Port Discovery Children's Museum (small military discount) in downtown Baltimore or Clark's Elioak Farm on Route 108 in Ellicott City. Clark's Elioak Farm is a place your children will want to return again and again - it's guaranteed - Hayrides, Pony rides, an Enchanted Forest and a Petting Zoo just to name a few of their attractions. Ellicott City is also home to the B&O Railroad Museum which regularly holds special events for children.

THAT is Fort Meade in a nutshell - or, actually it's just the tip of the iceberg - there is just so much to do and to explore, it's impossible to name it all. Your time at Fort Meade in Central Maryland is sure to be an interesting and fun-filled one if you take advantage of the many attractions and special events the area has to offer.

WELCOME TO FORT MEADE!