trip to Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard can be a great day in the country. The rolling hills and farm lands of Montgomery County are not only home to our humble vineyard, but neighboring attractions, artisans, recreation areas, and dining experiences that will enhance your visit. In the Fall of 2006, Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard joined Countryside Artisans, a group of local creative enterprises dedicated to quality handcrafted items. Several of our neighbors listed below are also listed with this group:

There are also a number of bed & breakfast homes nearby.

Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain, a conservation/recreation area, is privately owned and managed by Stronghold, Inc. Visitors are invited to participate in the wide variety of outdoor recreation pursuits that include hiking, horseback riding, picnicking and nature study. The mountain is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. www.sugarloafmd.com

The Comus Inn
Located at 23900 Old Hundred Road (Route 109) in the rolling hills of the upper Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve, The Comus Inn is a destination restaurant which prides itself on quality, creativity and hospitality. Widely recognized as one of the finest restaurants in the Washington-Frederick area, The Inn has been completely renovated to provide diners with a more pleasurable experience. 301.349.5100 www.thecomusinn.com

Heisler Farm
Located across the street from The Comus Inn, David Heisler's seasonal (fall) farm stand is a must stop for those seeking locally grown produce ranging from his specialty pumpkins to squash, apples and his own honey. [website] The farm stand is located at 23830 Old Hundred Road (Route 109). David can be reached at 301-775-9699.

Kiparoo Farm
Come experience the excitement of the seasons with the sheep and shepherds of Kiparoo Farm. Revitalize your knitting projects with new textured yarns hand-dyed to reflect the awe and splendor of Mother Nature. Bring a lunch, your knitting and a friend to experience a fun approach to sheep farming. Kiparoo Farm is located at 2110 D Pleasant View Road; Adamstown, Maryland 21710. Tel: 301-874-6348. Contact: Annie Kelley. www.kiparoofarmsstudio.com

Lindenwood Farmgoods
Join us for apple cider in our old bankbarn where our beautiful harvest farmtables from antique barnwood are ready for this season's celebrations! Claire's new paintings, giclees, prints and cards depict the beauty of autumn. We offer delightful gifts for decorating, dried country flowers, and pumpkin potpourris. Damion Hunter presents her terrific fall collection of custom jewelry you'll love. Special Event: Antiques from Eden Farm. [website] Lindenwood Farmgoods is located at 20415 Westerly Road; Poolesville, Maryland 20837. Contact: Claire & Frank Howard. chowardlindenwood@verizon.net

Alden Farms
Alden Farms, one of the most unusual garden shops in the Washington area, features David Therriault's one-of-a-kind birdbaths, tables and garden sculptures carved from stone. As an added bonus, Alden Farms will open its shop full of unusual gifts for your friends, your garden, and your home during Studio Tour weekends. Alden Farms is located at 19215 Beallsville Road; Beallsville, Maryland 20839. Tel: 301-972-7183. Contact: David Therriault. aldenfarms@aldenfarms.net

Sugarloaf Studio
The creative muse has been busy at Sugarloaf Studio and can be seen in Susan's art that hangs abundantly in her beautiful northern lit studio. Come share the beauty and spirit of a place where one is surrounded by small intimate drawings and photographs, to large paintings and prints inspired by the natural world. Sugarloaf Studio is located at 21900 Beallsville Road; Barnesville, Maryland 20838. Tel: 301-972-7564. Contact: Susan Due Pearcy. sdpearcy@comcast.net

Dancing Leaf Farm
New jewelry, felt pieces, buttons, and, of course, yarn, fill the shelves in the studio. New colorways and knitted samples. Lots of wool and needles for felting. Dancing Leaf Farm is located at 21920 Beallsville Road; Barnesville, Maryland 20838. Tel: 301-972-8089. Contact: Dalis Davidson. www.dancingleaffarm.com

Lahara Textile Gallery
Lahara Textiles is a working fiber studio and gallery housed in an historic general store, and features the work of over 15 local and nationally acclaimed artists. Not your average shopping trip, the Lahara experience is a walk through an affordable museum filled with beautiful and unique art to wear, to enjoy in your home, or to give as gifts. Lahara Textile Gallery is located at 18101 Barnesville Road; Barnesville, Maryland 20838. Tel: 301-349-0056. Contact: Connie Diamant & Ginny Frank. www.laharatextiles.com

Morningstar Studio
Morningstar Studio's 1790's log cabin is tucked behind Tina's 1824 house in historic Barnesville. Her studio is filled with art inspired by the surrounding pastoral landscape, as well as new watercolors and drawings, a colorful map of the Agricultural Reserve, the Sugarloaf Mountain books, framed botanical art, art/journals, and drawing kits. Sugarloaf art mementos and countryside magic await you. Morningstar Studio is located at 18201 Barnesville Road; Barnesville, Maryland 20838. Tel: 301-428-8350. Contact: Tina Brown. tinathiemebrown@comcast.net

Stone Wall Farm
Come visit our barnroom filled with tons of hand-painted furniture and other unusual pieces: chairs, stools, trunks, side tables, fun painted shirts and totes, mirrors, glass, note-cards, frames and much more!! Stone Wall Farm is located at 21040 Sugar Ridge Terrace; Boyds, Maryland 20841. Tel: 301-972-9252. Contact: Kathleen Balogh. rkbalogh@comcast.net

PlumStuff
Recipe for a PlumStuff Table: New: The Canyon Series One 'Plum,' a Jack Russell Terrier, Add 'Peaches,' a calico cat Fold in a trip to the Grand Canyon with your grandson Dream, focus, and prepare the recipe with your heart Serve with love and a giggle Come by and sample the delicious results along with our famous cider and cookies! Enjoy our Plum's Shack Gallery featuring American Artists and Chocolate. PlumStuff is located at 15500 Comus Road; Comus, Maryland. Tel: 301-972-4554. Contact: Ellen Pearl. www.plumstuff.com

Art of Fire
Todd, Michael and Josh will be in the studio making glass while Foster and Theda finish the Renaissance Festival. Come enjoy the creations and explanations of their one-of-a-kind pieces. Shop in our gallery or place your holiday orders early. Pick up a packet of our 'basic' or 'beyond the basics' glass blowing class schedule or inquire about furnace rental. Art of Fire is located at 7901 Hawkins Creamery Road; Laytonsville, Maryland 20882. Tel: 301-253-6642 or 800-639-6979. Contact: Foster and Theda. www.artoffire.com – artoffire@verizon.net

Countryside Artisans, have "tours" several weekends a year. Most of the artisan shops listed are open year round, but because studio hours vary, please call individual sites ahead of your visit. More information can be found at www.countrysideartisans.com.