National Arboretum
The Arboretum was established by an act of Congress on March 4, 1927. In 1973, the National Arboretum was placed on the The National Register of Historic Places, identifying it as worthy of preservation for its historic value.The Aboretum occupies 444 acres in the northeast section of the District of Columbia. Our October tour is just in time for the Fall-flowering Lycoris and Sternbergia, and massed fruits of crabapples, fire thorns, holly and a host of berried shrubs. Fall display begins in mid-September and continues through October, when tree foliage exhibits is spectacular change in color. This color change is highlighted by the rich yellows of tulip poplar and hickory, and the reds and bronzes of the gums and dogwoods that are abundantly scattered throughout the native woodlands.
A seafood lunch buffet will be served at Phillips Seafood Restaurant.
National Botanic Gardens
Steeped in history, rich with tradition, the United States Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in North America. It highlights the diversity of plants worldwide, as well as their aesthetic, cultural, economic, and ecological importance. Chartered by Congress "... to collect, cultivate, and grow the various vegetable products of this and other countries for exhibition and display to the public...", this significant garden is getting back to its roots. During the late 18th Century it was the dream of a number of key political figures, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, to have a national botanic garden at the seat of government. The garden's first greenhouse was constructed in 1842. Since 1849 the Garden has been located at the eastern end of the Mall. Placed under the jurisdiction of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress in 1856, the Garden has been administered through the Office of the Architect of the Capitol since 1934.
All times are approximate.
Click here for our Departure Locations
Departing from Frederick MD at 7:30am.
We will depart from Skate Frederick Parking lot on Riverbend Way rear of Wal-Mart Rte 26 Frederick.
Departing from Hagerstown MD at 6:45am.
We will depart from MTA ParknRide Col. Douglas Dr off of Rt 65 Sharpsburg Pike across from the Sleep Inn between Wendy's and the MVA.
Returning to Frederick at 5:00pm
Returning to Hagerstown at 5:45pm.