The Maryland SoccerPlex, located in Boyds, Maryland is one of the largest soccer facilities in the country with a whopping 24 soccer fields. The SoccerPlex also features a 64,000-square-foot, indoor, multi-sport complex known as the Discovery Sports Center, which has eight basketball and volleyball courts that convert to indoor fields for soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. Visiting this area just 30 miles northwest of the nation’s Capital with your team will be exciting and fun, even if you can’t make it into downtown Washington D.C. There are plenty of activities and great restaurants for your group to go to while at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Here are some.
Things to Do
Black Hill Regional Park
The stated mission of Montgomery Parks is to balance the demand for recreation with the need for conservation of the natural resource. Nowhere is the success of this mission more evident than at Black Hill Regional Park. The Park comprises 1,300 acres of recreation and appreciation of nature. 10 miles of natural surface trails offer spectacular views of the lake, meandering as they do through oak and hickory forests. The gold mining history of the area, as well as former mill sites, are marked and interpreted by historical markers.
The Black Hill Visitor Center is right in Boyds, overlooking Little Seneca Lake, not far from Maryland SoccerPlex. Home to the Black Hill Nature Programs, the center has a children’s corner, exhibits, and auditorium. Surrounding all this are play areas and native plant gardens that are perfect for exploring nature. Experience the beautiful 505-acre Little Seneca Lake by rowboat, paddle board, canoe, or kayak. Or, you can jump on the public pontoon boat for a guided tour. Enjoy the varied wildlife that lives in and around the water. 20930 Lake Ridge Dr, Boyds, MD 20841
South Germantown Recreational Park
The South Germantown Recreational Park sits on 695 acres of what had been a working dairy farm since the mid-1800s. The park offers a variety of venues and activities, including a Splash Park with a 280-jet water maze, cave with a waterfall, water bucket drops, slide, and spraying animals; 18-hole, lighted championship Mini-Golf Course; driving range with 40 tees; mountain bike and 5000-foot BMX pump track; tennis center; fishing and picnicking areas; and the indoor swim center, a 60,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility with competition, recreation, and leisure pools with two indoor water slides and saunas. Also, the Central Park Pond offers fishing and a model boat launch. 14501 Schaeffer Rd, Boyds, MD 20841
RIO Washingtonian Center
RIO Washingtonian Center, in nearby Gaithersburg, is the premier shopping and dining destination in the northwest D.C. corridor. Shoppers can take advantage of its unrivaled retail selection and picturesque open air shopping environment and vibrant setting. The Center boasts 760,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment, including AMC/Loews RIO Cinemas, various clothing stores, and plenty of other cool shops. Grab some food from eateries like California Pizza Kitchen or Joe’s Crab Shack. RIO Washingtonian Center offers the best shopping experience around and is a dependable activity to bank on during your trip. 9811 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Go Ape
Just 14 miles east of Maryland SoccerPlex in Rockville is Go Ape. Buckle up for a high flying adventure of a lifetime. Zoom down zip lines, conquer the high ropes courses and other suspended obstacles and enjoy a two to three hour trip up in the trees. Go Ape is like nothing else you’ve experienced and you can bet on a thrilling trip that the whole team will love. Leave the ground behind and kiss the sky at Go Ape. 6129 Needwood Lake Dr, Rockville, MD 20855
Zavazone
Also in Rockville is Zavazone, an indoor adventure park with unique space dedicated to active fun for people from ages 5 to 105. Nestled in this fun zone are tons of trampolines, zip lines, ninja obstacle courses, and more. This is the perfect place to take your team and let them let loose and maybe burn up the excess energy kids are famous for. 40 Southlawn Ct, Rockville, MD 20850
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
You may never be this close to this much American history again, so definitely think about adding this landmark to your team’s itinerary. Just 45-minutes west of the Maryland SoccerPlex, across the border of West Virginia, is the picturesque town of Harpers Ferry and the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Check out what the past was like thanks to this historic community and explore scenic streets, hike the trails, stop by some of the battlefields, and take some time to see the exhibits and museums. 767 Shenandoah St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
To find hotel rooms closest to where your team is playing in Boyds or any city, visit hotels4teams.com. Hotels4Teams – The Best Hotels at the Best Prices, Closest to the Action!
Places to Eat
Picca Pollo A La Brasa
The creators of Picca Pollo A La Brasa invite you to try some homemade Peruvian cuisine. They know you’ll like it. Picca’s serves up uniquely delicious dishes fixed with the highest quality and freshest ingredients. Dig the colorful decor. Start with the Salchipapas and Aguadito soup, then try the Bistéc a lo Pobre. 13000 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874
Copper Canyon Grill
Located in the RIO Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, Copper Canyon Grill has more than enough space in their dining room and outdoor patio to accommodate teams of any size. Their lunch and dinner meals are very filling and the perfect entrees to satisfy a group of growing kids. Try their Eastern Shore Crab Cakes, Big Meatloaf Stack, Hickory Grilled Fillets, or any of their Wood-grilled Fish. 100 Boardwalk Pl, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
il Porto
il Porto is famous for its awesome Italian fare that’s priced at extremely reasonable rates. You will not find a friendlier and welcoming atmosphere. This Southern Italian style restaurant specializes in entrees like Spaghetti and Meat Balls, Gnocchi with Marinara Sauce, Shrimp Fra Diavola, and Chicken Piccata. Also try their delicious pizza! 200 S Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge
Just beyond the beltway in Rockville sits Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge. Well known for their steaks, seafood, fabulous burgers, and unique sandwiches, everyone on your team will find something they’ll enjoy. They also have a superb Sunday Brunch, in case you can sneak away before an afternoon game at Maryland SoccerPlex. 2 Preserve Pkwy, Rockville, MD 20852
Hopefully you will also have time to visit the monuments and other attractions in Washington D.C. while you are visiting the Maryland SoccerPlex. If not, then enjoy the Northwest suburbs and all that Montgomery County has to offer you and your team.