Comus MD is the perfect day trip from Washington if you want to spend the afternoon climbing Sugarloaf mountain, drinking some beer at the Comus Inn, sipping wine at the Sugarloaf Mountain winery or buying lavender at the Soleado Lavender Farm at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain.

Comus MD has a Beer Garden

Day trip destination the Comus Inn—a five-acre beer garden and restaurant overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain—is getting a revamp thanks to some veteran DC restaurateurs.

The historic farmhouse in Dickerson, Maryland, served as a wedding venue with a fine-dining restaurant until real estate developer Doug Yurechko turned it into a family-friendly beer garden and entertainment venue a few years ago. Recently, Yurechko sold it to a group that includes brothers Eric and Ian Hilton (whose many DC-area establishments include Chez Billy Sud, Players Club, and American Ice Co.), Steve Ryan (Ian’s partner in Solace Outpost), and Jonathan Staples (owner of 63-acre farm-brewery Vanish in Lucketts, Virginia).

The Comus Inn restaurant reopened this week under the direction of chef JR Tiernan, who previously cooked at Dominion Wine & Beer in Falls Church. His new menu will utilize plenty of local ingredients like White Stone oysters, Roseda beef for burgers and dry-aged steaks, and mushrooms from neighboring Happy Mushroom Farm for a dish with chevre, buttered leeks, and duck egg. Other highlights include a Scotch egg with housemade sausage, and country-fried quail on a cheddar cornmeal waffle with chili-garlic honey.

In May, the Comus Inn will open its dog-friendly, family-friendly beer garden and taqueria, which will also serve easy snacks like warm pretzels and beer cheese. Beers will predominantly come from Vanish, along with other local breweries. The Comus Inn will also pour local wines and host occasional tastings with winemakers. There’s even a little bourbon bar and frozen drink machines for margaritas and frosé.

The new owners are making a number of changes, including extended hours. While the previous iteration of the Comus Inn hosted a summer camp’s worth of activities and events, the new version will focus primarily on food, drinks, and live music at least four days a week. The scenic lawn has been re-landscaped with more seating and no more shuffleboard or bocce courts. The venue welcomes large groups, and has a private dining room upstairs, but they’re going to hold off on buyouts for weddings and large events initially to focus on day-trippers. “We don’t want to close the place down,” Hilton says.

Sugarloaf Winery

Comus MD is located in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve, an area known for its wineries and vineyards. Visitors can explore nearby wineries such as Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, which offers wine tastings, tours, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Comus MD Sugarloaf WinerySugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, located near Comus, Maryland, is a picturesque winery nestled in the scenic countryside of Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve. Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard offers wine tastings where visitors can sample a variety of their handcrafted wines. The tastings typically include a selection of white, red, and rosé wines, allowing guests to experience the vineyard’s diverse offerings.  Situated at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, the vineyard boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of rolling hills, lush vineyards, and the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain while sipping on wine and relaxing on the outdoor patio.  Guided vineyard tours are available for those interested in learning more about the winemaking process and the history of the vineyard. Visitors can stroll through the vineyards, explore the winemaking facilities, and gain insight into the techniques used to produce Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard’s award-winning wines.  Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard serves as a picturesque venue for weddings, private events, and corporate gatherings. The scenic setting, elegant tasting room, and outdoor patio provide the perfect backdrop for special occasions and celebrations.

The vineyard offers a wine club membership program for enthusiasts who want to enjoy exclusive access to limited-production wines, special events, and discounts on purchases. Members receive regular shipments of hand-selected wines and can participate in members-only tastings and events. Throughout the year, Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard hosts a variety of special events, including live music performances, wine release parties, and themed festivals. These events offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy wine, food, and entertainment in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.  The vineyard has a wine shop where visitors can purchase bottles of their favorite wines to take home. In addition to wine, the shop may also offer wine-related accessories, gifts, and merchandise.

Overall, Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard provides a delightful wine tasting experience set against the backdrop of Maryland’s scenic countryside. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast looking to expand your palate or simply seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard offers a memorable and enjoyable outing.

Soleado Lavender Farm near Comus MD

comus MDSoleado Lavender Farm is a sustainable farm family owned and operated farm which grows an assortment of lavender and other herbs used to make handmade bath and household products. In season you can pick your own lavender, tours, art events and other fun happenings. Soleado Lavender Farm is at the foot of Maryland’s Sugarloaf Mt. in the Agricultural reserve of Montgomery County near Comus MD.

You can use your lavender to create decorative potpourri bowls by combining dried lavender buds with other aromatic herbs, flowers, and spices. Display them in decorative bowls or baskets throughout your home to add a touch of fragrance and charm.

Dried lavender stems cab be used to create beautiful herbal wreaths, swags, or bouquets that can be displayed on doors, walls, or  mantels as natural decorations.  Summer’s coming – Did you know that lavender’s strong fragrance can help repel pests such as mosquitoes, flies, and ants.

Sugarloaf Mountain During the Civil War

During the US Civil War, Sugarloaf Mountain near Comus, MD, had a role, albeit minor, in military operations due to its elevated position.  Sugarloaf Mountain served as a prominent landmark and strategic lookout point. Both Union and Confederate forces used elevated terrain such as Sugarloaf Mountain to survey the surrounding landscape for enemy movements and to gather intelligence.  In addition, the Union Army established a signal station atop Sugarloaf Mountain to communicate with other stations in the region. Signal stations played a crucial role in transmitting messages and coordinating military movements over long distances.

Overall, while Sugarloaf Mountain near Comus, MD, did not witness significant military engagements or strategic importance during the Civil War, its elevated position and remote location likely made it a point of interest for both Union and Confederate forces for reconnaissance and signaling purposes

What Else is there to Do in Comus MD

While Comus itself may be a small community, its proximity to outdoor recreational areas, wineries, and historic sites makes it a great destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Montgomery County, Maryland.   Sugarloaf Mountain, located just south of Comus, offers several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, providing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the area’s natural beauty. The trails offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and are particularly popular during the fall foliage season.  In addition, you can enjoy a leisurely picnic or nature walk at one of the scenic spots near Comus. Many visitors choose to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at Sugarloaf Mountain or nearby parks such as Black Hill Regional Park or Seneca Creek State Park.   If you don’t feel up to climbing a small mountain, you can explore the outdoor recreational opportunities in nearby parks and natural areas. Activities such as fishing, boating, birdwatching, and horseback riding can be enjoyed at parks like Black Hill Regional Park, Little Bennett Regional Park, and Seneca Creek State Park.  All this activity may leave you hungry.  Be sure to experience the agricultural heritage of the area by visiting local farmers markets or farm stands. Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve is home to numerous farms that offer fresh produce, artisanal products, and farm-to-table experiences.

Keep an eye out for local events and festivals happening in the area throughout the year. From community fairs to seasonal celebrations, there’s always something happening in and around Comus to enjoy with family and friends.   Finally, if you are determined to come away with more than aching feet from hiking up Sugarloaf or a slight buzz from the wineries, you can learn about the history of the area by visiting nearby historic sites and museums. Places of interest include the historic town of Barnesville, the Monocacy National Battlefield, and the Montgomery County Agricultural History Farm Park.

What’s for Sale in Dickerson or Comus MD


Please Give Us a Call

We would love to hear all about your afternoon in Comus.  Did you pick lavender or enjoy a wine tasting? Did you fall in love with country living and want to move to Comus?  Please give us a call at 240-401-5577 or email us at lise@lisehowe.com to start your home search.

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