A small town vibe emanates from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where community and history play an important part in the life of the residents. Village history dates back to 1695 when the town was named after the first Duke of Marlborough, a relative of Winston Churchill. The village is defined by its largest street, where you'll find a few shops and stores, but it's a mostly pastoral, residential area with horse farms.
Get to the Water
- Fishing, walking and picnicking are the main attractions at School House Pond, a quiet conservation area located in Upper Marlboro. If you're over the age of 16, you need a fishing license to throw a line in the 12-acre pond, either from the bank or the fishing pier. There's also a 3/4-mile boardwalk, picnic area and nature trail on site. Patuxent River Park, about 5 miles southeast of Upper Marlboro, permits boating, kayaking and canoeing. If you don't have your own equipment, canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park. Three public ramps on the Patuxent River serve boaters in the park.
Celeberate With Festivals
- Annual festivals provide residents and visitors with a chance to mingle, enjoy a party atmosphere and uphold local traditions. Plan a trip to Upper Marlboro in May and participate in Marlborough Day, with a parade, live music, dance and martial-arts performances, kids' activities, arts and crafts vendors, information booths, and food and drink. The festival is held the day before Mother's Day. A charity car show designated as Cruzin' Main Street usually is held in August and a townwide yard sale is scheduled at the end of September each year. Residents of Upper Marlboro sell their treasures from their vehicle -- or spread to nearby tables. Snacks and refreshments are available and information booths are open for browsing.
Play in the Park
- Those who love educational outings as well as the great outdoors find ample opportunities to participate in both activities at Jug Bay Natural Area, a 2,000-acre tract of land about 5 miles south of Upper Marlboro. This freshwater tidal estuary connects with the Patuxent River and is a site designed for you to experience and learn about the Chesapeake Bay. Outdoor enthusiasts can plan a trek on foot, bike or horseback on more than 8 miles of woodland trails. Anglers head to two fishing areas in Jug Bay where year-round tidal fishing usually yields yellow or white perch and catfish. Take time to participate in a river-ecology tour on a pontoon boat and learn about the wetlands, wildlife and history. In addition, you can stroll through the Patuxent Rural Life Museums, a collection of late-19th- and early-20th-century buildings at which you'll learn about life in southern Maryland.
Exciting Events
- Head to the Show Place Arena and Prince George's Equestrian Center and choose from numerous different things to do just south of Upper Marlboro. Events include musical concerts featuring rock, pop and country hitmakers, home and garden shows, trade shows, the Prince George’s County Fair and rodeos. Sports enthusiasts watch hockey, boxing, wrestling and basketball at the arena, and the equestrian center hosts shows such as the Maryland National Horse Show, the All Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show and the Mounted Games Across America event.
