If you’re thinking of making a trip to Maryland, you might be interested in big cities and attractions like Baltimore, Washington, D.C., or even Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay. However, at the center of it all is the small suburb of Greenbelt. Situated about 30 minutes northeast of DC and 40 minutes from Baltimore (traffic dependent), this town can be easy to overlook. However, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by ignoring it, especially if you like beautiful city parks, shopping districts, or space travel.
If that last part seemed out of place, it isn’t. Greenbelt is home to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. While you can’t tour the campus itself, there is a visitor center next to it that offers insights into different scientific fields, and best of all, it’s free to enter, making it a great, cost-effective attraction that appeals to all ages. From launching homemade rockets to touring the Solarium, the Goddard Space Center visitor center has a lot to offer. However, it’s just one of the reasons to add Greenbelt to your travel list, so let’s discover what else you can do during your visit.
What to expect from Greenbelt, Maryland
When visiting Greenbelt, you’ll likely want to start your adventure in the Historic District. This is where most of the action is, as far as restaurants and attractions go. For example, there’s the Greenbelt Cinema, which opened in 1938 and retains its Art Deco facade. Or, if you prefer live shows, you can head next door to check out the Greenbelt Arts Center. This area is also where the city hosts many festivals and events, such as the Greenbelt Jazz Festival in June or the Greenbelt Farmer’s Market, which is held almost every Sunday.
When it comes to dining, eateries in this area include the New Deal Cafe, which features live music and a variety of American food, including breakfast dishes and sandwiches. There’s also the SunRise Caribbean Restaurant, which showcases Trinidadian cuisine, and Cedars of Lebanon, which offers an extensive Lebanese and Middle Eastern menu. Finally, on the western side of town, you can get a retro diner experience at Silver Diner…