Insta-ready fields: Best places to see sunflowers this summer

By Jennifer Ortiz
July 19, 2019 | 10:54 AM

Sunlight bounces off sunflowers in a field at the McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area on July 13, 2019. — <strong><a href="http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/central/sunflowers.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">McKee-Beshers, Montgomery County, Maryland </a></strong> The sunflowers were planted in May at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Montgomery County and officially fully bloomed starting July 8. Those visiting later in the season may have already missed the sunflowers' peak bloom. The DNR says the sunflowers will remain in full bloom for about two weeks. You can check the status of the flowers <a href="http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/central/sunflowers.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">on their website. </a> Sunflowers are planted to serve as a food source for wildlife. While the public is welcome to visit the sunflowers in bloom, Maryland's Department of Natural Resources also urge visitors to be careful not to cut or trample the flowers: "Visitors must be responsible and ensure that their actions don't have negative consequences."

Sunlight bounces off a sunflower in a field at the McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area on July 13, 2019. — <strong><a href="https://www.farmheritageconservancy.org/so-md-sunflower-festival" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival, Charles County, Maryland </a></strong> Farm Heritage Conservancy will host its first sunflower festival on Saturday, Aug. 31, and Sunday, Sept. 1, at Serenity Farm in Benedict, Maryland. The event promises food, music, fun and, of course, sunflowers.

Bees on a sunflower on July 13, 2019 at the McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area. — <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/rockypointcreamery/posts/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rocky Point Creamery, Frederick County, Maryland </a></strong> Rocky Point Creamery in Frederick County, Maryland, hopes to have sunflower blooms by the end of the month. Follow the creamery's Facebook page for the latest sunflower bloom updates. You can still take advantage of the creamery's 80 different ice cream flavors — all homemade — and maybe even enjoy some goat yoga next time it's offered.

Sunflowers at the McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area on July 13, 2019. — <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/theSunflowergarden/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sunflower Garden Westminster, Maryland </a></strong> The Sunflower Garden in Westminster, Maryland, is a small flower farm specializing in sunflowers. Peak sunflower season is in late August. But in the meantime, the farm also has about 10 different flower varieties and even tomatoes.

A sunflower field at the McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area on July 13, 2019. — <strong><a href="https://marylandagriculture.org/pick-your-own/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Maryland Agriculture Resource Council, Cockeysville, Maryland </a></strong> Starting at the end of August, you can pick your own sunflowers along the Cockeysville, Maryland, farm. For the small price of $1 per stem or $10 per dozen, an outing to the farm can be a daylong, family friendly event. The farm has also added a small plot of zinnias this year, to add a bit more color variety to your bouquet.

Sunflowers abound at the McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area on July 13, 2019. — <strong><a href="https://www.burnsidefarms.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Burnside Farms. Nokesville, Virginia</a></strong> Pick your own sunflowers in this Prince William County field through Labor Day. The farm boasts more than 30 varieties throughout 8 acres and one of the nation's only sunflower mazes. The sunflower maze booms for about two weeks and bloom times vary every year, according to the farm's website.

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Summertime is for slowing down and smelling the flowers. Take a trip to one of these sunflower fields near the D.C. area to fill your Instagram with yellow.

Flower lovers should note: Different flowers bloom at different times in different locations.

Coolest cars for summer: SUVs

By John Aaron
July 8, 2020 | 3:50 AM

While convertibles are the stars of summer, SUVs are the workhorses. Their tasks are endless, from trips to the beach to Home Depot or to socially-distanced gatherings. It’s hard to shake up the jam-packed SUV market, but Hyundai managed to do so with the Palisade, as an extreme value play. It seats up to eight, can be equipped with almost every luxury touch and competes with SUVs costing thousands (or tens of thousands) more.

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