Get Out: Patch's Pick-and-Choose Weekend Planner

1. Friday Night at the "Dive-In"

When/Where: Stedwick Pool, 10401 Stedwick Road. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. leading up to the dusk screening of Despicable Me.

Why Go: Wickedly funny but ultimately warm and fuzzy, "Despicable Me" is ideal fare for families of every ilk. Space is limited and first-come-first-serve, so make up your mind now to get there early. If you plan on getting in the pool, make sure to take appropriate swimwear.

Pricing: Free for children under 2 years old and for MVF pool members with a valid photo activity card. Otherwise it's $6 for age 16 and older and $3 for ages 2 to 15.

2. Family Crab and BBQ Feast

When/Where: Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Smokey Glen Farm, 16407 Riffle Ford Road in Gaithersburg.

Why Go: Fun for the whole family: horseshoes, miniature golf and a playground. The buffet features steamed spiced crabs, steamed spiced shrimp and Smokey Glen’s own BBQ chicken and spare ribs. Also on the menu: baked beans, mac ‘n cheese, kosher hot dogs, corn on the cob, a salad bar, cole slaw, fresh baked bread and an assortment of Smokey Glen pies.

Pricing: $39.95 per person 16 and older; $27.95 for ages 13 to 15; $16.95 for ages 10 to 12; $9.95 for ages 6 to 9; free for ages 5 and under. Beer or white wine is an additional $5.95 per person for the entire evening.

3. Out on the Lake

When/Where: Friday through Monday (until Labor Day), 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the south dock at , 18701 Montgomery Village Ave.

Why Go: Make the most of the by taking one of the Montgomery Village Foundation’s five paddle boats, four rowboats or four canoes out for a spin. Call 301-948-0110, Ext. 2303 for more information.

Pricing: Village residents who show their MVF Activity Card can rent canoes and rowboats for $5/hour, and paddle boats for $4/half-hour. Non-residents pay $2 more per rental. Renters without activity cards must present a valid driver’s license or other identification. Renters must be at least 16 years old.

4.

When/Where: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 9801 Centerway Road.

Why Go: Farm-fresh fruits and veggies, plus a wide array of meats and dairy products.

Pricing: Admission is free.

5. Concert on the Lawn: Mike Surratt and the Eclectic Coalition Band 

When/Where: Sunday, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Lawn Theater in South Valley Park, 18850 Montgomery Village Ave. (Parking lot is next to Watkins Mill Elementary School).

Why Go: This Wammie-nominated trio is known for swinging their audiences from the big band of Glen Miller to the tropical jams of Caribbean rhythms. Keyboards, drums and a sax/clarinet are all ECB needs to get you grooving to their foxtrot, latin favorites, pop and rock classics and even "a touch of country."

The 14th annual Heritage Days

Sponsored by Heritage Montgomery, this year’s celebration includes 35 sites across the county open from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The focus is on history and the Civil War, but there’s plenty else in terms of outdoor recreation, children's activities, games, crafts and live music. Here are some of the highlights closest to home (go to www.heritagemontgomery.org to see the full brochure):

Gaithersburg Community Museum

• When/Where: Saturday only, at 9 S. Summit Ave. in Gaithersburg         
• Why Go: See the restored 1884 B&O Railroad Station complex; site of the Community Museum, History Park and rolling stock. The newly renovated museum has a collection of photos and artifacts that pay tribute to Gaithersburg’s heritage. Interactive bank and schoolroom exhibits also on display.

Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory

• When/Where: Saturday only, at 100 Desellum Ave. in Gaithersburg      
• Why Go: Tour the restored building and newly opened history park. The building and its surroundings were built by Rockville astronomer Edwin Smith. This site played an integral role in scientists’s efforts to determine Earth’s “wobble.”

Agricultural History Farm Park

• When/Where: Saturday only, at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood       
• Why Go: Step back in time and enjoy farming demonstrations and old-fashioned games for all ages at the turn-of-the-century 455-acre historic farmstead.

Remote Control Plane Demo

• When/Where: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Montgomery County Model Air Park, 16200 Schaeffer Road in Boyds (the South Germantown Park).
• Why Go: Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it's ….. no, wait, it IS a plane -- a tiny, remote-controlled plane. The District of Columbia Radio Control Club is hosting this model-plane extravaganza, which will feature an air show and demonstrations to include aerobatics, helicopters and jet-turbines. Even take hold of the joystick and fly a plane yourself. (Also, souvenirs and pony rides for the kids.)

King Barn Dairy MOOseum

• When/Where: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 18028 Central Park Circle in Boyds   
• Why Go: Life-sized models of dairy cows, exhibits on milking equipment and Civil War-era milking practices, plus a model of the King Farm family home. Master your milking technique on a pair of model cows. Family activities include crafts for children.

The Button Farm Living History Center

• When/Where: Saturday and Sunday, at16820 Black Rock Road in Germantown   

• Why Go: Visit a "living history" farm depicting plantation life in the 1850’s. Tour the heirloom garden, Civil War-era barn, reconstructed plantation quarters and slave cemetery. Re-enactors, artisans and interpreters will be doing demonstrations. Enjoy the gospel sounds of Mosaic Harmony on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Historic Germantown Bank

• When/Where: Saturday only, at 19320 Mateny Hill Road in Germantown  

• Why Go: The Germantown Historical Society will lead walking tours of the Germantown’s historic district. Exhibits include a display of Germantown in the Civil War. Live entertainment and refreshments.

Blockhouse Point Civil War Experience

• When/Where: Saturday only, at 15000 River Road in Potomac   

• Why Go: Walk in the footsteps of Civil War Union soldiers and see the remains of an 1862 outpost camp and blockhouse used to guard the Potomac River crossing from Confederate attack. The two-mile guided hikes, along an "easy to moderate" natural surface trail, depart at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Meet in the parking area of the Callithea Horse Farm across from Signal Tree Lane.