Maryland's Best Fall Foliage - Annapolis Rock via Appalachian Trail

For outdoor lovers, Annapolis Rock trail is a popular hiking destination along the Appalachian Trail in Maryland. Address: 11175 Baltimore National Pike, Myersville, MD 21773.  Parking lot at the trail head is not large and by 9:30am, it was full.  We parked at the next-door Greenbrier State Park which is about 15-minute walk from the trail head. 

This trail is a moderate hike, about 5.1 miles round trip, with some elevation gain (around 700 feet). Along the way, you’ll encounter rocky terrain, dense forests, and an occasional clearing.  At the end of the trail, you arrived at the scenic views which is the main highlight, a view from Annapolis Rock, a rocky outcropping that overlooks the valley and Greenbrier Lake.  It is a great spot to see fall foliage!

Maryland's Best of Fall Foliage -Lake Needwood Park

Now is the perfect time to enjoy the fall foliage in Maryland! My favorite spot to visit is Lake Needwood Park. Over the past week, I’ve gone multiple times and captured some of the most stunning fall colors there. I’m excited to share them with you. Happy Fall!

Lake Needwood Park is a Park located in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Address: 15700 Needwood Lake Cir, Derwood, MD 2085.

Helsinki -6) Suomenlinna, Sea Fortress

I took a ferry from Market Square to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Suomenlinna. I thought it would offer me a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Little did I know that when I arrived on the island, so did many other tourists.

I explored the island, visiting the church and wandering further, but as the crowds grew, the peace I had hoped for slipped away. Eventually, I decided to head back to the city.

Despite the busy atmosphere, I still enjoyed my visit. It was a scenic and beautiful place.

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Suomenlinna is an 18th-century sea fortress located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki, Finland. Built by Sweden starting in 1748, it was originally named Sveaborg (or Viapori in Finnish), intended to defend against Russian expansion during the time when Finland was part of the Swedish Empire. The fortress spans several interconnected islands and serves as a striking example of European military architecture.

Over time, Suomenlinna has been under Swedish, Russian, and Finnish control, each period leaving its mark on the fortifications. After Sweden lost a war with Russia in 1808, Finland came under Russian rule, and Suomenlinna became a Russian naval base until Finland gained independence in 1917.

Helsinki - 5) The Sibelius Monument

The Sibelius Monument, located in Sibelius Park (Sibeliuspuisto) in the Töölö district of Helsinki, is a tribute to the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865–1957). It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Helsinki, attracting visitors for its unique artistic design and its peaceful surroundings.

Created by Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen and unveiled in 1967, the monument consists of over 600 hollow steel pipes welded together to form a wave-like pattern. The abstract sculpture is meant to capture the essence of Sibelius' music, evoking the feeling of sound waves and the organic forms found in nature.

Helsinki City Walk-4) Temppeliaukio Church

Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, is one of Helsinki's most remarkable architectural landmarks. Completed in 1969, the church is built directly into a solid granite outcrop, giving it a distinctive and organic appearance. Designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, the structure takes advantage of the natural rock formations, blending the church seamlessly with its surroundings.

The church’s interior is carved from natural rock and features exposed stone walls, creating an atmospheric and acoustically excellent environment. The circular copper dome, which allows natural light to flood the interior, enhances the ethereal ambiance. Skylights line the dome, adding a soft glow to the space.

The Church is a walking distance from my stay.  I arrived right after its opening and immediately there were massive number of tourists.  After visited inside, I walked out to the roof top. It is quite rocky but you can have a good look at the church dome and its stone structures around.

Walking on the roof top

Helsinki City Walk -3) Oodi Library and Kansalaistori Square

Photos posted here show some of the modern architectures of Helsinki from Citizen's Square.  

The open square in front of Oodi Library is Kansalaistori Square (Citizens' Square). Next door to Oodi Library is the Helsinki Music Centre (Musiikkitalo in Finnish). Across the square from Oodi, you'll also find Kiasma, the contemporary art museum. Next to the Square, there is a huge lawn area fulled with happy geese. On this sunny day, I enjoyed walking around Kansalaistori Square, check out the flowers around the lawn area and nearby small gardens, taking photo with Helsinki sign before go inside to the Oodi Library. Oodi Library is one of Finland's most impressive modern libraries. The design of the building itself is iconic, combining contemporary architecture with sustainable materials, featuring a striking wooden facade and glass walls that invite natural light into the space. Inside the library, you'll find a vast collection of books, dedicated areas for studying, meeting rooms, an area dedicated to children. An open balcony offers fresh area and panoramic view of Helsinki while you conduct your business on a laptop or reading books and a coffee shop to keep you awake!

Kansalistori Square

 Kiasma, the contemporary art museum and Helsinki Music Centre 

Oodi Library entrance

Inside Oodi Library

Oodi Library top floor balcony

Kansalaistori Square see from Oodi Library