County, Md.

A centrally located treasure

From Civil War sites to culinary delights, county has something for every day-tripper

Centrally located between Baltimore, Gettysburg and Washington, D.C., Frederick County, Maryland, is a historic, tourism and culinary treasure. From the highest concentration of breweries in Maryland to important Civil War sites to excellent state parks, Frederick County provides fun for every kind of day-tripper.

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Rich In History

Tucked between the battlefields of Antietam and Gettysburg, Frederick County is not only an excellent base for Civil War buffs, but an important historic area in itself. Established in 1748, the city of Frederick has a beautiful downtown with quaint brick buildings and historic sites scattered throughout. The town’s most famous historic site is the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. The country’s only museum about medical care during the Civil War, it provides a fun and informative experience for visitors of all ages, as well as downtown walking tours. A lesserknown gem is the Museum of Frederick County History. This year, be sure to check out its impressive exhibit about clothing manufacturing in the county, including the evolution of the wedding dress with examples from the 1820s to the 1940s.

Of course, the county’s most famous Civil War site is Monocacy National Battlefield. Pay your respects at this battle that kept Confederate forces from invading Washington, D.C., by exploring the walking trails and historic Worthington House.

In the nearby town of Thurmont, the Museum of the Ironworker showcases the well-preserved Catoctin iron furnace, which dates to the early 1800s. The museum has dedicated significant research to tell the stories of the free and enslaved African Americans who worked there.

For some more recent history, enjoy downtown Frederick’s bustling arts scene. The Gaslight Gallery exhibits contemporary art in a historic building, and the Sky Stage has restored a preRevolutionary War building damaged by a fire into a beautiful, open-air entertainment venue.

End the day by catching a show at the impressive Weinberg Center for the Arts, offering professional theater, film screenings, author talks and up-andcoming musical performers year-round. Be sure to catch an organ concert on its original 1920s Wurlitzer!

Didyouknow

Camp David was originally called “ShangriLa” by President Franklin D. Roosevelt when he established it in 1942 as a getaway for the president and his staff. The name “Shangri-La” was inspired by the fictional utopian paradise in James Hilton’s novel.

n Clustered Spires: Similar to its county, Frederick is often referred to as the “City of Clustered Spires” due to its stunning skyline adorned with numerous church steeples.

n National Museum of Civil War Medicine: Frederick is home to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, which explores the medical practices and innovations during the American Civil War. It showcases artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays, providing a fascinating insight into the field of medicine during the war.

n Barbara Fritchie House: The Barbara Fritchie House in Frederick is associated with a famous patriotic incident during the Civil War. According to legend, Barbara Fritchie, an elderly woman, waved the Union flag defiantly from her window as Confederate General Stonewall Jackson’s troops passed by.

n Weinberg Center for the Arts: The Weinberg Center for the Arts is a historic theater located in downtown Frederick. Originally built in 1926 as the Tivoli Theater, it underwent restoration in the late 1970s and now hosts a wide range of cultural events, including live performances, films, and concerts.

n Beatty-Cramer House: The Beatty-Cramer House, located in Frederick, is said to be haunted. It is believed that the spirits of previous owners and their children still linger within the historic house, and paranormal enthusiasts often visit in search of supernatural experiences.

Get Outdoors

Frederick County’s countryside is the perfect spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, from the walking paths of the historic C&O Canal to kayaking and canoeing along the Monocacy Scenic River Water Trail. The Appalachian Trail itself is an overlooked gem, with 41 miles of the trail stretching through the county. Hop onto the trail at Gathland State Park for a 7-mile hike to Weverton Cliff, with stunning views of the Potomac.

Famous as the home of Camp David, Catoctin Mountain Park in northern Frederick County has 25 miles of hiking trails, fishing and horseback riding, as well as an interactive exhibit explaining the history of the presidential retreat.

For a hike that leads to a gorgeous waterfall, Cunningham Falls State Park is definitely worth the trip. Go boating or swimming, as well, or visit the annual maple syrup festival in mid-March.

IMBIBE A LOCAL BREW (OR WINE)

Frederick County is known for its craft brewery scene, with more than a dozen spots that each offer unique brews. The county’s local wine, spirit and restaurant scene also has plenty to offer for the day-tripping foodie.

For some one-stop dining and imbibing, visit Frederick’s Downtown Brewing District along Carroll Creek Linear Park. Sample a variety of craft beers from the five unique breweries, as well as a selection of food trucks and the local restaurant staple The Wine Kitchen, that prepares local food and wine simply and tastefully. There’s something to do for all ages, too, with Carroll Creek transforming into a spectacular water garden of lily pads and lotuses between June and October.

Locals stop in at several other breweries around Frederick, as well. Frederick Social, also near Carroll Creek, is known for its pouryour-own brews, spirits and wines, as well as vegan dining options. McClintock Distilling Company’s Back Bar is a cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe that serves the rye whiskey Maryland was known for before Prohibition. Rockwell Brewing is a unique, music-themed brewery – all the brews have musical names, and you can enjoy live entertainment in their new and expanded building.

Hungry after all that beer tasting? Downtown Frederick has a variety of popular restaurants. Thatcher & Rye, known for its fine mid-Atlantic cuisine, is the home of Top Chef contestant and celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio. The family friendly South Mountain Ice Cream and Pizza uses milk from their own local farm to make delectable wood-fired pizzas and ice cream treats.

Finally, if you want a flavor of all Frederick has to offer, from history to local cuisine, you can’t go wrong with Brewer’s Alley. Frederick’s original brewery, it opened in the 1990s in a historic former opera house. Today it has award-winning brews, traditional American pub fare and a popular rooftop patio.

A day trip to Frederick means a day with plenty of fun, delicious and relaxing activities for everyone in your group – the tough part will be deciding which options to choose first.

— By Elizabeth Stinnette