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About 30 minutes to Harper’s Ferry or an hour to Washington, DC, Frederick, Maryland is a historic town bustling with a variety of things to do for the whole family, so many, in fact, it’s one of my favorite small-big towns. Gas lights flickering at dusk highlight the architecture along the downtown streets. Frederick, Maryland offers tantalizing sweets to savory bites and plates in cafes or elegant dining rooms. There is so much to see and experience in this Maryland small town. Pick any of them and you’ll have a great time. We hope our Frederick, MD travel guide, will help you to do just that.
Historic Downtown Area- an expansive historic downtown with over 150 shops and 50 dining venues, tall wooden exteriors with narrow doors remind you, you’ve stepped back in time to the Civil War era with insides dressed in modern charm
Historic Downtown Shops– One of the best historical downtowns I’ve seen. It’s quaint, with beautiful architecture, and blocks of unique shops. You can even get a palm reading!
Art Trail– Will you accept the secret mission to find the murals on the Art Trail in Frederick? They are simply fun, beautiful, and emotional.
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve– Catoctin Wildlife Preserve has a wide variety of animals to see, feed, and interact with. You can even take the narrated safari ride to visit animals you otherwise can’t view.
Tree Trekkers– With 14 aerial courses for ages 4 and up, Tree Trekkers brings adventure to the trees!
Cunningham Falls State Park– The Cunningham Falls State Park is a beautiful state park offering a variety of trails, including a view of the falls. You have plenty of hiking options here; located on the opposite side of the street as the National Park.
Catoctin Mountain Park– Many well-marked long or short trails are found in Catoctin Mountain Park with vista views or interior forest beauty.
Covered Bridges Driving Tour– I was so excited to see my first covered bridge. It was so fun driving through the countryside and spotting a bridge in the distance. The Covered Bridge Driving Tour showcases bridges that are all very well preserved. You can still drive through them today!
South Mountain Creamery– Bottle feed calves, lick fresh ice cream from a cone, tour the farm, pet goats, or buy fresh dairy products from the South Mountain Creamery store. I have to say bottle feeding calves was a trip highlight for me.
@VR– Find out what all the fuss is about for Virtual Reality @VR. Each session is a customizable Virtual Reality experience for all ages.
Baugher’s– A farm wonderland of seasonal fruit picking, Baugher’s has barn yard animal petting, wagon rides, restaurant and farmer’s market
You won’t get stuck deciding what restaurant to eat at in Frederick, MD. It feels like there are a hundred of restaurants in Frederick, with food from around the globe. There is something for everyone here.
I almost had to drag Gregg out of the Bakery and Cafe. He loves his milkshakes and Sodas! Truth is, there were several amazing places to eat in Frederick, MD, that I hope these recommendations help you find that treat you’ve been craving.
4 The Love of Suites Bakery & Cafe– Gourmet cupcakes, milk shakes, waffles, funnel cake fries, and French toast are a few of the decadent desserts you’ll be craving when you walk into 4 The Love of Suites Bakery and Cafe. If you can’t decide, get both, try their milkshake topped with a cupcake.
Candy Kitchen– Candy Kitchen has a wide assortment of chocolates and truffles of every flavor.
jojo’s Restaurant and Tap House– Upscale American with creative twists on fan favorites jojo’s Restaurant and Tap House has root beer bbq on pulled pork or grilled chicken with lump crab meat.
Café Nola– Serving vegan, vegetarian and gluten free, Cafe Nola has breakfast favorites like their Migas or sandwiches and wraps.
Brewers Alley– Take a brewhouse tour, sample award winning beer, or devour wood oven roasted snacks and hearty entrees at Brewers Alley.
Where to stay in Frederick, MD is easy! Both of these beautiful accommodations offer settings for any occasion. From a honeymoon or anniversary celebration to a girl’s trip. You can’t go wrong with either of these!
10 Clarke– A luxurious Victorian B&B experience 10 Clarke includes a gourmet three course breakfast, evening wine and goodie reception, and European chocolates. A 24 hour coffee and tea bar will have you winding down and cuddling with a soft blanket.
Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery– Eight unique suites in the quiet countryside will have you dreaming among the lavender fields, vineyard, or finding adventure in the hills and trails at Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery.
Carroll Creek Linear Park– Check out the seasonal events including Sailing Through Winter Solstice.
Everything you need to know about traveling
Gregg is not a high wheel cyclist but loved cycling the smooth roads in Thurmont, starting at the middle school, riding toward the Loy’s Station covered bridge to the Roddy Road covered bridge. The farm roads were much quieter than the city, with less traffic.
Also, near Cunningham Falls State Park, at the intersection of Highway 70 and 66, is a bike path on the road shoulder that ebbs and flows over hills and flat paved highway. The Dollar General at 77 and 66 might be a great place to park.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Park Ride to or from Nolands Ferry or other nearby entry points while many parts of the C&O are not suitable for thin road bike tires, at least from the Shepherd’s town (and a bit before) entry point to Seneca boat ramp just before lock 24 (22 miles before the trail ends in Washington) it is a well packed and sufficient for my road tires.
With so many amazing things to do in Frederick, MD it’s hard to choose the best in show, but I will tell you, a vacation here will be fun. I would say it’s a top small town in the US to get away if you are looking for a mid-pace getaway, with time to relax but also time to be out having a great time.
Accommodation – 10 Clarke – An experience of luxury and opulence framed in a Victorian B&B setting, the 10 Clarke caters to the tiny details with a thoughtful staff.
Food – 4 The Love of Suites Bakery & Cafe – Where else can you get a milk shake topped with a flavor matching cupcake? 4 The Love of Suites Bakery & Cafe has savory and sweet, my favorite combination.
Things to Do –Downtown Frederick – Frederick is one of the best historic downtowns I’ve seen, with so much funk, diversity, and cool architecture. There are so many other things to do, like Carroll Creek Park, a small waterway to stroll and view wall art and wildlife, or the art trail of painted building murals.
Alise’s Favorites and Suggestions –
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These items will make your travels memorable.
August 29, 2021
The information provided through this website is for informational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any illness or disease. It is not professionaladvice, nor is it intended to create any type of relationship between us. You should not act on any of the information on this website without seeking professional legal, financial, medical, mental health, travel,or other professionaladvice or care. All subscribers that havejoinedthrough a request for information initiated by the subscriber have the opportunity to opt-out at any time. We are a part of multiple affiliate sales networks; we may be compensated if you (the consumer) choose to utilize the links located throughout ourcontent andour website.By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Affiliate Policy. Content may not bereproduced in any form.
