Frederick, Maryland, situated about 45 minutes from Baltimore and Washington, D.C. offers travelers a great getaway for a weekend, or longer. Whether it’s a family friendly vacation or some private alone time, discover sensational gourmet restaurants, wineries, walking and driving tours and antiques – all wrapped up in a town imbued with history.
Start downtown with a great American Main Street — one of the region’s best arts and entertainment districts. Shops, galleries, restaurants and boutiques abound and live entertainment and special events happen when the town celebrates “First Saturdays” each month in the historic 50 block area.
Frederick is the birthplace and final resting place of Francis Scott Key, the “Oh, Say Can You See…” songwriter, and is their hallowed native son. Stop by the Frederick Visitor Center in a renovated 1899 warehouse, and pick up brochures for self-guided tours of several sites, including Key’s gravesite at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, to learn more about this great American patriot we pay homage to each time we sing The Star-Spangled Banner!
You won’t want to miss dinner. Top Chef Master Bryan Voltaggio’s award-winning restaurant VOLT, headquartered in a 19th century brownstone, beckons. Supremely innovative cuisine with dishes like Braised Cheek Pork Belly and Poached Shrimp with Pumpkin Seeds, will dazzle and delight. Sounds crazy, but a must-try is the maple glazed bacon doughnut. A top chef wouldn’t steer you wrong. www.voltrestaurant.com.
Frederick is located close to Gettysburg and Antietam, battlefields at the crossroads of the Civil War. You can follow in the soldier’s footsteps or trace the route of John Wilkes Booth after he shot Lincoln with a driving tour called the Maryland Civil War Trail. (www.civilwartraveler.com). The Monocacy National Battlefield features walking trails, animal sanctuaries and scenic views of the Monocacy River. (www.nps.gov/mono/index.htm)
Finish off the evening at sunset back downtown at the Tasting Room — the place for cocktails with a 180-degree panoramic view. (www.thetastingroomrestaurant.com) For a top-notch brew, “Brewer’s Alley” is steeped in history. Since 1765, its transformed from a former town hall, market house, theater and opera house to the latest incarnation, a state-of-the-art brewery and restaurant with stained glass and the original ceiling. (www.brewers-alley.com)
Two unusual things to see for free are the Museums by Candlelight and the Churchs by Candlelight tours. Twenty-five museums are participating in the 25th Anniversary of Museums by Candlelight on December 14th — you’ll enjoy living history vignettes, hands-on crafts, refreshments, music and holiday decorations, with many children’s activities as well. The Churchs by Candlelight tour of historic houses of worship is held December 26th and features 12 downtown churches.
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is devoted to medical innovation, using storytelling from the era to educate the public. It grew out of a private collection of medical artifacts to tell the story of care and courage amidst the death and destruction of war. (www.civilwarmed.org)
For a delicious Sunday Brunch, try Acacia Fusion Bistro. Its acclaimed New American cuisine has an emphasis on the fresh and natural with a touch of the exotic. Dig into the mouth-watering Crab Benedict, a Frittata or the Not So French Toast. (www.acacia129.com). After brunch, visit Chartreuse & Co. a home décor shop and decorator showroom with a vintage atmosphere in a huge barn. Antiques and French-inspired furniture, rugs, and garden finds will tempt you, and who doesn’t want to bring home a souvenir? (www.chartreuseandco.com) Another option is to take a drive out on a gorgeous day to nearby wineries, there are several in the surrounding area such as Black Ankle, Catoctin Breeze and Berrywine Plantation.
For more information please visit: www.visitfrederick.org
Check out these TownePlace Suites (www.TownePlaceSuites.com) hotels when you visit Frederick, MD: TownePlace Suites Frederick
