Frederick Maryland is an old Civil War town full of many fun things to do. Visitors to Frederick will be stunned by the beauty of the nearby Catoctin Mountain and delighted by the many orchards, wineries and breweries around the town. The 50-block historic district has been revitalized with remodeled storefronts and trendy restaurants that give Frederick a new-found reputation for being “hip and historic”. Downtown streets with museums, art galleries, and theaters sit next door to first-class restaurants and unique specialty shops. Frederick is a stop on the Journey of Hallowed Ground Civil War trail that runs from Gettysburg to Monticello. History buffs and outdoor adventurers might also enjoy seeing the Monocacy Civil War battlefield or plan a hike on the Appalachian Trail.
Stop 1 – Frederick Oktoberfest
Plan your visit on the weekend of the 13th Annual Frederick Oktoberfest on September 30 – October 2, 2016. The festival is located on the Great Frederick Fairgrounds, where you will find a German village with German food, beer, live music and entertainment. Come hungry as there will be plenty of German bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato salad, pretzels and strudel, along with imported German beers and ciders. A German Heritage Booth will be set up so you can learn about your German Heritage that is sponsored by the Historical Society of Frederick County.
The festival itself is sponsored by Flying Dog Brewery and other local businesses and all ticket sales will support local area community service projects of The Rotary Clubs of Frederick. Advance tickets sales online will come with a commemorative beer stein, and admission on the day of the event is $10 per adult and $5 for kids.
Groups of 30 people or more can arrange a special package deal that includes being greeted by an event ambassador. Your customized itinerary could including being lead by a step-on tour guide who will take you to Frederick’s historic district and stop at the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum. For more information email groupsales@frederickoktoberfest.org.
Stop 2 – Downtown Frederick
Downtown Frederick is a walkable city with many retail shops in fashion, home furnishings, art, books, toys and mores. There are over 200 antique shops all within walking distance of each other for those who love antiques!. Award-winning restaurants like VOLT, the Dutch’s Daughter and Firestone, as well as a variety of ethnic foods are offered that range from Japanese to Spanish Tapas. Frederick is known for its many local breweries and Brewer’s Alley is the perfect place in the heart of the city to get the local feel and stop for some food and a beer.
A self-guided walking tour is available for those who like to roam around at their own pace, and make sure you take a stroll through Carroll Creek Park. The park was an urban renewal project designed to control canal flood waters in the city. Now the park is used for public concerts and festival events throughout the year. Three distinctively different architecturally-designed footbridges invite pedestrians to walk over the canal to view local art projects displayed along the canal. There is plenty of public seating and shops to buy ice cream and other refreshments so you can stop and enjoy the scenic views.
Stop 3 – Firestone’s Culinary Tavern
Next stop is Firestone’s Culinary Tavern. Winner of the 2015 Diner’s Choice award, you will want to enjoy the delicious cuisine in this relaxing atmosphere. Two-stories of window seating let you watch passersby on busy Market Street while enjoying your meal in downtown Frederick. The menu is American fare with great choices of seafood, steaks and lamb. Oysters on the half shell, tuna tartare and corn and crab bisque are some of their specialties. The restaurant even has their own food and gift shop called Firestone’s Market on Market that you might want to stop by in order to purchase a few goodies to take home with you.
Stop 4 – Flying Dog Brewery
A trip to Frederick wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Flying Dog Brewery. Their slogan “Good people drink good beer” makes everyone smile and it is impossible to resist the feel-good atmosphere of the brewery/pub. Flying Dog is the largest beer producer in Maryland and home to beers like Deadrise, a light, Old Bay-infused brew perfect for seafood that has won gold medals around the world. With up to 20 beers on taps, tastings vary and pre-set flights are available for easy selections. The brewery holds a large bar inside and lots of seating indoors and outside for large groups. Tours are free and offered on Thursdays through Sundays. Check their calendar for special events, visit their gift shop and bring or buy your own growler for beer fills.
Other Attractions
- Barbara Fritchie House, https://www.theclio.com/web/entry?id=8707
- Frederick Wine Trail, http://www.frederickwinetrail.com/
- Vintage Train on Walkersville Southern Railroad, wsrr.org.
Food/Restaurants
- Ayse Meze Lounge, aysemeze.com
- Brewer’s Alley, brewers-alley.com
- Isabella’s Taverna & Tapas Bar, isabellas-tavern.com
Resources
- Visit Maryland, visitmaryland.org
- Visit Frederick Maryland, http://visitfrederick.org/
- Fifty Way to Fall for Frederick, http://www.visitfrederick.org/what-to-see-and-do/50-ways-to-fall-for-frederick
- Hip and Historic Frederick, http://www.hipandhistoric.org/
- Smart phone apps: visitfrederick.org/apps
- Maryland Ghost Tours, http://www.marylandghosttours.com/
- Trip Advisor review of Frederick: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g60903-Frederick_Maryland-Vacations.html
- Yelp review of Firestone’s Restaurant: http://www.yelp.com/biz/firestones-culinary-tavern-frederick
- Trip Advisor review of Flying Dog Brewery: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60903-d4521849-Reviews-Flying_Dog_Brewery-Frederick_Maryland.html
Photo Credits
Frederick Oktoberfest: Google
Flying Dog Brewery Collage: Flying Dog Brewery
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