History gets a fresh twist in this city, where stylish bars and boutiques spill out of 19th-century buildings and winery trails traverse Civil War battlegrounds.
Experience the confluence of old and new in Frederick, a captivating city tucked into Maryland’s mountainous western corner. Acclaimed for its superbly preserved historic streetscape, Frederick has retained Federal, Victorian and Civil War-era architecture. Peer behind the façades to find Frederick’s outstanding dining scene, retailers and artisans.
Get acquainted with the city’s historic heart in Downtown Frederick. The 50-block district is characterized by beautifully preserved heritage buildings, such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Frederick City Hall. Check out Frederick’s intriguing boutiques, art galleries and artisans’ studios. Find a table at a buzzing café or a restaurant serving American-nouveau cuisine. For fresh produce, visit Downtown Frederick’s regular farmers markets. Alternatively, purchase picnic supplies to enjoy at one of Frederick’s pretty parks. Baker Park and Carroll Creek Linear Park are highlights.
Downtown Frederick serves some of the region’s finest drinks at specialty brewpubs and bars. Find out more about Frederick’s microbrew scene on a brewery trail around the county. For wine buffs, Frederick has a distinguished collection of wineries located in the rolling hillsides between fascinating historic sites.
Learn more about Frederick’s Civil War history when you visit the Monocacy National Battlefield, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine or the city’s Mount Olivet Cemetery.
North of the city, find a slice of wilderness in the Catoctin Mountains. Visit Cunningham Falls or sign up for a safari adventure at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo.
Reach Frederick easily via major interstate highways and an intercity commuter railway. If you are traveling by air, fly into Frederick Municipal Airport. Dulles and Baltimore Washington airports are less than a 1-hour drive away. Explore the city’s historic core on foot or by bicycle. Bus networks are also available. Frederick’s winters are usually mild, while summer is hot and humid. For the region’s most agreeable weather, visit in fall or spring and enjoy the city’s pedestrian-friendly downtown district and magnificent mountain surroundings.