Often outshined by its metropolis neighbors Baltimore and Washington D.C., Frederick Maryland has quietly become one the best-kept travel secrets in the Mid-Atlantic, USA. Frederick makes a great destination for a long weekend, or day trip especially if you are visiting one of these bigger cities nearby.
If you are looking for a new East Coast travel spot, here are some of the reasons Frederick is a hidden gem in Maryland and deserves your consideration.
Unique American History
Maryland sits squarely in the middle of American colonial and Civil War history, and Frederick is literally at its crossroads. Frederick was founded in the 18th century and has been at the junction of major east-west and north-south throughways. Downtown Frederick still has 18th-century charm with many original buildings and cobblestone streets. Despite being Maryland’s second largest city, Frederick has a quaint downtown that’s very explorable.
Frederick played a major role in the Civil War, and you can visit the site of the Battle of Monocacy just southeast of town. One of the interesting facts about Frederick and specifically the Battle at Monocacy is its victory by the Confederates on Union soil during the war. The battle was significant because it slowed a march on Washington D.C. by the Union army, often called “The Battle That Saved Washington.”
An interesting attraction in Frederick (for some at least!) is the Museum of Civil War Medicine, which has exhibits on the medical and surgical methods during the war.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Adventure
In addition to a downtown full of character, Frederick lies in a beautiful area of Maryland, directly adjacent to the Blue Ridge Mountains with fabulous scenery all around. For those who like to get outside and hike, there are some great day hikes around Frederick all less than 30 minutes away. You can choose short or longer versions of most of these.
Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park both have day hikes through Appalachian Mountain forests which include waterfalls and viewpoints. The Annapolis Rock Hike is a 5-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail that leads to the best viewpoint in the area. Sugarloaf Mountain is probably the most popular hike in the area, a moderate summit of the mountain with scenic views all the way to Washington on a clear day.
You can enjoy Frederick’s natural beauty without leaving town by spending time in its lovely downtown parks: Carroll Creek and Baker Park. These parks are lovely in warmer months and also host events and activities on most weekends.
Carroll Creek is especially nice as it’s the heart of downtown Frederick, a series of promenades on both sides of a canal through downtown. The wintertime Sailing Through the Winter Solstice exhibit, where lighted boats fill the canals with holiday colors, has become quite a famous attraction itself.
The Best Brewery Scene in Maryland (plus Wineries and Distilleries!)
Nothing has recently raised Fredrick’s profile as a travel destination more than its brewery scene. Frederick has a very high density of breweries for a city its size. The cluster of breweries right downtown makes them superb for a brewery ‘crawl’.
Some favorites include Attaboy Brewery, Steinhardt Brewery, and the recently opened RAK Brewing, all very close to each other and great places to hang out and eat.
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Maryland has a long history of distilling, especially rye whiskey. Frederick carries on this tradition with two downtown distilleries: McClintock’s Distilling and Tenth Ward, both open for tours and tastings. (Insider secret: visit the McClintock’s Back Bar if you want the best place in Frederick to get a cocktail).
Maryland’s wine reputation is a work in progress. But if you love wineries, you can do a winery day around Frederick as well. There are ~10 wineries less than 30 minutes from downtown. The best worth visiting are Black Ankle Vineyards, Hidden Hills Vineyards, and Big Cork Vineyards. All are a short drive from Frederick and definitely worth a visit!
An Underrated Culinary Destination
A great weekend getaway has to include great food, and Frederick delivers with a sneaky good variety of restaurant options, especially downtown.
Frederick has several high-end restaurants that can save a trip to Baltimore or Washington. The consistently rated well include Thacher and Rye (Bryan Valtaggio from Top Chef), The Wine Kitchen, and The Tasting Room. Make reservations at any of these in advance, especially on weekends.
In Frederick, you’ll also find casual places with explosions of character and creative food. More casual spots like Hooch and Banter (sandwiches), Showroom (a high-end diner), and Il Porto (Italian) are great in downtown Frederick.
Access to Baltimore and Washington
As mentioned above, Frederick often lives in the shadow of Baltimore and Washington. It’s close enough to both to be considered a ‘suburb’ to each. But Frederick is far enough away to shape its own local culture and define itself as a destination.
Being close to these large cities can be an advantage. Frederick is easily accessible by all 3 area airports (BWI, DCA, and IAD). It’s an easy day trip from either city, and if you are staying in Frederick for an extended period, you can also choose to visit Washington or Baltimore for a day, a meal, or a ball game. Frederick is well within their orbit, but far enough away to be a destination on its own.
If you are anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic or traveling to the area and want to visit an underrated and still undiscovered destination, put Frederick on your list. You’ll be happy you did!
We have family we visit there and I think it’s such a picturesque, fun little town! I love walking along the canal!