In Frederick County, Maryland museums meet martini bars, scenic landscapes provide thrill seekers with adventure, and cutting-edge cuisine is served up in Civil War-era buildings alongside unique specialty shops, galleries, museums, and theaters. Located less than one hour from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Gettysburg, the city of Frederick, Maryland is surrounded by mountain views, wineries, orchards and vibrant Main Street communities. Visitors can hike the Appalachian Trail, visit local breweries, and tour a battlefield all in one day. This is Frederick County, where hip meets historic every day.
1. ) What is your destination most known for?
Frederick County, Maryland is best known for the incredible history that can be experienced here. The region sits at a crossroads between Baltimore, Washington, Pennsylvania, and the Appalachian Mountains, meaning that the region has Revolutionary history, Civil War history, and much more. Today, this historic tapestry is a backdrop to a thriving craft beverage industry, phenomenal restaurants, unique shopping experiences, and much more.
2.) During this time, how can we enjoy your destination?
In the warmer months and into the fall, outdoor recreation in Frederick County is a great way to experience our region. Take a bike ride on C&O Canal towpath along our section of the 184-mile-long trail and cross the majestic Monocacy Aqueduct. Put on your hiking boots and enjoy the views from Catoctin Mountain Park. Cool off with a short walk to Cunningham Falls, home of Maryland’s tallest cascading waterfall. These are just some of the ways you can get outdoors in our region – a green reprieve from the metro areas just a short drive away.
3.) What hidden gem should not be missed when visiting your destination?
Though it’s become less of a hidden gem in recent years, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine is certainly an experience that shouldn’t be missed. This museum in Downtown Frederick tells the remarkable full story of medical care during the Civil War and how it continues to impact our world today, especially the last few years. You’ll discover some history you definitely didn’t learn in school.
4.) What’s one feature that can’t be missed when visiting your website?
Visit Frederick has been partnering with Frederick County to create a series of short video features called “Destination Frederick County.” These video programs highlight visitor experiences in our region from unique perspectives. How do local breweries name their beers? Where you can find Frederick’s blossoming food truck scene? Why is Frederick County a unique biking destination? (Hint, we have America’s only high bike race!). Discover these stories with this video series accessible on the Visit Frederick website.
5.) How did you hear about NATJA, why did you join?
We learned about NATJA through the Maryland State Office of Tourism
6.) Is there anything else you feel travel media should know about your destination?
Frederick, Maryland is a great place to visit on any trip or travel to the nation’s capital region. Only an hour drive from Baltimore or Washington and on the road to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Frederick has its own charms, its own identity, and its own unique story that will bring you back again and again.
