Maryland’s “City of Churches” Has a 50-Block Historic District, Breweries, and 200+ Specialty Shops

Frederick, Maryland

Frederick started in 1745 when a land developer named Daniel Dulany set up “Frederick Town” along Carroll Creek. A German immigrant called Johann Thomas Schley built the first house, and by 1748, it became the center of the newly formed Frederick County.

Most people think it was named after Frederick Calvert, who was the sixth Baron Baltimore at the time. The town saw Revolutionary War soldiers, Civil War battles, and settlers heading west to find new opportunities.

Walking is a Delight at Frederick

Downtown Frederick is laid out in a grid that makes it easy to explore on foot. You’ll find over 200 small businesses, restaurants, and antique shops along Market, Patrick, and East Streets. The streets are the same ones used by figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln when they visited, which gives you a real connection to the past.

Two Major Civil War Battles Happened Here

Frederick has a strong connection to the Civil War that you can still experience today. Two major battles happened nearby at Monocacy National Battlefield and South Mountain State Park, and both sites are preserved for visitors.

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine downtown shows how doctors treated wounded soldiers with the tools and knowledge they had at the time.

The Barbara Fritchie House is worth a visit too – she stood up to Confederate troops by displaying the Union flag as they marched through town.

Carroll Creek Park Runs Through Downtown

Carroll Creek runs right through the middle of downtown and has been turned into a really nice park. It’s well-maintained with good landscaping, and there are restaurants, bars, shops, and breweries along both sides.

Make sure to see the Community Bridge Mural by William Cochran and the water lilies that bloom in summer.

In winter, local businesses create lighted boat displays that float on the creek, turning it into a beautiful nighttime attraction.

Frederick Makes Award-Winning Beer And Whiskey

Frederick County has gotten really good at making all kinds of drinks. You can try locally-made whiskey, gin, and vodka at distilleries that are bringing back traditions that started before Prohibition.

The Frederick Wine Trail takes you to six different vineyards that make wines suited to the local soil and climate. Beer fans have plenty of options too, with breweries making both traditional and experimental beers in cool spaces like old warehouses and scenic farms.

Local Artists Display Work All Over Town

Frederick has a strong creative side that’s easy to spot as you walk around town. The Community Bridge Mural is one of the most impressive public art pieces, and you can catch performances at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre or the Weinberg Center for the Arts, which has been around since 1926.

Throughout the year, the city hosts art festivals, gallery walks, and music events. Local artists have studios downtown where you can often watch them work and talk about their process.

Frederick Has Really, Really Good Food

Frederick has become a good food town without getting too fancy about it. Restaurants like The Tasting Room serve dishes inspired by European cooking but using local ingredients, and places like Dutch’s Daughter offer really good steaks and seafood in a comfortable setting.

You can find all kinds of food here, from farm-to-table restaurants to international options and casual spots. Maryland crab is a specialty that shows up on many menus in creative ways.

Hiking Trails And Rivers Surround The City

Frederick County has lots of open space for outdoor activities. The area has good spots for hiking, biking, camping, golfing, and fishing in several parks and natural areas.

Gambrill State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park have miles of trails with some great views. You can paddle on the Monocacy River, bike through the countryside past old covered bridges, or just have a picnic in one of the city parks.

More Attractions Near Frederick

Frederick is in a good central location for exploring other places nearby. The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is close and offers safari rides where you can see exotic animals from the back of a truck.

Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park, Antietam National Battlefield, and parts of the Appalachian Trail are all within an hour’s drive. Washington DC and Baltimore are close enough for day trips, which makes Frederick a good base for seeing more of the region.

Visiting Frederick, MA

Frederick is about 45 minutes from both Baltimore and Washington DC by car using I-70 and I-270. The MARC train runs between DC and Frederick on weekdays if you don’t want to drive.

Most places downtown are within walking distance of each other, and there are parking garages and street meters available.

The Frederick Visitor Center at 151 S. East Street has maps and information to help you plan your day.