East of the Appalachian Trail, this small city in Maryland is what the Mid-Atlantic region is all about: it boasts Civil War-era heritage, a lively and walkable downtown, and historic buildings that date back centuries. But don’t come just expecting an open-air museum. Beyond the town’s quaint appearance, you’ll find cutting-edge restaurants, shops, and art galleries that rival those in much bigger cities. So whether you’re a foodie or a history buff, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Frederick.
There’s no real wrong time to visit Frederick, although you’ll find the mildest weather windows in spring and fall. Early autumn hosts the Great Frederick Fair, a Civil War-era fairground, while later in the season brings fiery foliage. Chilly winter evenings are the perfect setting for a ghost walk through historic downtown. Maryland summers are famously sticky, but that’s when you can catch the Frederick Festival of the Arts.
Frederick's downtown is compact and pedestrian-friendly, so the best way to hop between galleries and boutiques is on foot. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine—a unique, information-loaded look at the maladies soldiers once suffered—is centrally located. But for historic estates such as Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums or Civil War battlefields, a rental car is more convenient than the limited bus routes. Frederick is reachable by MARC train from Washington D.C.
While Frederick’s Civil War history is a major draw, don’t ignore the town’s top-notch culinary scene. You’ll want to squeeze in at least one or two meals, whether that means New American small plates with mixologist-prepared cocktails or a hearty bagel and coffee for breakfast. For the ultimate gastronomic experience, head out on the Frederick Wine Trail—close to 100 acres (40 hectares) of rolling vineyards and wineries.
