PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT FREDERICK
CO MMUN I T Y
SCENES FROM
FREDERICK’S SCENIC BYWAYS
BY MELISSA JOSEPH MUNTZ, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VISIT FREDERICK
Fall is a beautiful time of year all over Frederick County, but it is
truly stunning to see the changing leaves along the region’s scenic
byways. Whether you want to fill your weekend with unique stops
and exciting attractions or you just want to spend an hour taking
in the gorgeous views, a journey down one of Frederick County’s
most traveled roads is sure to be a memorable experience!
Throughout the changing seasons, U.S. Route
15 is full of engaging stops that will appeal to the
whole family. One of America’s most unique
and special destinations, Downtown Frederick
boasts a charming Main Street filled with one of
a kind restaurants, specialty shops, and a vibrant
arts community. North of the bustling city lies
the quieter countryside. Catoctin Mountain
Park, part of the National Park Service, holds
25 miles of hiking trails offering visitors a chance
to get up close and personal with nature.
Just on the edge of the park, Cunningham
Falls State Park is home to a 78-foot cascading
waterfall, lakefront beach and loads of other
recreational opportunities. Moving toward
the Town of Thurmont, visitors will find the
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo. This is
the one and only place in the Mid-Atlantic
to board an open-air truck and ride right
through the habitats of emu, zebra and bison.
If you would rather stroll at your own pace,
the zoo offers walking paths surrounding
over 450 exotic animals.
Nearing the Pennsylvania border, travelers
will see Mount Saint Mary’s University,
home of the National Shrine Grotto of
Lourdes, overlooking the path. Discover
the story of Saint Elizabeth Anne Seton,
the first American-born saint, at the nearby
Seton Shrine. Tour the museum, wander
through the house where she lived and step
into the awe-inspiring basilica.
If you are looking for an east to west (or
west to east) adventure, look no further
than the Historic National Road, America’s
first highway. Dating back to 1811, what
is today known as U.S. Route 40, was a
crucial portion of the westward movement
for many families. Today, travelers can
explore along the Historic National Road
in Downtown Frederick on Patrick Street.
Consider a stop at the National Museum
of Civil War Medicine, which tells a story
of healing and compassion and houses
more than 1,200 artifacts in five expansive
galleries. Further west, high atop South
Mountain and hidden by the woods that
surround it, sits the original Washington
Monument. The beautifully manicured trail
leading from the visitor center to the site is
short, and not as rigorous compared to the
2-mile march up the mountain that citizens
took to create the attraction years ago.
Visitors who reach the top of the monument
are rewarded with an incredible view. Nearby
South Mountain Creamery will satisfy even
the strongest dessert craving with fresh from
the farm ice cream! Tour the property to
find out how the creamery’s dairy products
are made on site.
FALL 2016 | FREDERICK COUNTY GUIDE
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