Small-Town Surprises: Unexpected Delights in Frederick thumbnail

Small-Town Surprises: Unexpected Delights in Frederick

Published Feb 27, 25
3 min read

Are you planning your next trip to Maryland? Take a look beyond the typical and let Frederick County surprise you. From delicious food and relaxing stay-cations to lively festivals and scenic landscapes, this lively county blends historic charm with modern-day fun. Learn more about Frederick County as an insider by reading our guide.

Experience the Best Events Every Season

Frederick County isn't just a destination, it's an experience! The county calendar is packed with events that you shouldn't miss concerts, live shows exhibitions of art, social gatherings for everyone's interests.

Celebrate the spring season with festivals : Enjoy warmer days in Frederick with street fairs, concerts on Carroll Creek and family-friendly markets.

Summer Nights:
You can enjoy free shows under the stars. You can also cheer for local teams at baseball games, or explore the region's unique theater scene. Don't forget to attend food truck events and sunset yoga sessions in our stunning parks.

Fall Into Fun:
Frederick County changes as the leaves turn golden. Enjoy cider at harvest festivals or take ghost tours of the historic streets. Try the seasonal tastes in restaurants in downtown.

Winter Wonders:
Bring the holiday spirit to life with sparkling parades, craft fairs, and warm tastings at the local wineries and breweries. Every walk in Frederick's charming downtown business district is filled with the enchanting.

Find out which events are happening in Frederick County, Maryland on the Frederick County event calendar.

Enjoy Every Bite of Food: Eats in Frederick County

Are you looking for something different? Frederick's culinary scene has been bursting with flavor. Renowned chefs highlight local produce, while international restaurants add a delicious variety. Get your food from farm to table in an old-fashioned hotel, or grab a burger and a pastry at a lively gastropub.

Local Tips:

  • Don't miss the famed Maryland crab dip.
  • Stop by downtown Frederick for international food, from Italian trattorias to authentic Thai kitchens.
  • Ready for dessert? Downtown's bakeries and ice cream stores are renowned.

Plan your food tour - Explore Frederick's best restaurants.

Rest Easy: Unique Stays for Every Traveler

Frederick County offers a wide range of accommodations, with everything from cozy bed and breakfasts to practical chain hotels. It is possible to stay in the heart of Frederick County, which offers convenient access to shops and attractions. If you prefer to relax, you can stay in a cozy inn with views of the countryside.

Popular picks:

  • Boutique hotels themed--each offers a unique piece of Frederick style.
  • Restored farmhouses--perfect for romantic getaways or family vacations.
  • Pet-friendly lodging--because Fido loves road trips, too!

Find your perfect accommodation on the Frederick County hotels page.

Enjoy the outdoors: parks trail, trails, as well as nature's beauty are waiting for you.

Frederick County is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.

  • Discover miles of hiking and biking trails in Catoctin Mountain Park and Gambrill State Park.
  • Fish or paddle on the Monocacy River or the Potomac river
  • Take advantage of the beautiful parks with your children, and find picnic areas or playgrounds as well as nature centers.

There's always a new activity to take part in, whether it be an organized birdwatching tour, or a wildflower walk.

Plan your next outdoor adventure with our Frederick County outdoors guide.

Take a dive into History & Culture

Take a trip into the world of a book as you stroll past 18th-century buildings, tour amazing museums, and connect with the area's dynamic artistic community.

  • History enthusiasts: Don't miss the National Museum of Civil War Medicine or historical walking tours of Frederick's historic streets.
  • Art lovers: Pop into galleries, observe artists working, or take part in hands-on workshops.
  • Family-friendly explorers Explore imaginative playgrounds, fun working farms, and interactive exhibits to keep children of all ages entertained.

Explore the most popular sights on the Frederick County attractions page.

Plan Your Visit with Ease

The central location of Frederick County makes it easy to get there from Washington D.C., Baltimore and Gettysburg. It's a great place to go for day trips or long breaks. There are many affordable parking garages in Frederick's downtown. Take a look at the conditions for traffic and local parking tips. Stay informed with the Frederick News newsletter to be the first to know about special offers.

Begin Your Frederick County Journey Today!

Are you ready to create your personal Frederick County tale? If you are in the mood for live music, crave-worthy eats, outdoor thrills, or walking through the history of the area, our county has something to offer you. Explore, enjoy and plan your ideal vacation, one Frederick experience at a time.

Visit EventsFrederick.com to plan your next trip, be inspired or simply look up the most recent news and events.

Events Frederick: The trusted source for what’s happening, what’s tasty, and what’s new in Frederick County, Maryland.