Off the Beaten Path: Unique Experiences in Frederick County thumbnail

Off the Beaten Path: Unique Experiences in Frederick County

Published Mar 29, 25
3 min read

Are you planning your next trip to Maryland? Frederick County will surprise you. The lively county offers many activities including festivals, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. Learn more about Frederick County as an insider by reading our comprehensive guide.

Take advantage of the best events each season.

Frederick County is more than a place. It's a lifestyle! The calendar for the county is jam-packed with exciting festivals, live performances, art exhibits, and social gatherings for everyone's interests.

Spring Forward with Festivals:Celebrate warmer days at Frederick's outdoor festivals, think street fairs with local artists, live music on Carroll Creek, and family-friendly markets bursting with artisan treats.

Summer Nights Sizzle:
Take in free concerts under the stars, or cheer for local teams at baseball games, or explore the region's unique theater scene. Enjoy lively food truck rallies as well as yoga at sunset and many other events at our parks.

Fall Into Fun:
Frederick County changes as the leaves change to gold. Sip cider at harvest festivals, get spooked on ghost tours of the streets, or enjoy seasonal flavors at downtown eateries.

Winter Wonders:
Take in glittering parades, crafts shows, and wine tastings at local wineries and breweries. Each cold walk through Frederick's charming central business district is filled with awe.

Find out what events coincide with your travel dates by looking up the Frederick County events calendar.

Enjoy Every Bite: Eats in Frederick County

Hungry for something new? Frederick's dining scene is bursting with flavour. International spots and renowned chefs blend to produce a delicious range. Experience fresh, farm-to table food at an old inn, dive into delicious burgers in an energetic gastropub, or enjoy pastries while sipping coffee in one our cafes that are welcoming.

Local tips:

  • Do not miss the famous Maryland crab dip.
  • Pop into downtown Frederick for a variety of international cuisines, from Italian trattorias, to authentic Thai kitchens.
  • Ready for dessert? Ice cream parlors, ice cream shops and bakeries downtown are legendary.

Plan your food tour - See Frederick's top restaurants.

Rest Easy: Unique Stays for Every Traveler

Boutique hotels, charming bed and breakfasts, conveniently chain hotels, whatever your travel preference, Frederick County has you covered. Stay close to downtown with easy access to shopping and other attractions, or unwind by enjoying a view of the countryside at an idyllic inn.

Top Picks:

  • The themed boutique hotels each have their own distinctive slice of Frederick style.
  • Restored farmhouses ideal for romantic getaways or family vacations
  • Pet-friendly lodging--because Fido loves road trips, too!

Find your perfect home away from Home on the Frederick County hotel page.

Take advantage of the outdoors: parks trails, trails, and nature's beauty are waiting for you.

For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Frederick County provides a myriad of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

  • Discover miles of hiking and cycling trails at Catoctin Mountain Park or Gambrill State Park.
  • Paddle or fish in the Monocacy or Potomac rivers.
  • Enjoy the lush greenery of parks where you'll find parks, picnic areas, and nature centers for the entire family.

The seasons' activities, from wildflower walks to guided birdwatching, there's always something new to discover.

Use our Frederick County outdoor guide to design your next outdoor adventure.

Explore History & Culture

Step into a storybook as you stroll past buildings from the 18th century, visit amazing museums, and connect in the lively arts and culture.

  • History buffs, don't skip the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and historical walking tours of Frederick.
  • Art enthusiasts are able to go to galleries to see artists at work, or take part in art workshops.
  • Family-friendly Explorers Explore imaginative playgrounds, fun working farms, and interactive exhibits to keep all ages entertained.

Discover all the must-see places to visit on the Frederick County page.

Make your plans with Ease

Frederick County's central location allows it to be easily accessible easily from Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Gettysburg--perfect for day trips or longer escapes. Be sure to check the traffic conditions, look up local parking advice (there's plenty of garages that are affordable downtown! ) Keep up to date with the Frederick Events Frederick newsletter to get exclusive deals.

Start Your Frederick County Journey Now!

Ready to write your own Frederick County story? Our county is ready to create a memorable adventure for you, regardless of whether you want live music and delicious food, outdoor adventures or just a stroll through the past. Explore, indulge and plan your ideal trip--one Frederick experience at an time.

Get the most up-to-date events, plan your trip or get inspired, visit EventsFrederick.com now and let your adventure begin!

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