Discover Frederick, MD - History, Art, and Craft Beverages

Day 1: Historic Charm & Downtown Craft Sips

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Begin your Frederick adventure with a delightful breakfast at Cafe Nola (4 E Patrick St), known for its eclectic atmosphere and tasty fare. Expect to spend $30-$40 for two. After breakfast, immerse yourselves in history with a self-guided walk through Frederick’s historic downtown, easily covered on foot. Start at the iconic Carroll Creek Linear Park, admiring its bridges and public art installations (free). Then, delve into the past at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine (48 E Patrick St). Allow 1.5-2 hours. Admission is approximately $15 per person ($30 total). The museum is just a few blocks from Cafe Nola and Carroll Creek, making it a very walkable morning.
  • Practical Tip: Pick up a free walking tour map from the Visitor Center (151 S East St) or use a history app like the Frederick Walking Tour for detailed insights.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy a casual lunch at Brewer’s Alley Restaurant & Brewery (124 N Market St), housed in a historic building, offering solid pub fare and their own brews. Lunch for two typically runs $40-$50. From Brewer’s Alley, it’s a short 5-minute walk (0.2 miles) to your first craft beverage stop: McClintock Distilling Co. (35 S Carroll St). Take a tour (often free or low cost, check their schedule) and enjoy a tasting flight of their organic spirits ($10-$15 per person, $20-$30 total). Afterwards, stroll 10 minutes (0.5 miles) to Idiom Brewing Co. (340 E Patrick St Suite 104) or Attaboy Beer (400 Sagner Ave) for a relaxed tasting of local craft beers. Grab a pint or a flight; expect to spend $20-$30 for a couple of rounds.
• Evening For dinner, experience the vibrant Frederick culinary scene at Firestone’s Culinary Tavern (105 N Market St), offering upscale American comfort food in a stylish setting. A dinner for two with drinks will be approximately $80-$100. After dinner, consider a leisurely evening walk back along Carroll Creek, enjoying the illuminated bridges, or if you’re up for one more stop, Olde Mother Brewing (526 N Market St) is a short drive/Uber away (5 minutes, $8-$10 ride) for a nightcap.
  • Accommodation Suggestion (Not part of budget breakdown but typical): Hampton Inn Frederick or Courtyard by Marriott Frederick, often $180-$220/night.
  • Estimated Day 1 Costs (excluding accommodation): Food $140-$170, Activities $70-$90, Local Transit $10-$20 = $220-$280.

Day 2: Scenic Vineyards & Frederick Flavors

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation or grab a quick bite at The Roost (5225 Presidents Ct), a beloved local spot (expect $30-$40 for two). Then, embark on a scenic drive to one of Frederick County’s renowned wineries. Head to Linganore Winecellars (13601 Glissans Mill Rd, Mount Airy), about a 25-30 minute drive from downtown Frederick. Enjoy a guided tasting of their award-winning wines amidst beautiful rolling hills. Tastings are typically $20-$30 per person ($40-$60 total). Allow 1.5-2 hours for the tasting and to explore the grounds.
  • Practical Tip: Consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at Linganore’s picnic area, or check their schedule for food truck events on weekends. Alternatively, plan to grab a light lunch back in Frederick.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Drive back to Frederick (approx. 25-30 minutes). For lunch, try Isabella’s Taverna & Tapas Bar (44 N Market St) for a delightful array of small plates and a vibrant atmosphere. Lunch for two will be around $45-$65, depending on how many tapas you indulge in. After lunch, take some time to browse Frederick’s unique boutique shops and art galleries along Market Street. For a final craft beverage experience, visit Tenth Ward Distilling Company (55 E Patrick St), conveniently located downtown. They specialize in “unconventional” spirits; enjoy a tasting flight ($10-$15 per person, $20-$30 total) and learn about their unique distilling process.
  • Optional Alternative: If interested in more history and less shopping, a visit to Monocacy National Battlefield (4801 Urbana Pike, 10-minute drive from downtown) offers significant Civil War history and walking trails (free entry, visitor center has exhibits).
• Evening Conclude your Frederick getaway with a memorable dinner at The Wine Kitchen on the Creek (50 N Market St #1), offering seasonal American cuisine with an excellent wine list and beautiful creek-side views. Dinner for two with drinks can range from $90-$120. This is a perfect spot for a farewell meal before departing Frederick.
  • Estimated Day 2 Costs: Food $165-$225, Activities $60-$90, Gas/Transit $20-$40 = $245-$355.

Total Estimated Budget for 2 People:

• Food: $305 - $395
• Activities/Tastings: $130 - $180
• Local Transportation (Uber/Lyft/Gas/Parking): $30 - $60
• Accommodation (1 night): $180 - $220
• Grand Total: $645 - $855 (Fits within the $650-$850 budget range)

Day 1: Downtown Echoes & Civil War Healing

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive in Frederick and check into your accommodation. For a central location and good value, consider the Hampton Inn & Suites Frederick-Fort Detrick or a local B&B like Hollerstown Hill Bed & Breakfast (check availability and pricing as they vary). Start your deep dive into history at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine (48 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD). This museum offers a unique perspective on the medical advancements and challenges during the war, particularly relevant as Frederick was a major hospital town. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
  • Cost: $15/person admission ($30 for two).
  • Distance: Most downtown hotels are within 0.5-1 mile walking distance. If driving, public parking garages are available nearby (e.g., Carroll Creek Garage, Church Street Garage) at hourly rates ($1-2/hour).
  • Practical Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be on your feet. The museum is compact but packed with information.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy lunch at a local downtown eatery. White Rabbit Gastropub (18 Market St, Frederick, MD) offers creative fare, or Brewer’s Alley Restaurant & Brewery (124 N Market St, Frederick, MD) provides classic pub food in a historic building. After lunch, embark on a self-guided historic walking tour of downtown Frederick. Pick up a map from the visitor center (19 E Church St) or use a mobile app. Key stops include the exterior of the Barbara Fritchie House (154 W Patrick St) and various Civil War markers detailing Frederick’s occupation. Spend time exploring the charming shops along Market Street.
  • Cost: Lunch ~$40-60 for two.
  • Distance: Downtown exploration is highly walkable, distances between points are generally 0.2-1 mile.
  • Practical Tip: Many downtown shops close around 5 PM, so prioritize any specific stores you wish to visit. Parking in garages is recommended over street parking for longer stays.
• Evening For dinner, savor the culinary delights of Frederick. The Wine Kitchen on the Creek (50 Carroll Creek Way #160, Frederick, MD) offers an upscale experience with a beautiful view of Carroll Creek, while Black Hog BBQ (118 S Market St, Frederick, MD) provides a more casual, delicious option. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Carroll Creek Linear Park, admiring the public art installations and pedestrian bridges.
  • Cost: Dinner ~$80-120 for two (Wine Kitchen) or ~$50-70 (Black Hog).
  • Practical Tip: Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.

Day 2: Battlefield’s Calm & Mountain Views

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Dedicate your morning to the Monocacy National Battlefield (4801 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD). Known as “The Battle That Saved Washington,” this site offers excellent interpretive trails and a visitor center that thoroughly explains its crucial role in the Civil War. Start at the Visitor Center to watch the orientation film and pick up maps. Then, drive the 5-mile auto tour route, stopping at key historical points like the Worthington House and Best Farm. Allow 2.5-3 hours for a comprehensive visit.
  • Cost: Free admission to the battlefield and visitor center.
  • Distance: Approximately 6 miles south of downtown Frederick (15-20 minute drive). A car is essential for this visit.
  • Practical Tip: Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking uneven terrain on the battlefield trails. Bring water, especially on warmer days, as some stops involve short walks.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy a casual lunch. Consider stopping at Bushwaller’s Pub (209 N Market St, Frederick, MD) back in downtown Frederick for classic pub fare. Afterwards, unwind with some natural beauty at Sugarloaf Mountain (7901 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD). This privately owned, publicly accessible mountain offers several well-maintained hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous, culminating in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. A moderate 2-3 mile loop trail (e.g., the Blue Trail to the summit) takes about 1.5-2 hours.
  • Cost: Lunch ~$30-50 for two. Free admission and parking at Sugarloaf Mountain (donations encouraged).
  • Distance: From Monocacy, it’s approximately 15 miles south (25-30 minute drive). From downtown Frederick, it’s about 30 minutes drive.
  • Practical Tip: Check the weather before heading to Sugarloaf Mountain. Parking lots can fill up on peak weekends, so arrive earlier in the afternoon if possible.
• Evening Return to Frederick for a well-deserved dinner. For authentic wood-fired pizza and Italian dishes, try Pistarro’s Ristorante Pizzeria Napoletana (221 N East St, Frederick, MD), or for a lively atmosphere and American cuisine, visit Firestone’s Culinary Tavern (105 N Market St, Frederick, MD). Reflect on the day’s historical insights and outdoor adventures.
  • Cost: Dinner ~$70-100 for two.
  • Practical Tip: Frederick has a vibrant nightlife scene if you’re inclined to grab a post-dinner drink at one of the many pubs or breweries.

Day 3: Catoctin’s Heights & Farewell Frederick

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Start your day with a scenic drive north of Frederick to Catoctin Mountain Park (6602 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD). This diverse park offers numerous hiking opportunities and beautiful overlooks. Consider a relatively easy loop hike, such as the Hog Rock Vista Trail (1 mile round trip) or the Wolf Rock/Chimney Rock Loop (3.5 miles round trip, more strenuous but rewarding views). Alternatively, enjoy a scenic drive through the park with stops at various overlooks. Allow 2-3 hours for exploration.
  • Cost: Free admission to Catoctin Mountain Park.
  • Distance: Approximately 20-25 miles north of Frederick (30-40 minute drive).
  • Practical Tip: Pick up a map at the Visitor Center upon arrival to choose your preferred trail based on difficulty and time. Cell service can be spotty in some areas of the park.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 4:00 PM) Head back towards Frederick for a final lunch. Family Meal (20 N Market St, Frederick, MD) offers comfort food with a modern twist, or grab a quick, delicious sandwich from a local deli. Spend your remaining afternoon exploring any downtown shops you missed or revisiting a favorite spot, perhaps picking up souvenirs. Consider a brief visit to the Frederick History Museum (24 E Church St, Frederick, MD) for a broader view of the city’s past, if time and interest allow (check operating hours, often limited).
  • Cost: Lunch ~$30-50 for two. Frederick History Museum admission ~$10/person ($20 for two).
  • Distance: Catoctin to Frederick is a 30-40 minute drive. Downtown exploration is walkable.
  • Practical Tip: Many downtown shops have unique Frederick-themed gifts, perfect for souvenirs.
• Evening Enjoy an early farewell dinner in Frederick before departing. La Paz Mexican Restaurant (7-9 S Market St, Frederick, MD) is a local favorite for its vibrant atmosphere and classic Mexican cuisine. Reflect on your journey through Frederick’s significant Civil War past and its charming natural beauty.
  • Cost: Dinner ~$50-70 for two.
  • Practical Tip: Allow ample time for traffic if you have a specific departure schedule, especially if heading to a major airport.