Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2019 Maryland Official Visitors Guide
Western Maryland
2018-12-12 01:25:39
Rolling Paradise to the West
High peaks, dense forests, famous battlefields, shimmering waters and the strains of guitars—that’s Western Maryland, and it’s glorious.
About two hours from Baltimore, Washington or Pittsburgh, trout streams and cool air beckon in the summer; ski resorts and cross-country paths are great winter destinations. At any time of year, this region is great for checking out fine art, stocking up on timeless antiques or trying your luck at the casino.
Eat & Drink
- Rewind to an Earlier Time
Step back in time at Englander’s Antique Mall in Oakland in the heart of the Deep Creek Lake area. Past the antiques in the back is an old-fashioned soda fountain restaurant serving up home cooking, including biscuits, fried chicken and savory vegetable soup.
- Relax with Warm Coffee in Hand
In Frostburg, order an oversized latte and a vegetarian sandwich, and pull up a chair next to a study group at the quaint Mountain City Coffee. If it’s warm, grab a table outside, back to the stone walls, and watch the scenes on Main Street.
- Refresh with Fresh, Local Eats
Local eggs, hearty wraps and fresh baked goods—what more could you need for a day of wine tasting, hiking and biking? Check out the Water Street Café. This casual Friendsville spot will keep you going to the next attraction.
See & Do
- Coast Downhill for Mountain Scenes
The Wisp Ski Resort offers the downhill Mountain Coaster, golfing and skiing in winter. In the summer, golf is the name of the game. Take the kids on a chairlift ride to have a look at the mountain scenery. Try your hand at disc golf and soar high above it all on a zip-line.
- Explore New Paths and Streams
Want a boat? From kayaks to white-water rafts, Adventure Sports Center International has a rentable inventory and offers guided instruction at a man-made, mountaintop white-water park. If you prefer a land-based adventure, the activities include hiking, biking, geocaching and rock climbing.
- Get Creative with Local Artists
Bring home one-of-a-kind gifts from the Spruce Forest Artisan Village, a collective in Grantsville that offers handmade metal sculptures, wood furniture and accessories, and soaps. Or make something yourself—the village also hosts workshops in photography, weaving, bird carving and drawing.
- Train’s a Coming—So Hop On!
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is a delight for adults and children alike, as the old-fashioned locomotive winds its way through the mountains near Frostburg. And if you want to watch, and not just ride, the sight of the locomotive against the backdrop of fall colors or a leafy mountainside is Instagramable.
- Gaze at Dazzling Cave Features
Nearly 100 years ago during the building of the state road, workers discovered Crystal Grottoes Caverns. Now, visitors can marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites while enjoying a year-round temperature of 54 degrees.
- Experience Antietam
Students of history won’t want to miss the Antietam National Battlefield, which ended the Confederate Army’s first attempt at taking the North. About 23,000 soldiers died or were wounded within 12 hours, marking one of the bloodiest days of the war. Today, the battlefield is beautiful and serene to contrast its past, making the magnitude of what happened an awakening experience.
- Float Down the Canals
Visitors who only know the C&O Canal in Georgetown will be surprised at how much it widens out in the mountains. bMemorial Day through Labor Day, the Williamsport Visitors Center offers boat rides along the canal. In Cumberland, the C&O Canal National Historical Park explores the history of what was once thought to be the future of transportation.
- Go Where the Roads Take You
The National Road Museum in Boonsboro honors the nation’s first federal highway, built to take settlers west in pursuit of the frontiers.
- See Brushstrokes Up Close
The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts frequently showcases a gallery of local artists. Spend the afternoon strolling among Old Masters, traveling exhibitions and new modern works.
- Root for the Home Team
If they’re playing, take in a Hagerstown Suns game. This farm team for the Washington Nationals turns out avid fans and offers fun giveaways on many summer nights. Games take place at a historic ballpark and one of the three oldest facilities in Minor League Baseball.
- Make It Your Lucky Day
Rocky Gap Casino Resort offers up year-round activities, including hiking along its shady trails for an invigorating experience before trying your luck at the tables. The resort also features a spa, so make it a day.
Places to Stay
- Family Fun at Jellystone
Go rugged in a campsite or keep the comforts of home in a cabin. Either way, the family will love walking out and finding pools, playgrounds, water parks, miniature golf and laser tag just steps from your home away from homein Hagerstown.
- Seclusion at Savage River
World-class fishing guide Mike Evans at Savage River Outfitters in Swanton will take you fishing. But he also will happily leave you to sweet solitude if you’re renting one of his three cottages, each with ample room for families. Sit by the forested banks and enjoy the cool breeze with a good book or rent some gear and give the old casting hand a try. Each place has a grill, too.
- Camaraderie in Frostburg
The Allegheny Trail House is a bicycle-friendly bed and breakfast that makes an excellent option for connecting with others. It offers large common rooms, reliable wifi and a hearty breakfast. Friends of the owners or other guests stop by on occasion; even if the house is empty, there’s always people-watching on busy Main Street.
- Luxury at Wisp
The Lodge at Wisp offers not only great skiing, but four seasons of fun. Ski and snowboard? Sure. But also play golf, swim, take a rafting trip or pontoon boat tour.
Shop
- Bring Home Some Bargains
Just off Interstate 70, Hagerstown Premium Outlets offers great prices and a fun day of shopping name brands, like Banana Republic, Under Armour, Coach and Guess.
- Craft Your Own Glassworks
A visit to the Simon Pearce Factory Outlet and Glassblowing Workshop in the Deep Creek Lake area lets you bring home a one-of-a-kind piece of art—something no one else will have. The workshop sometimes offers classes, so you can create your own masterpieces.
- Peruse Unique Antiques
The Fort Cumberland Emporium has a little bit of everything, from furniture to collectibles. The shop owners offer “grab bags” of assorted treasures for just $1.
Events
- Del Does It Again
Bluegrass virtuoso Del McCoury, family members and a world-class list of longtime collaborators and revered musicians gather with their banjos, steel guitars and fiddles and play their hearts out for three days at DelFest in the Allegany County Fairgrounds. Some say it’s the best bluegrass festival in the world, and who are we to argue? If you want to try some picking yourself, The Travelin’ McCourys offer a three-day music academy before the festival.
- View Autumn in All Its Glory
MSN rated Autumn Glory the “#1 Fall Festival in the World.” It’s easy to see why, with spectacular colors, a pumpkin festival and the state fiddlers competition.
- A Slice of Country Life
Country Fest & Auction in McHenry brings you back to life’s simple pleasures. From handmade quilts, crafts and demos to antique auctions and barbecue, this fun display of rural living charms all walks of life.
Cities & Towns
- Plan Your Getaway in McHenry
McHenry is a great small town in itself. A couple of relaxing nights in McHenry will keep you ready for excursions in Maryland’s outdoor playground. From here, you can go to Wisp, Deep Creek Lake and Herrington Manor State Park.
- Stay College Cool in Frostburg
Stroll the scenes of University of Maryland’s westernmost campus, and enjoy dining, arts walks, festivals and a farmers’ market along its wide main street.
- Mountain Moods in Cumberland
It’s hard to find another city with a view quite like this one. The Potomac River runs through this town, so take in the scenes and savor Appalachian Mountain and river valley views. Don’t miss ice cream at the Queen City Creamery & Café, so named for the days when Cumberland was Maryland’s second-largest city.
#MDinFocus
Share your Western Maryland photos to #MDinFocus to be considered for next year’s Destination Maryland.
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YELP TOP DINING DESTINATIONS IN WESTERN MARYLAND
The Cornucopia Café in Grantsville
Everything from beer flights and deviled eggs to bagel burgers and peach Bellinis.
Ristorante Ottaviani in Cumberland
Known for its New York Style Italian in delicious abruzzo chicken and pasta civitella.
Pretzel and Pizza Creations in Hagerstown
Sandwiches, calzones, hotdogs and pizzas—all on soft, freshly baked pretzels.
DOWNLOAD THE BLIPPAR APP FOR MUSIC & VIDEO EXPERIENCE
See a Sneak Peek of the Music Scene at DelFest
A beacon for bluegrass and an epicenter of American mountain music, it’s a celebration of the sound and soul of music across five days.
Spotlight
The Deep Creek Experience
Most Marylanders know the state’s largest freshwater lake as a great summer getaway. But Deep Creek Lake, built a century ago and now managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is a year-round destination. Gorgeous in the fall, the area hosts 65 miles of shoreline for viewing the ambers and yellows reflected in the waters. Winter welcomes skiing at nearby resorts and roaring fires in one of the many vacation rentals. Summer is the season for free outdoor concerts in addition to swimming and boating. And in spring, the golf courses beckon guests to tee off at Thousand Acres and Wisp Resort.
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