Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide
Historic National Road
Charlie Vascellaro 2019-12-19 23:32:22
“The Road that Built the Nation” is a vibrant thouroughfare that makes for a great vacation.
Following a trail forged during the formative years of the country and early forays into the new frontier, the Historic National Road carved a panoramic passageway west for the country’s settlers and still makes for a nostalgic road trip across the state of Maryland, stretching 170 miles from the bustling streets of Baltimore to Maryland’s scenic Northern border.
Running a complete distance of more than 800 miles from Maryland to Illinois, the Historic National Road is believed to be the nation’s oldest road connecting the Potomac and Ohio rivers and is often referred to as “The Road That Built the Nation.”
Cutting a swath through the multifaceted landscape featuring historic milepost locations and contemporary cultural destinations, current travelers on the Historic National Road can create customized road trips by stopping at specific points of interest along the way.
BALTIMORE TO FREDERICK
Via MD 144 & MD 27
For its founding of the nation and other significant historic connections, Baltimore has often been referred to as a “City of Firsts.” The B&O Railroad Museum and its iconic roundhouse make for a great first stop along the Historic National Road.
Founded in 1828, the B&O line was the country’s first railroad for commercial transportation of passengers and freight. The Historic National Road connected Maryland and the East Coast with the Western Frontier.
The B&O Museum houses one of the most complete collections of railroad artifacts and memorabilia in the world, including a remarkable array of 19thcentury vintage locomotives and rolling stock steam, electric and diesel engines, as well as passenger, freight and caboose cars. The museum also offers plenty of kid-friendly activities, including a carousel and a Happy Train carnival ride.
Continuing west, Frederick Avenue becomes MD 144 and passes through the town of Catonsville, a thriving rural farming community for the first half of the 19th century before the Short Line railroad connected it to the city, converting the village into a commuter’s suburb. Nowadays, Cantonsville—known as Music City—is a lively suburban college town.
Bordering the Patapsco River, in the historic mill town of Oella, you’ll want to stop at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum and enjoy its peaceful, pastoral surroundings. Honoring the late 18th-century free African-American author, scientist, naturalist and land surveyor credited with mapping Washington, D.C.’s borders, the museum is a fascinating educational experience.
Bike the Trolley Line #9 from the Park to cross the Patapsco River to neighboring Ellicott City, which still feels like the late 18th-century mill town of its origins and is home to the country’s first train station. Built in 1830, it was the first terminus of the original B&O Railroad line.
Ellicott City’s sloping Main Street is lined on both sides by an array of unique artsy gift shops and galleries, restaurants, breweries and bars—all proud to be Ellicott City Strong, after surviving historic floods. The best way to enjoy is by walking up and down both sides of the street and taking time for side street excursions.
Nearby, the rolling hills of Mt. Airy provide the rustic setting for Maryland’s wine country. Multiple vineyards stretch across the region, including the critically acclaimed Black Ankle Winery and tasting room.
FREDERICK TO HAGERSTOWN
Via MD 144 & U.S. 40 Alt
At the intersection of history and happening, Frederick has evolved into a sophisticated arts and culinary destination with a burgeoning craft beer and distillery scene. As a long-standing minor league baseball affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, the Frederick Keys are named for the city’s favorite son and “The Star-Spangled Banner” author Francis Scott Key. The team’s home games are hosted at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium.
Just a mile from the stadium, you’ll find the Weinberg Center for the Arts.” The Jewel of Frederick” is a 1926 silent movie palace that has been restored, rennovated and expanded and today is home to more than 150 events annually.
Continuing along Old National Pike/ U.S. 40 Alt W and passing through Braddock Heights and the agricultural village of Middletown, the Washington Monument State Park is the perfect opportunity for a hiking excursion on the Appalachian Trail and also contains the first monument erected in General President Washington’s honor. Bird watchers and ornithologists will appreciate that the park is along a migratory bird fly away.
Another seven miles down the road, the town of Boonsboro is home to Nora Roberts and her husband, photographer Bruce Wilder. Spend the day in this charming town browsing local shops, including Turn The Page bookstore and stay the night at the historic Inn Boonsboro, both owned by Nora and Bruce.
Ease on down to Funkstown, known for being the site of a Civil War battle, which took place on July 10, 1863. The eclectic village, with a population of less than 1,000 residents, is now more popularly known as a shopping destination, with more than 30 businesses specializing in home décor, antiques, knitting supplies and doll repair.
HAGERSTOWN TO CUMBERLAND
Via U.S. 40, I-68, I-70 & MD 144
Connecting Washington, D.C. with Cumberland, the C&O Canal had its groundbreaking near Georgetown on July 4, 1828. After the B&O Railroad became the preferred means of carrying cargo, the canal was purchased by the Federal Government in 1938, and the entire stretch was established as a National Monument and converted into a National Historic Park in 1961.
The canal flows just a few miles from Hagerstown, and its towpath has become immensely popular as a hiking and biking destination.
Hagerstown’s colorful South Prospect Street Historic District is an arts and cultural mecca, featuring the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and its scenic City Park surroundings, the Hagerstown Cultural Trail, a walkway lined with public art of assorted mediums and the Roundhouse Museum, which celebrates “Hub City’s” rich railroad tradition.
Continuing along U.S. 40, the 210-foot Wilson Bridge, with its carved five-stone arches, was constructed in 1819 and is the longest bridge of its kind in Washington County; today it is popular fishing and picnic spot. If you are looking for another mini-excursion off the beaten path try Fort Frederick State Park, a restored 250-year-old fort originally constructed in 1756 during the French and Indian War, but also utilized as a prison for captured British soldiers during the American Revolution and as a station for Union troops guarding the C&O Canal during the Civil War. Watch military reenactments and living history programming there on select weekends.
Driving along Sideling Hill is like being on an amusement park ride. The dramatic pass through the Allegheny/Appalachian Mountains along Interstate 68 is near the town of Hancock, which is sandwiched between the Pennsylvania and West Virginia borders of Maryland. This is the narrowest part of the state (just 1.8 miles from the north and south lines). The Welcome Center includes a foot bridge overpass right where the road splits through the mountain, providing stunning views into several states at once.
The Rocky Gap Lodge Casino and Resort, a great getaway that’s surrounded by the greenery of the tree-filled mountains and offers Maryland’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, serves as a multi-purpose entertainment destination/performing arts venue, and features a robust variety of luxurious spa treatments.
CUMBERLAND TO STATE LINE
Via U.S. 40 Scenic, I-68, U.S. 40 & U.S. 40 Alt
Take a break from the car and take a ride on one of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s choice of excursions embarking from Cumberland Station. Climbing more than 1,200 feet up from Cumberland to Frostburg and carving its way through the Allegheny Mountains, themed excursions include: murder mystery trains, caboose rentals, cab rides, “Hands on the Throttle” with an engineer and seasonal excursions. Riding the rails also provides one of the best East Coast views of the fall foliage.
The 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage Rail Trail connects with the 184.5-mile C&O Canal towpath at Cumberland, making for a 334.5-mile, long-distance biker’s journey from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.
The last of its kind, the La Vale Toll Gate House is the only remaining toll gate on the National Road in Maryland and serves as a window to the past that’s open to visitors at all times, with original signage on display designating the costs of crossing for wagons, animals and pedestrians.
The first or last stop on the journey across the National Road, depending on your direction, the 80-foot stone arch Casselman River Bridge, was the largest of its kind at the time of its construction in 1813 and ultimately connected Cumberland with the Ohio River. Now, the bridge is part of Casselman River Bridge State Park, where you can give fly fishing a try. If you work up an appetite or need a rest, less than a mile down the road you’ll find the Casselman Historic Inn and Restaurant. Built in 1842, the Inn and its homemade country food will transport you back in time to the days when covered wagons and stage coaches traveled the road.
No matter where you start, in which direction you’re traveling or whatever season, Maryland’s stretch of the Historic National Road is a remarkable road trip waiting to happen.
The Road that Fed the Nation
Regional Cuisine and Local Flavor Along the Historic National Road
Located in the heart of Old Ellicott City on historic Taylor’s Row, the Manor Hill Tavern (3733 Old Columbia Pike) is an extension of the family-owned farm brewery known as Manor Hill Brewery (4411 Manor Lane). The tavern features a hearty and eclectic variety of pub grub and beer pairings with a mid-19th century aesthetic.
It’s a long home run down the left field line from the Frederick Keys’ Harry Grove Stadium to the Black Hog BBQ (118 South Market Street) in Downtown Frederick, conveniently located off exit 54 from I-70. Black Hog BBQ offers a variety of barbecue styles and succulent smoked meat selections, including Carolina Chopped Pork and Arkansas Brisket.
Just a few rail cars distance from the B&O Railroad Museum, Ebenezer Ethiopian Restaurant (647 West Pratt Street) will transport your tastebuds across the globe with authenic dishes in a very relaxed setting.
With a sleek and chic urban décor, 28 South in Hagerstown (28 South Potomac Street) is a contemporary American restaurant located in a former hardware store and warehouse that offers fresh, made-to-order artisan pizzas, sandwiches and gourmet burgers—all made from locally sourced ingredients. The spacious bar serves an extensive selection of craft beer, wine and specialty drinks.
On the brick pedestrian town center in historic Downtown Cumberland, City Lights American Grill & Bar (59 Baltimore Street) is located a block away from Canal Place, the C&O Canal National Historic Park and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. City Lights’ menu features fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, pasta, chicken and homemade cheesecakes and pies for dessert. The outdoor dining area is a lively and popular gathering place for locals and visitors.
With a name like Buddy Lou’s Eats, Drinks and Antiques (11 East Main Street) you know that you’ve found a one-of-a-kind spot. Located in charming Hancock, right on the Western Maryland Rail Trail and C&O Canal, this tried-and-true quirky café offers up a true Maryland Crabcake among other favorites, including mac and cheese and a pork belly sandwich. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir in the basement antiques store where you’ll also find soft-serve ice cream.
©Maryland. View All Articles.