MD Scenic Byways - Digital Guide
Old Main Streets
2021-08-10 23:17:53
COUNTRY ROADS CONNECTING SMALL TOWNS
drive type
Vibrant streets invite visitors to explore history, heritage and architecture while savoring the flavor of local shops, eateries and lodging.
111 MILES ROUND TRIP THROUGH EMMITSBURG, MOUNT AIRY AND WESTMINSTER
the romantic image of Small Town USA is one of a quaint Main Street that draws together people seeking goods and gossip. Nowadays, the historic hardware store building might house a bistro while the feed store showcases garden sculptures, but they still work their charm on visitors. This byway serves up a heaping helping of small-town hospitality.
Emmitsburg to Mount Airy
INCLUDING US 15, MD 77, MD 75 & MD 26
The Catoctin Mountains make a beautiful backdrop for the town of Emmitsburg, where fine examples of 18th- and 19thcentury architecture are plentiful. The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born saint, welcomes visitors for a self-guided tour. On the nearby campus of Mount St. Mary’s University is the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes, a beautiful place for meditation within a mountain setting.
Travel south to Thurmont along scenic US 15, which brings you to both Catoctin Mountain National Park and Cunningham Falls State Park. The area has plenty of hiking in addition to featuring three covered bridges built in the mid-1800s.
Head east through Detour and turn south into Union Bridge, where you can see model trains at the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society Museum. Other opportunities to enjoy the look and feel of Main Street America are available in Johnsville and Libertytown while heading southeast toward Mount Airy.
Mount Airy to Taneytown
MD 27, MD 31, MD 84 & MD 140
Nestled among several vineyards that offer tours and wine tastings, Mount Airy sets the table for a relaxing and romantic getaway. The town’s mantra is “stop, shop and stroll,” and visitors can soak in the small-town ambiance while doing just that.
From there, head north to New Windsor where a walking tour, beginning at the New Windsor Heritage Museum, reveals Civil War heritage amid 19th-century homes, churches and commercial structures. Just north is Uniontown, where Victorian residences line the streets and antiquing is a popular pastime.
The next stop is Westminster, where the charming Main Street has a variety of restaurants, shops and galleries, one of which is housed in a refurbished art-deco movie theater. The SERRV International Gift Shop sells homemade fair trade crafts from artisans in developing countries. A quick side trip on Washington Road brings you to Hoffman’s Ice Cream, open since 1947. Agricultural heritage is celebrated at the 140-acre Carroll County Farm Museum.
Before heading back to Emmitsburg, pass through Taneytown, which witnessed Civil War troop movements prior to the Battle of Gettysburg. Settle here for the night in a historic country inn or comfy bed and breakfast.
MARYLAND LORE: The first Maryland Wine Festival in 1984 featured eight wineries. Now, about 50 wineries participate each September at the Carroll County Farm Museum.
TRIP TIPS: Just off MD 140, Westminster is close enough to destinations such as Baltimore and Gettysburg, Pa., to provide convenient yet seemingly out-of-the-way opportunities for dining, shopping and lodging between day trips.
CARROLL COUNTY FARM MUSEUM
Westminster • 410-386-3880
www.carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org
ELK RUN VINEYARDS
Mount Airy • 410-775-2513
www.elkrun.com
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF CARROLL COUNTY
Westminster • 410-848-6494
https://hscc.carr.org
LOEW VINEYARDS
Mount Airy • 301-831-5464
www.loewvineyards.net
NATIONAL SHRINE GROTTO OF LOURDES
Emmitsburg
301-447-5318
www.msmary.edu/grotto
NATIONAL SHRINE OF ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON
Emmitsburg
301-447-6606
www.setonshrine.org
NEW WINDSOR HERITAGE MUSEUM
New Windsor
410-635-2602
www.newwindsorheritage.org
For information about amenities found along this byway, please refer to the chart on page 62.
SIDE TRIP
East of Mount Airy, in historic Sykesville, Piney Run Park has a nature center, hiking, fishing and boating. www.pineyrunpark.org
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