2024-02-07 09:22:02
Each of our 18 scenic byways have the makings of a perfect road trip. And with nearly 2,500 miles of scenery — from bridges soaring over waving wetland grasses to rolling mountain vistas — they’re easy on the eyes, too. They’re also packed with things to do along the way (and on side trips). You’ll encounter cosmopolitan cities, charming small towns, sites along the Underground Railroad, intimate art and history museums, historic battlegrounds and more. Check out these ideas for road tripping on our six federally designated America’s Byways®. Cruise here to find adventure-packed, road-trip ideas for all 18 of our byways. Historic National Road Historic National Road was the first big federally funded highway project in the country. A trip along this history-rich route is a must for those who love learning about the past. Stops along the way range from historic ships, steam trains and tollhouses to mountaintop monuments and battlefields. Historic Ships in Baltimore Dive into the past as you climb aboard four historic ships, including the USS Constellation (a 19thcentury sail warship) and the WWII U.S. Submarine Torsk, along with the Seven-Foot Knoll Lighthouse. Find lighthouse facts on p. 36. B & O Railroad Museum Baltimore Have a “rail” of a time on train rides and captivating guided tours. At the 1884 Roundhouse, check out the operational turntable and the world’s most extensive collection of early- American locomotives and railway vehicles. Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum Oella Explore 142 acres of grounds that include historical buildings and more ways to learn about the life of Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught astronomer and mathematician known as the first African-American man of science. Washington Monument State Park Middletown Summit South Mountain to find the first completed monument dedicated to George Washington, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Learn about Maryland’s first major Civil War battle at nearby South Mountain State Battlefield. Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum Hagerstown Built on the site where one of five roundhouses once stood in Hagerstown — aka “Hub City” — the museum houses a fascinating collection of model railroads, historical cabooses and locomotives, and hands-on activities for kids. Fort Frederick State Park Big Pool At this 1756 star-shaped stone fort, barracks and museum, folks in period dress act as your guides to the French and Indian War. Stretch your visit out with camping, canoeing and hiking. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Cumberland Take in mountain views while riding a steam- or diesel-powered train from Cumberland to Frostburg. Check the railroad’s calendar for special events like The Polar Express Train Ride™ and Moonlight on the Mountain. Spruce Forest Artisan Village Grantsville At this Appalachian heritage site, chat with artisans as they work on their crafts — like blacksmithing, weaving and pottery throwing — in the historical cabins that house their studios. Rocky Gap Casino & Resort Flintstone Nestled in the gentle swells of Western Maryland’s mountains, this family-friendly, lakeside retreat has it all: Golf, hike, swim, hit the gaming tables, catch live music and comedy acts, and more. STAY ALONG THE WAY Hollerstown Hill Bed & Breakfast Frederick Rocky Gap Casino & Resort Flintstone Town Hill B&B Little Orleans FUEL UP Loch Bar Baltimore Buddy Lou’s Hancock Penn Alps Restaurant and Craft Shop Grantsville Journey Through Hallowed Ground Said to have more historic sites than any other corridor in the nation, this route is steeped in America’s past. Walk battlefields that played pivotal roles in the Civil War and pay tribute to the lives of enslaved African-American ironworkers. Take a break from history to check out trails, parks and more. National Shrines: Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes & St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Emmitsburg At the grotto, reflect on the replica and collect holy water from the Lourdes Shrine, which is the oldest in the U.S. Up the road, see the 19thcentury home of America’s first saint. Museum of the Ironworker Thurmont Stroll the grounds to see the remains of an iron furnace and a working blacksmith shop. Honor enslaved African-American ironworkers along the cemetery trail or via the Smithsonian Institution’s gripping forensic facial-reconstruction exhibit. Roddy Road Covered Bridge Thurmont With red sides and — in fall — a backdrop of fiery foliage, this 1856 bridge is picture perfect. A surrounding park makes an ideal spot for picnicking or fishing. Catoctin Mountain Park Thurmont This park was once a training ground for the Office of Strategic Services — a WWII American intelligence agency. Walk trails knowing agents once used the woods to learn the arts of espionage, combat and sabotage. Nearby, delight in the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland at Cunningham Falls State Park. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve Thurmont Break up the day’s history lessons by meeting animals from around the world. On the safari ride, you can spot — and feed! — bison, zebras, camels and more. Antietam National Battlefield Sharpsburg See the site of The Bloodiest One- Day Battle in American History — a crucial turning point in the Civil War that paved the way for President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Don’t miss the Newcomer House, Dunker Church and Pry House Field Hospital Museum. Carroll Creek Park Frederick At this mile-long city park, look for carp lazily swimming past giant lily pads, snap pics of quirky sculptures and admire Community Bridge’s trompe l’oeil — an artistic optical illusion that creates a 3D effect with paintings. Stop at a café along the waterway for a tasty treat. Monocacy National Battlefield Frederick Experience “The Battle that Saved Washington’’ while floating on the Monocacy River Water Trail. The visitor center and driving tours are other ways to learn more about this place’s role in history. Visit in July for battle re-enactments and living-history programs. National Museum of Civil War Medicine Frederick This museum puts Civil War health care under the microscope as it delves into the medical practices, conditions and innovations of the period — including discoveries that continue to save lives today. Gathland State Park Jefferson A stone archway — resembling a castle wall — is dedicated to the memory of Civil War correspondents and welcomes you to the park, which is also a prime jumping-off point for the Appalachian Trail. Appalachian National Scenic Trail near Jefferson Pick up this world-famous footpath in Gathland State Park and hike the section to Weverton Cliffs. Here, you’ll catch awe-inducing views of the Potomac River winding through the mountains. Discover more of our Trail System Second-to-None on p. 67. FUEL UP Rube’s Crab Shack Emmitsburg Carriage House Inn Emmitsburg Captain Benders Tavern Sharpsburg Firestone’s Culinary Tavern Frederick STAY ALONG THE WAY Antietam Overlook Farm Bed and Breakfast Keedysville Cabins at Catoctin Mountain Park Thurmont The Forgeman’s House Thurmont 10 Clarke Frederick Inn at Antietam Sharpsburg Baltimore’s Historic Charles Street Historic Charles Street runs through the heart of downtown, past Mount Vernon Place National Historic District and the Washington Monument, until it opens up to picturesque suburbs. Along the route, see why Baltimore is called “Charm City” as you immerse yourself in the metro area’s arts, culture, history and modern-day attractions. American Visionary Art Museum From quirky giant-whirligig sculptures to amazing creations by self-taught artists, this museum is a Maryland gem. Leave time to shop at Sideshow, the museum’s award-winning gift shop. Federal Hill In 1788, 4,000 locals united here to celebrate the state’s ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Today people still gather at this harborside park for events like a free movie series in July and amazing views. National Aquarium in Baltimore Meet dolphins, watch sharks slicing through the water, listen to tropical birds and brilliant dart frogs chirping in the rainforest, and learn about Maryland’s underwater ecosystems at what’s regularly recognized as a top national aquarium. Basilica of the Assumption Awe-inspiring domes, detailed rosettes and vaults adorn “America’s first cathedral” — aka the first cathedral constructed after the adoption of the Constitution. The Walters Art Museum With a collection of 36,000 artifacts and rotating exhibits, The Walters is a must for art lovers. At the museum’s Hackerman House at 1 West Mount Vernon Place, don’t miss the thought-provoking installations inspired by the life of Sybby Grant, the enslaved cook of the home. Peabody Institute Founded in 1857, America’s first conservatory curates the talents of top musicians to this day. Check their calendar for performances, or tour the library’s stack rooms where delicate ironwork vines its way up to a massive skylight. Maryland Center for History and Culture Marvel at the original manuscript for the National Anthem before winding through Maryland’s past via Native American artifacts, decorative glass and silver, 19thcentury American furniture and works by famed African-American painter Joshua Johnson. The Charles This former streetcar barn and dance hall turned theater now offers an impressive lineup of indie and international films as well as Hollywood blockbusters. Special events include film festivals and revival series. Baltimore Museum of Art Renowned for its exceptional Matisse collection, a diverse and captivating collection of contemporary art, and lush sculpture garden, this museum has an award-winning restaurant that’s the perfect spot to reflect on an inspiring day of art. Sherwood Gardens Though seasonal plantings wow yearlong, late April and early May draw flora fawners in with the spectacle of 50,000-plus tulips erupting into blush pinks, sunny oranges, deep crimsons and velvety purples. Hampton National Historic Site Towson Join a ranger-led tour of this lavish Georgian mansion and plantation to hear about the Ridgely family and the enslaved African Americans, indentured servants and paid laborers who made the family’s fortune. FUEL UP Darker Than Blue Grille Cross Street Market Alma Cocina Latina Mount Vernon Marketplace STAY ALONG THE WAY The Ivy Hotel Ulysses Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor Lord Baltimore Hotel Religious Freedom On this journey, explore Maryland’s Colonial days at sites that are entrenched in early struggles for religious freedom. In this area where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay, visit history-rich state parks, churches and museums, as well as modern-day wineries and gardens. Smallwood State Park Marbury Named for a Revolutionary War general and Maryland’s fourth governor, the park is home to William Smallwood’s former tidewater tobacco plantation and has a campground and marina known for bass-fishing tournaments. Christ Church Durham Parish Nanjemoy British monarchs William and Mary chartered this Episcopal church in 1692 to compete with the Catholic church and other religious groups. Its congregation was established in 1661, and William Smallwood was a parishioner. St. Ignatius Catholic Church Port Tobacco St. Ignatius was founded by Jesuits seeking religious freedom in 1641. The church served Native Americans, enslaved Black Americans and colonists alike — even when the chapel was forced to close due to religious intolerance. Port Tobacco Historic Village Port Tobacco Wander this 17th-century town — once Maryland’s biggest international seaport — on a self-guided or guided tour to discover its past as told through interpretive signs describing a courthouse and historical homes. Carmel of Port Tobacco La Plata At the oldest Carmelite Monastery in the country, tour the “Old Monastery” and chapel, browse the gift shop or join the sisters for Mass. St. Clement’s Island State Park and Museum Coltons Point Take a water-taxi ride across the Potomac to the site where Maryland’s first colonists arrived and its first Catholic Mass was held in 1634. Port of Leonardtown Winery Leonardtown Maryland’s wine making prowess dates back to 1648 and is still going strong. Sip rosés, viogniers and other unique varietals knowing you’re taking part in a centuries-old pastime. Discover more wineries on p. 61. Historic St. Mary’s City St. Mary’s City Wander the paths of Maryland’s first capital, founded on the values of religious freedom, and explore this living-history museum and active archaeological site in beautiful, tidewater Southern Maryland. Point Lookout State Park near Scotland This National Park Service Network to Freedom Site was a Civil War hospital and prison camp. Today, you’ll find a lighthouse, historic fort and museum, along with many recreational opportunities. FUEL UP Port Tobacco Marina & Restaurant Port Tobacco The Front Porch Leonardtown 2 Soul Sisters Lusby Chesapeake Country History, heritage, shopping, wildlife and succulent seafood dinners await on this shore-hugging adventure. Make your way down country roads, through small watermen’s villages and along routes that skim the edge of the Chesapeake Bay. This byway also contains 11 nautical miles, making it all the more unique. C&D Canal Museum & Ben Cardin C&D Canal Trail Chesapeake City Tour this museum to learn about the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal before taking a walk or bike ride along the route that saved shippers 286 miles of travel. Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge Rock Hall Stroll wooden boardwalks that carve through tall watergrasses as you look for nesting bald eagles and the whorled shells of diamondback terrapins. Powdery tundra swans steal the show in winter. Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center Grasonville Rent a kayak and take to the marshy waters to spot the likes of otters, water snakes and stingrays. Night paddles, stargazing events and kids’ programs add to the adventure. Terrapin Nature Park & Beach BYWAY Stevensville At this little slice of tidewater paradise, red foxes hide amid rustling sea oats, driftwood decorates sandy beaches and paths curve through meadows and woodlands Old Wye Mill Wye Mills This water-powered mill has been grinding grain since 1682. Mid- April through mid-November, you can watch flour being made twice monthly, shop for artisanal flours and crafts at the Wheat Harvest Festival and more. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum St. Michaels Explore the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, wander through a working shipyard, meet traditional craftsmen, take a guided cruise, enjoy hands-on activities and discover exhibitions on the bay’s role throughout history. Pemberton Historical Park Salisbury Tour the 18th-century plantation home and stroll 4.5 miles of nature trails and boardwalks that wind through tranquil woodlands and tidal wetlands thick with lush greenery and wildflowers. Smith Island & Tilghman Island Experience a different kind of Island Time at Smith and Tilghman islands — watermen’s villages teeming with Chesapeake Bay heritage and personality. Dine on the freshest of seafood; take in the streaky reds, oranges and purples of bay sunsets; kayak area water trails and make sure you sample the famous many-layered Smith Island Cake — our state dessert. (Note: Smith Island is only accessible by boat.) Dig into more of Maryland’s food scene on p. 54. FUEL UP Scottish Highland Creamery Oxford Crow Vineyard & Winery Kennedyville Evolution Craft Brewing Company Salisbury Water’s Edge Cafe Crisfield Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Maryland is the Most Powerful Underground Railroad Storytelling Destination in the World, so it’s only fitting that we should have a byway dedicated to the activism of Harriet Tubman. Honor her legacy at museums and historical sites as well as in the towns and natural areas in which this network of trails ran, helping freedom seekers on their journey north. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center Church Creek Interactive and immersive exhibits expand on Tubman’s early life and family and how her vast knowledge of the area’s landscape aided her heroic work in bringing so many to freedom. Blackwater Wildlife Refuge Cambridge Guided biking or kayaking tours with Blackwater Adventures Chesapeake Bay take you through this area in which Tubman’s father’s cabin stood and where she trapped muskrats and helped lead Black Americans to freedom. Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center Cambridge Recognizable by a stirring mural of Tubman extending an open hand, this museum shines a light on the extent of the Underground Railroad in Maryland, as well as lesser-known details of Tubman’s life. Stanley Institute Cambridge Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Stanley Institute (once called Rock School) is a daffodil-yellow, one-room schoolhouse that was run by the Black community from 1867 until 1962. Linchester Mill & Webb Cabin Preston Set amid a network of safehouses and a place where free Black Americans worked alongside freedom seekers, the mill was likely a communication hub along the Underground Railroad. The nearby Webb cabin is a rare surviving example of a typical home for free African Americans during this time period. Museum of Rural Life Denton Discover how different Marylanders lived as you visit four historical homes, ranging from a one-room dwelling to a plantation manor, at this museum dedicated to agricultural life in rural Maryland. Tuckahoe State Park & Adkins Arboretum Queen Anne Walk trails lined with sweet-smelling yellow jonquils — remnants of former farmsteads — or look for feather-helmeted wood ducks while paddling. The arboretum’s Rooted Wisdom experience illuminates the role nature played in the Underground Railroad. Tuckahoe Neck Meeting House Denton This 1803 clapboard structure and Quaker meeting house was a place of worship for many abolitionists who supported and sheltered freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. Caroline Courthouse Denton The reconstructed courthouse serves as a somber reminder of the past. Freedom seekers and Underground Railroad conductors were held prisoner at the courthouse jail and many enslaved Black Americans were auctioned off at a market held in the courthouse square. Bucktown General Store & Brodess Farm Cambridge Make an appointment to tour the inside of this 19th-century country store that was likely the site of Tubman’s first activism. Down the road is the Brodess Farm, where Tubman was enslaved as a child. FUEL UP Harriet’s Homemade Ice Cream & Cakes Cambridge Big Daddy’s Soul Food Kitchen Cambridge Cafe Underground Cambridge Market Street Public House Denton Caroline’s Denton STAY ALONG THE WAY Martinak State Park Cabins Denton Riverside Lodge on Hoopers Island Fishing Creek Cambridge House Bed & Breakfast Cambridge Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina Cambridge
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