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. Pictured Left to Right: Washington Monument State Park, Middletown; B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore; Buddy Lou’s Eats, Drinks and Antiques, Hancock 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. PHOTO: B&&O RAILROAD MUSEUM, AMANDA BARRETT 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. DESTINATION MARYLAND ✥ 23