HISTORIC NATIONAL ROAD 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. Via U.S. 40, I-68, I-70 & MD 144 HAGERSTOWN TO CUMBERLAND 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 Via MD 144 & U.S. 40 Alt FREDERICK TO HAGERSTOWN 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. 24 ✥ VISITMARYLAND.ORG | 1-877-209-5883 PHOTO: TAMMY MCCORKLE
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 24
