Frederick, Maryland
By Katherine Bigley, Staff
Maryland’s second-largest city has figured prominently in three centuries of American history. Guided walking tours and candlelight ghost tours around Frederick’s beautifully revitalized, 50-block downtown area show off intriguing architecture and sites linked to celebrated “locals” like Francis Scott Key and Civil War heroine Barbara Fritchie. Specialty shops, art galleries and antiques stores round out the scene. No wonder the National Trust of Historic Preservation recognized Frederick as one of “America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations.”
Fall in Frederick County, MD is packed with heritage celebrations, street festivals, and spirited fun, and bounty harvests. “October has so much activity it’s sometimes difficult to fit it all on the calendar,” says Tourism Council of Frederick County executive director John Fieseler. Frederick’s landscape also adds to the experience. “In Frederick County, we’re fortunate to have the brilliant fall foliage as a colorful backdrop for the countless events and harvest festivals that fill the season.”
October is the perfect time to showcase more than 35 of Frederick County’s farms, orchards, and vineyards, many of which are family owned and operated. During the Fall Family Festival @ The Farm, several Frederick County farms and wineries open their doors to the public and host special activities and events. From corn mazes to a variety of pick-your-own crops, local farms become spotlight attractions in the fall with their family-oriented activities, crafts, demonstrations, tastings, and more.
