Ten Things To Do In The Historic District, Downtown Frederick Md

Whether you are a Frederick resident, or if you are visiting historic Frederick, and want to make the most of your day, the Historic District in Downtown is a great destination with lots of interesting things to do. Even if you’re a local, you might find something new on my list. Here are 10 things to do in downtown Frederick Md:

🌉 1.   Spend some time at the Community Bridge.

This bridge mural was painted by artist William Cochran and a crew of local artists and residents. There is a sign with a Key to the many murals painted on the bridge on the creek level, next to the Delaplaine Art Center. The images were sent in from residents as well as former residents who lived elsewhere. They are reflections of what it means to live in Frederick County.

There are several other murals in downtown Frederick painted under the direction of William Cochran. The series is called “Angels in the Architecture”. Frederick has been named one of America’s 12 “Prettiest Painted Places”, selected from nearly 200 nominees.

🖼 2. Visit one or several Art Galleries.

Just a few:  The Delaplaine Art Center, New Vision Gallery, Gallery – 322, Tag/the Artists Gallery, Tomandy Art Center, and many more. The downtown shopping district has may eclectic and one-of-a-kind galleries and stores. Over the last decade, Frederick has become an artist enclave.

During the first weekend in June, the Frederick Art Festival draws more than 100 artists and craftspeople from all over the region. The entire month of June is devoted to the arts, with Plein Air painters painting throughout the city and around the county.

You won’t want to miss the Barnstorming Tour that takes place in June throughout the county. The Frederick County Landmarks Foundation organizes the tour of several barns every year. Docents are available at each barn to offer historic details. Artists are set up at each barn, painting scenes from the barns during the tour. The finished artwork and more can be purchased. It’s a beautiful way to combine Frederick County history, the arts and the lovely countryside of our county.

🖼 3.   Downtown Frederick is a shopper’s paradise.

You could spend days shopping in the old town Frederick. There are over 80 specialty stores, gift, clothing and toy stores. Bookstores, tea shops, florists, furniture stores, specialty foods…you name it, you’ll find something that’s just right for everyone on your gift list. There are vintage stores, record stores, comic book stores and of course, antique stores. From offbeat to mainstream, eclectic or traditional, you will certainly find something to take home.

Visit the downtown Frederick Farmer’s Markets on Thursday afternoons, or Saturday mornings between May and October. Find a Frederick County farmers market near you.

🍜 4.  Eat at the Best Restaurants in the Region!

Seriously, the Historic District has some of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. You can find great food for any budget, with a nod to every part of the globe…Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, Persian, Italian, Cuban, Organic, Fusion, and American…bakeries, fudge, and chocolate…you name it. All of the restaurants in downtown are one-of-a-kind and top notch. The only chain you’ll find is Starbucks, and who can go anywhere and not see a Starbucks?! Check out Downtown Frederick Partnership’s website for an exhaustive list of our fabulous restaurants.

🎫 5. Take a walking tour of the Old Town Frederick.

There are historical walking tours, ghost tours, bike tours, and several group tours. You can find them on the Visit Frederick website.

Take a Self-Guided Tour

Visit the Frederick Historical Society at 24 East Church Street for information, or the Visitor Center at 151 East Street. (301) 600-4047. You can also download the iTour Frederick App. It’s in the Google play store, Apple store for free.

💇 6.  Get a Spa Treatment or a Great Haircut.  

There are an abundance of places to pamper your inner diva in downtown Frederick:

Verbena Day Spa, The Temple – Paul Mitchell Salon School, Studio She, Structures Salon, Sam Wong Salon, Artisinal Hair Co., Neutre Salon, Daisy’s Salon and Body Boutique, Six East Hair Salon & Spa, Structures Salon, Belleza Hair & Nail Studio.

And not to leave out the men, there are several barber shops in old town Frederick. Try: East Patrick Barbershop, Tried and True Barbershop, Authentic Barber Co., Wastler’s Barber Shop (one of the oldest barbers in downtown).You can’t miss the traditional striped barber’s pole. 💈

🎭 7.  See a show in our growing Downtown Theater District:

See a variety of plays, shows or movies at the Weinberg. The Weinberg is a historic theater where you can see old-time movies, theatrical and musical performances and plays. The Weinberg’s renovation has returned the historic theater to it’s former glory. See a play at Way off Broadway Theater, or the Maryland Ensemble Theater, or any of several theater groups in Frederick. During the warmer months, there is always something going on at the Sky Stage, our newest open air theater, located at 59 South Carroll Street.

🕰 8.  Shop for Antiques in Historic Frederick.

There are dozens of antique shops and Malls in Frederick, including Emporium Antiques, Cannon Hill Place, Carroll Creek Classics, Country Shabby Chic, Fabulous Finds, Map Man, Vintage Revival, and more.

📚 9. Visit one of Frederick’s historic treasures.

like the Civil War Medicine Museum. Frederick was a key location during the Civil War when most of the Frederick churches became hospitals for wounded soldiers. Visit the Museum of Frederick County History at 24 E. Church Street.

There are many seasonal events to see the sights in Frederick: Museums by Candlelight and the Tour of Historic Churches are fun during December. Bell and History Day takes place the first weekend in April. There are a number of Oktoberfest activities as well.

There are several historic places in Frederick County, some highlights: The Shifferstadt, the oldest dwelling in Frederick, the Museum of Frederick County, Rose Hill Manor, Barbara Fritchie House, Bjorlee Museum, Hessian Barracks,  and more. Visit these websites to see more Frederick history:

• Visit Frederick.org
• Museums in Frederick County Md
• National Register of Historic Places in Frederick County
• Frederick County Landmarks

If you’re moving to Frederick Maryland, give us a call, we’re glad to show you around! Chris & Karen Highland      301-401-5119

🚎 10.  Take a historic Frederick carriage ride, or a trolley ride. 🚃

The trolly and carriage rides were not in operation during the pandemic, but hopefully soon they will be back in action. You can see historic Frederick MD from the comfort of an open-air horse-drawn carriage during special event days in the winter. On the first Saturday of the month during most of the year, the trolley is usually running and it makes a great scenic trip through the Historic District. One of our local historians is on board to share some historic tidbits.

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Chris & Karen Highland
eXp Realty – 301-301-5119