experience downtown frederick
Participate in history at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Itineraries – History and Mystery
Founded in 1745 by English and German settlers, Frederick has long been at the crossroads of American history. During your stay, learn about Frederick’s role during the Civil War and iconic figures like heroine Barbara Fritchie and Star-Spangled Banner author, Francis Scott Key. Even if you’re visiting Downtown Frederick primarily for its rich history, you’re sure to enjoy the shopping, dining, events and arts & entertainment that the city has to offer. As always when you’re visiting historic sites, museums, attractions and more, it is advised to verify hours of operation prior to your visit. Museums, sites, and small shops often have different hours depending on the season.
Arrive Friday Afternoon
Begin your visit at the Frederick Visitor Center
151 S. East Street, Frederick, MD 21701
Open from 9am-5:30pm 7 days a week.
Get an overview of all there is to do in Downtown Frederick and nearby areas through exhibits and an orientation film, A Turn of the Wheel. The new Frederick Visitor Center is on the site of the former Frederick Spoke Factory, which was in active production at the end of the 19th century. The current day building's history can be traced to circa-1899, when it was constructed as a warehouse of the Monocacy Valley Canning Company. Our experienced visitor center hosts can help orient you to the city and make recommendations for dinner, shopping, local events, and sites that interest you. Be sure to pick up your calendar of events and Destination Frederick, the award-winning visitor guide.
Dinner: Quynn’s Attic
This second floor restaurant is the former site of Quynn’s hardware store, a business that operated for more than 200 years at this location. The first Quynn ledger, dated 1796, shows that many well-known Frederick families of the present day were Quynn’s customers in the 18th century. The store seems to have handled all sorts of merchandise, from hardware and dry goods to sword blades, whiskey, diamonds, and pocket pistols. Today, this restaurant provides a charming view of Patrick Street. After dinner, stroll the streets, grab a coffee or dessert, browse the galleries and shops, and enjoy this historic, lively downtown.
Saturday
Morning: Discover Francis Scott Key’s Frederick
- Francis Scott Key Monument at Mount Olivet Cemetery
515 S. Market St., Frederick, MD 21701
On your way into Downtown Frederick from your inn or hotel, visit the final resting place of the man who penned the Star-Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key. Just inside the front gate, there is an impressive monument dedicated on August 9, 1898 to pay lasting tribute to the author of our country’s national anthem. Established in 1854, Mount Olivet Cemetery also features the gravesites of Barbara Fritchie (Whittier's Poem) and Thomas Johnson (first Governor of Maryland). Visitation from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. - In Downtown Frederick, walk the streets where Francis Scott Key once lived, worshipped, and practiced law in the early 1800’s. See Courthouse Square, where he launched his notable legal career. Visit All Saints Episcopal Church, open 7 days a week at 106 W. Church Street. While this current neo-gothic church is from a later period, he was a member of this congregation while living in Frederick. Key was born in Frederick County on August 1, 1779 at his family’s plantation of Terra Rubra (now part of Carroll County; not open to the public). He studied law in Annapolis and began a legal practice in Frederick in 1801.
Lunch: Shab Row Bistro
Located in Downtown Frederick’s east-side neighborhood of Everedy Square and Shab Row, Shab Row Bistro offers a stylish dining area, outdoor seating, and an express menu during lunch. This neighborhood has a historic feel and unique ambiance of its own.
Afternoon:
- Antiquing and Shopping
Antiquing opportunities abound in Frederick, and many travelers come here intending to bring home a piece of the past. Downtown Frederick is home to an estimated 200 dealers in an eight—block area. Shab Row Bistro is an ideal starting point for your hunt for treasures from the past. Head south on East Street to explore the Everedy Square and Shab Row’s many antique and gift shops. From this area, you can easily take a right onto Patrick Street (heading west) and explore the antique and specialty stores along the way, including Emporium Antiques, a 55,000 square foot warehouse that houses over 100 antique dealers.- Schifferstadt Architectural Museum
Colonial German Stone House Built c. 1758
1110 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701
Just a short walk from the heart of Downtown Frederick, Schifferstadt is one of America's finest examples of German colonial architecture. Built ca. 1750, the stone manor house is the earliest known home in Frederick City and is unique for its five plate stove which is the only example in the world in its original position. The house and Heritage Gardens are known for its living history events and is available for guided tours.The museum is closed during the winter months and re-opens in April through October. Open Saturdays Noon-4pm. Call 301-663-3885 or email fredcolandmarks@aol.com.
- Schifferstadt Architectural Museum
Evening:
- Dinner at Brewer’s Alley
124 N. Market Street
Frederick, MD
Brewer’s Alley’s location is steeped in Frederick history. This building was completed in 1769 as a town hall and market house and it served this purpose for over 100 years. It stood witness during the many events of the Civil War, including the ransoming of Frederick by Confederate General Jubal Early. The ransom was paid in this building, saving the city from being burned to the ground during the Civil War by the confederates. The building also served as an opera house. Today, diners can enjoy locally sourced menu items and locally brewed beer in this casual and beautifully restored building. - Spirited Tours
Hear tales of spirits and scandals in Downtown Frederick. Depending on your interest and the time of year, two options are available:- Candlelight Ghost Tour of Frederick
Tours begin at 124 N. Market St., in front of Brewer’s Alley.
Discover why Frederick is considered one of the most haunted cities. Based upon factual events and actual eyewitness encounters, Candlelight Ghost Tours of Frederick highlights numerous epicenters of paranormal activity located in historic downtown-Frederick. Tours are offered on select evenings May – December and there are additional tours in October. Call for reservations May – December, (301) 668-8922. - Murder & Mayhem Walking Tour of Historic Frederick
Offered on select weekend evenings in the summer and fall, step through time to hear the “other side” of Frederick’s history, including some of the most scandalous, nefarious, and unbelievable moments in the city’s storied past. The guided tours begin on the steps of the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 East Church Street in Frederick, and wind their way throughout the downtown historic district. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Museum of Frederick County History or online. - Nightcap - Stop in at one of Frederick’s many restaurants for live music, open mic nights, dessert, or a drink to cap off the evening.
- Candlelight Ghost Tour of Frederick
Sunday
Morning: Jazz Brunch at Firestone’s
105 N. Market St.
Frederick, MD 21701
This full-service restaurant/bar, serves lunch, dinner and Sunday Jazz brunch. Upscale but casual, this restaurant is in a historic building in the heart of Frederick. It serves fine wine, a large beer selection and gourmet cuisine.
Afternoon: Tours
Take either a guided or self-guided tour of Downtown Frederick. Discover the city’s national contributions to building this country, local legends, and cultural amenities.
Guided Weekend Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Frederick
Includes Tour of Roger Brooke Taney House or Museum of Frederick County History
Sunday, 1:30pm, April-October
The past comes alive as you explore the history of Downtown Frederick. During your 90 minute adventure you will discover interesting characters from the past, while enjoying the rich ambience and architecture of the beautiful Historic District. The guided tours begin at the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 East Church Street in Frederick, on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m., April through October. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Museum of Frederick County History or online. Each tour ticket includes a ticket to tour either the Roger Brooke Taney house or the Museum of Frederick County History.
Self-Guided Tours
- Downtown Frederick – A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Located in Destination Frederick, Frederick’s visitor guide, find a self-guided walking tour that is informative and tells the story of Frederick’s rich history. The tour begins at the Frederick Visitor Center, and covers twenty four distinct sites throughout downtown. Discover Frederick’s Community Bridge, the Barbara Fritchie house, public parks, churches, unique architecture and public art along the way. - African American Heritage Sites Self-Guided Walking Tour
This tour of African American heritage sites in the City of Frederick and Frederick County features Frederick’s history African-American neighborhoods, 14 city sites, illustrations, and properties designated on the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. A printable PDF download is available and brochures are available at the Frederick Visitor Center, 151 S. East Street, Frederick, MD. - Frederick History Bicycle Loop
Want a different way to see the city? This tour (printable PDF here) puts you in the driver’s seat. Pedal your way to explore Downtown Frederick’s historic sites, landmarks, and attractions on this 10-mile bike ride. Included are structures, character sketches, and stories representative of the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. “Frederick History Bicycle Loop” brochure will be available in the Frederick Visitor Center in the fall of 2011. This route does include roads and streets that have automobile traffic.
Dinner: Try one of Frederick’s many ethnic or specialty restaurants for dinner. Choose from Thai, Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and more.
Sunday Insider Tips & Side Trip Suggestions:
- Carillon Recitals - On the first Sunday of each month, make sure you are in Baker Park near the “Bell Tower” for the Carillon Recitals. Monthly Carillon Recital begins at noon on the first Sunday of each month, and goes for a half hour. The tower is open and guests may ascend the 50 steps to see the City Carillonneur play the carillon of 49 bells, played with fists and feet on a keyboard of batons and pedals. The bells range from 22 pounds to 3,400 pounds each, and are made of bronze. noon to 12:30pm. Location: Joseph Dill Baker Carillon, Baker Park, Frederick, MD 21701. Contact: (301) 846-4781
- Summer Concert Series - Enjoy free, high-quality musical entertainment on Sunday nights in June, July and August at the Baker Park Band Shell as Summer Concert Series kicks off another season in 2011. From reggae and zydeco to classic rock and bluegrass, Summer Concert Series showcases professional musicians from a wide range of musical backgrounds.
- Monocacy National Battlefield (1501 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704) is just a few minutes away by car. A visitor center, self-guided auto tour and walking trails interpret the July 9, 1864 battle that saved Washington, D.C. from Jubal Early's advancing Confederates. The interactive and multimedia exhibits located on the second floor of the Visitor Center include numerous vignettes which take the visitor to important locations related to the Battle as well as electronic maps, historical artifacts and interpretive displays of the Battle of Moncacy.
Monday Morning
- Breakfast at Pretzel & Pizza Creations
This cozy and casual family-style restaurant serves fresh, hot pretzels all day long. But they also make delicious breakfast sandwiches with their signature pretzel dough. Additionally, they serve up famous bagels, calzones, focaccia bread and pizzas. Everything is made fresh to order with local (when available) produce and other fresh ingredients. - National Museum of Civil War Medicine
48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, MD 21701
This museum is a must-see for Civil War enthusiasts. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is dedicated to telling the medical story of the Civil War - a story of care and healing, courage and devotion amidst death and destruction, while laying the foundation for modern medical care. Learn how the triage system, still used today, was developed during the Civil War, specifically during the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. The museum explores how the Civil War gave us our first system of medical logistics, modern emergency room organization and management structures, triage, medical records, medical communications and intelligence, organized first aid and evacuation procedures.