In Frederick County, Maryland, crafters, creators, bakers and brewers are alive and well. Homemade Frederick highlights these innovative makers. “Now, more than ever, is a great time to support our locally-owned businesses, and Frederick County is full of these unique experiences,” said Becky Bickerton, assistant director of Visit Frederick. “Connecting visitors to these hometown businesses brings them closer to the heart of Frederick, which is full of thriving artisans ready to share their homemade treasures.”
A thriving maker culture in addition to a linear park and three of the seven remaining covered bridges in Maryland will lead to multiday stays. That’s not a problem at all, as Frederick County is home to over 20 nationally branded hotels.
In fact, Frederick County is the perfect place to spend a few days on a hub-and-spoke tour of the region. Frederick is located just 30 minutes from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and 45 minutes from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland. Groups can experience a diverse and robust tour experience throughout the region, Bickerton said.
Downtown and delightful
Chappelle Candle Company, Art Collective Frederick and McCutcheon’s Apple Products are in Downtown Frederick.
Chappelle Candle Company is a Black owned company, and its candles are hand-poured using a vegan soy wax blend.
Art Collective Frederick, a women-owned business, features original work from 20-plus regional women artists and four men.
McCutcheon’s Apple Products offers homestyle products at its factory store. Shop for apple butter, preserves, honey, fresh apples in season, giftware, gift baskets and more.
While in Downtown Frederick, be sure to explore Carroll Creek Park. With brick pedestrian paths, water features, shade trees and pedestrian bridges, this linear park along the creek is a great place for a stroll.
Credit: Visit Frederick
Beverages and bridges
Visit the award-winning Linganore Winecellars in Mt. Airy for tours and tastings. Three generations of the Aellen family produce over 30 wines, ranging from stylish white and red dinner wines to elegant semi-sweet grape, fruit and honey wines. Pre-registration is required for group visits of more than 15 people.
Credit: Visit Frederick
In Brunswick, the Blackmon family began brewing craft beer in 2015 at Smoketown Brewing Station. The brewery and tasting room is in a former firehouse. The business produces a variety of brews — from Shenanigans Shandy to Walter’s Spirit Bourbon Barrel Aged Porter.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard in Thurmont has an indoor farmers market that sells fruit, homemade pies and baked goods.
Visit Frederick has developed a motorcoach driving tour to Frederick County’s three covered bridges. The Utica Mills, Loy’s Station and Roddy Road covered bridges all cross streams in northern Frederick County, within 12 miles of one another. In addition to their beauty, the bridges are structurally interesting, as all three have different truss systems.
Motorcoaches cannot cross over these bridges due to height and weight restrictions. The Roddy Road and Loy’s Station bridges have adjacent parks. There is ample parking for a motorcoach, and passengers can walk to the bridges. No parking is available at the Utica Mills bridge.
Tasty treats
“Farm fresh ice cream is a must stop when you are in Frederick County,” Bickerton said. “Our creameries offer outstanding creative flavor combinations. The City of Frederick even has its own flavor from South Mountain Creamery — Monocacy Mud.”
South Mountain Creamery has locations in Downtown Frederick and Middletown. The creamery’s farm in Middletown offers self-guided tours. Guided tours are available from April through September for groups of 10 or more. Near Middletown is the National War Correspondents Memorial and South Mountain.
Frederick County’s group-friendly restaurants include Brewer’s Alley Restaurant & Brewery in Downtown Frederick; The Main Cup in Middletown; and Carriage House Inn in Emmitsburg.
Local love
Frederick’s artisans and makers are eager to share their creations and communities.
“I hope that when people visit Frederick County and visit our locally owned business that they feel the love and connections that the locals have for our community,” Bickerton said. “They are our best destination ambassadors, and they are passionate about their community.”
Main Image: Art Collective Frederick Credit: Visit Frederick
