Where Locals Go: Hidden Eats & Hangouts of Frederick County thumbnail

Where Locals Go: Hidden Eats & Hangouts of Frederick County

Published Mar 12, 25
3 min read

Planning your next adventure in Maryland? Explore beyond the usual and let Frederick County surprise you. From delicious meals and comfortable accommodation to lively events and stunning landscapes, this spirited county combines historic charm with modern fun. Dive into our local guide and begin to discover Frederick County like a true insider!

You can enjoy the best events of the year every Season

Frederick County isn't just a destination, it's an experience! There are festivals, art exhibitions as well as performances for all types of people on the county calendar.

Celebrate Spring with Festivals : Enjoy warmer days in Frederick with street fairs and music along Carroll Creek and family-friendly markets.

Summer Nights Sizzle:
Discover the unique theatre scene that is happening in the area. Take part in free performances or cheer on your local teams at baseball games. Get involved in food truck rallies, sunset yoga sessions and other activities in our parks.

Have Fun with
Frederick County changes as the leaves turn gold. Sip cider at harvest festivals or take a spooky ghost tours along historic streets, or try seasonal flavors at downtown restaurants.

Winter Wonders:
Enjoy glittering parades, crafts shows and wine tastings at local wineries and breweries. Every chilly walk through Frederick's charming downtown business district is filled with magic.

Find out what events are taking place in Frederick County, Maryland on the Frederick County event calendar.

Enjoy Every Bite of It: Foods in Frederick County

Do you want to try something different? Frederick's culinary scene has been bursting with flavour. Chefs with a reputation for excellence highlight local ingredients, and international eateries offer a wide variety of delicious cuisine. Enjoy fresh food from the farm to table in a historic inn, dig into creative burgers at a lively gastropub, or enjoy pastries with a cup of coffee in one of our welcoming cafes.

Local tips:

  • Don't miss the famed Maryland crab dip.
  • Explore downtown Frederick to taste international cuisine, from authentic Thai restaurants to Italian trattorias.
  • Ready for dessert? Downtown's bakery and ice cream shops are legendary.

Plan your food trip - Find the top Frederick restaurants.

Rest Easy: Unique Stays for Every Traveler

Frederick County offers a wide selection of accommodation options, including charming bed and breakfasts to convenient chain hotels. Stay close to downtown with easy access to shopping and sights, or unwind with a scenic view from an inn with a beautiful view.

The most popular picks are:

  • Boutique hotels themed--each offers its own slice of Frederick style.
  • Restored farmhouses--perfect for romantic getaways or family vacations.
  • Pet-friendly lodging--because Fido loves road trips, too!

Find your perfect accommodation on the Frederick County hotel page.

Go Outdoor: Parks, Trails, and Natural Beauty Are waiting for you

Frederick County is a paradise for those who love nature and adventure.

  • Explore miles of hiking and cycling trails at Catoctin Mountain Park or Gambrill State Park.
  • Fish or paddle in the Monocacy or Potomac rivers.
  • Enjoy the lushness of parks with your family and look for picnic areas or playgrounds as well as nature parks.

There's always a new activity to enjoy regardless of whether it's a guided birdwatching tour or a walk through the wildflowers.

Make plans for your next trip to the outdoors by consulting our Frederick County outdoors guide.

Get into History & Culture

You'll be transported in a fairytale while you pass by buildings that date to the 18th century. You can also visit amazing museums and get to know the vibrant arts community.

  • History buffs Do not overlook the National Museum of Civil War Medicine or the walking tours of Frederick's famous streets.
  • Art enthusiasts can go to galleries to see artists at work, or participate in workshops.
  • Family Explorers Explore imaginative playgrounds and fun working farms and interactive exhibits to keep everyone entertained.

Find all must-see sights on the Frederick County page.

Your visit can be planned with Ease

Frederick County is centrally located and is a great day trip or weekend getaway from Washington D.C. and Baltimore. There are a variety of affordable parking garages in Frederick's downtown. Check out the local traffic conditions and parking guidelines. ) Be sure to keep up by signing up for the Frederick Events Frederick newsletter for insider deals.

Begin Your Frederick County Journey Today!

Are you ready to write your own Frederick County story? Whether you crave live music, tasty food and outdoor activities, or a walk through history the county has something to offer you. Explore, enjoy and make your own perfect vacation, one Frederick experience at one time.

Visit EventsFrederick.com to plan your trip, get inspired, or simply check out the latest activities.

Events Frederick: The trusted source for what’s happening, what’s tasty, and what’s new in Frederick County, Maryland.