I received the following email today …
I’m going to be in the Frederick area for a little jaunt to visit a friend. Flying in from NZ I thought I’d ask a local (other than the local I’m obviously meeting) what you think some specific things I should see as a fly by tourist of the city?
I like the arts. I’m a amateur photographer and I like to ’see’ a community.. not just hit the historic points and believe myself informed.
What do you think? Where should I go?
So where would you tell her to visit? What should she do while visiting Frederick?
~Guy~
15 responses so far ↓
Jim H // March 30, 2008 at 7:48 pm
I’d start on Court street, at the old city hall, meander through Baker Park and conclude with a stroll down Carroll Creek to the Community Bridge.
I think a Kiwi may enjoy an ale at Brewer’s Alley, then a short jaunt south to the scenic Monocacy Battlefield. From there, an early dinner at Monocacy Crossing and then close the night with a Keys games.
That would be a good day for me.
Puawai // March 30, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Thank you for posting the blog. I’ll be sure to check out the comments later on.
I’m going to be in the area in August of this year so maybe the timing will need to be taken into account when making suggestions.
If it’s too hot I’ll probably try to avoid being outside longer than necessary. I’m not that keen on subjecting myself to outrageous temperatures. I’m a whimp that way.
Brewers Alley ! Ha ! I think-ish you know-ish a Kiwi or two… *grin*
Key’s Game?
lizfrog // March 30, 2008 at 9:01 pm
The Frederick Keys are the local minor league baseball ream. A pretty fun atmosphere, but the ball park is intimate so careful attention must be paid to flying foul balls!
August can be pretty hot around here. Luckily, most of the stores/pubs/restaurants downtown are air conditioned so a stroll up and down Market/Patrick Streets would be fun and you can duck inside when it gets too hot.
Check out the website for the Weinberg theater. There may be something fun there in August and a nice way to get out of the heat. It’s a beautiful old theater right downtown.
If you can narrow down the dates in August, I’m sure we could get more specific as far as events go.
Shroomy55 // March 30, 2008 at 10:39 pm
A great website for all tourists and people just wanting to know what events are going on in Frederick is http://www.fredericktourism.com. They have all kinds of Events listed in the area. I think they also can reccomend places to stay and restaurants in the area too. Take a look and let me know what you think!!
Cygnus // March 30, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Don’t pass up Community Bridge, the Angels in the Architecture murals, or the new “The Dreaming” display. Any local will be happy to show you where they are.
Okay, ALMOST any.
Josh // March 31, 2008 at 7:23 am
There is also a page at wikitravel for frederick: http://wikitravel.org/en/Frederick
Monica // March 31, 2008 at 7:53 am
Take the time to walk around the downtown area, as it offers great photo opportunities, especially at dusk.
Monica
Jonathan // March 31, 2008 at 10:41 am
In August it will probably be hotter than you’re used to in NZ, but you won’t burn as easily.
What great suggestions by the users here. The beers at Brewer’s are definitely great. And I think the Community Bridge is a must-see for those visiting Frederick. And a Frederick Keys baseball game would be a nice change-up for a Kiwi.
Taking a hike (or tramp) at Sugarloaf mountain or Catoctin National State park is a nice way to spend the day; if you get up early enough, the heat should not get to you. The views are not as spectacular as NZ, but I figure any Kiwi would want to experience some of the nature in the area!
Have a great visit…ironically my wife and I are going back to NZ for a few weeks in November (South island this time), so feel free to shoot back any suggestions to me about New Zealand
Cheers!
FredRocks Darren // March 31, 2008 at 10:52 am
A quick shameless plug for my site, http://www.FredRocks.net which is all about events and entertainment in and around Frederick. I can’t guess what’s going to be happening in August, but I can guarantee that if you check our site then, you’ll find something worth doing. Also, if you’re into theater, be sure and look at http://www.marylandensemble.org/ for some good smaller stage entertainment.
FrederickFan // March 31, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Since you like “the arts” and photography, be sure to check out the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center on South Carroll Street. An old factory or mill was renovated to house this delightful facility along Carroll Creek….so you’ll get a little historical flavor at the same time.
I especially love their gift shop–a great place to pick up a jewelry or craft item made by a local artisan…or a painting by a local artist (I find most items reasonably priced). Plus, you’ll see photos of local points of interest that may give you ideas for your own photographic endeavors (and places to visit locally)! Check out their hours in advance before you go.
Also, I’d recommend checking out a local institution that isn’t far from Delaplaine–McCutcheon’s Factory Store. McCutcheon’s is a local Frederick business known for years for its fruit preserves, jams, and jellies…much of their fruit is grown locally.
Hope you enjoy your visit!
Sarah in Maryland // March 31, 2008 at 4:39 pm
If you want to see an arts community, head up past the porn shop and tatoo parlors on North Market and check out the Blue Elephant Art Center on West 5th Street. Maybe there will be an art opening or a band or some such thing. Try to come on the first Saturday- the whole town has a first Saturday gallery walk that is great.
The Delaplaine sometimes has nice shows, but it is a more of an polished up ertaz version of an art center, IMHO. There is nice stuff in the gift shop, though.
Gumby // March 31, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I second the Blue Elephant Arts Center recommendation. They have a minor web presence at http://www.myspace.com/blueelephantartcenter but you can also just wander in and see what is happening.
Also, if Puawai is planning to be here on an August weekend, I’d also suggest taking in a show at the Baker Park bandshell on Sunday evening. The lineup will be posted (eventually) on the city of Frederick web site under special events:
cityoffrederick.com/departments/SpecialEvents
clark // March 31, 2008 at 7:56 pm
You should really check out our Super Wal-Mart. It’s really big. And it has groceries.
Seriously though - this town is kinda week to week in the cool stuff to see. I’d second everything above to get a good feeling for Frederick, but there’s bound to be something cool happening whatever weekend you come out. My favorite stuff in Frederick always seems to be announced only a week or two before it happens.
Jim // April 1, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Since it’s so close you should go walk a mile or two on the Appalachian Trail west of town.
Peter // April 2, 2008 at 4:35 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyT-35DIJPw
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