Group Tours

Back to main Group Tour Page

Group Tour Details

Historic Spaces and Garden Oases


Three Days and Two Nights

Frederick County is home to many historical residences and serene gardens.

Day One

Guided City Tour and Historical Society of Frederick County

A step on guided tour of Frederick's historic district is the perfect way to take in the view from the motorcoach as your guide tells the stories of our town. From our famous "clustered spires," to notable Federal-style architecture, this tour offers a tranquil way to enjoy your Frederick County experience. With just the right mix of historical vision complemented by homespun local lore, these tours are guaranteed to make Frederick's colorful past come alive for your group. Your tour will include a stop at the nationally acclaimed Community Bridge Mural, where an artist has transformed a plain concrete bridge into a permanent illusion of an old stone and ivy covered bridge.

At the Historical Society of Frederick County, docents will lead your group on a tour of this 1820's Federal-style mansion, which maintains a unique collection of furnishings, art and memorabilia from Frederick's past. A highlight of the tour is the formal sitting garden.

Frederick offers delectable culinary options in our prized “farm to table” restaurants. The historic downtown area is lined with many options for your dining pleasure.

Day Two

Rose Hill Manor Park,  High Tea and The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

At Rose Hill Manor Park (closed for renovations October 2011-April 2012) you will tour the home of Maryland's first elected governor, Thomas Johnson. This Georgian Colonial museum offers interpretive demonstrations of Colonial life as well as an impressively maintained 18th century herb garden. Your group can see and taste the types of herbs that would have been growing at this estate in the late 1700's.

In the afternoon, enjoy a gracious "High Tea" at the Cozy Restaurant, enjoy a special visit from former first lady, Mamie Eisenhower. Your spread will include 14 varieties of finest tea from around the world.

Your next stop is The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.  Here, your group will tour the home of the first American born Saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton. Self-guided tours of the grounds include a video presentation depicting Elizabeth Seton's life and accomplishments.  A guided tour by museum docents is available of the original 1770's farmhouse and the colonial style "White House" (built in 1809) that served as her home. Finally, tour the beautiful basilica dedicated to her memory. This site is nestled in the glorious foothills of the Catoctin Mountains.

Return to downtown, historic Frederick for dinner on your own this evening. After dinner options include a show at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, a 1920's restored movie palace or The Maryland Ensemble Theatre.

Day Three

Surreybrook, Schifferstadt Architectural Museum and Frederick Wine Trail

Begin your day at Surreybrooke, a family farm devoted to growing a wide range of plants. Here, your group can tour herb and rose gardens, learn how to dip candles or make a flower wreath. You may pick the program of your choice.

At Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, your group will tour a wonderful old stone manor house built by German immigrants in 1756. Schifferstadt provides a window into life in the 18th century and maintains much of its original exposed oak beams and hardware. A historically accurate 18th century garden completes the story of everyday farm life.

Your day ends with a tour, tasting and a lesson on winemaking at a one of six wineries located on the Frederick Wine Trail, Maryland's first official wine trail.



Please contact the following for tours, prices and operating hours:

For overnight accommodations, please refer to our Destination Frederick County Guide.

For further information please contact:

Becky Bickerton, Sales Manager, (800) 999-3613 or 301-600-4050 or e-mail at bbickerton@fredco-md.net