Historic Downtown Frederick, MD

Historic Downtown Frederick, MD

Historic Spaces and Garden Oases

Frederick County, Maryland
Three Days and Two Nights

Since 1748, Frederick County has been welcoming travelers to experience the charm and hospitality of our area. There's not a better time to visit than now.


Day One

A STEP ON GUIDE 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… a must see!


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.

Day Two

At ROSE HILL MANOR 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.

At SCHIFFERSTADT ARCHITECTURAL MUSEUM, your group will tour a wonderful old stone manor house. Built 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.

The WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS offers fantastic shows throughout the year in a restored, 1926 movie palace.

Day Three

Begin your day at SURREYBROOKE where your group can tour an herb & rose garden, learn how to dip candles or make a flower wreath. You may pick the program of your choice- it's very Martha Stewart!

Your next stop is the NATIONAL SHRINE OF ELIZABETH ANN SETON to see the home of the first American born Saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton. Self-guided tours of the grounds include a film presentation depicting Elizabeth Seton's life and accomplishments, a tour of the original 1770's farmhouse and the colonial style "White House" (built in 1809) that served as her home. This site is nestled in the glorious foothills of the Catoctin Mountains.

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 tour prices and schedules:

  • Community Bridge Mural - no charge, included in guide service fee
  • Historical Society of Frederick County
    (301) 663-1188 www.hsfcinfo.org
  • Rose Hill Manor
    (301) 600-1646 www.rosehillmuseum.com
  • Tea with Mamie Eisenhower, Cozy Restaurant                                                                                                                     (301) 271-4301 www.cozyvillage.com
  • Schifferstadt Architectural Museum
    (301) 663-3885 www.
  • Show at Weinberg - pricing varies. Please call for show & prices
    (301) 600-2828 www.weinbergcenter.org
  • Surreybrooke -- depending on the program you select
    (301) 371-7466 www.surreybrooke.com
  • National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton - no charge, donations encouraged
    (301) 447-6606 www.setonshrine.org
  • Frederick Wine Trail (301) 600-4050 www.frederickwinetrail.com

Lodging Options:

For a complete listing of hotels & restaurants in the area, please refer to the online Destination Frederick County Guide. Most hotel group rates range from $69-$89, based on double occupancy.

Contact Tiffany Ahalt, Tourism Marketing Manager, (800) 999-3613 or 301-600-4050 or e-mail: tahalt@fredco-md.net