Quick Staycations: Your Guide to a Weekend in Frederick
If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway this summer, Frederick, Maryland is your spot! Just a little over an hour drive from the DC area, Frederick is close enough to visit for a day or two, but far enough to feel like you’re escaping the hustle and bustle of the DC.
Check out our guide for an ideal weekend visit to Maryland’s second largest city (though it falls over 555,000 people short of Baltimore)!
Friday
If you’re leaving after work on Friday, wait until around 7 or 7:30 to hit the road. Traffic up 270 can be crazy with commuters. This will put you in Frederick around 8:30 pm – giving you enough time to pop into a local bar for a drink!
Stay in the 10 Clarke Bed & Breakfast for a history-inspired stay or check out the local Airbnbs. One exciting option is the Historic Barbara Fritchie House Airbnb, which has been visited by Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt. It’s even said that the home may still be haunted by Barbara Fritchie!
Once you’re settled in, head to Market Street. Make a stop in Brewer’s Alley for local beer, or head to their upstairs patio and grab one of their famous rum buckets! Finish out your first night at The Cellar Door and jam with their Friday night DJ.
Saturday Morning
Go for a morning stroll or a run in Baker Park or take a dip in the public swimming pool! When it’s time for a cup of tea, head back to Market Street and visit Cafe Anglais to sip some delicious English tea. Make sure to ask for a seat in the garden – hidden in the back.
If coffee is more your speed, head to Cafe Nola on Patrick Street. They offer some exciting signature lattes like the Ninja Turtle (with hazelnut, caramel, and chocolate). You can also grab some tasty brunch plates while you’re there!
Saturday Afternoon
If you’re looking for a more chill weekend getaway, take some time to explore the historic downtown. Visit Schifferstadt, built in 1758 and the oldest house in the city, for a tour of the National Historic Landmark.
Walk down Market and Patrick streets for some antique and consignment stores, as well as some funkier shopping! Retro Metro is a must-visit, with unique and funny gifts, as is North Market Pop Shop, which boasts an impressive array of retro soda pops.
If you’re hoping to have a weekend getaway with a little more partying gusto, try out the Frederick Brew Bus for a craft beer tour! Spend $25 for a day of touring or $5 per stop. Start at Idiom Brewing on Carroll Creek, then hop on the bus every time the driver stops in to head to the next location. The other breweries included in the tour are Flying Dog, Olde Mother, Attaboy, and Rockwell.
#FrayLife Tip: Plan some extra time into your schedule for the trip to Flying Dog, which is a 15-20 minute ride out of the city.
Saturday Night
Frederick has a variety of delicious spots for dinner. A local favorite is Firestone’s Culinary Tavern, where the pastrami sandwich is to die for. If you’ve got a little money to spend, try out Volt, a Bryan Voltaggio restaurant. Here you can treat yourself to a four course (or even a fifteen course!) meal and feast in style.
Bar hop your way up Market Street for a fun Saturday night. Hit The Shuckin Shack for their tasty orange crush, then pop into Taco Daddy for a margarita that will knock you off your feet. Bushwaller’s Irish Pub is often a good place to catch live bands on a Saturday night. For your late night hunger pangs, you can’t miss Pretzel & Pizza Creations – open late to satisfy your post-drinking pizza needs.
#FrayLife Tip: Plan your trip to include the first Saturday of the month and check out Frederick First Saturday, which includes on-street entertainment and late night shopping and dining. The theme of summer First Saturday’s is focused on performing and visual arts.
Sunday
Before heading back to DC, grab some brunch at Hooch & Banter, where they have everything from crepes to “Steak & Cake” if you’re feeling like a Maryland Crab Cake on Sunday morning.
Spend a little more time exploring the stores in the historic district and check out Everedy Square and Shab Row, where you’ll find some more unique little shops and Frederick Coffee Co. to satisfy your caffeine needs. If you’re not too full from brunch, grab a late lunch at Ayse Meze for some Greek tapas. The brussels sprouts are a must-try!
Frederick is an excellent location for a weekend trip from the DC area. Show us your weekend travels using #DCFray and #FrayLife to share your experiences in Frederick.
Frederick just not cutting it for you? Here are some other day trips to get you out of the district this summer!