Lauren & Catlin
Things To Do
C&O Canal National Headquarters
The canal towpath (stretching 184.5 miles from Cumberland to Washington) is popular with hikers, bikers and joggers. The Cushwa Basin, Trolley Barn, Lock 44, Lock House, and Aqueduct (restpred into working condition in 2019) located in Williamsport in close proximity to each other allow visitors to witness a famous channel of commerce in the United States. Visitors can explore all of these sites by taking an enjoyable walk on the towpath along the C & O Canal which looks much like it did in the 19th century heyday. The Cushwa Basin is also a great point of entry for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing. The National Park’s Visitor Center is located in the old Cushwa Warehouse 142 W. Potomac Street, Williamsport, MD and is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM (301-582-0813).
Antietam Battlefield
Located 20 minutes away from Williamsport, you can visit The Battle of Antietam National Park site, also called the Battle of Sharpsburg, which occurred on September 17, 1862, at Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg, Maryland. This battle pitted Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia against Union General George McClellan’s Army of the Potomac. It is known as The Bloodiest Day in American History because 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or declared missing after twelve hours of savage combat. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North and led Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Some key places to visit include the Visitor Center, Dunker Church, and the National Cemetery. Stop and visit the Pry House Field Hospital while you are there. Check hours of operation on the attached website
Gettysburg Battlefield, PA
Located only 40 miles north of Williamsport is Gettysburg National Military Park. The Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3. 1863, was a turning point in the Civil War with the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion", Gettysburg was the Civil bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address". The park has an excellent and extensive Visitors Center and the grounds can be toured by car or bicycle. There are a few self-guided options like the auto-tour where visitors follow road markers and a map as well as an interactive iPad tour. Park Rangers put on daily events. https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm
Fort Frederick
The centerpiece of the Fort Frederick State Park is a unique stone fort that served as Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War. Built in 1756, the fort's stone wall and two barracks have been restored to their 1758 appearance. Historic exhibits are in the fort, barracks, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum and visitor center. The fort barracks are open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on the weekends in the spring and fall, when staff and volunteers dress in period clothing and occupy the fort, demonstrating daily life in the 18th century. The 585-acre park borders the Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal passes through the park. The park also features a boat launch, campsites, camp store, fishing, flat water canoeing, hiking trails, a playground, a picnic area with a large pavilion. 11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool MD 21711
Harper’s Ferry, WV
Harpers Ferry is a historic town in West Virginia only 30 miles away from Williamsport. It is situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers where the states of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet. The town's original, lower section is on a flood plain created by the two rivers and surrounded by higher ground. Historically, Harpers Ferry is best known for John Brown's raid on the Armory in 1859 and its role in the Civil War. You can explore the visitor center, have lunch or an ice cream treat while viewing the historical homes in the lower town, or visit Bolivar Heights which is one of the most important Civil War battlefields in West Virginia. Bolivar Heights was the site of the largest surrender of Union troops during the Civil War. There are hiking trails to the Heights that provide a beautiful of the town and the confluence of the Potomac and and Shenandoah Rivers.
Places to Eat
Pittsburgh’s Favorite, Primanti Brothers (Next to Hotels) Lotus Moon Café (Willamsport) Still Smokin BBQ (Willamsport) Rik’s Café (Hagerstown) Café Del Sol (Hagerstown) BJ’s Brewhouse (Hagerstown) Schmankerl Stube (Hagerstown) Rad Pies (Pizza Cushwa Brewing,Willamsport)
Breweries and Wineries
Cushwa Brewing Co, 10210 Governor Lane Boulevard #2010, Williamsport Homaide Brewing, 10212 Governor Lane Boulevard, Suite 1012, Williamsport Antietam Brewery, 140 Western Maryland Pkwy, Hagerstown, MD Harper’s Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Ln, Purcellville. WV Big Cork Vineyard, 236 Main St, Rohrersville, MD Red Heifer Winery, 12840 Red Heifer Winery Ln, Smithsburg, MD
Shopping
Valley Mall, 17301 Valley Mall Rd, Hagerstown, MD Prime Outlets, 495 Premium Outlets Blvd, Hagerstown, MD Centre at Hagerstown, 17810 Garland Groh Blvd, Hagerstown, MD