Tara + Chris
Things To Do
Downtown Frederick Partnership
Check out this website for the most up-to-date info on restaurants, shops, events, and other things to do around downtown.
Visit Frederick
This site has info spanning all of Frederick County and is particularly helpful for learning about historic sites, outdoor activities, vineyards, and other things to do beyond downtown.
outdoors
There are amazing places for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities all around Frederick. Personal favorites include the Weaverton Cliffs trail in Boonsboro, biking along the C&O Canal, and exploring trails around Cunningham Falls, Gambrill State, and Catoctin Mountain Parks. Follow the link for some more ideas!
History
Frederick and its surrounding areas are home to many historic sites dating back to the Civil War era and beyond.
Boutiques and Antiques
Downtown's Market Street and surrounding areas are home to a wide range of unique shops. Fashion favorites are Velvet Lounge, Venus on the Half Shell (vintage), Alicia L, Zebop, and Sky's the Limit. Antique Emporium, Vintage MC, and Great Stuff by Paul are great for antiquing.
Art
Downtown is home to an expanding number of visual art galleries and other venues, with favorites including DISTRICT Arts, Gallery 322, NOMA Gallery, and Potter's Guild of Frederick. Also be sure to check out the tromp l'oeil mural bridge on Carroll Creek and keep your eyes peeled for a few "Angels in the Architecture" and other murals about town.
Attaboy Beer
Our personal favorite among Frederick's many craft breweries. Others around downtown include Smoketown, Idiom, Steinhardt, Brewer's Alley, Olde Mother, and Rockwell. Note: Nationally renowned Flying Dog Brewery closed their local taphouse and tour operations a few years ago, but be sure to keep an eye out for their wide-ranging brews at local establishments.
McClintock Distilling
McClintock has consistently won national awards for its gins, vodkas, and whiskeys, and was named the best craft vodka distillery in the nation by USA Today in 2020. Stop into the main building if there isn't an event going on or hit up the Back Bar. 10th Ward Distilling is another downtown distillery worth checking out.
Il Porto Restaurant
A Giangrande family go-to for a good Italian meal. Get the chicken marsala or the ossobucco!
Firestone's Culinary Tavern
Firestone's serves up some of the best food and cocktails in town with a unique historic charm.
Isabella's Taverna and Tapas Bar
A bustling spot for tapas that also has an amazing brunch. Just ask Mr. G about the chorizo gravy!
Thatcher & Rye
Run by Top Chef star, James Beard semi-finalist, and Frederick local, Bryan Voltaggio, Thatcher & Rye is known for splurge-worthy meals. But it's also easy to get a slice of the ambiance by sipping a sophisticated cocktail at the bar or out in the enclosed courtyard.
Black Hog BBQ
Dallas folks may think they do it better, but Black Hog has some of the best Carolina-style bbq you'll find for miles.
Pretzel & Pizza Creations
A legendary Frederick spot known for making all things bready—pizza included—out of pretzel dough.
Ibiza Cafe
Our favorite spot for coffee, tea, and cozy vibes downtown.
Baker Park
Baker Park hosts 58 acres of green space, walking paths, tennis, and bocce ball courts in the heart of downtown.