Valerie & Eric
Our Favorite Places
High Rock Overlook
In Smithsburg, Maryland, the local hang gliding enthusiasts had a solution. In Pen-Mar Park, on top of an cliff face with a straight drop off to the ground far below, hang-gliding enthusiasts constructed a launch platform. It allowed adventurous - and experienced - thrill seekers to soar thousands of feet in the air with relative safety. Those who did so would glide over beautiful vistas of Maryland countryside spreading out below them for miles. The platform proved not safe enough for local officials, however, who have outlawed hang-gliding from the location and will only allow it when a permit is granted for an organized event. Since that time, the platform has become less well-known, but still a popular hangout for its scenic vistas and graffiti art.
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve
From bears and boas, macaws to monkeys, panthers to pythons, and alligators to zebra, amazing experiences and hundreds of exciting new exotic animal friends await you in this 50-acre park! Catoctin Wildlife Preserve features more interactive touch and feed opportunities than any other animal park in the region. Feel the silky soft fur of the chinchilla or the bumpy shell of a tortoise at daily educational talks. Or get nose to nose with camels, bison, ostrich, zebra and more on the optional Safari Ride. You will be welcomed by natural ponds, lush landscaping, and wandering Ambass-zoo-dors, eager to indulge inquisitive guests. These amazing animals are our extended family and vital ambassadors for their species. Through our personal style of exhibits and education, we know that they will be your extended family too.
Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin's diverse cultural resources provide several vignettes of our nation's history in one small location. Native Americans quarried rhyolite for the production of lithic tools. A charcoal and iron industry is still visible today, along with smaller industries including farms, sawmills, and an old moonshine still. Historic structures and products of the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps, along with the site of our nation's first Job Corps Center, are tangible reminders of the capability of vigorous youth programs to strengthen the nation's economic and social fabric. The totality of resources found in Catoctin Mountain Park reflects much of the early fabric of our country.
Cunningham Falls State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park is located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. It is divided into two separate but unique areas. The William Houck Area located three miles west of Thurmont on Route 77 has the lake area, falls and camping area. The Manor Area off Route 15 three miles south of Thurmont has the Scales and Tales Aviary, camping and the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace. Leisure opportunities include swimming, hiking, fishing and canoeing. Campsites and camper cabins are available from April through October.
Loys Station Covered Bridge
First constructed circa 1880, the Loy's Station covered bridge is on Old Frederick Road, just south of Rt. 77. Although it has been structurally modified and rebuilt, the bridge's original timbers remain throughout the 90-foot long structure crossing Owens Creek. It features a multiple Kingpost design. An adjoining park amenities include fishing, grills, picnic tables, picnic shelter, horseshoe pits and play equipment. Park open year-round 8am-sunset.
Roddy Road Covered Bridge
The Roddy Road covered bridge, built in 1856, rests just north of Thurmont off of US 15, where Roddy Creek Road meets Roddy Road at Owens Creek. The smallest of the county's covered bridges, Roddy Road is a single-span Kingpost design bridge measuring 40 feet long. Relax with a picnic, go fishing or explore the natural beauty at this park and bridge. Park open year-round 8am-sunset.
Thorpewood
Our wedding venue and so much more, ThorpeWood is a 155-acre mountain retreat hidden off a quiet mountain road, set into a forested hillside overlooking a native trout stream, and nestled 1,500 feet high in the Catoctin Mountains near Thurmont, MD. The beautiful setting provides a tranquil location for a unique mountain destination where individuals and groups can experience the benefits of sharing in our pristine natural resources—whether through educational or team building programs, corporate events and retreats, or weddings and other special occasions. As well as offering opportunities that area non-profits can take advantage of at no cost to their organizations, There is nothing routine about this venue.