Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Travelationship
The pooch nosed open the door and proclaimed that it was time for his morning walk, and before I could wipe the sleep out of my eyes, Heather topped that with the announcement that we should head out on a road trip. Just like that, our house became a beehive of activity while we packed, showered, and chose a destination. Heather had read an article that named six places to visit close to DC, so she asked me to pick a number between 1 and 6, and away we went. Chance had chosen our destination, and it was Frederick County, Maryland.
Road Trip to Frederick County, Maryland
On the Trail:
Uncertain of what all Frederick had to offer, our first destination was the visitor centeHeather’s that was an excellent call on Heather’s part. Inside I met Melinda, who was not only a ball of smiles but was full of helpful information about the town and the county. She fed our appetite for information with brochures and maps that she customized for our recommendations.
She also let us know we had just entered a bastion for travelers with dogs in tow; all we needed to do was look for the bone icon in the visitor’she bonus for hitting the visitor’s center on the weekend was the free parking. We set out to tour the town with all the necessary supplies in the backpack and the map in hand. Priority was breakfast.
Breakfast:
Beans & Bagels: We were lwouldn’tor something pretty simple that wouldn’t waste a lot of time, no pun intended. We came across a popular coffee shop with breakfast sandwiches, which perfectly aligned with our needs. We both went for croissants with egg, cheese, and bacon. I think the mistake was not asking for the croissant to be toasted or warmed; cold bread and warm ingredients did not hit the spot. The man at the counter was charming and knew his menu, so the ordering process was simple and swift. The wait time felt about right for a breakfast sandwich, and the tea was hot. I would bewouldn’t to give them another try, but I wouldn’t order the same thing.
Back on the Trail:
We were walking a soFrederick’sthat took us past several of FredericHanson’soric highlights. Including John Hanson’s House (for those interested in Fritchie’ses of Confederation), Barbara Fritchie’s House, City Hall, All Saints Episcopal Church, Winchester Hall, and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Unfortunately, the Civil War Museum was not dog-friendly, so we will have to go back another day to try that one out.
We made a quick stop in Baker Park to let Hobee stretch his legs and get a drink of water. I have to say I was very impressed with the facility, a genuinely well-thought-out design led to lots of open space for all kinds of activities. As we started to wrap up the historical loop, my mind kept returning to what Melinda had told us about. I was anxious to return to the car and take our trip to the next level, but we had one last pit stop. Mount Olivet Cemetery is the final resting place for Francis Scott“Key, the author of our na”ional anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” His monument is well done, and there is even a button that can be pressed on his information board that will play the anthem for you while you observe the memorial.
Hunting Covered Bridges:
I was excited to go hunting for covered bridges. Melinda told us about a drive that would take us past three different coverevisitor’s. You could make a loop from the visitor’s center that accounted for less than 35 miles. It was a beautiful day, and we put the back windows down so Hobee could keep an eye out for cows; for some reason, he has a strange fascination with them.
We took the 15 out of Frederick and forked onto Old Frederick Rd. While cruising down Old Frederit’sRd, we blew right by the first one, it’s actually off of Utica Rd, but it can be seen from Old Frederick. We pulled in to survey the first specimen. It was a classic red beauty, and the house next to it was darn near picture perfect. Fresh cut grass was lofting through the air as one of the nearby fields was mowed. The stream crossed over was running and looked very inviting. We snapped a few pics and then started the search for the next one.
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Now that we were on red alert and aware that the bridges might not be directly off the main road, we were scouring our surroundings, looking for any hints. I spotted a sign indicating a single-lane bridge was ahead and immediately took the road to investigate. What we found could be classified as maybe a modern take on the covered bridge. I stole a qToday’soto, and we continued on our quest.
We drove back on Old Frederick Road, until we came to MD 550, and at that point, you are forced to jog left. After about a half mile, you can return to Old Frederick with a right which will usher you into Loys Station Park. The park presents an excellent setting for a picnic if someone was planning; large shade trees and picnic tables are scattered around. Kids and grownups were playing in the gentle running stream that meandered underneath the second covered bridge. I gI got a few nice shots in,, and then Hobee and I tested the water temperature; it was just right. Back in the car and onto the third and final bridge.
We continued through Old Frederick’s bridge and made a left onto MD 77. At a little shy of 3 miles, we took a right onto Apples Church Road, which would later become Roddy Road, and take us straight into the Roddy Road Covered Bridge. Dense trees flanked this bridge, and the stream was more profound and not as easily accessible as it was at Loys Station Park. I could see fish from the retaining wall opposite this bridge’s dirt parking area. The Roddy Road Covered Bridge was quaint and the shortest of the three. Heather, Hobee, and I took several photos and then decided it was time for lunch.
Late Lunch:
Frisco’s Restaurant: Not the most accessible restaurant to find, it feels like you are driving into an industrial park, but it is well worth it. Heather would make the pilgrimage here for their exploded potatoes alone; order extra and take some to go; she swears they are even better the next day. I call this a buddy place, as the sandwiches are big enough that you could bring a buddy and share and not have to worry about being hungry afterward.
On top of the sandwiches, are baked or exploded potatoes, saladsdon’t a variety of grilled delights. Oh, and don’t forget the desserts; super tasty. Plus, there is a little store attached to allow you to stock up on a number of things, including quite the wine section. You will undoubtedly be complete and no doubt satisfied with the food and the service. And a special note for dog lovers, Hobee was allowed to join us on the patio.
The Journey Home:
We decided to take another route home to the town of Point of Rocks. A remarkable train station was built in 1873 and largely remained as it was. Originally it was used for the B&O Railroad and is now serviced by the MARC, a local commuter line out of Baltimore. For our last ,day’s stop, we hit the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Park that lies alongside the Potomac River in Point of Rocks.
It is a lovely wooded area with boat ramp access to the river. A trail also takes you down the old towpath for the railroad. If you go under the bridge and down a little waysLockkeeper’sme across the C&O Canal Lock 28 and Lockkeeper’s House. We were on our way to do just that when I spotted a tunnel, and I got distracted, much like a dog with a squirrel. After a few photos,, we headed back towards the boat ramp to grab one last shot, and then hit the open road back home.
More Info:
Covered Bridge Tour: For more detailed driving directionCounty’se covered bridge tour, check out Frederick County’s website here.
Beans & Bagels: 49 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701. Website.
Frisco’s Restaurant: 4632 Wedgewood Blvd, Frederick, MD 21703. Website.
Have you visited Frederick County, Maryland? What was your favorite part?
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That exploded potato looks absolutely scrumptious!
But why do you think all the covered bridges are painted red?
The exploded potatoes are a mean unto themselves. Initially the coloring was about cost and necessity. The point of the bridge being covered in the first place was to protect the wood from the weather, most specifically winter. So the farmers would mix there paint base with iron ochre to make it weather resistant. The resulting red color became the calling card for bridges and barns everywhere.The exploded potatoes are a mean unto themselves. Initially the coloring was about cost and necessity. The point of the bridge being covered in the first place was to protect the wood from the weather, most specifically winter. So the farmers would mix there paint base with iron ochre to make it weather resistant. The resulting red color became the calling card for bridges and barns everywhere. Thanks for stopping by.