Culinary Treasures Itinerary
A foodie’s guide to 3 days in our Capital region
For culinary connoisseurs, Maryland is sure to delight with world-famous seafood at seemingly every turn. Let this be your guide to finding some of the best dining spots in our Capital region, along with memorable landmarks and experiences along the way. Fun fact: five out of Maryland’s 18 designated scenic byways traverse Frederick County. As you head south along Highway 70, look out for the Black-eyed Susan scenic byway signs to find one. And make sure you don’t miss the beautiful countryside views of the Historic National Road Scenic Byway along Route 40!
Start off your day by taking it easy in Downtown Frederick, a designated Main Street community. This idyllic and very walkable town center is home to charming streets filled with independent shops, art galleries and of course, diverse eateries. Don’t miss Firestone’s Market on Market, a boutique grocer experience offering artisan cheeses, craft beer, carefully selected wine and more. And if wine piques your interest, spend the afternoon kicking back at a nearby vineyard. Springfield Manor Winery and Distillery, Loew Vineyards and Elk Run Vineyards are a few great choices. If time allows, take a 15-minute detour to visit Chartreuse & Co., where 30+ artisan vendors gather in a vintage barn on select dates.
Finish out your day by heading back downtown to North Market Street, where you’ll find a wide range of tempting dinner spots– Thai, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, you name it. A local favorite is La Paz, a family-owned Mexican eatery known for legendary Margaritas. For a good night’s sleep, head to one of the many hotels, cabins and B&Bs located in and around Frederick.
The ultimate road trip power move? Ice cream in the morning! Head to Mount Airy and experience Rock Hill Orchard & Woodbourne Creamery. Pick your own fruit, veggies and flowers, and enjoy farm-fresh homemade ice cream. Then soak up the afternoon sun at Linganore Winecellars, one of many stops on the Frederick Wine Trail. Black Ankle Vineyards and Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm are also nearby, or you can head about 30 minutes south to Gaithersburg and enjoy a pint at Elder Pine Brewing Company.
Gaithersburg and Mount Airy are both home to a wide range of hotel options, or you could step back in time for the night. For a truly historic evening, book a stay at the Canal Quarters Lockhouses in Potomac. Located at various spots along the C&O Canal and with room for up to 8 people, each charming, historically outfitted lockhouse offers the ability to live like a lockkeeper for a night.
Stroll into the day by walking the boardwalk at the heart of the National Harbor entertainment district. Expand your view by riding in a climate-controlled gondola on the waterfront Capital Wheel, or get on the water with a pedal boat, paddle board or kayak rental. For lunch, knock a few items off your seafood bucket list by visiting Crab Cake Café, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls or The Walrus Oyster & Ale House. Next, take part in some foodie retail therapy at the Waterfront District, with visits to Potomac Gourmet Market, Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, Georgetown Olive Oil Co. and Tanger Outlets.
As night falls, enjoy fantastic Italian fare and a sunset view at Fiorella Italian Kitchen and Pizzeria, followed by an elevated hotel stay at the Gaylord National Resort, MGM National Harbor or the Westin.