Located in the crossroads of the Civil War, Hagerstown & Washington County, MD is known for its rich history with South Mountain State Battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield. And there’s a diverse cultural scene.

Hagerstown’s Arts & Entertainment District is home to the Maryland Theatre and Performing Arts Complex, offering year-round shows, concerts and events. The Maryland Symphony Orchestra makes its home at the theatre. Our Museum of Fine Arts, boasts an outstanding permanent collection with an active schedule of exhibitions. The urban Cultural Trail connects our A&E District with the Museum at City Park.

Outdoor recreation is one of the most popular reasons people love to come to Washington County. The majority of Maryland’s Appalachian Trail runs N/S along South Mountain in the county. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and the Potomac River create our Southern border. With FIVE National Parks, and EIGHT State Parks, there are an abundance of options for hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, birding, photography or whatever you like to do outdoors.

Our parks offer a range of amenities-everything from historic monuments and battlefields to waterways, with camping, trails, boat launches, and abundant educational opportunities. We also have three Canal Towns along the C&O Canal in Washington County: Hancock, Sharpsburg and Williamsport. They each offer everything needed for hikers and bikers of the Canal, from nutritious meals, bicycle repairs and bike-friendly places to lay your head.

Escape the highway and cruise in on our Hip & Historic Scenic Byways – for a delightful road trip to explore charming towns, the splendor of nature and to find hidden gems! Museums, Civil War history, pick-your-own orchards, country cooking and elegant dining, antiques, outlets, a cavern and 5 National Parks comprise just portions of our byways.

The Antietam Campaign Scenic Byway

This renowned battle with 23,000 casualties of the Civil War took place at Antietam, near Sharpsburg, and prompted President Lincoln to issue the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Learn about CivilWar medicine at the Pry House Museum. Annual events include the Antietam Memorial Illumination, with 23,110 lights placed along a five-mile driving route, each December.

The C&O Canal Scenic Byway

Originally built to move goods from Washington DC to the west, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is now a hub of recreational activity, with hiking, biking, bird watching, horse-back riding and more. Williamsport, MD is its geographical center, and visitors here can experience the Canal first-hand with ranger-led boat rides and towpath tours. Stay at a Lock House to experience life as it was “back in the day” and scarf up a healthy lunch at Lotus Moon Café in Williamsport. In Hancock, MD, visitors can pick up theWestern Maryland Rail Trail, a paved portion that runs alongside the towpath, to Fort Frederick State Park. But first, grab some pie, snacks and more at the Blue Goose Fruit Market & Bakery!

The Maryland Historic National Road Scenic Byway

Here, the journey is the destination. Carved through forests, mountains and rivers, it was the marvel of its age. It stoked the dreams of untold thousands who followed this macadam and cobblestone ribbon into the American frontier. Begun in 1811 to carry settlers and trade from the great capital of Baltimore into the then-wilds of Illinois, drive along a bygone route once run by horse drawn wagons and coaches.

We invite you to come and see our role in the nation’s history and to soak in the breath-taking scenery. Discover YOUR America! The Best Views Are Yours here in Hagerstown-Washington County, MD.

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It’s an exciting time of year for visiting Gettysburg, PA with a refreshed feeling and new things to come!

You’re familiar with our dramatic past that makes Gettysburg one of our nation’s premier historic travel destinations. The awe-inspiring landscapes of Adams County set the scene for a wide range of activities, including a tour of our rich history.

April brings the opening of Gettysburg’s newest museum, “Beyond the Battle”. This unique project comes from the Adams County Historical Society and seeks to highlight the history of the local citizens of Gettysburg–before, during and after the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. The museum is a great addition to attractions like the Shriver House Museum, Jennie Wade House, the variety of town and nighttime candlelight walking tours and other experiences that share with visitors the tragic and heroic stories of Gettysburg’s civilians.

Make that history come alive with the many dining destinations available for you to enjoy. When taking a break from visiting our fantastic sights, enjoy seasonal farm-to-table menus and period-specific food that will connect you to your experience. We have contemporary meals prepared by award-winning chefs, or you can grab a quick bite atone of several restaurants. Be sure to keep tabs on us as you plan your visit, as even more dining options are being added this year. Looking for local tastes to take home with you? Take a tour of the region’s many farms and orchards with our Adams County Crop Hop.

Adams County produces many fine craft beers, wines, ciders, mead and spirits to pair perfectly with your meal. If you’re looking for suggestions, be sure to visit our Adams County Pour Tour, which will show you highlights of our refreshing tastes.

Enjoy that fresh springtime air in Adams County with a hike in our beautiful state parks and vast Civil War battlegrounds. If you have a furry companion, the winding trails are dog-friendly and perfect for an afternoon stroll.

The town of Gettysburg has a historically preserved downtown area encircling Lincoln Square. Take a stroll and gain insight into our nation’s gripping backstory at interactive museums and education centers. Let one of our many guides show you the way through town, with bits of history you never imagined. If the spirit is willing, snuggle close together when darkness falls for an eerie evening ghost tour of famous haunts.

When it’s time to lay down your head at night, we have cozy bed and breakfasts, rustic cabins, luxurious inns, or your go-to hotel with all the amenities. Bringing the whole family for a relaxing getaway without big city itineraries? We have special guest houses for that very reason. You’ll find accommodations of every type in Gettysburg, whether you want to stay in walking distance to everything or escape to a quiet retreat.

No trip to Gettysburg is complete without experiencing its rich history. Witness the hallowed battlefield and feel the full weight of its solemn significance. Among the monuments and memorials, the enormous impact of our past truly resonates. Experience it as the soldiers did, with a horseback tour led by a Licensed Battlefield Guide, or grab a scooter and hear the story of the famous three-day battle with the wind in your hair. Pause for a moment of inspiration in the Soldiers’ National Cemetery where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his stirring “GettysburgAddress.”

The past has brought us here, but the present waits for you in Gettysburg.

The post Make History Come Alive in Gettysburg, PA appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.