It is not the size of neighboring DC or Baltimore but Fredrick, Maryland has an intimate charm that attracts hipsters and foodies to gather. Nestled in nature with many surrounding mountains and wineries it is also great for biking. We spent the day on a self-guided bike tour around Fredrick’s historic downtown. On the tour we experienced a cluster of church spires, bell towers, ornamental and covered bridges, and numerous parks and playgrounds. Trompe l’oeil and other murals created by local artists were scattered around town. The most impressive mural was on the Community Bridge along the 1.3-mile linear park waterway. It was also a nice surprise to experience the hundreds of water lilies.
On our ride we took in a little history. Aside from it being recognized as a place where Lincoln once slept it was also the home to Francis Scott Key, the writer of the Star-Spangled Banner and there is a monument in his honor. We peeked at the displays in the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and then ventured out to the National Historic Site the Monocacy Battlefield known for its role in the Civil War for “The Battle That Saved Washington”.
With so much history it may sound like Fredrick is fixed in the past but it is very much present in today. Diverse visitors are welcomed with Black Lives Matters and Rainbow banners displayed just about everywhere. Fredrick also makes an extensive effort toward a sustainable future through preserving historic buildings with many architectural reuse projects and sustainable flood control infrastructure. Next time we visit we hope to take our bikes to the surrounding hills!
