Your Guide to a Picture-Perfect Bike Tour of Frederick, Maryland

Courtesy of Plaid Photo/Justin Tsucalas

Road trips are always a great time, but there’s something special about one in the fall. The air is a bit crisper and the scenery is tapered by foliage everywhere you look. A fall road trip has a bit of magic in it, which is why your destination should have that same type of energy. Just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Philly, Frederick, Maryland has more than enough dining and activities to fill a full fall day. Even better, many of them can be enjoyed from the comfort of a bike. 

Here are some suggestions for how to make the most out of a fall Frederick road trip and get some exercise along the way.

Fill Up or Grab a Snack

Courtesy of Visit Frederick

There’s tons to do in Downtown Frederick, and there’s no better way to see it all than on a bike. There are options for electric bike rentals at places like Pedego, so you can cruise around in style. Make a pit stop for a brew at Olde Mother Brewing Company, where you might run into some furry friends while drinking an Impressionist IPA on the patio. If you work up an appetite, you can choose from plenty of dining options for a hearty meal. Pistarro’s, Frederick’s first Naples-style pizzeria, is a great option to fill up and taste some authentic flavor. Or pop into Lebherz Vinegar and Oil Emporium (L.O.V.E for short) and choose from more than 50 different varieties of olive oil and vinegar to add to your take-home haul. 

Courtesy of Visit Frederick

And if you have a hankering for dessert, Ibiza Cafe has plenty of baked goods in its rotating pastry case.

See the Sights

Courtesy of Visit Frederick

Due to its role in American history — and status as a major site in the Civil War — Frederick is a major attraction for museum-lovers. In Downtown Frederick, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine provides a comprehensive account of the medical advances made during the Civil War and how they’re reflected in the present day. Check out the interactive exhibits as well as guided walking tours happening throughout the fall that tell the stories of the soldiers of the war.  And if you’re renting a bike, Frederick’s downtown is also a haven for outdoor art, with galleries that display public art related to city history, murals and personal pieces from local artists. 

Courtesy of Visit Frederick

If you find yourself getting thirsty, you can also stop by Tenth Ward Distilling Company and try whatever spirit suits your fancy. Pick a favorite and take one home to make at-home cocktails to remember your trip! 

Park the Car and Get Out in Nature

Courtesy of Turner Photography

Frederick is the type of place where you can choose your own adventure. If you consider yourself an outdoorsperson, Frederick has many different parks and trails to satisfy your needs. 

The C&O Canal Historic Park celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and it has a rich history, —   serving as the site for the remains of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. It’s also accessible from many different access points across Frederick, and here’s plenty of trails and bike paths to choose from. For an extra bit of adventure, head to Brunswick to explore the C&O Canal — check out the visitor’s center — or continue your biking travels by pairing up with River & Trail Outfitters.  

Even better, Frederick is a major site for the Appalachian Trail — in fact, 40 miles of the trail lie along Frederick’s western border. Try starting at Gathland State Park — itself a site with its own Civil War history. Don’t forget to pack a lunch! 

For more information on planning a bike-centric fun fall road trip in Frederick, Maryland, head here.