Something’s always happening in Frederick County and Harford County. But when springtime arrives, both Maryland hotspots really jump into action.
As both counties shake off the winter chill and two years of COVID hibernation, residents and visitors alike are excited about the fresh air, warm sunshine and extraordinary events only longer, balmier days can deliver.
If you live in an apartment or townhouse in Frederick or Harford County, Maryland, but aren’t yet sure what attractions to see, parks to visit, trails to hike or events to book this spring, this is the blog for you.
Check out our list of unforgettable things to do in both communities for some fun inspiration this spring.
Enjoy America's Favorite Pastime at a Fraction of the Cost
Few things are better than catching a baseball game in person under warm, brightening skies, especially during an electrifying ninth-inning rally.
And when you move into an apartment or townhouse in Frederick County, Maryland, and Harford County, Maryland, two fun-filled, cost-effective options are available right around the corner.
Attending a Frederick Keys or Aberdeen IronBirds minor league baseball game is a quick drive away.
The reasons why you’ll want to say “play ball” are endless. They include:
- Better-priced concession food and snacks.
- More up-close interaction with the players.
- Seats with personal, zoomed-up views of the field—as if you were watching the game on TV.
- Unique events, including themed game nights and between-inning promotions.
- Fireworks displays on the weekends.
Attending a game at both venues is far more cost-effective than the Major League alternative.
For instance, a single ticket at both Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick, Maryland, and Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Maryland, cost an average of $100 less than hitting up an Orioles game which is much further away in Baltimore.
Climb the Best of Maryland at Catoctin Mountain Park
Hike trails, witness a profusion of wildflowers and check out breathtaking wildlife and panoramic views at Catoctin Mountain Park in Frederick County, Maryland.
According to the National Park Service, the park—part of the Appalachian Mountains range and home to the presidential retreat Camp David—has about 25 miles of hiking trails, with difficulty ranging from kid-friendly easy to hardcore strenuous.
Be prepared: These rugged trails will challenge the quadriceps, hamstrings and calves of even the most experienced climbers.
Further, visitors can also:
- Rent a historic cabin.
- Camp under the stars.
- Set a line out in trout fishing streams.
- Enjoy nature’s serenade.
- Cruise down scenic drives.
The best part: County officials say admission is free—and there’s plenty of parking.
Walk the Fertile Grounds of Maryland’s Wine Revolution
Speaking of long, scenic walks, those living in an apartment or townhouse in Frederick County, Maryland, have another picturesque path to stroll down: the Frederick Wine Trail.
“There’s one thing that connects all of the amazing things Frederick County has to offer,” reads a headline from the website of Maryland’s Office of Tourism. “And that’s the Frederick Wine Trail.”
Yes, this singular path is that big of a deal.
And if you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll undoubtedly agree.
The path was Frederick County’s first wine trail, dating back to 2007. But its roots date back to the mid-1970s when plantings took place. Today, the trail weaves through Civil War battlefields and ends in the downtown portion of Frederick city.
In-between is something worthy of a toast: endless world-class wineries and vineyards, plus the open-hearted craftspeople who beautifully operate them all.
Step Into a Fairy Tale at this Magical Outdoor Oasis
Similar outdoor strolls eagerly await you if you live in an apartment or townhouse in Harford County, Maryland.
The twist? One attraction—the Bear Legacy Adventure Trail—triggers your inner child and makes you get lost in a storybook forest.
This exciting outdoor nature destination includes a 1.5-mile loop around a wooded property, plus a network of spur trails that lead visitors to a storybook trial of painted rocks, natural sculptures and additional art elements inspired by the story “Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
Other activities include an outdoor yoga space, an outdoor classroom and a small loop trail for kids to ride balance bikes. Plus, your classic picnic area and several wooden climbing structures, a swing bridge and rock hopscotch tiles, according to county officials.
Visit the Best Place to Enjoy the Waterfront Sights
Ranking No. 2 overall on things to do for those living in an apartment or townhouse in Harford County, Maryland, is a daytrip to the state’s second-oldest lighthouse: the Concord Point Lighthouse in nearby Havre de Grace.
“This little park overlooks the river and is a nice quiet place to enjoy the sights of the waterfront,” one reviewer on TripAdvisor noted. “There are a number of informational signs for the lighthouse detailing the history of this part of the state.”
And what a history it has.
Built in 1827, the 36-foot lighthouse is small in size but enormous in legacy. It’s located where the Susquehanna River meets the tidal flow of the Chesapeake Bay and served as a beacon for nearby sailors until it was decommissioned in 1975.
Now, it’s the towering symbol of Harford County’s rich maritime heritage.
“I live in the area, and I never cease to become bored with going to walk here,” another TripAdvisor.com reviewer said. “It's a family-friendly area, with no crime and plenty of shopping and dining close by.”
Why Downtown Frederick is the Place to be Saturday Night
What’s the best part of living in Frederick, Maryland? The answer: being in the center of all the action.
Downtown Frederick is home to more than 200 retail stores, the Tourism Council of Frederick County says. Everything from specialty shops and art galleries to five-star restaurants, pubs and breweries line the colonial-era town.
Frederick pairs small-town charm with picturesque scenery everywhere you look, plus endless history.
Within a few blocks, one can see storied homes from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Colorful lily pads with beautiful flowers pepper the river walk, as do ducks, architectural sculptures and antique shops. The creek walk is a gem, as is crossing antique bridges and visiting the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.
The best part is that it's a leisurely walk from your new apartment or townhouse in Harford County, Maryland.
Find the Perfect Piece of Art to Call Your Own
When you live in an apartment or townhouse in Frederick, Maryland, one of the top things you need to do is decide how to best decorate your new home.
An annual event expanding three decades, just down the street, is happy to offer you some visually compelling suggestions.
The Frederick Festival of the Arts, held annually on Carroll Creek Way, is back for its 28th year. The event, free to attend, is slated for the weekend of June 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
And art lovers won’t want to miss a minute.
There are traditionally more than 100 exhibitors, and the mediums showcased are diverse. The types of art you will see on display include jewelry, clay, paintings, sculptures, metal, leather, digital, fiber, wood, photography and mixed media, city officials say.
“See art, do art, buy art” is the show’s motto—rain or shine.
Cheers to that. Food and drinks from local restaurants, breweries and wineries are available to do just that.
With plenty of springtime amenities, shopping options, outdoor recreation and top-rated sports teams, it’s not hard to see why Frederick County and Harford County, Maryland, have been ranked among the top 100 best places to live in America.
They’re the perfect blend of city and scenery.
And there is nothing more valuable than loving where you live when spring is in full bloom.