Frederick, MD - Tourist info needed

[clm3]

MY DH is a HUGE Civil War nut and we are thinking of hitting some battlefields in the area. Can anyone tell me if this is a good hotel spot to see; Antietam, Harpers Ferry, Gettysburg, and possible also get to D.C. ? I would like to stay in a central location for the entire time instead of moving to a bunch of different hotels. Looking at maps it looks like everything is close, but I have no idea about traffic and such.

Thanks,

 

[Poohnatic]

From Frederick, Gettysburg is about 45 minutes up Rt 15. You're going against commutes if you base yourself there.

Antietam is about 30 minutes west, then 15 minutes south down MD 65. Last time I did that drive was before the outlets were built. We used to go to the concert the MSO did every July 4th weekend, but not for a while.

Harper's Ferry is just over 40 minutes from Frederick, taking 15 South to 340 West. If the rainfall was good, the outfitters in the area will be able to rent you canoes.

You're in luck: the MARC made it up to Frederick about 3 years ago, so you can take a train right into DC. My preference is to ride down to Shady Grove and take the Metro. However, if you prefer to drive, take 270 to the Outer Loop to the GW parkway. It's a nice, scenic route in. Just wait until 9am.

Hotels? Lots of them. If you prefer a nicer place, the Hampton Inn is really nice, and there's a few newer hotels run by my former employer (Fairfield and Courtyard by Marriott). I suggest places on Buckeystown Pike (Rt 85), as there are a lot of good restaurants nearby.

Enjoy your trip!

Suzanne

 

[mom2boys]

Frederick is a great base of operations for the Civil War sites. All To get to Gettysburg, you would have a "reverse commute" - meaning you would be headed north in the a.m. while the commuters would be heading south. The Civil War Trails website has a suggested itinerary with a base in Frederick at http://www.civilwartraveler.com/treks/index.html I don't recommend driving from Frederick to DC on a weekday - EVER. You will spend hours in traffic with the morning rush hour beginning before 6 a.m. There is an extension of the MARC commuter train between Frederick & D.C. You could take the train from Frederick to Union Station or any of the other stations that have Metro stops. http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marc/schedulesSystemMaps/marcTrainSystemMap.cfm
Enjoy!

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

I was just at Harper's Ferry Saturday (and I live a few miles from Antietam). If you are visiting Antietam, stop by Shepherdstown.

I hate driving to DC; the traffic can be CRAZY!! Make it easy on yourself and take the train.

If you are staying in Frederick, you could drive to Baltimore and visit the Inner Harbor. It's not a bad drive (I used to do it daily).

 

[Golf4food]

Frederick should be perfect for that trip itenerary.

 

[clm3]

Thanks for the GREAT info !! I'm excited about the train into DC, I wasn't looking forward to driving in town. Sounds like it will definitely work for us.

Thanks Again

 

[LadyyRedd]

I think you will love my hometown!

Kimya