Location: Middletown
Top Things to do in Middletown
- 1. Washington Monument State Park
- 2. Frederick Visitor Center
- 3. Big Cork Vineyards
- 4. South Mountain East Welcome Center
- 5. Distillery Lane Ciderworks
- 6. Gathland State Park
- 7. South Mountain Creamery
- 8. Historic Downtown Frederick
- 9. South Mountain West Welcome Center
- 10. Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery
Top 10 Things to do in Middletown, United States
Middletown is a suburban town in Frederick County, Maryland, United States. The population was 4,138 at the 2010 census. Located in the Middletown Valley that stretches between the Catoctin Mountains on the east and South Mountain on the west, the town reportedly gained its name from its location midway between those ranges.
Restaurants in Middletown
1. Washington Monument State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By jehenson81
This is the first Washington Monument and it sits on this hill that gives amazing views of the valleys on either side. The structure is thimble shaped and houses a small spiral staircase that takes you to the ripe for the views. In the fall it is a great place to view falcons, hawks and eagles as they head from Canada to Central American. The tower was used as a signal post by Union troops during the civil war and was on the northern edge of the South Mountain Battlefield.
2. Frederick Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By Jake_MA_11 - Beverly, Massachusetts
Stopped here for Information and the staff was helpful and spent lots of time with us. Many displays for things to do in town or in the area.
3. Big Cork Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
We're an award-winning winery located in Washington County Maryland. Our 100 acre property has 35 acres under vine and we are open Thursday - Monday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm and Fridays until 9:00 pm.
Reviewed By Martin S - High Wycombe, United Kingdom
This was an unexpectedly lovely place to visit. Modern tasting area. Lovely staff. It was sunny so we say outside - beautiful. Wines were interesting but not spectacular and seemed a little expensive. It was worth the trip for sure!
4. South Mountain East Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Open Thursday through Monday Serves traffic heading toward Baltimore and Eastern Shore as well as Washington and Points South. Rest Area open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week year round. Amenities include family restrooms, playground, bus, RV and car parking. Picnic tables, walking path and pet friendly! Vending available. Let us plan your next Maryland Visit!
Reviewed By GV27OCMD - Ocean City, Maryland
The only thing you really need to know about a rest stop is should I stop or keep going. This one you're ok to stop at. Everything you need assuming you need to go. But nothing worth stoping for otherwise. There is a welcome center but it's not open all the time. Bath rooms were acceptable. I've seen better and unfortunately we've probably all had to,endure worse
Nothing scenic...no overlook...but it's new and the only state rest area you will pass going east.
5. Distillery Lane Ciderworks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Dawn S - Atlanta, Georgia
My husband and I arrived after a beautiful drive to Ciderworks. We found ample parking (with attendants) and friendly staff. It's a smallish place but the couple who owns it has maximized their available space.
I was a bit disappointed in the lack of instruction/help we received. Although the parking attendants helped us park, they did not point us in the right direction nor were there signs of where to go, where to start, or what to do. We happened to walk up to a small table where we found a cashier. Not being told that there were two available tasting options, we bought (what we now know) to be the more expensive one but also with the most tastings. The pours were generous and staff that manned the tasting booths were friendly but strayed easily. They weren't there to chit-chat, just poured ours and then moved on to the next customer. It was then difficult to get their attention to try another cider.
The tour offered was comprised mostly of apple variety information and not the fermenting process. There are, however, 18 info stations throughout the orchard for those who wished to know more about the apples. A few of the apple variety could be sampled but, again, little direction was given about how to pick your own apples-which were eating versus which were baking apples. The orchard (or at least the part we were directed to was over-picked and so far the apples we chose have not been very good).
The cider was also not what I expected. To me, apple cider is a warm, murky concoction with mulled spices that you drink in the fall to warm-up. A few of the ciders here reminded me of a white zin. Very light and clear, crisp. They weren't bad by any means, just not what I expected. They did have one cider available for tasting that attempted to satisfy the fall cider I was thinking of, but it still had a long way to go in the seasoning process and was not ready for purchase.
The food trucks present were good although the South American food truck's food had very little to do with South America. An ice cream truck was present as well that offered samples and full purchase bowls or cones. The ice cream flavors sounded great (and overall were tasty) but lacked the complimenting flavor. For instance the "chocolate peanut butter" was a lovely chocolate but with a very little peanut butter taste for accent.
There were a handful porta-pota available. They were clean and sufficient enough for the crowd that was there the day we visited.
6. Gathland State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By MarySL00 - Washington DC, District of Columbia
We hiked that section of the Appalachian trail: six miles from parking lot to the river, a 12-mile return trail. Mostly goes up and down along the ridge. Beautiful views of the valley and the river. Follow the white blazes.
The cliff area is impressive: be mindful if you are hiking with kids. Not recommended for children.
Beautiful Civil war village.
7. South Mountain Creamery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Dean_Amy-2004 - New Oxford, Pennsylvania
Stopped for ice cream after visiting the Green Meadows farm. The creamery offers more than just ice cream. You can get fresh milk, butter, and more. Ice cream is available to go or for eating there. The freshness and variety of options is sure to please.
For those unfamiliar with a working farm, they offer opportunities to tour the farm, see cows being milked, and feed calves.
Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area or even a little out of your way.
8. Historic Downtown Frederick
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By Jonathan R - Washington DC, District of Columbia
On an impromptu trip to Frederick, we had several hours to explore the historic area. Not having seen the city for several decades, we were pleasantly surprised at the extent of the refurbishing of older buildings and the variety of shops, bars, and restaurants throughout the area. We didn’t have enough time to get to all of the museums and other attractions in the vicinity, so we’ll have plenty of things to go on a return visit.
9. South Mountain West Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By MsBright2003 - Wilmington, Delaware
A hidden gem of a rest stop! The bathrooms, in a separate building from the visitors center, is spacious, clean, and is beautifully designed. Travelling with kids? The bathroom stall is big enough to bring them in the stall with you. One negative - no...MoreHello MsBright2003! Thank you for providing valuable feedback about the South Mountain Welcome Center West. We are glad you had a great experience while visiting the Welcome Center. We have one on the East side as well! Thanks again for stopping!
10. Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Maryland's premier meadery and winery specializing in complex honey wines, as well as unique red and white varietals. Locally crafted, internationally awarded. Fri 12-5pm Sat 12-6pm Sun 12-5pm. Mon-Thurs by appointment only. Our tasting room sits amongst 15 acres of land, 2 acres of grapevines, and a handful of beehives. Don't worry, the beehives are tucked away for safety. We welcome mead fanatics, wine lovers, and beer snobs to sample libations and engage us with their questions and thoughts. Picnics with outside food is always welcome, but outside alcohol is against the rules. Our vineyard lab, Carmen, loves making new friends, so feel free to bring your friendly pup. All ages are welcome, but visitors must be 21+ to drink. Cheers!
Reviewed By jrkorzen - Arlington, Virginia
My husband and I stopped in for a tasting and weren't disappointed. The tasting included one red wine, but was mostly sweeter mead. We usually prefer dryer mead but the flavors were really unique, including a spicy pepper one. The tasting room is large with lots of indoor and outdoor seating, and a beautiful view, so a nice place to enjoy a glass after your tasting.
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