Location: Thurmont
Top Things to do in Thurmont
- 1. Catoctin Mountain Park
- 2. Giant Slide
- 3. Red Heifer Winery
- 4. Mason Dixon Welcome Center
- 5. National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes
- 6. Cunningham Falls State Park
- 7. National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
- 8. Springfield Manor Winery Brewery and Distillery
- 9. National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
- 10. Catoctin Mountain Orchard
Top 10 Things to do in Thurmont, United States
Thurmont is a town in Frederick County, Maryland, United States. The population was 6,170 at the 2010 census. The town is located in the northern part of Frederick County (north of Frederick, Maryland, the county seat), approximately ten miles from the Pennsylvania border, along U.S. Highway 15. It is very close to Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park, which contains the presidential retreat of Camp David. Thurmont is also home to Catoctin Colorfest, an arts and crafts festival that draws in about 125,000 people each autumn.
Restaurants in Thurmont
1. Catoctin Mountain Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
You can't visit the Presidential retreat of Camp David here, but you can take advantage of the park's 25 miles of scenic hiking trails plus many outdoor activities including camping, fishing and picnicking.
Reviewed By 975draker - Frederick, Maryland
Both Cunningham Falls and Catoctin Mountain Park (Adjacent to one another) have plenty of hiking trails, creeks, wildlife, picnic areas, camping, swimming, and more. The week days are less traveled, the fall and winter months are great during the week for quiet and peaceful hikes, picnics and camping. There is plenty of wildlife to observe if you are quiet. If you are fishing, bring your license! The Park Staff is Great. PLEASE help keep the parks clean ~ Thank you.
2. Giant Slide
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By SheilaMcc - Baltimore, Maryland
This place is wonderful. It's a local park with playground for the kids but the best park it the covered giant (no kidding) slide. I suspect that some college kids from nearby Mount St. Mary's may have waxed the slide recently because the ride was pretty fast. How wonderful to have a nice destination that has no fee. Lots of fun.
3. Red Heifer Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By FlyingdaleFlyer - Hagerstown, Maryland
We heard it's easy to miss and we almost didn't see the sign. But, after that, I have nothing to say but good things. The wine selection was limited but each one was unique and tasty. I encourage you to get a 5-flight and choose a bottle after doing so. We had brought our lawn chairs so we sat down with our newly-purchased Cabernet and our picnic basket only to hear a very entertaining guitarist/singer named Chris Smaha. The mountains were in clear view and glorious. What a great two hours listening to good music, watching the dogs play, and sipping some local wine! Incidentally, there is seating on site but I encourage you to bring your own. And if you like chatting about wine, and the winery, don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with this young couple. They're extremely personable.
4. Mason Dixon Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 170 reviews
Our goal is to promote the state's vibrant culture by shining a light on all the wonderful places to see and things to do in Maryland. Come enjoy our beautiful and informative exhibits about the area and let us help you plan your next trip to the Old Line State. Located on US 15 Catoctin Mountain Highway South. Amenities include: playground, pet area, truck/RV parking, picnic tables,and restrooms.
Reviewed By Mary Ellen A - Reading, United States
Walked in the welcome center, immediately heard, "Welcome to Maryland." We had a pleasant conversation, and picked up a few informational items. Best thing was we scored a recommendation for the "crab bomb" at Jerry's Seafood in Bowie MD. That was excellent, if you are headed that way. (I mentioned to our waitress at Jerry's that they got a shout out at the rest stop. She was appreciative.) So, to wrap up: a nice place to stop, stretch your legs, enjoy the view, talk to some pleasant people, and pick up a few items to enjoy your stay in Maryland.
5. National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a Catholic shrine devoted to Our Blessed Mother Mary, is a place of worship, pilgrimage, evangelization and reconciliation. This beautiful mountain shrine features one of the oldest American replicas of the Lourdes shrine in France, built about two decades after the apparition of Mary at Lourdes in 1858, and attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year from all over the world. It offers the occasion for a deepening conversion, a step forward in the journey to God, with Mary as the model for that journey.
Reviewed By pds209 - Vancouver
I was greatly moved by my walk through the shrine. There are mosaics, statues, and memorials throughout the grounds. One can linger over these on the way to the chapel and grotto, or simply absorb the peaceful atmosphere and extraordinary view. As this was my first visit, I found the visitor centre staff most helpful in directing me. All in all, this is a must-see if you’re in the area.
6. Cunningham Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 243 reviews
Located in the Catoctin Mountains, this park is well-known for its history, scenic beauty and various recreational facilities including campsites, hiking trails, picnic areas and fishing piers.
Reviewed By Catherine B - Wellsboro, PA
Great little state park with very little activity sun-Wednesday. I hear the colorfest makes this place crazy, but we’ve managed days between craziness. Bathrooms clean. Showers hot. Trails well maintained, especially for the amount of traffic I think this place gets.
7. National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Historic site that's the home of the first American-born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Reviewed By SirPenLadyGwen - Savage, Minnesota
The church & Shrine are self guided. Try not to go during mass on Sunday. The room for the statues of the Blessed Virgin are from all over the world & very beautiful. There is a little gift shop with lots of informational items, pictures, prayer cards et al. There is a free tour of the grounds that takes about 1 hour. Try to go on a less humid & hot day. Plenty of free parking.
8. Springfield Manor Winery Brewery and Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Maryland's First Winery-Distillery-Brewery! Conveniently located along Rt.15, Come for a taste - Stay to Enjoy! Springfield Manor features a convenient and prominent historic setting. Ambiance & tranquility grace the 130 private estate. The 1765 Manor and ballroom are ideal for weddings, intimate parties and corporate events of up to 300 seated guests. An expansive lavender farm brings visitors from all over. The restored bank barn houses the distillery, tasting room & the coming soon tap room. Events are frequently hosted in the barn & on the outdoor patios. Live music and food allow guests to linger and enjoy the mountain backdrop and bucolic setting offered from the terraces.
Reviewed By LoriW30 - Sparrows Point , MD
We had a beautiful evening for a wedding. The Catoctin Mountains in the background set a beautiful scene. The outdoor cocktail hour area very nice and the actual hall was so nice.
9. National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Overall Ratings
5 based on 71 reviews
Monument honoring firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
Reviewed By Harold P - Chesapeake, Virginia, Usa
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial is sacred ground for me. My entire adult life has revolved around the fire service, first as a volunteer and later as a career choice. The first time I visited was part of the Honor Guard during the National Memorial Service. All around you are reminders that firefighter's have paid the ultimate sacrifice. From the larger than life 9-1-1 raising of our flag, to the memorial walk of bricks, the most sacred ring of names. The site is peaceful for the families and survivors, which allows a time to heal. If you attend during the memorial service weekend then be prepared to have your attitude changed. Lastly go the Ring of Honor and read the names of our fallen brother's and sister's. Be sure to bring some Kleenex because you will get teary eyed.
10. Catoctin Mountain Orchard
Overall Ratings
4 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey
This seems to be a very popular place and rightfully so. Great variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods and farm products. It is a local family business for years. Everything appears high quality and the service is great. Very worthwhile destination.
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