PWC Max Weight Loss Program

When you’re traveling, there’s certain activities you enjoy doing, so it only makes sense to make an itinerary. And when it comes to a weekend itinerary in Frederick, Maryland, there’s tons of activities to choose from to create lasting memories. To ensure you get the most out of your trip and take in Frederick has to offer, plan an overnight stay at one of its more than 20 nationally branded hotels.

Here are the spots, bites and outdoor adventures not to miss when you make your way to Frederick.

Gathland State Park rests atop South Mountain, which is the site of Maryland’s only state Civil War Battlefield. It’s also the home of the War Correspondents Memorial Arch, built in 1896 by author George Alfred Townsend. Plus, it happens to be the site of some tremendous hiking — the Appalachian Scenic Trail intersects the park, so you can choose your own adventure as you head north or south.

And when you need to fuel up, there’s plenty of good options — one not to miss is The Main Cup, serving up top-notch sandwiches and pastas about a 10 minute drive from the park. Want to take in the local wine scene? Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery is renowned for its honey wines that cover a wide variety of flavor types. They age their wines anywhere from three to 36 months — see if you can guess the age of the wine in your glass! As always, drink responsibly.

The first thing you need to know about C&O Canal National Historical Park: it covers a lot of ground. Frederick County alone contains almost 16 of the 184.5 miles that the park spans. That means you have a lot of options and lots to see. For instance, you can choose a less hilly hike along the canal’s towpath and take in views of the Potomac River while learning about the tribal history of those who once lived on the land.

After working up an appetite, there’s a few great options not far from each other. Hop in the car and chow down at Beans in the Belfry, which is housed in a 100-year-old restored church serving coffee, baked goods and panini sandwiches every day of the week. Afterward, take a short walk to Smoketown Brewing Station and sample the Patsy Hazy IPA, named after country singer Patsy Cline, who was known to perform at the building above where the brewery now stands.

When you head to Catoctin Mountain Park, you’ll be traversing one of the oldest mountains in the country. Learn some history as you pick a trail — for example, the Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Trail provides an interpretation of an area where moonshiners once reigned. You can also follow trails to unique geologic landforms like Chimney Rock and Hog Rock.

To whet your appetite, nearby Carriage House Inn is a local favorite, offering a prime rib french dip sandwich and Chesapeake crab dip, while Catoctin Breeze Vineyard will put some homemade wine in your glass to give you a taste of some true local flavor.

Sometimes, if you want a reward, you have to work for it, and that’s certainly true when it comes to hiking Cunningham Falls State Park. Choose from the Lower or Cliff Trails and get some cardio as you reach Maryland’s highest cascading waterfall.

If you want something a bit less intense, the Catoctin Furnace Trail brings with it a bit of history, as it’s the site of a past iron furnace operation. The furnace business dates back to the American Revolution and went out of business at the turn of the 20th century.

And when you’re planning your Cunningham Falls State Park trip, be sure to some time for swimming — the William Houck Lake Area located within the park is open for swimming and hiking from April to October.

For some good bites, Farmhouse Exchange delivers on its name, offering local produce as well as a deli on-site for some fresh eats. Nearby is Springfield Manor Winery and Distillery, an estate that serves its locally brewed spirits and wines amidst a gorgeous mountain and woodland backdrop.

For more on how to plan your Frederick, Maryland weekend itinerary, head here.

Walkerville EMS runs climbed to 186 last month as growth and dispatch changes expanded coverage

By Ryan MarshallThe Frederick News-Post

WALKERVILLE, Md. — Walkersville’s fire company would like Frederick County to provide a second ambulance team to help it meet increased demand for its services, and would like the town to support its request.

The company has one 24-hour ambulance company but needs another, Chief William Cramer told the town’s burgess and commissioners last week.

The town has added several new residential developments in the past several years, as well as a school for children with special needs, and other things that create more calls for service, Cramer said.

The company previously responded to about 130 calls per month, but last month, it received 186, he said.

A change in the county’s dispatch service that bases responses on the time it takes an ambulance to get to a call rather than the distance traveled has added the area on Md. 26 down to U.S. 15 to the station’s coverage area, Cramer said.

The station missed 14 calls last month while out on other calls, requiring crews from other stations, usually Woodsboro or a station on Thomas Johnson Drive in Frederick, to fill in on those second calls, he said.

According to statistics from Frederick County’s Division of Fire and Rescue Services, ambulance calls for the Walkersville station have increased from 1,512 in calendar year 2023 to a projected 1,928 for 2025, a 27.5% increase.

Walkersville Burgess Chad Weddle serves as the fire company’s chaplain.

He said the town would send a letter to Division of Fire and Rescue Services Chief Tom Coe and make a request to other county officials when the county starts its budget process.

The issue in Walkersville is clearly call volume, with both the growth in the town and the station gaining some service area, Coe said Tuesday.

Even with the increased volume, the average time for an ambulance from Walkersville to get to a call has dropped from 6 minutes and 1 second in 2023 to 4 minutes and 56 seconds this year, Coe said, a very good response time.

The average response time for any ambulance in the county to respond to calls in Walkersville’s area has gone from 6 minutes and 6 seconds in 2023 to 4 minutes and 58 seconds in 2025, according to DFRS statistics.

Walkersville submitted a request for another ambulance crew last year, which didn’t make it through the budget process, Coe said.

But the county will look at the company’s request again in the upcoming budget cycle, he said.

© 2025 The Frederick News-Post (Frederick, Md.).Visit www.fredericknewspost.com.Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Foster’s Grille opened this week to lots of anticipation and a hungry crowd ready to try the local chain’s burgers, wings and shakes. Foster’s is located at 447 Solomons Island Road North and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The chain has locations in Maryland, Virginia and Florida and is best known for its “charburger.” Southern Maryland residents may be familiar with the restaurant’s Waldorf and La Plata locations. The Prince Frederick restaurant got its liquor license in August and opened with a full menu including sports bar classics like buffalo wings, burgers and more.

The restaurant offers a casual, family-friendly dine-in experience that many say is lacking in Calvert County. Diners have some options for sit-down restaurants, but the environment of Foster’s provides options for families to dine out together and get food everybody actually likes. As a sports bar, it’s also ideal for adults-only groups.

“We consider ourselves a fast-casual family neighborhood restaurant,” manager Mandy Knodle said, adding that they’re looking forward to being a part of the community. “We’re really excited to be in the area. We offer a lot of fundraising opportunities and we hope to work with all the amazing teams and schools here.”

Knodle also highlighted the large selection of local craft beers on tap and “all the TVs” to feature NFL games this football season.

Linelle Wallace, a Prince Frederick local and content creator, visited Foster’s on opening day. “I’ve seen firsthand how much excitement Foster’s Grille has brought to Prince Frederick,” Wallace said, adding that her Facebook video featuring the restaurant reached more than 18,000 views. Previous videos in the same shopping center of Michaels and ALDI reached well over that number.

“It’s clear people are eager to support new businesses here. On top of that, the fries at Foster’s are to die for and the customer service was amazing.”

Foster’s served an eager crowd this week and will hopefully continue to do so as more businesses open in Prince Frederick’s Armory Square.

Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.

Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!