City Escape: Washington, D.C.

Beginning halfway between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, MD, this City Escape traverses verdant, back-in-time Maryland countryside. Enticing byways wind through pastoral settings, along streams, and into the heart of historic villages. A stop for lunch just north of the Pennsylvania border gives riders an even closer glimpse of a charming hamlet in the Keystone State.

Length

Approximately 167 miles

Meet-up Spot

Starbucks, 16806 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD, (301) 260-1761

Lunch Stop

Firehouse Grill, 8 E King St, Littlestown, PA, (717) 359-9779

Scenery (4 out of 5)

Bucolic rolling farmland and historic, charming villages.

Traffic (4 out of 5)

Mostly light except in or near larger towns at rush hour.

Difficulty (3 out of 5)

Many sweeping and tighter curves with frequent elevation changes.

Road Conditions (5 out of 5)

With a few exceptions, the pavement is in excellent condition.

Points of Interest

Western Maryland Railway Historical Society Museum
A collection of artifacts from this former regional railroad are housed in the historical Union Bridge Station (est. 1902), located at 41 N Main St, Union Bridge, MD, (410) 775-0150. Consult website for operating hours.

Uniontown, MD
This village is a national historic district located in Carroll County, MD. It contains a well-preserved collection of memorable houses, commercial buildings, churches, and schools typical of a small 19th century rural village.

Union Mills Homestead
This Shriver family homestead, which is open to the public, remained in the family for six generations. It includes the home, a working gristmill, and other facilities. Consult the website for operating hours and schedule of events.

Sykesville, MD
This historic village is a National Trust for Historic Preservation district. Take the Main Street Walking Tour, which visits inviting shops, the Baldwin Station restaurant, model train exhibit, real locomotive cars, and more.