Nestled right beneath the Maryland-Pennsylvania state line, Hagerstown is known as the “Hub City” due to its status as one of the biggest cities in Western Maryland and the large amount of railroads that once connected the city to other parts of the country. Today, it has a unique identity due to its urban environment in a part of Maryland that is otherwise largely rural.
Because of this, it’s home to a bustling metropolitan area, but is still surrounded by unique natural sights and picturesque views.
Local Attractions
For history buffs, Hagerstown and the surrounding Washington County region is a treasure trove of Civil War landmarks. Since the town is located right under the former Mason-Dixon Line, it was the site of many important battles. Antietam National Battlefield is just a 13-mile trip south of Hagerstown, and was the site of the Battle of Antietam, which is considered to be “the bloodiest day in American history” and the most violent battle to ever take place on American soil.
Hagerstown itself is home to many museums, with subject matter ranging from Black heritage to the town’s founder, Jonathan Hager. The Hagerstown Aviation Museum is home to 25 historic aircraft, as one of the town’s many historical claims to fame is its involvement in aviation and the development of the modern airplane.
For theatergoers and those interested in the performing arts, Hagerstown is home to many theaters and concert venues. Most notably, it’s the home base of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Maryland Theatre. You can watch a concert from afar in one of the Theatre’s more than 1,200 seats, or get closer to the performance at a dinner theater production from Antietam Entertainment.
But Hagerstown isn’t just a town for history and art enthusiasts, either. Journey just outside of town and you’ll find plenty of hiking trails, state parks and scenic views. Hiking to the peak of Annapolis Rock, fishing on the Potomac River and meeting local artisans on the Pottery Trail are just a few of the many outdoor adventures you can embark on.
Shopping
Hagerstown’s best-known places to shop are Hagerstown Premium Markets and the Valley Mall. But venture outside of those areas and you’ll find plenty of independent local businesses with products you’d be hard-pressed to find in other places.
The Market Hub is a three-story farmers’ market that, like its name suggests, serves as a hub for local artisans, farmers and vendors. You can find everything from locally-grown vegetables to professional photography within its walls. If you’re not looking for anything specific, you’re sure to stumble across something interesting from one of its participating vendors.
Hagerstown is also home to several antiques markets that host hundreds of vendors. Antique Crossroads is an over 24,000 square foot facility where people sell furniture, toys and vintage collectors’ items dating all the way back to the 1800s. They even have vintage clothes for people who want to do some hardcore thrifting. Memory Lane Antiques & Collectibles is an indoor flea market with a similar supply of antiques, but also features toys, seasonal decor and products from other small businesses.
And there’s many places to peruse and buy unique art pieces, if you want some home decor with a more personal touch. The Just Lookin’ Gallery focuses on collecting and selling works from Black artists from across the country, ranging from famous figures to relative unknowns. If you want something truly unorthodox, try Wright Hand Studio, a pottery studio with a focus on crafting and selling ceramic instruments.
Food
Hagerstown is a wine-lover’s paradise. The Washington County Grapes & Grains Guide plots a trail of 18 wineries, breweries and distilleries, many of which are in or very close to Hagerstown. These include Stone House Urban Winery, Cool Ridge Vineyard, Hub City Brewery and the Irish-influenced Baile Cask & Kettle.
One particularly unique dining experience that calls back to Hagerstown’s local history is The Grille at Runways, which is located in the Rider Jet Center. Guests can watch private planes take off while enjoying seafood dishes or one of the Grille’s many large, varied hamburgers. For plane enthusiasts, it’s dinner and a show in one place.
Another interesting locale is Pretzel and Pizza Creations, with a menu that celebrates all things soft pretzel-related. There’s regular soft pretzels, of course, but there’s also pretzel calzones, sandwiches on pretzel rolls, pretzel pizzas and pretzel-wrapped hot dogs. There’s even dessert pretzels if you want to balance salty with sweet.
Speaking of sweet, Hagerstown is also home to many local bakeries. One of these, Les Cookies Delight, prides itself on being allergy-friendly and accommodating of all kinds of different dietary needs. From bagels to hot cocoa bombs, everything is made with the idea that everyone should be able to enjoy baked goods, regardless of what food restrictions they might have. Can’t decide what to order? Try one of their Goodie Boxes, which are stuffed with a variety of different desserts.
