Where History Blooms: A Spring Weekend in Frederick
Frederick in spring is a study in contrasts—historic steeples rising against a bright blue sky, cobblestone streets softened by new blooms, a city rooted in tradition yet alive with fresh energy. At Visitation Hotel, where history is reimagined with elegant simplicity, we invite you to experience Frederick as we do—a place where the past informs the present, where every street holds a story, and where each moment is an opportunity to immerse yourself in something new.
This spring, let Frederick reveal itself—through sunrise strolls in Baker Park, afternoons tracing centuries-old tales, and evenings savoring thoughtful flavors. Here’s how to spend a weekend in Frederick, steeped in a storied past and designed for discovery.
Friday: A Warm Welcome & a Taste of History
Arrival at Visitation Hotel
Stepping through the doors of Visitation Hotel, you enter a space where time slows, where centuries-old walls hum with stories of knowledge, community, and peaceful reflection. The former monastery and girls’ academy has been reimagined with intention—austere beauty in its truest form. Your guestroom is a sanctuary of refined simplicity—soaring windows, crisp linens, and vintage touches that nod to its academic heritage. Unpack, unwind, and let history settle around you.
Dinner at Wye Oak Tavern
As evening falls, make your way to Wye Oak Tavern, set within Visitation’s beautifully preserved chapel. Here, beneath stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings, Chef Bryan Voltaggio crafts a menu that is both deeply rooted and forward-thinking. A reverence for the land is evident in every dish—from the signature Maryland crab cakes to the cedar-planked salmon, each ingredient sourced with care from the Mid-Atlantic’s rich bounty.
After dinner, take a short stroll through Carroll Creek Park, where footbridges arch over the water and the city’s golden lights reflect in rippling patterns. Stop for a nightcap at Tenth Ward Distilling, a woman-owned craft distillery known for its innovative, barrel-aged whiskeys and bold, unconventional take on classic spirits. Then, return to Visitation, where plush bedding, a warm cup of tea, and the calming scent of Malin & Goetz amenities await.
Saturday: A Day for Exploration & Curiosity
Morning at Acorn Provisions
At Acorn Provisions, Visitation’s in-house café, the day begins with the scent of freshly brewed Continuum Nitro Coffee and warm, flaky croissants. A breakfast of simple, impeccable ingredients—perhaps a housemade breakfast sandwich or a delicate pastry—sets the tone for a day of exploration.
A Walk Through Time: Frederick’s Historic Heart
Frederick is a city meant to be walked, its past and present woven together along Market Street and beyond. Stop into Emporium Antiques, where over 100 dealers curate a vast collection of relics—Civil War artifacts, gilded mirrors, timeworn books. At Curious Iguana, an independent bookstore, shelves hold stories waiting to be uncovered, from literary classics to the latest in global thought.
For those drawn to the darker corners of history, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine tells a sobering yet fascinating story of wartime ingenuity and resilience. And just beyond the city, Monocacy National Battlefield preserves the land where a single day in 1864 shaped the course of the war.
An Afternoon in Nature
Frederick’s beauty extends beyond its streets. A short drive brings you to Catoctin Mountain Park, where spring awakens the forest—dogwoods in bloom, mountain breezes rustling through the trees. Hike to Chimney Rock for sweeping views, or simply find a serene spot to pause and take in the stillness.
An Evening of Elegance
For dinner, stay close to home with an intimate meal at Wye Oak Tavern, where the glow of candlelight and the hum of conversation set the tone for an intimate evening. Settle in with a starter—perhaps the delicate fluke crudo with blood orange and benne seed chili crunch or the savory pumpkin pie with whipped ricotta and pumpkin seed pesto. For the main course, options range from a perfectly seared filet mignon to rich, housemade ravioli infused with black truffle. The cocktail menu is just as inspired, featuring artfully crafted drinks like the Tokyo Hi-Ball, a refreshing blend of Japanese whisky, plum liqueur, and soda.
Afterward, ease into the curated comforts of Visitation, wrapped in the soothing weight of an Egyptian cotton robe, a book in hand, and the crisp embrace of 400-thread-count linens—the perfect way to end the evening.
Sunday: Slow Mornings & Lasting Impressions
Brunch & a Final Stroll
Spring Sundays in Frederick are meant to be savored. Start with brunch at White Rabbit Gastropub, where the Belgian Liège waffles are indulgent, the mimosas bubbly, and the atmosphere inviting. Then take one last wander down Market Street, stopping at North Market Pop Shop for a vintage soda and Original Popcorn House to pick up a bag of handcrafted gourmet popcorn—one last taste of Frederick to carry with you.
A Departure, Not a Goodbye
Before you leave, take a final moment within Visitation’s walls—where generations have gathered, learned, and looked toward what’s next. Spring in Frederick unfolds like a well-worn book—familiar, yet full of surprises. Whether you’re drawn to history, nature, or the subtle luxury of a thoughtfully curated escape, Visitation Hotel offers a place to pause, reflect, and take it all in. And when you’re ready, Frederick will be here. And so will we, delighted to welcome you back.
