Boonsboro: Quaint and Historic
By Charles Jeffries / Photos by Turner Photography
Spend the Night
Mystery and romance novelist Nora Roberts saved the historic building at the intersection of Alt. Route 40 and St. Paul Street, rebuilding it from the ashes of a fire and turning it into an elegant bed and breakfast called Inn BoonsBoro. Each room is named for a famous literary couple like Titania and Oberon from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” or Elizabeth and Darcy from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” Stoney Creek Farm is an elegant bed and breakfast west of town.
Dine
The recently opened Branded Chophouse is the place for a hearty steak or a thick pork chop. But there are plenty of other options including chicken, seafood, and a serviceable wine list. Jeovani’s Pizzeria is full-on Italian with a dizzying selection of pizzas and every classic Italian dish you can imagine. Every small town needs a diner and My Dream Diner fills that void in Boonsboro. For dessert, hand-dipped Hershey’s ice cream at the Potomac Street Creamery always hits the spot. Or grab some coffee and sweets at Stone Werks.
Have a Drink
Natalie and Emory Kraft traded life on a sailboat for a farm in Washington County and in 2019 opened Pathfinder Distillery and now you can stop by and taste thinking like their bourbon or Apple Pie Moonshine. The Yellow House is a place to watch sports and enjoy a brew or cocktail and excellent wings.
Shop
You might find a signed copy of a Nora Roberts romance novel at the Turn the Page Bookstore. South of town is Cronise’s Marketplace, an outdoor market that has been around for 100 years. Josie’s on Main is a unique shopping experience of vintage and new home decor and interesting gifts. Gifts Inn BoonsBoro showcases regional arts and crafts.
Visit
The National Road Museum tells the intriguing story of Route 40, America’s first federally funded highway and the road that facilitated the country’s westward expansion. The Boonsboro Trolley Museum is in the restored trolley station that was in operation from 1902 to 1938 with tracks that connected Frederick to Hagerstown and smaller Washington County communities. Boonsboro Museum of History is a must as it preserves history from the Civil War and around the world.
Get Outside
Tackle a portion of the Appalachain Trail which runs along the eastern edge of 21713 and takes hikers to Washington Monument State Park to find a 40-foot tall stone tower errected as the nation’s first monument to George Washington. The adjacent South Mountain State Battlefield preserves the history of Maryland’s first conflict in the Civil War. Greenbrier and South Mountain state parks have plenty of outdoor adventure. The Mason-Dixon Raceway has drag races most weekends.