Carroll County’s country memories

A 2 day tour of Maryland
from our Northeastern issue,
Spring 2012.

	Photo: wikimedia.org/acroterion
	The Moses Brown House, originally built in 1785 in Sykesville, is just one example of the many historic structures in Carroll County.

Learn about the region’s rural roots and taste its authenticity on this two-day tour.

Day One

Union and Confederate soldiers camped on the grounds and alongside the Big Pipe Creek at the Union Mills Homestead and Grist Mill. Retrace the steps of history as you tour the 1797 homestead, which was home to six generations of Maryland’s Shriver family. Then, watch 19th-century technology at the restored mill and buy some stone-ground flour at the gift shop.

Imagine rural farm life in the 19th century as you arrive at the Carroll County Farm Museum. Lively history is on the costumed guide’s mind as she escorts the group through the main house. Self-directed choices abound on the grounds of the 140-acre site, and a stroll in the old-fashioned garden may follow. Craft demonstrations may include pottery, wood carving or quilting in the old dormitory. 

Kountry Kafe and Katering prepares a box lunch filled with sandwiches, pasta salad and assorted goodies to complement the ambience of a relaxing picnic in the country. 

Explore the area with the Historical Society of Carroll County. The campus offers a look at town life in the early 1800s through a guided tour of the Sherman-Fisher-Shellman House (1807) and Gardens. Antiquities and artifacts from bygone days abound in the Shriver-Weybright Gallery. You can even find some things from Francis Scott Key among the treasures. Also, don’t miss The Shop at Cockey’s. Be sure to spot the well-preserved Moses Brown House in Sykesville during your travels. 

Day Two

Begin the day at the Antrim 1844 Country House hotel. Nestled in historic Taneytown, this award-winning mansion will tickle and entice your decorating instincts. The grand images are a wonderful introduction to the specially prepared and served luncheon with all the trimmings that will complete your visit to this restored plantation (low heels are requested). 

Next, check out the SERRV Gift Shop, offering thousands of carefully handcrafted, museum-quality items from more than 30 countries.

Locals naturally slow down and breathe deeply when driving through Uniontown, a one-street village frozen in time. See the post office and country store, one-room schoolhouse and the charming architecture of the private homes. Enjoy the ride through this 200-year-old town, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A Carroll County legend is Baugher’s Farm Market and its delectable fruits and vegetables. Be sure not to depart without some tasty hand-dipped ice cream, homemade jams and jellies or Ma Baugher’s cakes, cookies and pies.

Carroll County Visitor Center
(800) 272-1933
www.carrollcountytourism.org

Offer your Maryland itineraries to the editor.
Mail: 2465 112th Ave.
Holland, MI 49424
Fax: (616) 393-0085
Phone: 1-800-767-3489 between 8am - 5pm, EST.

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