Enjoy Spring in Washington County

April 20, 2018

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As the days get longer and the temperatures rise there are many things to enjoy about springtime in Maryland. With the cold, sometimes brutal winters we often have here, spring is welcomed by many. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend time in the outdoors and enjoy activities that go hand-in-hand with this season. Here are some of the best things about spring in Washington County:

• The arrival of spring and baseball season go hand-in-hand. Enjoy America’s favorite pastime right here in Hagerstown by taking in a Hagerstown Suns minor league baseball game. The Suns play in the South Atlantic League and are a Class A affiliate of the nearby Washington Nationals. Municipal Stadium, one of the three oldest Minor League baseball stadiums in the country, offers affordable family fun with great contests and promotions throughout the season. Visit the Suns’ website to see their 2018 season schedule, ticket prices and upcoming promotions.
  
  
• National Park Week is celebrated each year in April by the National Park Service (NPS) and the National Park Foundation. It’s the perfect time to visit local NPS sites and take advantage of the fee-free day that kicks off the week-long celebration. Learn stories of history and culture, experience the outdoors and attend special programs like those offered for National Junior Ranger Day. Washington County is home to five National Parks offering everything from historic monuments and battlefields to waterways with camping, recreational trails and boat launches: Antietam National Battlefield, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. #FindYourPark in Washington County!

• The arrival of spring means wildflower season along many trails in Washington County, whether you’re on the Appalachian Trail, the C&O Canal Towpath, the Snavely Ford Trail at Antietam, or any of the other trails at our local, state and national parks. Some wildflowers pop up sporadically or in small clusters while others provide a vast floral carpet of color. April and May are prime times to experience most wildflowers in all their beauty. Wildflowers you’re likely to stumble upon include: Red Trillium, Bluebells, Dutchman’s Breeches, Wild Columbine, and Blue Phlox, just to name a few. Take a wildflower walk this spring and enjoy Washington County’s beautiful natural lanscapes.
  

• Every spring Fort Frederick State Park and the Friends of Fort Frederick host the annual 18th Century Market Fair. This event allows you the unique opportunity to step back in time at the only remaining original French and Indian War stone fort in the country. The authentic 18th century market fair includes hundreds of fair-goers of all ages dressed in colonial clothing. You’ll see living historians portraying artisans, soldiers, ladies and gentlemen, Native Americans, longhunters, traders, servants and more. Sutlers are at the fair selling 18th century wares such as pottery, tin and copper ware, clothing, material and patterns, books, fireplace and cooking hardware, muskets and accoutrements, paintings and prints, lanters and other gamp gear. A wide variety of special programs and entertainment are also scheduled. Visit the 18th Century Market Fair and increase your historical knowledge while learning about the role Fort Frederick played in the French and Indian War.
  

• Southern Washington County is known for its local artisans and agritourism. The annual South Mountain Spring Festival is a self-guided weekend tour of the area that includes six stops in Washington County and something for everyone. Within a 10-mile drive explore a farm with delicious artisan goat cheese, beautiful hand-thrown pottery and other handcrafted art, artistic ironworks, a cidery, a mead winery and a classic vineyard with beautiful sweeping views of the area. Festival participants are: Caprikorn Farms, Van Gilder Pottery, Penguin Forge, Distillery Lane Ciderworks, Orchid Cellar Winery, Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Big Cork Vineyards. The South Mountain Spring Festival is a great way to explore scenic Southern Washington County and shop local in support of regional agritourism and professional artisans.

There are many other spring events, festivals and activities to enjoy in Washington County. Our website and the online version of our annual Visitors Guide offer endless ideas for recreation and ways to explore the outdoors. Be sure to check our online Calendar of Events or download our Visit Hagerstown App to stay on top of what’s happening in the area.

 
(Photo Credit: MJ Clingan)