Another view on American life
Just an hour from Washington, the small town of Frederick has everything to charm visitors. Far from chain stores and fast food outlets, downtown Frederick is brimming with unique boutiques and small restaurants. The town has worked hard to preserve the old buildings, and it shows. Frederick is a wonderful place to live ! With its manageable size, the remnants of the Civil War close at hand, and abundant nature just minutes away, this getaway will give you a glimpse of another side of American life.
What to do in Frederick?
Visiting a microbrewery:
If you’re looking to pay homage to Dionysus, Frederick is known for its many distilleries and microbreweries . To visit Frederick in French, please contact us in advance for more information.
Downtown is a treasure trove of quirky boutiques, often described as “mom-and-pop stores.” While the term is difficult to translate into French, it perfectly captures the unique character of each shop. Historically, “mom-and-pop stores” were family-run. Today, it primarily signifies that the store operates independently of any chain. Customers enjoy a truly original selection, guided solely by the owner’s taste.
Antique Dealers:
Be warned, “antique” in this country doesn’t go back much further than the 19th century. Even furniture from the 1960s is sold as an antique. During our trip to Frederick, we’ll visit Emporium Antiques, which is nothing less than an entire block of antique shops under one roof. If you’re like Catherine (she’s the one who created and runs Washington En Français), you won’t leave until closing time.
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine : Some may find it macabre, but this Civil War-era medical museum is certainly one of the most original you’ll ever encounter. Imagine surgical instruments from the period, organs in a jar (just kidding!), and prepare to be amazed by the recreated scenes.
A horse-drawn carriage ride
awaits you at the trompe-l’oeil “Community Bridge.” Originally a simple concrete bridge, a local artist spent five years transforming it into a spectacular work of art. Depending on the season, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Old Town.
What to do besides Frederick?
Visiting a Civil War Site:
Just 10 minutes from the center, Monocy National Battlefield is very close to Frederick. It was here that the Confederates were stopped in their march on Washington. But if we have time, we’ll go to the impressive Gettysburg site, which deserves several hours of your time.
A little-known gem: the covered bridges.
If you’re a fan of Meryl Streep, Clint Eastwood, or American cinema, chances are you’re familiar with the film « The Bridges of Madison County » and its covered bridges. On the way to Gettysburg, we’ll stop for photos. According to tradition, lovers used to meet there for quiet moments.
Like all the getaways presented on these pages, the guides from Washington En Français can accompany you for a day trip in French to Frederick and its surroundings.
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