Frederick Town, or Fredericktowne, as it was named when founded in 1745, is situated about 47 miles from Baltimore and 50 miles from Washington, DC. Early records are a bit fuzzy on just who the town was named for; it could have been honoring the 6th Baron Baltimore, Frederick Calvert, or possibly the Prince of Wales, Frederick Louis. The city’s history is closely tied to the founding of our country, located in one of the first 13 colonies and in close proximity to many of the major battles of both the Revolutionary and Civil wars. Not only were Frederick soldiers involved in fighting the Battle of Monocacy, but they also went to Boston in protest of the Stamp Act, and aided George Washinton’s beleaguered army at Valley Forge. While the Civil War is known for pitting family members against one another, that was certainly the case in Frederick. Positioned in the crossroads of both the North and the South, both Union and Confederate recruiters tried to entice Frederick men to join their ranks. Many historic colonial houses remain from Revolutionary War times, now serving as museums, homes and businesses. You’ll see art deco architecture, too, from the city’s early industrial era. You can feel the strength of the city that both honors those who came before them and relishes the excitement of what’s new and fresh today.

Frederick residents experience the glorious changes of all four seasons. Winters are cold but comparatively mild, with a low of 23 degrees F and an average 23 inches of snow annually. It’s typically just enough snow for some sledding and skiing, but not so much that you have to dig your car out every day.

The area bursts into bloom in the spring, when crocuses and daffodils peek through the ground, and yes, the whites and pinks of cherry blossom trees. Though people equate cherry blossoms with Washington, DC,, you’ll see their splendor all around you in Frederick, too..

Summers are the cold-beverage-on-the-porch kind of days, with a high of 88 degrees F. Thankfully, it’s just a short drive from Frederick to cool off at Maryland’s lakes and beaches. Pop into one of Frederick’s many craft breweries for ice-cold tastings, or visit a local dairy farm for homemade ice cream.

But perhaps nothing is as spectacular as autumn in Frederick. Just imagine that you will live where others come to visit to see the leaves explode into fiery reds, oranges and golds.

When you live in Frederick, whether in the city or a surrounding neighborhood, history is everywhere you turn. Civil War buffs will want to visit Monocacy Battlefield just a few miles south of the city. Antietam Battlefield is a 30-minute drive northwest, and Gettysburg is just over the Pennsylvania line, about 40 minutes from Frederick.

In the city of Frederick, take one of the walking tours that will tell you about noted places in the town’s history. Find out how they saved lives on the battlefield at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine or its walking tour.

Francis Scott Key was born in Frederick County, and you can visit his boyhood home as well as his grave. In Emmitsburg, visit the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first saint born in America. On your way, look up to the mountains for the larger-than-life, Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine Grotto. You need not be Catholic or religious to appreciate its beauty and meditative surroundings, chapel, cave and gardens.

For hiking and biking, explore the Civil War trails, the Appalachian Trail, the C&O Canal or any of the great local and state parks. Baker Park downtown is an easy way to get outdoors if you work in the city. Cunningham Falls State Park has stunning overlooks of the huge valley as well as a sandy beach and lifeguarded lake.