Covered Bridges & Fall Foliage Tour
Three Days / Two Nights
Enjoy sweeping views of the Catoctin Mountains bursting with fall colors. Fall is the perfect time to visit Frederick County’s three charming covered bridges. With the oldest dating back to 1850, these historic structures have stood the test of time.
Download covered bridges tour driving directions for motorcoaches
Day One
Utica Mills
Built circa 1850, the bridge originally spanned the nearby Monocacy River, but was washed away during the Johnstown Flood of 1889. Local citizens gathered the remains and reconstructed the 101 foot long Burr Arch. Allow 20-30 minutes.
Loy’s Station
First constructed circa 1880, the Loy’s Station covered bridge has been structurally modified and rebuilt, but the bridge’s original timbers remain throughout the 90-foot long structure crossing Owens Creek. It features a multiple king post design. Allow 20-30 minutes.
Roddy Road
Built in 1856, it is the smallest of the county’s covered bridges at 40 feet long. It is thought that Confederate General JEB Stuart and his Calvary may have crossed the bridge on his march toward Antietam. Allow 20-30 minutes.
Catoctin Breeze Winery Tour and Lunch
Experience hand-crafted wine on at this winery with an intimate setting. Enjoy a catered lunch or arrange to have a food truck available for a fun and unique twist on lunchtime. Allow 1-2 hours depending on if lunch is served.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard
The farm covers 100 acres and includes an enclosed “open-air” market showcasing its fruits and vegetables for the public to purchase. In addition, visitors can walk through the Flower Garden and “Cut Your Own” for a unique bouquet. The bakery offers a wide variety of pies, cakes and cookies baked fresh right on the farm. Allow 1 hour.
Overnight in Frederick
Frederick offers a wide variety of hotel accommodations ready to accommodate your group.
Day Two
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Tour the home of the first American-born Saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton. Self-guided and docent lead tours of the grounds include a video presentation depicting Elizabeth Seton's life and accomplishments, the original 1770's farmhouse and the colonial style and the beautiful basilica dedicated to her memory. Allow 1.5 hours.
National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
The National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes is the oldest replica of The Grotto of Lourdes in the Western Hemisphere. Nestled in the glorious foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, the grotto is a peaceful place to relax. Allow one hour.
Toby's
Live musical theater awaits you at Toby's Dinner Theatre! You are sure to be impressed with this theatre in-the-round holding over 300 seats offering Broadway Musicals and serving a seven main entree buffet, salad bar, dessert & make your own ice cream sundae bar. Allow 2.5 hours.
Overnight in Frederick
Frederick offers a wide variety of hotel accommodations ready to accommodate your group.
Day Three
National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Tour the National Museum of Civil War Medicine to hear about the story of care and treatment of the wounded during the Civil War. 7,000 square feet of life-like exhibits tell the story of courage and devotion amidst the death and destruction of war. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Schifferstadt Architectural Museum
Schifferstadt is one of America's finest examples of German colonial architecture. The 1758 stone house is one of the earliest known homes in Frederick and has several unique architectural features such as the five-plate stove, which is the only example of its original position. Allow 1 hour.
Black Ankle Vineyards
The tasting room, which can accommodate 150 people, features sweeping views of the vineyards and was built using a multitude of materials grown or gathered on the farm, including wood, stone, straw, and clay. The interior of the building includes a hand-crafted bar, an inviting fireplace, one-of-a-kind curly maple tables, a caterer-ready kitchen, ADA-compliant bathrooms, and 1,150 square feet of floor space. The site also features a covered breezeway of 430 square feet which can be enclosed to create a cozy sunroom on bright winter days or left open to catch the breezes during milder weather. The facility also features a delightful covered porch furnished with rocking chairs and extensive outdoor space with views of the farm. Catering and box lunches are available. Allow 1-2 hours depending on if lunch is served.
For further information please contact Becky Bickerton, (800) 999-3613 or 301-600-4050 or e-mail at bbickerton@fredco-md.net.