Exploring Brunswick and Beyond
Food scene
A 2-minute walk from the house, this is Brunswick’s oldest brewery. It has a wide selection of excellent craft beers brewed largely on site in the town’s old volunteer fire station. Consider ordering the sampler flight to try out four unique brews in one go. On the food front, they have some bar foods on site (cheese poppers, pretzels, taquitos, chips & salsa, etc.) and often have a local food truck parked right outside, especially on weekends. They also encourage you to bring or order your own food from local establishments, including King’s Pizza (right next door) and Boxcar Burger just a couple minutes’ walk away. Hours (last time I checked) are Wednesday 4-9 pm, Thursday 12-9 pm, Friday & Saturday, 12-10 pm, and Sunday 12-8 pm.
31 locals recommend
Smoketown Brewing Station
223 W Potomac StA 2-minute walk from the house, this is Brunswick’s oldest brewery. It has a wide selection of excellent craft beers brewed largely on site in the town’s old volunteer fire station. Consider ordering the sampler flight to try out four unique brews in one go. On the food front, they have some bar foods on site (cheese poppers, pretzels, taquitos, chips & salsa, etc.) and often have a local food truck parked right outside, especially on weekends. They also encourage you to bring or order your own food from local establishments, including King’s Pizza (right next door) and Boxcar Burger just a couple minutes’ walk away. Hours (last time I checked) are Wednesday 4-9 pm, Thursday 12-9 pm, Friday & Saturday, 12-10 pm, and Sunday 12-8 pm.
A 3-minute walk from the house, this is Brunswick’s go-to pizza restaurant for good New York style pizza. A Brunswick staple that has been serving the local community for over 30 years. You can dine on site, or take your pizza right next door to Smoketown Brewing and enjoy it with a cold beer or cider. Hours (last time I checked) are Sunday thru Thursday, 12-8:30 pm, and Friday & Saturday, 11 am - 9:30 pm.
7 locals recommend
King's Pizza
215 W Potomac StA 3-minute walk from the house, this is Brunswick’s go-to pizza restaurant for good New York style pizza. A Brunswick staple that has been serving the local community for over 30 years. You can dine on site, or take your pizza right next door to Smoketown Brewing and enjoy it with a cold beer or cider. Hours (last time I checked) are Sunday thru Thursday, 12-8:30 pm, and Friday & Saturday, 11 am - 9:30 pm.
A Brunswick institution! And just a 4-minute walk from the house! Located in the converted sanctuary of the old 1910 Reformed Church, this café brings in visitors from far and wide to enjoy its unique ambiance and warm aesthetic. They have a great selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, dips, and desserts, as well as coffees, teas, beers, and other drinks. There is often live local music in the evenings, especially on weekends. Even if you choose not to eat here, you should poke your head in the door and take a look at the space that has made this place famous! Hours (last time I checked) are Monday thru Thursday 8 am - 4 pm, and Friday thru Sunday, 8 am - 6 pm.
37 locals recommend
Beans In The Belfry
122 W Potomac StA Brunswick institution! And just a 4-minute walk from the house! Located in the converted sanctuary of the old 1910 Reformed Church, this café brings in visitors from far and wide to enjoy its unique ambiance and warm aesthetic. They have a great selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, dips, and desserts, as well as coffees, teas, beers, and other drinks. There is often live local music in the evenings, especially on weekends. Even if you choose not to eat here, you should poke your head in the door and take a look at the space that has made this place famous! Hours (last time I checked) are Monday thru Thursday 8 am - 4 pm, and Friday thru Sunday, 8 am - 6 pm.
Simply put – the burgers are awesome. They’re made from pastured grass fed beef sourced directly from nearby Maryland small family farms. If you are a meat eater, this is beef as it’s supposed to taste. They’ve also got the Impossible burger, a spicy sriracha chicken sandwich, hot dogs, and kids’ meals, as well as a selection of ice creams from nearby South Mountain Creamery. Great comfort food made from the best local ingredients, and just a 7-minute walk from the house. Hours (last time I checked) are Wednesday & Thursday 5-8 pm, and Friday thru Sunday, 12-8 pm.
7 locals recommend
Boxcar Burgers
12 S Maple AveSimply put – the burgers are awesome. They’re made from pastured grass fed beef sourced directly from nearby Maryland small family farms. If you are a meat eater, this is beef as it’s supposed to taste. They’ve also got the Impossible burger, a spicy sriracha chicken sandwich, hot dogs, and kids’ meals, as well as a selection of ice creams from nearby South Mountain Creamery. Great comfort food made from the best local ingredients, and just a 7-minute walk from the house. Hours (last time I checked) are Wednesday & Thursday 5-8 pm, and Friday thru Sunday, 12-8 pm.
Authentic Middle Eastern food in the heart of Brunswick’s historic downtown! Just an 8-minute walk from the house. Owned and operated by Abed, from Syria, Potomac Street Grill has been serving our community for over a decade and is a regular with locals – ourselves included! Alongside the Middle Eastern offerings, it serves a variety of American and Tex-Mex dishes, and includes a good selection of wines and bottled and draft beers. It has both indoor and outdoor seating. Hours (last time I checked) are Sunday thru Thursday, 11 am - 7:30 pm, and Friday & Saturday, 11 am - 8:30 pm.
12 locals recommend
Potomac Street Grill
31 E Potomac StAuthentic Middle Eastern food in the heart of Brunswick’s historic downtown! Just an 8-minute walk from the house. Owned and operated by Abed, from Syria, Potomac Street Grill has been serving our community for over a decade and is a regular with locals – ourselves included! Alongside the Middle Eastern offerings, it serves a variety of American and Tex-Mex dishes, and includes a good selection of wines and bottled and draft beers. It has both indoor and outdoor seating. Hours (last time I checked) are Sunday thru Thursday, 11 am - 7:30 pm, and Friday & Saturday, 11 am - 8:30 pm.
Good local diner open 24/7 about a 5-minute drive away. Breakfasts all day, soups and salads, sandwiches, burgers, mains, kids meals, and more. It’s a short drive up the hill to get there.
PENNY’S DINER
620 Souder RdGood local diner open 24/7 about a 5-minute drive away. Breakfasts all day, soups and salads, sandwiches, burgers, mains, kids meals, and more. It’s a short drive up the hill to get there.
Classic Mexican dishes, including quesadillas, burritos, tacos, tortas, fajitas, and picaditas. They’ve also got Salvadoran pupusas, as well as elotes, fried plantains, and yuca on the menu. A short 5-minute drive up the hill. Hours (last time I checked) are Sunday thru Thursday 11 am - 9 pm, and Friday & Saturday, 11 am - 10 pm.
Adele’s TexMex
640 Souder RoadClassic Mexican dishes, including quesadillas, burritos, tacos, tortas, fajitas, and picaditas. They’ve also got Salvadoran pupusas, as well as elotes, fried plantains, and yuca on the menu. A short 5-minute drive up the hill. Hours (last time I checked) are Sunday thru Thursday 11 am - 9 pm, and Friday & Saturday, 11 am - 10 pm.
City/town information
Over 200 specialty shops, art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants call downtown Frederick home. It is a charming, walkable downtown well worth the visit. It's about a 23 minute drive to get there (15.4 miles).
85 locals recommend
Frederick
Over 200 specialty shops, art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants call downtown Frederick home. It is a charming, walkable downtown well worth the visit. It's about a 23 minute drive to get there (15.4 miles).
Visit Harpers Ferry National Historic Park and step inside the old armory building where John Brown made his last stand. Watch the mesmerizing confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. Take the short hike up to Jefferson Rock, or, if you are up for a more strenuous hike, consider a trek up to the stunning Maryland Heights overlook. Drive to the nearby Bolivar Heights Trail to see stunning mountain views and learn about local battles from the Civil War. From the house, it's about a 15 minute drive to Harpers Ferry (7.7 miles) though it can take a little longer at rush hour because of a bottle-neck on Hwy. 340 on the bridge over the Potomac.
202 locals recommend
Harpers Ferry
Visit Harpers Ferry National Historic Park and step inside the old armory building where John Brown made his last stand. Watch the mesmerizing confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. Take the short hike up to Jefferson Rock, or, if you are up for a more strenuous hike, consider a trek up to the stunning Maryland Heights overlook. Drive to the nearby Bolivar Heights Trail to see stunning mountain views and learn about local battles from the Civil War. From the house, it's about a 15 minute drive to Harpers Ferry (7.7 miles) though it can take a little longer at rush hour because of a bottle-neck on Hwy. 340 on the bridge over the Potomac.
Sightseeing
Visit the park, once the mountain home of Civil War journalist George Alfred Townsend, to admire the large stone monument dedicated to the memory of Civil War correspondents. The park, open year-round, also provides another access point to the Appalachian Trail. It's a short 6-minute drive (3.7 miles) from the house to the park.
16 locals recommend
Gathland State Park
900 Arnoldtown RdVisit the park, once the mountain home of Civil War journalist George Alfred Townsend, to admire the large stone monument dedicated to the memory of Civil War correspondents. The park, open year-round, also provides another access point to the Appalachian Trail. It's a short 6-minute drive (3.7 miles) from the house to the park.
Join the Appalachian Trail at Weverton and climb up South Mountain to the stunning overlook at Weverton Cliffs. This is a 1.9 mile “out and back” trail. It takes on average about an hour to hike up to the overlook, and a bit less to make one’s way back down. There is ample parking in the Weverton Cliffs Parking Lot, and as it’s a popular hike, you can anticipate crossing paths with other hikers. The trail is open year-round and it's a short 6-minute drive (3.7 miles) to the parking lot from the house.
18 locals recommend
Weverton Cliffs
Appalachian National Scenic TrailJoin the Appalachian Trail at Weverton and climb up South Mountain to the stunning overlook at Weverton Cliffs. This is a 1.9 mile “out and back” trail. It takes on average about an hour to hike up to the overlook, and a bit less to make one’s way back down. There is ample parking in the Weverton Cliffs Parking Lot, and as it’s a popular hike, you can anticipate crossing paths with other hikers. The trail is open year-round and it's a short 6-minute drive (3.7 miles) to the parking lot from the house.
Explore the history of Brunswick and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad that built this small city. Check out the 1,700 square foot HO Scale model railroad that traces the line all the way from Brunswick to Union Station in Washington, DC. See if you can find this house (Hint: it used to be green) in the diorama on the west end of the Brunswick rail yard! It's a short 5-minute walk to the museum from the house. Museum hours are on the weekend only: Saturday, 10am - 4pm, and Sunday, 1-4pm.
Brunswick Heritage Museum
40 W Potomac StExplore the history of Brunswick and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad that built this small city. Check out the 1,700 square foot HO Scale model railroad that traces the line all the way from Brunswick to Union Station in Washington, DC. See if you can find this house (Hint: it used to be green) in the diorama on the west end of the Brunswick rail yard! It's a short 5-minute walk to the museum from the house. Museum hours are on the weekend only: Saturday, 10am - 4pm, and Sunday, 1-4pm.
Local recreation and exercise
Since being built just a few years ago, the 4+ miles of trails at Rivers Edge have become a regional destination for mountain bikers. Built with volunteers and the professional services of Elevated Trail Designs, the river's Edge Trails are challenging and rewarding. Well worth a riding or hiking visit. It's a 14-minute bike ride, or 6-minute drive, to get the trail head on 13th Ave.
Rivers Edge Trails
13th AvenueSince being built just a few years ago, the 4+ miles of trails at Rivers Edge have become a regional destination for mountain bikers. Built with volunteers and the professional services of Elevated Trail Designs, the river's Edge Trails are challenging and rewarding. Well worth a riding or hiking visit. It's a 14-minute bike ride, or 6-minute drive, to get the trail head on 13th Ave.
Stretching for 184.5 miles from Georgetown in northwest Washington, DC to Cumberland, Maryland in the far western corner of the state’s panhandle, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a prized feature of Brunswick’s heritage and its present-day offerings. Situated at mile-marker 55, Brunswick provides an ideal place to access the towpath for walking, running, and biking. Head downstream 3.3 miles to reach the recently restored Catoctin Aqueduct (aka the “crooked aqueduct”) that passes over Catoctin Creek right before it flows into the Potomac River. Alternately, head upstream 3.3 miles from Brunswick to access the Appalachian Trail at Weverton. Travel an additional 2.7 miles upstream to cross the footbridge over to Harpers Ferry, or access the hiking path up to the overlook at Maryland Heights. From the house, it's a short 8-minute walk (0.4 miles) to get the canal path.
12 locals recommend
C & O Canal National Park
3807 Harpers Ferry RdStretching for 184.5 miles from Georgetown in northwest Washington, DC to Cumberland, Maryland in the far western corner of the state’s panhandle, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a prized feature of Brunswick’s heritage and its present-day offerings. Situated at mile-marker 55, Brunswick provides an ideal place to access the towpath for walking, running, and biking. Head downstream 3.3 miles to reach the recently restored Catoctin Aqueduct (aka the “crooked aqueduct”) that passes over Catoctin Creek right before it flows into the Potomac River. Alternately, head upstream 3.3 miles from Brunswick to access the Appalachian Trail at Weverton. Travel an additional 2.7 miles upstream to cross the footbridge over to Harpers Ferry, or access the hiking path up to the overlook at Maryland Heights. From the house, it's a short 8-minute walk (0.4 miles) to get the canal path.
As you may have guessed by now, we also own a yoga studio in town – Roots & River Yoga! We offer regular classes in a range of yoga styles, including Yin, Vinyasa, gentle, and Restorative. Other offerings include meditation, barre, and a low impact fitness class. Most weekends feature additional specialty workshops, immersions, or teacher trainings. Come and check us out! It's a 5-minute walk (0.3 miles) from the house to the studio. The studio's website can be found at https://www.rootsandriveryoga.com
Roots & River Yoga
17 W Potomac StAs you may have guessed by now, we also own a yoga studio in town – Roots & River Yoga! We offer regular classes in a range of yoga styles, including Yin, Vinyasa, gentle, and Restorative. Other offerings include meditation, barre, and a low impact fitness class. Most weekends feature additional specialty workshops, immersions, or teacher trainings. Come and check us out! It's a 5-minute walk (0.3 miles) from the house to the studio. The studio's website can be found at https://www.rootsandriveryoga.com
Enjoy this still expanding network of paved paths surrounded by nature that run up and down the valley between historic Brunswick and the new housing development of Brunswick Crossing. A lovely way to get some exercise and commune with nature. The trail head is a 7-minute walk (0.4 miles) from the house, at 801 Brunswick Street.
Valley Trail
Valley TrailEnjoy this still expanding network of paved paths surrounded by nature that run up and down the valley between historic Brunswick and the new housing development of Brunswick Crossing. A lovely way to get some exercise and commune with nature. The trail head is a 7-minute walk (0.4 miles) from the house, at 801 Brunswick Street.
Shopping
This is Brunswick's one large supermarket. It is a 5-minute drive up the hill from the house and historic downtown. It has a deli, a pharmacy, and a gas station.
17 locals recommend
Weis Markets
1201 Dutchmans Creek DrThis is Brunswick's one large supermarket. It is a 5-minute drive up the hill from the house and historic downtown. It has a deli, a pharmacy, and a gas station.
If you are on a bike and don't want to tackle the hill up to the Weis, you can take a short ride (3 minutes, 0.4 miles) west on W. Potomac Street to the Dollar General, which has basic groceries and personal care items.
Dollar General
721B West Potomac StreetIf you are on a bike and don't want to tackle the hill up to the Weis, you can take a short ride (3 minutes, 0.4 miles) west on W. Potomac Street to the Dollar General, which has basic groceries and personal care items.
A great option for beer, wine, grocery basics, and more. Most locals refer to the store simply as "BiBi's," named for the friendly and welcoming proprietor! It's only a 5-minute walk (0.2 miles) to get there from the house. Last I checked, store hours were from 10am-9pm everyday of the week.
Corner Store
102 W Potomac StA great option for beer, wine, grocery basics, and more. Most locals refer to the store simply as "BiBi's," named for the friendly and welcoming proprietor! It's only a 5-minute walk (0.2 miles) to get there from the house. Last I checked, store hours were from 10am-9pm everyday of the week.
City advice
Don't miss
Visit western Maryland and northern Virginia wineries
With over 20 vineyards and wineries with a 30-minute drive from Brunswick, you are ideally situated to visit, taste, and explore your way through this vibrant and growing wine region.
https://marylandwine.com
https://www.virginiawine.org/wineries/results?region=8
Don't miss
Visit local Civil War battlefields
There are five Civil War battlegrounds within a 30 minute drive of Brunswick, including Antietam, Monocacy, South Mountain, Bolivar Heights, and Shepherdstown. Several others are a bit further afield, including Gettysburg (50 miles, about a 52 minute drive).