Maryland’s “Gateway to the West,” Cumberland, is easy to bypass. The busy highways and railways cutting through the city give travelers glimpses of this historically important town, but few stop to explore. If your family has the chance, here are a few things you’ll want to make sure you see in this little Maryland hidden gem.
C&O Canal National Historical Park
The C&O (or the Chesapeake & Ohio) Canal operated for nearly a century, a vital structure situated on the Potomac River providing towns with coal, lumber and agricultural products. The visitor’s center offers lots of historic information and a life-sized section of a canal boat, as well as a model of the Paw Paw Tunnel, a major engineering feat — a tunnel carved through more than 3,000 feet of rock in 1850.
Next door, get a glimpse at another kind of historic transportation. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers excursions in vintage rail cars, including themed rides for families.
George Washington’s Headquarters
In a somewhat nondescript and unassuming park, travelers find a log cabin used by George Washington as a military command post in 1794. George Washington was actually a frequent traveler to the area that would become Cumberland during his life. The cabin’s exact role in history is debated, but Washington’s visit to Cumberland in 1794 was related to the Whiskey Rebellion, during which he was the only U.S. president to directly lead troops in the field.
The Allegany Museum celebrates the unique culture of the Allegany region, more specifically that of the isolated mountains of Maryland. Some of the museum’s highlights include fossilized mammals dating back 700,000 years; a model of Fort Cumberland; Civil War artifacts from local families; and artifacts from regional antebellum industries, such as brewing and glassmaking.
Bottoms Up!
Older travelers can stop by Allegany County’s first winery, Charis Winery. The location in downtown Cumberland offers a tasting room and tours upon request.
If you don’t mind driving outside of town, you can visit 1812 Brewery, a locally owned and operated establishment set on a 190-acre family farm in Evitts Creek Valley. The brick and wood barn that houses the taproom was built in 1812.
For those seeking a nearby place to stay, Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pennsylvania, is only a half-hour drive away and the historic intrigue continues there. The resort is known for many things, including building one of the country’s first golf courses and one of the first indoor pools. Additionally, it’s been a favorite place to stay for presidents throughout its existence, from Thomas Jefferson to George W. Bush.
Read This Next
The Creepy Appeal of Dark Tourism
Destinations
Apr 25, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMultigenerational
Apr 19, 2024Family-Friendly Offerings from Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection
Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection includes the largest portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world — many of them perfect for family travelers. And two current offers might entice your family even more.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Cruising
Apr 15, 2024Some of Europe’s Best Day Cruises
A week cruising along the Danube or the Rhine may be the stuff of dreams for many, but family travelers can enjoy views from the water in ways kinder to the family budget. Many riverside cities offer scenic cruises, and some Baltic or Mediterranean ports have daytrips to nearby islands or coastal attractions. In several cities you can cruise the canals, and in Switzerland you can spend a day cruising on Lake Geneva, with sightseeing stops in lakeside towns.
Multigenerational
Apr 15, 2024Enjoy Multigenerational Travel in New York with Motto by Hilton
Family Travel Agent recently found family travel will continue to grow this year, as 81 percent of families expressed their likelihood of traveling in 2024. Of that group, more than 50 percent plan to take part in multigenerational travel. If that multigen travel is taking place in New York City, two hotels, Motto Times Square and Motto Chelsea, prove ideal options.
Sponsored Content
United Continues Its Global Expansion
United Airlines keeps soaring to new heights, recently announcing another expansion of its leading global route network. The airline added new non-stop flights between Newark (EWR) and Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco; Tokyo (NRT) and Cebu (CEB), Philippines; and Houston (IAH) and Medellin (MDE), Colombia. That’s not all: United also plans to increase flights to popular worldwide destinations including Hong Kong (HKG); Seoul (INC), South Korea; and Porto (OPO), Portugal. Following the recent agreement to increase flights between the U.S. and Chinese governments, the airline now adds four weekly flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG).
Cruising
Apr 10, 2024Explore Holland America Line’s “Nieuw Amsterdam’s” Kids Club
Don’t think a cruise with Holland America Line is just for adults. Aboard the cruise line’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship, a dedicated Kids Club ensures family travelers of all ages have a good time both at sea and port.
ShareThis