Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Maryland

Historic small towns may seem like a dime a dozen across the state of Maryland, but it's these types of communities that attract both history buffs and those seeking a slower pace of life. While many are drawn to the small hamlets dotting the Eastern Shore, there's one small historic town in Maryland that's far from the coast but deserves a look all the same. That inland town where time seems to stand still, history abounds, and the views are spectacular is Mount Airy.

The History Behind This Charming Town

Of all the historic settlements in Maryland, none has quite the fascinating history that Mount Airy does. Set atop Parr's Ridge, the summit of the Piedmont Plateau at an elevation of 830 feet, Mount Airy's history truly began. In the 1830s, it all started as a settlement on the ridge, just before the B&O Railroad expanded. A couple of decades later, in the 1850s, tracks were laid, and a train station was built in the village, despite the challenging terrain at the ridge's summit. It was here that a community grew and evolved, as with most railroad stops across the country at the time.

You may be wondering where the name "Mount Airy" came from. It was suggested by a B&O Railroad brakeman affected by the cold air on the ridge — it was eventually adopted as the community's name. With its location near the National Road, which ran between Maryland and Illinois, Mount Airy's population grew rapidly, and it was eventually incorporated as a town in 1894, with Byron S. Dorsey as its first mayor.

Today, Mount Airy, which straddles the border of four counties — Frederick, Carroll, Montgomery, and Howard Counties — has its own Historic District, with the train station listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While it's often overlooked as a tourist destination compared for the nearby towns of Frederick and Westminster, Mount Airy is a hidden gem perfect for a day trip in Maryland.

Best Things to Do in This Historic Gem

To get a feel for Mount Airy during your visit, it's important to spend time exploring Main Street, located in the heart of its historic downtown. Not only will you be able to view the train station that helped Mount Airy's population grow, but you can also learn about the area's history at the Mount Airy Museum inside. Downtown is also home to numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a wonderful place for an afternoon stroll and window shopping. You should also stop by the Caboose Visitor Center, housed inside a retired C-2095 Caboose.

For lovers of the great outdoors, Mount Airy is home to 10 town-owned parks, including Prospect Park, Watkins Park, and Summit Ridge Park. Many of these green spaces feature picnic tables, gazebos, gardens, playgrounds, sports fields, and other ways to enjoy some fresh air. Another place that's worth a stop is the grounds of the historic Pine Grove Chapel and Cemetery. Built in 1846, it was also the site of the town's first school.

Located about 8 miles from downtown and surrounded by rolling rural scenery, Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm is a popular spot for craft beer, cider, and wine enthusiasts. Come here for a tasting Thursday through Sunday, stay for live music on Saturday, or come to one of the brewery's events.

Small Historic Town in Maryland

Mount Airy is certainly a unique small, historic town in Maryland, given its high-elevation location across multiple counties, roots in the railroad industry, and preserved 19th-century architecture. If you're planning to spend a weekend here, I suggest booking a vacation rental, such as the one-bedroom Gillis Carriage House or the four-bedroom Haven on a Hill, set amid Mount Airy's pastoral landscape.

For more historic towns across the state, take a look at five picture-perfect small towns in Maryland. You can also plan a small-town getaway using Only In Your State's Itinerary Planner.