Farms and Orchards
Summers Farm
With more than 45 seasonal attractions—ranging from pumpkin patches and pig races to giant slides and cozy campfires—Summers Farm in Middletown, MD is a must-visit fall destination. Campfire rentals are available, offering the perfect setting for friends and families to gather and make memories under the autumn sky. This year’s corn maze celebrates the Washington Capitals and Alex Ovechkin’s historic 895-goal achievement. Guests can also enjoy new photo-worthy additions, including one of the farm’s original trucks, driven by four generations and a whimsical bubble barn designed for younger visitors. Live music will fill the farm on Friday and Saturday evenings, while the concessions stand serves up beloved seasonal treats alongside new offerings like dirty sodas and locally crafted beer and wine.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard
Perched on the eastern slope of the Appalachians in Thurmont, this family‑run orchard (active since 1948) spans over 100 acres of richly cultivated land. Guest can hop on a hayride to the orchards, where you can pick your own apples with over 20 varieties. Explore the cozy market, offering an irresistible array of fresh-baked pies, apple cider donuts, wholesome produce, preserves and local crafts—perfect for grabbing a seasonal treat or souvenir. The charming pumpkin pyramid is a unique staple vibrant with fall foliage making it one of the best photo spots in the region.
Magnolia Meadows
Home to Maryland’s largest corn maze and over 20 exciting activities for all ages, Magnolia Meadows has robust offerings that have locals coming back each season. Wander through fields to pick your own sunflowers, wildflowers and pumpkins in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Savor hot and cold seasonal treats, then browse the Farm Market for local products to take a piece of autumn home with you. Mark your calendar for Moonlit Maze Nights on Saturday, October 11th and Saturday, October 25th from 6–10 PM and experience the corn maze in a whole new way—under the glow of the moon and twinkling stars.
Leaf-Peeping & Scenic Strolls
Experience Frederick’s most breathtaking scenery with a drive along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway on Route 15, where sweeping mountain vistas unfold before you. Hike to Chimney Rock in Catoctin Mountain Park or take in the cascading beauty of Cunningham Falls State Park. Accessible stone overlooks offer panoramic views of the valleys at Gambrill State Park and if you’re looking for a blend of history and autumn color, check out Monocacy National Battlefield. For a day trip and bucket-list fall drive, head about an hour south on US-340 toward Front Royal, Virginia, to reach Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park—where 105 miles of ridge-top roadway offer endless overlooks and a front-row seat to the season’s most vivid color.
Autumn on the Menu
Frederick’s culinary scene is brimming with seasonal flavor and creative sips. Downtown favorites like McClintock’s Back Bar and Tenth Ward Distilling Company are serving up inventive cocktails infused with autumn spices, orchard fruits and locally crafted spirits—perfect for savoring on a crisp evening stroll. At White Rabbit Gastropub, an ever-changing craft drink list pairs seamlessly with hearty, comfort-inspired dishes.
Venture just beyond downtown to Catoctin Breeze Vineyard, where a stunning backdrop of the Catoctin Mountains elevates every pour, or to Elk Run Vineyards & Winery, where rolling countryside charm meets award-winning wines. And for those up for a short scenic drive, my personal favorite—Dirt Farm Brewing in Virginia—50 minutes from Frederick, encompassing sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views and an expansive patio designed for soaking it all in.
Prost to Fall
Oktoberfest celebrations bring the heart of German tradition to life, filling the season with music, food and community spirit. Luckily, Frederick County not only hosts its own festivities but also sits within easy reach of several can’t-miss celebrations. Frederick’s Oktoberfest returns to the Fairgrounds September 26–27, kicking off with an adult-focused Friday night and continuing Saturday with family-friendly fun. For those open to a little drive, kick things off with Wisp Oktoberfest in McHenry at Deep Creek Lake (October 4), a fall-themed celebration framed by stunning foliage, complete with Oompah bands, Bavarian fare, seasonal beers, artisans and kids’ activities. Next, head to Gaithersburg for Kentlands Oktoberfest (October 12), where the community transforms into a Bavarian-style street fair with live entertainment, dancing, artisan vendors and seasonal beverages like beer, mead and cider. Back in Frederick County, wrap up the season with the Oktoberfest at Schifferstadt (October 18–19), offering a historic twist on the tradition with traditional food and drink, live music, artisan crafts, and tours of the 18th-century stone house.
Haunts & Halloween Fun
October is also the perfect time to embrace the spooky side of the season. Downtown Frederick’s Candlelight Ghost Tours blend eerie local legends with historic charm, guiding you through lantern-lit streets and centuries-old buildings. For a bigger thrill, Markoff’s Haunted Forest in Dickerson delivers one of the most immersive scare experiences around with winding forest trails, eerie sets and costumed characters lurking at every turn. Look forward to a lively village atmosphere with DJs, fire pits and seasonal snacks to keep the energy high. For a newer fright, Leech Woods in Damascus offers a haunting 30-minute trail through dark, wooded paths followed by post-haunt fun like bonfires, axe throwing, carnival games and music. History buffs can get their chills in a different way at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, which offers after-hours programs exploring the ghostly tales and battlefield hauntings of the area.
For family-friendly Halloween events, head to Brunswick on Saturday, October 25, 2025, for Trunk-or-Treat from 6 to 8 PM, featuring decorated car trunks, sweet treats and a community haunted house. The festivities continue the next morning in Downtown Frederick for Trick of Treat on Sunday, October 26, from 10 AM to noon, when businesses along Carroll Creek and Everedy Square hand out candy, offer face painting and host pumpkin crafts—making for a free, festive and pet-friendly celebration in the heart of the city.