7 Best Things to Do in Boonsboro, MD

By VI Staff on March 17, 2020

Boonsboro is a charming Washington County town located at the base of South Mountain, originally founded in the 1830s by George Boone, a cousin of famed American pioneer Daniel Boone. Today, the city serves as the gateway to the Antietam National Battlefield, known for its connection to significant American Civil War battles in 1862. It is known throughout the East Coast for its connection to internationally-acclaimed novelist Nora Roberts, the owner of lovely local hotel Inn BoonsBoro.

1.Turn the Page Bookstore

Turn the Page Bookstore is a lovely independent bookstore in Boonsboro's downtown district, housed within a gorgeously-restored townhouse from the region's pre-Civil War era. The shop is owned and operated by Bruce Wilder, the husband of bestselling author Nora Roberts, known for her New York Times-listed romance novels. Visitors can peruse the bookstore's wide selection of signed books, including titles signed weekly by Roberts herself. Delicious coffee beverages are served up at the bookstore's cafe stand, produced with organic, fair-trade beans sourced from Frederick's Dublin Roasters. Handmade gifts for sale include locally-produced soaps, photography, hand-poured candles, and home decor and apparel. Book signing events frequently attract top international authors, including J.D. Robb.

18 N Main St, Boonsboro, MD 21713, Phone: 301-432-4588

2.Crystal Grottoes Caverns

Crystal Grottoes Caverns have been a top natural attraction in the Maryland region for a century, originally discovered in 1920 following limestone quarrying in the Boonsboro region by the State Roads Commission that led to the exposure of a cavern entrance. Since 1922, the caverns have been operated as a public attraction, overseen today by third-generation owner Jerry Downs. Visitors can explore the caverns' gorgeous underground rooms and areas as part of guided tours throughout the year, led by experienced, informative tour guides. Cavern rooms showcase more formations per square foot than any known cave, showcased in areas like the caverns' Fairyland and Blanket Rooms.

19821 Shepherdstown Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, Phone: 301-432-6336

3.Greenbrier State Park

Greenbrier State Park is a charming state park in Boonsboro, located along the side of South Mountain on the banks of a beautiful 42-acre lake of the same name. The manmade freshwater lake draws visitors throughout the year for outdoor recreation opportunities, including chances for swimming, boating, fishing, and canoeing. 11 miles of lovely hiking trails meander through the park's terrain, showcasing rock outcroppings and native wildlife habitats. Near Bartman's Hill, the park's trails connect to the Appalachian Trail. Seasonal swimming beaches offer day-use facilities, including boat launches and equipment rental facilities. A year-round visitor center showcases exhibits and information on the region's wildlife.

21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, Phone: 301-791-4767

4.Washington County Agricultural Education Center and Rural Heritage Museum

Washington County Agricultural Education Center and Rural Heritage Museum showcases the automotive, manufacturing, and agricultural heritage of the Hagerstown region in a three-building museum complex in Boonsboro. The charming museum details the history of the region's rural economy in exhibits displayed across three 7,200-square-foot museum buildings. Exhibits range from a recreated authentic country store and a replica Victorian-era farmhouse to displays of preserved farm and transportation equipment from the region's agricultural and railroading past. Outside on the museum's campus, a Rural Heritage Village showcases authentic period-appropriate living history buildings, including two log homes and a windmill. Special events on the museum's campus throughout the year showcase demonstrations of rural practices like bread-baking.

7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, Phone: 240-420-1714

5.Cronise Market Place

Cronise Market Place was founded in 1928 by married duo Esbey and Annie Cronise, located adjacent to their farm homestead in Boonsboro. Today, the market still serves as the city's primary source for fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and home decor throughout the year, owned and operated today by married duo Cliff and Bonnie Pereschuk. The market is opened in mid-March each year, selling seasonal produce during the spring, summer, fall, and early winter months. Delicious locally-grown produce selections range from local strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries to unique offerings like rhubarb, apricots, and famed Boonsboro Cantaloupe Hearts of Gold. Holiday season offerings like fresh pumpkins and fruit baskets pair with a wide selection of pantry and gift items, including famed McCutcheon butters and Catoctin Popcorn Company popcorn tins.

312 S Main St, Boonsboro, MD 21713, Phone: 301-432-7377

6.Old South Mountain Inn

Old South Mountain Inn is a charming inn and restaurant located atop beautiful Turner's Gap, within easy convenient driving distance of top area attractions like Antietam Battlefield and Washington Monument State park. The inn has been in operation since at least the 1730s and has hosted international luminaries such as Lieutenant George Washington and General Edward Braddock throughout its tenure. In 2001, it was purchased by current owners Chad and Lisa Dorsey and has become known for its high-quality Mediterranean-influenced fare. Diners can select from excellent entree favorites like scallops Dijon, horseradish-encrusted salmon, and rockfish Chesapeake, paired with house specialties like honey bourbon pork chops and veal scaloppini.

6132 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, Phone: 301-432-6155

7.Vesta Pizzeria and Family Restaurant

Vesta Pizzeria and Family Restaurant is a family-owned favorite offering dine-in and delivery service throughout the greater Boonsboro region. The casual pizzeria is known for its hand-tossed pizza favorites, which range from traditional takeout selections to unique artisanal house specialties. Fresh ingredients top favorite pizza selections like the Marylander, topped with jumbo lump crab meat and Old Bay seasoning, or the Warrior Pride, filled to the brim with pepperoni, bacon, ham, meatballs, and Italian sausage. Traditional Italian dishes like baked ziti are also served up, alongside creative subs, sandwiches, and appetizers like crab dip soft pretzels and fried pickle chips.

2 S Main St, Boonsboro, MD 21713, Phone: 301-432-6166