Boonsboro, Maryland 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, Maryland 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, Maryland 21713, Phone: 301-432-6336
3. Greenbrier State Park
Greenbrier State Park is a charming state park in Boonsboro, Maryland, 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
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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. Boonsborough Museum of History
Frequently referred to as a miniature Smithsonian, the Boonsborough Museum of History features a sizeable and applause-worthy collection of historical artifacts and objects that hold both local and national significance. Among the Boonsborough Museum of History’s priceless collection are Ancient Egyptian artifacts, Civil War mementos, religious artifacts, and even an extensive weapons collection. Drop by the Civil War Artifacts section to see a sharpshooter’s rifle used in the Battle of Gettysburg, or to see artifacts from the Lincoln White House or Clara Barton. For those interested in ancient Egyptian history, the museum is home to mummy-related artifacts. Meanwhile, the museum is also the proud home of over 500 edged weapons from all over the world.
113 N. Main Street, Boonsboro, Maryland 21713, Phone: 240-816-0488
8. South Mountain State Park
Stretching from the Pennsylvania line of the South Mountain ridge to the Potomac River, the South Mountain State Park is an abundant greenspace filled with cultural, geological, historical, and natural experiences for all of its visitors. At this 40-mile-long multi-use park, visitors can trace the footsteps of Civil War Soldiers who climbed and fought around the very same terrain for the Battle of South Mountain in 1862. Visitors can also embark on a challenging climb up Quirauk Mountain or Lambs Knoll, the two highest peaks of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail at 2,150 feet and 1,758 feet respectively. The park has a ton of scenic points to visit and enjoy the view at, while also offering campsites and shelters for hikers on a first-come, first-served basis.
21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, Maryland 21713, Phone: 301-791-4767
