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What historic attractions can visitors explore in Westminster, Maryland?
- Westminster is home to some of the oldest historic buildings in Maryland.
- One of the most interesting attractions is the Union Mills Homestead, which transports visitors back to the 18th century.
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How can visitors see more historic buildings?
- You can book a tour with the Historic Society of Carroll County.
- The society maintains three of the oldest buildings in Westminster.
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What family-friendly activities are available?
- Families with children can have an interesting and informative day at the Hashawha Environmental Center.
- They can also visit the Bear Branch Nature Center for an interactive experience with nature.
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Where can visitors relax after a day of exploring?
- You can enjoy a relaxing glass of wine at the Old Westminster Winery.
- Afterward, head to one of the town’s popular restaurants for dinner.
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1. The Union Mills Homestead
Tour historic buildings and explore early American life on an educational trip.
Dating back to the 18th century, The Union Mills Homestead is now a museum which documents and showcases the life and times of the Shriver family who established the original Union Mills in 1797. The homestead started off as a small four-room home for Andrew and David Shriver and their families. Over the years the house grew and grew to accommodate the growing family and now has 23 rooms containing original furnishings and many personal belongings. Your tour of the property includes a guided tour of the homestead as well as the working grist mill. Other points of interest include the Blacksmith Shop, The Tannery, Miller’s House and the gardens.
The Union Mill Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158, Phone: 401-848-2288
2. Baugher’s
Pick fresh fruit and enjoy a fun, family-friendly farm outing.
Established in 1904, Baugher’s Orchard is a well-known and loved family farm near Westminster. Visitors are encouraged to come and spend a great day in the country at one of their two locations. Children will especially love the chance to do some picking in the “Pick your own Orchard” in Baugher Rd, where you can get hands on picking everything from strawberries, cherries and apples to gorgeous Halloween pumpkins. After you have done you share of picking you can return to the Orchard Market to stock up on other fresh farm produce, pies, pastries and preserves. At Baugher’s Restaurant you can tuck into some of the best country-style farm-to-fork meals in the region.
Baugher’s Orchard, 1015 Baugher Rd, Westminster, MD 21158
3. Hashawha Environmental Center & Bear Branch Nature Center
Hike wooded trails and discover exciting wildlife exhibits with the kids.
The Hashawha Environmental Center & Bear Branch Nature Center is the place to go for an educational and fun-filled family day out. The environment center covers over 320 acres of parkland encompassing many family attractions and activities. There are more than 5 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, bikers or cross-country skiers. You can visit the raptor center, go fishing on the lake or attend a nature program at the historic Martin Cabin Homestead. Children will love the Bear Branch Nature Center where they can meet some live animals, have fun in the Discovery Room and learn about bees from the observational bee hive.
Hashawha Environmental Center and Bear Branch Nature Center, 300 John Owings Rd, Westminster, MD 21158, Phone: 401-386-3560
4. The Historical Society of Carroll County
Explore local artifacts and learn community stories on a quiet, affordable visit.
Founded in 1939 for the express purpose of saving the historic Sherman-Fisher-Shellman House from demolition, The Historical Society of Carroll County went on to acquire two additional historic properties. Today, thanks to their efforts, you can visit three beautifully restored and maintained historic buildings which offer insight to the life and times of their former Carroll Country occupants. Guided Tours of Kimmey House (c1800), Cockey’s Tavern (c1820), and the Sherman-Fisher-Shellman House (c1807) are offered (by prior arrangement) to any interested individual or group for a very nominal fee.
The Historical Society of Carroll County, 210 E Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157, Phone: 401-848-6494
5. TownMall of Westminster
Shop popular stores and enjoy an easy afternoon outing with the family.
Westminster visitors who are looking for something to do on a rainy day and come and spend a few hours browsing at the TownMall of Westminster . This shopping and entertainment venue has over 80 stores where you can shop for just about anything. When it comes to entertainment you can enjoy a great movie experience at the newly-remodeled movie house and gamers will enjoy the brand new video gaming center. There is an on-site gym and several restaurants and coffee shops where you can rest your weary feet and enjoy a drink or snack. The Mall is open daily from 10am (Sundays from 1pm).
TownMall of Westminster, 400 North Center St, Westminster, MD 21157, Phone: 401-857-0300
6. Old Westminster Winery
Sip bold blends and savor a romantic afternoon at this countryside vineyard.
The Old Westminster Winery invites visitors and locals to come and spend a relaxing few hours at their tasting room, located in the pretty Carroll Country countryside. The winery produces some top-quality locally grown wines from their own 10,000 vine estate as well as using grapes from several other local vineyards. Every aspect of the vineyard management as well as the making and cellaring of the wines is done by hand to ensure that only the finest quality wines make it to the bottling stage. You are welcome to come and enjoy a few of their wines by the glass, bottle or flight. The tasting room serves light meals but you can bring a picnic if you prefer.
Old Westminster Winery, 1550 Old Westminster Rd, Westminster, MD 21157, Phone: 401-881-4656
7. Papa Joe's Mexican Restaurant
Enjoy flavorful dishes and relax over an affordable, casual meal.
When your taste-buds are craving fresh, flavorsome Mexican treats, Papa Joe's Mexican Restaurant is the place to go in Westminster. The restaurant is owned by a genuine Mexican native from Oaxaca who goes to great lengths to ensure that all the food served at Papa Joe’s is authentic Mexican, made from the freshest locally sourced ingredients. All the sauces are freshly made on-site to bring the best flavors of Mexico to your dining experience. The extensive menu offers a choice of all your favorite Mexican staples like tortillas, quesadillas and nachos as well as soups, salads and fabulous entrees. Be sure to leave some space for their legendary churros.
Papa Joe’s Mexican Restaurant, Carroll Plaza Shopping Center, 250 Englar Rd, Suita 10A, Westminster, MD 21157, Phone: 401-871-2505
8. Johansson’s Dining House
Dine in historic charm and sip craft brews on a weekend trip downtown.
Located in a historic old building in West Main Street, Johansson’s Dining House offers an elegant and slightly nostalgic setting for a delicious meal. In addition to the main restaurant the House has several attractive rooms which you can reserve for private functions as well as an on-site micro brewery. The restaurant serves an attractive and extensive menu of starters, pizzas, salads, soups and entrees. On the beverage side you can choose from several bottled beers and a selection of delicious small-batch micro-brews made right on site. In addition to lunches and dinners, Johansson’s serves a very popular Sunday Brunch Buffet between 10am and 3pm.
Johansson’s Dining House, 4 W Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157, Phone: 401-876-0101
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Perfect for exploring historic sites and parks.
Best Western Westminster Hotel – A convenient and comfortable stay.
Visit Bear Branch Nature Center – Great for nature walks and educational exhibits.
Summer (June-August) – Ideal for festivals and outdoor activities.
Days Inn by Wyndham Westminster – A budget-friendly stay close to town.
Attend the Carroll County 4-H & FFA Fair – Enjoy family-friendly events and local culture.
Fall (September-November) – Beautiful autumn scenery and seasonal events.
Antrim 1844 – A charming historic hotel with fine dining.
Explore McDaniel College – Visit the picturesque campus and local attractions.
Plan Your Trip
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