Are you planning a road trip to Emmitsburg? We got you covered with a couple of ideas!
If you are looking to escape your city and be as far away as possible from the crowds and huge lines, a road trip to Emmitsburg might be the perfect idea. This historic gem, which is conveniently close to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., is nestled in the Catoctin Mountains and invites you to discover its fascinating history and distinctive attractions.
Emmitsburg, Maryland, is a quaint little town with historical landmarks, outdoor recreation, and small restaurants full of delicious foods. All you have to do is “worry” about the road trip because the whole schedule with what to visit, where to stay overnight if you want to, and where to indulge in some local food we got you covered.
So, let’s not waste more time on long introductions. Here’s what you need to know before going on a road trip to Emmitsburg.
Get your portion of morning fuel
Enjoy a savory breakfast at one of the neighborhood restaurants in Emmitsburg to start your day. You can’t go wrong with either option, whether you’re craving a laid-back Chesapeake Bay experience at Rube’s Crab Shack with their renowned all-you-can-eat crab feasts. Trust me, they’re all super delicious!
Or you’d rather enjoy traditional pub fare and a little bit of local history at the family-run Ott House Pub. Here they’re serving substantial pub fare like wings, burgers, and seafood. If none of these appeal to you, while you’re on a road trip to Emmitsburg, check out the Carriage House Inn, rated with 4 out of 5 stars on Trip Advisor, and it’s one delightful place to indulge yourself with some local meals. However, be mindful that the restaurant opens at 11 AM. Whatever you decide, you can’t go wrong with either choice!
Prepare a list of historic sites to visit
OMG! There is an abundance of stuff to see in Emmitsburg, you won’t believe it. And I am so excited to share all of them with you so you have a list of things saved for later. Start your Emmitsburg journey at Mount St. Mary’s University, which is among the country’s oldest Catholic universities. The university was founded in 1808, and its historic campus provides insight into the town’s illustrious history.
Grotto of Lourdes is an outdoor Catholic shrine, which is a part of Mount St. Mary’s University, and was modeled after the original Lourdes Grotto in France. It’s a serene location with a stone altar, flowing water, and a lovely walkway lined with statues and areas for meditation. The setting is perfect for a peaceful meditation or a beautiful walk.
Nestled within the university grounds is the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a replica of the famous French shrine. Many people find that a trip to this calm location provides a spiritual experience as well as an opportunity for relaxation and introspection.
Another historic site you may want to add to your list of must-visit places is the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Why is this site a must-see while you’re in Emmitsburg? Well, Elizabeth Ann Seton has a very inspiring story everyone should know about.
The National Shrine honors her legacy; the grounds, which include the basilica and historic cemetery, give us a window into her world, and the museum houses all the fascinating artifacts and interactive exhibits that show us her extraordinary journey. And we ought to have the privilege of seeing these amazing things.
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton provides a singular and enriching experience, regardless of your interests—history, spirituality, the beauty of nature, or a break from the bustling cities.
While you’re strolling in the realms of Emmitsburg, don’t forget to stop by the National Emergency Training Center and FEMA Memorial Chapel. Situated on the grounds of the former St. Joseph’s College, this location functions as a first responder training facility. A serene area honoring fallen emergency service heroes is the FEMA Memorial Chapel.
There is a small museum on campus that highlights the history of emergency management and firefighting. Due to security procedures, you might want to schedule your visit in advance to gain access!
If you’re up for a hiking adventure, grab your gear and go to Catoctin Mountain Park. Across the 5120 acres, this breathtaking park features wildlife, stunning waterfalls, and more than 25 miles of hiking trails. The presidential retreat, Camp David, is also located there, but it is closed to the public. The Cunningham Falls Trail and the Hog Rock Nature Trail are both popular routes.
Afternoon activities
After visiting a lot of stuff, you’re probably exhausted, so I’d recommend checking out a few other restaurants to enjoy a good warm meal. Take a walk down Main Street, which is full of late 1700s-era buildings you’ll love taking pictures of. Explore local eateries, artwork, and antique stores while taking in the atmosphere of the past.
Visit Chubby’s if you’re in the mood for a tasty barbecue and recharge your batteries with some good protein. They serve smoked meats like pulled pork, ribs, and brisket with homemade sauces. Mouthwatering, mm! It’s a great place to stop for a filling meal because of the generous portions and relaxed, casual atmosphere. And if you’re not ready to spend the night in Emmitsburg, would be nice to have a full belly before going on the road again.
The Rand McNally Maryland State Fold Map is a dependable travel companion. It is small, detailed, and ideal for navigating without the use of electronics because it highlights highways, lovely routes, and nearby attractions. Its sturdy construction guarantees that it will survive road trip excursions and offers simple, readable directions for discovering Maryland’s best-kept secrets.
Accommodation ideas
You fell in love with Emmitsburg, and you didn’t have the time to visit all the things on the list? Then you’re more than welcome to spend the night there and enjoy more of its surroundings. If you’re looking for places to spend the night in the area, don’t worry, I got you the best recommendations!
Based on the majority of customer reviews, Sleep Inn & Suites are among the best accommodations in the area. This hotel is conveniently close to major attractions and offers free breakfast, a fitness center, and clean, comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi. For budget travelers looking for contemporary conveniences and convenient access to the town without shelling out a fortune for one or two nights, it’s ideal.
The Cozy Inn and Suites is another spot perfect for those who want to have a window view because it’s located near Catoctin Mountain Park. Prices may differ from one period to another but for one night it might be worth it. Not sure if they also give you free breakfast but you can check out to be sure before you make the booking.
Last but not least, if you have bad luck booking something in town because it may be a busy period, you can try Gettysburg which isn’t far from Emmitsburg, and see if Keystone Inn Bed and Breakfast have any available rooms. This cute location provides a peaceful oasis with comfortable accommodations and a warm atmosphere. It is convenient to visit neighboring historic sites because of its central location in Gettysburg. After reading all of the reviews, I wholeheartedly recommend it!
Have you visited Emmitsburg before? Tell us about your favorite locations and suggest your top pick for other tourists.
Are you up for some adventure that doesn’t imply hiking? Oh, we got you! Check out this article with some ideas on 5 Gorgeous Spots to Visit if You Hate Hiking.
