'''Hagerstown''' is a charming city on the edge of the Appalachian Mountains and near the Potomac River in NW Maryland, United States. It is the county seat of, and the largest city in, Washington County. The city is perhaps best known for its outstanding outlet mall, which offers a huge variety of clothing among other things. It is named after Jonathan Hager, a German settler who founded the community in the mid-1700s. Hagerstown has an approximate population of 40,000 (metropolitan population of ~260,000) and is the fastest growing metro area in Maryland.

Get in

By car

Hagerstown is only 80 minutes away from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Harrisburg. The main interstate highways running by the city are I-81 and I-70, each of which have multiple well-signed exits for Hagerstown.

By bus

Greyhound [http://www.greyhound.com/] and Atlantic Coast Charter Buses [http://www.trailways.com/Default.aspx?alias=www.trailways.com/atlanticcoasttrailways] both have stops in Hagerstown.

By plane

'''Hagerstown Regional Airport''' ({{IATA|HGR}}), located 5 miles (8 km) outside of the city, is commercially serviced with flights to and from Orlando-Sanford International Airport and BWI Airport. Alternatively, one can use '''Baltimore-Washington International Airport''' ({{IATA|BWI}}), '''Harrisburg International Airport''' ({{IATA|MDT}}), '''Washington National Airport''' ({{IATA|DCA}}), or '''Washington Dulles International Airport''' ({{IATA|IAD}}) all of which are within 60 miles (97 km) to 75 miles (121 km) driving distance of Hagerstown.

Get around

  • Renting cars or driving to Hagerstown is advised because only the downtown area is walkable. Walking downtown, however, is safe and charming.
  • For a taxi you could call Miller Cabs, Turner Vans, or hail Downtown Taxi! cabs on the streets in downtown.
  • County Commuter buses are effective and go to all points in the city.
  • See

    Aside from simply admiring the ubiquitous vistas of the Appalachian Mountains, you might also want to see:

  • Hagerstown City Park. 01 Virginia Avenue. 01-739-8577. Stroll through a beautifully traditional city park, with playgrounds for the kids, picnic areas, and a flock of ducks and geese to accompany you on your walk around the park's lake.

  • Hager House. 10 Key St. 301.739.8393. ttp://www.hagerhouse.org/. u-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 2PM-5PM. 3. See the founder of Hagerstown's pre-Revolutionary War house.

  • Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. 01 Virginia Avenue. agerstown City Park. 01-739-5727. nfo@wcmfa.org. 01-745-3741. ttp://www.wcmfa.org/. u-Fr 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-4PM, Su 1PM-5PM. ree.

    Theatre

  • Maryland Theatre. 1 S. Potomac St.. 01-790-3500, 301-790-2000. 01-791-6114. ttp://www.mdtheatre.org/. Symphony House that plays host to famous performers and all of the Maryland beauty pageants. Home to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra.

  • Washington County Playhouse. 4 N. Potomac St.. 01-739-SHOW. ttp://www.washingtoncountyplayhouse.com/. Dinner Theatre.

  • Academy Theatre Banquet & Conference Center. 8 E. Washington St.. 01-797-5755. heacademy@myactv.net. Theatre in restored Tusing Warehouse that houses the Potomac Playmakers community theatre group. Also includes 30,000 square feet of banquet and conference center space.

    Do

  • The city is a focal point for mountain bikers, fishermen, canoeists and hunters interested in the plentiful outdoor recreational opportunities in the area. The Appalachian Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath are close by.
  • Hagerstown Suns. unicipal Stadium. 74 Memorial Blvd. E.. rom Dual Hwy., turn west on Mt. Aetna Road and continue until it becomes Memorial Blvd. at the stadium. 301) 791-6266. ttp://www.hagerstownsuns.com/. 5-$9. "A-level minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Washington Nationals."

  • Black Rock Golf Course. 0025 Mt. Aetna Rd.. 240) 313-2816. ttp://www.blackrockgolfcourse.com/. 26-$42/18 holes.

  • Hagerstown Speedway. 5112 National Pike. miles West of Hagerstown. 01-582-0640. ttp://www.hagerstownspeedway.com/. eekends, Feb.-Oct.. "One of the East Coast's premier dirt tracks."

    Buy

  • The Prime Outlets at Hagerstown. 95 Prime Outlets Blvd. 01-790-0300. ttp://www.primeoutlets.com/locations/hagerstown.aspx. -Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 10AM-7PM. ustomerservice@primeretail.com. The Prime Outlets is a large outdoor mall with over 100 stores. </buy>
  • Valley Mall. 7301 Valley Mall Rd. 1 301 582-0700. ttp://www.shopthevalleymall.com/. -F 10AM-9PM, F-Sa 10AM-9:30PM, Su 11AM-6PM. The Valley Mall is one of two indoor malls in the Hagerstown Metropolitan area (the other is the Martinsburg Mall). There is over 1,000,000 Square feet of retail space. The anchors are Macy's, The Bon-Ton, JCPenney, Sears, and Regal Cinemas 16.

    Eat

    Budget

  • Bentley's Bagels, Deli, & More. 5 W. Washington Street.. aces north on Washington St, 1/4 block west of Public Square. 301) 797-7979" . on-Fri 7am-6pm; Sat. 9am-3pm (hours may vary with season). entleysbagels@msn.com. Cafe, baked goods, extensive breakfast and lunch menus featuring daily specials and homemade soups; restaurant has outdoor seating and upstairs room for meetings and groups.

  • Garfield's Casual Cafe. alley Mall Road. nside the Valley Mall.. Has typical American cuisine. Good for a budget.

  • Laila's Kitchen. E. Franklin St.. ocated downtown.. 301) 797-9494. Serves Afghan and Iranian cuisine.

  • The Plum. Rochester Place. ff W. Washington St.. 301) 791-1717. 301) 791-9559. -F 7:30am-2:30pm. Gourmet Deli sandwiches, salads, homemade soups, and homemade desserts. Great place for a quick, light, inexpensive lunch.

  • Vegetarian's Pursuit Cafe. 5 West Oak Ridge Drive. ocated at the Review & Herald Publishing Association.. 301) 393-3082. -Th 11:30am-1:00pm. Enjoy a healthy vegetarian meal with choices for a vegan or non-vegan diet. After lunch, take a tour of the press and see beautiful original artwork displayed. A bookstore is also available for browsing and purchasing.

    Moderate

  • Bulls & Bears Restaurant and Pub. 8 S. Potomac St.. n the Arts and Entertainment District across from Maryland Theatre. 301) 791-0370. ttp://www.bullsandbears.biz/. un-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. Bulls & Bears presents Downtown Hagerstown with a unique experience featuring American cuisine in a New York style atmosphere. Attached is Traders on Potomac convenience store.

  • Cafe del Sol. 481 Salem Ave.. ust off I-81 Exit 7A. 301) 739-3072. Serves Latin-American and Italian cuisine.

  • Durango. 2 E. Washington St.. ocated downtown.. 301) 733-6608. Serves Spanish, Tex-Mex, and South American cuisine.

  • Oliver's Pub & Restaurant. 565-67 Potomac Avenue. n Long Meadow Shopping Center.. 301) 790-0011. rdon@oliverspub.com. 301) 790-3245. ttp://www.oliverspub.com/. un. 5:00 pm-10:00 pm, Mon.-Thur. 11:30 am-11:00 pm, Fri. & Sat. 11:30 am-2:00 am. Fine food in a relaxed pub.

  • Orchid Garden. 481 Wesel Blvd.. -81 to Exit 5A Left on Massey Blvd. Restaurant on right.. 301) 665-1666 and (301) 665-1333. -Th 11AM-10:30PM, F-Sa 11AM-11:30PM, Su 11:30AM-10:30PM, kitchen closed from 2:30PM-4:30PM M-F. Pan-Asian restaurant specializing in Japanese, Korean, Korean BBQ, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai cuisines.

  • Red Curry. 00 Railway Lane. ear Massey Boulevard.. 301) 393-8883. Serves Thai and Asian Fusion cuisine.

  • Rhubarb House. 2 Public Square. owntown.. 301) 733-4399. American cuisine open for lunch only.

  • Schmankerl Stube. 8 S. Potomac St.. ocated in downtown Hagerstown. 301) 797-3354. ttp://www.schmankerlstube.com/. losed Mondays. oderate. Great Bavarian fare. Excellent selection of German beers on tap.

    Splurge

  • Al Pomodoro. 101 Opal Ct.. ntersection of Opal Ct. and Eastern Blvd.. 301) 739-0440. Casual and fine Italian dining. Reservations recommended.

  • Aqua 103. 2916 Conamar Drive, Suite 103. ff Leitersburg Pike in the Lyles Center.. 301) 393-5757. nfo@aqua103.net. ttp://www.aqua103.net/. onday - Friday 11 am - 11 pm / Saturday 4:30 pm - Midnight. New trendy, hip, and chic restaurant in Hagerstown's North End, serving "Progressive American" cuisine. Reservations recommended.

  • Cafe Van Gogh. 35 S. Potomac St.. outh side of town near Memorial Blvd. intersection.. 301) 393-5999. u-Th 5 pm - 10 pm; F-Sa 5 pm - 12 Midnight. Fine Dining - Casual Attire - Small Cozy Intimate - International Cuisine - Reservations Recommended.

  • Duffy's on Potomac. 8 S. Potomac St.. ocated downtown.. 301) 745-6648. 301) 745-6649. ttp://www.duffysonpotomac.com/. unch and Dinner Monday - Thursday 11 am - 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am - 10 pm. Elegant, chic, sophisticated restaurant with AVA Lounge and a large banquet hall. Located downtown in the heart of Hagerstown's Arts and Entertainment District.

  • Fireside Restaurant at Plaza Hotel. 718 Underpass Way. alfway Blvd.. 00 732-0906. ttp://www.plazahotelhagerstown.com/. Dining at the Plaza Hotel will be a memorable experience. Attached to the Plaza Hotel, the Fireside Restaurant offers a full menu of steaks, seafood, and other American specialties in an upscale surrounding.

  • LJ's and the Kat Lounge. 130 Conrad Ct.. ff Eastern Blvd.. 301) 797-3354. ttp://www.ljsandthekatlounge.com/. losed all day Sunday and Lunch Monday & Saturday, Lunch Tuesday - Friday 11:30 a.m. ? 2:30 p.m., Dinner Tuesday - Thursday 5:00 p.m. ? 9:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday dinner 5:00 p.m. ? 10:00 p.m.. Offering American cuisine using worldwide and local ingredients. Also known for its lounge. Attire: Smart and Reservations recommended for restaurant.

  • Nick's Airport Inn. 4548 Pennsylvania Avenue (U.S. Route 11). ocated next to the Hagerstown Airport.. (301) 733-8560. nfo@nicksairportinn.com. ttp://www.nicksairportinn.com/. unch Monday-Friday - 11:00am - 2:00pm, Dinner Monday-Thursday 5:00pm-10:00pm, Dinner Friday & Saturday 5:00pm-10:30pm. Good atmosphere, great seafood, and fine dining. Reservations recommended.

  • Sakura. 04 Railway Lane. ear the Valley Plaza/Mall off I-81 Exit 5A. 01-393-9088. Excellent sushi and hibachi served in a lively but elegant atmosphere.

    Drink

  • AVA Lounge. 8 S. Potomac St.. ocated downtown.. 301) 745-6648. 301) 745-6649. ttp://www.duffysonpotomac.com/. hursday-Saturday 6 pm - 2 am . Adjoining Duffy's on Potomac. Located in Hagerstown's Arts and Entertainment District.

  • '''The Corner Pub''', 158 South Mulberry Street, has a casual, friendly Irish pub atmosphere and features an excellent selection of draft beers from regional craft brewers and an impressive bottled beer selection that includes intelligently selected Belgian, English, and German classics. The only place in Hagerstown that rivals the beer quality is the bar at Schmankerl Stube.
  • Gourmet Goat/GG's Restaurant & Martini Bar. 1 N. Potomac St.. owntown.. 301) 790-2343. ourmet.goat@myactv.net. 301) 790-0733. ttp://www.thegourmetgoat.com/. on. 7am-3pm; Tue. 7am-6:30pm; Wed. & Thur. 7am-9pm; Fri. 7am-10pm, Sat. 9am-10pm. Gourmet Deli/Coffee Shop, Catering Services, Fine Dining Restaurant, and Full Bar Specializing in Martinis.

  • LJ's and the Kat Lounge. 130 Conrad Ct.. ff Eastern Blvd.. 301) 797-3354. ttp://www.ljsandthekatlounge.com/. uesday - Friday 11:30 a.m. ? 12:00 a.m. Saturday 5:00 p.m. ? 12:00 a.m..

  • '''Merlin's Tavern''', 1003 W. Washington Street, has 20 taps --- mostly swill but a couple quality beers, a comfortably casual atmosphere, and frequent drink specials.
  • Sleep

  • Best Western Grand Venice Hotel Wedding & Conference Center. 31 Dual Highway. 301) 733-0830. ttp://www.grandvenicehotel.com. Full-service hotel with Hall of Fame Pub and Restaurant, Divi's Lounge and Nightclub, Venetian Salon and Spa, Cellar Wine and Spirits, and Antietam Coffee and Gallery.

  • Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Antietam Creek. 01 Dual Highway. 301) 733-5100. ttp://www.clarionantietam.com. The largest full-service conference center in the area. HagerHall Conference & Event Center, Cancun Cantina nightclub, and Bamboo Bernie's restaurant adjoin hotel.

  • Hagerstown Hotel and Conference Center. ormerly Four Points Hotel by Sheraton Hagerstown. 910 Dual Highway. 866)-538-6194 . ttp://www.hotels.com/property.jsp?property=414841&PSRC=INKT&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=feeds&utm_campaign=yahoo%2Bssp&mcid=yahoo.feeds.ssp. p.m. 2 p.m. 70.00+. Zodiac Bar and Grill inside facility.

  • Microtel Inn & Suites Hagerstown. 3726 Oliver Drive. 240) 527-2700" url="http://microtelinn.com/reservations/locationdetail.asp?facid=824.

  • Plaza Hotel. 718 Underpass Way (near Halfway Blvd.). 800) 732-0906" url="http://www.plazahotelhagerstown.com. 3-star hotel with Fireside Restaurant.

  • '''The Dagmar''', Located on Summit Avenue in Downtown. One of Hagerstown's historical landmarks, this ten story hotel has a lot of history and used to be one of the tallest buildings in Hagerstown along with the twelve story Alexander House Tower in Public Square, until the Potomac Towers Apartments (15 stories) were built. Potomac Tower East scheduled to begin construction in late 2009 will be Hagerstown's new tallest building upon completion at 24 floors, it will be one of marylands tallest.
  • Get out

  • '''Whitetail Resort''' has alpine skiing on 16 trails, just across the state line in nearby Mercersburg in southern Pennsylvania. [http://www.skiwhitetail.com/]
  • You could drive from Hagerstown to '''Antietam National Battlefield''', '''Fort Frederick State Park''', or the '''C & O Canal'''.
  • '''Appalachian Trail''' offers walking paths and breathtaking scenery from atop South Mountain.
  • If you want more scenery you could cross the Potomac River into West Virginia or tour nearby smaller towns like Sharpsburg, Boonsboro, or Smithsburg.