Cumberland Things to Do Tips by Tom_Fields

Baltimore Street

This is Cumberland's "main drag", where people meet and greet each other. It's a pedestrian zone stretching several blocks. There are restaurants, shops, theaters, and a Sunday Market.

Directions: In the center of downtown Cumberland, between Queen City Drive and North Mechanic St.

C&O Canal National Historic Park

At the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad station is a small museum of the C&O Canal, with an information center. This is a good start place for learning about the canal. From here, you can visit the re-created canal boat that is on display nearby. Beyond that, if you have time, take a hike along the Potomac River, which flows south of here. Also, across the river from the station is a small log cabin. During the French and Indian War, in 1754-55, a young aide to British General Braddock set up his temporary headquarters here. His name was George Washington.

Address: 13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD 21502

Directions: From I-68, take the downtown exit (43C), and follow the signs.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm

Canal Place

The C&O Canal ends here at Cumberland. The last part of it runs parallel to the Potomac River, which joins Wills Creek at Cumberland. Here at Canal Place are shops, cafes, and an information center that provides all that you need to know about touring the area.

On summer weekend evenings, live music is performed on the stage. See the schedule posted at the information center. Also visit the website below for more details.

Address: 13 Canal St, Rom 301, Cumberland, MD 21502

Directions: In the heart of downtown Cumberland. From I-68, take exit 43C (see directions as for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad).

Other Contact: info@canalplace.org

Phone: 301-724-3655

Website: http://www.canalplace.org

Queen City Transportation Museum

James Richard Thrasher spend decades collecting horse-drawn carriages and autos. In 1977, he opened a museum to share his collection with the public. His chose the site of the former Midland School, which he had attended. After his death, the county purchased his museum. There is a smaller branch of this museum in Frostburg (no photos allowed there).

This is one of the most impressive museums of this type. Its timeframe begins with the old National Road, that began right here in Cumberland. On one side of the main gallery is a hall inscribed with the names of all Cumberland residents who served in World War II. There is also a memorial to all who were killed in the war.

Address: 210 Centre Street, Cumberland, MD 21502

Directions: From I-68, take the downtown Cumberland exit (43C). Go right, and take another right on S. George St. At the stop sign, take another right.

Phone: 301-777-1776

Website: http://www.thrashercarriage.com

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Cumberland, in the foothills of the Alleghenies, offers plenty of outdoor activities. And the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad will take you through some of the best scenery in the entire state. The narrator also tells of the days of old, when the town was built, when the railroad came through, and some of the colorful characters who lived here. They even include a tale of forbidden, Romeo-and-Juliet love--one that ends in tragedy.

The locomotive is a real, old-style steam-driven type. No wonder diesels were such an improvement. The train had to stop once on the way out and once coming back to shovel more coal into the engine. Good thing we weren't in a hurry. And the smoke from the locomotive gets into your hair and eyes (and can throw off the camera's auto-focus feature). But the authenticity of it makes this a more memorable experience than the usual excursion train. Yes, this is how rail travel used to be.

The train goes from the Cumberland rail station to Frostburg, northwest of Cumberland. You enough time to look around a bit, before heading back. Lunch is available on the scenic trips. Dinner and special trips are available, too. See the website for more details.

Address: 13 Canal Street, Cumberland, MD 21502

Directions: From I-68, take the downtown Cumberland exit (43C). Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and go straight to the railroad parking lot.

Other Contact: 1-800 TRAIN-50

Phone: 301-759-4400

Website: http://www.wmsr.com/