"Gateway to the Alleghenies" Cumberland by yooperprof

Cumberland Travel Guide: 22 reviews and 60 photos

A Market Town in the Maryland Panhandle

If you're heading out of D.C. toward West Virginia, Cumberland is a good place to stop, take a rest, stretch your feet. It's the first substantial town heading westward on I-68 past Hagerstown. Yes, it has all the expected places right off the interstate, but it also has a fairly interesting and historic town center.

Urban Planning circa 1980

Pedestrian Mall sans Pedestrians

In the 1980s the solution for all small town woes was to construct "pedestrian malls" in downtown areas. Cumberland's is typical, and not really any more or less successful than most. Undoubtedly, they've done a good job with designing the streetlamps and the planted, but it's very difficult to work against the grain of an auto-obsessed culture.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Nice Small Town Architecture, Typical Americana

Last visit to Cumberland: May 2000
Intro Written Jan 10, 2003
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Reviews (3)

One of the Larger Houses in Cumberland - Cumberland

Residential Neighborhoods in Cumberland Favorites (3)

Take a stroll through the comfortable and elegant residential neighborhoods close to the center of town. They reflect... more travel advice

Greek Revival Favorites (3)

The Alleghany County Library was built in the 1840s, and reflects the American interest in Greek styles and designs,... more travel advice

Allegany County Courthouse Favorites (3)

In County Seat towns like Cumberland (and Marquette, where I live), the County Courthouse is invariably the most solid... more travel advice

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Travelogues (1)

Written Jan 10, 2003

4 photos

The Big Rock Cut on I-68

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Comments (4)

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littlesam1 Jul 24, 2007 at 8:42 AM

I was here over the weekend. My first time back in many years. They have done a nice job renovating the city. Not many tourists there but they are trying to attract them.
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NYMansour Mar 31, 2007 at 2:26 PM

interesting Cumberland page. When I was there ('90) the only thing that seemed to be open was a pizza shop. Seems it must have changed. Also, the pedestrian walk way had piped in music, or muzak...don't remember. Thanks for the pages...
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ellielou Sep 19, 2006 at 8:16 AM

that was pit beef, hon! and, Cumberland????
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snaab Feb 27, 2006 at 10:04 AM

Stopped here for breakfast on a drive from DC to Chicago. Funky little town.