Westminster Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Westminster, Maryland with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Westminster

Westminster, located in Central Maryland in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America, is a charming city known for its rich history and natural beauty. With plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained, Westminster is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or week-long trip. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will highlight the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Westminster.

List of Places to Visit in Westminster

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Carroll County Farm Museum: This museum features exhibits and programs that showcase the agricultural history of Carroll County, including interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities.
  • The Historical Society of Carroll County: Discover the history of the area through exhibits and collections at this museum.
  • Union Mills Homestead: A historic gristmill, sawmill, and museum complex that showcases 18th and 19th-century rural life.

Natural Attractions of Westminster: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Piney Run Park: This 550-acre park offers fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking opportunities, as well as a nature center.
  • Morgan Run Natural Environment Area: This area offers beautiful views of the countryside, as well as hiking and equestrian trails.
  • Bear Branch Nature Center: With live animal exhibits and interactive displays, this nature center is a great destination for families.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Westminster

  • Liberty Reservoir Loop Trail: This 7.3-mile trail offers a scenic loop that takes hikers around Liberty Reservoir.
  • Union Mills Homestead Trail: This 1.5-mile trail offers views of the Union Mills Homestead.
  • Morgan Run Trail: This 6.8-mile trail offers scenic views of the countryside and the chance to see wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Westminster: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the Carroll County Farmers Market: This farmers market offers fresh produce, handmade goods, and baked goods.
  • Take a Ghost Tour of Westminster: Learn about the area’s haunted history on a guided tour.
  • Visit the Art Center at Carroll Community College: This center showcases the works of local artists and offers classes and workshops.

Week-Long Itinerary for Westminster

Day Activity
1 Visit the Carroll County Farm Museum and Union Mills Homestead
2 Explore Piney Run Park and Bear Branch Nature Center
3 Take a Ghost Tour of Westminster
4 Hike the Liberty Reservoir Loop Trail
5 Visit the Historical Society of Carroll County
6 Visit the Art Center at Carroll Community College
7 Shop at the Carroll County Farmers Market and hike the Morgan Run Trail

Food and Drink Scene of Westminster

Must-Try Dishes

  • Maryland Crab Cakes: Made with locally sourced blue crab, these crab cakes are a must-try for seafood lovers.
  • Berger Cookies: These famous Baltimore cookies are a popular dessert in the area.
  • Chicken Chesapeake: This dish features chicken smothered in crab meat and Old Bay seasoning.

Local Beverages

  • Old Dominion Root Beer: This locally brewed root beer is a popular non-alcoholic drink in the area.
  • Jailbreak Brewing Company: This craft brewery offers a variety of beers, including their popular Barleywine Ale.
  • Black Ankle Vineyards: This vineyard offers award-winning wines and beautiful views of the countryside.

Where to Stay in Westminster: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Best Western Westminster Hotel: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and amenities, including an indoor pool and fitness center.
  • The White House at Freedom Hills: This guesthouse offers a peaceful, secluded location and beautiful views of the countryside.
  • Silver Run Bed and Breakfast: This cozy bed and breakfast offers comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast.

What to Buy in Westminster: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maryland Blue Crab: Freshly caught blue crab is a popular souvenir for seafood lovers.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: A spice blend used on seafood and other dishes, this seasoning is a must-have for any Maryland-inspired meal.
  • Local Artwork: Visit the Art Center at Carroll Community College for one-of-a-kind artwork by local artists.

Local Culture and Customs of Westminster

Westminster values its rich history, and visitors should aim to respect local customs and traditions. The area is heavily influenced by agriculture, and farmers markets and farm-to-table restaurants are commonplace. Visitors should also be aware that the area is known for its ghost stories and paranormal activity.

Best Time to Visit Westminster

The best time to visit Westminster is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Westminster

Do:

  • Visit the local farmers market for fresh, locally grown produce and goods.
  • Respect local traditions and customs.
  • Explore the area’s rich history and natural beauty.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural areas.
  • Disrespect local residents or their property.
  • Overlook the area’s rich history and culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Westminster

Westminster is a safe area to visit, with low crime rates. Visitors should still take common-sense precautions, such as locking doors and securing valuables.

Health in Westminster

Visitors to Westminster should ensure that they have up-to-date vaccinations and take precautions against tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, when hiking or spending time outdoors.

Getting to Westminster: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Westminster

  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is located approximately 36 miles southeast of Westminster.
  • Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) is located approximately 38 miles west of Westminster.

Bus Stations Near Westminster

  • Greyhound Bus Station is located approximately 16 miles south of Westminster in Eldersburg, Maryland.

Other Options

  • Renting a car is a popular option for getting around the area.

How to Get Around in Westminster

The best way to get around Westminster is by car, although biking is also an option in certain parts of the city. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber, are available in the area.

Where to Go Next from Westminster: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Baltimore, Maryland: Located approximately 35 miles southeast of Westminster, Baltimore offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions, as well as shopping, dining, and nightlife.
  • Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: Located approximately 23 miles north of Westminster, Gettysburg is famous for its role in the American Civil War and offers a variety of historical attractions.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or just getting away from it all, Westminster offers something for everyone. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your next trip to this charming Maryland city.

Babylon Building in Westminster, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States Babylon Building in Westminster, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States