Maryland, one of the original thirteen colonies, is a Mid-Atlantic state with beautiful coastlines along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. With small towns located both along the seaside and the sprawling countryside, Maryland is steeped in colonial history just waiting to be explored. Take some time away from Baltimore and the major city attractions and experience small-town Maryland – sometimes you’ll even feel like you’ve gone back in time and are experiencing US History in person! You’ll both learn and have fun at the same time while you sample the good food and drink that these towns have to offer, or jet off into the sunset on an exciting boat tour.
A small town in Frederick County, Thurmont is in the northern part of Maryland and quite close to the Pennsylvania border. A designated “Main Street Maryland Community” the town worked to preserve its historic downtown while retaining charm and proximity to nature – its motto is “The Gateway to the Mountains”. Come visit if you’re an outdoors enthusiast or art lover!
Thurmont hosts Catoctin Colorfest each year, an arts festival that attracts up to 125,000 people. Even if you don’t make it, visit just to see Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park (where Camp David is located). Bring your hiking boots and hit the trails here, or take it easy and settle for a stroll across Loy’s Station Covered Bridge. You can also get your hands on fresh fruit at Catoctin Mountain Orchard or go wine tasting at Springfield Manor Winery and Distillery.
Who wouldn't want to live in a place where there's low crime and everyone is rich? That's the case with Thurmont. Things are looking peachy keen here. The unemployment rate is the 22nd lowest in Maryland and the median income comes in at $72,868.This is the kind of place you brag to your friends on Facebook about.
Population: 6,700
Rank Last Year: 15 (Up 8)
Median Home Value: $248,000 (23rd best)
Unemployment Rate: 6.4% (22nd best)
Did you know that Maryland has no natural lakes? Even though all of our lakes are man-made, they are still spectacular bodies of water that we’re proud to call our own.