Spring has sprung and it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy all that Maryland has to offer, including the many historic and scenic byways available across the state! Maryland Tourism Coalition is celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week by partnering with Chris Riehl, Baltimore personality and Baltimore Rent-a-Tour owner, to bring “Maryland in a Day” promotion to life as Chris travels from the mountains of western Maryland to Pimlico Race Course, all in ONE day. Taking place on Tuesday, May 6, Beginning at 8:30 a.m. and going until 5:00 p.m., Mr. Riehl will highlight many of Maryland’s amazing people, historic places and wonderful state treasures including Deep Creek lake, Casselman River Bridge State Park in Garrett County, National Road Monument in Allegany County, Antietam National Battlefield in Washington County, Roddy Road Bridge in Frederick County, Main Street Westminster in Carroll County and Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore City. Follow Chris on his adventures and learn more about the rich resources and fun activities available in all the state’s counties.
For more information about this promotion, visit https://mdtourism.org/national-travel-tourism-week.
Itinerary
EVENT: Maryland in a Day
DATE: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
TIME: 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Starting Point: 8:30 a.m. Silver Tree Marina McHenry, Deep Creek Lake, Garrett County
1754 Deep Creek Drive McHenry, MD 21541
Deep Creek Lake turns 100 this year. In 1923, work began on the hydroelectric dam which would create Deep Creek Lake and in May 1925, the lake was deemed to have reached full pool and the turbines were first switched on. Since then, Deep Creek Lake has become a defining feature of Garrett County and has developed a rich heritage which we’ll be celebrating across 2025 with events and projects throughout the year.
Maryland Scenic Byway: Mountain Maryland
Stop #1: 9:30 a.m.- Casselman River Bridge State Park, Grantsville, Garrett County
10240 National Pike Grantsville, MD 21536
Casselman River Bridge State Park is a 4-acre parcel, popular for picnicking, fly fishing and photography. When the 80-foot span was erected in 1813, it was the longest single-span stone arch bridge in the United States and served as an important link on the National Road from 1813 to 1933. Although the bridge no longer carries vehicular traffic, it is open to pedestrians and is accessible for disabled visitors. (Bridge is currently closed for restoration)
Maryland Scenic Byway: Mountain Maryland, Historic National Road
Stop #2 – 10:15 a.m.- Mile Marker “0,” where the first section of the National Road was completed in Cumberland, Allegany County
Riverside Park Green Street – Cumberland, MD 21502
America’s first road trip starts right here in Mountain Maryland where you will discover the National Road Monument. Allegany County is also home to the C&O Canal Towpath and the Great Allegheny Passage, where visitors can learn about canal history at the C&O Canal National Historic Park’sCumberland Visitor Center. The C&O Canal is celebrating 175 years!
Maryland Scenic Byway: Mountain Maryland, Historic National Road, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
Stop #3 – 11:45 a.m.- Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Washington County
5831 Dunker Church Rd. , Sharpsburg, MD 21782
The bloodiest single-day battle of the Civil War took place on Maryland soil, as Confederate soldiers crossed the Potomac River and clashed with Union forces in the sleepy town of Sharpsburg.
Maryland Scenic Byway: Antietam Campaign
Stop #4 – 2:30 pm- Roddy Road Bridge, Thurmont, Frederick County
14760 Roddy Rd., Thurmont, MD 21788
The Roddy Road covered bridge, built in 1856, rests just north of Thurmont off of US 15, where Roddy Creek Road meets Roddy Road at Owens Creek. The smallest of the county’s covered bridges, Roddy Road is a single-span Kingpost design bridge measuring 40 feet long. Relax with a picnic, go fishing or explore the natural beauty at this park and bridge.
Maryland Scenic Byway: Journey Through Hallowed Ground
Stop #5 – 3:30 pm– Carroll County Main Street
Locust Lane on the side of a building at 47 E Main St., Westminster, MD 21157
Carroll County offers an array of shopping experiences which includes many specialty shops. Stroll our Main Streets to find one-of-a kind handcrafted items. Our merchants are waiting for you with a smile and a helpful attitude to assist you in selecting just the right gift for family or friends. Don’t forget after a few hours of shopping to rest your weary feet and nurture yourself with some food. Our restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries offer something for everyone, from comfort food to upscale cuisine.
Maryland Scenic Byway: Old Main Street
Final Stop: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore City | 150th Anniversary
5201 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215
The Preakness Stakes, one of America’s premier thoroughbred horse races, takes place each year on the third Saturday in May at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. This year marks a major milestone—the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes and the final year at the original Pimlico track, which first opened on October 25, 1870. The racetrack is set to be torn down and rebuilt following this historic event. To commemorate this occasion, May 10–17 will host the inaugural Preakness Festival, a weeklong celebration featuring a mix of free and ticketed events. The festival will highlight Maryland’s vibrant communities, rich cultural heritage, and thriving small businesses. As we wrap up National Travel & Tourism Week, get ready to kick off Preakness Festival Week in style.
