OVER THE EDGE!
BAND
SHELL
extensive wooden structure reminded me strongly of the Swiss Family Robinson tree house that I saw in Disney World as a child, so I imagine kids would love it for playing make-believe. Over on a neighboring hill lie some intact remnants of Hagerstown’s railroad heyday. Behind a chain-link fence sits a genuine 19th century steam engine attached to a few cars. A small distance away you can get an up-close look at an old red caboose car like the kind featured in The Boxcar Children book series. If you follow the path of the creek, eventually you’ll run into what looks like a large18th century home from the back, only to realize that the front of it is actually a large public bandshell. In the spring and summer, it plays host to great outdoor concerts, including bluegrass bands. Speaking of performances, downtown Hagerstown is the home of the Maryland Theatre, which holds a special place in my heart because I actually participated in one of its shows as a child. I distinctly remember playing the part of a magical fish and walking around town between performances with ridiculous makeup all over my face. But in addition to being a great place for kids to get creatively silly, the Theatre also features performances by professional arts schools, dance shows, comedy acts, choirs, concerts, magic shows, dramas and more! Hagerstown also makes a really great base for exploring the broader Washington Country area, which like Frederick has many significant Civil War sites. The visitor center in the heart of town provides extensive maps of the area, and the staff is great at helping to plan individual trips. If you are a fan of history and the arts as I am, Hagerstown makes a great weekend visit!
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SPRING 2012