Sightseeing in Western Maryland

During the month of October, I had many opportunities to visit the western panhandle of Maryland. What a delightful hidden gem. My first trip was a sisters' weekend with my baby sister Mary Elizabeth. Determined to see each other more often than my usual Christmas visit we met halfway between our two homes in Grantsville, MD. We stayed at the Casselman Inn on the historic national highway Route 40. We loved the rustic and historic charm of the old Inn. 

Just down the road was the Spruce Artisan Village. After talking to some talented local artists and doing a little shopping we headed to the nearby New Germany State Park. What a great park! We went for a beautiful hike in the woods. It made me miss my Camino days in Spain. The park had cute log cabins for rent and lots of things to do. I hope to take a camping long weekend with my family here sometime soon.

On Sunday we went to Mass. The church was built on a hill overlooking the farmland in the valley below. The view behind the altar framing the tabernacle made me so thankful to God our creator. The music was joy-filled and the parishioners were so friendly. What a great way to end a long weekend trip. 

The second time I stopped in Grantsville was on my way home from a baby shower in Ohio. My sister Susie and I stopped for dinner at the Cornucopia Cafe. The food was amazing and the view from the outdoor dining patio was relaxing. White clouds in a blue sky, the leaves on the trees just starting to turn golden and orange and a small stream all made me so happy. It was also really nice to spend time with my sister. 

If you are ever traveling on Route 68 or old Route 40 this place is worth the stop. It is friendly and just a little bit quirky, kind of like me.