Visit a Main Street
Across Maryland, Main Street communities are bringing historic downtowns to life through local businesses, arts, culture, and community events. Explore our Main Streets to discover charming districts, unique destinations, and the local character that makes each community worth a visit.
Main Street Maryland supports communities at different stages of downtown revitalization. The tiers reflect where a community is in the program. Each offers its own local character, businesses, events, and places to explore.
Designated Main Streets
Maryland’s fully accredited Main Street communities, using the full Main Street Approach to support long-term revitalization, strengthen local businesses, preserve historic character, and create vibrant places to shop, dine, and gather.
Designated Main Streets
Aberdeen offers small-town charm with easy access along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring Harford County. Enjoy downtown dining, the weekly farmers market, year-round events at Festival Park, and nearby attractions like Ripken Stadium.
Annapolis pairs waterfront charm with rich history, offering visitors red-brick streets, 18th-century architecture, and iconic sites like the U.S. Naval Academy and Maryland State House. Explore City Dock, browse local shops and galleries, and enjoy dining, boating, and other Chesapeake Bay experiences.
Downtown Bel Air blends historic charm with a vibrant mix of locally owned shops, restaurants, and year-round community events. Stroll its tree-lined streets, enjoy a classic small-town atmosphere, and visit during signature events like the Maryland State BBQ Bash.
Nestled between Ocean City and Assateague Island, Berlin offers small-town charm in the heart of Worcester County. Its walkable downtown features local shops, dining, live entertainment, and easy access to outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and bird watching.
Brunswick is a historic railroad town along the Potomac River, where Victorian character, scenic mountain views, and transportation heritage create a distinctive destination. Visitors can explore downtown shops and dining, visit the Brunswick Railroad Museum, and enjoy outdoor recreation along the river and C&O Canal towpath.
Set along the Choptank River, Cambridge offers a revitalized downtown with shops, galleries, restaurants, and waterfront charm on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Visitors can enjoy local festivals, explore nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, and experience the city’s rich history through sites connected to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.
Located in the heart of Queen Anne’s County, Centreville combines historic charm with specialty shops, unique dining, and a scenic setting near the Corsica River. Explore the town’s waterfront and historic landmarks, then visit nearby attractions like Tuckahoe State Park and the Museum of Eastern Shore Life.
Set along the Chester River, Chestertown offers a classic Eastern Shore getaway with historic architecture, a vibrant arts scene, and a scenic waterfront. Explore galleries, shops, and dining downtown, then enjoy boating, biking, and views of the Schooner Sultana along the promenade.
Cumberland is a historic Mountain Maryland destination where turn-of-the-century architecture, a vibrant arts scene, and a walkable downtown create a distinctive experience. Visitors can explore Canal Place and the downtown pedestrian mall, ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and access the C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage.
Easton pairs Eastern Shore charm with a thriving arts and cultural scene, offering a historic downtown, distinctive shops, acclaimed dining, and access to Chesapeake Bay recreation. Visitors can explore galleries year-round and experience nationally recognized events like the Waterfowl Festival and Plein Air Easton.
Elkton offers small-town charm and a unique history at the northern headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay, with a walkable downtown full of shops, restaurants, galleries, and community events. Known for its colorful past as the “Marriage Capital of the World,” Elkton is also a great stop for historic sites, nearby golf, and a relaxed weekend visit.
Ellicott City’s historic Main Street blends early American charm with more than 200 18th- and 19th-century buildings, making it one of Maryland’s most distinctive downtown destinations. Visitors can explore unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, discover the town’s railroad history, and enjoy popular events like First Fridays and Main Street Music Fest.
Downtown Frederick is a vibrant arts, dining, and shopping destination where more than 200 specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants fill a beautifully revitalized historic district. Visitors can explore 50 blocks of rich architecture and American history, enjoy guided tours and signature events, and experience one of Maryland’s most dynamic downtowns.
Frostburg blends Appalachian character with a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, making it a standout destination in Mountain Maryland. Visitors can enjoy live performances through Frostburg State University’s Cultural Events Series, explore local dining and downtown charm, and stop along the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad route.
Hagerstown, known as “Hub City,” offers a lively mix of history, arts, dining, and downtown energy in the heart of Western Maryland. Explore specialty shops and diverse restaurants, enjoy performances and exhibits in Maryland’s first Arts & Entertainment District, and take in year-round events, parks, and nearby trails.
Set where the Susquehanna meets the Chesapeake Bay, Havre de Grace blends waterfront beauty, historic character, and a lively downtown filled with shops, galleries, and dining. Stroll the boardwalk, visit landmarks like Concord Point Lighthouse and the Decoy Museum, or enjoy boating, birding, and other outdoor recreation by the water.
Leonardtown offers small-town charm in a scenic Southern Maryland setting, with a historic downtown, welcoming town square, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Stroll local shops and galleries, enjoy acclaimed dining, and plan your visit around the concerts, festivals, and community events that bring downtown to life.
Long Branch offers a vibrant, family-friendly downtown experience in Montgomery County, with locally owned restaurants and shops, colorful public art, and a strong sense of community. Located between downtown Silver Spring and Takoma Park, it also hosts lively events and will soon be even more connected with a future Purple Line station.
Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Middletown Valley, Middletown offers small-town charm, local shops, dining, and a strong sense of community. Rich in American history, the town is especially worth visiting during the annual Middletown Heritage Festival, which celebrates its heritage with living history, family activities, and entertainment.
Mount Airy blends railroad history with classic small-town charm, offering a welcoming downtown filled with quaint historic buildings and community spirit. Visitors can explore its local history and plan a trip around popular events like Celebrate Mount Airy, Oktoberfest, and the town’s Old-Fashioned Main Street Christmas.
Oakland combines mountain-town charm with a lively historic downtown in the heart of Garrett County, just minutes from Deep Creek Lake. Stroll pedestrian-friendly shops, dining, arts and history attractions, then explore nearby outdoor gems like Swallow Falls and the region’s lakes, forests, and trails.
Ocean City is Maryland’s only oceanfront destination, offering 10 miles of beaches, a classic boardwalk, and endless ways to enjoy the coast year-round. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and lodging alongside fishing, boating, watersports, golf, and other bayside and beachfront recreation.
Set along the Manokin River, Princess Anne is a historic Eastern Shore town known for its elegant architecture and well-preserved downtown. Visit landmarks like Teackle Mansion and discover more than 300 years of local history through self-guided tours and other heritage experiences.
Reisterstown Main Street offers a mix of historic character, unique shopping, and local favorites in a walkable National Register Historic District. Browse distinctive shops, enjoy signature events like Music on Main Street and the annual Beer and Wine Festival, and pair your visit with nearby trails and small-town charm.
Downtown Salisbury is a lively Eastern Shore destination where shopping, dining, arts, and entertainment come together in the region’s urban core. Browse local shops and antiques, enjoy galleries and restaurants, and experience the charm of the historic neighborhoods that surround downtown.
Sykesville combines small-town charm with a rich railroad and riverfront history, offering a walkable downtown packed with shops, dining, museums, and family-friendly attractions. Explore historic sites and local lore on a walking tour, then plan your visit around the town’s many seasonal events, including the popular Ghosts and Legends tour.
Takoma Park pairs historic character with a creative, eclectic spirit, where Victorian-era charm meets a lively downtown of local shops, art, music, and community events. From the farmers market to the Street Festival and Jazz Festival, there’s always something original to discover in Old Takoma.
Thurmont, the “Gateway to the Mountains,” offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm near Cunningham Falls and Catoctin Mountain Park. Hike scenic trails, visit covered bridges and orchards, browse local artisan shops, and experience the town’s famous Colorfest each autumn.
Westminster offers a walkable downtown where historic character, local shopping, dining, and cultural experiences come together in the heart of Carroll County. Plan your visit around concerts, art shows, and street fairs, and explore nearby attractions like the Carroll County Farm Museum and the Maryland Wine Festival.
Aspiring Main Streets
Communities building toward full designation through training, planning, and partnership development to strengthen their downtowns and support future revitalization.
Aspiring Main Streets
Denton captures the spirit of the Eastern Shore with a welcoming downtown, locally owned shops and restaurants, and a strong sense of community centered around Market Street. Rich in history and shaped by the Choptank River, Denton offers visitors a relaxed, authentic place to explore, dine, and discover local culture.
Laurel features a lively, walkable downtown where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together in the heart of Prince George’s County. Its welcoming Main Street offers visitors an accessible and vibrant destination filled with local businesses and community character.
Set along the Pocomoke River, Pocomoke City combines Eastern Shore character with a welcoming downtown and a strong sense of local pride. Visitors can enjoy small-town charm, local shops and dining, and a community-focused destination that continues to grow and thrive.
Rock Hall blends authentic waterman’s-town character with a vibrant Main Street, offering visitors a true Chesapeake Bay small-town experience. Stroll downtown shops and dining, enjoy the town’s maritime charm, and plan your visit around signature events like Pirates and Wenches Weekend, Fallfest, and Witches of Rock Hall Weekend.
Nestled between the beach, bay, river, and trails, Snow Hill offers a peaceful Eastern Shore escape with historic charm and easy access to the outdoors. Chartered in 1686, the town invites visitors to explore local history, scenic recreation, and a slower pace in a beautifully preserved setting.
With roots dating back to the 1700s, Taneytown blends historic character with the welcoming feel of a classic small-town Main Street. Visitors can enjoy local shops, community events, and a downtown shaped by centuries of history in the heart of Carroll County.
Towson is a lively, walkable destination in Baltimore County, known for its shopping, dining, and energetic urban-suburban mix. Visitors can explore the area around the circle, discover local favorites and hidden gems, and enjoy the downtown area.
Williamsport combines historic charm with a welcoming small-town downtown, where unique shops, boutiques, and local favorites create an inviting place to explore. Plan your visit around community events, concerts, and the town’s rich history for a fun and memorable experience.
Connected Main Streets
Commercial districts using elements of the Main Street Approach to strengthen neighborhood business districts, improve community spaces, and support local economic activity.
Connected Main Streets
Boonsboro offers a welcoming small-town escape where Appalachian scenery, rich history, and outdoor adventure come together at the foot of South Mountain. As Maryland’s first Appalachian Trail Community, it’s a great base for exploring local museums, downtown attractions, and nearby landmarks like Antietam National Battlefield and Washington Monument State Park.
Set at the foot of the Catoctin Mountains, Emmitsburg combines scenic beauty with deep historic character in one of Frederick County’s most distinctive small towns. Visitors can explore its National Register Historic District, discover centuries of heritage, and experience a downtown with strong potential for revitalization and growth.
Located between Baltimore and Annapolis, Glen Burnie blends character with a growing vision for the future. With easy access to the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail, transit, local businesses, and planned public spaces, Glen Burnie is building a more walkable, welcoming downtown designed to bring residents and visitors together.
Downtown La Plata blends historic charm with the energy of a community investing in its future. With locally owned shops and boutiques, restaurants and cafés, and a calendar of unique events, La Plata offers an authentic small-town experience rooted in local pride and revitalization.
Mount Rainier is a lively arts destination where creativity is woven into everyday community life. As part of the Gateway Arts District, the city is home to art studios, performance spaces, exhibitions, and public events that make it a welcoming place for artists, residents, and visitors alike.
Perryville is a historic waterfront community where the roots of America are still easy to see. From Revolutionary War connections and Rodgers Tavern to its railroad heritage, shoreline parks, and growing local attractions, Perryville offers a memorable blend of history, recreation, and small-town pride.
Upper Marlboro pairs the feel of a close-knit small town with the civic importance of a county seat. Centered around Main Street, its walkable downtown features local businesses, historic character, and key Prince George’s County institutions that make it both a community hub and a place with a distinct sense of place.