Reader’s Digest created a list of the “20 Most Beautiful Main Streets in America” by traveling to the “farthest corners of the map to find the most beautiful main streets in America. Lined with historic buildings, cozy cafés and local boutiques, these streets invite you to slow down and soak in their one-of-a-kind character.” One Maryland “Main Street” and one nearby made it onto the list:
Nearby Frederick was the first city listed. Frederick, MD, is a vibrant and historic city located in north-central Maryland, about an hour’s drive from both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. It’s known for its unique blend of rich history, charming downtown, and natural beauty. Downtown Frederick is a designated National Historic Landmark District, featuring well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture.
Reader’s Digest writes, “Frederick is a small city in Maryland, and its views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the city’s major attractions. Market Street, one of the most beautiful main streets on this list, is another. The hip-meets-historic vibe of the main drag features murals and art installations, restaurants, boutiques and a huge craft brewing scene. The Delaplaine Arts Center is free to the public, and the North Market Pop Shop sells 400 types of vintage sodas.”
Georgetown, located in Northwest Washington, DC, is a neighborhood that truly stands out. It’s a blend of historic charm, upscale shopping, vibrant dining, and academic prestige. Georgetown was actually founded in 1751 as a separate tobacco port town in Maryland, predating the establishment of Washington, DC, by 40 years. The port town of Georgetown was a part of Montgomery County from 1776 until 1791. The entire Georgetown neighborhood is a designated National Historic Landmark District. It’s renowned for its impressive concentration of well-preserved colonial and Federal period architecture, featuring historic brick and frame row houses, cobblestone streets, and grand estates.
Reader’s Digest writes, “Bustling M Street in historic Georgetown features packed sidewalks, high-end stores and charming cobblestone streets. The neighborhood is home to the world-class university, making it one of the best college towns in the country. Make sure to check out historical standouts on M Street, including Old Stone House, a pre-Revolutionary War home and one of the oldest buildings in the District. Next, head over to Georgetown’s most famous movie set: the terrifying stone steps from The Exorcist.”