A Change of Scenery

by Jeff Yocum

“A Change of Scenery” focuses on day trips from Thurmont that are within 150 miles (give or take). These trips will not include “Disney-level” destinations, but rather, lesser-known points of interest. The purpose of the article is to suggest venues for folks seeking a short, easily accessible change of scenery. In the process, hopefully something will be learned. Some will be historic, some cultural, and others just plain quirky. I confess an ulterior motive for writing this article: I have a wanderlust addiction.

Fort Ritchie

Looking for a safe place to get your steps in? Want to shoot some hoops out of the weather? How about meeting a friend at a casual café designed for conversation? Getting married? Desperate for a place to host an event? Need your car fixed? Feeling under the weather and want medical help? There’s a place that offers all of these things and much more.

Think about looking at the repurposed campus of Fort Ritchie. The old fort continues its metamorphosis from an Army base to a civilian complex. Culture, commerce, and recreation are coalescing to create a viable community that enriches Frederick, Washington, and Franklin counties.

It would be easy for an active person to spend the better part of a day enjoying some of what Ritchie has to offer. Grab a free permit from the Community Center and spend a day fishing. Top it off with a cool treat from Mountain Top Ice Cream Shop. If you stick yourself with a fishing hook, visit Meritus Health’s urgent care facility.

Perhaps your daughter is a bride-to-be. Ritchie has its own, newly renovated chapel and a banquet hall literally within walking distance of each other. Lakeside Hall was formerly the Officers’ Club. It features a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace with exposed beam ceilings. There is a large deck overlooking the lake with scenic views.

Upcoming events from the Community Center include an Easter Egg Hunt on April 4, Zumba on April 18, and a health and wellness fair on May 16, along with many other scheduled events throughout the year. Check the Fort Ritchie Community Center’s website at www.THEFRCC.org.

Fort Ritchie’s website provides a directory of all the businesses, services, and opportunities available. The web address is: https://www.ritchierevival.com.

Do yourself a favor and visit the Fort. You will probably find something to your liking.