Washington County, Maryland, is making a name for itself in the distillery business. Both Pathfinder Farm Distillery in Boonsboro and Meinelschmidt Distillery in Hagerstown are emerging as top Maryland producers of whiskey, bourbon, and other…

In a busy retail plaza near Funkstown, a familiar rhythm is taking shape at Oak Ridge Family Restaurant. It is the hum of conversation, the clink of plates, and the steady flow of neighbors coming in for a meal. It all feels both…

“When Italians speak, we speak with passion,” says Gennaro Minale. Some of his favorite topics are food and family. Ciao Pasta, the fast-casual Italian eatery that he owns with his wife, Natalia Leorda, is the…

I’ve been a lot of places. Thirty countries. Forty-nine states. Cities from Paris to Havana to Miami to Rome. The thing about all of those places is that they have something that nowhere else does. They haven’t been filtered so they’ve…

Some places are worth the wait in line, especially among hometown bakeries and family-owned food trucks, but few local legends rise quite as high as Home Run Donuts. Parked on National Pike just shy of its…

Boonsboro locals know where to go when they want food that’s stacked high, scratch-made, and served with genuine care: My Mini-Mart & Dream Diner. Set inside the town’s former American Legion Hall (c.1921), the diner has…

In early 2018, I asked Jay Gomberg, a former Philadelphia resident and poker buddy of mine, “Who has the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia, Pat’s or Geno’s?” His response, “Neither.” While Pat’s claims to be the…

Washington County might be best known for its abundant Civil War history sites, rolling farmland, railways, and industry, but in recent years it’s also become home to an impressive variety of international restaurants. From African fusion fare to…

Along the scenic stretch of Main Street in Boonsboro stands a cherished piece of local history—Cronise Market Place and its companion shop, the Olde Homestead. With roots reaching back nearly a…

If the scent of garlic, peppers, and cilantro wafting through the doors of 10 East Washington Street doesn’t catch your attention, the warmth inside surely will. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Jeovanni and Yahaira Diaz, this cozy, colorful restaurant has…

Cruise to the junction of Maugans Avenue and Maugansville Road and you’ll find a building crowned with a life-sized fiberglass steer. It's a landmark as recognizable as the savory scent of smoke drifting from the back of Holsinger’s Meats & Deli.

Maryland’s wine industry may date to the mid-17th century when records show that Frenchman Tenis Palee tried to make wine with indigenous grapes, but the trajectory of the state’s wine scene remained flat for the next…

Tucked along Salem Avenue in Hagerstown, Foster’s on the Point offers something rare: a casual dining spot that feels both like your favorite dive and your go-to-place for an inventive chef’s special. Since opening their doors in…

Everyone loves a nice Italian dinner. Americans practically claim pizza and spaghetti as our own. Now, a new restaurant in downtown Hagerstown is offering its unique interpretation of classic Italian fare, infused with a…

It’s not a clam or steamed hams. Technically, it’s not a “loose meat” sandwich or even (gasp) a sloppy Joe. It’s a steamer—a humble, handheld meal that’s been quietly simmering in the hearts and kitchens of Washington County for…

At the top or near the top of the major tasting competitions in 2024 for locally produced alcoholic beverages, you’ll find Washington County breweries, wineries, and distilleries. As the craft beverage industry continues to expand, Washington County mirrors the nationwide trend, especially in…

Founded in 1946 by Jim Read in California, Grocery Outlet Bargain Market is a relative newcomer to the East Coast. Described as an “extreme value grocery retailer” on a mission to “WOW” budget-conscious customers, the company is…

Long anticipated, the Hub City Brewery is at last on tap and pouring local craft brews. After three years of hard work, the brewery opened in the heart of Hagerstown in the old Farmer’s Market Building at…

Strip malls are usually bastions of grocery and discount stores, maybe with a hair salon or laundromat thrown in. Occasionally, they are home to local restaurants putting their own…

Tucked in the heart of Sharpsburg, Maryland, near the historic Antietam Battlefield, Captain Bender’s Tavern offers more than food and drinks—it serves up history, hospitality, and a touch of local charm. Built before the...