Many guests who come to the Inn think the area is only interesting because of the Civil War.  They are pleasantly surprised to learn of the dozens of museums, theaters and galleries hosting art shows and musical performances on a regular basis, all within minutes of the Inn.  This year celebrate the art and culture of Washington County during your stay.  Here are some local favorites.

The Maryland Theatre

For over 100 years the Maryland Theatre has been the anchor to the Arts & Entertainment district in Hagerstown.  This 1,300-seat theatre regularly hosts performances of country artists, comedians, orchestra concerts, children’s shows, musicians, recitals, and plays.  It serves as the home of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, City Ballet School and the Miss Maryland Scholarship Pageant.

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

Located in beautiful City Park in Hagerstown, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts was founded over 85 years ago by Mr. and Mrs. William Singer, Jr.  Visitors can browse more than 7,000 works of art which include 19th & early 20th Century American Art, Old Masters, and Decorative art.  The Museum is a vibrant center and offers a variety of exhibitions, art classes, lectures, concerts & special events throughout the year.

Jonathan Hager House &  Mansion House Art Center

While you’re at the Museum of Fine Arts, two other attractions also in City Park,  are the Jonathan Hager House & Museum and the Mansion House Arts Center. The Jonathan Hager House and Museum is the refurbished home of Hagerstown’s founder, Jonathan Hager, built circa 1739.  Visitors can take guided tours of the restored three-story limestone homestead staged with eighteenth-century furniture and artifacts.  Built by John Heyer in 1846, the Mansion House is run by The Valley Art Association.   They have a very impressive collection of works by area artists and guests can purchase artwork including lithographs, silk screens, etchings, wood block prints and collages.

Hagerstown Cultural Trail

If you want to get outdoors to experience the art,  you can take a stroll along the Hagerstown Cultural Trail to the downtown Arts and Entertainment District.  Along the trail you’ll see sculptures like the “Fishing Lesson”, steel frame structures representing the city-scape and the Fantastical Garden, an interactive play area.  The path leads you through beautiful gardens of the Railroad Switch, steel fences reminding us of the rail system that once ran through the city; you’ll see photos of the Faces of Hagerstown and the Mural of Unusual  Size – the latest addition to the trail.

Washington County Playhouse, Dinner Theater and Children’s Theater

All year-round you can experience a Broadway-style show or musical comedy with a buffet dinner at the Playhouse.   Watch as your servers transform into glamorous, talented performers as they present award winning performances on stage.  Shows for young audiences are performed on select Saturdays.  The Washington County Playhouse is a great night out for the whole family to enjoy or the perfect place for ‘Date Night’.

These are just a few of the outstanding places to go to celebrate the art and culture of Washington County.  There are almost forty other museums throughout the county to visit.  Take in one on farming, or railroads, one the local community museums or culture exhibits; there is something here in Washington County for every type of art lover.