Since I wasn’t born here, there are probably a lot of folks who would say I’m not qualified to answer the question about Maryland food. In general, I would call it Comfort food, in large quantities, with a very heavy emphasis on Crabs. Dessert is required, and not optional. You could do a lot worse. There’s no restaurant at the Hotel Alexander any more, but there are quite a few other good ones around town.
The decisions made at Coca Cola headquarters should not be held against Hagerstown restauranteurs. When it comes to colas, I personally prefer R-C when I can get it, or Pepsi as a second choice. Aside from colas, there’s Vernor’s Ginger Ale. Don’t get me started on Root Beers. And when it comes to the other kind of beer, I’m even more picky.
Wow!..great response. “Dessert required…not an option” “large quantities of comfort food” … Maryland food sounds divine.
RC Cola used to be everywhere but have not seen it in years.
Vernors ginger ale is da bomb! I think it comes from Detroit. I see Canada Dry tried to copy it with something they call ‘Dark’ ginger ale but it’s not the same, close but no cigar.
I’m actually seriously heading in that direction for vacation this summer so I’m putting Hagerstown on my itinerary.
This is the Photo of the Day that peaked my interest. Upon further digging it was pointed out to me that an example of this class exists and is running once in while. That inspired me to plan out a Maryland vacation this summer.
Everytime I see pictures of the Western Maryland itself I am amazed at how spotless and ship shape things are. I know many roads did so, Soo comes to mind, many others but WM always had the bell polished and the whole operation seemed as if it was run like a Swiss watch.
The photo shows WM H-7b number 750. Unfortunately, the only surviving WM rod engine is K-2 Pacific 202 in Hagerstown City Park. The locomotive operated by the Western Maryland Scenic on their Cumberland - Frostburg service as WM 734 is actually a modified engine (Lake Superior & Ishpeming 34) with a modified NYC tender. As such, she is a pretty good, but not 100% accurate, representation of an H-7b. She is currently out of service, pending a federally mandated trip to the shop. In the meantime, C&O 2-6-6-2 compound Mallet 1309 is being prepared to take her place in excursion service later this year. The plan is to return the “WM” 2-8-0 to service when her rebuild is complete.
Some old film clips - Hershey Transit Co (which ended in 1946) and H&F footage from 1953 including meeting WM train at Thrurmont. Clips of freight movement on the H&F.
