As the mountain air turns crisp and the last golden leaves tumble down, Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, invites you to trade your to-do list for a good book and a steaming cup of coffee. From historic train depots and cozy cafés to storied landscapes that inspired local authors, this is your invitation to a Book Lovers Escape on the Mountain Side of Maryland.
Whether you’re paging through history, journaling in a cozy café, or discovering new authors at a charming independent bookstore, Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, is the perfect destination for a book-lover’s escape.
Main Street Books - Frostburg, Maryland
Read Where History Happened
The stories of Mountain Maryland live not only in its books, but in the landscapes and Main Streets that inspired them. Step into Downtown Frostburg, a walkable arts and nationally accredited Main Street district, where colorful shops, public art, and a grounded Appalachian mountain-town spirit invite you to linger and explore.
It’s also home to Main Street Books, a beloved independent bookstore that’s been a local treasure for more than 30 years. Inside, you’ll find a highly curated, eclectic selection of new releases, regional history, and works by local authors. We recommend starting with:
- Secrets of Mountain Maryland and Secrets of Allegany County by James Rada Jr. — uncover little-known truths about the people and places that shaped this region.
- Stirring the Mud: On Swamps, Bogs, and Human Imagination by Barbara Hurd — an award-winning essay collection that finds poetry in the natural world.
- Colored People: A Memoir by Henry Louis Gates Jr. — a powerful reflection on growing up in nearby Piedmont, WV, with touching insights into mountain community and identity.
To experience Frostburg’s literary culture firsthand, attend a book reading, poetry event, or Coffee with a Writer session hosted by the Frostburg State University Center for Literary Arts. Located within the Lewis J. Ort Library on campus, the Center celebrates regional voices and publishes the annual Backbone Mountain Review, a literary journal featuring creative work from writers across Appalachia.
Basecamp Coffee Company - Cumberland, Maryland
Cozy Reading Nooks & Creative Corners
When it’s time to settle in with your next chapter, you’ll find plenty of inviting spots to sip, read, and unwind:
- Clatter Café (Frostburg): A warm, bustling spot beloved by writers, students, and travelers alike. Order a pour-over and watch the stories of this mountain town unfold around you.
- Basecamp Coffee Company (Cumberland): this welcoming coffeehouse hums with creative energy — local art on the walls, the scent of fresh-roasted beans in the air, and a cozy reading nook where stories come to life. It’s the kind of place where you settle in with a good book and forget to check the time.
- Allegheny Trail House (Frostburg): A cozy, bike-friendly bed and breakfast that feels like the setting of your favorite novel. With its historic charm, shared library nook, and hearty homemade breakfasts, it’s the perfect place to turn off your phone and lose yourself in a good book.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad - Open Air Car Experience
Stories Along the Tracks
If your imagination wanders beyond the page, step aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. This historic train journey through the Allegheny Mountains evokes the nostalgia of classic literature — think Murder on the Orient Express meets The Great Allegheny Passage. Bring your favorite mystery and let the rhythm of the rails set the mood.
Back in Downtown Cumberland, explore heritage sites like the Allegany Museum or Canal Place Heritage Park, where the area’s industrial and cultural past continues to inspire modern storytelling.
Main Street Books - Frostburg, Maryland
A Weekend for Book Lovers
Day 1:
Arrive in Frostburg → Check in at Allegheny Trail House → Explore Main Street Books → Sip and read at Clatter Café → Dinner and live music downtown
Day 2:
Morning coffee at Basecamp in Cumberland → Ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad → Visit the Allegany Museum → Evening journaling or fireside reading back at your inn
Turn the Page on Your Next Getaway
Whether you’re a history buff, a lifelong reader, or simply looking to unplug, Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, is the perfect place to start your next chapter.
