Just west of Baltimore County, historic Carroll County, Maryland had both Confederate and Union troops camped within its borders in the days preceding the Battle of Gettysburg. Visitors to the country can trace troop movements through a driving tour highlighting Civil War points of interest while giving tourists a glimpse of the county's scenic roads.

Another popular historic attraction, the Carroll County Farm Museum shows life as it was on a 19th-century farm and hosts the popular annual Maryland Wine Festival every fall. The 140-acre museum grounds includes an 1852 farmhouse with six rooms of Victorian heirlooms and antiques. The Living History Center features artisans demonstrating the techniques of blacksmithing, tinsmithing, spinning, weaving, quilting and woodcarving. The Maryland Wine Festival has attracted area wine aficionados for more than two decades, with wine tastings, wine education classes, live entertainment and a variety of arts and crafts vendors.

Other Carroll County attractions include:

Cascade Lake, a six-acre, natural spring-fed lake with swimming areas, waterslides, a high-dive platform, fishing, boating and picnic areas.

Piney Run and Bear Branch Nature Centers for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Union Mills Homestead and Grist Mill historic site, with annual Civil War reenactments and an annual corn roast.