Getting There -- I-68, which runs right through the center of Cumberland, is the fastest route by car from either the east or west. From the east and north, I-70 will take you to I-68. For a more scenic drive, you can get off I-70 or I-68 onto the Old National Pike (U.S. Rte. 40).

Amtrak (tel. 800/872-7245; www.amtrak.com) serves Cumberland on its Capitol Limited train route, which travels from Washington, D.C., to Chicago. It stops at the station on East Harrison Street.

The Greater Cumberland Regional Airport (tel. 304/738-0002; www.cumberlandairport.com) is actually in Wiley Ford, West Virginia, 2 1/2 miles off Route 68 at exit 43B. It serves only private planes.

Visitor Information -- Walking-tour brochures, maps, and information about the Cumberland are available at the visitor center operated by Allegany County Tourism (www.mdmountainside.com) at the Western Maryland Railway Station, 13 Canal St., Cumberland (tel. 800/425-2067), open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Special Events -- The Heritage Days Festival (tel. 301/722-0037), held in mid-June in Cumberland, fills the streets with arts and crafts, entertainment, and train rides. C&O Canal and Rail Fest (tel. 301/722-8226), in mid-July at Canal Place, celebrates Cumberland's transportation heritage with living-history demonstrations, crafts, entertainment (often by nationally known performers), and food.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.