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) 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 Cumberland Regional Airport (tel. 304/738-0002) is actually in Wiley Ford, West Virginia, 2 1/2 miles off Route 68 at Exit 43B. At press time, it offered no commercial service.

Visitor Information -- Walking-tour brochures, maps, and information about Cumberland and the surrounding area are available from the two walk-in locations operated by Allegany County Tourism. The larger one is at the Western Maryland Railway Station, 13 Canal St., Cumberland (tel. 800/425-2067 or 301/727-2067), open daily from 9am to 5pm. If you're coming from the east, the Sideling Hill Exhibition Center [ST], off I-68 about 20 miles east of Cumberland (tel. 301/678-5442), is a great place to stop for brochures, information, and a view of the layers of rock exposed when the mountain was cut to build the road.

Special Events -- The Heritage Days Festival (tel. 301/777-0032), held in mid-June in Cumberland and the Washington Historic District, fills the streets with arts and crafts, tours, entertainment, and scenic train rides. C&O Canalfest (tel. 301/724-3655) takes place in mid-July at Canal Place, celebrating Cumberland's rich transportation heritage (both boat and train). Stop by for living-history demonstrations, crafts, entertainment (often by nationally known performers), and food.