Story by David Hansen

Photos by Tom Fedor

The tree line of the Catoctins frames the small, tidy subdivision of Albert Court, a group of 24 row houses in the historic Thurmont. Known as "The Gateway to the Mountains," Thurmont celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2001 and embraces its reputation for small-town life.

It was designated a Main Street Maryland community in 2005 by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The program strives to improve the economy, appearance and image of traditional downtown business districts in the state and is a partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Communities must meet a number of criteria to become a Main Street designee, such as a significant number of historic buildings and a commitment to hiring a program manager to upgrade and preserve its downtown business district.

Although it's less than 20 years old, Albert Court compliments the Main Street designation. A group of 24 row houses, it's the kind of place where you see kids playing in the streets until the dipping sun slips below the mountain range.

It's this intimacy that attracted Albert Court Homeowner's Association President Mary Glen Crutchley to the neighborhood when the first townhouse was built in 1992-and what's kept her calling it home. "It's small and safe to go out," she said. "You can walk around and enjoy the surroundings and people."

Crutchley loves to ride her bike in the summertime to downtown Thurmont, which is a five-minute ride away. She also loves local activities such as the volunteer fire department's summer carnival held in July.

It's been a community event for at least 100 years-although no one knows for sure, since the department's records burned in a 1938 fire. The week-long celebration helps raise an estimated $60,000 and features fireworks, a parade, and, of course, rides.

It's not the only big festival for the small town. Every October Thurmont is home to the Catoctin Colorfest, celebrating the vibrant foliage of the mountains. The event, begun in 1963, draws between 100,000 and 200,000 and includes a juried arts show and craft booths. The Colorfest has raised $120,000 in scholarships for students at Catoctin High School and funded a wide range of community benefits such as flagpoles, ball fields, and high-school graduating parties.

Another advantage is the balance from a rural town near major metropolitan areas. "You're close to Gettysburg, D.C. and Frederick," she explained. The neighborhood has easy access to U.S. 15, also known as the Catoctin Mountain Highway, where cars whiz down to Frederick in less than 10 minutes while parallel to the stunning mountains.

The small-town atmosphere is what Association Vice President Gary Sherwood enjoys about the neighborhood. Thurmont is a friendly town that satisfies the needs of the retiree and his wife, who moved to Albert Court five years ago from central Virginia. "It is a lifestyle," he proclaimed. The housing is affordable and well-maintained, he added.