Wonder 1: Sugarloaf Mountain. Due to the history and the close calls it had for all kinds of development. Now it's a multi-mode recreation center with great views.

Wonder 2: The Clustered Spires. Nothing is better for the soul than walking through downtown Sunday mornings with the church bells ringing.

Wonder 3: Baker Park. It's the life of the city, away from the noise and traffic (except at Fourth of July, of course).

Wonder 4: The Middletown Valley. Beautiful and majestic from every angle, with neat old houses and quiet country roads. What Frederick County really wanted to be when it grew up.

Wonder 5: The Frederick County section of the C&O Canal. Peace and quiet from the Monocacy Aqueduct to Harpers Ferry, with the river close by and lots of interesting stops along the way. Now if only the County would build a bike path along New Design Road from the towpath to Frederick City.

Wonder 6: The Tasting Room. Brought serious food at reasonable prices to Frederick city, and turned a long-dusty corner of the city into THE spot to go for dinner. I have never seen an unhappy face when peering through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Wonder 7: Sunset over the Catoctin Foothills from my back porch. I am rejuvenated every time I am home for it. It reminds me that I made the right choice to move here thirteen years ago.