Explore Howard County, Maryland
In a region proudly possessing world-famous sites, Howard County, northwest of Washington DC near Baltimore, gets little play. However, if you give it the chance to visit, you’ll find an enchanting small town, a nationally important railroad museum, amazing African art, an unexpected Korean enclave, and much more.
Ellicott City
As far as small towns go, Ellicott City has been celebrated for its restaurant scene, Old World panache, boutiques and galleries, and haunted buildings that offer fantastic ghost tours. It has also experienced its fair share of natural catastrophes, including two recent floods; however, each time, it bounces back stronger. Perched above the Patapsco River, which once powered a cotton mill, its 18th- and 19th-century stone buildings line a winding Main Street filled with fun shops like Gramp’s Attic Books and Sweet Elizabeth Jane, along with restaurants and art galleries. The historic Ellicott City B&O Railroad Station, dating from 1831 and recognized as the nation’s oldest railroad station, is now a museum noted for its living history exhibits.
Patapsco Valley State Park
You may not expect a state park in the populated corridor between Washington, DC, and Baltimore; nevertheless, Patapsco Valley State Park—Maryland’s oldest state park, established in 1907—provides an essential refuge from urban life. The park protects 32 miles of the Patapsco River and offers diverse activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, and mountain biking. With five developed recreational areas, Hollofield is located near Ellicott City. Here, you can explore the Ole Ranger Trail or the Peaceful Pond Trail, or simply enjoy a magnificent river view from the Overlook.
Savage Mill
When Hollywood set designers seek period furnishings, they often come to Savage Mill’s extensive antiques center. You can find everything from fancy crystal chandeliers to retro suitcases and even Shirley Temple porcelain dolls. However, there’s much more to this renovated canvas mill, dating back to the 1820s, than just antiques. You’ll discover one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, and an adventure hub. While the adults browse shops, visit artists, and sip cappuccinos at the bakery, kids can enjoy ziplining, swinging from trees, and climbing rope ladders. Additionally, there’s a nature trail along the river alongside the landmark Bollman Truss Bridge—one of the last iron bridges of its kind—and ghost tours revealing spooky tales about former mill workers and child laborers.
Korean Way
The 5-mile segment of Route 40 running through Ellicott City may look like another old traffic-clogged suburban road edged with uninteresting strip malls and chain restaurants. However, if you take a closer look, you’ll notice English and Korean language blended on signs and shopfronts, indicating the presence of a large Korean-American community. This area hosts over 150 Korean-owned restaurants, bakeries, markets, and other businesses offering authentic dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, and bubble tea. Lotte Plaza Market in the heart of the Golden Triangle Shopping Center is where it all started in 1999, while notable spots include H Mart, Shin Chon Korean Restaurant, and Bonchon Chicken. For more information, check out the Maryland Korean Way website.
Carrollton Hall
The last living signer of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, built a neoclassical country villa in 1832 on his vast pastoral lands as a gift for his granddaughter, Emily MacTavish. She enjoyed decades of genteel living here, hosting exquisite dancing parties, it’s said. Over time, the historic estate and 236 acres of land transitioned to the Franciscan Friars in 1928, who established the Shrine of St. Anthony on this picturesque property. Today, the site serves as a tranquil refuge where visitors can stroll peaceful trails, visit a replica of the Lourdes grotto, and stop by the chapel containing a relic of St. Anthony. The original manor house is undergoing renovations with plans to open at designated times and by appointment throughout the year; please check the website for updates.
African Art Museum Of Maryland
Located in a quiet planned community of Maple Lawn, the African Art Museum of Maryland showcases stunning examples of African masks, textiles, baskets, jewelry, musical instruments, and household items representing over half the countries across the African continent. Founded in 1980, it’s one of only three museums in the USA devoted solely to African art and the only one owned by African Americans. With rotating exhibits, the museum reflects both traditional and contemporary African art. Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring Africa, the museum offers tours to the continent as well.
Farm Visits
Howard County remains charmingly rural, providing ample space for cows, sheep, and chickens to roam. You’ll discover over 300 diverse farms that host educational visits, farm markets, special events, and other unique experiences—ranging from winemaking to cheese pairing and alpaca-fiber spinning. For instance, Breezy Hill Alpaca Farm offers barnyard tours and a retail store, while the Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum showcases the agricultural lifestyle with a museum, farm tours, and a calendar full of events. Kids particularly enjoy Clark’s Elioak Farm, home to the Enchanted Forest storybook theme park along with a petting farm, hayrides, and pony rides. Learn more about farm visits at the Visit Howard County website.
