Great Things to Do In Ellicott City, Maryland!
The best things in life are free, even in Ellicott City, an affluent community of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Md. Located in Howard County which is ranked as the third richest county in the nation (according to the 2006 U.S. Census).
Ellicott City also finds itself in the top 10 most desirable cities in the USA to call home – Money Magazine.
Read on for things to do in Ellicott City for families, grown-ups and even pets!
Anytime
Howard County Public Library
A major component of Howard County’s strong education system, Howard County Lib
rary is a nationally recognized leader among the great public library systems that delivers high-quality public education for all ages. For locations, hours of operation, program listings or additional information, visit www.hclibrary.org or call 410-313-7890.
B & O Railroad Museum: Ellicott City Station 
Whether a railroad enthusiast or Thomas the Tank Engine fan, the Ellicott City station is sure to please. It’s the oldest surviving railroad station in America and the site of the original terminus of the first 13 miles of commercial track ever constructed in America. Admission is only $5 for adults and less for seniors and children. Open year round, Wednesday through Sunday. For hours or additional information, visit www.ecborail.org or call 410-461-1945 Information above provided by the B & O Railroad Museum
Almost Anytime
Ellicott City’s First Fridays, April – December
Ellicott City Historic District boutiques, salons, antiques, art galleries and more will open their doors for a unique evening shopping experience. Look for musical entertainment around town and special offers in some shops! Most shops are open until 8:00PM, times and participation are subject to vary. For more information visit, http://ellicottcitymainstreet.com
Ellicott City’s Second Sundays, May – September
The lovingly restored shops of Tongue Row (access through Parking Lot D) invite local farmers, growers and artisans for a special Farmer’s Market the Second Sunday of the Month. Fresh baked old world bread, local honey, fresh cut flowers and hand-made jewelry are just some of the treasures you’ll find! Times and participation are subject to vary. For more information visit, ellicottcitymainstreet.com
Arts
Howard County Center for the Arts
The Howard County Center for the Arts in Ellicott City is a multi-purpose community arts facility that features two professional galleries, an intimate black box theater, classrooms, a dance studio and individual artists’ studios. While programs have some fees, the center is open to the public and features free gallery exhibits and receptions. For hours of operation, exhibit information and more information visit, www.hocoarts.org or call 410-313-2787
Rep Stage
Conveniently located at Howard Community College, Rep Stage offers professional theatre at a price everyone can afford. Small but mighty, Rep Stage has won seven Helen Hayes Awards. While regular pricing is modest, there are a number of free or nearly free events throughout the year such as pre-show lectures, readings and Wednesday evening, Pay-What-You-Can prices. For schedule and prices visit, www.repstage.org or call 443-518-1500
History
Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum
While just over the Baltimore County line in Oella, the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum is home to an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits dedicated to the life and times of “the first African-American man of science”. Also, discover excellent birding trails and gardens. For event listings, hours of operation or more information call 410-887-1081
Howard County Historical Society Museum & Library
Located in the heart of Ellicott City’s Historic District, the museum is home to one-of-a kind exhibits and educational programs. Free organ concerts and other low-cost events are offered several times a year. Museum hours are Tuesday & Saturday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm; Library hours are Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 12:00 – 4:00 pm and Wednesday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. For more information, visit www.hchsmd.org or call 410- 750-0370
Parks & Open Space
Patapsco Valley State Park
One of Maryland’s first parks, Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 16,043 acres and eight developed recreational areas. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback and mountain bike trails, picnicking and more.
Columbia Association Parks & Pathways
Over 3,500 acres of open space, including 268 footbridges, 170 tot lots, the 40-acre Symphony Woods, 40 ponds and lakes, and natural open space areas, interlaced by more than 93.5 miles of pathways for walking, biking and jogging. Many sites include picnic areas and fitness trails.
Just for Pets
Yappy Hour at The Wine Bin
Bring well-behaved dogs for Friday evening socializing and wine & microbrew tastings. The Wine Bin is a dog-friendly favorite in the Ellicott City Historic District. Yappy Hour occurs monthly in spring, summer and fall. For dates and more details visit, www.winebinec.com or call 410-465-7802
Worthington Dog Park
Dogs are invited to enjoy socializing and running without the confines of a leash. Park features include separate enclosures for large, small, timid & elderly dogs. A $5 day- pass fee and proof of current license and rabies apply. Handlers must be 18 years of age; children under the age of twelve are not allowed in off-leash area. Open seasonally, weather permitting. Located at 8170 Hillsborough Road, Ellicott City, 21043. For more information visit, www.howardcountymd.gov/RAP or call 410-313-4700
Just for Kids
Clark’s Elioak Farm
Offers families a fun outing while being easy on the budget with modest admission fees; infants 12 months and younger are free. Stop by and explore their newest attraction- The Enchanted Forest Pine Tree Maze. While there, also visit the petting farm and feed the goats and sheep. Enjoy a pony ride or hay ride for an additional nominal charge. Be sure to ask about the Frequent Visitors Program and save a bundle. Admission fee applies except for infants 12 months of age and younger. For hours of operation or more information visit, www.clarklandfarm.com or call 410-730-4049.
Family Fun Day at the Mall in Columbia
Every Thursday morning features a morning of lively children’s entertainment at The Mall in Columbia. Kids can sing, dance and laugh with popular entertainers. 10 to 11 a.m. in the Lord & Taylor lower court. For a schedule or additional information visit, www.themallincolumbia.com/Events or call 410-730-3300
Just for Grown-Ups
Wine Tastings, The Wine Bin
Stop in this charming firehouse turned wine boutique and enjoy tastings of featured wines on a regular basis. The Bin stocks about 500 wines, with at least 200 selling for under $20. For more information visit, www.winebinec.com or call 410-465-7802
Sunset Serenades at Centennial Park
Bring a blanket and picnic dinner and enjoy an evening performance in scenic Centennial Park in Ellicott City. Modestly priced concession menu items are available. Concerts occur weekly over the summer months.
Now that you know all the great things to do in our area – read on to find out about the Real Estate market in Howard County!
Click here to check out Howard County a MD Real Estate active listings right now! (Feel free to save this link, it updates as the Columbia MD Real Estate market changes- you will always have the live market update).
Even if you already live here – it is always a good idea to know what homes are selling for in your area since selling prices affect your home’s value as well!
Ellie McIntire, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, CLHMS, SRES, and CDPE Certified and The McIntire Team love telling you about the area with events, and neighborhoods updates such as Great Things to Do in Ellicott City, MD! Real Estate is local, so you deserve a local Realtor who not only knows the housing market, but knows Howard County/Catonsville, the amenities, the local events and resources that you will need. Consistently in the top 1% of Realtors in Howard County/Catonsville, The McIntire Team is here to help you with all your Real Estate needs!
The EPIK Home Group
Real Estate Services
Keller Williams Realty Centre
443-418-7668 (Cell or text message)
443-766-1768 (Office)
E-mail me anytime at:EllieMcintire@MRIS.com
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