Things to do & places to visit in Ellicott City, Maryland, United States

Ellicott City city in Maryland, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11:15.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Shrine of St. Anthony (44 reviews)
- Peaceful & Lovely
Religious Sites

This is a beautiful site, which sits atop a hill with panoramic views. You don't have to be religious to enjoy the site. It is a retreat event center run by the friars. The chapel is tranquil and lovely, and the gardens are pretty. On the property there are a series of hiking trails through the woods. We walked almost all of the trails and it was a relaxing hike. It was fun to discover all of the little hidden treasures along the trail. See more..
5.0 Sweet Cascades (16 reviews)
- Options
Speciality & Gift Shops

Lotsssssss of options. The chocolate turtle was my favorite. This shop was really cute. They have a little sitting area and gift certificates. See more..
5.0 Sweet Elizabeth Jane (16 reviews)
- Interesting and Creative
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Urban girl, happy Home, vintage soul. See more..
5.0 Howard County Historical Society Museum (12 reviews)
- Free parking near museum then easy walk to downtown.
Saturday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

This free museum is only open during the busy weekend afternoons so easy access is the problem. From Rt #40, we took Rogers Ave. to Court House Dr. (1.2miles) directly to the large free parking behind the Howard Co. Courthouse. Then a level 500' walk passes the 1851 jail and courthouse, to this distinctive church built in 1894. Here were scores of pictured descriptions and artifact displays about early Ellicott, its role in the Civil War, and its struggle with 17 significant floods since 1772. After watching one of the flood videos and seeing its beautiful organ-dominated sanctuary (continues as a wedding chapel), we exited to descend the new stairway. Its direct access to Main Street makes it a short walk, passing the Firehouse Museum to the free B&O City Station Museum built in 1831. We had a very informative and enjoyable visit to this historic city of pretty buildings along a narrow corridor filled with visitors and a constant parade of autos. See more..
5.0 The Vintage Vault & Gallery (5 reviews)
- Great Space and Awesome Collection
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries • Antique Shops

Offering the region's largest collection of quality vintage & antique jewelry as well as timeless fashions, including wedding gowns, & accessories for women & men. Visit our 2nd floor farm fresh lavender shop & our fine art gallery. Offering classes, performances & artist exhibits in our beautiful 1906 historic bank building. Let us host your event or meeting. See more..
5.0 Silver Arrow Fudge Shop (4 reviews)
- Fudge To Die For!
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
After enjoying a wonderful lunch in historic Ellicott City, MD we decided to wander up and down Main Street. There are lovely shops and antique stores to look at. While walking through the shops we ran into the Silver Arrow Fudge Shop and boy are we glad we did. If you take a look at their assortment of fudge flavors you will see that they've won many awards. They have your standard flavors but they also have some very interesting and seasonal flavors. My husband and I got the pumpkin and caramel apple. Both flavors were simply amazing. I still can't get over the caramel apple - real apple slices on top of the fudge! The pumpkin was equally as wonderful. If you happen to be in historic Ellicott City make sure you stop by and try then buy some of their fudge! See more..
5.0 Ellicott Distilling Co. (2 reviews)
- Great New Addition To Historic Ellicott City
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Distilleries
Walking back to our car after an afternoon in historic downtown Ellicott City, we notice the door open and the open sign flashing earlier than we thought their hours were, so we walked in. On the 1st floor we met a gentleman bottling Limoncello and he told us to head upstairs. On the 2nd floor they have a small room with a elevated bar and table/chairs overlooking Main Street. They also have a small deck outside, where we ended up, as well as a lighted stairway to the top of the property to another small deck and gazebo overlooking Ellicott City. We were told the owners were from Slovakia and Russia and you can see influences of that on their menu. We ended up meeting 1 of them and she was delightful as were the 2 other staff members we encountered. They have a small menu of 3 dips,2 small plates, 2 charcuterie plates and 2 desserts which work perfectly for this venue. They have a full range of drinks available and my wife liked her Ginger Mojito and my Vodka Breeze with blueberry liqueur was great. The 1st thing we said to each other was that we could taste the alcohol, since often you gets drinks at places that seen to be lacking it. They also have Liqueur and Whiskey flights as well as bottle sales of their Bourbon, Rye, Single Malt, Gin, Vodka, Rum, Liqueur and Cello's. A small selection of beer and wine is available too. The Ellicott Distilling Co. turned out to be a little gem and we look forward to a return trip to check out some of their food menu. It would be nice if they were open later than 7pm on Saturday. See more..
5.0 Oella Historic District (1 review)
- Historic Mill Village along steep hills and winding streets
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Oella is a mill town clinging to steep hills and winding streets next to the Patapsco River. Oella Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. the village can be reached via Oella Avenue, which branches right off Rt 144 after leaving Catonsville and re-enters 144 just before it crosses the river into Ellicott City. Highlights of the village include a row of red brick 19th century workers housing facing the river. The original mill was destroyed by fire, so what exists now is an early 20th-century replacement. Many of the stone buildings date from the early 19th century. Large wood framed houses are perched on the "cliffs" above the main avenue and can be reached by winding lanes one car wide. Fortunately, there are a few places along the avenue where one can pull off and get a good view of the river and surrounding buildings. See more..
4.5 Patapsco Valley State Park (257 reviews)
- Thank Your Local Park Service!
State Parks

Whoever oversees Patapsco is doing a fantastic job! The staff and park service there are amazing. I've been hiking around the park for over 20 yrs and have seen it go through a lot of changes. Since the pandemic, the park has seen a major increase in visitors, some who don't care about littering... But, I rarely see trash and the trails are always well maintained. Thank you! See more..
4.5 B&O Ellicott City Station Museum (184 reviews)
- A Terrific Local Museum
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

The B&O Ellicott City Station Museum is the oldest surviving train station in America, also many would argue that it is also the first station in America in general. The station was originally established as Freight Station only with passengers loading and unloading from a platform attached to the second story of the hotel that once existed across the street from the platform. In the 1850's the B&O decided to transform the station for passenger use as well as freight. The station was also an important transportation hub during the civil war moving both supplies and troops for the Union. The station continued as a passenger station until December 31st 1949 and as Freight Station until the 1970's. The station was than converted to a museum and is listed under the National Register of Historic Places. The management of the Museum has changed throughout the years, with Howard County Recreation and Parks taking over management from the site in September of 2017 See more..
4.5 Centennial Park (174 reviews)
- A great place for outdoor relaxation, exercise or fun
Spent More than 3 hours Parks

Centennial is a great little park for almost anything, with an outdoor twist. There is a 2.4 mile loop around the "lake", which is paved, and good for walking, running or biking. There are play and picnic areas, and a fair amount of parking, but it can fill fast when the weather is nice. See more..
4.5 Howard County Welcome Center (35 reviews)
- A Great Place to Start
Visitor Centers

This is a great place to get info not only on Old Ellicott City, but all of Howard County. There are all kinds of brochures on various attractions, hotels, restaurants etc. The people working here genuinely enjoy their job and talking to people. They can give you all sorts of info and insights on the area. Also, the bathrooms are clean!! See more..
4.5 The Forget-Me-Not Factory (12 reviews)
- For those who still believe in fairies (and dwarves and elves and nymphs...)
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

A unique store. Difficult to explain what they sell. Basically if you are love fairy-lore this is your kind of place. As a bonus it is all inside a very cool old building in Ellicott City with lots of small rooms filled with surprise and unique items around everytime. Great selection of memorabilia, collectibles and all things elven... See more..
4.5 Daniels Ghost Town (9 reviews)
- A walk back in time!
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Ghost Towns

WOW what a moment in time to visit here. Once a thriving mill town and now a ghost town. Only 2 partial churches still stand. There are walls where homes used to be behind. I could just imagine people walking about and talking and living full lives as we visited here. We found several cars/trucks that were ruined and just left after the Hurricane Agnes went through and finished wiping the town off the map! See more..
4.5 Pinot's Palette (5 reviews)
- Lots of Fun
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Paint & Pottery Studios

Pinot's Palette is Howard County's newest & most unique night of entertainment where anyone can be a Picasso. Our motto is Paint. Drink. Have Fun, a whimsical saying that we happen to take very seriously! No art experience required! In 2 or 3 hours you can create a beautiful painting while sipping your favorite wine or beer. Our local artists walk you through the painting step-by-step. See more..
4.0 Clark's Elioak Farm (141 reviews)
- Goats!!
Farms

In addition to the many animals in our petting farm, we are home to many of the attractions from the Enchanted Forest. We have pony rides, hay wagon rides, a cow train ride, the petting farm, the Enchanted Forest attractions, additional play areas, and a picnic area. We also have a pumpkin patch in the Fall. We are open to the public April 1 through early November, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM (last admission at 4 PM). We host school and group tours, birthday parties and group events also. On many weekends we have special activities and gem mining and geode cracking. See more..
4.0 The Spa at Turf Valley (45 reviews)
- the vichy shower is HEAVEN!!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spas

Your transition into the relaxation and renewal experience begins in our calm, comfortable surroundings in beautiful Howard County, MD. Located centrally in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. region, our luxurious spa offers soothing spa services, healthy cuisine and indulgent spa packages. Time stands still as you sink into your spa experience and awaken in a peaceful state surrounded by tranquil sounds and calming aromas. Pamper yourself with a deep-tissue massage or a soothing body treatment with a refreshing Vichy shower. Refresh tired skin with a self-renewing facial enhanced by a calming eye or lip treatment. Dive in to our refreshing indoor pool before dining on a healthy spa lunch in our serenity room or beautiful outdoor patio. The Spa at Turf Valley offers a choice of spa packages for every occasion. Escape to The Spa at Turf Valley to relax, renew and rejuvenate your body and spirit. See more..
4.0 Font Hills Wetlands Park (12 reviews)
- making the wetlands wetter
Spent 1-2 hours State Parks

me and my wife decided to adventure into the wetlands to enjoy the wildlife and completely have a quality time (if u know what i mean ;)) anyways we made the wetland moist with shrek and fiona plus donkey as the fifth overall quality time 10/10 would do again See more..
4.0 A Journey From Junk (8 reviews)
- Cute, repurposed stuff
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Antique Shops

A Journey from Junk has been catering to "junk girls" at their vintage boutique ever since the 2008 opening in Historic Ellicott City, Maryland. We sell everything from holiday fun to furniture, to Chalk Paint(R) decorative paint by Annie Sloan to clothing. We even have our own charm bar, where you can create your own necklace or bracelet from our collection of over 100 different charms. We teach Annie Sloan Chalk Paint(R) Classes in our workshop. We sell snarky cards and vintage boots, along with our funky necklaces, and earrings. We are living in a "junk girl" dream here at a Journey From Junk. Come experience it for yourself at 8247 Main Street Ellicott City, MD ........ We will be waiting for you to join the fun! See more..
4.0 Manor Hill Brewing (5 reviews)
- Great hangout
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries

Located on a 54-acre working farm in Ellicott City, Manor Hill Farm is home to Manor Hill Brewing... Howard County's first, and Maryland's largest, farm brewery. We are also home to 14 acres of corn, several bee hives, approximately 20 chickens, more than 20 free-range angus cattle, 2 pygmy goats, and multiple herb/vegetable/fruit gardens. Our brewing team uses high quality ingredients to craft exciting and approachable beers across both new and traditional styles. We believe strongly in supporting local and practicing sustainability and work to achieve these values as often as possible. Our farm and tasting room are open for visitors on Fridays (4-9pm), Saturdays (12-7pm) & Sundays (12-7pm). There is plenty of space on the farm for first come, first serve seating in our taproom, our covered/heated tent, and our spacious fields. We offer Neapolitan-style brick oven pizzas from our repurposed Pizza Trolley as well as rotating food trucks (check our website for schedule). See more..
4.0 Antique Depot (5 reviews)
- Everything you didn't know you wanted!
Saturday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops

The Antique Depot is one of the many boutique shops located on historic Main Street in Ellicott City. Located down towards the bottom of the street, it does seem that it was spared the devastation of the recent flooding. This place is crammed full of lots of different stuff. I'm sure there are some honest to goodness antiques mixed in, but mostly it seems like a garage sale hosted by an entire neighborhood. There are several floors and rooms to get lost in that are chock full of glassware, tableware, furniture, books, games, toys, comic books, keepsakes, knickknacks, paddywhacks, give a dog a bone, and more. There is no real organization to anything, so if you don't see what you're looking for in one section you might find it in another. My wife and I need to return for a particular piece we're looking for. We know it's in there somewhere. See more..
4.0 The Phoenix Emporium (4 reviews)
- Loved it
Saturday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs
Great knick-knack store. Kids loved it with all it's nooks and crannies. It had a great sale as well. See more..
4.0 All Time Toys (2 reviews)
- Replacement of Hard to Find Item
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

We had to replace a hard-to-find collectible for our instructor as he was soon catching a plane. I phoned the store and emailed a picture of our instructor to Patrick of All Time Toys. He remembered the client, pulled the 3-day old sales ticket and helped me replace the item before our instructor boarded the plane. What customer service and a store with great finds! Thank you Patrick! See more..
4.0 Ellicott City Firehouse Museum (2 reviews)
- Great model railroad shows
Saturday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

This was one of the very best model railroad we have seen. A great place for children. Some of them stayed there and stared at the dozens of trains for hours! See more..
3.5 E. C. Pops (5 reviews)
- Stocked up on Maryland gear
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Having moved to Florida 20 years ago, I always try to stop and get decal, tee shirts and this time masks. Pleased with the selection and organization of the shop. See more..
1.0 Mary's Land Farm (1 review)
- Avoid This Sunflower Festival!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Farms
Mary's Land Farm is a 160 Acre Organic Farm that offers classes and tours and hosts people that want to visit for any reason. See more..
AxGard (0 review)
Saturday: 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Axe throwing with projector targets (real axes) offering multiple games to play during your visit & a separate Virtual Reality Arcade offering 100 arcade style games (great for kids birthday parties)! Beautiful balcony view of Main Street in Old Ellicott City! Great for date night, a family outing, birthday parties, large groups and corporate team building events! See more..
Happy Feet (0 review)
Spas
See more..
Main Street Oriental Rugs (0 review)
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

Browse over 3,000 pieces of functional art created by master weavers and artisans from all over the world - new, vintage, and antiques. Main Street Oriental Rugs is a fair-trade, direct importer of fine, hand-knotted Persian and Oriental rugs, located in Historic Ellicott City for nearly 20 years, established by Mr. Mojan Bagha, an area rug dealer and antique rug appraiser. See more..
Saisha's Boutique (0 review)
Shopping Malls
Nothing is more elegant than an ethnic ensemble stitched from the finest fabrics. Saisha’s Boutique is a one-stop shop for all ethnic styles. We help you spruce up your wardrobe with a fashionable, stylish, and upbeat collection of ethnic and fusion wear. We make sure that our ensembles reflect your personal taste and style. The fashion experts at Saisha’s Boutique give precedence to comfort without compromising on style. We promise ethnic silhouettes that exude glamour and class. Find your inner diva and let it out with the unique, simple yet elegant ethnic collection of Saisha’s Boutique. See more..