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If you’re looking for a great getaway along the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. corridor, you can’t go wrong exploring Howard County, MD. Home to the towns of Ellicott City and Columbia, among others, Howard County MD, is a great weekend destination.
Whether you’re looking for a cute Main Street town like Ellicott City or a perfectly planned city like Columbia, Howard County perfectly blends the urban and the rural. You’d hardly believe that you’re between two big cities!
Let’s explore Howard County, MD!
Things to Do in Ellicott City, Maryland
Of course, if you want to leave the resort, it will take you less than 15 minutes to drive to downtown Ellicott City. Here are some fun things to do in Ellicott City:
Visit Clark’s Elioak Farm
Relive your days as a child at the Clark’s Elioak Farm. The farm contains the former attractions of the Enchanted Forest, a local amusement park that closed down years ago. You’ll find Jack and Jill tumbling down the hill. You can slide down the house in the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe. Admire the fairy homes, which seem to become more numerous year after year.
The farm is perfect for visiting year-round and includes some of the cutest baby goats I’ve ever seen. Don’t miss visiting one of Maryland’s best sunflower farms if you’re visiting in late August to early September.
Have lunch at Honey Pig Hot Pot & BBQ
As one of three designated Koreatowns in the United States, Ellicott City is a wonderful place to try fabulous Korean cuisine. And if you’re looking for an experience as well as a meal, you’ve got to visit Honey Pig Hot Pot & BBQ!
If you’ve never tried Korean hot pot and BBQ, don’t fret! The staff will explain how it works and help you in making your selections. For your personal hot pot, you’ll create your own soup by selecting a broth into which you’ll place your favorite selections from the buffet. Your staff person will assist you in choosing the kind of protein to place on the table’s BBQ and help prepare it as well. A large sauce bar helps complete your meal.
Do try to stay out of the way of the robot that delivers the BBQ proteins to the table! It’s a busy little guy!
Stop by the Howard County Welcome Center
Before setting off on your exploration of historic Ellicott City, stop by the Howard County Welcome Center where you can pick up a map and find out about places to visit. This renovated 1939 post office showcases vintage fixtures. Brass P.O. boxes can be found inside the walk-in safe. Visitors can also see two murals painted in 1942, commissioned by the New Deal and lovingly restored in 2016.
Learn local history at the Museum of Howard County History
Perched atop the hill in Ellicott City and overlooking the downtown streets, you can’t miss the Museum of Howard County History. Visitors to the museum learn about the historic floods that have affected the city. Periodic-themed exhibits tell the tale of Ellicott City as a mill town and how it has changed over the years.
Entrance to the museum is free. It is open Saturdays and Sundays between 1 and 5 pm. And if you’ve got little ones with you, stop by the neighboring Ellicott Mills Children’s Museum.
Shop the local stores along Main Street in Historic Ellicott City
One of the charms of Ellicott City is the shops that dot the Main Street. As the main thoroughfare, Main Street is home to many restaurants, bars, and other businesses. But it’s the charming shops that beckon many of the passersby to enter.
E.C. Pops, a flavored popcorn store, won the Baltimore Sun’s “Best of” in the category of Maryland-themed gift store, so it is a perfect spot to buy a unique souvenir. Or visit Sweet Elizabeth Jane, a store selling all kinds of fun accessories, clothing, and home items. Book lovers will appreciate Gramp’s Attic Books, where, in addition to old and rare books, you’ll find vintage posters and more!
Explore the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum
If you’ve ever played Monopoly, you might recognize the B&O Railroad name. The B&O Ellicott City Museum contains displays of what a train station was like at the height of train travel. The inside features a Freight Agent’s Office, Superintendent’s Office, Telegraph/Ticket Office, Men’s Waiting Room, and Car House, distributed over two floors. A restored caboose from 1927 awaits those going through the platform doors.
The museum is free to visit. It is open for limited hours so check ahead of time.
Send your sugar spiking at the Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
You’ll want to split this with close friends because these are no ordinary milkshakes! The aptly named Crazy Mason serves milkshakes in a mason jar – but not just any milkshake. Try this store’s special, the O’Crab! The O’Crab features sea salt caramel and chocolate ice cream in a jar with a chocolate iced rim rolled in sprinkles in the Maryland state colors: red, yellow, and chocolate. The jar is then topped with a cookie, a milk and dark chocolate Old Bay dusted crab and EC Pops chocolate popcorn.
Things to Do in Columbia MD
Looking for a different outing than what Ellicott City, MD offers? Check out these options in nearby Columbia MD:
Howard County Center of African American Culture
Open from 12-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, the Howard County Center of African American Culture explores the history and culture of African Americans in Howard County and Maryland. The focus is on actual stories by including artifacts and memorabilia that allow for a stronger connection between visitor and historic person. By the way, the director is extremely engaging (as you can see above!).
Enjoy a cocktail at the Rookery Bar
Located inside the Merriweather Lakehouse, Autograph Collection Hotel, the Rookery Bar provides magnificent views while enjoying a cocktail or local craft beer.
Wander along the Lake Kittamaqundi Trail
The 1.4-mile loop around Lake Kittamaqundi is flat and easy, making it a perfect way to explore the beauty of the area. Make sure that you end your wandering by the Columbia Lakefront Stage, where you may be rewarded with live music.
Eat Dinner at The Collective OffShore
The Collective OffShore prides itself on coastal recipes, so the menu is heavy on seafood options, including fresh catches. Guests shouldn’t miss the famous Maryland crab cakes, fried calamari, and can’t-stop-eating ceviche (that’s what I’m calling it!). But non-fish guests can enjoy the tender lamb lollipops, melt-in-your-mouth bone in short-rib, or grilled filet mignon.
Catch a Show at the Merriweather Post Pavilion
My first introduction to Columbia was coming to see The Cure in concert at the Merriweather Post Pavilion (am I aging myself?!?). Located in the middle of Symphony Woods, a parkland area, the feeling is laid back and relaxed while enjoying great music. Major music acts have floated through here and even influenced what it looks like today. For example, a mosh pit was created when Green Day requested it for their American Idiot tour. The loge sections were added for Tom Jones. The slope of the green areas means that you’ll get great views of the stage. Time your visit to Howard County MD to catch your favorite act at the Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Where to Stay in Howard County, MD
Turf Valley Resort
If you’re looking to add activities like golf or tennis to your Howard County weekend adventure, then stay at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City. The hotel offers so much that you may find exploring the rest of the area hard. You can read more about it here.
Merriweather Lakehouse, Autograph Collection
Any other Marriott fans out there? The Autograph Collection hotels always exceed my expectations, and the Merriweather Lakehouse is no exception. Perfectly located on the Columbia Lakefront, guests can easily walk to many local destinations. Ask for a room with a view of the Lake!
Final Thoughts on Howard County Weekend
Howard County MD is a great spot to get away for a weekend. There is small-town shopping, an opportunity to learn about history, cultural events like concerts, and fabulous foodie options. Enjoy exploring Howard County!
Check out these other Maryland posts:
- Best Sunflowers Fields to Visit in Maryland
- 8 Lavender Fields to Visit in Maryland
- The Perfect Weekend in Wicomico County MD
- Turf Valley Resort Review: Where to Stay in Howard County
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
I’d like to thank Visit Howard County Maryland for hosting my visit. As always, my write-ups are an accurate reflection of the experiences I had.
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.