Trails
Make the drive worth it.
Nobody drives past 13554 Triadelphia Road by accident. So here are a few routes that make the trip worth it, depending on where you're starting from.
One thing first: our zip code says Ellicott City, but we're not on Main Street.
We're in western Howard County, out near Routes 32 and 97. Historic Ellicott City is about twenty minutes east of us by car, so it isn't walkable, but it's an easy drive and the two make a good day together.
Where are you starting from?
Pick your direction to see the drive and what’s along it. Hover a letter on the map or a name in the list for the details; each stop shows how much time it adds. Stop wherever you like; we’re the red diamond at the end.
Route:
Tap a letter on the map to see that stop.
or pick a vibe
Make a day of it
Days we would plan for a friend. Times are a suggestion and drive times are approximate; every stop keeps its own hours, so check before you set out.
it’s your day
The Birthday Trail
Brunch, chocolate, a present and a toast.
BestFri or SatTotal7½ hrsDriving1 hr
click or tap for the stops
- 110:00Manor Hill TavernBrunch and a housemade Bloody Mary. Friday brunch starts at 11.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 211:30Bohemian HouseOriginal art, repurposed vintage and textiles, plus the owner’s own oils, simmer pots and candles, a short walk up Main Street.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 312:15Sweet Cascades ChocolatierHandmade truffles and chocolates in the historic district. Pick a box to open at the vineyard.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 41:15UON curateChoose your own present. Treat yourself: a massage at Clarity Acupuncture in our building.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎Book a massage
- 54:00Black Ankle VineyardsA small vineyard in the Mount Airy hills making serious, quiet wines. Book a tasting and stay for sunset; open until 9 Fridays and Saturdays.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
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for treasure hunters
The Antiques Run
Breakfast at the mill, then the dealers.
BestThu–SatTotal8½ hrsDriving1 hr 10 min
click or tap for the stops
- 19:00Savage MillBreakfast at Brewing Good Coffee Co. (from 8) and a pastry at Roggenart, then the Antique Center (100+ dealers) when it opens at 10.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 211:30Antique DepotAn antiques and vintage mall with more than 60 dealers on Maryland Avenue, at the bottom of Main Street in Old Ellicott City.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 31:00Fox & Barrel + The Pink CabbageLunch in the red barn, then shabby chic to antique next door.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 42:30UON curateFurniture, lighting and brass in the old church. Measure twice; we hold pieces for seven days.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 54:00Olney Antique VillageOn Georgia Avenue. Call ahead to check they are open late enough: 240-280-3804.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
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boots on
Hike & Picnic
A basket, a bottle and a quiet walk.
BestSat or SunTotal3½ hrsDriving10 min
click or tap for the stops
- 110:00UON curateStart with a coffee cupping (check the Calendar for cupping mornings) and choose a vintage picnic basket off the floor.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 211:00Olde Tyme LiquorsWine, beer and spirits a minute down Triadelphia Road. Pick a bottle to tuck into the basket.Directions ↗︎
- 311:15Lunch to go on Ten Oaks RoadPick up from our neighbours: tacos from Cilantro Neighborhood Cantina, pub sandwiches from Ten Oaks Tavern, or curries from The Mint Room.Directions ↗︎
- 412:00Shrine of St. AnthonyWalking trails, prayer gardens and a grotto on the Franciscan grounds around the corner from us. Open to the public daily; ask about the best spot for your picnic.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
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steep yourself
The Tea Trail
Tea fields, afternoon tea, your own blend.
BestFri or SatTotal9 hrsDriving1 hr 15 min
click or tap for the stops
- 110:00UON curateTeacups, teapots and linens from the floor. On a Friday, come at 11.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 211:00Heron's Meadow FarmWalk the tea fields and herb gardens, taste, and pick a stoneware mug. Saturdays 10–3, Fridays 12–5.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 31:30The Kate Pearl Tea RoomEnglish-style afternoon tea on Main Street, Sykesville. Reserve ahead.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 43:15Shipley Memorial Garden + Carroll Arts CenterDowntown Westminster: an herb, vegetable and dye-plant garden from the 1800s behind the Historical Society (open sunup to sundown), then the two galleries in the restored 1937 theater on Main Street.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 54:15Yah Muva ApothecaryYour own blend: a custom tea consult with Heidi, the herbalist, at her shop in Westminster. Book ahead by messaging @yah_muva_apothecary on Instagram.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 65:30Old Westminster WineryA family tasting room with wood-fired pizza to end on. Check hours before you go.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
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three main streets
Main Street Hop
Three small towns in one long Saturday.
BestSaturdayTotal9 hrsDriving50 min
click or tap for the stops
- 19:00French Twist CaféCoffee and crêpes for breakfast on Sykesville’s Main Street.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 210:00Revive & Co. and Tidal SaltTwo shops on Sykesville’s Main Street: curated home goods and gifts at Revive & Co., and locally made finishing salts at Tidal Salt.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 311:15UON curateThe sanctuary, halfway between the two Main Streets: furniture, clothing and small things in wood, wool, cotton and brass.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 41:00Little Market Café + two galleriesLunch on cobbled Tonge Row, then a monthly show by local artists at The Artist’s Gallery and the HoCo Arts gallery at the Capitoline Center on Court Avenue (Saturdays until 4).Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 53:00The Artful Flea, Domain + MIY Candle CoVintage homeware in a wood-paneled house, antiques and interiors at Domain, then pour your own candle at MIY. Pat’s Porch for candy.Directions ↗︎
- 64:45Atwater'sAn early supper of soup and fresh bread on Frederick Road. Check their closing time.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
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for the plant people
The Green Day
A farm, botanicals and houseplants.
BestSpringTotal7 hrsDriving1 hr
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- 110:00Breezy Willow FarmCertified organic vegetables, herbs and flowers, raw honey, and goat and sheep milk soaps in Woodbine. Farm sales vary, so check ahead.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 211:00BotaniGalPlants and botanical gifts on Sykesville’s Main Street, a few doors from the Kate Pearl Tea Room.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 312:00UON curate + Lauren's nursery + CultivatePots, planters and brass with us; Maryland natives and garden goods next door.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 41:30Great SageA late plant-based lunch in Clarksville, then the Roots market next door for the pantry.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 53:30Hallowed GroundA shop full of houseplants in the old mill village of Oella, across the river from Ellicott City and on the way home toward Baltimore.Directions ↗︎
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with the kids
Farm Day
Pick your own, goats and farm pizza.
BestFall wkndsTotal7½ hrsDriving35 min
click or tap for the stops
- 110:00Larriland FarmPick-your-own on 285 acres in Woodbine: apples and pumpkins in the fall, through the first Sunday in November.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 212:00UON curateOld books, games and toys from another century, and plenty of room to look around.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 31:30Clark's Elioak FarmFarm animals to meet and the rescued storybook pieces of the old Enchanted Forest. Built for small people.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 44:00Manor Hill BrewingHoward County’s first farm brewery, on a working farm with bees, chickens and cattle. Brick-oven pizza in the field; Friday from 4, weekends from noon.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
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bring the group chat
Girls' Day Out
Brunch, nails, a massage, fire pits.
BestSat or SunTotal8 hrsDriving35 min
click or tap for the stops
- 111:00Busboys and PoetsWeekend brunch among the bookshelves, with a Bloody Mary or a mimosa, a few minutes from the nail salon. Join the waitlist online.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 212:45CK NailsManicures and pedicures for the group in east Columbia. Book ahead; open Saturdays from 9 and Sundays 11–5.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 32:30A massage at ClarityClarity Acupuncture is in our building: massage and bodywork by appointment. Book one for each of you.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎Book a massage
- 43:45UON curate + a craft afternoonShop us, then make something at Resting Bitch Place down the hall. Book the session.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 55:30Walker's Tap & TableMade-from-scratch food, craft cocktails and fire pits in Glenwood, with live music Wednesdays and Thursdays.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
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when it pours, with kids
Rainy Day with Kids
Touch tanks, old toys, the Builder’s Barn.
BestThu–SatTotal6 hrsDriving25 min
click or tap for the stops
- 110:00Robinson Nature CenterTwo floors of hands-on exhibits, a touch tank, a live animal wall and a digital planetarium in Columbia. Check show times.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 212:00Clarksville CommonsLunch at the Common Kitchen food hall, where everyone gets what they want, with the Roots market and Great Sage next door.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 31:30UON curateOld books, games and toys from another century, and a big room to look around in.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 42:45Glenwood LibraryThe Builder’s Barn for young makers, a LEGO table and a playspace, ten minutes west of us on Route 97. Free; open until 5 Fridays and Saturdays, 8 on Thursdays.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
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when it pours, no kids
Rainy Day
Mill shops, a book pub and a class.
BestThu–SunTotal6½ hrsDriving45 min
click or tap for the stops
- 110:00Savage Mill shopsRaven & Rose, Ancestors Bosom Herbal Apothecary, The Bonnie Wee Bookstore, Clay Coven and more, all indoors in the old cotton mill. Opens at 10, Sundays at 11.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 212:30Backwater Bookstore and BibliopubBooks downstairs, lunch and a drink upstairs in Old Ellicott City, with live music on weekends.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 31:45Stone House CollectiveThree floors of vintage and antique furniture, art and clothing, a few doors down.Directions ↗︎
- 43:00UON curate + a class at CultivateThe sanctuary sounds best in the rain. Then take a class next door at Cultivate Garden & Goods; check their calendar and book a spot.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
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just the two of you
Date Night
A quiet browse, dinner and a show.
BestFri or SatTotal5 hrsDriving20 min
click or tap for the stops
- 14:30UON curateCome in near closing, when it’s quiet, and pick something for the house together. Open until 6 on Fridays.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 26:00The Food MarketDinner on Little Patuxent Parkway in downtown Columbia: big shared plates and a busy bar. Book a table.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 38:00A show or a filmA concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion in season, a few minutes’ walk away, or a film at AMC Columbia 14 at the mall.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
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home for the holidays
The Holiday Trail
A tree, gifts, trains and the lights.
BestDec SatsTotal9 hrsDriving45 min
click or tap for the stops
- 110:00TLV Tree FarmPick your tree in Glenelg, family-run for more than a century. Open 9–5 in season.Directions ↗︎
- 211:30UON curateGifts nobody else will be giving: vintage ornaments, linens, brass and things made by local makers.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 31:45B&O Ellicott City Station MuseumThe holiday train garden in the old B&O station at the bottom of Main Street, one of the oldest railroad stations in the country.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 42:45A holiday stroll up Main StreetOld Ellicott City in its lights and window displays: wander up the hill, duck into the shops, and find something warm to drink on the way. On the first Friday in December, come back for Midnight Madness and the tree lighting.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
- 55:30Symphony of LightsDrive or walk through 300,000 bulbs at Merriweather, Columbia. Check the nights.Directions ↗︎ · Website ↗︎
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