Posted on May 11, 2022 by Miller and Smith Blog Team
Ellicott City is a beautiful place to call home.
Full of history and awash with natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Money often includes Ellicott City in their annual “20 Best Places to Live in the United States”(number 10 in 2021).
This best place to live was the perfect location for another magnetic Miller & Smith community: Patapsco Crossing.
Patapsco Crossing is a new community of single-family homes. The spaces in these homes are big and bold, including a connoisseur kitchen with oversized island, 4–6 bedrooms, 3–6 full baths, 9’ ceilings, and plenty of flex space options (inside and out) to make your home just right.
With room enough for everything (and then some!), the homes at Patapsco Crossing make living easy. Working from home will be a joy. Rainy days will be easy excuses to stay in and enjoy your home. And entertaining will be a piece of cake (party pun intended) as your kitchen flows right into your bright entertainment room with an optional fireplace—the perfect place to celebrate triumphs and special events.
The homes at Patapsco Crossing are also the perfect home base to explore Ellicott City. Of course there is a huge array of places to dine and shop, but we wanted to find some of the more special and (sometimes) off-the-beaten-path adventures to highlight.
And here they are: 8 unique (and fun!) things to explore in Ellicott City.
1. Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park is only about 8 minutes from your Patapsco Crossing home. This nationally known park is lush with opportunities to get back to nature: hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, and picnicking. There are even horseback and mountain bike trails. You’ll find something new every time you visit and explore over 16,000 acres and 200 miles of trails. There are also activities your family can take part in throughout the year, including some for grandparents and grandchildren!
2. Old Ellicott City
Old Ellicott City is irreplaceable, irresistible, and indominable. It’s survived fires and floods, but has never stopped being something amazing, special, and uniquely Maryland. Just a 7-minute drive and you can experience all the history, dining, shopping, live music, and events that make every inch of Old Ellicott City come to life. And there is even more to love with 2022 being Ellicott City’s sestercentennial—that’s 250 years to celebrate!
3. The Forget-Me-Not Factory
And right in the middle of Old Ellicott City is The Forget-Me-Not Factory. This home to whimsy can be found in one of the largest and oldest buildings in Old Ellicott City. Three floors of wonder await you. Here, you’ll find all sorts of dragons, fairies, toys, candy, jewelry, collectibles, and handmade products. And once you’ve seen the player piano on the third floor, you will definitely never be able to forget your experience with this magical shop.
4. Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum
At the end of Old Ellicott City is the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Ellicott City Station Museum. This two-level museum preserves and showcases the oldest surviving railroad station in the United States. It was the first stop on the B&O Main Line, which you can now examine in their HO-scale model railroad in the Freight House. You’ll also be able to see the freight agent’s living quarters, Provost Marhsall’s Office, Telegraph/Ticket Office, Men’s Waiting Room, and Car House. There’s even a preserved 1927 Caboose that actually traveled on the B&O Line.
5. Ellicott City History Tours
Reading about history is one thing, but walking in the footsteps of history connects you on a much deeper level to those who have come before. This is the aim of Ellicott City History Tours. Considered by some to be one of the most haunted places in the country, one thing is certain: Ellicott City has many stories to share. On these walking tours, you’ll hear tales told by a trained guide (often in period costume and carrying a lantern) about spooky and historical happenings in the city. It’s a unique way to experience the history of Ellicott City. Plus, they also have pub crawls where you’ll learn about more than one type of spirit.
6. Daniels, Maryland
Daniels, Maryland was once a thriving town built around a 19th century textile mill. It grew in the 20th century until the mill closed in the late 60s and the 90 families who lived there were told to find other homes—and they left. The town sat empty. In 1972, tropical storm Agnes flooded the town, demolishing most of its buildings. This is an excursion where you find your own paths at times and experience this ghost town in your own unique way. Will you explore the remains of two churches, walk through other ruins, or try to identify the twisted masses of cars from various time periods that have collected in Daniels? Whatever you investigate, you will be seeing a unique part of Ellicott City history.
7. Clark’s Elioak Farm
Less than 15 minutes from Patapsco Crossing is Clark’s Elioak Farm. This 7th generation family farm and petting zoo has the distinction of preserving an Ellicott City treasure: The Enchanted Forest. The Enchanted Forest entertained families for over 30 years with its world of fairy tales and family fun. In 2004, Clark’s Elioak Farm began its process of acquiring and restoring many beloved parts of The Enchanted Forest, adding even more wonder. Now, you can tour the new Enchanted Forest, ride on ponies or trains, pet friendly farm animals, and bring some of the best farm produce home with you.
8. Patapsco Distilling Company
Just outside of Ellicott City (but close enough) is the Patapsco Distilling Company. Think of it as The Enchanted Forest of the adult palate. Located in a historic building in downtown Sykesville (just 15 minutes from Patapsco Crossing), Patapsco Distilling creates award-winning vodka, gin, bourbon, whiskey, and more from 100% locally grown Maryland grains. Stop by the distillery and tasting room today and drink a piece of local history.
Patapsco Crossing in Ellicott City is near so many unique experiences, but coming home will always be the best one. Our decorated model home is now open. Schedule a tour today and find how one visit really can change everything.