Ellicott City is a quaint town outside of Baltimore loaded to the brim with history, culture, and family-friendly attractions for all. Founded in 1772 by two manufacturing-minded brothers, the Ellicotts, Ellicott City was once a railroad town home to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station and throughout its rich history has turned into one of the most affluent cities in the U.S.
So, what's there to do in Ellicott city? Plenty! If history's your thing, you can take a ghost tour of historic Ellicott City provided by Visit Howard County. The tour begins at 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month and costs $10 for adults and $8 for kids. Exercise those legs and walk down Main Street learning how old rock formations were blown up to make way for Ellicott's historic streets on the tour. You'll also learn about the famous B&O Railroad Station and 20 other historic attractions throughout the city.
After the tour, take advantage of the many restaurants in Ellicott City. Breweries, bistros, pizzerias, and more; there's no shortage of great and diverse dining throughout the city. Or, get a little retail therapy with a ton of great shopping options including antique stores, boutiques, gift shops, and jewelry vendors.
The entertainment and nightlife choices in Ellicott City are aplenty as well. Catch some great, local, live music at venues like the Bare Bones Bar and Grill or the Judge's Bench Pub on Main Street. Burn off those calories with some dancing at the Second Chance Saloon, or sit back and relax with some hookah at Haunted Hookah.
Kids will love the recreation options in Ellicott City; the most notable being the Patapsco Valley State Park where families can hike through the Maryland wilderness, canoe down the Patapsco River, or enjoy a picnic in the park.
As you can see, Ellicott City is a great destination for a wide variety of activities. Plan ahead, explore this history-rich city, and have a great time!
