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Working with the Washington Post writer Ellen McCarthy to highlight Ellicott City as one of the best six towns to visit within a local area. Ellen is working on this as we speak and this is EllicottCity.net's commitment towards them and the town. Please enjoy the suggested things to do, and please enjoy your visit to Historic Ellicott City!
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| Lush vegetation and the swiftly flowing Patapsco River must have captivated the three Ellicott brothers when they searched for land in the late 1760's. The brothers had searched throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania for a site where they could grow wheat and harness water power for a mill. In 1771 the Ellicott brothers purchased many acres east of the river in the valley known as the "Hollow." Although the valley was uninhabitable, they were not alone; other settlers lived along the bluffs overlooking the river. For more on our towns history, floods & fires click here. |

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As far as parking is concerned, there are many places from which to choose, some are even free. To find out more about parking in our town, visit the Parking Section. Parking is enforced, please avoid parking infringements as tickets are written and this could very well be a dampener on your visit. more
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The Wayside Inn Bed & Breakfast - Owners Susan and David Balderson will soon begin their tenth year of operating The Wayside Inn. Our newest addition, our third major renovation to the Inn, adds a beautiful all year sun porch. The new bedroom has its own private entrance, a gas fireplace topped with a large LCD Hi Def. TV. The Bathroom has a large double Jacuzzi Style tub and a separate shower with body jets and a rainforest showerhead. The addition is topped off with a roof top deck overlooking the beautiful back yard and pond! The large year round sun porch allows for meetings, small weddings or receptions, craft parties, or just about anything one can think of.
We have recently been honored by acceptance into Select Registry™, Distinguished Inn of North America. This upscale group boasts membership of only about 400 out of the approximately 10,000 bed and breakfasts in Canada and the U.S. To be elected, an Inn must be recommended by at least two sitting members, pass a rigorous under-cover inspection and then be voted on by a membership committee of standing members. We were proud to accept their invitation to join in June of 2008 and to be one of only nine Select Registry™ members in Maryland and the only one along the RT. 95 corridor between Baltimore and Washington, DC.
The Wilderness Bed & Breakfast - Provides a great place to lay down one's head and rest. The surrounding woods keeps everything quiet and private, and visitors find the house great fun to stay in - a step back in time. If you are coming to visit Ellicott City overnight, The Wilderness offers the most unusual B&B experience given its location. with homemade GREAT dark chocolate raspberry truffle cake among other confections that are always available to guests!
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Two hundred years of history await you at the Wayside Inn.
Stunning building with the most romantic rooms. more |

I have been to this B & B and quite frankly it takes your breath away, and the location is beautiful! more
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Great location offering Vegetarian lite fair, freshly made coffee and tea. more |

The Old Mill Bakery Cafe is a great place to start your day in Historic Ellicott City. more |

From the minute you walk through the door and smell the fresh baked breads and sweets, you know that you are
some place special.more
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There are quite a few attractions in the town including the B&O Railway Station - Ellicott City Station, in Lower Main Street (an EllicottCity.net Sponsor) which is the oldest railroad station in America, featuring a huge model train setting, a carriage to explore and a nice gift shop for memories of your stay (discount coupon available for everyone).
When you first drive into town from the top, on your left is the Thomas Isaac Log Cabin, in Upper Main Street and named after one of its 19th century owners, this rustic structure was built circa 1780 by an early
settler of Ellicott's Mills. In Upper Main Street is the Ellicott City Fire Station, now closed but has been converted into a museum. Just a small drive (5 mins I'd say) through stunning Oella is The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum, which encompasses 138 acres and containing extensive nature trails, the primary focus of this park is the museum highlighting the contributions of Benjamin Banneker - the first African American man of science. This site includes a Visitors Center, featuring a collection of Banneker's works, community gallery, gift shop, and patio garden. Historic Ellicott City even has its own Bubbleman, this remarkable looking chap dresses up in period and fancy/magical clothing blowing bubbles of all sizes all over the lower end of Main Street outside their whimsical store aptly named The Forget-Me-Not Factory, which is a must when visiting Historic Ellicott City! |
(offering a coupon)

The Oldest Railroad Station in
America, featuring a huge train
set, and so much more. more |
Located in Historic Oella

Founded upon the homestead of the Banneker family, Benjamin Banneker Historical Park is
142 acres in the heart of Oella. more |
Lower Main Street

Bubble therapy encourages children
of all ages to play with bubbles and
forget their troubles. more |
Just outside Historic Ellicott City

The Ellicott City Colored School was
the first school built with public
funds
in Howard County, Maryland. more |
Upper Main Street

Our town's very own fire station, which now houses a museum about those times. more |
Patapsco Female Institute Reception

Historic Mt. Ida is the visitor center and office for the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park. Said to be Haunted more |
Up by the Court House

The PFI
was founded in 1837 and operated as an elegant finishing school for
young women .more
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Upper Main Street

Named after one of its 19th century owners, this was built circa 1780 by an early
settler of Ellicott's Mills. more
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| There are quite a few delicious restaurants located in or around Main Street, including Cacao Lane Restaurant in Lower Main Street. The three buildings housing the restaurant are constructed of locally quarried stone and brick. Parts of these buildings are over 165 years old, serving American cuisine and delicious desserts. Jordan's Steakhouse (an EllicottCity.net Sponsor) in Middle Main Street, is an steakhouse with a difference, awesome food, excellent service, and a large selection of fine wines. Try Ellicott Mills Brewery for a fine dining experience and a good selection of micro brews, including a brilliant atmosphere to boot. |
Lower Main Street

Enjoy fabulous food in the cozy
stone walled, candle lit rooms of
the 165
year old building. more |
(offering a coupon)

Local brewery with loads of
atmosphere to boot. They have
a good micro brew. more
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(offering a coupon)

A two level dining room,
stunning stenciled walls, and
thoughtfully set lighting! more |
Middle Main Street

Just
dress-up your
expectations for
superb
food, and fine wine. more |
Upper Main Street

"English style pub with over 65 bottled microbrews and 17 microbrew taps". more |
Upper Main Street

La Palapa Grill & Cantina provides
"The Flavor of Mexico in Historic Ellicott City". Great food to boot! more
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(offering a coupon)

An old fashioned pub in the heart of Historic Ellicott City with some parking just outside. more |
Lower Main Street

Featuring a complete Japanese-American menu ready to satisfy your taste buds and bar area. more |
Upper Main Street

Tersiguel's French Country
Restaurant. Located in the
19th Century home of the first
mayor of Ellicott City. more |
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Joan Eve Classics & Collectable's (an EllicottCity.net Sponsor), (discount coupon available) is located in Lower Main Street. Joan Eve's eclectic taste allows for an interesting selection of either classic or collectible items. She also features a wide variety of antiques. Please view her extensive gallery for items currently in stock. Main Street Oriental Rugs (an EllicottCity.net Sponsor) as a destination for many for finding finest oriental rugs for low prices. They are a direct importer of fine rugs and their selection is unique and prices low, they also specialize in cleaning and repair of all types of area rugs! Not looking for a rug? I would still like to suggest viewing their beautiful collection and you may find something special for your home.
We have our own wine store in Lower Main Street called Carpe Vinum, carrying many types of wines, beers and spirits and they even have their own wine tasting days, where John can give you samples of wine and discuss all your questions regarding his inventory and wines in general. Why not visit our very own Bubbleman, dressed up in old fashioned clothes and blowing bubbles all over the Lower Main Street outside The Forget-Me-Not Factory which offers whimsical, unique collectibles in a completely enchanting way.
Just opposite is Discoveries (discount coupon available) housing a vast array of Maryland's most unique, stunning and and also great and fun . Just in, there are thousands of jewelry. The Vintage Shoppes on Middle Main Street offers three floors of antiques comprizing of two stores, called A Journey from Junk & Diamonds & Rust. Just up the road from Discoveries is Out of Our Past Antiques, offering a wide selection of antiques of all sizes and shapes. Craig Coyne Jewelers is not only in Historic Ellicott City but in my opinion the best around by far, run by charming owners, this is my first and only port of call for repairs and sales! Caplan's Antiques is a big antiques store with many antiques to choose from including stained glass windows and more - on most Sundays they have an auction running worth checking out. Fundamentals Design Workshop, in Upper Main Street is a small workshop and also has a great supply of goods including, an extensive line of hardware for most antique repairs, a hidden treasure! Also in Upper Main Street is Gramps Attic Books, what could be more interesting than two large rooms full of old, used, some fairly new; even a few rare books to pour over? You may even be interested in our towns very own Tattoo Studio, in Lower Main Street. |
Middle Main Street

Vintage & New Action Figures & Video Games. Located in Middle Main Street, come see us. more
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Lower Main Street

Art, furniture, sculpture, glass, jewelry and more at very accessible prices. Different artists featured. more
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Middle Main Street

Since 1895, Caplan's of Ellicott City, has been serving the community. Check out their Auctions! more
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Lower Main Street

Wine Tasting's Sat and Sun 12-3pm. Very knowledgeable on fine wines & beers. more |
Middle Main Street

Fine jewelry found in the heart of Ellicott City. Webmaster's jewelers of choice for all my repairs and purchases. more |
Lower Main Street
Discount Coupon Available

Awarded Baltimore's Best in Pottery & Fantasy Gifts, and clothing, dresses. more |
Tongue Row

Great full service salon in the heart of Tongue Row. more |
Lower Main Street

Their fantasy store offers whimsical, unique collectibles in an enchanting way. more |
Upper Main Street

Giving each piece care,
from the first preparation to the finishing touch. With many fixtures to chose from for your home needs. more |
Lower Main Street
EllicottCity.net Sponsor

Joan Eve's eclectic taste allows for an interesting selection of what is either classic or collectible. more |
Tongue Row

They are a women's boutique offering jewelry, fashion and home accessories. check them out. more |
Upper Main Street

For anything print related the copy center can cater to your needs, cost effective and friendly staff. more |
Upper Main Street
Expert in Cleaning &
Professional Repair of
New & Antique Oriental Rugs. Great prices! more |
Up by the Court House

Located by
the Court House, Dr. Jason
Meyerson has been practicing
within Baltimore region since 1996. more |
Middle Main Street
At Mumbles & Squeaks, there is much to see at our toy shop, and hundreds of toys! more |
Middle Main Street

Furniture - Primitives - Collectibles. Only the best will do at our establishment, please come in. more
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Lower Main Street

Elifrey Caribbean School of Dance provides top-notch instruction in Caribbean dance forms more |
Middle Main Street

Just walking past the window
draws one in. Ask for our
special chocolate drinks. more |
Lower Main Street

A quaint place along the Tiber that captures the feel of Historic Ellicott City, well worth an afternoon tea. more
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Lower Main Street

A journey from Junk and Diamonds & Rust, comprise these intriguing shoppe, more |
Upper Main Street

The people make this place unique not only what they offer, but how they offer it. more |
Middle Main Street

At The Yuppy Puppy Pet Boutique you will find a superb selection
of upscale pet
products and innovative gifts. more |
Lower Main Street
Tattoo Artist, located in lower main street, custom one-of-a-kind tattoos. more
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Middle Main Street
FInd a special arrangement here for the one you love. more |
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