Ask almost anyone who spends time in Ellicott City and they will tell you its delight is in the people who live, work and visit the historic Howard County neighborhood. “I hear a heartwarming story every day,” said Diane Standeven, co-owner of Original Souls gift store on Main Street. “Conversations flow.”
Of course, it is more than that. Ellicott City is one of those walking neighborhoods that can’t help but wear its history and charm out in the open. A stroll along the narrow main street and its side tributaries past storefronts is to travel through 236 years of history in a neighborhood defined by firsts.
“It’s the birthplace of the American Revolution,” said Ed Lilley, manager of the Visitor Information Center, “and the home of the B&O, the oldest railroad station in America.” And “The Patapsco State Park is the nation’s first state park.” Of course the park also boasts the best mountain biking locations on the East Coast, he added.
Only a half a mile long, Main Street sits between Rogers and Oella avenues where it heads off into Baltimore County from across the foot of the pedestrian bridge that spans the Patapsco River.
Main Street is one of those connectors visitors can never get enough of in this neighborhood highly walkable for people and pets, especially on Saturdays. “You see dogs and their owners walking and enjoying the day all the time,” said Standeven.
Veer off Main by foot or motor onto the upwardly winding Church Road and get a panoramic view of the old mills and the steeple of St. Paul’s Catholic Church where baseball great and Baltimore native, Babe Ruth at 19 years of age married his first wife, Helen Woodford in 1914.
Strike up a conversation on the street and it might be Joyce Potter, doing her job assuring that no one stays too long in curbside parking spots. Potter confesses to preferring the sound of parking manager rather than meter maid to describe her job.
Potter’s favorite stops along Main are the pocket parks. These little vignettes, the size of one eighth of a block and tucked between buildings are outfitted with tables and chairs and sit over the slow-flowing Tiber River below.
Marvel at the store inventories of antique toys, furnishings and period dinnerware, and try on a few quirky outfits. Drop in at Johnny’s Bistro during the busy lunchtime and share a table and conversation with a stranger.
Visit at Yates’ Grocery Store and meet the proprietor, Betty Yates, the great, great, grandniece of the town’s first mayor, Robert Yates. Here you can buy the hard-to-find bar of Octagon soap and a rare packet of Mrs. Stewart’s bluing agent.
A schedule of guided Heritage tours can be picked up from the Visitors Information Center at Church and Main. You’re just in time to take on since the season goes from April through November.
10 Things Ellicott City
Get out
Patapsco Valley State Park, 8020 Baltimore National Pike, has five developed recreational areas great for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, canoeing and horseback riding. Pavilions abound for groups large and small to hang out in the park.
All aboard
The B&O Railroad Museum: Ellicott City Station, 2711 Maryland Ave., is the oldest surviving railroad station in America. Train exhibits and frequent railroad programs keep the history interesting and alive. Discover more at www.borail.org.
Tea for 2 or 22
Enjoy tea in the atmosphere of a grand English tea parlor recreated at Tea on the Tiber, a Victorian tea room and gift shop at 8081 Main St. Call 410-480-8000 for reservations.
Dramatic views
Mount Ida is the visitor’s center for Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park at 3691 Sarah’s Lane. Walk through the stabilized ruins and learn about one of the most famous schools for young women in 19th century America. The granite Greek Revival structure with its four soaring Doric columns sits atop the town’s highest elevation, overlooking the dramatic Patapsco River Valley. Call for programs and hours, 410-465-8500.
Minipark
Little so-called pocket parks are visibly tucked between buildings off of Main Street. Rest on the benches at one near 8083 Main and take in the soothing sounds of the Tiber River running below the street.
Grab a bite
You can’t go wrong with eats on Main Street whether it’s stopping in for coffee at Sarah and Desmond’s Gourmet Bakery and Veggie cafe or lunch at the artful Johnny’s Bistro or cool jazz and a juicy steak for dinner at Jordan’s.
I want that
Some of the most unique home and fashion accessories can be found at Original Souls, a gift store and gallery at 8120 Main featuring unique work from artists and artisans around the world. The store donates a portion of its profits to nonprofit organizations.
El Bambino
Baseball enthusiasts will enjoy visiting St Paul’s Catholic Church on St. Paul’s Street, the site of the first wedding in 1914 of George Herman Ruth Jr. at the tender age of 19. Babe Ruth, as he came to be known, also got his first professional baseball contract that year, signing on with the Baltimore Orioles before it was a major league team.
Spoil ‘em rotten
With upscale pet paraphernalia from the Yuppy Puppy Pet Boutique, animal lovers can find toys and fashions for a favorite pooch and a room with special selections for persnickety kitties as well. Shoppers can get a hoot and a holler selecting pet accessories that will complement the home decor.
Ghost tours
Scare yourself silly on “Ye Haunted History of Olde Ellicott City” Ghost Tours held at 8:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday nights through November. Tours are also offered on the night of the full moon. Contact Ellicott City Information Center for details, 410-313-1900.
