Beginning in 1830, a settlement of homes along Parr’s Ridge northwest of Baltimore went nameless for years. As the B&O railroad expanded westward and built a station in the area, an Irish brakeman whose ears were freezing in the cold air along the ridge called the location “Mt. Airy.”
Today, this thriving community with a rich history steeped in the railroad and the Civil War, provides a spacious retreat from the stresses of city life while offering an eclectic range of activities from skateboarding to wine tasting.
“People think that [Mount Airy] is in the middle of nowhere,” said resident Michelle Garwood. “Actually, we’re a hop skip and a jump from Cunningham Falls, The Catoctin Zoo and Wildlife Preserve, Hagerstown Outlets, Gambrills State Park, and Gettysburg.”
The Mecca for antique collectors – New Market — is only four miles away.
Michelle’s husband Luke commutes to South Baltimore everyday as a vice president for e.magination, an IT services company. He also moonlights as a cattle farmer. His rib-eye steaks highlight the annual company picnic.
Living in Mount Airy allows him to pursue both careers.
“It’s convenient to both Washington and Baltimore,” said Garwood, who often visits clients in the DC area. Off peak, the drive takes an hour to the nation’s capitol and fifty minutes to Baltimore.
The Garwoods enjoy living in Mount Airy because it’s a close-knit community of families who look out for each other.
“We help each other out,” Luke said. “If it snows and my neighbor isn’t home, I’ll sweep the snow off his driveway. He does the same for me.”
Mt. Airy offers a wide range of living options – from a $3.5 million dollar farm on 51 acres to new townhouses in the $300s. A five-bedroom house on a few acres in a nice area will cost about $500,000.
Air and space are in abundance – with numerous tracts of land for sale.
“There’s plenty of space out here, if that’s what you’re looking for,” said Luke.
Almost 800 feet above sea level – the town’s perceived isolation is debunked by its location. Most of Mt. Airy sits in Frederick and Carroll counties, but it also occupies space in Montgomery and Howard as well.
It’s also a “hot” locale. The quaint downtown area, with its stunning Victorian homes from the 1800s, has burned four times – most recently in 2007.
“They’ve rebuilt and thrived every time,” said Michelle Garwood.
Annual events include the Spring Fling in May, Flag Day in June, Festival on the Ridge in October, and Christmas in Olde Town. This year the town will revive a popular tradition called Santa Claus lane. Kids will be able to make their own ornaments, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing carols and watch Rudolph sleeping.
“There are many cool shops downtown,” she said. “Something for everyone.”
10 Things Mt. Airy
1. Watkins Park
Located on Center Street downtown, this multipurpose park contains ball fields, a skateboarding area, a picnic pavilion, a playground, tennis and basketball courts, hiking trails, and an ice skating rink on 20 acres.
2. Linganore Wine Cellars/Berrywine Plantation
A family operated vineyard and winery located on a rolling countryside 13601 Glissans Mill Road, Linganore Winecellars offers tastings in a 19th century barn with walnut beams and high ceilings. Over 30 wines are produced there including the 2008 Nouveau.
3. Pane e Vino
A very popular spot for fine Italian dining in town – it is pricey but worth it. Delicious pastas, salads, and fish are served daily. You will find it tucked away behind a McDonalds at 101 Ridgeside Court. 301-829-8585.
4. The Vintage Coffee House
Located at 106 S. Main St., this destination features the best java in town. Local artists, businessmen, and soccer moms splurge on lattes here. The menu includes hummus, veggie wraps, and toffee coffee.
5. Country Store & Drug Store Museum
A timeless and picturesque old drugstore and museum at 10 South Main St., this store/museum resembles the general store or a saloon from a western town during the Gold Rush in the late 1800s. The owner, Howard Parzow recreates Mount Airy in its early days by displaying the products of this small farming and railroad community. He has a wide collection of fancy candy jars, spool cabinets, store counters, curved glass showcases and colorful wooden coffee bins. The 1890’s soda fountain and the prescription department where W.R. Rudy hand concocted every remedy are highlights.
6. Retro Metro
Contemporary Living Store
Combining nostalgia with elements of the modern, Retro Metro sells furniture, jewelry, baby gifts, and novelty items. This funky store at 116 South Main St., reveals that Mt. Airy has evolved with the times. Items for sale include Yin-Yang tables and Chrome Ball clocks. Novelty gifts include Moo Mixers, Glow Cards, and Liar’s Dice. 301-831-0310
7. Brick Ridge Restaurant
A beautiful restaurant in an 1800s era schoolhouse (1800s) at 6212 Ridge Road, the Brick Ridge menu changes each week with delicacies from a new state each time. Its mission is to educate the palette with the tastes of regional American delicacies.
8. Ben Gue Antiques and Collectibles
An established local haunt at 2 South Main St., this versatile shop features antiques, collectibles, knick-knacks and decorations for the country home.
9. Old National Pike Park
Located at 12406 Old National Pike, this is the newest of the parks in the area with hiking trails, picnic areas, and recreation equipment. It has several soccer fields and two playgrounds. A trail goes through the woods and around the entire park. It’s a great place to exercise.
10. Concetta’s Italian Grocer
Located at 231 South Main St., Concetta’s claims to have “the best hand-rolled meatballs in town” and the best “hand prepared food like Mama used to make.” Bread is made fresh daily – what more needs to be said.
