With three young boys into sports, the Rupert family moved to Eldersburg from Baltimore in 1978.
After coaching the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays to their first NCAA basketball berth, Gary Rupert became assistant athletic director at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and needed more space to raise his family.
HARVEST INN
The country-style restaurant at 2007 Liberty Road opens at 5:30 am — ideal for those early risers seeking scrambled eggs, pancakes and waffles in lieu of sleep. They also offer typical American fare like sandwiches, steaks, seafood and pastas. 410-795-2137
PAP PAP’S PIZZA AND FAMILY RESTAURANT
Pap Pap’s at 1720 Liberty Road has a local cult following, said manager Matt Sullivan. One reviewer writes: “Simply the best pizza in Eldersburg! I will never go to one of the chain places as long as Pap Pap’s is around.” Specialties also include the steak and cheese submarine. 410-549-2800
PINEY RUN PARK
The park features a nature center, boat rentals, hiking trails and fishing on 30 Martz Road. Carroll residents pay $5 per car, and all others pay $8 per car. The park offers fun for the entire family with its wildlife, rooms for receptions and playgrounds. 410-795-3274
ELDERSBURG MARKETPLACE
A new community shopping center on Londontown Boulevard, Eldersburg Marketplace is anchored by a Home Depot, Martin’s grocery store and Kohl’s. Susquehanna Bank, Chili’s restaurant and KFC/A&W fast-foot restaurant are also tenants. 410-356-5820
LIBERTY RESERVOIR
The park area on Oakland Road is open to archery hunting for all game species — except waterfowl — during the regulated hunting season established by the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service. Hunters are required to have a permit to access the area. Throughout the year, this area is open to hiking, bird watching and nature photography. 410-356-9272
SMOKY’S BBQ
Friday nights find Eldersburg locals lined up on the side of Smoky’s at 2030 Liberty Road. This local landmark is a dining extravaganza, offering barbecue beef or chicken and a big cup of fries. Everything from the menu is delicious and served to order through a cafeteria-style service line. The prices are reasonable, whether you’re getting a side of ribs lathered in smoked barbecue sauce or a barbecue chicken sandwich piled high on a bun. 410-549-2880
CARROLLTOWN CENTER MALL
Recently purchased by Black Oak Development for its prime location and excellent demographics, Carolltown Center is at 6400 Ridge Road. It will be redeveloped in the coming year. Its original appearance marked a watershed moment in Eldersburg’s transition from farming town to suburb. The mall features Kmart, Peebles, Big Lots and Flagship Cinemas. 410-356-5820
His wife, Nancy, found a house for him to check out after work.
“I drove west on Liberty Road and saw more animals than I did people,” Gary said. “There were no stores, no groceries — nothing.”
He spied the Eldersburg Inn with a place to tie up a horse. “Where the hell am I?” — he remembered asking himself out loud more than once.
His first two sons, Gary Jr. and Greg, attended the newly constructed South Carroll High School and excelled in academics and sports. Geoff attended Liberty High School. They each played Division III athletics in college.
Today, Eldersburg has been transformed into an extended suburb of Baltimore tinged with the rural influences of Carroll County.
Eldersburg offers extensive outdoor activities, a strong sense of commitment to its families, and great schools.
“All of the schools are very good,” said Nancy Rupert, who worked as an administrator at South Carroll High for many years.
Eldersburg’s hillsides laced with churches and older houses give it a country feel with options. Taxes always have been lower than surrounding areas, and home prices have historically been cheaper.
The 2000 U.S. Census reported more than 27,000 residents, and the number has grown steadily since then.
And shopping options are expanding to accommodate the influx.
“We have some good shopping — a Kohls, a Home Depot and nice groceries — but you still get the rural feeling,” said Rupert.
A new retail area called Main Street Eldersburg based on the “avenue” concept is under construction and is expected to feature restaurants as well as women’s apparel and home furnishing stores. Residents are posting wishes for a Wegmans grocery store, a Cheesecake Factory restaurant and an Old Navy clothing store on Eldersburg blog sites.
Well past its prime, the Carrolltown Center mall is slated to receive a substantial renovation. From shopping to housing to food, good deals can be found.
“You get lots more for your buck in Carroll County,” Rupert said.
The park system offers hiking, fishing, mountain biking and hunting options. Patapsco Valley State Park, Liberty Reservoir and Piney Run Park are all close.
Conveniently located within 30 to 40 minutes of Baltimore, Frederick, Columbia, Westminster and White Marsh, Eldersburg was voted one the best places to live in America by Money Magazine in 2007.
“It’s a nice area to raise your kids and grow old in,” said Nancy Rupert.
