While staying at Turf Valley, you cannot miss out on a day trip to the Ellicott City Historic District, located just six miles from Turf Valley Resort. With a mix of restaurants, retails, and even a few friendly ghosts, you won’t leave empty handed.
Upon arrival to historic Ellicott City, visit the eyes and ears of Howard County, the Howard County Tourism & Promotion Welcome Center, who can offer you many tips on what to do during your stay in Howard County.
Main Street is a shopper’s paradise, with boutiques offering clothing, home décor, antiques, toys, and more! For the shopper, we suggest visiting Sweet Elizabeth Jane, a vintage-inspired lifestyle store, and Simply Divine Boutique, whose clothing you may have seen on the runway at Turf Valley’s Annual Wedding Extravaganza or Pretty in Pink Champagne Ladies Luncheon fashion show!
For the home designer, visit one of the many vintage or antique stores on Main Street, including A Journey from Junk, Antique Depot, Shoemaker Country, or Ellicott’s Country Store, who recently created a Downtown Abbey Home Décor line inspired by products of the show.
If you’re always a kid at heart, don’t forget to stop by All Time Toys and Forget-Me-Not Factory! On the weekends you can find Forget-Me-Not Factory’s Barry the Bubbleman outside entertaining children with his giant bubble demonstrations. A fun activity for the whole family!
What’s a day of sightseeing without delicious food? There are more than 15 restaurants and cafes in Historic Ellicott City. For casual fare, visit Johnny’s Bistro, Bean Hollow, La PalapaMexican Grill & Cantina, or River House Pizza Co. If you’re looking for a fancier setting, try one of the fine dining restaurants – Cacao Lane, Pure Wine Café,Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant, or Portalli’s, all of which offer great views of Main Street and even better cuisine. And make sure to try one of Maryland’s local brews at our Main Street pubs – Diamondback Tavern, Ellicott Mills Brewing Company, or Phoenix Emporium to name a few!
While Old Ellicott City is great for food and shopping, it is a historical town! Take advantage of its history and partake in a Ye Haunted History of Olde Ellicott City Ghost Tour or a visit to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. According to its official website, the Ellicott City Station is the oldest surviving railroad station in America, and was the original terminus of the first 13 miles of commercial railroad in the country. A great excursion for those who share a love for trains or American history!
Whether you’re visiting Turf Valley for a meeting, wedding, or simply a weekend getaway, a trip to Old Ellicott City is a must! To find out what’s happening at Turf Valley, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our website!