While most of the East Coast is being munched on by developers, historic old-town Ellicott City is flanked by hills & remains somewhat untouched. Walking along the sun-dappled Patapsco river, gazing up at the churches, or strolling the brick sidewalks between the stone buildings, one can imagine what colonial Maryland was like... (as long as you ignore the yuppie shoppers and drunken people in pickup trucks, I recommend coming here in the middle of the night). If you're in the Baltimore-DC metro area, this town is worth a stop; so are the surrounding woods, which retain a trace of fairy-enchantment.

Coffee: Bean Hollow on Main Street near the bottom of the hill is the traditional coffee joint; Sarah & Desmond's bakery up the hill is a good choice as well.
Food: The restaurants here are generally expensive & unremarkable, so I would snack on fresh bread from Sarah & Desmond's... or, better yet, buy food from Hahn Au Reum Asian supermarket (on U.S. 40 and Rolling Road) & picnic by the river.
Nature: From the river, you can walk along the train tracks in either direction along America's first rail line. Or, take the path along the east bank up to Oella, where the historic mill has a contemplative labyrinth (it may or may not be condos now, I don't know)... or, take the paved trolley trail into nearby Catonsville. You can also drive east along Frederick Rd., take a right on River Rd., and find yourself by the Ilchester box factory... either drive up Hilltop Rd. and park at a trailhead there, or park down by the factory / railroad bridge and tromp around... cross the bridge & climb the cliff... explore.
Other Things to Do: Walk up Old Columbia Pike from the top of mainstreet to an old graveyard on your left and hang out with the deceased... head west on U.S. 40 until you reach the Enchanted Forest shopping center-- behind the Safeway is a 1950s amusement park which you can tresspass in and check out creepy ruined fairytale stories (don't get caught by the cops or the malicious spirits though)... visit the railroad museum if you're interested in rail history; talk to crazies & homebums in the park; build a fire by the river or in the hills and toast marshmallows; try on ridiculous vintage hats in the antique stores; go skinnydipping in the river at night.
Nearby: See the Baltimore travel guide for more information about the area.

photopoem / the Juneral / (june + funeral, a word made up in sleep)

 

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