#Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Aspen Hill, MD to Ellicott City, MD
Are you in need of a road trip that will take you on a journey filled with picturesque views, scrumptious food, and unforgettable experiences? Then jump in your car and hit the road from Aspen Hill, MD to Ellicott City, MD! The route spans approximately 36 miles and will take just over an hour, providing ample time to stop and explore some of the best-kept secrets in Maryland. Here are five unexpected places to make a stop and why they are worth your time.
##Halfway Point: Fulton, MD
Located between Aspen Hill and Ellicott City, Fulton is the perfect halfway point to stretch your legs and explore. Just off of Route 29, Fulton offers visitors a blend of the old and the new. Head to the Maple Lawn community and enjoy the sights and sounds of the town square. Here, you can dine at one of the many restaurants that line the square, such as Ananda, an award-winning restaurant that serves up traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist.
##1. Savage Mill, MD
A short 10-minute drive from the Maple Lawn community, you'll find Savage Mill. Once a thriving textile mill in the late 1800s, it has since been restored and transformed into a unique shopping and dining destination. Visitors can explore the many shops that line the three floors of the mill, each offering a variety of handmade products, antiques, and collectibles. Stop by Rams Head Tavern for a pint of their highly rated craft beer and a savory meal.
##2. Clark's Elioak Farm, MD
From Savage Mill, it's a 25-minute drive to Clark's Elioak Farm. Tucked away in the countryside of Ellicott City, this farm is a true hidden gem. With a variety of activities available, such as hayrides, pony rides, and indoor and outdoor play areas, it's a perfect spot for families with young children. Visitors can stroll through the fairy tale-themed forest and see their favorite characters come to life, such as Humpty Dumpty, Cinderella, and Snow White. Enjoy freshly made pumpkin donuts and apple cider in the fall.
##3. The Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park, MD
A 15-minute drive from Clark's Elioak Farms, in the heart of Ellicott City, lies the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park. The castle-like building was once an all-girls finishing school in the mid-1800s but is now a stunning historic site. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building's interior and learn about its unique history. The park surrounding the institute offers a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing picnic, and its gardens are a popular spot for wedding ceremonies and photo shoots.
##4. The Enchanted Forest, MD
After a 20-minute drive from the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park, visitors will stumble upon the remains of The Enchanted Forest. Once a beloved amusement park in the 1950s through the 1990s, it closed its doors in 1995. While the park has long been closed, many of the original structures have been preserved and displayed in the nearby Clark's Elioak Farm. Children and adults alike will adore seeing the life-sized statues of Alice in Wonderland, Humpty Dumpty, and the Three Little Pigs.
##5. The Howard County Conservancy, MD
Just a short 10-minute drive from The Enchanted Forest, visitors should check out The Howard County Conservancy. Here, nature enthusiasts can explore the 232-acre farmland and hike through various trails. The Conservancy offers a variety of classes and programs that teach visitors about the area's flora and fauna, as well as the importance of conservation. Stop by the gift shop to purchase artisanal honey from the Conservancy's beehives.
##Conclusion
While a relatively short drive from Aspen Hill to Ellicott City, the journey offers a plethora of surprises along the way. From the fairy tale-themed farms to the preserved remains of an old amusement park, it's worth taking the time to explore this hidden gem of Maryland. Indulge in traditional Indian cuisine at Ananda, sip on craft beer at Rams Head Tavern, and indulge in pumpkin donuts from Clark's Elioak Farm. Embrace the unexpected and embark on an adventure that you won't forget anytime soon.