Dig Into the Eerie History of the Patapsco Female Institute at the Ghostly Guides Tour

The Patapsco Female Institute in Ellicott City has been around for 179 years—plenty of time to attract some spirits who've crossed over. Rumor has it that the awe-inspiring mansion is home to several resident ghosts, but you can make your own decision after participating in Ghostly Guides.

On Friday, October 6th, the Patapsco Female Institute opens its doors for a guided tour of the crumbling building. Your tour guide will give you an insider look at the history of the Victorian-era girls' school as you meander its halls. Afterward, you'll hear the rumors and tales that swirl around the institute while you gather around a campfire with some s'mores. Finally, you'll get the chance to explore the school at night with the same tools that paranormal investigators use to find spirits, so don't miss this cool opportunity!

Make Connections Over Coffee at the Business Networking Breakfast

The Biz Knows is an organization that exists to assist businesspeople in building their networks and expanding their ventures. That's why it will host the next Business Networking Breakfast, a monthly event, at Eggspectation on Thursday, July 20th from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

The Biz Knows members and non-members alike are welcome to come meet with other professionals and experts at Eggspectation and get to know their local community better. There will be a speaker at the event offering her or his wisdom about succeeding at business as well as plenty of time to mix and mingle with other networkers. Tickets start at $10 (for non-members; members are free) with opportunities to sponsor the event and receive recognition and a speaking opportunity. Bring your wallet if you want to also enjoy breakfast during the networking event.

Public Domain/Pixabay/webandi

Learn More About the History of Iron Ore and the Patapsco Valley at the Howard County Library

Whether you're new to the area or you've lived here your whole life, chances are there's something new for you to learn. And who better to teach you than a Howard Community College instructor who has also served as the president of the Upper Patuxent Archaeology Group and the president of the Friends of Patapsco Female Institute? That person is Lee Preston, the presenter for History of Iron Ore and the Patapsco Valley.

On Sunday, June 4th from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Lee comes to the HCLS Miller Branch of the Howard County Library to weave a tale about the Ellicott City of yesteryear. The story includes the way that the Patapsco Valley factored into the iron industry both before and after the American Revolution, including how the Dorsey Family and Avalon Iron Works contributed. This event is free, so don't miss it if you're interested in local history!

Public Domain/Pixabay/DVOC

Pints, Poses, and an Extra POW: Yoga Flow and Fresh Brews

Perhaps you think of pairing beer with pizza first and foremost, but beer also pairs quite well with yoga. If you're skeptical, just sign up for the Pints, Poses, and an Extra POW event at Manor Hill Brewing. It combines a yoga class with a drinking session, and you might be hooked after you try it.

From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 21st, Lululemon Ambassador Katie Ficca leads the yoga class out on the lawn. Bring your mat and slather on the sunscreen. After you flow through the poses, you can head inside and enjoy a complimentary beer fresh from the tap. The brewery is all yours (and your fellow yogis') until 6 p.m., so feel free to bring along some cash for another pint or two before you leave. The class fee is $20 per person.

Tutti Frutti: Frozen Yogurt with Mochi Toppings

Self-serve frozen yogurt shops are the latest dessert trend to sweep the country, and Ellicott City’s Tutti Frutti is one of the most popular in the area. This modern shop is decorated with futuristic white furniture and a row of frozen yogurt dispensers offering a wide variety of flavors.

Tutti Frutti’s flavors include both tart and creamy classics like almond, cheesecake, and taro, and they also include soy yogurts and sorbets for those with milk allergies. Guests can serve themselves from the yogurt station and the expansive selection of toppings, and then the friendly staff weighs each bowl and calculates the cost by the ounce. Though the shop’s formula is similar to most other frozen yogurt places, regulars appreciate Tutti Frutti because of its high quality yogurt and its late-night hours.

Tutti Frutti is open 11 a.m. to midnight every day of the week.

Tutti Frutti
9191 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 480-1830
www.tfyogurt.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tutti-frutti-ellicott-city

Patapsco Female Institute: Visit One of the Country’s Most Historic Schools

In the 1800s, the Patapsco Female Institute was one of the most elegant finishing schools for young women in the entire country. It’s a stunning Greek Revival building with four impressive Doric columns, and it sits at the highest point of elevation in all of Ellicott City, overlooking the Patapsco River Valley.

Today, the building is just one of the city’s historic landmarks, and it sees a number of tours, weddings, receptions, camps, and even open-air theater productions. Incredible elevated walkways lead visitors into the 8,000-square-foot building, much of which is preserved from the time it was an operating school, and visitors can really get a feel for what it was like to get an education there.

Whether you’re a fan of history, looking for a unique wedding locale, or you want to check out a unique outdoor concert, the Patapsco Female Institute is a must-see tourist attraction for anyone in the Baltimore area. Tours of the Patapsco Female Institute take place at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For information about events, visit the website.

Patapsco Female Institute
3691 Sarah's Lane
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
410-313-2690
www.ellicottcity.net/tourism/attractions/patapsco_female_institute/
www.baltimorefunguide.com/index.cfm?method=calendar.venue&attraction_id=3683

Ooh La La! Hair Salon: Pamper Yourself on a Budget

Ooh La La! Hair Salon is a full-service salon in every sense of the word. Unlike many hair salons that only provide basic haircuts for pricey rates, this expert shop offers hair, skin, and nail services at prices that will fit with any budget.

This is the type of salon whose stylists accumulate loyal followings, due in large part to their friendly attitudes, open mindset, and impressive scissor-wielding skills. If you speak to anyone who frequents Ooh La La! you’ll most likely hear them rave about a favorite stylist, and this type of customer loyalty is what makes Ooh La La! so special. In addition to hair cut and coloring services, Ooh La La! provides manicures and pedicures ranging from the most basic to the most extravagant styles. The waxing services are safe and discreet, and there are even massage rooms for a weekend day of pampering.

Get a facial, touch up your eyebrows, and add a few caramel highlights all in one place at this beloved area salon!

Ooh La La! Hair Salon
3711 Old Columbia Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 465-7700
www.oohlalal.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ooh-la-lal-hair-salon-ellicott-city

Explore the Past at the Howard County Historical Society Museum

During the 19th century, the wealthy residents of Baltimore considered Ellicott City a resort town, a place to wait out the stifling heat and crowds of the city. Many of them flocked to Howard House, a popular hotel at the time. It was there that staff discovered an artifact around 1940: a collapsible key and a Howard House plate. The key quite literally hinges in the middle, making it easy to stuff inside a pocket or purse. And it's one of the relics of Ellicott City's past that's on display at Howard County Historical Society Museum.

This museum showcases bits and pieces of the county's past, dating as far back as pre-settlement Native American life all the way up to current events. Explore pieces that belonged to the Ellicott family, vintage boy and girl scout uniforms, and artifacts from everyday life during an afternoon at this local museum.

Howard County Historical Museum
8328 Court Avenue
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 461-1050
hchsmd.org/museum
www.yelp.com/biz/howard-county-historical-society-museum-ellicott-city

Pet a Goat, Ride a Pony at Clark’s Farm

Part petting zoo and part functioning farm, Clark's Farm plays a dual roles in Ellicott City. In the section dedicated to family fun, kids can pet itty-bitty goats and other farm animals or hop on in the bed of a trailer for a hayride. Or they can explore the Enchanted Forest's tree maze—a perfect place for a birthday party—and take a ride on one of the farm's ponies.

For adults, the retail part of the farm might hold more appeal. It's a seventh-generation family farm that provides the local community with fresh produce and meat that's never tainted with steroids or hormones. Chicken, lamb, pork, and eggs are all available. Best of all, the farm employs sustainable practices in its processes, helping to make sure that the farm's around for many generations to come.

Visit the Clark's Farm website to learn more!

Clark's Farm
10500 Clarksville Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 730-4049
http://clarklandfarm.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/clarks-elioak-farms-ellicott-city

Patapsco Valley State Park: An Enormous Maryland Park

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and bask in the serenity of nature at Patapsco Valley State Park. It encompasses 16,043 acres of wilderness along the Patapsco River and is nationally recognized for its grandeur and beauty. Recreational opportunities abound, with 170 miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as eight developed recreational areas for barbequing and picnicking. Large groups can reserve one of the park’s many pavilions. Trails range from rugged to paved, accommodating a wide variety of hiking abilities. Kayaking, fishing, canoeing, camping, and horseback riding are also part of the many activities on the park’s agenda. Stop in at the Avalon Visitor Center located in a 19th century stone building to learn about the history of the area and see a replica of the 1930s forest warden’s office that once graced the park.

8020 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 461-5670

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