Small Town Spotlight: Sykesville, Maryland
If you blink, you might miss it! That’s how small the small town of Sykesville, Maryland is. But that wasn’t always the case. It’s a historic town just a short distance from Baltimore and Washington, DC that has its roots in the development and expansion of the B&O Railroad.
This town still has railroad roots but it offers a fun day of shopping, eating, drinking, and even hiking. Here’s what to expect from Sykesville, Maryland.
About Sykesville
Sykesville has a vibrant downtown area filled with unique shops and restaurants. Visitors can explore antique stores, art galleries, and specialty shops, and enjoy a variety of cuisine, from traditional American fare to international cuisine.
Nearby, Sykesville is surrounded by natural beauty, including parks and trails. Patapsco Valley State Park is just a short drive away, offering hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Piney Run Park is also a popular spot for boating, fishing, and hiking. Kids will love the Little Sykes Railway Park, the impressive playgrounds at Millard Cooper Park, and rolling through the South Branch Skatepark.
Sykesville hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including a weekly farmers market, concerts in the park, Art & Wine Festival, Craft Beer Festival, and a holiday-themed festival. These events bring the community together and offer visitors a chance to experience the town’s unique charm and character.
A Brief History of Sykesville
Sykesville played a significant role in the development of the B&O Railroad in the 19th century. The town’s location along the railroad made it an important stop for trains carrying goods and passengers. Today, visitors can learn about the town’s railroad history at the Sykesville Gate House Museum.
As a result of its past, Sykesville has a historic district that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district includes many 19th-century buildings that have been preserved and restored, giving visitors a glimpse into the town’s past.
Our Favorite Things
We love grabbing a bite to eat at the longstanding E.W. Beck’s (the spinach salad is amazing!). If you’re a train buff, you might enjoy a bite at Sykesville Station, a former train depot that still sits right next to an active railroad. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a bit of a show if you’re sitting outside. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, pop into Firehouse Creamery for some of the best ice cream around.
There are plenty of shops worth checking out including Tidal Salt, a boutique on Main Street, A Likely Story bookstore, and Revive & Co for fun trinkets. Also on Main Street, look for Sweet Simplici-Tea which is an old-fashioned Tearoom, Bakery and Gift Shoppe.
If you’re looking for some adult fun, stop into Pataspco Distillery for a sampling of their Maryland made vodka, gin, and bourbon. Or enjoy some wine and outdoor entertainment at The Vine on Main offering well-priced wines and craft beers, as well as a shop full of fair trade, hand-made, recycled, socially conscious, unique gifts.
Hidden Gem
The one can’t miss place in downtown Sykesville is The French Twist, a little French Crepery that is literally hidden behind Main Street! Tucked behind the historic buildings is a house that now serves as an authentic French crepery offering both sweet and savory crepes in a fun cafe environment, with ample seating upstairs and outside.
General Vibe
Sykesville is a quiet laidback town full of mainly locals or residents from nearby towns. If you’re looking for nightlife, elegant restaurants, and quaint B&Bs, this is not the town. But if you’re looking for a day trip for a destination that’s great for lunch or fun for festivals and farmer’s markets, you’ll like this chill shopping and sipping atmosphere.
Who Has Been
Fadra lives just minutes away from this historic little town and visits often. Lindsay traveled to the area and stumbled upon this little town and spent her time at… The French Twist!
