The Howard County Historical Society has scheduled a "Mount Misery Haunted History Tour" for Friday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m.
This tour is off the beaten path taken by the Tourism Ghost Tours. It takes you up the hill overlooking the town and visits surely haunted sites like the old jail (where rumor has it you could actually smell the ghost cooking), Mt. Ida, still possibly inhabited by its namesake, the Patapsco Female Institute, the Weir building (a former Quaker school house) and the society's museum itself.
In addition to the walking tour, the event includes palm readings in the Weir building and tours of the museum. The cost is $10 and reservations can be made by calling 410-480-3250. Be there and be scared!
On a calmer note, the society continues its lunchtime lecture series on Friday, April 3, with a lecture on "Belmont" by local historian Fred Dorsey. This will be held at the society's museum on Court Avenue, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Bring your lunch, and beverages and a treat will be provided. The cost is $5, free to society members.
Daffodil Days
As the last little pile of dirty snow melts, the nicest thing to look forward to is the upcoming "Daffodil Days" at Whipps Family Cemetery. The event is held yearly at the old cemetery that is maintained totally by volunteers. It's at 3651 St. Johns Lane, not that far behind Rita's on Frederick Road. This year it's scheduled for Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is free, and offers a variety of plants for sale as well as a horticultural presentation in the park's Woodland Theater by master gardeners, who will also be on hand to answer gardening questions.
I have a new respect for the master gardeners as my husband Tom is currently enrolled in their challenging program. Once he completes the program he will be an intern accumulating volunteer hours in the county, and on successful completion of that he'll become a master gardener in 2016. It isn't easy but he is finding it very rewarding. The Whipps event also features a raffle at 3 p.m. Enjoy this sure sign of spring.
At the Bin
The Wine Bin on Main Street is in the midst of celebrating Howard County Beer Week. Who knew? Anyway, they are offering a percentage off certain select beers during this time (until March 29) and are also raffling off a decorative beer sign. Drop by and take advantage of all this.
Also, their popular Yappy Hour is returning on April 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. In good weather the event is held out in the parking lot next to the shop and features live music, wine and chocolate tastings. A portion of the proceeds from sales at this event benefits animal charities.
First Friday
April 3 is First Friday in the historic district with special promotions for visitors from 5 to 9 p.m. Live music will be featured on the Railroad Plaza and shops will offer special sales and treats.
At the B&O Museum
On Saturday, March 28, at 1 p.m., the B&O Railroad Museum, Ellicott City Station, will offer "A Journey From Roads to Rails: A Guided Tour of American Railroading."
It is also featuring an exhibit commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, "The War Came by Train," through December. The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays. More information is available by calling 410-461-1945.
Books
GreenRow Books, at 8132 Main St., continues to offer interesting book club options. It is having a "Lit-N-Play" event on March 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring Julia Glass's "And the Dark Sacred Night."
On April 2, the Early Bird Book Club will explore "The Art Forger" from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Books are available for advance purchase at the shop. For more information, go to the website at http://www.greenrowbooks.com.