The best way to get to know an interesting small town like Ellicott City is to walk it. Driving down Main Street your main concern is navigating the narrow space, but on your feet you can stop and savor the ambience. One of the best ways to do this is with a tour guide. The Howard County Historical Society is starting a series of historic walking tours, to be held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month during good weather. The next tour is June 27. Led by a local historian, the walk does include some challenging terrain, so wear good shoes! The tour starts at Mt. Ida on Sarah's Lane across from the courthouse at 11 a.m. and ends at the B&O Railroad Museum, Ellicott City Station. The cost is $10 per person, $5 for society members. To reserve a space call 410-480-3250.
At the B&O
The B&O Railroad Museum, Ellicott City Station, has long offered a detailed and interesting model train layout in the Freight House. It portrays the 13-mile route from Baltimore to Ellicott's Mills. The display has been updated to show places of interest and the location of Union camps during the Civil War. On Saturday, June 20 at 1 p.m. a docent will be explaining the new display. This is a great introduction for kids to the Civil War and railroading in general.
Girls' Night Out and more
Thursday, June 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. is Girls' Night Out in the historic district. Start at the Wine Bin where you can pick up your goodie bag with coupons and also enjoy 10 percent off alcohol purchases and 20 percent off giftware. Then move on down the street and enjoy the special sales and entertainment offered by various participating shops. One of these, Perspectives Art Gallery, at 8181 Main St., is hosting a Girls' Night Out Wine and Paint event with local artist Wiley Purkey from 6 to 9 p.m. To register for the paint event call the gallery at 410-461-7763. On Saturday, June 20, Perspectives is offering a candle making class with Letta Moore of Knits, Soy and Metal from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Art news
Sara Arditti, owner of the Still Life Gallery at 8173 Main St., has been selected by County Executive Allan Kittleman as the Howard County representative on the Baltimore Museum of Art Board of Trustees.
The Howard County Center for the Arts, at 8510 High Ridge Road, is hosting a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 18 for the opening of an exhibit called "Shimmer" created by artists Steven Durow and Jeff Hensley. There will be entertainment by the All County Improv group and the Resident Artists will hold an Open Studio. Call 410-313-2787 for more information.
Dinner and a movie
Saturday nights are all right in the historic district. Here is the deal: hit the Wine Bin early and pick up your beverage of choice. Then go on down to the courtyard behind Tonge Row in Lot D where a free live concert will be offered starting at 6:30 p.m. On June 20 they are featuring Sean K. Preston and his rockabilly sound and on June 27 it's Tongue and Cheek, a traditional jazz group. Food vendors on site include the Little French Market Café, River House Pizza, frank-gourmet hot dogs, Scoop-ah-dee-doo ice cream and Rib'n & Blues BBQ. After dinner and some music, make your way back to the space next to the Wine Bin for a movie, starting at 9 p.m. There, sales of popcorn and bottled water benefit Voices for Children. The movie on June 20 is "Sideways." Rick Moshin of Moshin Vineyard will be offering tastings of his Russian River pinots in the shop before the film. On June 27 the movie is "The Wedding Singer." Both the concerts and movies are free. Great idea for date night.
Old Town Market
Speaking of music, if you can't get down here on Saturday night, try for Saturday morning at the Old Town Market. It's in two locations, behind Tonge Row and next to the Wine Bin. The Wine Bin location is also offering live music; on June 20 it's Corey and Cameron and on June 27 it's Miranda Judd. The markets run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Anniversary party
Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a big party on Saturday, July 11. Tickets are $75 and can be reserved by calling 410-465-4004. Hope to see you there.