Carroll County was formed in 1837 from parts of Baltimore and Frederick counties. The county offers convenient access to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and provides residents with amenities such as parks, nature centers, and plenty of shopping and dining options. Carroll County is also known for its country appeal, with rural areas of farmland and small towns with close-knit communities scattered throughout the county.
The Best Coffee Shops in Carroll County
Need a morning jolt of energy or an afternoon pick me up? Check out these Carroll County coffee shops and cafes, complete with your classic lattes, cold brews, and macchiatos, as well as some exciting house made syrups and unique flavor combinations!
Maison Greene
Where? 1622 North Main Street, Hampstead
Maison Greene is located on Hampstead’s Main Street, making it a convenient spot to swing by for your morning coffee! Enjoy espresso drinks or stick to your drip brew at this local coffee and wine bar. Make your beverage uniquely yours by mixing and matching extras, such as house syrups (mocha, hazelnut, coconut, lavender, caramel, vanilla, and more), and by adding cold foam or sweet cream for that extra layer of decadence. Non-coffee options are available as well, such as matcha, iced tea, orange juice, and hot chocolate! The day menu offers bites, such as yogurt parfaits, Italian paninis, chicken club salads, and more.
The Reister’s Daughter
Where? 202 Main Street, Reisterstown
The Reister’s Daughter is your one-stop shop for all things locally roasted brews, as well as pastries, desserts, and breakfast options. The cozy shop offers menu items like iced mochas, red eyes, double shot espressos, cardamom walnut lattes, hojicha, dirty chai, and much more. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll be able to find your perfect beverage at The Reister’s Daughter! If you’re sensitive to caffeine, try Jane’s Creation, which is a non-caffeinated blend of peppermint, lemon verbena, and chamomile. You can also try the blend with a spicy kick of locally made habanero honey!
Fika Coffee Bar
Where? 1005 South Main Street, Hampstead
Fika Coffee Bar is serving up the finest coffee, teas, and specialty beverages in Hampstead, as well as fresh pastries to keep you fueled for your day’s adventures. Dive into cinnamon rolls, Swedish cardamom rolls, everything bagel scones, and even cookies such as chewy brown sugar, Oreo chocolate chunk, chocolate espresso, and oatmeal cranberry! Nothing pairs as well with something sweet and flaky like a warm latte or an iced americano. Come explore the menu offering at Fika Coffee Bar and you won’t be disappointed!
Where to Wine & Dine in Carroll County
Carroll County offers a range of cuisines to satisfy an array of palates. Enjoy fresh seafood, Southern classics, and cold beer as you enjoy the restaurant lineup in the county. If you’re in a celebratory mood, raise a glass of wine or clink specialty cocktails together with good friends at happy hour!
RockSalt Grille
Where? 65 West Main Street, Westminster
RockSalt Grille specializes in seafood, steaks, and their infamous raw bar. Dive into authentic Chesapeake fare, such as the Maryland crab soup, the P.E.I. mussels, and the addicting RockSalt skins (potato boats loaded with bacon, cheese, and RockSalt 16 Sauce). Diners won’t leave hungry after digging into grilled filet mignon, pork BBQ ribs, glazed Atlantic salmon, and broiled lobster tail. Let the menu be your guide and find just which entree sounds too irresistible to skip. Happy Hour is held on weekdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with deals such as $1 for Maryland oysters, $8 for two pork belly sliders, and $1 off rail drinks, draft beer, bottled beer, and house wines.
Maggie’s Restaurant
Where? 310 East Green Street, Westminster
Maggie’s Restaurant is a Carroll County staple, known for hospitality and great food for 40+ years! After undergoing a complete renovation in 2021, the restaurant has enjoyed a revitalization. Enjoy the outdoor patio or dine in one of the newly decorated dining rooms. Maggie’s offers happy hour deals on Sundays through Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM with live music on Friday evenings. Patrons can also enjoy brunch service on Saturday and Sunday, with menu offerings including fried pickle chips, Reuben hush puppies, breakfast burritos, and shrimp tacos. The restaurant features daily specials, such as $12.99 burgers all day on Monday and half-priced bottles of wine on Tuesdays.
1623 Brewing Company
Where? 5975 Exchange Drive Suite H-L, Eldersburg
1623 Brewing Company is named after the 1,623 miles between the McKelvin and Rissmiller families, with cousins Mike McKelvin and Zac Rissmiller going into business together to make this brewing company a reality in both Maryland and Colorado! Over the years, the brewing company has received multiple awards for its unique beers. Come see what the lineup is all about, whether you’re an avid beer aficionado or you’re working with a beginner’s palate. Beers on tap include the Alla Vostra Italian pilsner, the 1623 American IPA, the 1623 Hefeweizen wheat beer, an Irish dry stout, and more!
Greenmount Station
Where? 1631 North Main Street #4, Hampstead
Greenmount Station is located in historic Hampstead and hails as one of the area’s most popular gathering spots. Families and friends of all ages and backgrounds enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, as well as the delicious food and drink options. In fact, the famous crab cakes were chosen as Carroll County’s Best Crab Cakes! The menu includes shrimp flatbreads, buffalo wings, bison burgers, blackened salmon BLTs, fish ‘n chips, and much more. If you’re a frequent flyer at Greenmount Station, join the beer club! Try at least 75 different kinds of beer to have your name permanently placed on the International Beer Club Wall of Fame, as well as a $20 gift card and a club t-shirt!
E. W. Beck’s Restaurant & Pub
Where? 7565 Main Street, Sykesville
E.W. Beck’s was founded by brothers Scott and Brian Beck back in 1992 and the restaurant has been serving up fine food to good friends in Sykesville ever since. The restaurant serves as a testament to a family’s love of food and dedication to being generous and kind towards others. The menu includes a Sunday brunch offering, which features a traditional platter of eggs, toast, and the diner’s choice of ham, smoked bacon, maple sausage, or scrapple, as well as French toast, eggs Benedict, omelets, and more. If you prefer to treat yourself to a specialty cocktail after a long week, try the pomegranate blackberry margarita to take the edge off or satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time with the chocolate peanut butter hot cocoa mixed with peanut butter whiskey and topped with crushed Reese’s Pieces!
Where to Indulge in a Sweet Treat in Carroll County
That sweet tooth can be awfully persistent once it strikes. Satisfy it with a trip to Hoffman’s and indulge in hand-dipped ice cream or swing by Firehouse Creamery for a float. JeannieBird Baking Company has you covered with danishes, macaroons, almond tortes, and more.
Hoffman’s Ice Cream & Deli
Where? 934 Washington Road, Westminster
Hoffman’s Ice Cream & Deli has been a county landmark since 1947. Serving generations of families with their iconic homemade ice cream, Hoffman’s is synonymous with a “sweet treat” for many locals. The ice cream and deli continue to be family-owned and operated and still use the same great recipes and high-quality ingredients. Once you’ve had your first taste, you’ll understand why Hoffman’s has won “Carroll County’s Best” by popular vote year after year. Come treat yourself to hand-dipped ice cream, with over 50 different flavors making an appearance throughout the year!
Firehouse Creamery
Where? 7610 West Main Street, Sykesville
Firehouse Creamery is an ice cream shop and market that features South Mountain Creamery ice cream and dairy, plus locally sourced goods. Whether you want to dig into a bag of chocolate-covered espresso beans or freeze-dried skittles, Firehouse Creamery has something to satisfy any sweet tooth! Enjoy your ice cream straight up or order a milkshake or even a float! If you want the best of both worlds when it comes to coffee and ice cream, the Cold Brew Chip is for you! If you’re trying to eat more fruit this year, there’s always the classic banana split or you can pick up one of the Baugher’s Orchard Bakery baked goods, such as cherry, apple, or peach pie!
JeannieBird Baking Company
Where? 42 West Main Street, Westminster
JeannieBird Baking Company started as a farmers’ market stall in the summer of 2008, before becoming a landmark on Main Street Westminster in November of 2014! The menu features signature and seasonally inspired sweet and savory baked goods that are made from scratch each day. Patrons can choose from classic croissants, BIG cinnamon rolls, daily danishes, bear claws, meringue kisses, layer cakes, cream puffs, and so much more. Check out the “desserts in a jar,” which could be a trifle, mousse, creme brûlée, or something else entirely! JeannieBird can also bake petits for parties, such as their signature Sagamore rye pecan bars, coconut macaroons, sweet scones, almond croissants, blondie bars, and more.
Carroll County’s Parks & Green Spaces
Looking to soak up some sun rays? Whether your idea of a good time is leisurely picnicking in the park or playing a competitive game of soccer, these parks and green spaces provide all types of opportunities to spend time outside and get active!
Piney Run Park
Where? 30 Martz Road, Sykesville
Piney Run Park provides locals with an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, such as fishing, boating, hiking, and more. The park is the county’s oldest developed park and hosts thousands of visitors annually. The park is open during peak season 7 days a week from 7:00 AM to sunset, with weekend and holiday closures from December through February. Daily fees are priced at $6 for Carroll County residents and $12 for out-of-county residents. Seniors can visit for free! Boat rentals are available, with canoes, kayaks, and rowboats priced at $17 per hour or $65 for the day.
Cape Horn Park
Where? 2500 Cape Horn Road, Hampstead
Cape Horn Park features a designated parking area, as well as a play area and 5,800 feet of paved trail. There are sports fields, as well as a restroom facility onsite. Visitors can hike, bike, and rollerblade. There is a recently renovated playground for children, along with a covered concreted area. Visitors will find plenty of room to picnic and enjoy the fresh air. On sunny days, kite flying is another popular pastime!
Westminster Community Pond
Where? 30 College View Boulevard, Westminster
The Westminster Community Pond is a popular outdoor gathering place for locals. This serene oasis provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are multiple pavilions onsite, as well as playground areas for the little ones. There is a trail loop around the pond, as well as a basketball court. Fishing is permitted.
Points of Interest in Carroll County
Looking to discover Carroll County in a whole new way? Check out these points of interest, such as the local nature center and the county’s Farm Museum!
Bear Branch Nature Center
Where? 300 John Owings Road, Westminster
The Bear Branch Nature Center has served residents of Maryland’s Carroll County for over 20 years. The center provides family-friendly nature programs, as well as community festivals and outdoor activities throughout the year. The nature center is open five days a week and visitors are welcome to visit for hands-on educational exhibits, an observational beehive and a planetarium and observatory. The center is supported in part by the Friends of Hashawha and Bear Branch Nature Center.
Carroll County Farm Museum
Where? 500 South Center Street, Westminster
The Carroll County Farm Museum offers family-friendly activities and community-oriented events throughout the year. Farm admission is priced at $5 for adults and $10 for families, with children under the age of 9 getting in free with a paying adult. Winter admission from January through February is free! Enjoy self guided tours and don’t forget to pack a picnic! There is a farm-themed playground onsite for kids to explore, as well as living history and farm camps available to rising kindergarteners through 6th graders.
Interested in Learning More About Maryland’s Carroll County? Let Us Help!
If you’re interested in seeing more about what Carroll County has to offer, our professional team at RE/MAX Realty Group would love to show you what’s on the market! Whether you’re making a big move to the DMV region or you’re looking to relocate from within the area, there’s an abundance of opportunity waiting for you!