Photo: A Maryland crab cake with seasonal vegetables at Elkridge Furnace Inn, where the garden is just steps from the kitchen door. Credit: Theresa Meeker Pickett.
Where the seasons – and the tide – write the menu.
All across Howard County, the bounty of the land and sea is ready to be savored. As summer unfolds, farmers markets buzz with activity, pick-your-own fields welcome visitors, and local chefs craft menus inspired by what’s fresh and in season. From just-picked greens and hand-churned ice cream to pasture-raised meats and crabs harvested straight from the Chesapeake Bay, these ingredients tell the story of place and pride.
It’s all part of Howard County’s deeply rooted farm-to-table culture, where chefs build strong relationships with local farmers, makers, and producers to create dishes that are fresh, sustainable, and unforgettable. Even seafood makes its way to the plate through hyper-local connections, thanks to the Maryland Wholesale Seafood Market, headquartered right here in the county and supplying some of the freshest catches in the Mid-Atlantic.
Our geography plays a part, too — where the Piedmont Plateau meets the Atlantic Coastal Plain, a patchwork of fertile farmland, orchards, breweries, and nearby oyster beds creates a dynamic local food scene. Here, the tide and the seasons truly write the menu.
And there’s no better time to experience that than during Howard County Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks, happening August 11–24, 2025. It’s a two-week celebration of the chefs, farms, and flavors that make our region special. It's perfect for exploring restaurants that go the extra mile (or just down the road) to bring local food to the table.
Where to Savor Local Flavors
Elkridge Furnace Inn
Dine in a historic setting just steps from the Patapsco River, where the restaurant’s on-site garden supplies many of the herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers featured on the menu. The seasonal menus are a love letter to Maryland.
Elkridge Furnace Inn | Photo credit Theresa Meeker Pickett
Woodstock Inn
Known for its rustic charm and hearty fare, the Woodstock Inn sources its burgers and steaks from Braglio Farms, a family-run farm that has been raising livestock in the region since 1962. It doesn’t get more local — or delicious — than this.
Hudson Coastal
A proud participant in the Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail, Hudson Coastal is all about fresh seafood. Local crabs and regional oysters take center stage, often paired with seasonal sides.
Manor Hill Tavern
Located in historic Ellicott City, Manor Hill Tavern pairs its wood-fired pizzas and farm-fresh menu with beers brewed by Manor Hill Brewing, located on the family’s working farm in nearby Ellicott City. It’s a true farm-to-glass experience.
The Turn House
Chef Thomas Zippelli brings both fine dining experience and a farmer’s market mentality to The Turn House. Known for its contemporary American cuisine, the restaurant features Maryland crab cakes and locally grown produce, thanks to the chef’s close ties with area farmers.
Park Ridge Creamery
Located in historic Ellicott City, Park Ridge Creamery brings a beloved Baltimore tradition to Howard County with hand-scooped ice cream from Taharka Brothers. With plenty of outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place to cool down, kick back, and taste just how sweet supporting local can be.
Want to go beyond the plate?
- Book an overnight at The Inn at Mary’s Land Farm, a serene retreat with rustic charm and authentic farm‑stay amenities, or reserve another suite with a kitchenette in a local hotel.
- Pick your own — hand‑select berries and seasonal produce from the orchard and gardens on the farm property at Mary's Land Farm and at other nearby farms, such as Larriland Farm.
- Bring your bounty back to your room’s kitchenette or communal kitchen and prepare a special, all‑local meal, perhaps featuring farm‑fresh eggs, veggies, and herbs, all grown just steps from your door.
- Immerse yourself in farm life during your stay: collect eggs, feed the goats, stroll the walking paths, and even attend cooking demos.
Larriland Farm harvest | Photo by Theresa Meeker Pickett
Whether you're a curious foodie or a committed locavore, Howard County is ready to serve you the season’s best. Come hungry, stay awhile, and bring home not just memories, but the makings of a true local feast.
