A Treasure in Our Backyard: Merriweather Post Pavilion

A mere fifteen minutes from The Wayside Inn in Columbia, MD, lives an amazing amphitheater nestled within the 40 preserved acres of Symphony Woods: Merriweather Post Pavilion.  Named after the American socialite and founder of General Foods, Marjorie Merriweather Post, the venue offers an spectacular array of concerts and other events that draw thousands of visitors from around the country each year.

According the their website, “A concert season at Merriweather Post Pavilion is like putting your iPod on shuffle: the calendar features the best in rock, country, rhythm and blues, pop, jazz, hip hop, alternative, electronica and classical.” And, it’s true. This year’s season kicks off with the Sweetlife Food and Music Festival showcasing performers whose names we found incredibly intriguing: A$AP Rocky, Zola Jesus and Fitz & the Tantrums. Later in the season, concert goers can see the Capital Jazz Fest with well-known artists Anita Baker and George Benson.

The site also notes that, “Yes, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead played here!” and “If the backstage walls could talk, they’d echo Roger Daltrey and Robert Plant trading some wicked stories about when the Who and Led Zeppelin played here in the ‘70s.” If only we could have been a fly on the wall!

Improvements to the theater are ongoing, and, we believe, these changes foster the longevity of the venue, which has been hosting music legends and fans for more than 40 years. According to the site, “Recent enhancements include building an enormous kitchen that prepares the most delectable cuisines from all over the world, a Music Pinball Arcade, award-winning sculptures and the tripling of restroom facilities.” Ahem to that!

Come visit Merriweather Post during your next stay at The Wayside Inn. We know they’ll have a concert or two for you!

We look forward to seeing you soon,
David and Susan Balderson
Innkeepers
The Wayside Inn
Ellicott City, MD
(410) 461-4636

Are you longing for a romantic getaway to a bed and breakfast in Ellicott City? Will your visit include shopping and dining at unique stores and gourmet restaurants? We invite you to The Wayside Inn, where relaxation, gourmet breakfasts and access to historic Ellicott City await.