The Best Ellicott City Shops to Hit Before the Holidays

We recently gave you the heads up on Ellicott City’s annual Christmas Midnight Madness tradition. The shops stay open late and the holiday season is kicked off with style and irresistible cheer. One key ingredient to the whole celebration is, well, the Ellicott City shops!

Ellicott City features a number of charming shops, with everything from antiques to Legos, books to teas, and more.

Read on for a brief intro to the shops that add to Ellicott City’s hometown feel.

 

ELLICOTT’S COUNTRY STORE

8180 Main Street

With four floors of curiosities, you’re sure to find an antique or gift that tickles your fancy. Naturally, this gem of a shop is nestled in Elllicott City’s historic district.

 

CLASSIC PLASTIC BRICKS

3720 Maryland Avenue

Although it may not have the vintage charm of an antiques shop, Lego lovers won’t care! This is a Lego supermarket, with thousands of Lego parts, new and retired sets and mini figures. This shop has charm all its own: it features a huge Lego train garden and Star Wars display for your enjoyment. Definitely the most toy-rrific of the Ellicott City shops!

 

GRAMP’S ATTIC BOOKS

8304 Main Street

This is exactly the kind of book store that bibliophiles pine for. It’s one of the classic Ellicott City shops, where you can buy, sell, and trade used, old and rare books.

 

MATCHA TIME CAFÉ

3785 Hamilton Street

It’s not all just Americana in Ellicott city. This eatery is a Japanese owned and operated tea café and gift shop. The café features a variety of hand-selected, award-winning teas along with in-house made pastries, sushi and other goodies. The gift shop features unique items from Japan along with crafts made in the USA by Japanese and American artisans.

 

SWEET ELIZABETH JANE

8125 Main Street

This shop combines past and present with undeniable panache. Located in the Caplan’s Department Store building, Sweet Elizabeth Jane is a vintage-inspired lifestyle store with a great mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor.

TEA ON THE TIBER

8081 Main Street 

 

You can enjoy Japanese tea at Matcha…or English tea at Tea on the Tiber! Enjoy the quiet elegance and refinement of a grand English Tea parlor. The gift shop sells a variety of teas and with tea related treasures. The tea room is divided into areas: a Grand Parlor, The Sunroom, Squire’s Office, The Library and weather permitting, a deck overlooking the Tiber River.

 

THE WINE BIN

8390 Main Street

This boutique wine store offers a wide range of wines and spirits in a hip, contemporary setting. Catering to the novice as well as the connoisseur, The Wine Bin features 200 wines under $20, as well as specialty vintages, premium spirits and gourmet beers. Don’t miss weekend tasting on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Bonus: The Ellicott City Old Town Market is held Saturdays 9am-1pm in The WIne Bin parking lot. Featuring artisan breads, cheese, and in-season fruits and veggies. Live music begins at 10am.

 

WIND RIVER

8188 Main Street

Browsing the Ellicott City shops wouldn’t be complete without the chance to buy some

beautiful clothes. This shop features classic styles for the contemporary woman—it’s a national outlet featuring women’s designer samples and major retailer overstock at 60% off or more regular retail. Created by local Ellicott City designer, these fashions are normally found internationally in fine boutiques.

 

Whichever shops draw you to Ellicott City, we’re sure a stay at The Wayside Inn would only sweeten the trip. Book your stay and download our free vacation guide today!

 

Photo credit: Jeff Kubina / Flickr