A Local’s Fall Guide to Howard County

Oct 18

Fall has always been my favorite season here. I grew up in Columbia, and some of my best memories are hayrides, cold mornings on the lake paths, and walks down Main Street in Ellicott City. Now I get to share those same places with my own kids.

So I put together a short list of the spots we keep going back to every autumn. Save it for your weekends.

Pumpkins & Farms

Clark's Elioak Farm (Ellicott City): costume parades Oct 24–25 and Pumpkin Chucking Nov 7–8.
Larriland Farm (Woodbine): pick your own pumpkins, plus hayrides.
Sharp's at Waterford Farm (Glenwood): a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and beautiful farm views.
Mary's Land Farm (Ellicott City): the Fall Festival runs through Oct 26.

Festivals & Events

Hispanic Heritage Festival (Columbia): Saturday, Oct 17.
Wanderland Craft Beverage Festival (Columbia): Saturday, Oct 24.
Halloween Spook-tacular (Color Burst Park, Merriweather District): Friday, Oct 30.
Haunted History Tours (Historic Ellicott City): through October.

Fall Foliage

Centennial Park (Ellicott City): a 2.6-mile loop around the lake.
Patapsco Valley State Park: river trails and overlooks. Color usually peaks in early November.
Lake Kittamaqundi & Wilde Lake (Columbia): walking paths along the lakes.
Savage Mill Trail (Savage): follows the Little Patuxent River.

Cozy Eats & Sips

Manor Hill Brewing (Ellicott City): a farm brewery with views of rolling hills.
Elkridge Furnace Inn (Elkridge): a historic inn with seasonal menus.
The White Oak Tavern (Ellicott City): a seasonal fall menu.
Clarksville Commons (Clarksville): local restaurants and coffee.