Explore Maryland

Perfectly positioned between Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Annapolis, The Wayside Inn offers easy access to Maryland's most treasured destinations and hidden gems.

Historic Ellicott City
Walking distance

Historic Ellicott City

America's oldest surviving railroad station and charming historic Main Street. Explore antique shops, art galleries, cafes, and the famous stone bridge over the Patapsco River.

Highlights:

  • Historic B&O Railroad Station Museum
  • Antique shopping on Main Street
  • Patapsco River stone bridge
  • Ghost tours and historic walks
  • Howard County Welcome Center
  • Ellicott City Brewing Company

Address: 8267 Main St, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Baltimore
20 miles

Baltimore

Charm City offers world-class attractions including the Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, and vibrant neighborhoods like Federal Hill and Fells Point.

Highlights:

  • National Aquarium
  • Inner Harbor waterfront
  • Fort McHenry National Monument
  • American Visionary Art Museum
  • Fells Point cobblestone streets
  • Camden Yards baseball stadium

Address: 401 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202

Columbia, MD
15 miles

Columbia, MD

A planned community known for excellent shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Home to Merriweather Post Pavilion and the Mall at Columbia.

Highlights:

  • Merriweather Post Pavilion concerts
  • The Mall in Columbia shopping
  • Lake Kittamaqundi boardwalk
  • Columbia Association activities
  • Toby's Dinner Theatre
  • Historic Savage Mill

Address: 10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044

Annapolis
25 miles

Annapolis

Maryland's capital city and home to the U.S. Naval Academy. Experience colonial architecture, maritime heritage, and charming waterfront dining.

Highlights:

  • U.S. Naval Academy tours
  • Maryland State House
  • Historic Annapolis district
  • Sailing and harbor cruises
  • City Dock and Market House
  • William Paca House & Garden

Address: 25 State Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401

Washington D.C.
35 miles

Washington D.C.

The nation's capital offers iconic monuments, world-class museums, and the seat of American government. Perfect for day trips filled with history and culture.

Highlights:

  • Smithsonian Institution museums
  • National Mall monuments
  • U.S. Capitol building
  • White House tours
  • Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials
  • Georgetown Historic District

Address: Washington, DC

Maryland Wineries
10-40 miles

Maryland Wineries

Explore Maryland's growing wine scene with numerous award-winning wineries throughout Howard, Frederick, and Montgomery counties offering tastings and tours.

Highlights:

  • Elk Run Vineyard (Mount Airy)
  • Linganore Winecellars (Mount Airy)
  • Woodhall Wine Cellars (Parkton)
  • Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
  • Boordy Vineyards (Hydes)
  • Seasonal wine festivals

Address: Various locations throughout Maryland

Local Activities & Attractions

Patapsco Valley State Park

Hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks just minutes from the inn

Premium Outlet Shopping

Designer outlets in nearby Hanover and Columbia for great shopping deals

Photography Tours

Capture historic architecture and natural beauty throughout Howard County

Live Entertainment

Concert venues, dinner theaters, and seasonal festivals in the area

Outdoor Recreation

Kayaking on the Patapsco River, biking trails, and scenic drives

Historic Sites

Colonial mansions, covered bridges, and preserved 18th-century buildings

Seasonal Highlights

Spring

Blooming Beauty

Experience Maryland's spring awakening with cherry blossoms, mild weather, and outdoor festivals.

  • Cherry blossom viewing
  • Spring hiking trails
  • Outdoor festivals
  • Garden tours
Summer

Outdoor Adventures

Enjoy warm weather activities, water sports, and summer events throughout the region.

  • Kayaking and boating
  • Outdoor concerts
  • Farmers markets
  • Beach trips to Chesapeake Bay
Fall

Autumn Splendor

Witness spectacular fall foliage and enjoy harvest festivals and seasonal activities.

  • Fall foliage tours
  • Apple picking
  • Harvest festivals
  • Wine tastings
Winter

Cozy Charm

Experience the magic of winter with holiday events, cozy indoor activities, and seasonal celebrations.

  • Holiday light displays
  • Indoor museums
  • Cozy restaurant dining
  • Winter shopping

Getting Around

By Car

Most Convenient

Free parking available at the inn. Easy access to I-95, I-695, and Route 29 for comfortable day trips to all major attractions. We provide detailed driving directions and route recommendations.

Public Transit

Eco-Friendly

MARC train service to Baltimore and Washington D.C. from nearby West Baltimore station. Light rail and metro connections available. We can help arrange transportation to stations.