Good Times & Great Company: A Friends’ Trip to Baltimore County

Perfect for: Group of Friends

Few things compare to a trip with friends—especially when it leads to mouthwatering eats and scenic hikes. This flavorful two-day retreat through the southern side of Baltimore County is packed with local bites, fresh air, and good vibes.

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Day-by-day Recommendations

Day 1 Day 2

Settle In & Explore

Afternoon

Stop: Your first southside stop is the green fields of Dublin, Ireland, at Guinness Open Gate Brewery. Halethorpe is home to the county’s largest brewery and one of the most popular on the east coast. Guinness is consistently pushing boundaries by innovating new and exciting spins on classic styles. Enjoy a beverage in the beer garden, taproom or book a guided tour and tasting experience that will teach you rich history, proper pairings, and the art of pouring the perfect pint of Guinness.

Check-in: No check-in or check-out line needed for an overnight stay at the Paradise Bed and Breakfast in Catonsville. A four-square colonial style house featuring three luxurious guest rooms along with two comfortable common rooms.

Evening

Stop: You can’t come to Baltimore County and not get seafood. Grab dinner at Catonsville Gourmet, the premier spot for a unique dining experience. They display a combination of impeccably fresh seafood apps and entrees, a raw bar, and an innovative sushi list. The fully loaded menu extends to land and sea style pairings, pasta dishes, and the finest cuts of meat that brings the coastal-like atmosphere to life.

Stop: In Maryland, we call them snowballs. Cap off dinner with dessert at Opie’s Soft Serve & Snowballs, a sweet staple serving the Catonsville community for over 40 years. From a small shack to an expanded shop selling soft-serve ice cream, shakes, sundaes, and the best snowballs in town.

Rise & Shine

Morning

Stop: Grab your morning breakfast fix at Caffe Di Roma in Catonsville. The casual atmosphere will make you feel right at home in your own kitchen. They offer specialty coffee selections and traditional morning dishes, as well as salads, subs, soups, and sandwiches in the later hours.

Experience: Continue your morning two miles down the road at Patapsco Valley State Park – Hilton Area. At over 100 years old, it is Maryland’s oldest state park and was the site of some of the earliest sawmills and factories in the state. Recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, biking, camping, and canoeing stretch across 32 miles along the Patapsco River. Due to its national popularity, come early on the weekends for a better chance to explore the trails and scenery.

Afternoon

Stop: Make your way to Arbutus for lunch at Martha’s Cafe. The grandma-chic interior captures the warmth of the close-knit, small-town charm. Load up on classic brunch favorites or cafe-style handheld sandwiches, burgers, and wraps.

Experience: Head back northwest and enjoy the ARTbeat of Baltimore County. The Catonsville Art District, also known as “Music City Maryland,” features live music, art galleries, unique boutiques, and award-winning restaurants. Discover a sense of diverse community and cultural history through their shops, venues, and music scene.

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