Now that you’ve arrived and have your rental car from Towson Economy Auto Rental, what do you do? If you happen to find yourself with unplanned free time and need a few fun things to do in Towson, take some advice from a local business who stays in the know. Here is a list of our 14 must-see places to visit while you’re in town.
Outdoor Fun
Hampton National Historic Park
Take a step back in history to Hampton, a preserved 18th-century estate. The property contains a Georgian manor house, gardens that have been restored to resemble their beauty in the 1820s, lavish grounds, and the original stone slave quarters, all built by the Ridgely family of Baltimore. At the time of its completion in 1790, it was the largest private home in the country. Take a tour of this national treasure with a guide that grants you access inside the mansion or self-guide yourself around the grounds of this magnificent site.
Cromwell Valley Park / Willow Grove Nature Center
460-acres of pastures, cultivated gardens, open fields, woods, hedgerows, orchards and wooded hills create this gorgeous stream valley park. The diverse makeup of this land makes it an excellent area for wildlife from Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl to rabbits, deer mice, and meadow voles. You’ll also catch glimpses of White-tailed deer and red fox that are abundant in the area. Songbirds such as the iconic Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Meadowlark, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Bluebird, and many others call this park home. You’ll also see Belted Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons around the Minebank Run. Visit and enjoy a hike, children’s activities, seasonal festivals and more!
Loch Raven Reservoir
A nature lovers dream come true. Hike or bike the trails, rent a motorboat, kayak or canoe, cast a line…the world is your oyster at Loch Raven Reservoir. Fed by the Big Gunpowder Falls river with a capacity of 23 billion US gallons of water, Loch Raven provides hours of entertainment and fresh air to locals and tourists alike. Hikers and bikers can expect to see a wide variety of birds, including ravens, cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, and even bald eagles, as well as a lush and varied array of plants and trees, including oaks, beeches, maples, poplars, raspberries, and wild roses. Also, be sure to read about the UFO sightings dating back to the 1950s.
Lake Roland
Another slice of local heaven, Lake Roland boasts trails for hiking and biking, nature activities and nature center, kayaking, canoeing, playgrounds, picnic areas and pavilions, dog parks and more. The park itself, centered on Lake Roland in the Jones Falls valley, has 503 acres of exceptionally diverse ecosystems including wetlands, meadows, and mature hardwood forests. Most significant is the environmentally sensitive serpentine barrens in the Bare Hills area, home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. Lake Roland is historically significant, with not one, but two National Register Historic Districts.
Indoor Activities
Escape This Live
An interactive adventure game for up to 8 people. If you need more people, no problem! You can team up with other groups to guarantee optimum brain power. Choose from several different themed escape rooms on varied levels of difficulty. You and your group will use skill and wit while given a series of clues that lead to the key that unlocks the door to freedom in 60 minutes or less. Do you have what it takes…?
Stoneleigh Lanes Bowling
Experience the classic Baltimore sport of duckpin bowling. It’s similar to 10 pin, just smaller pins and smaller balls…we like a challenge in Charm City. Step back in time and enjoy a few frames in this 16-lane, vintage alley from 1946. Tally up your totals with a good ole golf pencil and paper, and play an arcade game in between matches. Classic times, classic fun for all ages.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
The sky is the limit! Freestyle jump, dunk basketballs like Jordan, dodge balls flying through the air, flip into the foam pit, and more. If you like to jump, this is the place to be. Kids can be kids and adults can relive their youth. Plus, you get a fun pair of socks as a memento!
Shopping
Towson Town Center
Shop til you drop at this top fashion and luxury shopping destination with over 180 stores and an array of dining experiences. Shops for every person and every style, Towson Town Center will fulfill all of your retail wants and needs. Be sure to check out their events calendar for any special happenings while you’re in town.
Belvedere Square
Shopping that inspires. Since 1986, Belvedere Square is the perfect blend of your favorite stores, and one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques. Define your own style with the latest fashions, get your hands on the latest New York Times bestseller, decorate your home and more. You can also enjoy a meal at the market with it’s vast array of eateries and top food merchants. On Fridays in the summer, this is the place to be with Sounds of Summer on the Square.
Food and Drink
Cunningham’s
A seasonal American grille blending the modern atmosphere of city dining with the rustic, smoky flavors of the countryside. Cunningham’s provide guests with dishes created from the freshest seasonal and local ingredients possible using a wood-fired grill and oven. An excellent dining experience built on thoughtful service and sourcing products that are grown and crafted responsibly.
Bread & Circuses Bistro
Authentic bistro dining in a 1920s haunt. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine with a Bohemian flare. This cozy bistro is the perfect spot for an intimate and fun night with friends and loved ones. In the summer enjoy the outside patio and deck for an evening of great food and libations under the stars.
7 West Bistro
A mix of classic and contemporary cuisine with a bold Mediterranean flare featuring local and organic seasonal ingredients. Treat your tastebuds to the signature lamb chops, tapas and fresh seafood. Enjoy an extensive wine list, homemade sangria, and an exclusive Martini list to complement your dining experience.
Towson Tavern
A Scratch Kitchen with a globally inspired menu featuring the best locally grown & raised ingredients from the Maryland & Mid Atlantic region. Enjoy a casual dining experience with delicious flavors from ingredients sourced from 20+ local farms. Complement your meal with a premium line of wine, spirits, and an extensive craft beer selection.
Truffle Butta Bistro
Bringing the south to your mouth. Trust us when we say that you have never had chicken and waffles like this before. Tucked in a cozy spot in the heart of Towson, Truffle Butta will blow your mind with its explosive and complimentary flavors. The dishes don’t just look amazing, they are amazing.
