A day of friends, food and fun in Ellicott City

Over the Labor Day weekend, my roommates and I took advantage of one of those last shorts-and-tank-top days, wrapping up summer with a day in Ellicott City. This little trip was the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day delights, from strolling down historic Main Street to indulging in some seriously good Korean BBQ — there’s just so much to enjoy here.

Our first stop was Ellicott Main Street, and the phrase “a drop of rainbow” immediately comes to mind. The street is packed with quirky toy stores, handmade clothing boutiques and pottery shops, all adding a whimsical touch to the atmosphere. For anyone who loves taking photos, Simply the Best Boutique is a must-see. The store’s exterior is a warm, buttery yellow, accented with rainbow-colored decor draped across the windows. The entrance is adorned with bright flowers and a charming, hand-written sign with a white frame. Stepping inside feels like walking into a fairy’s wardrobe, with bohemian fabrics in shades of pink, orange and green surrounding you. After leaving the store, we couldn’t resist taking photos with the lavender plants and the cute hand-written sign out front.

Other photo-worthy spots include the sky-blue facade of Maxine’s Antiques and the distinctive, aubergine-colored exterior of Stone House Collective. Another fantastic photo opportunity is at the intersection where The Artists’ Gallery is located. Perched atop a sloping street corner, it offers a sweeping view of the entire street, complete with several well-placed lampposts that make for perfect pictures.

One shop we found ourselves lingering in was Doc Taylor’s Toy Emporium. It’s more than just a toy store — it felt like a Squishables museum. They have every kind of Squishable that you can imagine, from animals to fruits, desserts and even wizards. I could have easily spent hours there, completely melting over each adorable plushie.

After about an hour of exploring Main Street, our hunger got the better of us, so we made our way to Chosun Hwaro for a serious feast. The beef at Chosun Hwaro was incredibly fresh, and with such a wide variety of meats and Korean side dishes, it’s no wonder the restaurant is a top spot for Korean BBQ in Ellicott City — a town brimming with authentic Korean eateries. We ordered their signature Baekdusan Bulgogi, along with Emperor’s Galbi, pork belly, bibimbap and tteokbokki. The Bulgogi, shaped like a little mountain of onions and beef, was not only visually striking but also boasted a sumptuous flavor profile — the sweetness of the onions perfectly complemented the tenderness of the beef. This combination, reminiscent of sukiyaki, was deeply satisfying. 

Afterward, we headed to H Mart to walk off the meal. We didn’t buy much since we usually rely on the convenience of online delivery, but just browsing through this spacious, well-stocked Korean supermarket was therapeutic. Grocery shopping here isn’t just about picking up essentials — it’s a way to unwind and to focus on simple pleasures like fresh greens, seafood on ice and the adorable mochi and baumkuchen in the freezer section.

And with that, our short trip to Ellicott City came to an end. The journey was a brief, exploratory adventure, blending the joys of strolling, indulging in good food and a bit of shopping. The vibrant colors, joyful moments and the pure pleasure of sharing food and time with friends are just a small glimpse into what Ellicott City has to offer. There’s still so much more waiting to be discovered and experienced in this charming town.