In June 2023, CULTA acquired Greenhouse Wellness in Ellicott City, Maryland. While we were initially drawn to Greenhouse Wellness for its premium cannabis and patient-first ethos, we couldn’t help but fall in love with its location. Conveniently located less than 40 miles from Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis, Ellicott City is a suburban haven that’s just a short drive (or train and bus ride) away from urban sprawl, giving its residents the best of both worlds.
We asked Gina Dubbe and Dr. Leslie Apgar, founders of Greenhouse Wellness, for their favorite things to do and see in Ellicott City, so you’ll have a picture-perfect itinerary the next time you visit Greenhouse.
Catch a concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion
Located in nearby Columbia, Merriweather has been voted the second-best amphitheater in the United States by Billboard magazine and #29 out of the top 100 music venues by Consequence of Sound. It has everything you want in a music venue: a fantastic sound system, large video screens, a picturesque backdrop, and an ultra-convenient location that’s smack dab in the middle of Baltimore and D.C. Notable past performances include the first and only time The Who and Led Zeppelin shared a stage, a record 42 performances by Jimmy Buffet, and President Jimmy Carter joining Willie Nelson on stage in 1980.
Pick fresh fruits and veggies at a local farm
Whether you’re picking pumpkins at North Run Farm or apples at Weber’s Cider Mill Farm, there are several farms near Ellicott City that allow you to pick your own fruits and vegetables, making this a highlight of the area. Gina Dubbe agrees, saying, “[Ellicot City has] such a diverse and vibrant population that enjoys everything from Merriweather concerts to pumpkin and berry picking at the farms. We love the sense of community!” If you’re looking for a wide selection, we recommend Larriland Farm, where you can pick apples, beets, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, spinach, tomatoes, beans, blackberries, plums, sour cherries, and strawberries. You can even pick some fresh flowers for your dinner table!
Join the community for an event
Throughout the year, Ellicott City hosts tons of fun events for the community, including the Main Street Music Fest and Midnight Madness. The Main Street Music Fest is a two-day event held annually in August that’s perfect for the whole family. It features dozens of bands on 6+ stages, crafts and face painting for the kids, and food trucks and beer/wine gardens for the adults. For those who prefer to do their holiday shopping in person, Midnight Madness is the absolute best way to celebrate the season. Each December, Old Ellicott City’s 80+ shops and restaurants deck their halls and stock their shelves to make your holiday season merry and bright. For a full list of events, click here.
Explore Old Ellicott City
More than just a shopping district, Old Ellicott City is rich in history and culture. Established in 1772 as a milling and manufacturing town, it has since been reinvented into a diverse and creative community that’s home to art studios, galleries, restaurants, and salons and spas. If you’re into paranormal activity, Ellicott City has been named one of the most haunted small towns on the East Coast, and many of the most haunted spots are located in Old Ellicott City. Grab a bite in OEC after visiting Greenhouse Wellness and join the Ellicott City History Tour & Savage Mill Ghost Walk; it’s been named Maryland’s best haunted history tour and pub crawl!
And don’t forget Dorsey Hall, home of the Dorsey family, one of the “first families” of the county. The 19th-century home is exquisitely preserved and a prime example of the architecture of the time. Bonus points: our dispensary is located on Dorsey Hall Drive, so this historical pit stop is super convenient.
Visit the railroad museum
If ghosts and ghouls aren’t your thing, head to the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum. It’s the oldest surviving train station in America (and one of the oldest in the world) and is listed under the National Register of Historic Places. Admission is free, and the family-friendly museum offers lots of opportunities for photos. The station is beautifully restored and features multiple rooms curated with period furniture and artifacts and a model train layout. There’s even a meticulously restored caboose for the kids to enjoy! Currently, the museum is open from 10-3 Wednesday-Sunday.
Enjoy the weather at Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park isn’t just one of Maryland’s most beautiful state parks, but it’s the largest in the state. Extending along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, it offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Plus, there are picnic areas galore! It’s nationally known for its trails and scenery and has over 200 miles of trails (70 of which are identified by the park as maintained.) Whether you want to fish in the summer or bird watch in the spring, there’s plenty to do at Patapsco Valley State Park, regardless of the season.
Visit Greenhouse Wellness Today!
Conveniently located in the Dorsey’s Search neighborhood of Ellicott City, Greenhouse Wellness offers a wide selection of cannabis products in many different flavors, strengths, and forms. Since it’s owned by CULTA, you can find exclusive products from our brands, like CULTA, Old Pal, Robhots, and Blissiva, in addition to other products. You can learn more about Greenhouse Wellness (and order online!) by visiting our official dispensary page.
