Essex, MD

The area of Essex dates back to 1909. Founded by the Taylor Land Company, it created a perfect place for people in Baltimore to live outside of the city, giving them the freedom to enjoy a more rural life. At the same time, it kept them close enough to still work and visit Baltimore with ease. Thanks to businesses like the Glenn L Martin Company and the Eastern Rolling Mill, the area saw huge growth during World War II.

The Glenn L Martin Maryland Aviation Museum is one of the closest museums. Here, you learn about important aerospace topics and see many amazing planes. For art enthusiasts, the McFadden Art Glass Gallery provides a unique experience where you get to blow your own glass. Take beginner glassblowing lessons and make your own pieces of work.

Most restaurants in Essex sit along Highway 150. If you enjoy seafood, stop by Mr. Bill's Terrace Inn Crab House and Sports Bar. With a casual family atmosphere, it provides the perfect place to take the entire family to enjoy Maryland seafood. Catch the game as you dine on a soft crab sandwich or a cod fish cake.

For another great seafood option, head over to Captain Joe's Crab House. This small restaurant has been preparing perfectly spiced Maryland crabs since the late 1980s. Locals claim that Captain Joe's cooks up the best, and biggest, crabs in town.

After the sun goes down, get together with your friends and visit Brewery's Landing Bar & Grill. This chill spot serves up specialty cocktails and casual seafood dishes. Though it may be a little dark inside Brewery's, the consistently friendly service and waterfront location with outside seating keep customers coming back. For someplace a little more lively, check out the Tempo Lounge and Liquor Store. Hang out with your friends, and watch a game as you down a cold beer.

As a rural suburban area outside of Baltimore, personal automobiles provide the best way to get around Essex. Luckily, most businesses provide free parking to customers.

City buses stop within the neighborhood; however, most stops sit along Highway 150 and don't reach the center of the area. Therefore, while the city bus proves useful for reaching Baltimore, using it to travel Essex proves difficult. While hailing a cab seems impossible, you can call in advance and schedule a pickup or use Uber.

Two major highways run through the area: Highway 150 and Highway 702, which make it easy to reach other highways and Baltimore or the rest of Maryland. Most businesses in the area reside along Highway 150, making the area a poor option for walking and biking, especially since few bike lanes exist in the neighborhood.

Rocky Point Beach and Park stretches 375 acres and sits at the mouth of Back and Middle Rivers. While no annual events or activities exist, fun pops up around every corner. Gaze at the lovely views of Chesapeake Bay as you enjoy a picnic with your family or friends. Go swimming in the water, or play fetch with the family dog. Do it all without paying a dime.

The Eastern Regional Park sits about six miles from Essex. Another free park, it provides the perfect opportunity to relax and have fun with your family. Reserve a picnic pavilion or play at the wheelchair-accessible playground. This park makes an excellent option when you want to commune with nature, walk or jog with your dog on the paved paths or just get some fresh air.

As with the restaurants, most shops sit along Highway 150. Essex houses many different type of stores, ranging from clothing to used furniture stores. For your uniform needs, visit Aetna Shirt. This establishment sells everything you need for a professional uniform. For something a little more fun, visit Dots. This shop sells stylish yet inexpensive clothing and accessories for juniors, and it also stocks plus-size clothing. The area fails to feature high-end retail stores, but travel a little outside Essex to find more expensive boutiques like Chico’s, Macy’s and LOFT.

Essex houses a couple grocery stores. Food City serves as a full-service grocery store. It sells grocery staples, pet care products, kitchen and dining products, health and beauty items, and fitness products. Shoppers only provides the basics, including meat, seafood, deli items, fresh produce and baked goods as well as health and beauty products, beer and wine.

The closest farmers market for Essex residents, Richardson Farms, sells fresh produce grown right on the family farm. The kitchen serves prepared meals for families who lack the time to make dinner. Poultry and baked goods are also available.