Catonsville, MD

European settlers came to Catonsville in the early 17th century and lived beside native tribes until the middle of the century, when the English government ended the practices of the area’s Catholic missionaries. As many of the natives moved away, settlers began developing trade stations around the banks of the Patapsco River.

Present-day Catonsville was settled by Richard Caton and his father-in-law Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. With a new name in place, they began developing Catonsville into a quaint summer retreat for wealthy Baltimoreans. By the early 1900s, many began living in Catonsville year-round, and the community became its own separate town with its own personality and amenities, moving away from the shadow of Baltimore city.

The longstanding history of this community is detailed at Catonsville’s Benjamin Banneker Museum, which holds several artifacts from the early days of Catonsville and Baltimore city.

Catonsville offers a food lovers paradise to residents, with fine-dining establishments and local eateries of all types.

Diners interested in fresh-caught seafood from the nearby Chesapeake Bay can visit Catonsville Gourmet. Here, local catches are always on the menu, and the establishment also features an impressive collection of steaks and prime rib, always cooked to order. What sets this restaurant apart is it allows patrons to bring their own beverages. The BYOB trend has been infiltrating the dining scene in many large cities, and this Catonsville establishment holds a spot as one of the only restaurants in the area that offers this feature.

If you're seeking classic American fare, Duesenberg's American Cafe and Grill lets you explore all types of traditional dishes from around the country. While many visit this cafe for its massive burgers, the regional specialties are a must for any visitor. Everything from a southern-fried Po Boy straight from New Orleans or Chicago-style hot dogs straight from the heart of Illinois are on the menu, providing something for all tastes and preferences.

Local watering holes and inviting pubs make up the majority of the nightlife scene in Catonsville. Those looking for a late-night establishment with plenty of cold beer on tap frequent the locally owned Morsberger Tavern. This establishment remains one of the oldest in the area, and it's known for friendly bartenders and an impressive beer and spirits list.

Travel by car is quick and convenient in Cantonsville, with Frederick Road running right through the heart of Catonsville and into downtown Baltimore. Interstate 695 runs right through Catonsville, while Interstate 70 and Interstate 95 each border the community.

Cabs are quite prevalent in Catonsville, and Uber provides its services to those living in the area. While the Main Street area of Catonsville is walkable and biker-friendly, because the town is so large, most of the area isn't walkable.

The MARC train serves Catonsville, providing residents with access to a fast and easy train that connects downtown Baltimore with neighboring communities and Washington D.C. The MTA Bus also features a handful of routes throughout the neighborhood. This city bus travels to the university, around Catonsville and into downtown.

Catonsville has its own public park called the Catonsville Community Park. With more than 40 acres of space, the public can enjoy plenty of open fields, a picnic area, playgrounds for the kids, sand volleyball courts and plenty of walking trails. This kid-friendly park often hosts community events such as charity 5K runs, school fundraisers, Easter Egg hunts and more. Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll the manicured green grass of this park under owner supervision.

Just down the road is the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum. Here, residents can enjoy a paved trail, plenty of historical sites, a picnic area and a public interpretive museum.

Trusted brands and locally owned boutiques create a diverse shopping experience in Catonsville. At the Westview Mall, residents can shop some of the most trusted big-name stores and stock up on all their home essentials. Grab some tools, paint or home improvement supplies at the local Lowe's, or stock up on your home and food essentials at Sam’s Club. Browse the latest athletic fashions at Foot Locker, or head next door to GNC to shop one of the largest selections of vitamins and supplements in the area.?

If boutique shopping is more your scene, take a stroll along Catonsville's Main Street. Here you can browse an eclectic collection of handmade items, collectibles and gifts at the Appalachian Bluegrass Shoppe. At Objects Found, some of the most hard-to-find antique items are presented at affordable prices to shoppers looking for the most unusual home pieces. If you have a sweet tooth, stop by SugarBakers Cakes to pick up a specialty cake or assorted pastries to share.

On your way to the Giant Food store for your grocery essentials, stop by the Catonsville Farmer's Market first for fresh, locally grown produce. Located near the Giant right on Frederick Avenue, this market stays open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.