Edgewood, MD

Originally a rural agricultural area, Edgewood began to grow and develop after the building of Pulaski Highway in 1940. Many hotels and restaurants sprouted up along the highway and developments were soon built to the south, attracting residents to the area. Schools built in the 1950s cemented Edgewood's place as a peaceful, family-oriented community.

Those looking to spend a quiet and educational afternoon with the family can drive up Mountain Road to reach the Historic Jerusalem Mill Village. This year-round piece of living history re-enacts colonial Maryland, bringing the past to life with traditional music performances and presentations.

Those willing to make the drive north into Bel Air can visit the Harford Artists Gallery. Open each weekend, the gallery frequently rotates exhibits, showcasing the works of local artists in a variety of mediums.

Whether you're in the mood for a pleasant afternoon brunch or some of the area's best international cuisine, the area between Pulaski Highway and Philadelphia Road brims with diners and fine dining establishments sure to please even the most discerning palates.

Early-rising locals head along Edgewood Road to enjoy the fresh donuts and piping hot coffee served at Sun and Moon Cafe. Those who don't make it out during the morning hours can treat themselves to a cheesesteak worth of the Philly name. Portions at the Sun and Moon Cafe run large, so be ready to take some food home with you.

The Island Spice Jamaican Restaurant keeps many Edgewood residents coming back for the signature rasta pasta and savory pineapple ginger chicken. The coconut wings make for a great appetizer your group can enjoy to set the mood for the flavors to follow.

Located directly along Philadelphia Road, My Three Sons combines a number of American favorites with a Mediterranean twist worthy of frequent repeat visits. Try the classic spanakopita, or spinach pie, for its flaky crust and fresh ingredients. Don't forget to leave room for dessert. The chocolate outrage in particular makes for a sinfully sweet finish to any meal.

Filled with local charm and character, the Edgewood Station Sports Bar and Grill on Old Edgewood Road retains a small-town feel while serving an extensive array of craft beers and complex cocktail drinks. Stop by on Mondays for wing night, and don't forget to take advantage of daily happy hour specials. The televisions by the bar make for a perfect place to catch the Orioles game.

Routes 24, 40 and 755 run through Edgewood, providing residents with easy access into Baltimore, Bel Air and further. In addition to various ride-share services, including Uber and Lyft, the greater Baltimore area taxi cab companies can ferry locals to and from the city. Call ahead and order a cab if you plan to use one, as hailing a taxi in the area can prove difficult.

You'll find public parking freely available along many residential roads and by most businesses in the area. A majority of the major roads lack designated biking lanes, meaning cyclists should stick to side streets. Due to the spread-out nature of the area, Edgewood residents typically rely on an automobile to get around, though the MTA services the neighborhood with the Paul Martin Drive bus stop along Pulaski Highway.

Overlooking the Bush River as it feeds into Chesapeake Bay, Flying Point Park in northeastern Edgewood provides the relaxing mood and beautiful sights for a sublime afternoon outdoors. Bring your dog along on leash for a scenic walk along the more than 16 acres available, or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy beneath the pavilion seating with your family. The docks along the river open from April through October each year, with special hours held during Memorial Day weekend. Budding anglers can bring along a friend or two and take advantage of the fishing pier during the summer as well.

The average cost of living in Edgewood runs about 7 percent higher than that of Baltimore. The average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the area runs $744. Those planning a bus trip into Baltimore can expect to pay $3.50 for a 24-hour pass. Local bars charge around $5 for a pint of beer, and Edgewood gas prices stick around 4 percent lower than the national average.

The Edgewater Village Shopping Center along Pulaski Highway serves as the area's convenient one-stop spot to knock out a number of errands in one go. The shopping center includes a variety of businesses, including Big Lots, Walgreens, Family Dollar and Price Busters Discount Furniture. Local grocery stores for the area include Save-A-Lot, ALDI, Mars and Food Lion, all of which can be found along Pulaski Highway. Open year-round, the Jones Produce Farm on Philadelphia Road provides area residents with a convenient place to support locally produced goods. The family-run farm sells a variety of organic produce, fresh-baked bread, farm-raised meats and local crafts. The Jones Produce Farm grows Christmas trees as well every December. Avid thrifters know the Edgewood Thrift Store on Pulaski Highway delivers in terms of unique clothing items and deep discount racks. The friendly staff loves to answer any questions you may have, and tag sales rotate often, making frequent return trips well worth it. Located along Pulaski Highway, Always Goldie's Florist stocks all the necessary items for that next thoughtful gift for your family, friends and loved ones. The staff can compose floral arrangements based on themes or color schemes, and provide patrons with a number of options to choose from. Gift wrapping comes free with any purchase, and the owner allows layaway payments on larger orders.