Milford Mill - Windsor Mill, MD

The eponymous Mill of Milford Mill can be found in the nearby neighborhood of Pikesville along Milford Mill Road. The neighborhood was once simply known as Milford, but the name of the favorite local hang-out eventually re-branded the neighborhood.

The greater Baltimore area has much to offer art and history buffs willing to make the drive, including the Baltimore Museum of Art in downtown Baltimore, which collects more than 90,000 pieces of global artwork and a frequent rotation of exhibitions. The museum is freely open to the public, so be sure to check back often as displays rotate.

Head east on Interstate 695 to reach the Maryland State Festival campgrounds, which hosts festival events year-round, including craft fairs, automobile shows and parades. The main attraction, Maryland State Festival itself, occurs in August and September each year.

Head on over to Liberty Road for a taste of Milford Mill's nightlife. In addition to a wide variety of popular chain restaurants, Liberty Road contains local dives, sports bars and classic American-styled restaurants. If you're craving something a bit different, the authentic Middle Eastern flavors found in the neighborhood of Pikesville to the northeast might be just what you're searching for. Great for dining in or take-out, Jae's Grill on Ambassador Road serves food fast, not to be confused with fast food. Open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday each week, Jae's Grill specializes in freshly-made wraps and creative omelettes. Looking for something to warm both your mouth and your belly on a chilly afternoon? Order the hot turkey wrap with hot peppers and grilled onions. A number of salads, wraps and sandwiches are always available at the grab-and-go counter if you just can't wait.

Tashes Ankh Caribbean Carryout brings out the best in Jamaican cuisine and serves it right on Milford Mill's doorstep. Tashes Ankh specialties include Jamaican-style patties, curry goat and one of Baltimore's greatest takes on jerk chicken. You can't go wrong ordering the perfectly spiced ox-tail. Call ahead for carryout to enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean from the comfort of your home.

Found east of Milford Mill in Pikesville on Reisterstown Road, Silk Road Bistro causes many a Baltimore local to make the commute from the city for its unique take on classic Uzbek recipes. Family-owned and -run, the staff of Silk Road Bistro adds to the cozy and welcoming dining experience. Order the pumpkin manti for an authentic Uzbek dumpling. If you prefer a little entertainment with your meal, stop by on Thursdays after 7 p.m. to catch the belly dancers in action.

Liberty Tavern, located centrally to Milford Mill along Liberty Road, acts both as the go-to local liquor store for imported beer, wine and liquor as well as the after-hours hangout for much of the neighborhood. Purchase what you want from its large selection up front to take home, or head around back to take advantage of the full bar, jukebox and pool tables alongside the Liberty Tavern regulars. The tavern has a number of televisions as well, making it a great place to stop by to catch the Orioles game in good company.

Liberty Road runs across north Milford Mill, allowing easy access by automobile directly into downtown Baltimore. Interstate 695 hooks up with Interstate 795 just northeast of the neighborhood, providing ease of travel beyond Baltimore as well. The numerous taxi cab companies of the greater Baltimore area provide service to and from Milford Mill, though you should call ahead of time if you know you're going to need a cab, as finding one to hail on your own can prove difficult. Alternatively, Uber and Lyft extend their services to Milford Mill. The Maryland Transit Administration services Milford Mill with bus stops east and west along Liberty Road, and north and south with Milford Mill Road.

Cheap public parking can be found along Liberty Road, and a few of the residential side streets may be parked on freely. Liberty Road lacks a lane designated to bikers, and prospective residents of Milford Mill should plan to bring a car, as the spread-out nature of the neighborhood does not lend itself to walkability.

While Milford Mill contains a number of densely forested parks, those looking to spend a day out with the family or play a pick-up game with some friends should head southeast along Liberty Road to take advantage of the range of parks in Gwynn Oak.

A favorite park of those nearby, Gwynn Oak Park provides plenty to do for anyone searching for a place to relax in the fresh air. The Gwynn Falls stream runs through the park and makes for a great fishing spot. Picnic tables overlook the playground central to the area, and the tree-lined trails make for a great place to bring the dog on a scenic walk.

Milford Mill's cost of living averages out to 11 percent above the Baltimore average, though it remains 11 percent below the overall Maryland average. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs $975. An MTA 24-hour pass good for both the bus and metro subway downtown costs $3.50, and a pint at the local pub averages out to $5. Baltimore gas prices cost an average of 3 percent more than the overall national average.

Liberty Road remains the focal point for Milford Mill businesses. Giant, Food Lion and ALDI make up the major local supermarkets, all of which can be found along Liberty Road. The Liberty Court Shopping Center on the edge of Randallstown and Milford Mill along Liberty Road collects a number of valuable businesses in one location for your convenience. Try on a new pair of shoes at the Payless ShoeSource, get in your daily exercise at Energy Fitness Center, or borrow a few new books from the Randallstown Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library.

Also nearby in neighboring Randallstown, Karis Boutique centers on fashionable and expressive styles for women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Worth a look for any price range, they keep the racks stocked with both designer and discount brands as well as a number of unique tops, bottoms and dresses.

Planning to spend a day browsing the shops over in Baltimore and searching for those out-of-the-way hidden gems? The variety of men and women's clothing and accessories at the In the Details boutique range from vintage pieces to interesting takes on current styles. The owner loves to offer advice if you're not sure what you're looking for, and the layaway and customer-rewards programs provide patrons with the means to afford those perfect yet pricey pieces. Not up for the 30-minute drive into the city? Check the website to shop online.

Open year-round, the Lexington Market in downtown Baltimore represents Milford Mill's nearest option to support local production. In operation for over 230 years, the sizable farmer's market hosts a number of vendors, selling everything from Baltimore seafood, produce and meat to handmade crafts.