Owings Mills, MD

In the early 1700s, pioneers arrived in the area. A man named Samuel Owings built a number of mills for grinding flour, another for producing plaster from limestone and one for producing grist. The town was named after him for his significant contribution to the area. And so, Owings Mills was born.

There is not an art “scene” per say in Ownings Mills, but if you're looking for fine art, Koenig Art Emporium might just tickle your fancy.

The Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball has activities every month for all members of the family. It is a great stop to learn about the contributions that the African-American community has made in sports. They are also always seeking volunteers.

Owings Mills contains more than 20 restaurants in the area, including national chains, fast food staples, ethnic cuisine and a few local favorites. The neighborhood has something for everyone along Reisterstown Road or near shopping centers.

CJ's Restaurant, like many Maryland eateries, specializes in fresh blue crab. Daily deals include whole Maine lobsters served with steamed shrimp, New York strip with lobster tail and racks of ribs. Try the Oysters Chesapeake for something truly unique as four clams arrive at your table topped by crab imperial. The specialties of the house remain the backfin Maryland crab cake and the jumbo lump crab cake sandwich. Either of these hearty meals satisfies even the largest appetites.

Kavkaz Kebab brings authentic Azerbaijani cuisine to the neighborhood thanks to marinade recipes passed down through the generations. For an appetizer, order the oliv'e salad that features mixed vegetables served in a mayonnaise sauce. Try the kutabi, thinly kneaded dough filled with your choice of meat and sumac spice. Sweet pilaf includes the standard rice dish combined with dried fruits.

Night time entertainment revolves around sporting events. Locals love to attend lacrosse, soccer and hockey games at Mustang Stadium, Stevenson University's top-notch athletic facility. If you prefer standard nightlife options, the Greene Turtle remains the go-to spot for beer and pub fare. Make sure to catch a Ravens game on one of the private televisions that grace each booth.

Close to the Owings Mills Mall on Painters Mills Road, sits the terminal for the Baltimore Metro Subway. The Maryland Transit bus route also operates near the mall and Metro, and along the main streets, Reisterstown Road and Painters Mills Road. The most popular ways to get around are the metro system and bus routes, but walking and biking are also enjoyed.

Owings Mills Taxi operates daily from 7 am to 11:30 pm and offers its riders discounts of up to 10 percent if traveling longer distances. For a safe, reliable and affordable ride, Uber offers pick-up within minutes.

Parking is abundant, especially at mass transit areas, with over 23,000 parking spaces and a 850-car parking garage. Parking needs to be reserved for events but is open 24-hours a day. There are also parking spots available at Arena Garage, Days Inn Garage, Arrow Parking, Avalon Centerpoint and Edison Parking. Costs vary, but early-bird prices hover around $7.50 on regular days and $10 for event days.

Owings Mills Boulevard provides access to the Baltimore Metro Subway, and Interstate 795 links the area to Baltimore.

Over 32 bike trails make Owings Mills and easy-ride area. Some parts of Owings Mills have parallel bike lanes within the roadways, making biking within the area safe.

If you are trying to beat the heat or if it happens to be raining and a visit to the park is out of the question, Owings Mills Mall hosts family fun day every Wednesday.

Owings Mills has designated areas for dogs, such as Dog Park Morningside Heights, but dogs are acceptable in most area parks as long as they are kept on a leash, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

The Northwest Regional Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, but there is also Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area, which covers 1900 acres. The area has rare, threatened and endangered plant species and well as rare insects, rocks and minerals. The park has seven miles of marked hiking trails, but keep in mind that equestrians and cyclists are prohibited from using the park due to the delicate environmental surroundings. There is also a visitor’s center for educational purposes. All parks are open to the public free of charge.

Festivals include Baltimore’s Traveling Food Truck Festival , which benefits local causes and showcases great food. And don’t forget about the Raven Summer Fest Gathering for fun and food for all ages.

Owings Mills ranks high on the quality-of-life scale. There are plenty of local amenities, the housing market is stable and the area maintains high income per capita. The cost of living is 5 percent lower than in the rest of the state, but it is 10 percent higher than the U.S. average.

A one-way metro fair cost $1.60, and a day pass can be picked up for as little as $3.50. You can also get a beer during happy hour at many restaurants and pubs for about the same price.

With rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Owings Mills averaging about $1125 per month, you should have enough cash left in your pocket to fill up with gas, which is 1 percent lower than the national average.

Nearby Valley Centre represents the major shopping hub of the area with high-value stores and a few restaurants for shoppers to enjoy. Check out HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx and Ross Dress for Less just south of a Walmart Supercenter and The Home Depot. Find most independent retail stores along Reisterstown Road. Other shopping centers include Garrison Forest Plaza and Crondall Corner Shopping Center.

Race Pace Bicycles on Reisterstown Road sells new and used bicycles to enthusiasts who love to get out and remain active. The store offers an online shop, free shipping, clothing and accessories for all of your cycling needs. Enroll in the Race Pace points rewards to earn sweet deals the more you shop.

Owings Mills has more than a dozen grocery stores within a 1-mile radius, including Safeway, Fresh Bakery and Edible Arrangements. Haymana Produce Market, the closest thing to a farmers' market, carries several in-season fruits and vegetables for customers to enjoy seven days per week.