Pikesville, MD

Pikesville derives its name from American soldier and explorer Zebulon Pike. Fort Garrison was originally built on the site of Pikesville in 1695 to protect settlers in the colony of Maryland. As the neighborhood attracted more and more commercial attention, Pikesville became known as one of 13 major commercial revitalization districts in Baltimore County.

In addition to the Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden in downtown Baltimore, Pikesville residents are not far from the Evergreen Museum and Library. Found on 4545 North Charles Street in Baltimore, the gilded age architecture sits on 26 acres. More than 40 rooms showcase unique and priceless decorations, rare books and manuscripts from two generations of the Garrett family.

The Maryland Wineries Association east of Pikesville in Towson hosts a number of wine tasting and live music festivals each year.

The bars and restaurants in the Pikesville area retain the variety and excitement of those found in Baltimore proper without disrupting the suburban vibe of the neighborhood. Most of the activity in Pikesville happens along Reisterstown Road, where visitors find the majority of local restaurants, bars and shops. Lovers of authentic Hispanic and Middle Eastern food have much to choose from in the area.

Silk Road Bistro at 607 Reisterstown Road brings a unique twist to the area's Indian cuisine, combining traditional Indian and Asian dishes with classic Uzbek recipes. The pickle plate and anything off the kebab menu ensures a diner gets most of the unique flavors Silk Road Bistro offers. The owner remains very active, engaging with customers whenever able.

Another rather unique dining option in the Pikesville area, Mari Luna, sits conveniently on Reisterstown Road between Waldron and Sherwood Avenues. Mari Luna promises customers a tour of Latin-styled dishes and flavors, including Peruvian-based chicken, Cuban-styled meats and a number of Caribbean spices and flavors. Locals love the made-to-order waffles and omelettes at this popular breakfast spot.

Found at 1427 Reisterstown Road, Edmart Delicatessen serves Pikesville locals a variety of kosher foods, including daily-roasted deli meats, hand-sliced nova and belly lox, and kosher hot dogs. Edmart makes the beef brisket knishes fresh daily.

Both sports fans and those looking for a mellow night out with some old friends can find something to like in Jilly's. Located on 1012 Reisterstown Road, Jilly's has a number of televisions throughout the bar area to catch an Orioles, Ravens or Wizards game. Jilly's serves a number of soups, salads and sandwiches in addition to a full bar and craft beer menu. Jilly's sports a large patio seating area open during the warmer months for people who like to drink under the stars.

Interstate 695 cuts through central Pikesville, connecting with Interstate 795 to the west and 83 to the east, making travel by car in any of the cardinal directions a breeze. Visitors have access to Baltimore's wide range of taxi cab companies in addition to both Lyft and Uber. Finding a cab to hail in Pikesville is more difficult than within Baltimore proper, but some are usually available on Reisterstown Road. The Maryland Transit Administration services Pikesville via the metro station at Milford Mill Road, with bus stops along Reisterstown and Old Court Roads.

Public parking is abundant along many side streets, and cheap public parking is available in spots on Reisterstown Road. Pikesville lacks designated bike lanes on main roads, though the proximity of restaurants and businesses make the neighborhood very walkable.

Pikesville locals travel northeast into Lutherville-Timonium to find the nearby Meadowood Regional Park. The walking paths and generous fields make Meadowood Regional Park perfect for family outings and dog walking. Additionally, the park includes two playgrounds, two covered pavilions, picnic tables, benches and ball fields.

Families looking for a nearby summer outing should know they aren't far from Maryland's largest outdoor festival. The Towson Town Spring Festival occurs a few neighborhoods to the east of Pikesville for two days in the beginning of May each year. With more than 450 vendors and four ongoing entertainment stages, the festival attracts thousands of visitors.

The cost of living in Pikesville averages 21 percent higher than the Baltimore city average. A one-bedroom apartments cost a little more than $900 a month. A 24-hour pass for the MTA bus and metro costs $3.50. Pints of beer average around $5 at most of the local bars. Baltimore gas prices generally run about 3 percent higher than the national average.

Pikesville possess a cornucopia of shops and other businesses along Reisterstown Road. The Festival at Woodholme Shopping Center brings together a variety of well-known businesses in one convenient place. Shoppers browse the furniture pieces at Pier 1 Imports or lounge on the couches in Barnes & Noble with a good book. The NeighborCare Pharmacy makes a great place to get a prescription filled, and the Walgreens at the back of the Shopping Center has a limited supply of groceries.

Synchronicity Boutique, located on 25 Hooks Lane in Pikesville, dazzles patrons with an impressive display of designer men and women's formal wear at a wide range of price points. The in-store staff loves to help customers find the perfect item. If a size isn't in stock, they will order it for a later pick-up.

With more than 1,100 wines to choose from, Vineyards Elite Wine Boutique is a wine lover's dream. Free wine tastings are available most Saturdays. Vineyards Elite also stocks a large number of imported craft beers for people who don't appreciate wine.

Walgreens, Save-A-Lot, Trader Joe's and Giant make up the major supermarkets with PIkesville, all of which can be found along Reisterstown Road. The Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar is on Holiday and Saratoga. The largest producers-only market in Maryland, the Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar runs from April through December each year.