Maryland's Rustic Retreat North Of Baltimore Is A Quiet Village With Outdoor Fun And A State Park

Baltimore locals and regular visitors know the city has its charms. It's one of the most underrated foodie cities in America — right up there with San Antonio and Savannah — with trendy spots like The Wren, a rustic pub with authentic Dublin vibes. While it has a slower pace compared to many other East Coast metropolises, there may still be times when you crave an excursion to escape the hustle and bustle. Fortunately, Maryland is a state of many personalities, and only 33 miles northeast of Baltimore sits the village of Jarrettsville, where you can replace the city's shopping and dining with sunflower fields, a state park, and fun outdoor recreation.

Located in Harford County, Jarrettsville is a true rural town with a close community and an abundance of surrounding natural spoils. The town's population barely makes it past 2,600 people, so you can imagine the gear shift as you leave behind the 560,000-plus people in Baltimore. One of Jarrettsville's biggest draws for day trippers, and a key source of outdoor fun, are the 20-plus acres of sunflower fields. For a small fee of $5 per person (all revenue goes to local people in need), you can stroll through the fields at your leisure, which are spectacular when the sunflowers are in bloom (between June and September). The fields are only open during sunflower season and weekend visitors can also pay a little extra for a tractor ride.

Eden Mill Nature Center is only 20 minutes away and offers family-focused nature immersion experiences. It hosts fun and educational programs, including animal feedings, nature games and hiking for preschoolers, and various arts and crafts. You can also explore around 3 miles of hiking trails through the 118-acre property, some of which are designed for parents with toddlers or strollers.

Rocks State Park may just be Jarrettsville's strongest connection to Mother Nature. The 855-acre state park covers the majority of the town's nearby natural attractions, including Kilgore Falls and Deer Creek. The former is a 17-foot-high waterfall that cascades down rocks into a small natural pond. Feel free to take a dip after the 0.5-mile walk— you've earned yourself a refreshing swim.

Deer Creek, meanwhile, offers hiking, fishing, and tubing. Hikers can trek along the 2.3-mile-long Deer Creek Trail Loop, which should take at most 1.5 hours. It features scenic sections through dense woodland with towering trees, white-tailed deer, and various birdwatching opportunities. Keen anglers can reel in a variety of species inhabiting the creek's intermittent pools. Rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, and hickory shad are all possible depending on the time of year.

Rock climbers also flock to Rocks State Park to scale the King and Queen Seat. The 190-foot-tall rocky outcrop provides various challenges for climbers, including some sheer sections. Depending on your skill level, you can opt for easier climbs as short as 8 feet or attempt to reach the peak with a 115-foot climb. The latter rewards you with expansive views over Deer Creek and the surrounding forested valleys.

It wouldn't be a proper Maryland retreat if you didn't indulge in some local dining. Jarrettsville has a couple of worthwhile spots for foodies. Harford Vineyard & Winery is a favorite, with a 4.8-star rating on Google (at time of writing). People appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and affordability, as well as the home-grown wine on offer. You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery, enjoy a laid-back wine tasting, or join events like cookie decorating and art workshops.

For a spot in town, head to the Jarrettsville Creamery and Deli. Part deli, bakery, and ice creamery, this local institution continues to impress with its selection of sweet and savory goods. With 4.7 stars from over 1,200 reviews on Google (at the time of writing), they must be doing something right. The deli menu includes a range of salads and hot or cold sandwiches, while the bakery is renowned for its fresh brownies and cookies. The ice cream is also homemade and includes almost 30 different flavors every day — try four at a time with an ice cream flight.

Jarrettsville is about a 45-minute drive from Baltimore. If you're flying in from out of state, the closest major airport is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, located roughly 50 minutes south of town by car. The town itself doesn't have any accommodations, but there are some campgrounds located nearby. For this reason, you're probably better off making Jarrettsville a day trip while staying in Baltimore. It's just one of many worthwhile day trips from the city. Another great option is Marriottsville, a friendly community with historic mansions, parks, and outdoor adventures.