Why Parkville Deserves a Spot on Your Maryland Travel Map

Built in 1908 in Parkville, Weber's Cider Mill Farm is the oldest cider mill in uninterrupted use in Maryland. It is run today by the fourth generation of Webers, still offering fresh produce from their farm, delicious pastries from their bakery and a bunch of fun activities in their barn for the whole family.

They still press their freshly-picked apples in the original Runkle’s Company Cider Mill that Earl Weber purchased in 1947. Their Barnyard activities such as hillside slide, straw maze and tractor rides are seasonal and closed during the winter, but visitors can play with the farm animals whenever Weber's Farm Market is open, from Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm. They also have a nice gift shop.

Weber's Cider Mill Farm, 2526 Proctor Ln, Parkville, MD 21234, Phone: 410-668-4488

Located in a 150-year-old beautifully renovated farm house near Parkville, Maryland, on the former Willow Grove Farm, the Nature Education Center is the place to go to learn about nature, local history, farming and conservation. Young visitors are particularly enjoying the collection of native turtles, toads, frogs and snakes.

There are also hands-on exhibits in the Discovery Room. In spring and fall, school groups come on field trips to learn from the local naturalists about Spring Planting, Sensing Nature, Fall Harvest, Discovering Insects, Habitat Explorers, and Stream Strollers. The Center’s weekend programs for children, families, and adults feature a wide range of topics about nature and cultural history - birds, trees, butterflies, rocks, rhubarbs, history, creating habitats with native plants and much more.

Willow Grove Nature Education Center, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Rd, Parkville, MD 21234, Phone: 410-887-3014

Attractions for Couples

Located in Perring Plaza in Parkville, Maryland, Monster Mini Golf is part of the monster-themed mini-golf chain that features such attractions as a glow-in-the-dark indoor course and the latest arcade games. In all their 30 locations the guests can expect state-of-the-art climate-controlled indoor facility under the glow of black lights; unique, “living art” and monster-themed décor with fun-loving, animated monsters that vary from location to location; 18-hole very different mini golf course; hi tech video game arcade, Mini bowling, Monster Themed Laser Tag, Laser Maze, light concessions and much more.

There is something for visitors of any age and interest. The Monster Mini Golf facility is a popular and fun location for birthday parties and other group gatherings and celebrations.

Monster Mini Golf, 1969 E Joppa Rd, Parkville, MD 21234, Phone: 410-497-9704

Vita Revive - Organic Wellness & Spa is a wellness & spa facility in Parkville, Maryland. The spa provides services that include body treatments, massages, waxing, and facials. The spa offers unique fusion program for anti – aging, detoxification and full body wellness. Vita Revive’s goal is to offer each client optimal health using exclusive Eastern and Western technologies and treatments from all over the world.

The goal is to remove toxins from the body, shed fat, boost immune system, stimulate organs and enhance and improve energy levels. The spa uses Certified Organic USDA Skin care products in all their facials and body treatments.

Vita Revive - Organic Wellness & Spa, 2160 E Joppa Rd #102, Parkville, MD 21234, Phone: 410-513-7069

Where to Eat

Pappas Seafood Co. is a family-owned mini-chain of restaurants famous for their ‘colossal crab cakes.” Their original Parkville, Maryland location was opened in 1972 using a secret family recipe that never changed and is the secret to their success.

While most people come for their classic seven-ounce crab cake which won them awards, their menu also includes seafood and beef, pasta specialties, chicken, lamb, veal, soups, salads and sandwiches. Regardless, the crab cakes are the stars of the menu. There are also a double and triple crab cakes that are not on the menu and the Colossal ten-ounce Courage Crab Cake. A portion of Pappas sales go to help end child abuse through Ed Block Foundation.

Pappas Seafood Co., 1801 Taylor Ave, Parkville, MD 21234, Phone: 410-665-4000

Hidden away on the east side of Loch Raven Reservoir near Parkville, Maryland, McFaul's Ironhorse Tavern is a charming Old World pub with Irish flair and gourmet fare.

There are several dining areas with different atmosphere – from the cozy spot with a fireplace to the bar seating with the view of the large flat-screen TVs showing local games. The constantly changing seasonal menu uses seafood, produce and meats from local fisherman and farmers. There is a wonderful, spacious screened veranda for outdoor seating with a bar and a scenic view. There is live music every weekend.

McFaul's Ironhorse Tavern, 2260 Cromwell Bridge Rd, Parkville, MD 21234, Phone: 410-828-1625

Located in Parkville, Maryland, Don's Crabs is a seafood market owned by a family of commercial watermen. Since 1973 Don and his sons have been bringing in the best and freshest crabs and seafood from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay with their two boats. They offer crabs, shrimps, lobster and fresh fish. They also offer a large assortment of cooked seafood and all that goes with it.

Their kitchen prepares Maryland Crab Cakes, Crab Ball Boat, Soft Crab, Shrimp Boat, Large Fantail Shrimp, Stuffed Shrimp, Padded Oysters, Clam Strips, Crab Cake Sandwiches, Shrimp Salad Sandwiches, Cat Fish Sandwich, Oysters Sandwich, Flounder Sandwiches, soups, salads and more.

Don's Crabs, 1764 E Joppa Rd, Parkville, MD 21234, Phone: 410-661-1232