THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

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Maybe the best

The daily prompt asks – Which is the best thing to do in your city?

To start, we live in a small town and not a city. We have some nice hiking trails and nature walks at the Howard County Conservancy. And of course, the best thing to do is get a snowball from the Woodstock Snowball Stand and lunch at the Oscars Alehouse or the Woodstock Inn.

There are two major cities we visit that you might recognize. Both Baltimore and Washington are great places to visit. Washington obviously has museums, monuments and memorials that are numerous and moving.

Baltimore, I would say the best thing is Oriole Park at Camden Yards. A ballgame there is a nice experience.

And then there is OUR CITY. Good old Ellicott City. Met my wife who lived there and spent many days at her parents’ home there. Got married in this city. Started my newspaper career there. Went into business with two wonderful partners there. I walk that town regularly now and love photographing it.

A historic stone building along a road with telephone poles and power lines, surrounded by trees and greenery.
Tongue Row EC. Photo by Mike Hartley

Some great places to eat and drink. Shops and businesses are up and running and as always probably struggling. Some struggle successfully for decades. Others change and new ones take their place. It hosts a number of events throughout the year like the Spring festival and many more.

Red sign reading 'ELLICOTT CITY' over a stone building with parking signs and a black fence.
I remember walking out of the Trolley Stop with lunch and seeing this view and my destination on the other side of the bridge. Photo by Mike Hartley

I stand by the river and walk along it many times. The old mill is being redeveloped. Flood mediation efforts are well underway. Trains still pass daily over the bridge at the bottom of town. It’s one of the best changed and unchanged places in the state.

This city has been a big part of my life for over 5 decades now. It’s gone through tremendous changes, and one might think I would miss a lot of old times and people. I do; I will never forget working in this city. Or going to Yates store for some ice cream. Eating a sandwich and milkshake from Dollies by the river. The family walks downtown. My walks with my partners.

I like the fact that people are friendly and helpful. You know locals because we make eye contact and exchange greetings. The best thing to do in my city is whatever I want, because it all feels like home.