Gambrills, MD

Gambrills nestles itself within Anne Arundel County. Originally named after the wife of the second baron of Baltimore, Gambrills is home to the Battle of the Severn in the English Civil War in 1655. On May 22, 1830, the first horse-drawn train of the B & O Railroad company ended its journey in Ellicott Mills in Anne Arundel County. This stop quickly drew in settlers, merchants and more business to the surrounding area, and much of the county grew as a result. Originally its own census designated place, Gambrills soon became incorporated within Odenton and grew into the pleasant suburb it is known as today.

Head west along Patuxent Freeway to visit the Fort George G. Meade Museum. In operation from Wednesday through Sunday each week, the museum showcases a range of rotating exhibits documenting the history of the fort, including artwork, sculptures and other memorabilia.

The commercial strip of Crain Highway in southeastern Gambrills provides locals with a bevy of nearby bars and restaurants. Whether you're in the mood to be transported across the globe with international cuisine, or you're looking for something that tastes a little closer to home, Gambrills has you covered.

Great for a fun night out with a group, Otani Japanese Cuisine on Route 3 combines dinner with showmanship. Watch the talented chefs prepare sushi right at the bar, or order the playboy roll for a tasty helping of fresh fish set alight right at your table. Not sure what you want? Speak with the helpful staff to get a few recommendations to get you started.

Known to draw large crowds from the greater Odenton area, Royal Kabab treats patrons with an upscale establishment and authentic Indian cuisine. Don't forget to order a side of garlic naan with your meal, whether it's tandoori lamb or chicken vindaloo. If you're looking to save a couple bucks, the lunch buffet retains the great flavors of the dinner dishes at a lower price.

Barbecue lovers should not miss out on Rusty's Ribs N' Bbq. Located along Route 3, this rugged restaurant serves a variety of smoked meats smothered in your choice of homemade sauces. Order the brisket platter for enough meat to try out all the flavors of barbecue sauce available. Bring your dog along during the warmer months if you plan to sit outside to enjoy a fine meal beside your favorite pooch.

Sporting classic pub food and an extensive craft beer list in addition to full bar service, The Greene Turtle along Route 3 captures the local nightlife of Gambrills with its regulars and friendly staff. The large number of televisions make it a great place to come out and watch the Orioles game in good company, and local artists often perform live on the weekends.

Routes 3 and 32 run along Gambrills northern and eastern edge, intersecting near Interstate 97 and making travel throughout the surrounding area convenient and easy. In addition to ride-share services such as Lyft and Uber, a variety of taxi cab services provide transportation for the greater Odenton area. Call ahead if you plan to use a cab, as hailing one in the street can prove difficult.

Free public parking can be found along most of Gambrills' residential streets. Major roads lack designated bike lanes, relegating cyclists to side streets. Most Gambrills area residents rely on an automobile to get around. The Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland services the area with bus stops on John Hopkins Road and Odenton Road.

Centrally located for Gambrills residents, the Odenton Park Recreation Area provides a perfect melding of expansive green space and recreation opportunities for the whole community to enjoy. Take your dog along on-leash for a walk along the paved trail, or invite a few friends out to play a pick-up game on one of the baseball diamonds, basketball courts or soccer fields.

Sign up your kids for one of a number of community run sports leagues through the Gambrills-Odenton Recreation Council website to participate in the sporting events held in the park. Activities include baseball, softball, boys and girls basketball and boys and girls lacrosse, in addition to many others.

The average cost of living in the Gambrills area hovers around 39 percent higher than in Baltimore and 8 percent higher than in Annapolis. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the area averages $1,439 for one month's rent. A pass good for one month for the RTA bus line costs $47. Beer in local pubs charge an average of $5 for a pint, and gas prices hover around 5 percent higher than the national average.

Locals head to the Village at Waugh Chapel Shopping Center along Waugh Chapel Road and Route 3 to get a number of shopping errands completed in one trip. The shopping center's stores include HomeGoods, Marshalls, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Dick's Sporting Goods and Pier 1 Imports. Catch one of the latest flicks at the nearby Regal Cinemas Waugh Chapel Stadium Movie Theater. Local grocery store options include Target, Wegmans, Food Lion, Giant and David's Natural Market for fresh organic produce and ingredients.

Travel west of Odenton to Laurel to support locally produced goods and ingredients at the Dutch Country Farmers Market. Open year round from Thursday through Saturday each week, the farmers market vendors sell a variety of freshly baked bread, organic produce, farm raised meats, homemade candies and arts and crafts.

Brides-to-be should take advantage of the nearby Bridals By Elena to prepare for their big day. Call ahead to make an appointment or walk in to work alongside one of the friendly and knowledgeable staff to find the perfect dress. The store also includes a number of cocktail and prom dresses as well, so be sure and stop by if you want to stand out at that next party.

Located in south Gambrills along Route 3, Once Upon a Child stocks a variety of unique and consignment children's clothing. Bring in clothes to sell as your child outgrows them, or stop by when on the hunt for new clothes for the school year to find that perfect fit. The well-organized racks make finding what you're looking for easy, and the sizable accessory section deserves a look before you leave.