Odenton, MD

Originally nicknamed "The Town a Railroad Built," Odenton eventually grew from the site of the tracks of the Annapolis and Elk Ridge Railroad. The town was formed in 1868 as additions were introduced to the busy junction. Fort Meade's establishment west of town in 1917 brought further growth to the area and cemented Odenton's importance as a major hub between the surrounding cities.

Though the local arts and history scene is relatively sparse, those wiling to make the drive can find much to do on a quiet afternoon or a weekend outing with the whole family. If you're interested in local history, the Fort George G. Meade Museum collects a variety of artifacts from the Fortress central to Odenton's development and opens its doors to the public freely Wednesday through Sunday. Southwest of Odenton along Route 295, the Montpelier Cultural Center hosts crafting workshops and live musical performances throughout the year.

Odenton residents have the pick of the litter when it comes to dining and entertainment options due to the neighborhood's proximity to three major cities. Still, those wanting to stay local can find plenty to do any day of the week. Head on over to Annapolis Road to choose from an array of authentic international cuisines before cutting loose with some friends in a nearby bar.

Located on Annapolis Road, Grace Garden serves authentic gourmet Chinese cuisine to the Odenton area. Order the Pork Belly with Mai Tsai to have a taste of the unique wok-hei cooking style the chefs of Grace Garden use in their recipes. Seafood fans and adventurous eaters should not miss out on the shrimp-stuffed octopus. Family-owned and run, Grace Garden has served Odenton for over 9 years and quickly became known for its cut-above-the-rest take on authentic Chinese dishes.

Many Odenton locals consider Mamma Roma the quintessential Italian eatery in Anne Arundel County. With a menu that includes freshly made gourmet pizzas, heaping pasta portions and classic Italian hoagies, Mamma Roma has something for everyone.

Crab Galley on Odenton Road brings Baltimore's well-known take on seafood right to the neighborhood. Those unfamiliar with the style should order the fried seafood platter for an excellent combination of fresh scallops, oysters, fish, clam and the classic crab cake. Crab Galley also sells fresh fish and seafood by the pound, so buy some on your way out to stock up at home.

Perry's Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge brings the vibrancy of big-city nightlife to the Odenton area. Those looking for a relaxed vibe can come in during the week. If you're in search of some more upbeat entertainment, live local bands perform every Friday and Saturday without a cover charge. If you want to catch the game on television, head down to Odie's Pub, where you can also play a game of pool or darts.

Odenton makes vehicle travel a breeze via a number of routes that border the town, including Maryland Route 3, 32, 170 and 175, as well as Interstate 97, which can be found just to the northeast. In addition to the Uber and Lyft services, a number of taxi cab companies operate out of Odenton and the surrounding area, with companies from Annapolis and Baltimore available to the town as well. The Regional Transportation Agency, which provides all transport services to central Mayland, services Odenton with stops along Odenton Road, Annapolis Road and Piney Orchard Parkway. If you're planning to head into the surrounding major cities you should plan to drive.

Cheap public parking is available along Annapolis and Odenton Roads. Bicyclists are not provided a designated biking lane, relegating them to side streets. While Odenton is decently walkable along Odenton Road and for those living near Piney Orchard Parkway's village center, most of Odenton requires a car to get around.

Those passing along Strawberry Lake Way can't miss the beautiful sights presented by Odenton Park. The centrally located expanse of lush green field and recreation areas cater to all needs. Well-lit baseball, basketball and soccer fields dot the park's landscape, and the picnic tables and pavilion seating overlook the children's playground. Those looking to get a run in or to bring the dog along for a scenic jaunt can make good use of the paved trail which winds through the park.

Running from August through October each year, the Maryland Renaissance Festival makes for a great afternoon or weekend family outing. Designed to recreate a 16th century English village, the Maryland Renaissance Festival provides attendees with the charm, humor and festive crowds you would expect from a renaissance gathering. Events occur throughout the fairgrounds each day, including comedy troupes, jousting, archery demonstrations, singers, dancers and sword dueling.

The average cost of living in Odenton runs 28 percent higher than that of Baltimore, but 3 percent lower than Annapolis. A typical one-bedroom apartment in West Anne Arundel County costs approximately $1,450 monthly.

If you're planning to ride the bus throughout Odenton or its immediate surroundings, expect to pay $13.50 for a 10-ride pass or $47 for a monthly pass. A pint at the local area bars costs around $6, and average gas prices for the area hover around 3 percent above the national gas price average.

Odenton residents can expect to get the majority of their shopping done around the Odenton Shopping Center along Annapolis Road to the north or the Village Center Shopping Center on Piney Orchard Parkway to the southwest. Food Lion and Safeway comprise the major supermarkets of the area. Those in search of gluten-free groceries will find that the health food store David's Natural Market on Annapolis Road provides an abundance of options in that regard.

Prepare to celebrate your big day by visiting Bridals By Elena, located on Gambrills Road. Elena and her fellow co-workers focus on exceptional customer service, ensuring you have all the time you need to assess your options and find that perfect dress. Alterations can be made right in the store to fit your needs. In addition to wedding dresses, prom dresses and other formal attire are also available, with both competitively priced and high-end selections available.

Drive east along Route 32 into Crownsville to pay a visit to Fabienne's Boutique. This specialty shop's selection caters to developing a holistic outfit from a wide selection of designer clothing, shoes, purses, accessories and fragrances.

Opening in May each year, the Bowie Farmers Market can be found a fair way south of Odenton along Route 3 in southern Bowie. The sheer number of vendors and weekly events, including a petting zoo day, make the trip well worth it. Dozens of local growers, crafters and producers are avaiable here each Sunday.