I took a walk through the age of the Industrial Revolution and ended up with a few shopping bags. What’s not to like about an 19th century factory turned into a collection of offices and shops set in a parklike area, just off Interstate 95?
Historic Savage Mill has 36 shops and a handful of places for a snack or a meal. You can even make an appointment with an attorney or an insurance agent, stop by the studios of local artists or arrange your next vacation.
I like the antique shops here. They seem a good fit for an antique building. Dealer stalls line a long ground level floor. Whether you’re looking for something specific or just curious, you can spend hours down there. Furniture, jewelry, crystal and china, baby clothes from the 19th and early 20th century, mid-century tchotchkes and yellowed, dusty books are all on display. I spent most of my time browsing through the wonderful stalls of the antiques dealers. And I so wanted the antique white silk scarf and the Edwardian side table.
But I was content to take away little things: a fountain pen from The Queen’s Ink and cord for a handmade pendant from Bead Soup. And of course, I stopped for a snack.
I went on a Monday, not the best day to go. A few shopkeepers want a day off and so they close on Mondays. But if your only day is Monday, go ahead. There are plenty of shops selling everything from antiques to books to beads to Maryland-logo wear open every day of the week. A tavern and French bakery will take care of your hunger pangs, too.
The Bollman Iron Truss Bridge adjacent to Savage Mill is a National Historic Landmark. You cal walk across the remarkable railroad bridge.
Savage Mill has a self-guided tour. Stop by the Paymaster’s Office for a copy or print your own from the website. The buildings make up a National Historic Landmark, recalling the days of the Industrial Revolution when what happened here was high tech.
The old cotton mill in Laurel is situated in a parklike setting with walking paths along the Little Patuxent River.
ⓒ Text and photos Mary K. Tilghman
A Day Away Travel 
Thank you for the wonderful tour, Mary! These are special shops.
I really like the iron bridge. Great captures. 🙂
No better way to spend a day than traveling back in time at our many historic locations! Loved reading this and the pictures added a nice touch! 🙂
So true! It’s one of my favorite ways to spend a day. I have a post coming up about an artisan village housed in preserved log cabins on a historic road. Thanks for your kind words.
Can’t wait to read it!! That is why I love visiting Colonial Williamsburg, it is like stepping back in time.