When the long, sultry days seem to slow down, you know you’re in the dog days of summer. Summer camps have ended and families are enjoying their summer vacations. Grandparents are squeezing in precious time with their grandchildren, who are reluctantly counting down the time before the first day of school.
Many families make their way to Savage Mill at this time of year. If you’re one of them, here are some things you won’t want to miss:
Experience!
Savage Mill is home to several businesses that make it easy to keep your hands active and learn something at the same time.
Clay Coven offers paint-your-own pottery inside their airy studio. Pieces include animals, cups, and vases in a range of sizes. Spend an hour painting with your choice of colors, and return in a couple weeks to pick up your freshly-glazed work of art!
Down the hall, Candles by Candy offers candle-making classes for individuals and groups of all ages. Have fun blending your own custom fragrance using essential oils and unwind as you create a meaningful experience with your family.
Also in the New Weave building, Alumia Design Studio not only creates jewelry but also shares the knowledge with various workshops, each offered once or twice a week. Some which are good for the younger set include Colorful Jewelry Making, where you can create necklaces, bracelets and earrings; Dreamcatcher-Making, in which you work with a large collection of feathers, beads, and natural materials; and, for ages 12+, creating a Crystal Wire Tree, twisting and shaping copper wire into your very own enchanted tree, decorated with tiny sparkling crystals.
At Drama MaMa Bookshop, discover the magic of crafting your own story. Select your wooden cover and pages, then bind to create your own personalized journal. Whether used for taking notes in a class or for creative writing, this will be a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Play!
Step inside Omnihedral Game Store and you’ll be surrounded by thousands of creative play options in the form of board and card games. A number of games can be rented to try them out before purchase. Peruse their STEM activity kits for a fun way to ease back into focused learning.
At the top of the double staircase heading out to the Big Lot, Terrapin Adventures is your gateway to nature, fun, challenges and aerial adventure. Just outside the doors, the adrenaline rush begins with a ropes course, zipline, climbing tower, giant swing, low ropes course and Terrapin Explorer – a ropes course built specifically for ages 5-9. They also take guests kayaking, caving, backpacking, and river tubing, a great way to try out a thrilling activity with an experienced guide.
Treat Yourself!
After your activities, head to More Than Java for friendly service, and enjoy your sandwich inside the airy dining room. Down the hall, Dive Bar and Grille has a full menu, including kid-friendly options, and boasts dining both indoors and on the patio overlooking the Middle Patuxent River. For an indulgent treat, Sweet Cascades Chocolatier (open Thursday-Sunday) sells a wide array of chocolate confections from their location on the mezzanine level of the New Weave building. Those needing a caffeine and desserts fix won’t want to miss Roggenart European Bistro, Bakery and Cafe, with its lovely seating in the courtyard. Those interested in vegan options or returning from a walk along the Savage Mill Trail will want to check out Brewing Good Coffee Company, open Wednesday-Sunday.
Note that most Savage Mill businesses are dog-friendly. Bring your pet along for the whole family to enjoy the dog days of summer at Savage Mill!