Are you looking for a staycation destination this summer that blends old and new? The small historic town of Savage is closer than you think, and offers a great blend of nature and culture, old and new, in a friendly, walkable format.

Nestled along the banks of the Little Patuxent River, Savage has managed to preserve and adapt its unique character and charm thanks to the hard work and vision of many people. And it’s not just a façade – there’s truly a lot going on, much of it organized by residents working to protect and enhance the community while bringing people together to enrich their lives socially and culturally. Here are some summer and fall activities we recommend:

Enjoy Our History

History is tangible in Savage, a mill town whose story is interwoven with the history of Savage Mill. Did you know that the town’s name came from John Savage, one of the Mill’s early investors? Spend some time exploring the beautifully-preserved complex of buildings that comprise Savage Mill. Stroll the streets of the Savage Mill Historic District past homes that were built by Savage Mill for its workers. (In fact, some of today’s residents are fifth, sixth, or even seventh generation Savage descendants of those mill workers.) Cross the river via the Bollman Truss Bridge to walk the Savage Mill Trail, a former railroad bed, and find remnants of the dam that once powered the Mill’s waterwheel.

“For the Welfare and Happiness of the Whole Community…”

Located across the street from the Mill, Carroll Baldwin Hall is the town’s community center. Established in the early 1920s for the welfare and happiness of the whole community, the Hall is run by a nonprofit board of Savage residents. The building was constructed in memory of Carroll Baldwin, a former manager at Savage Mill, using stones from the Little Patuxent River. Those looking to give back to the community and learn new skills will want to check out the monthly third Thursday volunteer work nights (dinner provided). The Hall hosts a number of indoor classes (improv, dance, Zumba) and events for the public. August marks the return of an annual outdoor favorite, the free Savage Summer Concert Series, organized in conjunction with Columbia Bands, Inc. It takes place on beautiful Baldwin Common, the small park between the Hall and Savage Mill. And in September, the Hall debuts a new festival, Puerto Rico in Savage, organized by the nonprofit Cultura Plenera. (Savage Mill is proud to be hosting two weekend workshops leading up to the festival.) Come for the annual Savage 7K Run & 1-Mile Historic Walk on Sunday, October 26. Funds raised go towards renovations to preserve the Hall for future generations.

We Have a Farmers Market!

A shaded, centrally-located park like Baldwin Common is inviting in the hot months and conducive to creating a welcoming “third space” (outside of home and work) for neighbors to become friends. Last year, a group of residents who saw the potential of the space for building community started the Savage Community Farmers Market, with support from Savage Mill, Carroll Baldwin Hall, and community members. Over 20 local farmers and producers set up on Wednesdays 4-7pm through the end of September. They’re accompanied by free music, entertainment, community information booths, and food trucks. It’s the perfect place to stop by after work to do your weekly grocery shopping, grab dinner, let the kids play on the grass, meet friends, and linger into the evening.

Back to School

The first Tuesday in August is National Night Out, and the Savage Community Association, the town’s civic organization, celebrates with its annual Ice Cream Social and Back to School Supply Drive. There’s even an old-fashioned cake walk with treats baked by community residents.

Savage Mill gets in on the summer fun with the return of the quarterly Girls Night Out on August 14. Join us as we transform the Mill into a story-filled escape, with literary-inspired touches around every corner. Bring your favorite children’s book to donate to our book drive for our partner school, Bollman Bridge Elementary School.

We hope to see you around town at some of these events mixing bygone charm with new initiatives. Small is beautiful!