While many people were spending their COVID-19 lockdown making sourdough, Ryan Rush was making tables.

He’d always had an interest in woodworking and, with pandemic downtime, he finally opted to invest in some decent equipment—a planer, a joiner, band and table saws, a drill press—and set up shop in a barn in White Hall. Then he settled in to watch YouTube video tutorials.

“I’m 100 percent self-taught,” says Rush, who owns the Cockeysville-based packaging and foam companies Universal Packaging and Universal Foam Products. “I like being creative and working with my hands.”

Today, the 47-year-old Lutherville resident is sitting at a table of his own design in the Hunt Valley showroom of Carvers Creek, the business born out of that barn. The space is mostly pristine white, like a gallery, which is fitting, as each table propped against the wall is a work of art.

“Because of the grain of the wood, every table is unique,” he explains.

The wood is mostly black walnut, cherry, or maple, sustainably sourced from trees felled by local arborists. Once cut into slabs and dried, a pattern of burls, knots, and whorls emerges along with the beauty of the wood grain.

Tables can have a live edge (one that preserves the tree’s original curves) or a straight edge, and Rush uses a technique of poured resin to fill in around the natural contours of the wood, bringing out each piece’s natural beauty.

“The resin really allows the grain to pop, and I love the colors,” he says, adding that the resin is the consistency of Elmer’s glue and can be swirled and manipulated. “It makes for a more three-dimensional look.”

Rush is someone who likes to keep busy. Give him three balls to juggle and he’ll likely add a fourth. He laughs and blames his ADHD for the decision to turn his pandemic hobby into a business.

When he couldn’t keep his equipment in the barn (it was rusting with lack of climate control) he carved out a 4,200-square-foot workroom and showroom within the 70,000-square-foot industrial warehouse that houses his businesses. He was able to add a Laguna CNC, a high-tech, computerized router that allows him to mill large pieces and work with different materials.

From the gallery, which is open by appointment, Rush can take customers into the shop and explain how each piece is crafted, poured with resin, flattened, sanded, and oiled. While Rush can make wooden legs, he prefers metal supports because “it sets off the uniqueness of each table.”

At the request of his wife, Katie Rush, he also makes end-grain cutting boards from leftover wood. Each features intricate geometric patterns or designs and, after being treated with food-grade mineral oil, becomes a practical piece of art.

Everything in the gallery is for sale, but Rush enjoys working on custom pieces. And, never one to stand still for long, he is already looking at new ways to hone his craft. One thing’s for sure; the man loves a challenge.

Friends and relatives had been urging Sam Curreri, owner of Sammy’s Trattoria in Mt. Vernon, to open a suburban location for a while. So, last year when a spot became available at Hunt Valley Towne Centre, Curreri grabbed the opportunity—and he hasn’t looked back since. The crowds flowing into the restaurant each day are an affirmation that he made the right decision. “We had no idea what was coming,” he says.

We stopped by the restaurant on a Wednesday evening without reservations and were lucky to score two seats in the dining room. We don’t recommend going unannounced. Just about every one of the roughly 100 seats in the bar and 100 places in the dining area were taken.

The menu items, mostly traditional Italian staples prepared with evident care, are named after a who’s who of Curreri’s relatives and acquaintances, with nods to several local judges who frequented the downtown restaurant he opened in 2006. I don’t know retired Judge Kathleen Sweeney, but I’m a great fan of the Bolognese dish that bears her name. The mix of ground veal and boar in a tomato-based sauce over pappardelle is a great representation of the Italian ragu.

Before we even got to the main dishes, though, we started our meal with two terrific, oversized meatballs perched on a puddle of ricotta laced with Gorgonzola cheese and a Julia salad (named in honor of a customer’s mother), dense with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and pepperoncini, and glistening with a creamy Italian dressing. We also were wowed by the veal involtini entree. Similar to a roulade, the tender meat encased a savory filling of tomatoes, provolone, spinach, and prosciutto, bathed in a silky Marsala sauce bobbing with chunky mushrooms. The crusty bread served at the beginning of the meal turned out to be a great vehicle for mopping up the juices.

Curreri spent eight months renovating the 6,600-square-foot space, creating a bar area separated from the dining room by wine walls stacked with bottles, an idea he gleaned from Architectural Digest. He also installed wood paneling and subway tiles and redid the kitchen. The white-cloth-covered tables, set with deep-red napkins, are finishing touches.

To end, the excellent house-made cannoli is large enough for two people to share. The crackly pastry shell exploded with creamy, whipped ricotta studded with mini chocolate chips, adding just the right sweet notes.

As fans of Sammy’s in the city for a long time, we’re more than confident its county cousin is going to do just fine. As for those friends and relatives urging Curreri to open in the ’burbs? The people of Hunt Valley owe them a hearty thank-you.

SAMMY’S TRATTORIA II 118 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, 443-318-4256. HOURS: Mon.-Tues. 4-9 p.m.; Wed.-Thurs., Sun. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. PRICES: Appetizers: $9-18; entrees: $17-43; desserts: $6.

This is the perfect moment to shake off winter and get back out with friends and family. With its convenient location, Baltimore County is an ideal destination for travelers from afar or those who want to explore something new in their own town.

Life sure has had its ups and downs in recent years, but one thing has stayed the same: Baltimore County is a lively home to a wide array of activities to suit any interest. Our parks, restaurants, shops, recreational areas, and golf courses are open for everyone to safely enjoy.

In the following pages we provide you with information that is sure to inspire your next outing. Cuisine connoisseurs will appreciate a taste of all that we have to offer, from farm-fresh produce to world-class restaurants and wine from locally grown grapes.

We offer charming main streets for strolling, the perfect way to shop small. For families looking to reconnect, Baltimore County has outdoor adventure, arts, athletic, and recreational activities that will surely entice even the most reluctant in the family to put down that device and enjoy some fresh air.

It’s time to get back to play again. Whether you’re ready to pick up the game of golf, want to return to open air concerts, or are looking for a way to amp up your fitness practice (paddle pilates, anyone?), let Baltimore County welcome you with all we have to offer.

The construction of the Milton Inn dates to the mid-18th century and it began its life as a coach stop for local Quakers. It is still a haven of hospitality in Baltimore County, only now it welcomes diners with discerning palates from all around the region.

“OUR LONG-TIME CLIENTS AND OUR NEW NEIGHBORS HAVE BEEN SO ENTHUSIASTIC. ALSO IT’S NOT HALF BAD FOR A CITY BOY LIKE ME TO GET TO ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE OF NORTHERN BALTIMORE COUNTY EVERYDAY. ” — TONY FOREMAN

The announcement that the Foreman-Wolf Group were going to reopen The Milton Inn— its first restaurant in the county—created a shockwave of culinary joy.

Foreman-Wolf refreshed the historic building’s interiors and kitchen, opening the restaurant in 2021 under the guidance of chef and coowner, Chris Scanga. Today, The Milton Inn offers cuisine focused on the Southwest of France showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients from over two dozen of the mid-Atlantic’s finest farms and purveyors.

Looking to taste more of what Baltimore County offers? Try these delectable destinations:

THE TILLERY, OWINGS MILLS
Dine in on classic American fare and craft beverages or enjoy sitting outside, perhaps around the firepit.
thetilleryowingsmills.com

PERENNIAL, TOWSON
Enjoy Chef Jay Rohlfing’s innovative, seasonally-inspired menu and a “robust cocktail program,” right in the heart of Towson.
perennialtowson.com

LA FOOD MARKETA, PIKESVILLE
Chefs Chad Gauss and Johntay Bedingfield bring the same quality of its sister restaurant in the city, The Food Market, to Quarry Lake.
lafoodmarketa.com

SUNSET COVE, MIDDLE RIVER
This beach bar and restaurant with its perfect waterfront view is the place to enjoy long, warm summer days and evenings.
sunsetcovemd.com

THE HUB, CATONSVILLE
This food hall features cuisine from multiple vendors so you can sample everything from Korean street food to all things hot pot goodness. There’s even a Montessori-inspired kids play area.
thehubfoodcourt.com

BOORDY VINEYARDS, HYDES
Enjoy everything from a tour of the vineyard to food truck cuisine and farmers’ markets, all with a sip of wine from one of the county’s oldest vintners.
boordy.com

Catonsville became Baltimore County’s first state-recognized Arts and Entertainment District in 2020. The award was given by the Maryland State Arts Council, and it is easy to see why. Catonsville is home to a host of live music venues and shops—and places like Bill’s Music House and Appalachian Bluegrass Shoppe that are both shops and live music destinations. Perhaps it’s no surprise the Maryland General Assembly dubbed it, “Music City, Maryland.”

But there’s more to Catonsville than just great music, and many of its charms are best explored on foot with a leisurely stroll down Frederick Avenue. Here you will find enticing places to shop small, such as locally owned antique shops, boutiques, and artisan food markets. And whether you need a restorative jolt of caffeine or a delicious meal to recharge during your saunter, Catonsville features coffee shops and restaurants to suit all tastes.

With Catonsville leading the way, Baltimore County is sure to continue its growth as a recognized center of arts and entertainment.

Looking for more places to stroll and shop local? Be sure to visit the county’s retail hubs:

TOWSON: The county seat features small shops, boutiques, and great restaurants.

HUNT VALLEY: While the energetic town center is Hunt Valley’s heart, don’t miss the small shops, garden centers, and markets along York Road.

REISTERSTOWN: From one end of Main Street to another you can pick up kids clothes at The Elephant’s Trunk, enjoy a coffee at Reister’s Daughter, and get ice cream, salon styling, and more in between

Do you have an aspiring golfer in your household or do you want to share your love of the game with a young person? The Fox Hollow Training Center (FHTC) in Timonium is the perfect place to start—or to get a seasonal refresher.

Golf is a sport a child can learn now and play for a lifetime. Since it’s noncontact, it’s a great way to exercise with less likelihood of injury.

At FHTC, children learn the game from trained professionals and are introduced to important life skills like integrity, sportmanship, and self-control.

The facilities at FHTC are top notch, including 60 hitting stations, three lighted putting greens, and practice bunkers. FHTC is routinely ranked nationally as a Top 50 Driving Range
by the Golf Range Association of America.

Now is the time to get in the swing of things, with special offers like professional instruction at reduced rates for juniors and reduced and/or complimentary access to any of Baltimore County Golf’s five courses for golfers 17 and under. Or take advantage of one of FHTC’s summer camps.

baltimoregolfing.com

Baltimore County has countless places to get out and connect with friends and family.
Here are just a few:

CROMWELL VALLEY PARK, PARKVILLE
Just minutes from Towson, this park encompasses 460 acres of stream valley and upland habitat, a combination that makes it perfect for birding. The nature center offers many programs or simply enjoy its hiking trails.
cromwellvalleypark.org

MARSHY POINT NATURE CENTER, CHASE
Sitting within a 3,000-acre nature preserve on the Upper Chesapeake, Marshy Point offers innnovative programs and exhibits for visitors, hiking trails, and Baltimore County’s first water trail for kayaking or canoeing!
marshypoint.org

BENGIES DRIVE-IN THEATRE, MIDDLE RIVER
Recapture a bygone era at Maryland’s only remaining drive-in theatre. Featuring the “biggest movie theatre screen in the USA,” Bengies is a great spot to enjoy the latest blockbuster.
bengies.com

PRIGEL FAMILY CREAMERY, GLEN ARM
At the scenic Prigel Creamery enjoy a scoop of chocolate peanut butter, caramel pretzel, or even a choose-your-own ice cream sandwich, while the farm’s dairy cows graze happily in their pastures. P.S.: They serve way more than ice cream!
prigelfamilycreamery.com

HAMPTON NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, TOWSON
In 1790, Hampton was perhaps the largest home in America. Today, the architecturally significant home and surrounding site offer a chance to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the complex history of our nation.
nps.gov/hamp

There’s no better way to spend a hot, humid summer day than lazing down the Gunpowder River in a tube. The always cool and shaded river winds its way by pastures and woodlands, meandering parallel to the NCR hike and bike trail. Tubing is the antidote for harried lives.

The Monkton Bike shop, housed in the historic Monkton village, offers tubes for rent for kids and adults. It has also marked two tubing routes accessible by foot. Simply walk north on the NCR trail and look for the blue tree markers to find the path where you put in at the river. When you coast under the Monkton Road bridge you’ve reached the end of your float.

The Gunpowder is generally tranquil and often shallow enough to walk and splash in, making it a perfect outing even with young kids.

Looking for more outdoor adventures?
Here are a few destinations to add to your summer bucket list:

LOCH RAVEN RESERVOIR
The protected woodlands around the reservoir feature 60 miles of hiking trails while its calm waters are perfect for kayaking.
baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/environment/watersheds/lrmain.html

NCR (TORREY C. BROWN) TRAIL
Whether you’re a runner, walker, or biker, the nearly 20 miles of trail following the meandering path of the former Northern Central Railway (NCR) offers optimal conditions. Just look out for tubers sharing the path on hot summer days!
dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/tcb.aspx

B’MORE SUP
Interested in paddle pilates? Or a board excursion with your pup? Whether you simply want to try staying upright in a begininers paddle board class or you’re ready for yogaflo on your board, the three locations of B’More SUP are here to help.
baltimoresup.com

ROCKY POINT GOLF COURSE
Go for par—which is 72, by the way—on this exceptional course set in meandering natural wetlands, the only waterfront course on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay.
baltimoregolfing.com/course/rocky-point

PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK
There are 200 miles of hiking trails inside the park’s more than 16,000 acres. See for yourself why the park is nationally recognized for its trail system and scenic beauty.
dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/patapsco.aspx

Located in the highly sought after and private golf course community of Hayfields Country Club, 909 Hayfields Road features a stunning custom-built stone and stucco five bedroom luxury home. The main level boasts a two-story marble foyer with powder room, living room open to an adjoining study, dining room, family room with fireplace and a spectacular custom gourmet kitchen, renovated by Winchester Construction. The kitchen features limestone flooring, beamed ceiling, professional grade stainless appliances, breakfast area with built-in bench seating and an adjoining pantry. A back hall, additional powder room and three-car garage complete the main level.

Also renovated by Winchester Construction, the sumptuous primary suite enjoys a fireplace, expansive dressing room with extensive custom wardrobe cabinetry and a resort-like marble primary spa bath with free-standing soaking tub and large marble shower stall with glass door enclosure. Four large bedrooms, two baths and a laundry room also share this floor.

The walk-out lower level includes a kitchenette, powder room, game room, recreation room, exercise room, office, storage and outside access to a full bath. Outdoor spaces include a large deck, covered porch, and a large patio with outdoor stone fireplace and cook center. Boasting a wonderful, quiet cul-de-sac location on 1.72 professionally landscaped acres close to I-83 and Hunt Valley, 909 Hayfields Road enjoys a spectacular, beautifully fitted out luxury home in a very convenient locale!

For more information, and to view other listings, click here:

Live authentically. Epic Georgian estate in Hayfields, Hunt Valley’s premier golf course community. Four levels and 16,000+/- sq ft of supremely executed design. Zenith of luxury. Incomparable outdoor oasis. Whatever you have been imagining, they realized it. Immerse in the crystal-clear saltwater pool and relish the captivating sunsets. Complete with waterfall, water slide, and spa for hours of bliss in the water. Lounge in the wading area, read a book, splash, and soak in the sound system. Swim in the glow of the LED lighting. Stately brick terrace that goes on for miles encompassing the sweeping panoramic views into Western Run Valley. Sumptuous al fresco dining on the patio under the stars. Cozy up around the crackling outdoor fire pit for late night treats. Optimally placed lighting illuminates the grounds. For an enhanced and soothing visual at the end of the day. An entertainer’s delight. Seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Gleaming grand entrance that radiates light and abundance. Handsome billiards room with restaurant-style bar visually connected to the great room. Warm and inviting kitchen centers the home, flanked with glass to the views beyond. Expansive multi-room owner’s suite to relax in the spa bathtub with fireplace. Decadent dressing area. Private terrace. A peaceful sanctuary. Elevator. Complete guest-suite with private stair, kitchen, sitting and bedroom. Four car garage with lifts to fit even more of your favorite toys. Ultimate sports lover’s haven with indoor sport court, state of the art gym, and sauna. Professional outdoor pitching and batting cage, clock your pitch, track your batting, hone your skills. Quick golf cart ride to Hayfields Country Club if you choose to join, with even more amenities at your disposal. Golf, tennis, and dining. Revel the lifestyle. Three miles from Hunt Valley Towne Center in the heart of Western Run Valley. Minutes to everywhere you want to be. The art of uniting human and home.

848 Hayfields Road • Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030

848 Hayfields Road • Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030

Connect with Heidi Krauss, Krauss Real Property Brokerage

O: 410.329.9898

C: 410.935.6881

Like most big cities and their suburbs, Baltimore’s restaurant scene has been graced with staunchly traditional places that have resisted trends over the years. There’s Tio Pepe and The Prime Rib in the city, and The Oregon Grille in leafy Baltimore County.

Recently, we made our way to Hunt Valley to check in on this war horse of country dining. Upon arriving, we were swiftly shown to our table, greeted by our cheery server, and sat down just as the piano player settled into his bench. While waiting for our menus, we took in our surroundings, imbued with Maryland’s rich equestrian history. The leather tack, saddles, and prints of famous horses of yore combine with wood accents to lend an air of gentrified, traditional comfort. (We challenge you to find a trendy touch here.) A quick perusal of the cocktail menu revealed a program heavy on sugary drinks, few of which appealed as aperitifs. Oddly, a full wine list wasn’t initially provided, so our server politely granted our request for one.

Our meal got off to a promising start with oysters on the half shell. We appreciated the creative flourish of the yuzu cucumber mignonette. It lacked acid, but the flavors popped, and we happily polished them off, seaweed salad garnish and all. Next arrived foie gras that was perfectly seared, and here the pickled blackberries did have enough acid to balance the fat.

While waiting for our mains, we patrolled the wine list. Good thing we had something to do, because that wait lasted nearly 30 minutes. Europhiles are not likely to swoon, as the USA sections of the list are the most dominant, if pricey. Our server came over to apologize for the wait and assured us our mains were on the way. Was it worth the wait? A Berkshire Pork Porterhouse was just right. It was lustily salted and coated in a heady bourbon pan gravy. The chop was paired with sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, a safe combination. The Cut of the Day, a boneless Prime Rib Eye, was rubbed with whiskey barrel-aged Shozu, another spark of creativity that we enjoyed. But at $65, it was overpriced. We should have stuck with something off the regular selection of prime cuts.

Moving to dessert, the Key Lime pie was classic—it balanced sweet and tang, with a firm crust and house-made whipped cream. The night’s dessert special was less successful: a moon pie of Chambord-infused mascarpone that had no detectable Chambord and was entombed in a faintly flavored chocolate shell so hard we were unable to crack it initially. We wished for a second slice of that succulent pie!

Familiar flavors, traditional surroundings, and deferential service define The Oregon Grille, and “comfort food for carnivores” best sums up our experience. It’s the perfect upscale, date-night destination for anyone averse to global cuisine, intimidating ingredients, or fly-by-night trends.

THE OREGON GRILLE 1201 Shawan Rd., Hunt Valley, 410-771-0505. HOURS: Sun. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Mon.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-midnight. PRICES: Appetizers: $11-22; steaks, chops, lobsters: $38-market prices: entrees: $30-market price. AMBIANCE: Horse-country chic.