Carroll County, with a population of 167,000 people, is located in Central Maryland.
The county is made up of many towns, including Westminster, Sykesville, Mount Airy, Hampstead, and Taneytown. Each town has its own unique history, but they all come together as one tight-knit community.
One thing every town has in common is their sense of small-town comradery. This tone stretches out into the county’s businesses, including its remote coffee shops. While Carroll County has many coffeehouses, six of them are the most noteworthy in my book.
1. The CUP Tea Bar & Café
The CUP is my go-to spot in Carroll County. They have just about everything you could want from a coffee shop. Located on Main Street in Westminster, Maryland, they offer teas and coffees, sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, soups, and desserts. Their bi-weekly open mic nights add an extra flair of small-town culture and community.
2. Birdie’s Café
Another Main Street hit, Birdie’s is a small café with a whole lot of character. With its relaxing atmosphere, it is a great place to get some homework done while enjoying a cup of your favorite beverage. They offer espressos, hot and iced lattes, hot chocolates, teas, Italian sodas, smoothies, and more. You can never go wrong with a Gingerbread Latte in autumn.
3. Starry Night Bakery and Coffeehouse
This Westminster bakery is famous for its desserts, but it also has an assortment of coffees and teas. Their signature drink is The Starry Night, which is made up of four shots of espresso, caramel, vanilla, steamed milk, and whipped cream. Pair it with a cupcake, and all of your worries about deadlines and assignments will disappear into the steamy scent of espresso. The bakery also has vegan and gluten-free options. Their vegan red velvet cupcake with ganache icing is by far my favorite.
4. Snickerdoodles Bakery & Coffee House
If you ever find yourself in Hampstead, Maryland, stop by Snickerdoodles. I promise it’s worth your time. When you go, I suggest ordering a dark roast coffee and cheese Danish. The dark roast has a crisp finish with hints of cocoa and cinnamon, and I have no words to describe the Danish. Incredible doesn’t even begin to explain the euphoria of sinking your teeth into the rich cream cheese filling and flaky crust.
5. The French Twist Café
The French Twist, situated in downtown Sykesville, is unique to all the rest due to its authentic French cuisine. While the café isn’t primarily known for their coffee, café au lait goes perfectly with their delicious crêpes. With over twenty crêpes ranging from savory to sweet, you’re bound to fall in love with at least one of the mouth-watering options. If you’re a Nutella fanatic like myself, I suggest trying the Crêpe à la banane et au Nutella, with the Con Panna, an espresso topped with whipped cream.
6. Gypsy’s Tearoom
If coffee isn’t your cup of tea, Gypsy’s is the place for you. Located in a historic Westminster house, this luxury tearoom offers over 70 varieties of tea. You can stop in for breakfast or make a reservation for one of several afternoon tea dining options. My favorite part about Gypsy’s is their homemade clotted cream, which is served with a seasonal scone.
Whether you’re looking for an edgy new spot to interact with the community or a quiet niche to get some homework done, Carroll County has what you’re looking for.
About the Author:
Kate Graham is a Sociology student attending Carroll Community College. In the spring, she plans on transferring to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she will major in Sociology and Spanish with a minor in English. She lives in Carroll County, Maryland, where she works at three different libraries. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing screenplays, performing at open mics, and posting on her YouTube channel.
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