Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008 - (Page 26)

ATTRACTIONS: ELLICOTT CITY’S GHOST TOUR SPECIALISTS During an age when instantmessaging and speed-dialing are By LJ Burke U national pastimes, a motley crew of individuals strives to dispel the myth that 21st-century people have short attention spans. By day, they blend into the rest of society, working at their chosen professions and loving their friends and families. But on weekend evenings and full-moon nights between April and November, they become “Ghost Tour Specialists,” skillfully guiding visitors back through time and into the personal experiences of those who’ve been haunted. Costumed in distinctive hats and capes, from Renaissance to quirky presence on the streets of Historic Ellicott City. One daring guide, Jon David, wears a utility kilt until it’s too cold to be practical, and often has a temporary tattoo of a bat on his forehead. Marty Schoppert prefers authentic 19th-century clothing, because, he says, “The 1860s were high Victorian times, and a great many ghost stories here and abroad have been generated by those unhappy people.” One night, two of the guides, Marty and Linda Joy, were standing on the steps of the Post Office, waiting for a tour group to arrive, when a car pulled into the driveway beside them and stopped. The driver rolled down the you settle an argument between me and my wife? Are you real?” Better take a Ghost Tour to find out! I Kenneth Losurdo, Jr. Kenneth Losurdo, Jr. “Ye Haunted History of Olde Ellicott City” Ghost Tours Parts I & II Friday & Saturday Nights, 8:30 p.m. April-November Reservations Recommended 1-800-288-TRIP (8747) or ghosts@visithowardcounty.com $10 Adults $8 Children (12 & under) & Seniors (65+) and Active Military Personnel & their families. Not recommended for children under 6 years old. Group private tours available. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Information Center located at 8267 Main Street, side entrance of the Post Office in Historic Ellicott City (former site of casket maker!). modern, the guides are a dramatic Ellicott City’s Ghost Tour Specialists bring the art of storytelling back to life by spinning takes about the dead and undead. window and asked, “Excuse me, could For more information, call 410-313-1900 or visit www.visithowardcounty.com. 26 howardLIFE By day: Jon David (middle school teacher), Linda Joy (poet & performance artist), Marty (retired Howard County Police Officer), Tony (Howard Community College instructor), and Jennifer (retailer). By night: Ellicott City’s Ghost Tour Specialists. http://www.visithowardcounty.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008

Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008 Contents Important Numbers Welcome to Howard County, Maryland Join Howard County Tourism The Good Life Events Clark’s Elioak Farm: Home of the Enchanted Forest Farms Merriweather Post Pavilion Ghost Tours Howard County’s Famous Firsts History Resources Volunteerism Getaways: Trips for the Guys and the Girls Golf Resources Spas and Wellness Resources Recreation Resources Howard County Map Ellicott City Walking Tour Savage Mill Artists Art and Music Resources Dining Profiles: Aida Bistro, Jordan’s Steakhouse, and Tersiguel’s Dining Resources Shopping Shopping Resources For the Event Planner Where to Stay Relocation Resources Business and Service Listings

Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008

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