There are plenty of places to shop around Howard County.

The Shops at Westwood isn't one of them.

It's something entirely different.

Hidden inside a beautifully restored former church just minutes from Historic Ellicott City, Westwood is home to a collection of independent businesses that celebrate creativity, sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. 

Instead of walking past the same chain stores you'll find in every shopping center, you'll discover vintage collections, native plants, interior design inspiration, creative workshops, handmade goods, and conversations with the people who actually own the businesses.

If this is your first visit, here's how to make the most of it.

Start with the Purple Doors

One of the most common things we hear is:

"I drove past it three times before I realized this was it."

Look for the historic church building on Triadelphia Road and head through the iconic purple doors on the small chapel.

(pro-tip: this side of the building has THE MOST parking!)

Once inside, give yourself permission to wander. Westwood isn't meant to be rushed.

Unlike a traditional shopping center, every hallway leads to another discovery.

Plan to Spend More Time Than You Think

Most visitors think they'll stop in for twenty minutes.

An hour later they're still discovering vintage glassware, chatting with shop owners, or signing up for a workshop.

One of the best things about Westwood is that every business feels different, yet together they create an experience that's greater than the sum of its parts.

Explore Every Corner

Here's a quick guide to what you'll find.

🌿 Lauren's Garden Service & Native Plant Nursery

Nature lovers will feel right at home here.

Lauren's Garden Service has become one of the region's most trusted resources for native plants and sustainable landscaping. Browse hundreds of carefully selected plants, learn about supporting pollinators, or simply enjoy one of the most beautiful nursery spaces in Howard County. 

🪴 Cultivate Garden & Goods

Connected to the nursery is Cultivate, a thoughtfully curated gift shop filled with houseplants, pottery, books, local artisan goods, seasonal décor, and gifts inspired by nature.

Throughout the year, Cultivate also hosts workshops ranging from terrarium building and wreath making to botanical crafts, giving visitors another reason to return throughout the seasons. 

🏡 UON Curate

If you've ever wished you could shop inside an interior designer's Pinterest board, you'll love UON Curate.

The space combines vintage furniture, curated home décor, books, artwork, lighting, and carefully selected accessories into inspiring room displays that encourage visitors to slow down and imagine how pieces might live together.

Every visit offers new inspiration for your home.

Don't Shop with a Checklist

Westwood isn't the place to buy a matching furniture set.

It's the place where you unexpectedly discover:

• the vintage cocktail glasses you've been searching for for years

• the perfect native plant for a shady corner of your yard

• artwork from a local maker

• a workshop you didn't know existed

• a gift no one else will have

Sometimes the best finds are the ones you never planned to bring home.

Make a Day of It

Many visitors pair a trip to Westwood with Historic Ellicott City just a few minutes away.

Grab coffee, explore the shops, enjoy lunch, then spend an afternoon discovering everything this corner of Howard County has to offer.

It's one of our favorite local adventures and one we're always happy to recommend.

FAQs

Is there free parking?
Yes, there is free parking on both sides of the building.

What else is around Twin Thrift Vintage?

For food, there is Ten Oaks Tavern (.4 mile), The Mint Room (.4 mile),  Cilantro’s Neighborhood Cantina (.4 mile), Walker's Tap & Table (4.4 miles), Fox & Barrel Farm Cafe (4.3 miles), Manor Hill Brewing (7.4 miles), Mad Chef (7.3miles). There is also a nearby Royal Farms. 

A short drive away is The Pink Cabbage (4.3 miles), Historic Old Ellicott City (11 miles).

Is everyone welcome at Twin Thrift Vintage?

Yes — everyone is welcome here.

Twin Thrift Vintage is a space built on inclusion, kindness, and community. We strive to create a shop where people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences feel safe, respected, and comfortable being themselves.

If you ever need support or have a question while visiting, please don’t hesitate to ask — we’re always happy to help.

Is the shop ADA accessible?

We want to be transparent: the building we’re currently in is not fully ADA compliant.

Twin Thrift Vintage is located inside a historic, restored church building, which presents accessibility challenges we’re actively working to address. Improving accessibility is important to us, and we are in ongoing conversations about how we can make the space more accessible over time.

If you have specific access needs or questions before visiting, please reach out, we’re always happy to talk through options, assist however we can, or share updates.