Some stores sell candy. Some stores sell scary masks.
One shop on a historic Maryland street does both jobs at once, and kids act like they just found a secret clubhouse.
Old Ellicott City is famous for its old buildings and small family businesses, but this spot takes the idea of a family shop in a wild new direction.
Horror statues, signed movie posters, comic art, and life-sized movie characters fill the floors, while a gelato counter waits near the back.
Parents come for a cool treat, and children leave talking about the giant movie figures for days.
The store is run by a family that clearly loves what they do, and it shows in every corner.
Keep reading to learn where it is, what to look for inside, which flavors to try, and how to plan the best possible trip.
A Spooky Surprise on Main Street
Old Ellicott City has plenty of charming shops, but one storefront hides a bigger secret than most. Unusual Company sits at 8137 Main St, Ellicott City, MD 21043, right in the historic downtown of Howard County, Maryland.
Online maps list it as an ice cream shop. That label only tells part of the story.
Inside, the shop is packed with horror collectibles, movie props, comic artwork, and pop culture goods. The gelato counter is tucked toward the back, so many people walk in expecting dessert and end up browsing for an hour.
Out front, colorful chalk art often shows off the current gelato flavors. Seasonal boards, like ones for St. Patrick’s Day, help the store stand out on a busy street.
Families exploring the downtown area sometimes stumble across it by accident while searching for something sweet. Many end up adding it to their regular list of stops.
A quick tip: give yourself extra time here, because a fast cone stop rarely stays fast once the shelves start calling your name.
A Bank With a Brand New Job
Old buildings in Ellicott City carry plenty of history, and this one has a fun past. The shop is believed to be in a historic former bank building, which gives the space a slightly spooky and very memorable feel.
That old purpose still shows in the structure. Shoppers often notice how the design of the building blends with the strange and creepy items on display.
The store spreads across multiple levels. Some describe two floors of goods plus the gelato area, while others mention three stories of fun things to see.
For kids, this layout turns shopping into an adventure. Each floor feels like a new level in a video game, with fresh surprises waiting around the next corner.
Parents of little ones should keep an eye on stairs and fragile collectibles. Holding hands while exploring the upper areas is a smart move.
A building that once guarded money now guards monster statues and signed posters, and honestly, that might be its best job yet.
Monsters, Masks, and Movie Props
Horror fans, this is your playground. The shelves here hold Halloween masks, horror statues, and real movie props that make the place feel like a backstage tour.
Some of the biggest showstoppers are life-sized movie characters. Kids often stop in their tracks to stare up at these figures, and phones come out for photos fast.
The collection leans into classic horror and pop culture movies. Film nerds, goth fans, and collectors all find something to geek out over.
Younger children who scare easily might want a heads-up before going in. Some of the displays are creepy on purpose, which is part of the fun for older kids.
A good plan is to let kids lead the way and set their own pace. Most children warm up quickly once they realize the monsters are just very cool decorations.
Even shoppers who never watch scary movies tend to enjoy the show. It is basically a museum where the exhibits are a little bit freaky and some are for sale.
Autographs Worth a Second Look
Ever seen a real autograph from a movie star up close? This shop has a ton of signed movie memorabilia, and it is a big reason collectors keep coming back.
The signed items go beyond film. Shoppers have spotted autographed metal band posters, signed art prints, and other pieces that music fans love.
Funko Pops and vinyl records also appear on the shelves. Some of these come signed too, which makes them extra special for anyone building a collection.
Kids who are just starting to collect can learn a lot here. It is a chance to see what makes an item valuable and why people care about original signatures.
Planning a gift for a movie lover or music fan? A signed poster or print can make a birthday feel huge.
Stock changes over time, so the piece you see today might not be there next month. If something catches your eye, it may be worth grabbing before another fan beats you to it.
Comics, Games, and Wild Shirts
Not every treasure here has fangs. Comic artwork is a big part of the shop, and the collection has impressed shoppers for years.
The store also carries books and pop culture merchandise. Local and regional artists have their work featured, so there are pieces you will not find at a big chain store.
Board game fans get a nice surprise too. The shop has carried a really cool selection of games, which makes it a fun stop before a family game night.
Then there are the T-shirts. The designs are bold and quirky, and they rotate in and out constantly, so regulars often check what is new on every visit.
For kids with a little allowance money, this section is a great place to shop. A fun shirt or small item can be a perfect souvenir from a day downtown.
Bring a short wish list but stay flexible. The best finds at a store like this are usually the ones nobody planned on buying.
The Gelato Counter in the Back
After all the monsters, a sweet reward waits at the back of the store. The small counter serves authentic Italian gelato made with fresh ingredients, along with ice cream and sorbet.
Gelato is the most talked-about part of the whole shop. Plenty of fans call it the best gelato around Howard County.
Flavors that have earned lots of love include butterbeer, mint chip, and cheesecake. Salted caramel, creme brulee, mango, green apple, and lemon have also appeared in the case.
Butterbeer is a fun one for kids who love wizard stories. It feels like a little piece of a favorite book in a cup.
Not sure what to choose? The staff is happy to offer tastes, and sometimes they share a flavor that is not even on the menu that day.
Prices can run a dollar or two above a basic ice cream shop. A medium has cost around seven dollars, and many families think the quality makes it worth it.
Flavors That Keep Changing
Here is a fun fact: the gelato lineup does not sit still. New flavors rotate in every few weeks, so a repeat trip can feel like a brand new experience.
Seasonal flavors are a big part of the plan. Past and upcoming specials have included passion fruit sorbet, cherry blossom, lemon custard, and cranberry sorbet around Thanksgiving.
Holidays get attention too. St. Patrick’s Day flavors once earned their own chalk art display out front.
The shop even celebrated seven years in business with fresh flavors. Special moments like that give regulars a reason to stop by again.
For families, this rotation turns gelato into a game. Kids can keep a list of every flavor they try and rate their favorites over time.
Want to know what is in the case before you go? Checking the shop website or social media can help.
Just remember that a favorite flavor might disappear for a while, so enjoy it fully while it is around.
Good News for Dairy-Free Fans
Kids with milk allergies often get left out of ice cream trips. At this counter, they get to join the fun.
The shop always keeps vegan options available, along with sorbet. At times, the case has held as many as five vegan choices.
Many of the dairy-free gelatos use oat milk. Oatmilk dark chocolate and oatmilk coffee have been popular picks, and coconut has also made an appearance.
Sorbets are another easy option for anyone avoiding dairy. Fruit flavors like mango and passion fruit fit right in.
Mixed groups love this setup. One person can order classic gelato while another grabs a vegan scoop, and nobody has to sit and watch.
Parents managing serious allergies should still ask the staff about ingredients and preparation. Asking questions is always the safest choice.
Having so many plant-based picks is a thoughtful touch, and it helps this little counter welcome just about everyone through the door.
A Family Behind the Counter
Behind all the creepy stuff is a very friendly family. The shop is run by Callie and her parents, Eric and Kelly, and they treat it as a true family business.
The staff is known for being warm, helpful, and easy to chat with. Conversations can wander from gelato flavors to Maryland favorites in no time.
Their motto is all about living unusually. That idea shows up in how they talk with shoppers and how they stock the store.
Sweet extras sometimes join the menu. Homemade cookies and brownies have been offered, and Callie is a talented baker.
The shop has also hosted regular events over the years. These gatherings help make it a community spot instead of just a place to buy things.
Pets are very welcome here too, which makes it easy to stop in during a family dog walk downtown.
Supporting a small family store feels good, and it helps keep Main Street full of character.
Plan Your Visit Like a Pro
Timing matters here, because the shop is not open every day. It is closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Thursday hours run from 3 pm to 8 pm. Friday runs from noon to 9 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from noon to 8 pm.
Weekends tend to be the most popular time to explore Old Ellicott City. A Thursday or Friday afternoon may feel a bit calmer.
The seating area is small but cozy. Families with a big group might plan to enjoy their gelato while strolling Main Street.
Give yourself time to explore every level before ordering dessert. That way, sticky fingers stay far away from the collectibles.
Collectors should look closely at items like trading cards before buying, as with any shop. Asking the staff questions is always welcome.
With spooky treasures, rotating flavors, and a friendly family running it all, this little store makes any downtown day a lot more fun.
