Hello Towson,
This week in history:
On July 10, 1864, Confederate cavalry led by Major Harry Gilmor rode into Towson following the Battle of Monocacy as part of a campaign to disrupt Union communications and threaten the Northern Central Railway, a vital Union supply line.
The raid briefly placed Towson under Confederate control, making it one of the few times the town was directly occupied by Confederate forces during the Civil War.
Today, the event remains one of the most significant dates in Towson's history and is documented in the Maryland State Archives' official Baltimore County Historical Chronology.
In this week’s Towson Torch:
The Backyard Uptown Sells to New Operators
Art in the Park Returns This Fall
Baltimore County Restaurant Week
Local Business News/Updates
Let’s do it!

Together With:
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Available in Most Local Liquor Stores.
Local Business
Barley's Backyard Uptown Sells to New Operators

Barley's Backyard, the popular rooftop restaurant and bar in the heart of Towson, has been sold, marking a new chapter for one of the area's best-known dining and nightlife destinations. The winner of Barstool Baltimore Bar of the Year 2026 will indeed be changing owners as it has been sold for an undisclosed amount but we are being reassured that the staff will not be changing over. The sale reflects the continued evolution of Towson's restaurant scene as local hospitality businesses adapt to changing market conditions.
📈 A New Partnership for Prosperity: Baltimore County Reveals Public-Private Economic Vision

A coalition of some of Baltimore County's most influential business executives, university presidents, healthcare leaders and economic experts met at Towson’s StarTUp at the Armory to unveil an ambitious plan that could significantly reshape how the county attracts businesses, creates jobs and grows its economy over the coming decade.
The announcement marked the public release of the 89-page report, "Globally Inspired, Locally Connected," prepared by the Baltimore County Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB). Commissioned by County Executive Kathy Klausmeier.
🔥 Read Full Article on The Torch
🛠️ Stanley Black & Decker Releases New Impact Report Highlighting Global Reach and Local Commitment
For many Towson residents, Stanley Black & Decker is simply a familiar name on the skyline. But the company's newly released 2025 Impact Report offers a reminder that one of the world's largest industrial manufacturers continues to operate from right here in our own backyard while influencing industries across the globe.
With approximately 43,500 employees operating in 59 countries and more than 100 facilities worldwide, Stanley Black & Decker remains one of the region's largest global employers and one of Towson's most recognizable corporate headquarters. The company's latest report focuses not only on financial performance, but on workforce development, sustainability, innovation and community investment.
🔥 Read Full Article on The Torch

Arts & Culture
🧶 Edenwald Residents and Goucher College Students Collaborate to Create Documentary Story Quilt Celebrating Women’s Rights

A Documentary Story Quilt celebrating the legacy of women’s suffrage and the passage of the 19th Amendment will be on display on National Women’s Equality Day on Wednesday, August 26 with a public reception from 1-3 pm and with the Quilt’s creators at Domesticity Fabric Shop in Towson. Members of the public are invited to view the Quilt from August 23 to August 30, 2026 from 10-6 daily.
The Quilt, created through a collaborative intergenerational project between Goucher College students and Edenwald Senior Living, honors the hard-fought battle for women’s right to vote and the ongoing movement for gender equality. This powerful visual narrative weaves together fabric, memory, and activism to tell stories of perseverance and progress. Each panel of the quilt tells a unique story-from the suffragists who marched and organized in the early 1900’s to the everyday women who keep the fight for equality alive in their communities today.
Save The Date(s): Arts In The Park Returns at New Location
The Towson Torch is proud to be the Media Sponsor for Arts in the Park,
Presented by Towson Arts Collective
🎨 Arts in the Park
📆 Thursdays this Fall
August 27 | September 24 | October 29
📍 New Location:
Historic Baltimore County Courthouse, 400 Washington Avenue, Towson, MD 21204

Presented by Towson Arts Collective
For the past several years, the Towson Arts Collective has proudly partnered with Cromwell Valley Park to present Arts in the Park, celebrating local artists, live music, and community in one of Baltimore County's most beautiful natural settings. As Cromwell Valley Park begins an exciting construction project to expand parking and make other improvements, we are taking this opportunity to begin a new chapter for Arts in the Park.This fall, the event moves to the beautiful grounds of the Historic Baltimore County Courthouse in the heart of Towson, creating an intimate outdoor gathering where art, music, food, and community come together after the workday.
Enjoy Thursday Evenings Featuring:
Juried local artists and artisan vendors
Live music presented by The Music Space
Food and beverages from local restaurants
Historic courthouse gardens in the heart of Towson
Opportunities to meet artists, purchase original artwork, and connect with the community
Admission is FREE, and everyone is welcome.

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Food & Drink
Baltimore County Restaurant Week is Back July 10-19th
Several Towson restaurants are participating in Baltimore County Restaurant Week (July 10–19), offering special prix-fixe menus and dining deals. It’s a great opportunity to support local restaurants while trying something new.
Participating Towson restaurants include:
🍽️ Lib’s Grill Towson
🍽️ CVP Towson
🍽️ The Point in Towson
🍽️ Towson Tavern
🍽️ Bread and Circuses Bistro
Whether you’re planning a date night, lunch with coworkers, or dinner with friends, now’s a great time to explore Towson’s dining scene and take advantage of these limited-time specials.
Weather

Gif by leroypatterson on Giphy
This weekend in Towson will feature warm summer weather with highs in the low 80s. Saturday is expected to be humid with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms, making the morning the best time for outdoor plans. Sunday looks much more pleasant, with a mix of sun and clouds, lower humidity, and dry conditions that should make it the better day to get outside.

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