If you’re looking for a great place for a full night on the town, Ellicott City is a difficult spot to beat. My friends and I have been making a sort of tradition out of weekly explorations of this historic city, which has been a great way to learn more about and engage more with the community we call home. We’ve also been having a lot of fun trying out new activities while we’re out, and one of my personal favorite discoveries has definitely been axe throwing. I’m almost certainly late to the party on this one, but one night as we wandered up the hill I decided to finally see what all the fuss is about with this group activity. I dragged my friends into AxGard, a small hidden gem right at the top of Main Street, and we had an absolute blast. So if you’re looking for a fun way to wrap the evening up after some drinks at the distillery, and if you’ve always wondered what it’s like to throw axes at a target like some Viking warrior of old, just head up the hill and get started!

AxGard, on the surface, is very unassuming. There’s a small door for the storefront that can be easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it. Just look for the sign, though, and you won’t miss the turn.

The lobby is fully stocked with soft drinks, cold water, and snacks for you and your friends to grab while you play. It’s also decorated with the legendary hammer-throwing icon Thor, so the Viking spirit is palpable and invigorating. If soft drinks and water don’t feel Nordic enough for you, though, never fear - they have a BYOB policy you are welcome to take advantage of!

AxGard projects their targets on the boards down range, so there’s no need to replace anything as you go along. You’re welcome - and in fact encouraged - to demolish them as much as you possibly can.

If - like me - your axe-throwing experience is limited at best, the friendly staff will be happy to coach you through the process. Before you know it you’ll be hitting bullseyes with the best of them.

The projected targets allow for many different kinds of games, including one with projected zombie heads. As you hit them, you click them and they disappear. I became pretty good at getting the axe to stick in practically straight. I was less naturally talented at actually hitting the zombies.

After an hour, though, it became pretty natural! Thor throws a hammer, but I think he would have been proud.

Check out AxGard’s website if you want to book in advance - it can get pretty busy on the weekends! And be sure to follow their Facebook page if you want to see the updates to their facility. They have a VR arcade in addition to the axe ranges, and they’re always adding new games!

If you and your partner are the kind of people who enjoy adventure, The Adventure Challenge has the perfect gift for you!