Ellicott City, Howard County's county seat, is one of America's most affluent communities. This historic town is a popular destination for antique shopping, restaurants, eclectic boutiques and many historic sites — it was once a prosperous farming and manufacturing area. The town attracts another brand of visitor as well; it has been called one of the most haunted small towns on the East Coast. Visitors can embark on guided ghost tours of sites with supposed paranormal activity.