Go “Petal Peeping” promotion and enjoy the many gardens, wildflowers and outdoor eco-friendly events this Spring throughout Howard County. See the places that top Tourism’s spring “Petal Peeping” list.

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Come enjoy our renovated space in the Ellicott City Historic District. Take a break in the lounge area, research Howard County attractions, learn about our history from informational panels, and discover where to eat, stay, shop, and play through our informational brochures.

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Howard County is a golfer’s paradise, where beginners and pros alike can choose between seven beautifully scenic and distinctively challenging courses. Plus three family-friendly mini-golf fun! No matter your playing style or preference we have the perfect place for you to sit back, relax and swing!

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Restauranteurs' PINK PLATE CHALLENGE nets over $12,000 for Blossoms of Hope. Pictured left to right are Victoria Goodman, Executive Director Blossoms of Hope, Mary & Joe Barbera, proprietors of AIDA Bistro & WIne Bar, and Steve Wecker, co-owner Iron Bridge Wine Company.

Blossoms of Hope board member Steve Wecker, co-owner along with brother Rob of Iron Bridge Wine Company, loves a good challenge. Known for his generous spirit and fun approach to marketing, it was no surprise when Steve threw down the gauntlet and challenged his fellow restaurateurs during this year’s annual PINK PLATES fundraiser. The surprise, however, was on Steve when Joe & Mary Barbera, proprietors of AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar, topped Iron Bridge’s $3,300 contribution by presenting Blossoms of Hope with $9,100 to win the challenge and earn the top fundraising post in the annual spring promotion.

The challenge included a case of wine to the winner and the agreement by the loser to actively promote the winning restaurant at their restaurant for one week. “Yes we will definitely be serving up a little crow at The Iron Bridge,” lamented Wecker. “True to our word, the waitstaff will soon be wearing t-shirts declaring ‘I’d rather be at AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar,’ for one week. But we really don’t mind losing because it’s all about raising money for a great cause. The big winner here is Blossoms of Hope and Howard County’s Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. ”

The Barberas couldn’t be happier. “Steve’s a great guy and we really enjoyed taking him on to support Blossoms of Hope and the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center,” said Joe Barbera. “Mary and I are very proud of our staff and thank everyone who contributed to help AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar rise to the occasion. As a past president of the Howard County Tourism Council I am a big fan of all that our Blossoms of Hope marketing initiative contributes to the community. We have been a Pink Plates restaurant from the very beginning and I believe it is a great way to give back to the community. ”

According to Victoria Goodman, Executive Director of Blossoms of Hope, “This is the largest amount ever raised by a single Cherrybration Days promotion. This far exceeds past years’ Pink Plates contributions and we are extremely grateful to Mary and Joe Barbera, as well as Steve and Rob Wecker for adding this new twist to our annual restaurant initiative. We thank all of Howard County’s generous, ‘community conscious’ restaurateurs who have creatively worked Pink Plates into their menus and promotions.

In addition to the Pink Plate special menu items, both AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar and The Iron Bridge Wine
Company held raffles for special culinary prizes. AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar’s raffle was for a private wine
dinner for 10 set in the beautiful “Buddy Room”- a private dining room just off of the restaurant’s wine bar. The Iron Bridge Wine Company raffled off a pair of tickets to their exclusive, rail-side catered tent party at Howard County’s historic 2012 Iron Bridge Hounds Hunt Cup.

2012 marked the fifth year for Blossoms of Hope’s PINK PLATE promotion which invites local chefs and
restaurateurs to “think pink” by adding pink themed specials to their menus or hosting special pink
promotions to help raise cancer awareness and support the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center at
Howard County General Hospital.