Don't let a little cold weather keep you from enjoying a relaxing weekend getaway. Just a short drive from Baltimore and Washington D.C., Howard County, Maryland is the perfect place to take advantage of your three day weekend this January.
Friday
Your evening plans are taken care of when you buy a ticket to a show at Toby's Dinner Theatre. The new production of Showboat opens on Jan 12.
Saturday
Grab breakfast at the comptoir at Petit Louis on the Lake in downtown Columbia. You'll shake the winter chills right off once you've settled down with a pretty French pastry and a hot cup of coffee.
Every weekend getaway should have some complete relaxation time. After breakfast, take a brisk walk over to Columbia's complete mind-body retreat center, Haven on the Lake. Treat yourself to a cool wellness class, enjoy some time in their pool and healing environments or book yourself a treatment at The Still Point Spa.
If you're feeling a little peckish after relaxing so hard, head over to The Mall in Columbia. There are plenty of dining options to choose from. (And if you happen to stroll past your favorite store, don't resist stopping in.) Don't fill up too much through or you'll be too full to enjoy your next activity.
Reserve a spot at the Afternoon Tea at historic Belmont Manor. You'll be treated to a bottomless pot of tea, a manor scone served with clotted cream and jam, tea savories and a delectable assortment of desserts. After "Taking tea," you'll be able to take a self-guided tour of the manor and lovely gardens (weather permitting.)
After tea, take some time to relax in your room before heading out to dinner at one of Howard County's coziest restaurants.
Sunday
It's still playoff season! Sleep in a little, then grab brunch and catch some of the early games at The Ale House Columbia.
If watching football puts you in a competitive spirit, head to one of Howard County's exciting indoor attractions like Autobahn Indoor Speedway, Monster Mini Golf or ShadowLand Laser Adventures.
You'll probably work up a thirst during all of that adrenaline-pumping fun. Why not make an afternoon stop or two along The Howard On Tap Craft Brew Trail. If afternoon turns into evening, that's totally OK. There are plenty of trail strops that serve food.
Monday
Little French Market in Old Ellicott City is the perfect place to grab a warm cup of something and a breakfast sandwich before a little strolling along Main Street. Shop to your heart's content and then when your stomach starts to grumble, drop by The White Oak Tavern or Kelsey's Restaurant to fuel up before venturing home.
