Wake up to charming streets lined with unique boutiques and local cafés, where the buzz of lively festivals and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee fill the air. In Howard County, Maryland, families can explore historic landmarks, unwind in peaceful parks, and soak up genuine small-town warmth, all wrapped in modern comfort. Here, every moment beckons you to slow down and discover together at your own pace.
A Destination for Food Lovers
Howard County Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks invites food lovers to savor the very best of a local culinary scene, where rustic farm-to-table flavors blend seamlessly with inventive dishes and craft beverages truly take center stage. From shared small plates designed for gathering to full-course feasts celebrating farm-fresh ingredients, this event held in both summer and winter highlights the passion and creativity of Howard County’s small businesses and independent restaurants.
Discover exclusive menus, uncover new favorites at standout spots like The Common Kitchen and Elkridge Furnace Inn, and raise a glass to the region’s exceptional local taprooms. Whether you’re craving casual bites or fine dining, this twice-yearly celebration offers a delicious way to experience the diverse flavors of Howard County’s cuisine.
Outdoor Adventures for Every Season
Howard County offers outdoor experiences that range from peaceful escapes to thrilling adventures, making it the perfect destination year-round.
In the summer, paddle a canoe on Centennial Lake, bike along scenic trails like the Patuxent Branch Trail or nearby Patapsco Valley State Park, and explore the quiet beauty of the Robinson Nature Center or the Howard County Conservancy. Families will delight in Clark's Elioak Farm, where farmyard fun awaits, and don’t miss late May strawberry season at Larriland Farm.
Discover your limits at Terrapin Adventures, where ziplines and ropes courses test your courage, and your smile. Then unwind with a cold craft brew at Manor Hill Brewing or soak up the sun poolside at local hotels. Slide into fun at Turf Valley Resort or bask next to the buzz at Merriweather Lakehouse. Golf enthusiasts can tee off on some of the county’s premier courses, while lakes and parks offer endless spots for fishing and relaxing outdoor fun.
As the leaves turn in the fall, visit Larriland Farm for apple and pumpkin picking, followed by warm cider donuts and cozy hayrides that celebrate the season’s bounty.
When winter settles in, the holiday spirit lights up the night with the magical Symphony of Lights walk-through, providing a sparkling backdrop for a memorable getaway.
History, Arts, and Culture
Rich in history and culture, Howard County offers plenty to explore. Step back in time at Savage Mill, where historic charm meets unique shopping and dining. Marvel at engineering wonders like the Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge or the Thomas Viaduct at Patapsco Valley State Park. Historic Ellicott City blends its timeless architecture with modern boutiques and small museums, including the Museum of Howard County History, the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, and the Ellicott Mills Children’s Museum.
Thomas Viaduct at Patapsco Valley State Park
For an unforgettable night out, enjoy dinner and a show at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, where captivating performances come alive alongside delicious meals. Live music thrives at venues like Collective Encore, Color Burst Park, Lakefront Live, and, of course, Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Art lovers will find inspiration at the Columbia Art Center and the Artists' Gallery, while plein air events invite you to pause and take in creativity unfolding right before your eyes.
Shop Local and Discover Unique Treasures
An invitation to slow down, shop local, and discover something meaningful.
Stroll through the artisan boutiques of Savage Mill, where handcrafted goods and one-of-a-kind gifts reflect the passion of small business owners and makers pursuing their dream. In historic Ellicott City, browse charming Main Street shops like Stone House Collective, known for its vintage-inspired treasures. Then step into Backwater Books & Bibliopub, where you can sip a local craft beverage, shop for books, and take in readings by local storytellers and poets, an experience that lingers long after the visit.
Don’t stop there—shop the farms. At Breezy Willow Country Farm Market, you'll find fresh produce alongside thoughtful gifts and locally made treats. Mary’s Land Farm offers house-made beef sticks and pantry staples for your next farm-to-table meal. Or visit Heron’s Meadow Tea Farm, a peaceful retreat where you can unwind with a warm cup of tea, and bring some home as a fragrant reminder of your wellness journey.
Whether you’re seeking personalized décor, cozy accessories, or gourmet food baskets, Howard County’s local shops offer something memorable for everyone. Every find is a little piece of the place.
Fun Festivals and Signature Events Year-Round
In summer, the Howard County Fair brings the community together with a lively blend of carnival fun and agricultural tradition. Families can ride the Ferris wheel, snack on classic fair treats, and experience farm life up close. Meet local farmers, tour barns, and watch livestock shows featuring cattle, pigs, and even working dog demonstrations. It’s a celebration of heritage, hands-on learning, and hometown pride.
Summer also brings live music to the downtown Columbia Lakefront with the Lakefront Live concert series, and colorful evenings at Color Burst Park with the AMPed in the Park shows. Catch big-name performances under the stars at Merriweather Post Pavilion, or bring a blanket for family movie nights and 4th of July fireworks over the lake, a dazzling summer tradition.
As the leaves turn, Hops & Harvest Festival at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods brings the best of local craft beer, seasonal flavors, and live music. Pair this with a visit to one of the county’s many fall festivals at farms like Clark’s Elioak Farm or Larriland Farm for pumpkin picking, hayrides, and farm-fresh treats.
Winter brings festive cheer with twinkling events like the Bollman Bridge Lighting in Savage and the spectacular Merriweather District Tree Lighting. These seasonal celebrations combine holiday magic with community spirit, making them unforgettable experiences for all ages.
And when spring returns, Springfest in historic Ellicott City welcomes warmer days with live music, food trucks, and wine and beer gardens, all set against the town’s storybook streetscape. It’s a fresh start wrapped in charm.
In May, Books in Bloom blossoms in the Merriweather District, transforming the neighborhood into a haven for book lovers. This inspiring festival invites you to meet award-winning authors and join a community celebration of storytelling and literacy. Also in May, the beloved Wine in the Woods festival returns to Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. With tastings that feel endless and live music that gets everyone dancing, it’s a joyful way to toast the season and soak in the spirit of spring.
Discover Wellness Year-Round
In Howard County, wellness is a way of life. Wake up refreshed at a serene resort, where your day begins with sunrise on the pickleball courts or teeing off on lush, tree-lined fairways. Prefer something quieter? Retreat to a peaceful farm stay, where gentle animals roam freely and you can even schedule a moment of stillness, like cuddling a cow at Mary’s Land Farm, a true escape from the hustle and bustle.
This is where the rolling hills of the Piedmont Plateau blend into the soft, sandy soils of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, offering miles of tranquil hiking trails perfect for reflection in every season. From forested footpaths to sweeping farm vistas, nature invites you to move at your own pace.
As the sun sets, unwind by the water at Scott’s Cove or Lake Kittamaqundi, where golden skies and peaceful ripples set the tone for true relaxation.
In summer, wellness becomes a community celebration with free outdoor yoga and dance classes in Columbia, a perfect invitation to stretch and breathe. For a deeper restorative journey, visit Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, where reflection and renewal go hand-in-hand in a peaceful wooded setting.
Whether you’re seeking stillness or motion, connection or solitude, Howard County offers space to reset, naturally.
Make Howard County, Maryland, Your Next Getaway
In Howard County, history runs deep, creativity thrives, and community is woven into every festival, farm stand, and trail. It’s where 18th-century mills meet modern murals, and where the welcome feels as warm as the summer sun over our lakes.
Whether you’re strolling Main Street in historic Ellicott City, sipping tea on a quiet farm, catching live music under the stars, or paddling out on Centennial Lake, this is a place where every season has a story, and every traveler finds their rhythm.
Howard County isn’t just easy to get to—it’s hard to leave. So when you’re ready to slow down, reconnect, and explore a destination that feels both timeless and new, we’ll be here.
Start your next chapter with a stay at Springhill Suites by Marriott Columbia, your cozy home base in the heart of it all.
