[ By Kristin Antonino ]
Resolutions don’t have to be hard. Resolve this year to let loose, enjoy a night on the town, plan an adventure, host a catered party, enjoy the contemplation of an art show or a rowdy karaoke crowd. Whatever your pleasure, set aside time this year to have more fun.
Every third Thursday, participating Ellicott City merchants host a Girl’s Night Out. Start at the Wine Bin with a free wine sampling, grab a free tote – filled with coupons from participating merchants – and head down the Main Street strip where you will enjoy free snacks, drinks, desserts, even special gifts from participating merchants. Did we mention the best part? Shopping and dining with your gal pals. visitellicottcity.com, or find them on Facebook, girls-night-out-ellicott-city.
Take a shot on the zip lines or scale the high ropes at Terrapin Adventures at Savage Mill. The adventure company offers cycling and wine tours, kayak trips, and horseback riding. Try one of the “Beer and Fear” events, by experiencing the challenge course, zip line and giant swing, followed by dinner and brew at Ram’s Head Tavern. terrapinadventures.com
Head to the Trolley Stop in Ellicott City where karaoke is happening every Friday night. Tuck yourself in a dark corner, order a drink or two, and you may find yourself bursting into the spotlight in song. Before you know it, you’ll be a regular. newtrolleystop.com
With wood-fired pizza names like “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “A River Runs through It” offerings from the River House Pizza Company are hard to resist. Owner Nathan Sowers is wood-fired-up for any venue and will create a menu for your next event and even brings artisanal pizza to your doorstep. Now who said hosting a party had to be work? This is one step up from mere delivery, thanks to the mobile wood-fired oven. riverhousepizza.com
Who said you have to get married to throw a party? Ellicott City Weddings & Events will host your next party at its Main Street location – bring a band, serve some food and party like it’s your own home (away from home). ellicottcityweddingsandevents.com
Ellicott City’s Still LIfe Gallery focuses on premier regional contemporary artists. Visit an exhibition and you might have a hard time walking out empty-handed. The storefront also features a custom frame shop. Either way, your walls will thank you. stilllifegallery.net
This gallery with rotating exhibits is another must see. The committee that chooses art is made up of members from the congregations in The Meeting House, so the art – described by its curators as “an interfaith adventure” is always an eclectic surprise. themeetinghouse.org
Rep Stage, Howard County’s professional, equity theater on the campus of Howard Community College is in the midst of celebrating its 20th season. The spring line-up includes “Home” (February 27-March 17), a 1979 play described by the New York Times as “one of the happiest theatrical events of the season.” It’s the story of the coming of age of a young African American man from North Carolina and was nominated for two Tony awards including best play. “Boeing Boeing” (April 17-May 5), concludes the season with a swinging ’60s bedroom farce about an American architect living in Paris and juggling relationships with three women employed by the same airline. repstage.org