A SURPRISING, STRESS FREE STAYCATION, HOWARD COUNTY STYLE
STORY BY Elizabeth Heubeck
When planning a vacation, most of us look for a blend of relaxation and exploration. It’s fun to learn about a new place. But it’s also important to keep stress at a minimum. How many times have you felt, as you’re rushing out the door, for a 
long car trip or flight, lugging a suitcase you know is missing some crucial item, that it might be nice to just stay home? Maybe one of these days you’ll do just that. If you do, you can certainly enjoy a vacation right at home.
It may be the smallest county in Maryland, but Howard County epitomizes the adage ‘good things come in small packages.’ You already know about its convenient location – smack-dab between Baltimore and Washington, for easy access to both cities. And, of course, there’s the pastoral setting, with rolling hills bordered by the Patapsco River on the northeast and the Patuxent River to the southwest. But there’s more to Howard County than its great location and pretty setting.
Howard County presents a special blend of old-world charm and progressive ideals. Ellicott City, the county seat, was founded in 1772 by brothers who established a flour mill here. Then, in 1830, Ellicott City became the site of the first Baltimore & Ohio Railroad terminus outside of Baltimore. The station remains today — though now it competes for attention with the town’s unique shopping and dining options. By contrast, the planned city of Columbia, the brainchild of visionary James Rouse, launched comparatively recently in 1967. Priding itself on diversity, accessibility and amenities to boost residents’ quality of life, Columbia continues to flourish today. Maybe you live in Columbia. So you know all this.
With Howard County’s rich history, convenience and natural appeal, it’s no wonder it routinely lands in the top 10 of “CNN/Money’s” Best Place to Live list. Of course, if you live here you know that. You also may drive the
county’s rolling hills and glimpse the scenic Patuxent and Patapsco rivers on your daily commute. But when was the last time you let yourself spend quality time really enjoying all the region offers? It’s got lots that other vacation destinations have: spas, salons and wellness centers; tempting restaurants; eclectic shopping; exciting summer festivals; spacious parks; and other outdoor resources. All this and a rich history. Why not take advantage of what you already know.
We’ve created a sample three-day itinerary packed with activities to both energize and relax. Grab a good girlfriend, your significant other or go it alone. You’re guaranteed to have a great staycation.
DAY 1
Morning
Take a brisk walk around Centennial Lake. The 2.6-mile paved path that circles the 54-acre lake will jumpstart your 
energy level. Plus, convening with nature in this 325-acre park — you’re apt to glimpse an assortment of birds, maybe even a great blue heron, and other wildlife — is a soothing way to start the day. Once you’ve traversed the lakeside trail, you’ll see why this outdoor gem has received several awards for its natural design.
Enjoy a late breakfast at La Madeleine French Bakery and Café at 6211 Columbia Crossing Drive in Columbia. Go for a quick coffee and croissant or indulge in a full breakfast, like their Parisian eggs Benedict.
Midday
Treat yourself to a mani-pedi at one of the area’s many salons, such as the contemporary nail salon Koi Nails, in Ellicott City. For minimal expense, you’ll get instant and long lasting beauty impact, plus a bit of pampering. Then take a stroll down Main Street in Historic Ellicott City, where you can browse in shops packed with antiques, vintage clothing and furniture, gifts, toys and household items.
Evening
Take in a community event. From June 13 through June 28 the Columbia Festival of the Arts features an array of dynamic artists and performers (columbiafestival. com) at the Columbia Lakefront. This much anticipated event has been entertaining local and regional audiences every summer for the past 20 years. It’s also a fun place to bump into your neighbors.
Or, attend an outdoor concert. Throughout the summer, Columbia hosts lively outdoor concerts and other entertainment at the Dorsey’s Search, Hickory Ridge, River Hill, Harper’s Choice, Kings Contrivance and Wilde Lake village centers. And of course there’s Merriweather Post Pavilion, one of the East Coast’s premier outdoor concert venues. The 40-acre venue in Symphony Woods, in the center of Columbia, routinely draws popular national acts and sellout crowds all season long.
DAY 2
Morning
Start the day with some sunrise salutations at The Yoga Center of Columbia, one of the area’s premier yoga studios where you’ll find a variety of classes to suit your ability. Afterwards, meet a gal pal at Petit Louis in Columbia. The café there is the perfect setting for a strong coffee or a frothy latte and one of pastry chef Ashley Roop’s decadent treats. The outdoor tables are reminiscent of a Parisian café – albeit with a view of Lake Kittamaqundi instead of street life. You may just want to linger into lunch, with a glass of wine and classic French dish. You are, after all, on vacation.
Midday
Take a break from all that relaxing for a trip to Savage Mill, a unique and picturesque shopping district with a history dating to 1822, when the complex was a working textile mill. The mill wove primarily canvas used for sails on the clipper ships that sailed from Baltimore harbor. In 1947, the mill converted to a Christmas display village, and a mini B&O Railroad train transported visitors
between the ‘village’ and the Route 1 parking lot. In 1950, a family bought the mill and some 20 ye
ars later, the land was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Now, visitors can enjoy Savage Mill’s historic charm as they shop and dine. Start with lunch at the Factory Grill and Bakery Too!, a casual spot where everything is made to order. Save room for dessert; the restaurant boasts 16 flavors of ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies and fresh baked goods. Then, take a leisurely stroll through this cotton mill-turned-shopping and arts center on the banks of the Little Patuxent River; you’ll see how it has retained its 19th century charm. One-of-a-kind specialty shops, fine art and craft galleries await.
Evening
Catch a movie, preferably under the stars. While Howard County has its share of indoor movie theaters, why not take advantage of the warm summer months and enjoy a movie outdoors? Every Saturday evening through September, The Wine Bin in Ellicott City projects movies in its parking lot. The Bin hosts a wine tasting before each movie, and even provides coolers of ice for those who want to keep their beverages cold throughout the film.
DAY 3
Morning
Greet the morning with an energizing bike ride. Try the Patuxent Branch Trail, a 4.6-mile, mostly paved pathway. Watch for interpretive signs — and signs of wildlife. If you’re up for a longer ride, you can find it here too. The Patuxent Branch Trail is part of a 20-mile trail system that traverses the rolling hills of the county, following the same path as the former B&O line, parallel to the Patuxent River.
Midday
Vacation is almost over and that means it’s time for indulgence. And there’s no cushier spot than the Spa at Turf Valley. Along with a full menu of spa treatments, Turf Valley offers touches you won’t find at every spa. There’s a skin polishing scrub of raw sugars and fresh squeezed citrus blends. Chocolate lovers will enjoy the 100 percent pure natural cocoa scrub. Combined with a raw sugar blend, it gently exfoliates. Another favorite for pure indulgence is The Pearl Modern Spa and Boutique. The Pearl offers services modeled after spa rituals from around the world, so your staycation may momentarily feel like a Fiji retreat or an African adventure. Oh, and they have a handful of options for two, so if your staycation includes a significant other, you might want to book a Dynamic Duo Deluxe, complete with couples massage and chocolate strawberries. Finally, shift the romantic mood (or get some friends together) to the Iron Bridge Wine Company for a late, leisurely lunch. The restaurant’s small plates, funky dishes, gourmet cheese platters, impressive wine list and decadent desserts are tailormade for an outing with your BFFs.
Evening
If there’s still a little time before sunset, how about a sail through the air in a hot air balloon? Friendship Hot Air Balloon offers guests champagne flights two hours before sunset. It’s hard to imagine a better way to end a three day, go local itinerary – and a view from above will be yet another perspective on the place you live. *
