Savor European Pastries at Renata’s Tasty Bites

Growing up along the Adriatic Coast in Croatia, Renata Alanovic learned the art of baking and cooking as a young girl. The older she got, the more she came to cherish her time in the kitchen. She even began to draw up her own recipes for baked goods, which were always met with acclaim by her friends and families. When she came to Maryland, she brought her talents with her, and she opened Renata's Tasty Bites.

At the bakery, she crafts the breads and cakes she grew up making, as well as some savory pastries. On your way to work in the morning, swing by to grab one of the sweet, crumbly blueberry scones to dunk in your cup of coffee. Or savor the sweet flavors of an almond pastry on your midday break. You can also take a fork to a personal-sized quiche if you're looking for something more substantial at Renata's Tasty Bites.

Don’t Miss the Gallery Talk and Coffee Happy Hour on November 28th

If you want to expand your cultural horizons, come to the Gallery Talk and Coffee Happy Hour at the University of Maryland Art Gallery on Tuesday, November 28th. This monthly talk always highlights new exhibits, and in this case, assistant director Taras W. Matla will explore Recent Gifts and In Memoriam: Andy Dunnill.

Come to the gallery at 1 p.m. for the brief lecture explaining the background of each of these exhibits. Feel free to ask questions afterward, and then stay and check out the displays for yourself. Afterward, sip on some coffee from Lost Sock Roasters, an artisan coffee company, and chat with other art lovers about what you've learned. Admission to the Gallery Talk and Happy Hour is free, so round up some friends and enjoy this cultural endeavor.

The Holiday Craft Shop on November 19th: A Roundup of Artisan-Made Gifts

If you love to shop local and want to find unique gifts this year, kill two birds with one stone at the Holiday Craft Shop on Sunday, November 19th. This pop-up holiday shopping center only deals in locally crafted items and offers a wide variety of options, provided by more than 25 local artisans.

Come to The Hawthorn Center between 2 and 5 p.m. on November 19th to explore the lineup of vendors. The talented crafters will show off pieces of handmade jewelry, beautiful photographs, scarves and accessories, candies and cookies, and even woodcrafts, to name just a few of the items available. So even if your holiday shopping list is packed with friends and family members who seem to have everything, you'll be able to find something for them at the Holiday Craft Shop.

Calling All Sports Lovers: Don’t Miss the NFL Sunday Brunch and Barbecue Buffet at the Frisco Taphouse

Every Sunday now through the Super Bowl, the Frisco Taphouse will host the NFL Sunday Brunch and Barbecue Buffet for football lovers. Instead of sitting home alone with a plate of wings, come watch the game(s) among friends with a pitcher of beer on November 5th and any other upcoming Sundays.

You have two special options for food when you come to the NFL Sunday Brunch: either order something a la carte from the Sunday brunch menu or pay $10 and eat as much barbecue as you can handle, hot from the buffet. Then head to the bar, where there are tons of $5 drink specials, from full pitchers of beer and Purple Crushes to Bloody Marys and mimosas. Grab a pint or a cocktail, and enjoy a day of NFL showdowns at Frisco Taphouse.

Scream Your Way Through Laurel’s House of Horror This October

Laurel's House of Horror was once a movie theater, but it sat abandoned for years before its current owners decided to repurpose the building. They didn't arbitrarily choose to open a haunted house, however. It was the obvious move based on the fact that the movie theater was already haunted. Having experienced a paranormal presence at the theater, the owners called in the Chesapeake Ghost Hunters, who confirmed their suspicions.

The haunted house employs the latest audio and visual elements to create an all-encompassing, thrill-inducing experience with new sets and characters every year. The House of Horror also recently launched a spooky escape-the-room game that runs year-round. The haunted house, however, will only be open on weekends and Halloween night through November 4th, so order your tickets now.

Design and Stuff Your Own Halloween Friend at the Scarecrow DIY on October 21st

Once you have your jack-o-lantern carved and Halloween costumes all ready to go, there's only one fall activity left to do: stuff a scarecrow. The Howard County Parks and Recreation Department can help with that. On Saturday, October 21st, it's hosting the Scarecrow DIY.

The community will gather to craft together at the North Laurel Community Center starting at 10 a.m. All you need to do is preregister and bring a onesie, complete with feet, to serve as the body of your scarecrow. The parks and rec officials will provide everything else you need to make your fall-themed friend.

Run, Drink, and Be Merry at the 2017 Oktoberfest 5K

Part workout, part boozy celebration, the 2017 Oktoberfest 5K is the perfect example of balance. It begins with a 5K and ends with some of the best brews in Columbia, courtesy of Frisco Tap House (which is also sponsoring the event). It begins at Charm City Run at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 7th, but that's just the beginning of the fun.

Sign up for the run and pull on your provided race-day t-shirt before you get to the starting line. Then walk, jog, or sprint along the 5K course, which takes you right to the doorstep of Frisco Tap House. Awaiting you is a day-long party with live music, two complimentary beers per person (and as many more beers as you'd like to purchase), and a soft pretzel. Registration costs $45 per runner.

Dig Into the Eerie History of the Patapsco Female Institute at the Ghostly Guides Tour

The Patapsco Female Institute in Ellicott City has been around for 179 years—plenty of time to attract some spirits who've crossed over. Rumor has it that the awe-inspiring mansion is home to several resident ghosts, but you can make your own decision after participating in Ghostly Guides.

On Friday, October 6th, the Patapsco Female Institute opens its doors for a guided tour of the crumbling building. Your tour guide will give you an insider look at the history of the Victorian-era girls' school as you meander its halls. Afterward, you'll hear the rumors and tales that swirl around the institute while you gather around a campfire with some s'mores. Finally, you'll get the chance to explore the school at night with the same tools that paranormal investigators use to find spirits, so don't miss this cool opportunity!

Enjoy Local Suds and Spirits at The Hops and Harvest Festival

You may not realize that Maryland is a hotspot for craft beer and artisan spirits, but if you attend The Hops and Harvest Festival, that fact will quickly become evident. Black Flag Brewing Co., Tenth Ward Distilling Company, and Smoketown Brewing Station are just three of the artisan booze producers who will show off their signature creations at the festival.

Come to Wincopin Circle in Columbia on Saturday, September 30th to taste test the libations. More than 25 of Maryland's best breweries, wineries, and distilleries are slated to attend, including the aforementioned businesses, so you can expect a wide variety of adult beverages to try. Grab your souvenir cup and move from vendor to vendor. Between sips, soak up the booze with food from local restaurants such as King's Bacon, River House Pizza Co., and Carnivore BBQ. The fest will also host live music, lawn games, and booths helmed by local boutiques and artisans. Tickets start at $35 for beer tasters.

Connect with Other Techies at The Tech Wine Down for Technology Professionals

With the continuous innovation in technology, new career paths exist today that didn't 10 years ago. All professionals involved in technology, regardless of their exact role, are invited to come and network at The Tech Wine Down for Technology Professionals on Tuesday, September 12th.

Hudson Coastal hosts the event from 6 to 8 p.m., and it's free to attend. Just bring your wallet if you want to grab a drink from the bar. Data Canopy, the company behind The Tech Wine Down, will provide the apps. Sip and snack while you connect with other engineers, developers, and even executives who may be able to shed some light on a new field of technology. Bring business cards and your best networking game face to The Tech Wine Down for Technology Professionals.

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