Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and bask in the serenity of nature at Patapsco Valley State Park. It encompasses 16,043 acres of wilderness along the Patapsco River and is nationally recognized for its grandeur and beauty. Recreational opportunities abound, with 170 miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as eight developed recreational areas for barbequing and picnicking. Large groups can reserve one of the park’s many pavilions. Trails range from rugged to paved, accommodating a wide variety of hiking abilities. Kayaking, fishing, canoeing, camping, and horseback riding are also part of the many activities on the park’s agenda. Stop in at the Avalon Visitor Center located in a 19th century stone building to learn about the history of the area and see a replica of the 1930s forest warden’s office that once graced the park.
Patapsco Valley State Park: An Enormous Maryland Park
Lake Elkhorn Park: 37 Acres of Outdoor Recreation in Columbia
Built by the Columbia Association in 1974, Lake Elkhorn is one of the major locations for recreation in the planned community. The reservoir spans over 37 acres, and abuts many of the area’s most desirable townhouses.
Local fitness buffs love to use the trail around the lake for walking or jogging, as it stretches a comfortable two miles. One stretch of the trail is lined with a variety of exercise equipment that you can use to work the rest of your body. If you’re a fan of fishing, every spring the lake is stocked with trout and bass, which grow to significant sizes. A man-made dam on one end of the lake is a popular place to hang out. During the winter, the park draws crowds for some of the best sledding in the area, while a playground offers lots of fun for kids of all ages.
Lake Elkhorn Park
7200 Dockside Lane
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 715-3161
www.columbiamaryland.com/elklake.htm
www.yelp.com/biz/lake-elkhorn-park-columbia
Pamper Yourself at the Spa at Turf Valley
If you’re looking for a world-class spa experience in the area, the Spa at Turf Valley will meet all of your needs. The Turf Valley resort hotel has been offering top-flight accommodations to travelers to the central Maryland area for many years, and the spa offers a beautiful, tranquil environment for you to relax and undergo a number of signature treatments. Regular visitors rave about the Marvelous Mini package as a great, affordable way to line up a day of pampering. Consisting of a pair of services, including an intense Swedish massage, a European facial, or an hour-long body treatment, it also comes with a light lunch.
Visit the Spa at Turf Valley's website to learn more about this relaxing destination.
Spa at Turf Valley
2700 Turf Valley Road
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 203-2755
www.turfvalley.com
Bikram Yoga Columbia: Stretch Out
Bikram yoga is practiced in a special room heated to approximately 105 degrees. This additional heat is said to help the muscles and tendons in your body stretch to their full capacity easier, with less stress, as well as spurring your body to flush out accumulated toxins in the same way that a sauna does. Practicing yoga can improve performance across your body, from improving your breathing to your posture.
Regular visitors have been raving about the supportive, helpful staff at Bikram Yoga Columbia. No matter what your level of experience, they offer a class that is perfect for your needs. Patrons visit for general fitness, pain relief, and a variety of other issues. The facility is well-kept and supplies all necessary equipment, and prices are very reasonable. Give it a try – you might like what yoga does for you!
Bikram Yoga Columbia
6935 Oakland Mills Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 381-1866
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bikram-yoga-columbia
Lake Elkhorn Park: Picturesque Pond
Located in Owen Brown Village, this man-made lake provides a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lake Elkhorn was built in 1974 by the Columbia Association and measures 15 feet to the bed at its deepest point. A two-mile path stretches around the water, and the surrounding park is a great place to enjoy a variety of recreational activities. The well-kept lawn off of the main parking area has a quaint gazebo and pavilion for picnics and other activities, and there is a playground for children as well. The biggest draw is the path, which draws runners and bicyclists in significant numbers. Some complain that the footpath is a little too narrow for the amount of traffic it gets, so be cautious. The lake forbids swimming and boating. This is a charming and idyllic public park that is a great place to bring your family to enjoy a relaxing summer afternoon.
Lake Elkhorn Park
7200 Dockside Lane
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 715-3161
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lake-elkhorn-park-columbia
Centennial Park: A Wonderful Park in Columbia, Maryland
The 50-acre reservoir known as Centennial Lake is the keystone of this amazing park that draws visitors from all over Maryland to play, relax, and enjoy the great outdoors. The best way to get a handle on the bounty of activities offered here is to take the 2.4 mile loop walk around the gorgeous lake. While there, you’ll find a boat rental outlet so you can take to the water, but be aware that there is no swimming allowed in Centennial Lake. Anglers flock to the park to cast for trout, bass, and other fish that the state stocks in the reservoir. The wetland ecosystem surrounding the lake makes it a great place for birdwatching, with majestic herons, egrets, kingfishers, and more calling it home. The park also has manicured picnic areas, playfields, and more. During the summer, the Parks Department stages a number of concerts at Centennial Park that draw large crowds.
Centennial Park
10000 Route 108
Columbia, MD 21045
http://www.yelp.com/biz/centennial-park-columbia
AMC Columbia 14: The Big Screen
If you’re looking to catch a movie in Columbia, one of the best places to do so is at the AMC Columbia 14. This massive megaplex boasts fourteen screens including an IMAX auditorium, and the programming includes the hottest Hollywood blockbusters. Unlike many large theaters, this place is kept scrupulously clean, with top-quality prints and comfortable seating. The snack bar is well-stocked with a variety of options, from the standard popcorn and candy to more elaborate options like nachos. The staff is also very helpful and informative about the movies showing. Ticket prices are reasonable, but because this place is so popular you should plan to show up early to get a prime seat. The one complaint that people have is that parking, which is shared with the Columbia Mall, can get scarce, especially on weekends. That said, this is easily the area’s best-regarded multiplex movie theater.
AMC Columbia 14
10300 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 423-0510
http://www.yelp.com/biz/amc-columbia-14-columbia
Howard County Events!
Be sure to check out these great events in Howard County! Click here for more information.
Howard County Featured Events Calendar
For the most up to date featured events in Howard County, please visit http://www.visithowardcounty.com/happening/featured-events .
Touche Touchet Bakery: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Indulge in something sweet at Touche Touchet Bakery. This independently owned bakery in Columbia is serving freshly made cupcakes, cookies, scones, croissants, and more. Pick up a selection of specialty cookies that taste as good as they look. Try flavors like Cookies and Cream, German Chocolate, Red Velvet, S'Mores, and Strawberry Delight. Take an break in the afternoon with a cup of coffee, Almond Croissant, or Chocolate Chip Scone. The bakery can even custom design a cake or dessert for your next event! The staff is friendly and happy to help. The cozy shop has a few seats inside and outside. Touche Touchet Bakery is closed on Mondays. Visit the website for more information.
Touche Touchet Bakery
10400 Shaker Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 997-9338
http://www.yelp.com/biz/touche-touchet-bakery-columbia
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