What goes better with beer than a big cheesy pizza? Nothing, if you’re a regular at Pub Dog. This locally-owned business first owned in historic Federal Hill before opening the Columbia location, and regulars have been flocking there to eat great pizzas and drink the house-brewed craft beer.

The pizzas come in a variety of combinations, with strong flavors predominating. Some favorites include the Atomic Dog, which packs serious heat with hot sauce, cherry peppers, smoked gouda, bacon, mozzarella, and pepperoni, as well as the excellent Veggie Dog for non-carnivores. Salads are also made fresh and very satisfying, and the bar’s fresh-made pretzels make a great snack. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, go for the “Dog Deal,” which gives you two mugs of beer for one low price.

Pub Dog
8865 Stanford Boulevard
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 872-0364
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pub-dog-columbia

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/cyclonebill

Part petting zoo and part functioning farm, Clark's Farm plays a dual roles in Ellicott City. In the section dedicated to family fun, kids can pet itty-bitty goats and other farm animals or hop on in the bed of a trailer for a hayride. Or they can explore the Enchanted Forest's tree maze—a perfect place for a birthday party—and take a ride on one of the farm's ponies.

For adults, the retail part of the farm might hold more appeal. It's a seventh-generation family farm that provides the local community with fresh produce and meat that's never tainted with steroids or hormones. Chicken, lamb, pork, and eggs are all available. Best of all, the farm employs sustainable practices in its processes, helping to make sure that the farm's around for many generations to come.

Visit the Clark's Farm website to learn more!

Clark's Farm
10500 Clarksville Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 730-4049
http://clarklandfarm.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/clarks-elioak-farms-ellicott-city

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/CLender

A friend asked you to provide the dessert at an upcoming potluck dinner, but you’re drawing a blank about what type of sweet treat to prepare. If you want to make a creative, tasty dessert that doesn’t require a professional baker’s expertise, these three recipes can help.

Key Lime Whoopie Pies [Martha Stewart]
Martha Stewart’s Key Lime Whoopie Pies combine two classic desserts into one sweet and sour confection. The recipe makes individual whoopie pies for 20 people, and each one features cinnamon and sugar-flavored cake and a bright lime and cream cheese icing interior that tastes just like traditional key lime pie.

1 Pan Fudge Cake [Food.com]
If your friends or family are chocolate lovers, they’ll absolutely adore this simple 1 Pan Fudge Cake. It takes just 25 minutes to make, and the blend of rich cocoa, classic vanilla, and generous amounts of sugar give it a fudge-like texture that makes the perfect decadent dessert.

Angel Food Cake [Taste of Home]
Everyone loves angel food cake, especially when it’s homemade and served with fresh berries, thick whipped cream. and the company of good friends. This simple recipe has a much heartier texture than angel food cakes made from a mix, and it’s flavored with the signature almond extract that gives it its distinct taste.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/timsackton