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.

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.

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.

Meet and Greet with Artists From Far and Wide at the The Columbia Art Festival on the Plaza

On September 9th and 10th, The Mall in Columbia will play host to The Columbia Art Festival on the Plaza all weekend long. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the plaza will transform into an outdoor art show.

More than 150 artists from around the country will set up booths displaying their greatest masterpieces. The fest is free, so whether you intend to buy or not, it's worth exploring the stunning collection of artwork. And once you're done, you can head next door to stores such as Lord & Taylor and Macy's to finish your day of shopping or grab some dinner in the mall. There's no need to RSVP for the Columbia Art Festival, simply show up and start perusing!

BNI Columbia Wednesday Breakfast Meeting: Building Business Relationships, One Cup of Coffee at a Time

BNI has a unique recipe for business networking success. To experience the power of meeting other business folks face to face, check out the BNI Columbia Wednesday Breakfast Meeting on September 6th.

Every Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 9 a.m., members of BNI Columbia come together for a free meet-and-greet over coffee and breakfast food at the Pink Cadillac Studio. It's an opportunity for people to get connected with other equally driven entrepreneurs who might have the skills or the resources they need to elevate their own business. Given that BNI boasts more than 8,000 chapters all across the globe, you can rest assured that this organization is more than capable of making a difference in the life of your business.

Public Domain/Pixabay/0102oxy

Run, Bike, or Relax at Centennial Park

When Centennial Park was designed, its architects wanted to enhance the work that Mother Nature had already done, not detract from it. That's probably why this Columbia park has won multiple awards for its layout, particularly the way it remains sensitive to nature, even with man-made elements.

The largest man-made element is a 54-acre lake. Anglers flock here to cast their lines since the lake is continuously stocked by the State Department of Fisheries, but critters like deer, foxes, herons, turtles, and beavers simply know the lake and its surrounding banks as home. The remainder of the park's 337 acres plays host to 7.3 miles of paved paths that are perfect for running or biking as well as a 2.6-mile trail around the lake. So come to Centennial Park to rent a boat and enjoy the water, head out for a hike, or just enjoy some fresh air in Columbia this summer.

Public Domain/Pixabay/Free-Photos

Enjoy Free Outdoor Yoga Classes This Summer

On Sunday, July 9th, head down to Haven on the Lake for an outdoor community yoga class in the sun. The class is slated to run for one hour, from 9 to 10 a.m., and features yoga movements ideal for yogis of all levels. The yoga class is completely free to attend. Those interested in attending are just asked to register online in advance.

Interested in attending this class? Yogis are asked to bring their own yoga mat, sunglasses, and sunblock to the event. Conveniently, the class is taking place only a few miles from Monarch Mills, so why not head out for some free yoga under the summer sky? Those who can’t make it to the class on Sunday, July 9th should mark their calendars for the future events, which fall on Sunday, August 13th and Sunday, September 10th.

Public Domain/Pixabay/AWerdan

Happy Hour for Healthcare Providers in Columbia: Calling All Medical Professionals in Need of a Cocktail

If there's anyone who deserves to kick back at happy hour, it's a healthcare provider. Nurses and doctors, dietitians and physical therapists, and many other practitioners work hard at hospitals and outpatient centers every day to keep patients happy and healthy. If you fall under this professional umbrella, don't miss Happy Hour for Healthcare Providers in Columbia on Thursday, June 15th at Seasons 52.

From 5 to 7 p.m., area healthcare providers are welcome to come to the eatery and mingle with other folks in the profession. It's an excellent opportunity to build your professional network and form relationships. Admission is free, but bring your wallet along if you want to grab a drink or two!

Pin It on Pinterest