Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Cold Stone Creamery: Ice Cream Dreams

Forget your standard ice cream shop, Cold Stone Creamery features flavors and mixes that will have you coming back for more. From cakes to shakes Cold Stone is a like a dream come true for ice cream enthusiasts of all ages. So named for the marble slab where your delicious concoction is mixed, Cold Stone is unlike other establishments in that it doesn’t merely serve pre-mixed ice creams. Here you choose your flavor and accompaniments from the vast array of fixings available right before your very eyes. Either create your own ice cream bliss or choose from one of the signature creations. These include many awesome treats, such as cheesecake ice cream mixed with graham crackers and Oreos. Other options include coffee lovers delight, double cake mixtures, and fruit infused blends with whipped cream. 

Cold Stone Creamery
13600 Baltimore Avenue #304
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 776-6770
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cold-stone-creamery-laurel

Bonaparte Breads: Authentic French Baked Goods

Part of the Savage Mill shopping district, Bonaparte Breads is a quaint little bakery dedicated to tasty fare made using only the best ingredients. In addition to all the great pastries, Bonaparte also features prepared dishes. Forget fast food lunches, here at Bonaparte you can pick up such great eats as decadent quiche and traditional French sandwiches. Of course, no French bakery would be complete without croissants, and Bonaparte has an array that are just brimming with flaky, buttery goodness. The almond croissant is a sweet way to start your day, while savory versions make a great hearty lunch on the go. 

Bonaparte Breads
Savage Mill
8600 Foundry Street, Suite 2091
Savage, MD 20763
(410) 880-0858
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bonaparte-breads-savage

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

Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

As if the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum isn’t awesome enough, you can also check out the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater. Located inside the museum, the IMAX movie experience surrounds you and makes you feel like you’re part of the action. Ride in a hot air balloon or with the Blue Angels in Fly! Explore distant galaxies and the cosmos in Hubble 3D. Follow the heroic actions of first responders in Rescue 3D. You can even see first-run movies in IMAX form, such as The Dark Knight Rises. And when the show is over, you’re still able to explore the beauty of American ingenuity at the Air and Space Museum! The movies change periodically, so always check out the schedule before getting tickets to a show.

Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-2214
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lockheed-martin-imax-theater-washington

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

National Arboretum: Learn about the Beauty of Nature

Founded by the U.S. Congress in 1927, the National Arboretum encompasses 412 acres of fantastic foliage for you to enjoy. The Arboretum has a unique role in that it is both a beautiful venue and an educational facility for the whole country. If you’re looking for any plant that indigenous to the United States, you’ll likely find it here! Take a walking tour and enjoy the sights  – there’s always something blooming, so check out the calendar. Or book a private tram or guided tour, where your tour guide will supply enough information for any amateur botanist. The Arboretum is also a great place for photographers, and any person who just enjoys communing with nature. And it’s only a short bus ride from the Armory Metro station. Check out the special events like the Bonsai tree class. Admission is free and the National Arboretum is open every day except Christmas.

National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 245-2726
http://www.yelp.com/biz/national-arboretum-washington-2

Nottingham’s: A Popular Bar in Columbia, Maryland

Columbia’s most popular bar and live music venue has built a loyal following of locals who flock to Nottingham’s for strong drinks and good company. This is a classic neighborhood bar, welcoming to new faces but with a strong sense of community. If you get peckish, the menu is solid pub grub, nothing fancy but prepared well. Some favorites from regulars include the hot crab pretzel and the quesadillas. Locals go for happy hour, which offers great deals on well drinks, bottled beers, and appetizers. On sunny days, the outdoor patio area is bustling. Inside, the pool tables are kept in good shape if you feel like playing billiards. Every Saturday night offers live music as well, with a variety of local combos rocking the stage. Other nights include a Wednesday Ladies' Night with half-price drinks.

Nottingham’s
8850 Stanford Boulevard
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 290-0077
http://www.yelp.com/biz/nottinghams-tavern-columbia

Textile Museum: Woven Art

With over 19,000 objects dating from 3,000 B.C.E. to the present, this collection is a must-see for anyone who loves the artistry and craftsmanship of woven art. The entrance is located in the home of founder George Hewitt Myers in Washington, D.C.’s stately Kalorama neighborhood just off Dupont Circle. Egyptian Mamluk rugs from the 1400s and carpets from India, Spain, Turkey, Anatolia, and Caucasia are among the impressive items featured in the collection. Textile holdings include pre-Columbian Peruvian weavings as well as pieces from Asia, India, Persia, Turkey, China, Japan, and Africa. The Textile Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is a suggested $8 donation. 

2320 S Street NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 667-0441

Half Note Lounge: Bowie Jazz Lounge

The goal for the Half Note Lounge was established early – to provide a great spot for great jazz and R&B. And that is just what you’ll get when you walk into the trendy lounge and dining area. Make your reservations by phone, or online. All week long, the music keeps coming from live bands known in the area, and worldwide. There’s also a karaoke night! It’s the perfect place to come for a successful business meeting, with a group of friends or for an intimate get together. Complement your cocktail with a tasty appetizer and great entrée, all prepared by a talented local chef. And don’t miss the excellent Sunday Brunch! The Half Note Lounge is open for dinner, drinks, and music Tuesdays through Saturdays, and Brunch on Sundays.

Half Note Lounge
4881 Glenn Dale Road
Bowie, MD 20720
(301) 809-6683
http://www.yelp.com/biz/half-note-lounge-bowie

Granville Gude Park and Lake House: Great Outdoors

Right in the center of Laurel, the Granville Gude Park and Lake House is a place for relaxation, recreation, and community events for everyone. Spanning 29 acres, the park is perfect for a hike or jog around Laurel Lake. The lake is beautiful and available during the summer months for boating fun. You can also rent a paddle boat for a small fee. There’s plenty of open space for different sports and there’s also a few barbeque pits for public use. Check out some of  the fun events during the year, like the Easter Egg Hunt, Movies in the Park and the annual July 4th celebration, complete with music and fireworks! The Granville Gude Park and Lake House is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free!

Granville Gude Park and Lake House
8300 Mulberry Street
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 490-3530
http://www.yelp.com/biz/granville-gude-park-and-lakehouse-laurel