Person in a Hershey's chocolate bar costume waving, with a young girl wearing face paint standing below. The scene is outside at Hersheypark.

the BLOG

It’s not just a blog. Welcome to your everything guide for Howard County, MD from restaurants, breweries and family fun to self-care, parenting and play.

Featured POSTS

Blog

Looking for Daytime Gymnastics? Here’s What EAGC Offers!

Looking for daytime gymnastics classes, homeschool activities, special needs gymnastics or school break camps? See EAGC’s daytime programs and camp dates.

Estate Planning Is an Act of Love: A Family Guide to Protecting What Matters Most

Estate planning is one of the most meaningful ways to protect the people you love. Learn the essentials of wills, trusts, power of attorney, choosing a guardian for your children, and avoiding common estate planning mistakes in this family-friendly guide.

Community & Lifestyle

The Collective Columbia Celebrates Three Years of Bringing Dining, Entertainment, and Community Together

Community & Lifestyle

The Collective Columbia celebrates three years of waterfront dining, live music, and community events, making it one of Howard County's top destinations.

Community & Lifestyle

Supporting Local Business and Community in a New Way

Claire has officially joined the Howard County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2026 while serving as Chair of the Young Professionals Network. Learn how this new leadership role will help strengthen local businesses, foster community connections, and support the future of Howard County.

Health and Wellness

Beyond the Tie: Why a Spa Day Might Be the Perfect Father's Day Gift (And One of the Coolest Facials I've Ever Tried)

Health and Wellness

Looking for a Father's Day gift that's more meaningful than another tie or coffee mug? Discover why wellness experiences like massage therapy, hot stone massage, cupping therapy, microcurrent facials, and intraoral massage at Even Keel Wellness Spa in Columbia, MD may be the perfect way to help Dad relax, recharge, and prioritize self-care

Health and Wellness

Self Care & Fitness, Self-care

Connection Over Correction: How Brain Balance in Columbia, MD Helped My Son Learn to Self-Regulate

Self Care & Fitness, Self-care

When we started this journey, I thought we were signing up for something that would help Grant with focus, sensory integration, and learning. And while it’s done all that, it’s also changed the emotional rhythm of our home, starting with how my husband and I parent.

Self Care & Fitness, Self-care

Birthday Parties, Fun for the Family, Things to do

The Birthday Party That Let Me Just Be “Mom”: Our First Off-Site Celebration at Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy in Columbia, MD

Birthday Parties, Fun for the Family, Things to do

How hosting my daughter’s birthday at Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy took the stress out of celebrating.

Birthday Parties, Fun for the Family, Things to do

Things to do, Fun for the Family, Restaurants

Your Perfect Fall Weekend in Maryland with the Help of Visit Howard County: A Local Mom’s Take

Things to do, Fun for the Family, Restaurants

Looking for a cozy, close-to-home getaway this fall? Here’s how I’d spend a weekend in Howard County, full of great food, local charm, and that crisp fall feeling.

Things to do, Fun for the Family, Restaurants

READ THE BLOG

• READ THE BLOG •

Claire Duarte 9/25/25 Claire Duarte 9/25/25

Foliage & Fall Hikes in Howard County, MD: 2025 Guide

These are the parks and trails I return to every year with my kids: easy to get to and full of beautiful autumn views that make the season feel so special.

Claire Duarte 4/2/25 Claire Duarte 4/2/25

The Best Playgrounds in Central Maryland: Kid-Tested, TCM-Approved!

If you’re looking for the best playgrounds in Howard, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, and Montgomery Counties, this is the ultimate guide.

Claire Duarte 2/27/24 Claire Duarte 2/27/24

Local Spring Break Activities Howard County

Guest User 8/31/23 Guest User 8/31/23

Farm Fun Howard County

Guest User 7/3/23 Guest User 7/3/23

Must Visit Pools Howard County, MD

Allie Sapienza 4/30/23 Allie Sapienza 4/30/23

Howard County Parks: Lake Elkhorn in Columbia, MD

Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an active day out with family and friends, Lake Elkhorn Park has something to offer everyone. So pack your running shoes, your picnic basket, or your stroller, and swing by Lake Elkhorn for a day of outdoor fun!

Guest User 4/30/23 Guest User 4/30/23

Free Rainy Day Fun Columbia, MD

Nothing is more drab when it’s a weekend full of rain, so we loaded up the kids, and headed over to the mall. Did you know they have a cute little indoor tot-play ground?