Treat Yourself This Fall with Local HoCo Open Rewards: Shop Local, Earn Cash Back, and Support Our Community
Because moms deserve a little treat (and some savings) after surviving summer and back-to-school chaos.
If you’re anything like me, September always feels like a reset. Summer is amazing, but let’s be real, it’s a lot. The kids are home, schedules are wild, vacations are fun but exhausting, and then suddenly, it’s back-to-school with supply lists, forms, and after-school activities in full swing. By the time September hits, most of us moms are craving a little “me time.”
That’s why I’m so excited to share something that’s going to make treating yourself a whole lot sweeter: Visit Howard County’s new Local HoCo Open Rewards program. It’s basically a win-win for moms. You get to support our amazing local businesses and earn money back while doing it. Think of it as the ultimate mom hack, because who doesn’t love a little cash back when you’re grabbing your morning latte or finally sneaking in that long-overdue manicure or pedicure?
What Is Local HoCo Open Rewards?
Local HoCo Open Rewards is a free program that lets you shop, dine, and play at local businesses while earning cash back that you can deposit directly into your account or Venmo. With more than 646 participating businesses across Howard County, the options are endless.
Here’s how it works:
Download the app – It’s quick, free, and available on iPhone and Android.
Earn cash back automatically – Once your credit card is linked, your purchases at participating businesses will earn rewards without any check-in required.
Redeem your cash – Withdraw your earned rewards to your bank or Venmo account, or use it at participating businesses, which makes it super flexible.
It’s like having a little local piggy bank that fills up every time you support a Howard County business.
Why Moms Will Love It
Let’s be honest: we’re already running errands, grabbing groceries, treating the kids to ice cream, or stopping for that much-needed coffee. Why not get rewarded for it?
Here are some ways I can already see moms putting this to good use:
Coffee runs → Earn cash back while fueling your day at spots like Little Market Cafe, Sidamo Coffee and Tea, or Roggenart.
Family dinners → Take the kids to a local favorite like Tino’s Italian Bistro or EC Diner and earn while you eat.
Self-care splurges → Book a facial, massage, or hair appointment at a participating spa or salon and feel even better knowing you’re earning rewards.
Shopping days → Browse boutiques in Historic Ellicott City or Maple Lawn, grab a gift (or something for yourself), and watch the rewards add up.
Grocery hauls → Stock the pantry at participating markets like H Mart, Lotte, or local farmers markets and earn just for doing your weekly shopping.
A Few Highlighted Businesses
With more than 646 businesses signed up, it can feel overwhelming at first, so let me share a few that caught my eye:
Boyd Cru Wines in Savage Mill – Perfect for a mom’s night out or a little date night.
The Wine Bin in Historic Ellicott City – Shop wine and catch their famous outdoor movies.
Yoga Center of Columbia – Because sometimes a good workout is the ultimate reset.
Xenia Greek Kouzina – A delicious spot in Columbia where you can enjoy authentic Greek flavors with family or friends.
Sweet Cascades Chocolatier – A true hidden gem for indulgent handmade chocolates (because moms deserve a treat too).
And that’s just scratching the surface. You can search within the app by category, food & drink, groceries, shopping, services, making it super easy to find spots that fit your lifestyle.
How to Use Local HoCo Open Rewards (Step-by-Step)
I know downloading a new app can feel like “one more thing,” so let me walk you through it:
Download the app → Search for “Local HoCo Open Rewards” in your app store.
Sign up for free → Quick registration, no strings attached.
Browse businesses → Filter by category, location, or even specific names.
Link your credit card → Purchases at participating businesses will earn cash back automatically.
Claim your rewards → Deposit them into your bank or Venmo account, or use them at participating businesses. anywhere in the program!
Why Supporting Local Howard County Businesses Matters
Here’s the part that makes me feel extra good about using this program: every purchase goes right back into our community.
When you shop local, you’re not just buying coffee or booking a haircut, you’re:
Supporting jobs right here in Howard County
Helping local shops, restaurants, and services thrive
Strengthening our schools, nonprofits, and community events through tax dollars
Preserving the unique character of our towns and neighborhoods
As moms, we’re always thinking about how to make our families’ lives better. This is one simple way to do that while treating ourselves in the process.
My First Experience with Local HoCo Open Rewards
Last weekend, I tested it out myself. Here’s how it went:
Stopped by Roggenart for my favorite latte and croissant. Cash back earned automatically.
Picked up a birthday gift at Sweet Elizabeth Jane in Historic Ellicott City. More cash back added!
Ended the day with dinner at Tino’s Italian Bistro with the family. Another reward earned!
By the end of one Saturday, I had earned rewards without even trying. It honestly felt like free money, just for living my normal mom life.
Ready to Treat Yourself and Shop Local in Howard County, MD?
Because let’s face it: moms need little wins. Whether it’s a night out with friends, a solo coffee run, or a family dinner where someone else does the cooking, Local HoCo Open Rewards makes it easier to say “yes” without the guilt.
You’re not just treating yourself, you’re helping small businesses thrive, keeping our community strong, and earning rewards while you’re at it.
Don’t wait, download the Local HoCo Open Rewards app today and start earning cash back on your everyday purchases. With over 646 participating businesses to choose from, you’ll find something for every mood, every errand, and every little treat you deserve.
Because after the summer we just survived, mama, you’ve more than earned this.
