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.

Restaurants

Breweries

Wineries

Recipes

Bakeries

Coffee & Tea

Parenting

Birthday Parties

Fun for the Family

Indoor & Outdoor Play

Camps

Swim

Holiday Happenings

Shopping

For the Home

Self Care & Fitness

Things to do

Featured POSTS

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

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

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

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Community & Lifestyle
Supporting Local Business and Community in a New Way
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.

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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
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

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

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Self Care & Fitness, Self-care
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
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.

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Birthday Parties, Fun for the Family, Things to do
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
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.

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Things to do, Fun for the Family, Restaurants

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For the Home Claire Duarte For the Home Claire Duarte

The Columbia Mom's Ultimate Fire Safety Guide: Essential Tips for a Safe and Cozy Home in Howard County, MD

As a mom, I know how crucial it is to create a secure environment where our children can thrive and our homes remain protected from potential hazards. I've partnered with Priddy Chimney Solutions to bring you a comprehensive guide to home safety tailored specifically for Columbia, Howard County, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, these tips will help you stay on top of the essential safety measures every homeowner should consider.

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Restaurants Guest User Restaurants Guest User

Top Picks for Howard County, Maryland Restaurant Week 2024: TCM Edition

Hey, fellow foodies! If you’re anything like me, finding the perfect spot to treat yourself (and maybe even the kiddos) during Howard County Restaurant and Craft Bevvies Week 2024 is a top priority (August 12-25). We all deserve a break from cooking, and what better way to enjoy some quality family time or a fun night out with friends than at one of these fabulous local restaurants? Let’s dive into the best places to check out this year!

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Fun for the Family Allie Sapienza Fun for the Family Allie Sapienza

Complete List of the Best Places for Strawberry Picking in Maryland

If you know me, you know I LOVE taking my kids to the farm any chance we can get outside. Especially when it’s strawberry picking season – which runs from late May to early June! I’ve put together a list of some of the most praised strawberry picking farms in the Maryland region (Howard County and beyond)… plus a BONUS – a few farms on the Eastern Shore! Check out my list

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