Maryland’s Howard County is a wonderful place to call home, with an array of activities, businesses, amenities, and more to entertain area residents. Become a local at your neighborhood coffee shop or swing by the local creamery for a few scoops of your favorite flavor!
The Best Coffee Shops in Howard County
If brewing your own coffee at home has gone stale, try one of these local Howard County coffee shops to jumpstart your morning with a delicious cup of caffeinated goodness. Not a coffee fan? Not a problem! These shops also serve up tea and non-caffeinated options.
Mad City Coffee
Where? 10801 Hickory Ridge Road #101
Mad City Coffee is serving up piping hot coffees and ice-cold lattes, which can be combined with your favorite stuffed sandwiches in a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere. The coffee shop has a world-class selection of single-origin, flavored, and decaf coffee varieties — so there’s always something for everyone. The shop is located minutes from the Columbia Mall and there is free WiFi and plenty of seating, so feel free to hang out, work on some emails, or catch up with an old friend. Specialty drinks on the menu include the Happy Frappe, the Oregon Chai, and your choice of Café Lattes. Customize your drink with one or two flavors, allowing you to mix and match throughout the year to complement the season. Pair your coffee with a tasty treat like a black and white cookie, biscotti, or even a Taos Mountain Bar!
Boxcar Coffee Company
Where? 5445 Twin Knolls Road
The menu at Boxcar Coffee Company has a multitude of specialty items, with drinks you won’t find anywhere else in town such as the Honey Bee Latte with double espresso, Nate’s Organic Raw & Unfiltered Honey, steamed milk, and an optional cinnamon addition! If you love all things chocolate, try the Tuxedo which combines dark chocolate and white chocolate. If you feel jittery after espresso, opt for a tea-based beverage such as the chai latte or the matcha latte. On the more traditional side of the menu, Boxcar Coffee Company whips up a frothy cappuccino and a perfectly concocted flat white. Stick to the basics to get your day started off on the right foot with a double shot of espresso!
Sidamo Coffee
Where? 8180 Maple Lawn Boulevard
This local coffee shop is serving up all your favorite Ethiopian brews, as well as breakfast and lunch options! The menu features classic drip coffee, as well as cafe americanos, mochas, lattes, and even single to double shots of espresso. Mix the morning routine up with a chai latte or treat yourself with a rich hot cocoa. The menu also includes smoothies, so you can kickstart your day with a refreshing berry concoction that will keep you full and provide you with a dose of antioxidants! Breakfast menu specials include bagels, muffins, croissants, and tasty sandwiches.
Where to Wine & Dine in Howard County
Treat your special someone to a romantic date night over cocktails and dinner on the terrace or take the family out for an Italian dinner with pizza, pasta, and plenty of tasty appetizers in Howard County!
Fox & Barrel Farm Cafe
Where? 11707 MD-144
The menu at Fox & Barrel changes with the seasons, so be prepared to find a new favorite entree every time you visit! There are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available. Current specials on the menu include a shrimp po’boy with large fried shrimp, veggies, a New Orleans remoulade, and a grilled chicken caesar wrap served with house-made chips. Sweet treats include fresh chocolate croissants, cinnamon buns, and a selection of scones that include flavors like blueberry, cinnamon apple, and raspberry and white chocolate. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but opens for lunch, dinner, and all-day breakfast throughout the remainder of the week. Dig into a plate of French toast for dinner or enjoy a smashed Angus burger on the garden patio!
Victoria Gastro Pub
Where? 8201 Snowden River Parkway Suite D
Victoria Gastro Pub is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with a brunch offering on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM. There is bar and terrace seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Weekly specials include Beer Club Night on Mondays where members receive 50% off on all beer all day and Tini Tuesdays, where dine-in patrons can snag half-price signature martinis at the bar. The lunch and dinner menu features starters such as Fried Mozzarella Pearls and Shucked Up Oysters. Choose from entrees such as the Grilled Salmon with shiitake lardons, blistered tomato, and wilted greens or the delicious Butcher’s Cut with Boursin whipped potatoes, roasted carrots, turmeric spiced crème fraiche, toasted sunflower seeds, and a beef demi-glace.
The White Oak Tavern
Where? 10030 Baltimore National Pike
The menu at The White Oak Tavern will have your mouth watering. From small plates such as the mushroom pinwheels, smoked wings, and the “Bowl O Bacon” to sandwiches like the award-winning White Oak Burger and the house chicken sandwich with herb-marinated chicken breast — you won’t have trouble finding something that sounds tasty. Signature cocktails include the maple crush, the brown sugar espresso martini, and the strawberry lemonade with citrus vodka. Happy hour specials at The White Oak Tavern include half-price slushies, $1 off wine and drafts, and $3 off any beer flight. Pair your discounted drinks with 25% off select small plates, such as queso blanco, rosemary garlic parmesan fries, and corn ribs.
Tino’s Italian Bistro & Wine Bar
Where? 8775 Centre Park Drive
At Tino’s, you’ll find classic, homemade, fresh, and authentic dishes set at a reasonable price. The kitchen is passionate about providing consistent and memorable meals for the whole family, which keeps a loyal customer base coming back time and time again. The menu kicks off with appetizers such as the bruschetta and the lightly breaded fried calamari and includes a “Create Your Own Pasta” option. Fan favorites include the pizzas, as well as the chicken marsala served with spaghetti. Enjoy a specialty cocktail or if you want to keep your meal alcohol-free, there is a mocktail selection that includes sparkling watermelon lemonade and a N/A mojito.
Where to Indulge in a Sweet Treat in Howard County
Craving something sweet? Whether you’re in the mood for handcrafted ice cream, Korean French fusion pastries, or dessert with a side of in-house crafted root beer — these Howard County creameries, bakeries, and dessert bars have you covered.
Decadent, a Coffee and Dessert Bar
Where? 11710 East Market Place
Decadent is an award-winning cafe and bakery serving the greater Howard County area. The cafe whips up fresh desserts, including cakes, cupcakes, and an array of pastries. The cafe also has breakfast, gourmet coffee, authentic chai, wine, beer, and in-house crafted root beer and gelato! Decadent has over 100 dessert recipes using the finest ingredients, including award-winning cakes and cupcakes, as well as waffles, unique shakes, skillet chocolate chip cookies, small batch gelato, artisan crafted truffles, creme brulees, and more! Selections change daily and may include triple-decker desserts, magic bars, cookie sandwiches, chocolate molten lava cakes, coconut macaroons, lemon bars, eclairs and so much more! Your sweet tooth will be satisfied whenever you visit this coffee and dessert bar.
Tous Les Jours Bakery Cafe
Where? 9380 Baltimore National Pike #111
The wide assortment of pastries at Tous Les Jours are baked fresh every day, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best French Asian baked goods around. The bakery is committed to using the finest ingredients and their products are known for their unique flavors and wholesome qualities. Signature cakes include the Earl Grey Cloud, the Strawberry Lychee, the Peach Cream Cake, the Choco Cloud, and more. French Korean-inspired pastries include almond croissants, yuzu pies, spinach feta danishes, apple jam mont blanc pastries, and more. Korean pastries are unique in that they use less butter and sugar than their American counterparts, which results in a super-light pastry with a crispy exterior and a subtly chewy texture that is sure to delight.
The Charmery
Where? 6000 Merriweather Drive Suite B185
The Charmery is known for handcrafted, highly original, super-premium, and fully delicious ice cream! If you’re in the mood for a scoop (or two or three) then head over to this Howard County favorite in Columbia. Dig into a birthday cake ice cream pie with a graham cracker crust or take a few pints to go, including Mint Mountain with a peppermint base and Andres mint pies, Old Bay Caramel with Old Bay seasoning, or the fruity Roasted Strawberry with slow-roasted berries. Other favorite flavors include Maryland Mud, Lady Grey, Bonita Apple Butter, Spiced Pumpkin, and the Coconut Chai (which is also vegan)!
Howard County’s Parks & Green Spaces
Whether you want to hone your pickleball skills or want to take a leisurely walk around the lake, these Howard County parks are the perfect spots to hang out with family, have a picnic, and toss the ball around.
Centennial Park
Where? 10000 Clarksville Pike
Howard County’s Centennial Park has won awards for its beautiful natural design. The 337-acre park includes an expansive 54-acre man-made lake, which is stocked by the State Department of Fisheries. Visitors can walk, run, or bike the 2.6-mile paved pathway that circles the lake or the 7.3-mile paved pathway that connects to surrounding neighborhoods. The park features four main areas, including the North, South, East, and West and each has a separate entrance. Wildlife in the area includes beavers, foxes, turtles, herons, white-tailed deer, and a variety of waterfowl.
Blandair Regional Park
Where? 5750 Oakland Mills Road
Blandair Regional Park is the county’s premier destination for sporting events, with amenities including three lighted synthetic turf fields, press boxes, and bleachers, as well as tennis courts, paved walking trails, and playgrounds. The newly constructed Laura’s Place playground is enclosed with a fence and provides unique play areas with themes such as a farm area, a dinosaur area, and a spaceship area. The playground is ADA-compliant and designated as a “Play-for-All” playground with non-verbal communication boards. Additionally, the regional park has three bocce courts, two croquet courts, and two horseshoe pitches. The park is open from 7:00 AM to sunset and will span 300 acres once the final phase is complete. It includes a skate park, basketball courts, pickleball courts, additional pathways, shelters, and parking.
Points of Interest in Howard County
Whether you’re a longtime resident of Howard County or you’re new to the area, you’ll want to check out these local points of interest. Check out a concert at the Merriweather Post Pavilion or shop for local produce at Clark’s Elioak Farm.
Clark’s Elioak Farm
Where? 10500 Clarksville Pike
Clark’s Elioak Farm has been farming in Howard County since 1797! The farm features a family-friendly petting farm, with all your favorite animal friends as well as a Fairy Forest, wagon rides, a cow train, and an Enchanted Express Train. There are also an array of special events throughout the year, as well as an autumn pumpkin patch! Clark’s also sells produce grown from sustainable practices. The produce is locally grown and chemical-free, so you can feel good about what you’re putting into your family’s bodies. There is an array of fresh herbs and year-round produce.
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Where? 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway
The Merriweather Post Pavilion is nestled on 40 acres of parkland known as Symphony Woods. The pavilion allows both artists and fans to connect with each other and the surrounding environment. It has hosted big names such as Jimi Hendrix, Willie Nelson, the Foo Fighters, and Florence + The Machine over the years. The pavilion is known for defying architectural conventions and the outdoor setting can’t be matched by other area venues. If you haven’t seen a show yet at the Merriweather Post Pavilion, check out the concert season lineup!
African Art Museum of Maryland
Where? 8775 Cloudleap Court Suite 112
The African Art Museum of Maryland was founded in 1980 as the very first museum in Columbia. It’s one of only three museums of its kind in the country and is devoted exclusively to the art of Africa. The museum is dedicated to encouraging the community to discover a broader understanding and awareness of the diverse cultures and artistic expressions of the people of the African continent. The museum exhibits African art in its diversity and in relation to the cultures that created it, as well as engages in research of African art and culture to complement in-museum and outreach activities and programs.
Interested in Learning More About Maryland’s Howard County? Let Us Help!
If Maryland’s Howard County sounds like it could be your new home, we’d love to help! Whether you’ve called Maryland home your whole life or you’re a recent transplant, Howard County has an array of amenities for young professionals, growing families, and even retirees!