Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008 - (Page 39)

For the Guys: UManly Mancations GETAWAYS: GUYS Urban Dictionary defines Mancation as “an annual event that combines beer, steak dinners, beer, hiking & biking, beer, several rounds of golf, beer, and never reading a map or asking for directions with a group of guys who have been friends for years. Ultimately, it’s not entirely impossible to be eaten by a bear.” But with gas prices forever increasing, it will be harder than ever this summer to reach that “perfect” Mancation location. Luckily, Howard County, Maryland, offers the best components right here between Baltimore and DC. Hiking & Biking in Patapsco Valley State Park continued from page 34 Bean at the Mall in Columbia. It offers “Walk-On Adventures," which allow anyone to enjoy one-and-a-half- to two-and-a-halfhour ecotourism experiences. Simply sign up, and all the necessary equipment and shuttle service to popular Centennial Lake is provided. L.L. Bean’s tours give you the opportunity to learn about and view the dynamic wildlife that abounds in this area, while improving your kayaking or flycasting skills. Great Golfing From the award-winning Waverly Woods Golf Course to the links at Timbers of Troy, Howard County is a great golfing destination. Timbers of Troy features a par72 championship course with a challenging rating of 134. The Timbers features a stateof-the-art practice range with bent-grass tees, target greens, and a chipping area. Willow Springs Golf Course, located in West Friendship, is an 18-hole, par-62, links-style course with a Scottish feel. That is, it boasts mounding, deep greenside bunkering, and "love grass" surrounding nearly every hole. In designing it, architect Al Janis wanted a course that would be both visually appealing and provide a challenge to all levels of golfer. Nearby Waverly Woods Golf Club, designed by world-renowned golf-course architect Arthur Hills, opened to rave reviews for its conditioning, layout, and beauty. It is a challenging course to play, with five sets of tees ranging from 4,808 to 7,024 yards. In addition, Waverly Woods offers a 9,000square-foot putting green, separate shortgame practice area with practice bunkers, and an eight-acre practice range. Whether you want to play 18 holes of miniature golf or the real deal, the Columbia Association has the course for you with the challenging Hobbit’s Glen or friendly Fairway Hills. The Columbia SportsPark features an 18-hole miniature-golf course that is testing boys of all ages! The course is surrounded by plant life, several ponds, streams, and two running waterfalls. And guests of Turf Valley Resort can indulge in a weekend of championship golf, gourmet meals, and spa services to soothe sore muscles after a day on the links. Microbreweries & Taverns Ellicott Mills Brewing Company in Historic Ellicott City is a crucial stop on every Mancation. The brewery offers a variety of beer made with the finest German ingredients. They also offer an array of German treats, including beef, pork, and wild game. You can even take home a growler of your favorite brew. While in Ellicott City, don’t miss local favorite the Judge’s Bench for an amazing selection of microbrews. To fulfill your steak-dinner craving, a meal at Jordan’s Steakhouse. Rams Head Tavern in Historic Savage Mill is home to Fordham Brewing Company. This local tavern with exceptional atmosphere is open seven days a week and offers appetizers, lunch, dinner, and a full bar, as well as a Sunday Jazz Brunch. The deck is a great place for afternoons, evenings, or happy hour outside! Note, too, that the kitchen is open until midnight. Photography Safaris From the granite, colonial, Art Deco, and Victorian structures in Historic Ellicott City to world-renowned architect Frank Gehry’s commissioned buildings on Columbia’s lakefront to western Howard County’s working farms, photo ops abound in the county! Stop by the Visitors Information Center in Historic Ellicott City to grab maps and copies of the Howard County Wildlife Driving Tour or the Frank Gehry Artist or Architect brochure, and hit the road in search of those perfect shots! I For more information, visit www.visithowardcounty.com or call 1-800-288-8747. howardLIFE 39 Kenneth Losurdo, Jr. Begin your Mancation with a hike through the Patapsco Valley State Park, where you can also mountain bike (the park is known as “Moab East”), kayak, fish, and camp. Parts of the park even allow tubing, so plan your campsite location accordingly. Whether you rent a cabin or rough it in a tent, you can’t go wrong in the Patapsco Valley. Don’t miss the Avalon area’s Swinging Bridge (very Indiana Jones!); Elkridge Landing, a former colonial deep-water port for tall ships; the Thomas Viaduct, the world’s largest multiple-arched stone railroad bridge; the site of Fort Dix, a strategic Civil War fort; and Bloede’s Dam, one of the first hydroelectric dams with underwater generators. Fly Fishing & Kayaking with L.L. Bean Another option for the outdoors enthusiast is the Outdoor Discovery School at L.L. http://www.visithowardcounty.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008

Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008 Contents Important Numbers Welcome to Howard County, Maryland Join Howard County Tourism The Good Life Events Clark’s Elioak Farm: Home of the Enchanted Forest Farms Merriweather Post Pavilion Ghost Tours Howard County’s Famous Firsts History Resources Volunteerism Getaways: Trips for the Guys and the Girls Golf Resources Spas and Wellness Resources Recreation Resources Howard County Map Ellicott City Walking Tour Savage Mill Artists Art and Music Resources Dining Profiles: Aida Bistro, Jordan’s Steakhouse, and Tersiguel’s Dining Resources Shopping Shopping Resources For the Event Planner Where to Stay Relocation Resources Business and Service Listings

Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008

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