Howard County, Maryland is a vibrant and thriving area located just outside of Baltimore in the Mid-Atlantic region. With a population of over 300,000 people, the county is home to numerous cities and towns including Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Savage-Guilford, Laurel, and North Laurel. According to sciencedict.com, the county was named after John Eager Howard who served as governor of Maryland from 1788 to 1791.
The area is rich in history with many historical sites and monuments throughout the county. One of the most popular attractions is the Ellicott City B&O Railroad Station Museum which showcases artifacts from the early days of railroading in America. Other historic sites include Patapsco Valley State Park which offers outdoor activities such as hiking and camping; Benjamin Banneker Historical Park which celebrates the life of an African-American astronomer and surveyor; and Fort Meade which was used by both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War.
Howard County is also known for its cultural attractions including Merriweather Post Pavilion which hosts concerts year-round; The Columbia Festival of Arts which showcases music, theater, dance performances; Clark’s Elioak Farm where visitors can explore a petting zoo; Robinson Nature Center where kids can learn about nature through interactive exhibits; and Historic Savage Mill which features shops selling handmade crafts.
In addition to its many attractions, Howard County has also produced some well-known people such as writer F. Scott Fitzgerald who attended high school here; actors Elizabeth Banks and Kevin Bacon who both grew up here; musician Frank Zappa who graduated from high school here; former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall who practiced law here; US Senator Barbara Mikulski who represented this district for many years; NASA astronaut Ellen Ochoa who was born here; professional baseball player Cal Ripken Jr.; professional football players Steve McNair and Ray Lewis both grew up in this area.
Howard County offers something for everyone whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or simply want to explore its rich history or enjoy some local culture through art festivals or concerts. With its diverse population and wide range of attractions, it’s no wonder this part of Maryland has become so popular among visitors from around the world.
Climate and weather in Howard County, Maryland
According to anycountyprivateschools.com, Howard County, Maryland has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to the mid-90s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and wet, often dropping below freezing at night. Spring is mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. Fall is cool and dry, with temperatures reaching the low-60s to low-70s. The county typically experiences around 40 inches of rainfall per year, evenly distributed throughout the year except in summer when there is more rain than at other times of year. Snowfall usually ranges from 15 to 25 inches per year, although some winters can see up to 50 inches of snow. Howard County also experiences thunderstorms during all seasons of the year, with most occurring in the late spring and summer months due to high humidity levels.
Transportation in Howard County, Maryland
Howard County, Maryland has an extensive public transportation network that is accessible to all residents. The county is served by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), which provides bus service to the area’s major towns and cities. Additionally, the MTA operates the MARC commuter rail line, which runs between Baltimore and Washington D.C., as well as connecting stops in Howard County. The MTA also operates a light rail system called Metro SubwayLink, which serves downtown Baltimore and other areas of the county.
The county also has its own local transit system, called Howard Transit. This system serves many of the smaller towns and villages in Howard County, as well as providing access to larger destinations such as Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Washington DC. The Howard Transit also provides express bus service to popular destinations such as Columbia Mall and Ellicott City.
In addition to public transportation options, Howard County also offers a variety of private transportation services for residents who prefer more personalized travel options. Taxis are available throughout the county, including door-to-door services such as Uber and Lyft. There are also several limousine companies that offer luxury car services for special occasions or corporate events.
Finally, Howard County is served by four major highways: I-95, I-70, US Route 40, and US Route 29. These highways provide easy access to nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington D.C., allowing residents to commute with ease or take weekend road trips with family or friends.
Cities and towns in Howard County, Maryland
Howard County, Maryland is home to many vibrant cities and towns that offer something for every style of living. Columbia is the county’s largest city and home to over 100,000 people. It was founded in 1967 as a planned community and has grown into a thriving metropolis with a diverse population and plenty of amenities. The city is known for its excellent public schools, shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and recreational activities.
According to countryaah.com, Ellicott City is another popular destination in Howard County. This historic town dates back to the 1700s and features many preserved homes and buildings from that era. It’s also known as a great place for shopping with its many antique stores, boutiques, art galleries, and eateries. Ellicott City also offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking trails, kayaking on the Patapsco River, or exploring Patapsco Valley State Park nearby.
Clarksville is a small town located in western Howard County that is known for its rural atmosphere and rolling hillsides. It’s home to several wineries where visitors can sample local wines or take part in wine tours around the area. Clarksville also features some of the county’s best restaurants offering everything from seafood to farm-to-table dishes.
Other towns in Howard County include Dayton, Glenelg, Cooksville, West Friendship, Marriottsville, Sykesville and Woodbine. Each has its own unique charm with plenty of things to do like visiting local farms or exploring historic sites such as the B&O Railroad Museum or Ellicott City Station Museum & Train Display in Ellicott City. No matter what type of lifestyle you’re looking for in Howard County you’ll find it here.
