Fall Fun in Howard County
We’re already into autumn and you know what that means: sweaters, honey crisp apples, pumpkins, fresh cider, and hayride and other Fall fun in Howard County. Starting at Larriland Farm in western Howard County you can pick a variety of autumn vegetables and fruits. Their Acres of Pumpkins is a great spot to search out your very own great pumpkin but if picking your own isn’t your thing stop by the country store. The Boo Barn is back again this year to help you get your scary on, find your way through the corn mazes or take a hay ride. If all this fun makes you hungry Larriland Farm’s famous apple fritters are hot and read along with other yummy treats. Admission is free but some activities may require a small fee. For more information visit, www.pickyourown.com or call 410-442-2605. Clark’s Elioak Farm features many of the attractions of Howard County’s beloved Enchanted Forest. Entrance fee is small and children 12 months old and younger are free. Their newest attraction is the Enchanted Forest Pine Tree Maze. Meet some new wooly friend in the petting farm and share a snack with the goats and sheep. Pony rides and hayrides are also available. The farm has a frequent visitors program. For hours of operation or more information visit, www.clarklandfarm.com or call 410-730-4049. Also in western Howard County is Sharps at Waterford Farm. Sharps is a 530 acre working farm offering educational activities to children and adults. In addition to learning about farming visitors can partake in traditional activities such as a 10+ acre corn maze & mini maze. While there is no admission, some charges for activities may apply. The Country Store is filled with seasonal vegetables and foods. For hours or additional information visit, www.sharpfarm.com or call 410-489-2572. If you are looking for a more strenuous activity try the Rail-Trail’s Fall Foliage Romantic Hike or Bike. Enjoy the beautiful foliage and colors of autumn along the 20-mile rail-trail that follows a former Baltimore & Ohio Railroad line that runs along the Patuxent River. The trail starts at Savage Park, the rail-trail crosses ten bridges, including, the 1902 Guilford Pratt Truss Bridge then through the grounds of a quarry that operated until 1928. The rail-trail ends at Lake Elkhorn in Columbia, great for picnicking. Savage Park directions: 8400 Fair Street, Savage, MD, From Rt 32, exit onto Route 1 southbound. Immediately turn right onto Howard St., Howard Street becomes Baltimore St., Proceed 0.8 miles to park on right. The annual 50+EXPO will take place Friday, October 17 at Wild Lake High School in Columbia. More than 140 exhibitors are expected. Free parking is available at The Mall in Columbia with shuttle service to and from the main entrance of the event. For a listing programs and exhibitors or for more information visit, www.co.ho.md.us/OA/CS_OfficeAging.htm All season Howard County will be holding symposiums on Choose Civility. The community wide effore is inspired by the book Choosing Civility: The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct, by Johns Hopkins University Professor Dr. P.M. Forni, The Symposium is a free annual event lead by the Howard County Library. For information visit www.choosecivility.org. I’ve given you my short list of some of my favorite fall activities. Please take minute and share your favorites with me.