2. The parks. And trails. And more parks. Well worth the additional taxes that help pay for them, if you ask me. There's even an ongoing effort to make the paths, trails, and parks more accessible and connected.
3. The big, convenient, popular mall. Hidden by trees. One of the best things about Columbia is its balance between preserving and highlighting nature and offering convenient shopping, dining, and entertainment options. I dare you to try to find the Macy's in this picture:
4. Amazing concert venue, right in my backyard. Merriweather Post Pavilion has been offering wonderful concerts, festivals, and cultural events for over forty years. One of my favorite summertime activities is to walk around the outskirts of the venue and listen to artists like Phish and Jason Mraz.
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5. It has the diversity of a city, but the comfort of the suburbs. People from all over the world, from all walks of life, live in Columbia. The city itself was designed to help people from different backgrounds come together and learn from each other.
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6. Local foodie gems like Iron Bridge Wine Company, AIDA Bistro and Wine Bar, Victoria Gastro Pub, Mango Grove, and Bon Fresco Sandwich Bakery. Thanks to the above-mentioned diversity inherent in Columbia's population, foodies like me get to cash in on getting to experience flavors from around the world without having to stray too far from home.
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7. Stores and businesses are tastefully concealed. It might just be the A.D.D. talking, but I'm quite easily overwhelmed when I'm driving down the street and I'm being constantly bombarded by signs for gas stations, restaurants, and stores. Columbia has all of those things, but they're nicely obscured by hills, trees, and muted signage. Yes, it's a bit of a pain finding places when you first move here, but once you know where you're going, it makes for a much more peaceful driving experience.
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What's your favorite thing about Columbia?
I LOVE the paths and that they didn't cut down all the trees. I also love the diversity of Columbia.
ReplyDeleteA bit of a pain to find things? Please! I have an entire hobby based on the fact that I couldn't find restaurants and markets when I moved up from Virginia! ;-) My wife has lived here since 2004 and still laughs about how the Columbia streets seem impenetrable at times.
ReplyDeleteThe Sous Chef and I joke about how the only time you can see where things are is in the winter - when the trees are bare and you can actually see what's behind them!
DeleteI grew up in Bowie too but Columbia is in my heart. I love the diversity here. I have different color skin than my children but there are times when we are in the majority. I remember a morning about 7 or 8 years ago at the Kendall Ridge baby pool looking around and almost every mother there was a different color than her child. They attend the elementary school with the highest test scores in the county and it looks like a mini United Nations. I love this place!
ReplyDeleteKelly Thompson
Hello, just wanted to say, I loved this blog post.
ReplyDeleteIt was inspiring. Keep on posting!
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