Are long lines, traffic, endless gift shopping and wrapping leaving you too busy this holiday season to burden yourself with hanging Christmas lights on your Howard County home? Luckily for you Merriweather Post Pavilion is hosting their annual display of more than 75 spectacular larger-than-life, animated and stationary light creations in Columbia, Maryland.

Minutes from your Columbia home, ride through this smorgasbord of lights festivity with hot cocoa in hand now through January 1, 2012 gazing at these wonderful light creations. This is a wonderful group activity between family and friends alike.  The Merriweather Post Pavilion is open 7 days a week from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., including holidays with the exception of December 31st. All proceeds from the Christmas light display benefit the Campus Development Plan for Howard County General Hospital: A member of Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Purchasing a townhome in Ellicott City is the perfect alternative to buying a single-family home. Townhomes have several advantages that might make it the perfect option for you.

1. Less Exterior Maintenance. Since, townhomes are attached to one or more dwelling, the amount of exterior maintenance is drastically reduced. Attend to your lovely bushes and flowers without worrying about whose grass is greener.

2. Community Amenities. Enjoy socializing in our lounge, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying a walk and visiting the park. This could save you a lot of money, or give you more fitness and entertainment options than your budget would normally allow.

3. More House for the Money. If square footage is important to you, you’ll generally be able to afford more of it in a townhome than you would in a similarly located single-family, stand alone home.

The average listing price for an Ellicott City home in Howard County, the 5^th richest county in the Nation, is set at a pricey $608,707, according to Trulia.com. Fortunately, Shipley’s Grant offers you new homes in Howard County starting from the upper 300’s.

These townhomes in Ellicott City near Columbia are among the finest homes in Howard County, MD. Choose from two distinct series, each with a variety of options and special features to ensure your Howard County townhome has exactly what you need. Not only are these homes offered at an incredibly low deal on, but their closing costs save you thousands. On select models, you can get up to $15,000 in closing costs paid. However, as every good deal, this is for a limited time with preferred lenders only.

Contact Shipley’s Grant today to speak to a sales manager for further details.

If you aren’t attending any costume parties this Halloween, try attending the murder mystery dinner at Blair Mansion Restaurant. Hosted every Friday and Saturday evening and select Sunday afternoons, this restaurant near Ellicott City one of the best interactive, comic mystery dinner theatres in the area.

Their menu is constantly changing, offering you an endless variety. Specializing in seafood, American and Italian dishes, guests will enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet before the festivities begin. Blair Mansion Restaurant also offers various vegetarian entrees. An enticing show begins after the buffet and lasts for about 90 minutes.

If you prefer a more intimate affair, host a mystery dinner party right in your own Howard County townhome and have guests dress up. Either create your own mystery or purchase a mystery dinner kit and have your guest try to unravel the details of your own murder mayhem. Whichever Halloween celebration you choose, make sure it is steeped in the kind of mystery that will leave you guessing until next Halloween.

Don’t feel like cooking dinner tonight? No worries. Shipley’s Grant townhomes in Howard County are surrounded by some of the finest restaurants in the area. Experience an array of dishes from all over the world, from authentic French-style cooking to award winning American-style cuisines. While our list doesn’t begin to measure all of what dining in Howard County has to offer, it does get your taste buds watering.

The Diamondback Tavern
This is a traditional Maryland tavern specializing in local produce, fish and meat. They feature a bar and game room upstairs and a cozy dining room downstairs. Open daily until 2am.
3733 Old Columbia Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-313-8530

Johnny’s Bistro on Main
Specializing in rustic bread sandwiches, paninis, innovative salads, tapas, gourmet pizzas, and daily specials. Half priced wine on Wednesday and Thursday. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
8167 Main Street
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-461-8210

Portalli’s
Whether you’re looking for traditional Italian style dishes or unique preparations Portalli’s is the place for you.
8085 Main Street
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-720-5037

Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant
The menu at Tersiguel’s is a combination of authentic French-style cooking and rustic country flare.  Tersiguel’s has been voted “Best French Restaurant” by both the Zagat Survey and Baltimore Magazine.
8293 Main Street
Ellicott City, MD 21043-4627
(410) 465-4004

The Trolley Stop Restaurant
One of Ellicott City’s most charming restaurants. The Trolley Stop serves handcrafted meals true to the culinary tradition and heritage of Maryland & Regional Style cooking in a casual friendly atmosphere. Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner – 7 Day
6 Oella Avenue
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-465-8546
410-465-3679 (fax)

Alexandra’s Restaurant
Located on the garden level of Turf Valley, Alexandra’s provides an elegant setting overlooking beautifully manicured golf greens. In addition to an extensive daily menu, Alexandra’s offers a Champagne Jazz Brunch every Sunday and seasonal holiday brunches. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
2700 Turf Valley Road
Ellicott City, MD
410-465-1500

The Crab Shanty
A family owned restaurant known for its award-winning seafood and family friendly atmosphere. From the best traditional crab cakes to original signature dishes, The Crab Shanty has been a dining icon for 30 years.
3410 Plum Tree Drive
Ellicott City, MD
410-465-9660

Greystone Grill
Serving an array of American-style cuisine, fresh seafood and free range chicken, with more than 40 different wines, Greystone Grill is a step above casual dining offering an urban-style atmosphere in a suburban setting.
8850 Columbia 100 Parkway
Columbia, MD
410-715-4739

LeeLynn’s Dining Room and Lounge
“Where Families Eat and Grownups Meet” Enjoy a delicious selection of entrees, plus sandwiches, salads and small plates. Open for lunch and dinner; reservations accepted.
9495 Old Annapolis Road
Ellicott City, MD
410-715-8500