🍦I just found the best dining deal in MD

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Columbia. I promise I wasn’t ignoring all my calls yesterday. I just have Verizon 🙃

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

Huge shopping center sale
River House Pizza is moving
Introducing Pet of the Week

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

SPONSORED BY MIKE SLOAN OF NORTHROP REALTY: Your trusted partner for Howard County Real Estate

When it comes to buying or selling your home, you deserve a realtor who knows the market and puts your needs first—Mike Sloan with Northrop Realty is that realtor. Mike brings local expertise, strong negotiation skills, and a dedication to making every client’s experience smooth and stress-free. He understands that real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about finding the right place to call home. With Northrop Realty’s resources and Mike’s personal touch, you’ll get unmatched service and results you can trust. Choose Mike Sloan, and make your next move with confidence. Your dream home is closer than you think!

THE DIGEST

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday Closings

Howard County Government offices, courts, libraries, schools, post offices, and banks will be closed Monday, January 19th for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. But don’t worry, trash pickup is still on, and the landfill’s open. Parks and most community centers will stay open, but many historic sites like Robinson Nature Center and Belmont Manor will be closed. RTA buses will run like it’s any ol’ Monday. And yes, first responders are always on duty. Regular operations resume Tuesday, January 20th.

P.S. We’ll be in your inbox as well. No days off for us 🙂

Adoptable Pet of the Week

So our friends at the Naptown Scoop over in Annapolis do this fun thing every week. They pick a dog from the animal shelter, write a little doohickey about it, and hope something adopts it. We think it’s great so we’re getting in on it. Meet Stacy at Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue in Ellicott City.

Look at that drool. . . Stacy is a beagle, estimated to be about 7 years old. But it’s often hard for Small Miracles to tell how old their dogs are because most are rescued from kill shelters who don’t know the dog’s history. That said, Stacy is spayed and vaccinated but not house trained. If you’d like to meet Stacy, stop by Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue – 10236 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Deadly crash on I-95

I-95 was shut down for hours in Elkridge Monday morning after a garbage truck crashed into an 18-wheeler parked on the shoulder around 5:30 AM. Special Operations Fire & Rescue personnel and three Maryland State Police helicopters responded, delivering blood and transporting 2 patients from the garbage truck to the hospital. The 18-wheeler occupant arrived at the hospital in an ambulance. Sadly, the driver of the garbage truck, 47-year-old Lazaro Miranda of Baltimore, was pronounced dead on the scene.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

River House Pizza’s moving to Main Street 🍕

Big changes for River House Pizza Co. They're leaving Route 40 and heading back to where it all began. Owners Nathan Sowers and Kimberly Kepnes are taking over the former Tersiguel’s space at 8293 Main Street to open River House on Main, a pizzeria bistro.

Nathan started his culinary journey at Tersiguel’s over 20 years ago, so this move’s a full-circle moment. Expect their signature wood-fired pizzas plus French and Italian-inspired dishes. The Forest Green location closes end of January, but don’t worry — Main Street’s firing up this spring.

Stay tuned, and come hungry. ($)

Normandy shopping center sells for $57.5 million

After nearly 65 years, Normandy Shopping Center has new owners. The Singh family of Ellicott City just bought the 5-building plaza for $57.5 million from the Moxley family. And while 65 years is a long time to own a shopping center, it’s nothing compared to the 130+ years the family’s owned the land underneath it.

The 185,000-square-foot center on Route 40 is fully leased, with anchors like Planet Fitness, Triveni Supermarket, and Kelsey’s Restaurant about 40 other tenants. It even comes with a 6-acre lot for future expansion. Back in 1961, it was one of HoCo’s first grocery-anchored shopping centers, a very hot asset class today. ($)

Dine Around Maryland Club 🍴

This is what we’re talking about in the subject line (the best dining deal in MD). If you’re a frequent diner-outer, you should know about the Dine Around Maryland Club. When you become a member, you can get 50% off at select restaurants for parties of up to four people. And early bird pricing is only $195, so if you dine out a lot, you’re basically saving money, right? There are 19 Howard County restaurants on the list and over 150 total!

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

SPONSORED BY REMEDY COLUMBIA: Locally Grown, Community-Focused

Can’t sleep? Remedy Columbia has what you need.

We all know the feeling—staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m., counting sheep, wishing for just one good night’s rest. At Remedy Columbia, sleep isn’t just a dream—it’s our specialty. Our team offers natural, customized options to help you finally catch those Z’s and wake up feeling like yourself again.

Why waste another night tossing and turning? Come see why so many people are turning to Remedy Columbia for real, restful sleep. Better nights mean better days—and Remedy Columbia is ready to help you get both.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

What we’re up to this weekend

🎈 = family-friendly events 🙂

All week long
Rock of Ages at Toby’s Dinner Theatre | Dinner and a show featuring the greatest hits of the 80s.

Thursday
Jazzy New Year | HoCo Economic Development Authority’s annual event for entrepreneurs and business owners at the Blackwall Barn & Lodge.

Friday
🎈HoCo Rec & Parks Snowflake Ball | Family fun with dancing, snacks, and crafts.
70s Throwback Bar Party @ Uno Pizzeria Ellicott City | Best dressed wins $25
Doormat painting & milkshakes | Your Christmas doormat’s gotta go (mine too). What if you made your own?

🎈Dragon Quest @ HCPL | Dragon stories, songs, and crafts on National Day of Dragon Appreciation.

Saturday
Mug Building workshop | You might have too many mugs. But how many did you make yourself?
Blue Crab Krewe’s Inaugural Mardi Gras Ball | Yeah, it’s a little early. But it’s the inaugural event. They’re excited!
Home Electricity basics @ HCPL | Because you can only learn so much from YouTube.

Trivia, Karaoke, Open Mic Nights, and Bingo

Thursday
🎈 AUSOM Thursday Night Bingo @ Ridgely’s Run Community Center
Atomic Trivia @ Sonoma’s

Friday
Bingo in the Barn @ Manor Hill
Karaoke @ The Trolley Stop
Karaoke @ Sonoma’s

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Howard County’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is this Sunday, January 18th at Howard Community College’s Smith Theatre. The evening kicks off at 6 PM with a reception and live entertainment, followed by student contest awards, community performances, and a keynote from Gregory Yancey. Reserve your seat.

Then on Monday, January 19th, join the countywide Day of Service **— with volunteer opportunities from food drives to events at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. More info.

Reminder: Howard County Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks 📅

Howard County Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks kick off this Monday, January 19th — aka Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. If you’ve got the day off, it’s the perfect time to start your flavor tour! If not, don’t worry. The celebration runs through February 1. Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks bring special three-course prix fixe menus for dinner and two-course menus for lunch. It’s a great time to try a new place!

See all participating restaurants. There are 41!

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

EXTRA SPRINKLES

Turn Any Night Into a Celebration at Sonoma's Bar and Grill

Looking for the perfect night out in Columbia, Maryland? Sonoma’s Bar and Grill is the go-to spot for unbeatable happy hour deals, mouthwatering food, and top-tier live entertainment since 1996. Whether you're catching the game, enjoying trivia night, or just kicking back with friends on our spacious patio, there’s always something happening at Sonoma’s. With a welcoming local vibe and a heart for community causes like Network Cure for Cancer, we’re more than just a sports bar—we’re your neighborhood favorite. Dine in, carry out, or call ahead—we’ll be ready to welcome you!*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Thursday

32 🌡️ 20 | 🌤️ | 15% | 💨 WNW 17 mph

Friday

35 🌡️ 29 | ⛅ | 6% | 💨 SW 9 mph

Saturday

44 🌡️ 30 | ☔ | 50% | 💨 SSW 9 mph

Sunday

32 🌡️ 18 | ☁️ | 24% | 💨 NW 11 mph

Monday

37 🌡️ 15 | 🌤️ | 1% | 💨 WSW 11 mph

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

THANKS!

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