Fairway Hills - Columbia, MD Area Guide

Originally a parcel of land patented by John Dorsey and granted in March of 1696, the majority of the land traded hands to Robert Oliver, the builder of the nearby Oakland Mill, in 1827. The Howard Research and Development subsidiary of the Rouse Company purchased the land for inclusion in the planned community of Columbia in 1968, splitting the village into two neighborhoods: Dorsey Hall and Fairway Hills. The neighborhood of Fairway Hills was designed as a prime location to overlook the nearby beauty of the parks and the Fairway Hills Golf Course.

Those looking to spend a quiet afternoon learning a little of the area's local history can stop by the Howard County Center of African American Culture. This museum's collection of historic memorabilia documents African-American living in Howard County, and the art gallery showcases current works of local artists.

Columbia's vibrant and varied restaurant and nightlife scene provides locals with a bevy of options that are sure to cater to even the most disparate groups. With rugged, country-style cooking, hip new establishments and gourmet spots that are perfect for romantic encounters, Fairway Hills and the community of Columbia provide locals with much to do.

Head southeast into Columbia along Columbia Crossing Circle to sample the finely smoked meats of Mission BBQ. Decked out in patriotic-themed memorabilia, the restaurant specializes in tried-and-true barbecue dishes. Order the meat sampler to try a little of everything and get enough meat to sample the seven in-house sauces.

Located on Little Patuxent Parkway, Kabob Connection serves authentic Middle Eastern flavors to the Fairway Hills area. Hidden inside the Columbia Mall's food court, this small restaurant doesn't disappoint, offering cheap and flavorful meals such as the chicken kabob and lamb kabob platters. Use the Foursquare app on your phone to check-in while you're there for a free drink.

With a full bar serving a variety of craft beers and complex signature cocktails, dimly lit mood lighting, and a friendly and knowledgeable wait staff, Seasons 52 remains a favorite date spot for many Columbian locals. Every menu item sticks to under 475 calories, cutting away the fat of ingredients to provide carefully composed and presented gourmet meals, including the caramelized root vegetables in zesty chicken jus. Many dishes have vegetarian options as well.

Combining gourmet American pub food with an upscale sports-bar vibe, The Ale House Columbia keeps many locals coming back again and again. Catch the latest Orioles game in good company, or stop by during the daily happy hour to enjoy a few drinks for only a fraction of the regular cost.

Route 29 runs alongside the area's eastern edge, making travel north into Elliot City and northeast into Baltimore convenient and easy. In addition to a number of ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft, Fairway Hills residents can make full use of the greater Baltimore area taxi cab services. Call ahead if you plan to take a cab, as hailing one on the streets of Columbia can prove difficult.

Public parking is freely available along some residential districts in the area, though it can be difficult to find. The major roads of the area lack designated biking lanes, relegating cyclists to side streets. Walkability in Fairway Hills is lower than in other areas of Columbia, though the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland services locals with bus stops along Columbia Road.

Formed around the Centennial Lake, Centennial Park provides Fairway Hills residents with a local place to escape into nature and enjoy the pleasant lakeside view. Bring your dog along on-leash for a scenic jaunt along the paved running trails, or rent a boat to take out on the lake during the summer. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with your family in one of the seated pavilion areas while the kids play on the playground nearby.

The Columbia Festival of the Arts provides the community with something new and exciting to do each day during the second half of June. With a number of exciting new events each year, the festival always includes a number of surprises alongside usual events, which include outdoor movie nights, live performances from local and internationally renowned artists, and outdoor art galleries.

The average cost of living in Fairway Hills runs 28 percent higher than in Baltimore. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the area costs an average of $1,169.25 for one month's rent. A monthly pass for the RTA bus costs $47. Local pubs charge around $6 for a pint of beer, and gas prices in Columbia trend around 14 percent higher than the national average.

The Dorsey's Search Village Center in northern Fairway Hills collects a number of stores in one location for your convenience, including Giant Foods, Honeybaked Ham, a number of local salons, a Shell station and a PNC Bank. Take Route 29 south into the town center to visit the Columbia Mall to meet all of your department store and designer clothing needs.

Residents of Fairway Hills take advantage of the northern location within Columbia to visit the wealth of antique stores and specialty shops just north in nearby Elliot City. Found along Maryland Avenue within Elliot City, Antique Depot stocks various wares from a number of vendors across three floors, ensuring those willing to do a little digging can find something worth your while. Many of the vendors specialize in glassware and collectibles, and an assortment of mid-century pieces can be found throughout the store as well. The friendly staff love to help you find what you're looking for, so don't be afraid to ask.

Open every Wednesday from May through November, the Catonsville Farmers Market can be reached by taking Route 144 east toward Baltimore. The market serves a bounty of food from local vendors, including organic seasonal crops, locally raised meats, and fresh-baked bread. Dogs are welcome, making the Catonsville Farmers Market a great place to enjoy a day out in the sun with your favorite pooch.