Harper's Choice - Columbia, MD

Construction began in Harper's Choice in 1971. The three neighborhoods in Harper's Choice: Longfellow, Hobbit's Glen, and Swansfield are named after the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, novelist J.R.R Tolkien, and painting by James McNeill Whistler. The majority of the land that is now Harper's Choice originally belonged to large farms. Doughoregan Manor was a residence at one of these farms and is now a national historic landmark.

The Symphony of Lights is an annual seasonal event in the neighborhood. Public park space is allotted to a large drive-through Christmas light extravaganza. It opens the week before Thanksgiving and does not end until after the New Year.

Harper's Choice is one of the best areas in town to stretch your food palette. The Harper's Choice Village Center has Afghan, Mexican, Italian, and Chinese restaurants just a few steps away from one another. One of the most unique dining experiences in town is Maiwand Kabob, the first Afghan restaurant in Columbia. The lamb kabobs are famous around town for their tenderness. The jasmine rice comes with succulent raisins and cinnamon spice. Best of all, every dish is made to order and comes steaming and fragrant straight out of the kitchen.

Perhaps you're craving fondue? More likely, you didn't realize you were missing fondue from your life until you step into The Melting Pot. While you'll be tempted to skip right to the chocolate fondue, the spinach artichoke fondue, with just the right amount of kick and all the creaminess you could ask for is a must. This is also one of the most romantic spots in town. Fondue is a dining experience to be savored, over candlelight, of course.

Toby's Dinner Theatre combines entertainment with fine dining. Enjoy Broadway musicals and renowned plays while feasting on dishes that complement the performance on stage. The service at Toby's is exceptional. Your food will arrive promptly without disrupting the theatre atmosphere. Other nightlife can be found nearby at The Mall In Columbia where Union Jack's serve up cold brews and have plenty of TVs to watch the game.

The plentiful sidewalks in Harper's Choice as well as biking and pedestrian paths between each village allow residents to walk easily in their neighborhoods. The most popular method of transportation, especially out of the neighborhood, however, is a car. Gas stations are a common site and it is a quick drive to the nearest highway.

There are bus routes connecting villages and neighborhoods in Columbia for those without access to a vehicle. The one-way fare is $2.

Parking is readily available in this community as most businesses have private or communal parking lots for customers. Likewise, many residences come with private driveways. Cabs and Uber service the area, but you will need to call ahead to snag one.

Harper's Choice is famous for its parks and recreational activities. For those with some money to spend, The par-72 Hobbit's Glen golf course is among the finest in the state. If you're looking for a place to take man's best friend try the Friends of Columbia Dog Park run by the Columbia Association. There are also plenty of public spaces for children and fitness that are free and open to the public. For instance, the Cedar Lane Park- East has walking trails, playgrounds, basketball courts and picnic spaces.

Harper's Choice, like most of Columbia, is an affluent community with home and retail prices above the national average. However, Harper's Choice is located in the city's center so convenience to services, retail and other business can't be beat. The median rent in Harper's Choice for a one-bedroom residence is $1230 a month compared to Columbia's average of $1156 a month. High-end as well as budget restaurants and bars are located in this community. For those on a budget, happy hour beers may set you back as little as $2 or $3 dollars. You can also splurge in this neighborhood. For instance, Clyde's, an established bar and grill on the other hand, serves an array of rare wines and classic cocktails. Gas prices are 14% higher than the national average. However, the gas price here is comparable to suburban Maryland.

The Harper's Choice Village Center is a convenient shopping development that offers a full range of services. Try Strands in Columbia, a full service salon consistently rated among the best in Columbia. After a new hair cut you adore, head over to the village Safeway for all your grocery needs.

David's Natural Market is practically across the street from the Village Center. David's is an alternative to Whole Foods with lower prices and an abundance of local produce and products. Cant' find organic papaya or hemp milk at Safeway? Not to worry, it will be at David's They also have a cafe open in the back of their market that makes a convenient and nutritious breakfast or lunch spot.

The Mall in Columbia is another option for your retail needs. It is one of the largest malls in Maryland with over 200 stores. It has a wide range of high-end and designer stores, from Coach to Michael Kors, as well as a number of retail shops for those on a budget, such as Eddie Bauer, Express and Loft.