Long Reach - Columbia, MD

Being one of the oldest villages within the planned community of Columbia, Long Reach pays tribute to its storied past through its name. Once the site of a 448-acre land grant of the same name spanning back to 1696, Long Reach attracted wealthy residents to the area with its fertile farming land. The vast majority of land was bought up by the Columbia Hills Corporation in 1954, and Columbia opened its doors to residents in 1967.

Long Reach residents can travel west of the city center for a quiet and educational afternoon spent pouring over the many exhibits of the Howard County Center of African American Culture. This local museum remembers what plantation living was like in the Howard County area as it existed prior to the planned community of Columbia, documenting the experience of those who lived there with a rotating display of artwork and era-specific memorabilia.

Travel along the two major neighborhood parkways as they wind through Long Reach to discover the eclectic mix of rugged and fine-dining establishments that local residents enjoy. Whether you're in search of a gourmet restaurant for that upcoming romantic rendezvous, fun place to bring the whole family or place to catch up with old friends over drinks, Long Reach has what you're looking for just around the corner.

Who said bar food couldn't be fancy? Victoria Gastro Pub infuses the classic pub menu with creative presentations and flavorful combinations of ingredients. Order the basket of duck-fat fries for a sizable portion for the whole table to share. Frequent patrons swear by the succulent lobster and grilled cheese sandwich. Victoria Gastro Pub opens its doors for brunch early each day, making it a sure-fire place to enjoy good food alongside your morning mimosas.

Located along John McAdam Drive, the Bennett 5 Star Grill food truck ranks among the greatest dining spots in Columbia. Locals come out in droves to dine on the authentic Caribbean barbecue offerings. Don't miss an opportunity to try the perfectly spiced Jerk Chicken, served with either white or dark meat over a bed of chicken and a side of your choice. Bennett 5 Star Grill only opens from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, so make sure to pencil it on your schedule.

Simultaneously a classic sports bar and an excellent pizza joint, Pub Dog Pizza & Drafthouse can be found on Stanford Boulevard. Long Reach nightlife converges on this charming little pub to enjoy good food and an extensive selection of beers brewed on site. Stop by to catch the latest Orioles game among friends and order one of their mixed breeds for an adventuresome mix of two of the Pub Dog's specialty beers. Take the party back to your place when you leave. Pub Dog sells growlers so you can take your favorite drink to go.

Routes 108 and 175 run along the northern and southern ends of Long Reach, connecting up with Route 29 to the northwest and Interstate 95 to the southeast. In addition to Uber and Lyft services, a number of local taxi cab companies provide transportation to residents of Columbia, though hailing a cab on the street proves difficult, so call ahead if you think you might need one.

Public parking is readily available along both major parkways and within residential sections, but the roads lack designated biking lanes. The spacious nature of the area means most residents own a car to make getting around easier; however, the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland services Long Reach with bus stops along Tamar Drive.

Found behind Long Reach High School, Long Reach Park provides local residents with a freely accessible and central location to escape into nature for an afternoon. Bring the dog for a scenic jaunt along the paths winding through the trees, or pack a family picnic to enjoy along the banks of the pond.

A long-standing tradition in the Columbia area, the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival brings families together to enjoy live entertainment in the beginning of May each year. Come out to watch the Sheep-to-Shawl contest or let the kids pet the wooly animals up close in the petting zoo. The festival puts on a number of new shows, auctions and dining events each year to keep things fresh.

The cost of living within the Columbia planned community averages 30 percent higher than in Baltimore, 1 percent less than Annapolis and 10 percent less than Washington D.C. One-bedroom apartments in Long Reach average $1,299 a month. A 30-day pass for access to the RTA bus-line costs $60. Local bars charge around $6 for a pint, and gas prices within Columbia hover about 8 percent above the national average.

Columbia Crossing and Dobbin Center flank Rouse Parkway in southern Long Reach, making for a convenient place to visit when you're looking to knock a number of errands out in one trip. Stock up on groceries at Target, or browse the racks at Old Navy, Nordstrom or T.J. Maxx. Other stores nearby include Jo-Ann Fabric, Gamestop and Big Lots. Wegmans and Walmart make up the other local grocery store options.

Head west of Columbia along Route 175 to reach the Nini K Boutique in Jessup. This family-owned shop doesn't look it, with a large selection of high-quality fabrics and unique styles spanning from cocktail dresses and formal wear to evening gowns, jewelry and handbags. If you can't make it out to the store, shop online. All orders over $100 receive free shipping.

Specializing in attentive customer care and highly customizable dresses, The Bridal Boutique along Oakland Mills Road gives brides-to-be the right tools to find that perfect wedding dress. Choose from one of the designer dresses, or select from a range of fabrics, colors and styles. Alterations can be made directly in the store, and don't forget to take advantage of the complimentary mimosas and snacks while you make up your mind.

Though not within the boundaries of Columbia itself, the nearest farmers market can be found south in the town of Laurel. The Dutch Country Farmers Market operates all year round and includes a number of community events during the warmer months, including live music from local artists.