Oakland Mills - Columbia, MD Area Guide

Oakland Mills derives its name from the 1821 grist mill and postal station found on the 2,300 acre estate that once was the site of the Oakland Manor plantation. Columbia was one of a number of planned communities in the Virginia and Maryland area. The Rouse Company designed and funded the building of the village in 1969, and Oakland Mills opened to the public in November of that year.

Looking for an educational experience on a quiet afternoon? Head northwest of the neighborhood's center to visit the Howard County Center of African American Culture. Displaying a variety of sculptures, artworks and memorabilia documenting African-American life within the county during the early 1900s, the County Center rotates exhibits often.

The eclectic mix of popular fine-dining restaurants and electrically-charged music venues along Rouse Parkway leave Oakland Mills residents with a wealth of options from which to choose. Oakland Mills includes a number of favorite Columbia restaurants, each combining unique ambiance with quality food.

A popular date night location, Stanford Grill serves patrons thoughtfully composed traditional American dishes in a dimly lit interior accompanied by jazz music on the weekends. Start with a salad to get the additional complimentary side of savory iron skillet cornbread. Consult the friendly staff if you're unsure of which wine to pair with your meal, or try one of the many complex cocktails on the menu.

Be sure to call ahead before visiting Royal Taj because the authentic Indian fine-dining experience this restaurant brings to the Oakland Mills area attracts the dinner crowd in droves. Those looking to save a few dollars without skimping on flavor can show up for the lunch buffet. Don't miss out on the gulab jamun, a dessert dish unique to Indian cooking, if you enjoy a sugary snack after a satisfying meal.

With an ambiance as rugged as its slow-cooked, heavily marinated brand of barbecue, Mission BBQ takes its cooking seriously. Replete with American memorabilia in support of the armed forces, Mission BBQ serves guests an array of smoked meats slathered in homemade sauces. Order the three-meat sampler for a filling and flavorful tour of some of the Mission's greatest menu items, and don't forget to try out the Memphis Belle sauce.

Hidden away on Stanford Boulevard, Nottingham's Tavern provides Oakland Mills locals with a vibrant and energetic atmosphere to enjoy into the early hours of the morning. Live local music groups or DJs perform most nights, and those looking to escape the frenzy inside can retreat to the patio during the warmer months.

Oakland Mills residents make frequent use of surrounding Routes 29 and 175 for ease of navigation within the greater surrounding area. Don't want to drive? In addition to Uber and Lyft services, a few taxi cab companies provide service to Columbia. Call ahead and order a cab if you know you'll need one to save yourself the difficulty of attempting to hail a taxi in the area. Bus stops line many major roads in the area, including Oakland Mills Road, Steven Forest Road and Kilimanjaro Road.

You can find plentiful free public parking along most major roads and in commercial hubs in the area. Oakland Mills residents rely on their vehicles to get around, as the expansive nature of the district makes walking inconvenient in most locations.

Blandair Park in central Oakland Mills provides locals with a convenient and freely accessible escape into nature whenever the mood strikes. Bleachers line a multipurpose sports field used for community activities, and picnic tables overlook the nearby playground, letting parents relax while the kids get some energy out. Bring the dog along for a game of fetch in the expansive fields, or curl up with a good book beneath the shade of one of Blandair's many trees. A sizable parking lot ensures parking remains readily available.

A popular community event when it comes around every June, the Columbia Festival of the Arts provides residents with daily entertainment throughout the month just east of the Columbia Mall. The program changes each year and features both local and nationally renowned comedy, musical and dance acts. This family-oriented festival packs enough variety to ensure everyone finds something to enjoy.

The cost of living in Columbia averages 30 percent greater than in Baltimore. A typical one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $1,204 for one month's rent. The Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland provides public transportation for the Oakland Mills area and a 30-day pass costs $60. Local bars charge around $6 for a standard pint of beer. Gas prices in Columbia hover around 8 percent higher than the national average.

Located on the north end of Columbia, Oakland Mills residents have the luxury of close proximity to the businesses and brand-names within Columbia as well as the wide range of specialty shops found just north in Elliot City. Head to the Oakland Mills Village Center to knock out a number of errands in one go, including restocking on groceries at the local Food Lion and picking up a few films from Redbox. Two large shopping malls flank Oakland Mills on either side, the Mall in Columbia to the west and the Dobbin Center to the east, both collecting a variety of high-value stores, including Nordstrom, JC Penney, Old Navy, Target, Toys"R"Us and American Eagle. Wegmans and Giant comprise the other local grocery store chains for the area.

Found on Main Street within Elliot City, Vintage Bliss Boutique sells a variety of unique gifts and art pieces in addition to vintage and consignment clothing pieces. Perfect for those who love searching for items you won't find anywhere else, Vintage Bliss Boutique fills three floors with its wares. Stop by during the holidays to take advantage of free gift wrapping for any purchase.

Cottage Antiques in Elliot City provides shoppers with an array of charming trinkets, collectibles and furniture to choose from without breaking the bank. Head upstairs to find many discount items, and if you find something a bit too pricey, the staff allows haggling on many pieces. Buy-one-get-one-free sales occur often for items on the top floor, so check back if something floats just beyond your current price range.

The nearest farmers market can be found south of Columbia in Laurel. Though it makes for a bit of a trip, the Dutch Country Farmers Market operates year-round with community-driven events occurring frequently during the warmer months. If you find you've worked up an appetite during your drive, stop by the Lantz Restaurant before you leave to dine on some of the locally grown ingredients served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.