Staycations: Getaways in Howard County

The ocean, beach and mountains may be appealing vacation spots, but they’re also hours away. Why travel when you can have just as much fun here in Howard County?

What to do: Feel your heart race as you zip around the track in a Formula One-inspired go-kart and through steep, rock-filled trails on a mountain bike.

Where to eat: After your day of racing is done, head north on Route 1 to Frank’s Diner, a traditional, locally owned diner serving breakfast all day and favorites like hamburgers, tuna melt sandwiches, homemade meatloaf and homemade coconut cake. The diner celebrates its 20th anniversary in May.

Where to stay: To rest up for mountain biking, stay overnight at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Elkridge. This hotel is a five-minute drive — or a 10-minute bike ride — from Rockburn Branch Park.

What to do: Why go to the vineyards when the vineyards can come to you? More than 30 wineries from across the state participate in Wine in the Woods, Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks’ annual two-day festival with wine, live music, food and crafters in Columbia starting May 16. Visitors can sample a variety of locally made chardonnay, pinot grigio, rosé, riesling, cabernet, merlot and sangria — or buy a bottle to share under the canopy of the Symphony Woods trees.

Where to eat: After the festival, dine at nearby Petit Louis Bistro on Saturday night. The classic French bistro’s menu includes grilled salmon, whole roasted chicken, braised lamb shank and, well, lots of wine. If you head to Iron Bridge on Sunday, be sure to sample the restaurant’s funky, shareable small plates or stay for a meal.

Where to stay: Committed festival-goers can check into the Sheraton Columbia Town Center, which is within walking distance of Symphony Woods and Petit Louis — no need to find a designated driver or get stuck in post-event traffic. The hotel offers special Wine in the Woods rates starting at $159 a night. Those visiting Iron Bridge might consider a stay at the Columbia Inn at Peralynna, a manorlike boutique hotel just a five-minute walk from the restaurant. The elegant estate overlooks the rolling hills of Clark’s Elioak Farm — not wine country, but close enough.

What to do: Delve into local and national history by spending a weekend touring historic Howard County spots. Howard County Historical Society’s “Passport to the Past” is a free program highlighting 24 sites from Elkridge to Lisbon. Beginning May 30, users can pick up passports that provide details about the sites, such as Belmont Manor and Historic Park, the National Road Mile Markers, Savage Mill and the former Renehan Apple Butter Factory. Then users visit the sites, logging each visit in the passport through photos, notes and drawings. As an extra incentive, the historical society will award prizes from its museum gift shop to children who visit at least 15 of the sites this summer.

Where to stay — and eat: Spend the night at the Wayside Inn, a historic bed-and-breakfast in Ellicott City. The 18th-century inn, owned by David and Susan Balderson, has rooms with old-school charm, such as candles in the windows, wood-burning fireplaces and a queen size four-poster rice bed. But it also has modern amenities, such as rainforest showerheads, double Jacuzzi tubs and high-definition televisions. Wake up to a made-to-order breakfast. Lemon blueberry pancakes? Ham and apple frittata topped with four cheeses? Cranberry orange croissant soufflé? You decide. Rates range from $159 to $219 a night. Special weekend packages are also available.

Where to eat: Stock up on camping food before you leave. Trader Joe’s in Elkridge has easy-to-pack trail mixes, dried fruit, instant oatmeal and shelf-stable meals that won’t weigh your backpack down.