Columbia
The Merriweather Post Pavilion, designed by noted architect Frank Gehry, presents popular music concerts in summer.
The Howard County Center of African American Culture operates a research library and archives at 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy. on the Howard Community College campus. More than 10,000 books, periodicals and audio and video recordings comprise the collection, and there are displays about state history and the Underground Railroad.
Visitor Centers
Columbia Association Maggie J. Brown Welcome Center 6310 Hillside Ct. Columbia, MD 21046. Phone:(410)715-3000
Self-guiding Tours
Columbia Lakefront Walking Tour along Lake Kittamaqundi includes such scenery as architecture, fountains, pathways, plazas and public artwork.
Shopping
The Mall in Columbia, which is reached via the Columbia Town Center exit off US 29, encompasses more than 200 shops, services and restaurants including JCPenney, Macy's and Nordstrom.