This Off-The-Beaten-Path Town And Park In Maryland Is Perfect For A Summer Staycation

Columbia, Maryland isn’t exactly far from the beaten path. In fact, it has some of the best paved paths around lakes in the whole state, and it’s home to one of America’s most famous concert venues. In recent years, though, the area around Merriweather Post Pavilion has been gradually developed. Waiting behind the Symphony Woods there’s a beautiful little spot where one could easily pass an entire summer day (or two, or even three) in absolute bliss. The area known as Color Burst Park has so much to do, from the fascinating to the relaxing, that you could probably get a whole vacation experience without ever leaving this relatively small and unknown area!

Color Burst Park is a recent development in Columbia, but already it’s become a hub for culture and cuisine. They host an entire series of events on the park lawn, which has a fountain area for the kids and dogs during the summer and is transformed into an ice skating rink when the winter comes around!

Some gorgeous greenery lines the park and brightens the street. You can pull up a chair and an iced tea to sit and watch the butterflies, or you can bring a magazine or a book and relax beneath the shade of one of the many available umbrellas.

There’s a boxing gym and a yoga studio for those of us who like to stay fitness-minded - and wellness-minded - during our vacation hours.

There’s also a fascinating bar/cafe/bookshop called Busboys & Poets. You can swing in here just for a drink, grab a bit of lunch, and browse their massive shelves looking for your next great read!

One of the definite highlights of Color Burst Park is the Charmery, an ice cream shop that specializes in some of the most unique and local seasonal flavors of ice cream you’ll ever find, like the Lemon Stick - based on a classic Maryland treat of lemon and peppermint - or the Old Bay Caramel!

And while you’re at Color Burst, you’re just about a 10-minute walk away from Symphony Woods, so wander over and see who’s playing! You might even find your next favorite band.

Check out Color Burst Park’s website for a list of events and updates coming to the stage. You can make reservations at Busboys & Poets on their website, and check the list of The Charmery’s flavors and events on their site.