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The community developed in the southwestern region of the state. Boating, fishing, cycling and strolling are popular activities at Lake Elkhorn, Lake Kittamanqundi and Wilde Lake, which lie within Columbia. Surrounded by local forest, the open-air Merriweather Post Pavilion facilitates a variety of musical concerts during the summer.

The Cygnus Wine Cellars and the DeJon Vineyards are but two of the many vineyards and wineries in the area that offer tours and tastings. The Mall in Columbia constructed in the heart of the community features more than 200 stores, multiple eateries and movie theaters.

Key facts

Interstate 95, State Highways 32 and 100, and U.S. Route 29 all run through the community. The Howard Transit system and the Maryland Transit Administration provide bus service in the city and to outlying areas.

Hints and tips

The community slowly developed around a single post office that was constructed in 1874. Dramatic growth and development did not occur until 1963 when James Rouse purchased 14,000 areas of land with plans to build the city. The town evolved into 10 self-contained neighborhoods. Hollywood celebrity Edward Norton is Rouse's grandson. He began his acting career as a child at the local dinner theater.

Columbia enjoys a subtropical humid climate that produces warm summers and mild winters.