The Howard County Tourism Office is getting more space to tout its attractions.
A welcome center on the second floor of its downtown Ellicott City office will open in the next month, featuring information on the county's restaurants, art galleries, bike trails and shopping, says
Howard County Tourism Executive Director Rachelina Bonacci. The 3,000-square-foot space will also showcase Howard County history, including its Native American heritage and its role in the Civil and Revolutionary Wars.
The county, which purchased the building in 2007, is spending about $525,000 to spruce up with space with new paint, HVAC and other renovations, says Jim Irvin, director of public works.
“We’ll finally have a welcome center that reflects the community,” Bonacci says. “We serve an educated, affluent community and we’ll have a space that can show off what the county has to offer.”
Last year Money magazine named Howard County’s Columbia and Ellicott City one of the best small towns in America.
Writer: Julekha Dash
Sources: Rachelina Bonacci, Howard County Tourism; Jim Irvin, Howard County