Lodging

HEADQUARTERS HOTEL:
Staybridge Suites (14 miles [25 minutes] from event site)
410-964-9494
8844 Columbia 100 Parkway, Columbia, MD
Studio Suites at $104 per night (one queen plus pull-out couch)
Two-Bedroom/Two -Bath Suites at $169 per night (one queen, two doubles plus pull-out couch. Must reserve by February 27. Mention Quantico Orienteering Club.

Hampton Inn Columbia (14 miles [25 minutes] from event site)
410-997-8555
8880 Columbia 100 Parkway, Columbia, MD
Limited number of rooms at $109 per night (two queens or one king)
Must reserve by March 7. Reserve at: http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/BALCBHX-QOC-20090326/index.jhtml

Extended Stay America (14 miles [25 minutes] from event site)
410-772-8800
8870 Columbia 100 Parkway, Columbia, MD
Studio Suites at $99.99 per night plus optional $4.99 one-time internet fee. Must reserve and pay by February 26. Mention Quantico Orienteering Club.

Procrastinator's Special - QOC arrangements just announced for late-birds:

Homewoods Suites - Columbia MD (14 miles [25 minutes] from event sites)
(410) 872-9200
8320 Benson Dr, Columbia MD
1 bedroom suite at $89 per night or 2 bedroom suite for $139 (like sharing an apartment actually). Suites have living room, dining area, full kitchen. Complimentary breakfast plus wifi and wired internet. Mention Ran-it Granite to get these rates. E-brochure .

Also nearby, but with no group rates:

Residence Inn by Marriot Columbia (14 miles [25 minutes] from event site)
410-997-7200
4950 Beaver Run Court, Ellicott City, MD
Various room sizes and rates available.


Camping and Cabins:

Ramblin' Pines Camp Ground
410-795-5161
800-550-8733
801 Hoods Mill Road, Woodbine, MD

Nearby Stores and Restaurants

The hotels are mostly located near the following stores and restaurants along Centre Park Drive (walking distance from Staybridge Suites):

Giant Food (grocery) and Royal Farm (convenience store)

La Fiesta (Mexican), Bangkok Place (Thai), Strapazza (Italian)

Blimpie, Subway, Quizno (all sub shops)

Dunkin Donuts, Café de Paris & Asean Bistro

Also nearby: Chick-Fil-A and Bob Evans Restaurant

The Woodstock Inn (bar) - Opens Sunday 11am. 1415 Woodstock Rd. Woodstock, MD

NOTE: Specific restaurant discounts and specials available only to Ran-it Granite participants will be included in registration packet materials.

USA O'Cafe

Lunch will be available from 11am - 2pm (based on demand) on Saturday, March 28 courtesy of the USA O'Cafe Fundraiser, an effort spearheaded by Mark & Patti Mace on behalf of USA Deaf Orienteering. Hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, chips and jumbo cookies will be sold along with sodas, water and energy drinks to send 2 athletes and a coach for the first time ever from the USA to the 2009 Deaflympics in Taipei, Taiwan. Bring your appetite and some cash to help this fine cause!

Local Attractions:

Howard County Dept of Tourism

Hospital / Emergency Room

Northwest Hospital Center
5401 Old Court Rd, Randallstown, MD
(410) 521-2200

Directions From Day 1:  Take Mariottsville road north to Rt 26.  Turn right (south). Take this to right turn on Old Court road

Directions From Day 2: Take Old Court road north about 4.5 files. Estimated driving time 9 minutes.

Howard County General Hospital
5755 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD
(410) 740-7890

AllCare of Maryland
Walk-in minor or urgent care medical center, most insurance OK
Open Friday 9am - 8pm, Sat/Sun 11am - 5pm
9936D Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 480-9110 

Travel Information:

Nearest Airport: Baltimore International Airport (BWI) ; BWI is 25 miles from the event, or about 30 - 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Low-cost carriers flying in to BWI include Southwest and AirTran

Weather

Average (low-high) temperatures for Woodstock Maryland:
March: 32-55F
April:41-67F

March 27: 35-59F
Sunrise: 6:59 am, Sunset 7:27 pm