Howard County: Restaurant Weeks, Tax-Free Appliances

Two events are coming up in the next month that can save you a little money:

• January 14-28, 2013: Howard County Restaurant Weeks
• February 16-18, 2013: Maryland Tax-Free Day for Energy Star Appliances

Howard County Restaurant Weeks:

Every year, Howard County has a pair of 15-day Restaurant Weeks, during which many of the better dining establishments agree to have special prix-fixe menus at greatly reduced prices for lunch and dinner (from $10.13 to $40.13, with the latter usually applying to a three-course dinner).

This is a great opportunity to sample some of the many very good restaurants that now reside in Howard County at roughly half the usual cost.

In 2013, the Winter Restaurant Week will be January 14-28 (the Summer event is usually in July).

Maryland Sales Tax Holiday for Energy Star Appliances

The State of Maryland also typically has a 6% sales tax holiday on President's Day Weekend (February 16-18) for Energy Star Rated Appliances with some surprising items on the list:

• air conditioner, furnace or heat pump
• clothes washer or dryer
• standard size refrigerator
• compact fluorescent light bulb
• dehumidifier
• programmable thermostat