Maryland Monday

Baltimore - The Phoenix Shot Tower, Patisserie Poupon, and Fort McHenry

 








The Police Memorial
Patisserie Poupon
Patisserie Poupon (side view)
View of The Francis Scott Key Bridge, from the Fort McHenry Battlements
 
 

A working tug...
 
 
Spring is on its way. A duck, a squirrel, and a robin.

 

Market Update



On one hand I can report that interest rates fell recently to 4.28%. I can also report that home prices for 2013 jumped by 11% but have moderated so far in 2014. Existing home sales dropped significantly in January 2104. I guess you'd call that the the Polar Vortex effect. 

What does this mean? 

For Buyers it may be a good time to renew your home search. We are returning to a normal market and there will be a little more choice and a little less competition. 

For Sellers there is still a good demand for well priced homes in good condition. Overall it's still a good time to sell. 

Sounds like a fairly balanced market. 

Weekends on Wednesday


This Weekend:


Annapolis Film Festival (Annapolis) The Annapolis Film Festival will take place throughout Annapolis, including Maryland Hall, for the opening night party, films throughout the weekend, and Best of the Fest event.

Ringling Bros. Built to Amaze! (Baltimore) Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® Presents Built To Amaze!, the 143rd edition of the Greatest Show On Earth. Surprise and wonder delights audiences with over the top feats of strength, agility and courage.

The Adventures of Robin Hood (DC) U.S. PREMIERE! Updated, inventive, and hilarious, this new production is unlike any Robin Hood you've seen before! Scotland's acclaimed Visible Fictions bring this classic tale to life with two actors and lots of imagination. Age 8+

Opening This Weekend:


Shrek the Musical (Columbia) In a faraway kingdom an unseemly ogre shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Add a donkey who won't shut up, a villain with a short temper, a gingerbread man with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero!

MAR 28th:


Sip N Sort: A Lego Happy Hour! (Columbia) Snapology of Baltimore/Washington will host a class for parents, on how to sort and organize Legos®. You will also learn building techniques that will add fun to your family building experiences. All the while enjoying some wine or beer and some snacks. The class with be taught by Todd, owner of “Classic Plastic Bricks”. Tickets are $10.00 per person. If interested in joining us please RSVP by phone or online.

MAR 29th:


Celebration of the Arts in Howard County, 2014 (Columbia) The Arts Council is pleased to announce that the 17th annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County gala will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Howard Community College's Peter & Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center.

5th Annual Egg Hunt (Frederick) It’s hard to believe that Tots2Tweens is in its 5th year presenting this completely free community event. We are really looking forward to this year. Please invite your friends, neighbors and family. FREE!! Everyone who enters on the day will have a chance to win our GRAND PRIZE.

Feast at the Furnace (Thurmont) Travel back in time 200 years and learn how to cook using early recipes in an open hearth with authentic ingredients. Workshop spaces are very limited. Participants are encouraged to wear period clothing. This is a unique educational and culinary opportunity!

Green Spring Valley Point to Point (Cockeysville) The day features pony races, a junior and a senior field master's chase and several timber races. A Post-Race Reception immediately follows the last race.

Swan Lake (Baltimore) Discover the fate of Prince Siegfried and the beautiful maiden Odette, as they battle an evil sorcerer to break the spell that keeps her captive.

MAR 30th:


All Aboard! Beyond the Tidal Basin Tram Tour (DC) Get on board the Arboretum’s open-air tram for a scenic and informative tour of the hundreds of flowering cherry trees that grace the National Arboretum’s grounds. Horticulturist David Kidwell-Slak will share the stories of the most remarkable specimens, trees of historical significance, and the results of the Arboretum’s research program. Stops include short walks into the research fields for close-up inspection of selected areas. Fee: $22

Weekends on Wednesday



This weekend:


Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival (Timonium) Join us at the festival for a great day of beer sippin', bourbon tastin', music listenin', cigar smokin', and barbeque eatin'. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE–TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon. Some of the best barbeque vendors are on-site if you get hungry all while enjoying seminars in the tasting theater and LIVE music all day.

Bethesda Film Fest (Bethesda) The Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentaries made by local filmmakers. The evening will include a discussion with the filmmakers after the screenings. 

Maryland Day 2014 (Annapolis) For the 7th year in a row, the Four Rivers Heritage Area is partnering with regional heritage organizations and businesses to showcase the area's historical, cultural and natural heritage for visitors and residents of all ages. Events and activities will take place for $1.00 or less, or for FREE.

Carroll County Home Show 2014 (Westminster) Exhibition of home and garden products and services at the 2014 Carroll County Home Show! Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 9am – 5pm; Sunday, March 24, 2013 from 11am – 4pm; Carroll County Agriculture Center - Shipley Arena; 706 Agriculture Center Drive; Westminster, MD 21157; Admission: $4

National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Days (National Building Museum, DC) This two day annual family festival for kids of all ages features hands-on activities, interactive art demonstrations, and exciting indoor performances that celebrate spring and explore Japanese arts and design.

MAR 22nd


Orienteering for Beginners (Elk Neck State Park, North East) Are you up for a challenge? Find a piece of Elk Neck history? Or a hidden watery habitat? Meet the naturalist at the Nature Center to start this family friendly orienteering adventure. $3 per family (in addition to day-use fees). Call to make your reservations today!

Spring Peeper Walk (
Gunpowder Falls State Park, Chase) 
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Come out during the first days of Spring to listen for calls and learn about a native tree frog, the Spring Peeper. Pre-registration is required, rain or shine. 
Cost: $2 per person

War of 1812 in Annapolis Tour for Maryland Day (Annapolis) In honor of Maryland Day, Watermark offers a complimentary War of 1812 in Annapolis walking tour. Francis Scott Key will take you to many stops including where Key attended college and the US Navy first demonstrated itself as a force to be reckoned with. No reservations required. ID required.

Empty Bowls (Timonium) Taste soups from Baltimore's finest restaurants -Select from hundreds of handcrafted ceramic bowls -Browse an array of silent auction items -Experience entertainment and fun for the entire family, including face painting, crafts, and a soup competition

Charm City Roller Girls 2014 Home Team Season Game 3 @ Du Burns Arena (Baltimore) Come out and experience Baltimore's very own Charm City Roller Girls battle it out in an action packed double header! The marvelous Mobtown Mods, militant Speed Regime, fierce Night Terrors, and unrelenting Junkyard Dolls are ready to show you who owns the track. Tickets: GA $15 - VIP $25

Washington D.C. Temple Orchestra (Kensington) FREE! 7 pm - This group of outstanding instrumentalists includes musicians from Maryland, Virginia and the District. They perform frequently at the Visitors' Center and at other venues in the area.

MAR 23rd


Magnificent Mozart (Ellicott City) Presented by the Howard County Concert Orchestra, featuring the BSO concertmaster Jonathan Carney in Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, “The Turkish” and the “Jupiter” Symphony No. 41 in C. Adults: $25, Students 18-24: $12, 17 and under accompanied by an adult: FREE.

2nd Annual Ladies Day (Mt. Airy)  Enjoy an afternoon out with friends and family at Linganore Winecellar’s 2nd Annual Ladies Day Out. Our beautiful Abisso Hall will once again be filled with fun- Linganore wine, music by Peter James, our favorite vendors and raffle items to benefit Dress for Success. Admission includes a Signature Wine Tasting in our tasting room and wine glass. Food available for purchase. Visit Linganore’s event page for vendor information.

Ongoing:


The Art of Sesame Street: From Pictures to Pages (Baltimore) The collection of Sesame Street illustrations explores the history of favorite characters such as Cookie Monster, Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, Oscar, Bert, and Ernie.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony (Washington DC) Kick-off the 2014 National Cherry Blossom Festival with world-class renowned entertainment as we welcome springtime to Washington, DC and celebrate the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States. In this historic setting, enjoy spirited traditional and contemporary performances by the Howard University Step Team, Takaoki Onishi with Dimitri Dover, Kaori Kobayashi with the Mao Sone Quartet, Anna Saeki, Rimi Natsukawa and Judith Hill.
The event is free and open to the public, however, at this time, all tickets have been claimed. Walk-ins to the event will be accepted at 4:45 PM on the day of the event, if space is available due to no-shows, though there are no guarantees.
Tidal Basin Paddle Boats  (DC) The Tidal Basin Boathouse will be offering free online reservations for paddleboats between 10 AM – Noon during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Hourly rentals are $12.00 for a two-passenger boat, and $19.00 for a four-passenger boat. At least one passenger must be 16 years old. Life vests are provided for individuals over 18 months of age or 25 lbs., and must be worn by all passengers at all times.

Weekends on Wednesday


This Weekend

Upper Marlboro
 
Watch athletes from the Colonial Athletic Association compete for the Championship title.
Baltimore
 
The legendary Don Quixote's dream is alive as he embarks on a quest to lay siege on the windmills and to win the heart of Aldonza, his beautiful muse.
Baltimore
 
The Maryland Arms Collectors Assn. presents their Antique Arms Show which has been held annually since 1955. No modern handguns allowed--no MD registered "assault weapons" allowed.
Rouse Theatre
Columbia
 
Choose from two concerts of blockbuster hits from your favorite films, Broadway shows, popular songs, and light classics. One of our most popular and family-friendly events!

Queenstown
(Eastern Shore)
 
Hear the story of how the printing of the Star Spangled Banner came about through the efforts of a prominent citizen of our county. Free admission, refreshments. For more info call (410)758-3010, or email info@qachistory.org

Mar 15th


Chesapeake City
 
Welcome early spring with a small town parade, $100 cash prize for best float, with bagpipers, Mummers Band, antique vehicles, floats and more, followed by our infamous PUB CRAWL. Parade begins at 12pm on Bohemia Avenue, ending in Pell Gardens. Rain date is 3/22
Gaithersburg
10-2
 
Dozens of units will march in the parade, including Celtic dancers, bagpipe bands, clowns, fire trucks, and more. When the parade is over there will be live entertainment on the Lakefront Plaza until 1 p.m.
Ocean City
 
Ocean City's St. Patrick's Day Parade is March 15, 2014 parading south from 60th Street to 45th Street promptly at 12:00 Noon. Irish-American festival at 45th Street Village from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Patuxent Research Refuge
 
The Patuxent Research Refuge will be celebrating the 110th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System with a fun-filled family event. Activities will include live animal shows by Watkins Nature Center at 11:00 am and 12:30 pm. There will also be children’s nature crafts and other activities.

Davidsonville
 
This free community event highlights environmentally friendly products, services and ideas. Free shopping bags, tree seedlings, free admission. Rain-barrels and native plants for sale. Music and food too! 

Westminster
 
There were many businesses that sprang up throughout the county during this time period. Children will learn about some of these businesses through creative play, stories, pictures, and activities that resemble the businesses. They will also create a business of their own.
Ellicott City Station
 
Children and families are invited to join the ladies of the Maine Camp Hospital Association for a Civil War era tea party. Enjoy tea and snacks that were common in the period. Learn about social and home front issues and the work that was done for wounded soldiers by these ladies during the war. Recommended for families with young children; no reservations required.

Mar 16th


Baltimore
 
For more than 50 years, thousands of spectators have crowded the streets and sidewalks of downtown Baltimore and the famous Inner Harbor to watch thousands more march and celebrate Irish culture, music, song, and dance. The Shamrock 5K race begins at 1:15 p.m. at Charles and Mulberry Streets. The Parade starts off at 2:00 p.m. at the Washington Monument, and continues to Pratt St. & Market Place

Washington DC
 
Reverend Monsignor Salvatore A. Criscuolo is the grand marshal for the annual parade that also features bagpipers, bands, dancers and floats representing civic associations and local businesses. It's free to watch along the parade route with grandstand seating available for $15 per person.

Ongoing


The Walters Art Museum
 
Each of the eight works on view in Jacob Lawrence’s Genesis Series (1990) describes a passage from the book of Genesis in the King James version of the Bible.

Weekends on Wednesday




This Weekend:


Baltimore

Eight championship men's basketball games between university teams in Colonial Athletic Association.

Timonium

Local gardening pros dust off their trowels and shovels to create gardens inspired by popular books and novels as part of this year’s “Books in Bloom” theme. The Maryland Home & Garden Show is sponsored by M&T Bank and is part of the National Home & Garden Show Series presented by DISH Network.

Frederick

Mouthwatering price-fixed meals celebrating Frederick's culinary scene.

Boyds

FREE! Whether you’ve been in your home for years or just moved in, the Home Show is the one stop shop for all your home improvement needs!

La Plata, Maryland 

DogFest will feature non-stop excitement including: a Free kid zone, agility course, AKC rally, canine demonstrations, exhibits in training, canine apparel, grooming, pet sitters, healthcare, food, dog supplies & services, and more. All leashed dogs are invited to attend with their owners.

DC

Join husband-and-wife violin duo--Glenn Donnellan of the NSO and Jan Chong--as they use stories, sound effects, children's songs, and gems from the classical repertoire to make your imagination come alive! Age 3–5

MAR 7th:


Pasadena

Come see what happens when three of the funniest comedians in the country come together to raise money for the Lake Shore VFC. This adult comedy show features : Christian Polanco (MTV, VH1) Dan Frigolette (The Artie Lange Show) Matt Richards (BET, MTV). These three are: Comedy's Best Kept Secret.

MAR 8th:


Baltimore

Author Crystal Marable reads her children's book Graceful Gabby Finds Love in Blue. Hear how Graceful Gabby, disappointed that her room is not “pinky” perfect, learns from her Gran Ma-Ma about gratitude. Participants will create African crowns and enjoy a tea party after the reading.

Columbia

FREE! Come join us for Columbia’s Prenatal through Preschool Baby Expo. There will be informational speakers, product vendors, child safety information, health information and much more. The event will be held at Owen Brown Community Center from 10am to 2 pm.

Baltimore

Susan G. Komen Maryland, an Affiliate of the world’s largest breast cancer organization and provider of funds to aid in the awareness, prevention, treatment and research of breast cancer, will host a free educational symposium. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices.

New Market

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Sound the trumpets, the Honor of your Presence is requested to attend a Royal Breakfast Banquet. Prepare thy cameras, dress in thy favorite Prince or Princess attire! Breakfast Banquet: $15/person, Little Tykes Combo: $20/person (Must be under 48”), Attraction Combo: $25/person.

Frostburg

The 3rd Annual Shamrock Shuffle will fill the streets with a touch of Green. A street festival where you can experience Irish culture, food, music, and beer gardens.

Woodstock

The Howard County Conservancy is offering this free guided hike with Conservancy Naturalists. Wear footwear that can slog through spring mud on the Conservancy’s trails.  Easy hike. This program replaces the Hike to the River scheduled for this Saturday; the ground along the trails to the river is too wet for hiker safety and walkers would degrade the terrain.  FREE.

Mt. Airy

Linganore Winecellars is partnering with our local Girl Scouts Troop to bring you a special one of a kind pairing event! Treat yourself to Linganore Wines paired with Girl Scouts cookies! Tickets are $15 with $5 of each ticket sale going to benefit our local Girl Scouts of America troop. Tickets are limited. This is a 21+ event.

DC

Free! All ages welcome! Escape to Paris, New York, and the Wild West without leaving DC! Families will experience these destinations through live performances, in gallery activities, and hands on art workshops. Featuring special performances of My Grandfather's Circuis by Zany Umbrella Circrus and a masquarde salon by Project Enlightenment, this celebration will higlight some of the D.C. area's best art, dance, and music. This FREE, amazing adventure is inspired by the exhibition American Journeys: Visions of Place.

DC

Musicologist Saul Lilienstein examines the creative genius of composer Richard Strauss as he looks at three of his most frequently performed operas.

The National Theatre

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with high-spirited, high-energy jigs and step-dancing! Enjoy dancers of all ages in colorful and authentic costumes. Volunteers from the audience will have an opportunity to step up and learn some of the steps themselves. You’ll be in style wearing some-thing green on this special day when we are all Irish!

MAR 9th:


Ellicott City

Save the date for Bridges to Housing Stability’s fourth annual  the “Hotter Than Thou” Chili Cook Off. HELP raise money for Bridges’ programs for homeless and at-risk families, LEARN about homelessness in Howard County, and try some great chili.

Opening this weekend:

Baltimore

Revelry, disguises, swashbuckling, and (of course) pining lovers abound in what some call Shakespeare’s most perfect comedy. Twins Viola and Sebastian, separated in a shipwreck and presuming each other dead, wash ashore in the beautiful but mysterious land of Illyria. A tale of mistaken identity and mismatched ardor unfurls as lords and ladies, servants and masters wind a topsy-turvy path.

Herndon, VA

This brand new adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s classic tale will be co-produced with Faction of Fools, DC’s award-winning Commedia dell’Arte Theatre Company. Don’t miss this unique brand of physical theatre as five actors recount a marionette’s wild adventures becoming a real boy–in a flurry of masks, music and merriment!

Closing Soon (Only Two Weekends Left!):


DC

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink is open mid-November through mid-March, weather permitting. View magnificent works of sculpture while skating in the open air and enjoying music from the state-of-the-art sound system. The National Gallery of Art Ice Rink will be closed when it rains or when the temperature dips below 20°F. For the current status, please call (202) 216-9397.