Calendar of Events

All events were scheduled at the time of posting. Please confirm with event hosts before making plans.

January

Through January

Rooftop Skating Rink Atop Four Seasons. Just in time for the holiday season, the Winter Village returns to Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. Open November 13, 2020 through January 2021, the rooftop terrace of the Hotel will be transformed once again into a winter wonderland featuring a 1,800 square foot synthetic skating rink with sweeping views of the harbor and city skyline, private cabanas with sleek fire pits to rent, holiday food and beverage favorites, games, and so much more. Click the link to book a timed ticket. $30. Hours vary. Four Seasons Hotel, 200 International Dr., Baltimore. https://www.exploretock.com/fourseasonsbaltimore/

Through February 4

Queens Girl: Black in the Green Mountains. A world premiere production commissioned by Everyman Theatre, whose new Associate Artistic Director, Paige Hernandez returns to direct the third and final installment of Jennings’s award-winning Queens Girl series. As the Vietnam War rages and the Kent State killings ignite college campuses across the country, Jackie arrives in Vermont to begin college. Caught between wildly divergent sets of friends — wealthy “WASPS,” militant Black activists, and passionate theatre people—Jackie is forced to confront the space between white and Black culture to find her place in the world. Now playing at home! Access the show rom your home through February 4th. $25. https://everymantheatre.org/queens-girl-black-green-mountains

21-23

Dan & Donna 40 Years Around the World Wine Dinner. Enjoy an evening of food, wine and story with Executive Chef Dan Wecker and his wife, Donna with favorites from their travels over 40 years of marriage. $100. 6:30PM. The Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House, 5745 Furnace Ave., Elkridge. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dan-donna-40-years-around-the-world-wine-dinner-tickets-134290258779?aff=

Korean BBQ. Learn to make all of the dishes for a perfect Korean BBQ. Although they‘ve been around for a long time, Korean BBQ joints are becoming more and more popular and we’ve become huge fans of this style of eating! Although Korean cuisine goes much further than just barbecue, Schola wanted to focus on this unique dining experience. Join them and explore the Korean ‘Mother Sauces or Jangs, try to understand the pickling process of Kimchi, create a vast array of Banchans, or side dishes, make your own Ssamjang, the ubiquitous Korean Barbecue condiment and bring all this the table where you’ll grill Kalbi, marinated short ribs and a few other treats only to wrap them in lettuce and enjoy! $79.99. 6PM-9PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/korean-bbq-tickets-129872533243

Date Night, Steak House. Explore one of America's most loved cuisine - Meat & Potatoes! Steakhouses dominate the American restaurant scene with their classic menus and fancy interiors. In this class, tackle the classics - the Wedge Salad with Candied Bacon and Blue Cheese Dressing, Flintstone-esque Roasted Ribeyes, Lobster Stuffed Baked Potatoes, Creamed Spinach and the Double Chocolate Brownie with Ice Cream and Hot Fudge to finish the night. $79.99. 6PM-9PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/date-night-steak-house-tickets-129862613573

A Russian Tea. Samovars will be ready to greet you as The Elkridge Furnace Inn shares the rich tradition of a Russian Tea featuring authentic tea foods. $42.50. 11AM-1:30PM. The Elkridge Furnace Inn, 5745 Furnace Ave., Elkridge. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-russian-tea-tickets-134466062613?aff=

The Art of Making Pizza. Pizza, probably one of the most enjoyed foods in this country, is fun and easy to make from scratch at home. Learn to make both a thin crust and deep-dish pizza crust, craft sauces and prepare toppings for this ubiquitous food. Then spend the rest of the class making your own pizzas and eating them! $59. 12PM-2:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-making-pizza-tickets-129877449949

Snowball Catapult Challenge. Discover the power of simple machines and kinetic energy as you engineer a catapult for the Snowball Catapult Challenge! Design and build at home, then put your completed launcher to the test at the Maryland Science Center. Can your catapult display soaring distance, superior strength, or top-notch accuracy? For this challenge, the Maryland Science Center will provide a simple kit of materials as the starting point for the catapult. The rest is up to you and your imagination! Join the event on Facebook for tips and tricks to help you along the way, and to discuss your progress with other participants. All teams must register in advance. Registration includes one kit of basic materials and free admission to the science center for one participant on the day of the challenge. Participation is limited to 50 teams. Registrants must pick up the kit at the Maryland Science Center prior to Sunday, January 17 at 4pm or select the shipping option during registration. Kits will be available for pick up Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm, December 18-January 17 (except holidays). $7/kit. 1PM-3PM. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/event/snowball-catapult-challenge/

Winter Brunch. Cook heart warming foods for a lazy winter brunch. Regular season football is over, and the weather is getting colder so there is no better way to start your Sunday than to cook a hearty brunch! The perfect thing to keep the chill away and pass the time until Spring! Participants will make 'Lazy Morning Sausage Pie', Maple Butter Twists, Finnish Baked Pancakes with Apple Compote and Spicy Cheddar Potato Cakes. To top it all off, you'll whip up some house made marshmallows to float on top of some very serious hot chocolate. $59. 11:30AM-1:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-brunch-tickets-130009988375

Sparrows Point Book Chat. On the day the new podcast “Sparrows Point: an American Steel Story” drops, the BMI will share a few key resources on Bethlehem Steel/Sparrows Point available at the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Access this program via the Enoch Pratt or Facebook Live. FREE, no registration required. 3PM. https://www.thebmi.org/programs-events/program-calendar/

Virtual Tour: Esther adn the Dream of One Loving Human Family." Join AVAM to observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a virtual tour of the current exhibition, “Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family.” Through works of art and other artifacts, the exhibition speaks to the effects of racism, anti-Semitism, and “othering” on our common humanity. The program will highlight the art works of Holocaust survivor, Esther Nisenthal Krinitz, who told her story of survival as a young teenager in a narrated series of vividly colorful stitched tapestries. Accompanying Esther’s art are works by artists from Rwanda, South Africa and Indian Country, among others. Museum founder, director and exhibition curator Rebecca Hoffberger and Bernice Steinhardt, Esther’s daughter and co-founder of the non-profit Art and Remembrance, will introduce viewers to selected works and respond to audience questions. You'll receive the link to join after registration. FREE. 7PM-8PM. https://www.avam.org/event-details/virtual-tour-esther-and-the-dream-of-one-loving-human-family

The Mediterranean Inspired Cuisine of Greece. The cuisine of Greece conjures up images of beautiful architecture, stunning views of the ocean along with health and longevity. Lots has been studied about this cuisine heavy in olive oil, vegetables, honey, spices and nuts but even without the implications of this healthy way to live, Greek food is comforting to the body and mind. Prepare some of the traditional meze plates; Spanakopita, Melitzanossalata (eggplant dip), Kolokythokeftedes (fried zucchini balls) and freshly baked pita. For the main course, two staples of the Greek diet - roasted lamb and braised octopus along with the potato and eggplant based Moussaka and a salad made from local produce and to finish the meal - Baklava. $79.99. 6PM-9PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mediterranean-influenced-cuisine-of-greece-tickets-129872808065

Virtual Front Row | The Amit Peled Cello Gang: Around The World in Seven Cellos. Baltimore-based, Israeli-American cellist, conductor, and pedagogue Amit Peled, a musician of profound artistry and charismatic stage presence, is acclaimed worldwide as one of the most exciting and virtuosic instrumentalists on the concert stage today. At 6'5" tall, Peled started life as a basketball player and was called "larger than life" and "Jacqueline du Pré in a farmer's body" when he enveloped his cello. Peled strives to break down the barriers of the concert hall. The Amit Peled Cello Gang is composed of students from Amit Peled’s studio at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University, where he has taught since 2003. The students come together often to perform works written or arranged for cello ensemble. The first Cello Gang CD under the CTM Classics label has been enthusiastically received worldwide. This evening's program will be shot with Creative Alliance's four-camera system, streamed with impeccable video and audio, direct to you. $12, $ 10 members (+$3 Service Fee). 7:30PM. https://www.creativealliance.org/events/2020/virtual-front-row-amit-peled-cello-gang

Winter Date Night. Cook some classic winter dishes with your favorite Sous Chef. The weather is bone chilling so join Schola in their kitchen for an evening of cooking dishes sure to warm you up with your favorite Sous Chef! This class will make Butter Poached Lobster Tail atop Lobster Risotto with Tarragon Beurre Blanc, Pan Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Crispy Shallots, Smashed Sweet Potato and Bacon Jus. You will finish up with Ginger Cake, Vanilla Ice Cream and Preserved Peaches. $79.99. 6PM-9PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-date-night-tickets-129865752963

Country French Brunch. Everyone thinks French food is very rich and everyone says breakfast is the most important meal of the day so, why not make it a rich one! The class will bake the cheese of France, Brie, in puff pastry with strawberry compote, make the traditional Far Breton with raisins and Cognac, bake asparagus, potato and goat cheese omelets and top salmon on the traditional French Bread with Hollandaise. $59. 11:30AM-1:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/country-french-brunch-tickets-130010241131

Sunday Supper II. Sunday Supper has been a tradition in Italian-American households since our grandparents arrived in this country over 100 years ago. Schola's first version of this class has been so much fun they thought they’d continue the series with a few new different menus. For the second version, participants still make a large pot of Sunday red sauce but this time you'll bake some rosemary and onion focaccia to enjoy with some fresh Mozzarella and oven roasted tomatoes. Then create the perfect eggplant Parmesan, pound pork loin for pork Milanese and make fresh rigatoni for our Sunday sauce. Finish by making Bomboloni, the traditional Italian doughnut. $59. 4:30PM-7PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunday-supper-ii-tickets-130268718243

February

Baltimore Filmmaker's Lounge. Now on ZOOM! Register using the link provided and screen your new work or work in progress (max length 15 min) at this monthly feedback session from your Baltimore filmmaking peers! Send your short films via email by the Friday before to Creative Alliance Film Curator, Aaron Barlow, to be added to the lineup. FREE. 7PM-9PM. https://www.creativealliance.org/events/2020/baltimore-filmmakers-lounge

4-6

Lebanese Literary Wine Dinner. Enjoy a five course dinner with expert pairings and readings. Readings from the Prophet by Kahlil Gibran; pairings by Chef Dan Wecker. $100. 6:30PM-9:30PM. The Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House, 5745 Furnace Ave., Elkridge. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lebanese-literary-wine-dinner-tickets-134337203191?aff=erelexpmlt

The Cuisine of Sicily. Learn to cook some Sicilian classics! As the southernmost part of Italy, the island of Sicily's cuisine has been influenced over the years by the cuisines of Spain, France, Greece and the northern Arab countries. It’s a unique blend of the Italian heritage mixed with many Arab ingredients and influenced the bounty of the Mediterranean. Plus, Chef Pellegrino's Mother is Sicilian, so he learned from the best! The class will prepare a cold salad poached octopus layered with fennel, orange & salt cured olives. Then move on to roasting fresh fish with garlic & mint and sautéed fresh beans with Pancetta and onions. You’ll finish the evening with the Sicilian tradition of freshly made Pine Nut Cookies and Chocolate Biscotti. $79.99. 6PM-9PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-cuisine-of-sicily-tickets-129873897323

Bethlehem Steel Throwback Film Night. Tune in for a virtual watch party, hosted in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Moving Image Archive (MARMIA) and the Steel Plant Museum of Western New York, of short films by and about Bethlehem Steel. FREE, registration required. 7PM. https://48278.blackbaudhosting.com/48278/Beth-Steel-Throwback-Film-Night

A Tribute to Julia Child. Nobody can argue that Julia Child started it all, cooking shows on television, this country cooking French classics rather than over cooked steak and green beans, etc. Join Schola as they pay tribute to this icon of American gastronomy. You'll tackle some of her favorite dishes - Potato Leek Soup, Beef Bourguignon with Parsley Potatoes and Apple Clafoutis with Chantilly Cream and Candied Hazelnuts. $79.99. 6PM-9PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-tribute-to-julia-child-tickets-130406157327

The Principles of Thai Cookery. Chef McDang, the most respected chef in Thailand, in his book 'The Principles of Thai Cookery' describes 'sum rap Thai' - the way Thais eat. He explains that Thai cooking can be defined by 'intricacy, attention to detail, texture, color, taste and the use of ingredients with medicinal benefits as well as good flavor.' The class will prepare six of his most classic dishes and enjoy them family style, as is the tradition in Thailand. $79.99. 6PM-9PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-principles-of-thai-cookery-tickets-130402119249

Greek Brunch. Everybody loves the healthy ‘Mediterranean’ diet of Greece. In this class, Schola takes some of these classic Greek dishes and makes them for brunch. Bake almond olive oil cake muffins, Loukoumades - drizzled with honey, cinnamon and walnuts, Tyropita – cheese pies topped with a poached egg, a decadent lamb & potato hash and baked eggs with tomato & feta topped with tzatziki. $59. 11:30AM-1:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greek-brunch-tickets-130010574127

The Art of Baking Bread. Tackle one of the most rewarding and enjoyable tasks in the kitchen...making bread! Nothing beats that smell! Join Schola as they talk about leavening agents and different types of flour, bread baking ovens and different techniques of the trade. You'll also bake five different types of bread; Irish soda bread, focaccia, whole grain bread, flat breads and the 'old school' Parker House rolls. $59. 6PM-8:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-baking-bread-tickets-130395509479

The Art of Making Cheese and Butter. These two things…cheese and butter…are some of the most ethereal pleasures in the culinary world. Explore many of the things you need to know to make your own butter and cheese at home in this cooking class. The class will work with a few vintage Dazey butter churns to make and season some of their own cultured butter. You’ll also make a few fresh cheeses, Ricotta, Mozzarella, Burrata and Queso Fresco and discuss and have demonstrated how to make some of the harder and aged cheeses. There will be a few of the classics on hand to learn about and sample. $59. 6PM-8:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-making-cheese-and-butter-tickets-130396245681

Valentine's Day Cookies & Candies for your Sweetheart. Giving candy on Valentine’s Day has been a tradition since the holiday was invented in the 18th century and making them yourself shows you really care. Spend the evening with Schola creating confections such as white & dark chocolate bark, bacon pecan pralines, chocolate bourbon truffles, rum balls, chocolate sour cream swirl fudge and a few others. They’ll have everything you’ll need to wrap up a big box of treats for you to give to that special someone. $59. 6PM-8:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-day-cookies-candies-for-your-sweetheart-tickets-130396791313

11-14

The Aphrodisiacs Dinner. Create the perfect Valentine's Day dinner with your favorite Sous Chef! Whether real or just suggestive, certain foods have been described as having the ability to enhance the libido and improve intimate encounters. Join this class and prepare a meal centered around many of these celebrated foods. And as the day devoted each year to the one you love approaches, a dinner such as this seems to be the fitting gift. Class features Caviar on Saffron Blini, Roaster Oysters; Lobster Risotto, Butter Poached Lobster, Pan Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Asparagus, Coffee & Current Jus; and, a Trio of Chocolate Desserts. $85. 6PM-9PM on Thursday - Saturday, 5:30PM-8:30PM on Sunday. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. Individual links for specific dates: https://www.scholacooks.com/calendar

Virtual Sip & Shine: Home & Heart. AVAM is taking Sip & Shine online! Join in for a hands-on workshop with the American Visionary Art Museum! They have gathered supplies from the AVAM treasure trove and packaged them “to-go." All you need is an internet connection, and a drink! AVAM facilitators will lead the workshop over Zoom and provide help and inspiration along the way for the group. This is a messy project! Be sure to protect your work surface with paper & be ready to wash your hands. You will be emailed a link to the Zoom room a few days before the event. Space is limited. After registering, please hop on over to their Shopify site to purchase your workshop kit. Kits are available in home and heart shapes with several color options. US shipping and pick-up available! Class is FREE; kits cost $25 ($5 discount for AVAM members). 7PM. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-sip-shine-home-heart-tickets-133992464067

Kuumba Showcase - Virtual Celebration. Our voices are the medium through which we do most of our communicating with the outside world: our ideas, emotions, and of course, our stories. Join Creative Alliance for their Kuumba Showcase - a celebration of creativity. This year’s theme "Lift Every Voice" explores the importance of vocal expression in Black Liberation movements. Enjoy the art of storytelling in gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and rap. Presented via Facebook and YouTube Live; links to each provided in the following link. FREE. 7PM. https://www.creativealliance.org/events/2021/kuumba-showcase

Tacos, Etc. It’s unfortunate that, for many of us, our introduction to Mexican food involves crunchy taco shells and Old el Paso taco mix or worse, Taco Bell! But traditional Mexican food is a vast and extremely diverse cuisine utilizing unique ingredients and techniques. Tacos, admittedly only a very small portion of Mexican cooking, provide us with a self-contained flavor explosion of everything from fried fish to beef tongue and beyond! In this class you’ll look at both corn and flour tortillas, the canvas upon which a great taco is created. Then craft a variety of different salsas, fillings and toppings. $59. 6PM-8:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tacos-etc-tickets-132409078117

The Cuisine of Lebanon. Local restaurant Byblos in Federal Hill has inspired Schola to spend an evening creating some classic dishes from this unique cuisine. Although a lot of the Lebanese dishes might resemble many Mediterranean dishes, their preparation is slightly different. The class will start by making the three iconic spreads - Hommous, Tabbouleh and Mouhamara along with baking fresh Pita bread to enjoy with them. You'll then prepare Sheikh El-Mehsheh - layers of Eggplant and Beef, Lahmebaajeen - a pie of beef, tomato and spices and Snoubra - an enticing mixture of Bulgar wheat, potatoes and red peppers. $79.99. 6PM-9PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-cuisine-of-lebanon-tickets-132648578469

Papercut Cityscapes. Papermaking spread from China to the Islamic world by the 8th century. By the 11th century, it had made its way throughout Europe. Each culture along that path developed its own unique style of papercutting using scissors, knives, hammers and more. Now considered a folk-art medium, papercutting is experiencing a renaissance with more people than ever cutting paper to reflect modern times. In this workshop, you’ll learn the basic techniques of knife cutting and use them to cut a classic Baltimore scene: an alley full of power lines. Create an 8x10” design based on a provided photo and receive guidance on how to cut an image of your choosing so you can continue to explore the medium either during class or independently. Additionally, explore the work of contemporary paper cutters from around the world and explore the variety of papers and tools that folks use to create works of art. $30 (+ $3 service fee). 11AM-2PM. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://www.creativealliance.org/events/2020/papercut-cityscapes

25-27

Big Reds Wine Dinner. Come enjoy a five course dinner with expert pairings by Chef Dan Wecker. Each course is served with a 'big red' wine. $100. 6:30PM-9:30PM. The Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House, 5745 Furnace Ave., Elkridge. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-elkridge-furnace-inn-14980554940

Design for Distancing Discussion. Hear from local designers who are working to adapt public spaces for COVID-19–and how Baltimore’s Design for Distancing program can serve as a model for other cities and past the pandemic–in this program co-hosted by AIA Baltimore/Baltimore Architecture Foundation and the Neighborhood Design Center. By donation, registration required. 1PM. https://www.thebmi.org/programs-events/program-calendar/

I Love Paris Tea. What's not to love about Paris? French inspired fare and hot tea will make you feel like you're sitting in an intimate bistro with friends. Four course deluxe afternoon tea service and socially distanced tables. $42.50. 11AM-2PM. The Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House, 5745 Furnace Ave., Elkridge. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-love-paris-tea-tickets-135618186647?aff=

Ongoing Online and Virtual Enrichment Events

Miscellaneous and Just for Fun

LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems! Mo Willems, beloved children's author, invites you into his studio every day for his lunch doodle. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. If you post your art to social media, be sure to hashtag it with #MoLunchDoodles! New episodes will be posted each weekday at 1PM and then remain online to be streamed afterwards. Check back each weekday for new lunch doodles! FREE. https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems

Online - Itsy Bitsy Sing Along: Animals. Sundays. Everyone's favorite Kids Room activity is now online! Every Sunday, the Maryland Science Center will have a new Itsy Bitsy Sing Along, just like in the Kids Room. They'll feature a couple of sing along songs with activities to go along with them. This Sunday, the theme is all about animals, so get ready to walk on the wild side! FREE. 12PM-12:30PM. https://www.facebook.com/events/255106888957316/

DJ Kopec Dance Parties. Beloved local DJ Kopec is putting on dance parties from his basement via Facebook Live during this pandemic. He's got theme nights and charity drives going on while he bring some much needed fun and stress relief to his fans. Check him out here: https://www.facebook.com/DJ-Kopec-251296750552/

Mitchell School of Fine Arts Classes. Artist-owner Trevor Twist has modified youth and adult art lessons of varying skill levels through a virtual classroom, focusing on artist expression across the likes of painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Ongoing. Times and prices vary. Via Zoom. https://www.mitchellartschool.com/classes--private-lessons.html

Museums, National Parks and Gardens

Volunteer Park Conservatory Live Stream. You can get "plant therapy" on your couch for free through their live streams. Word is these live streams happen around mid-day, but if you miss a live stream, Instagram holds onto them for 24 hours; just check out their "story." FREE. https://www.instagram.com/vpconservatory/

Virtual Tour of The Waddesdon Manorm in Waddesdon, England. This Neo-Renaissance style château that has been a Rothschild family home since the late 1800s. The house, the grounds, and the majority of the collections seen throughout the home have been left to the National Trust, so that the public can visit and appreciate the home and gardens. The gardens were designed by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild with help from landscape architect Elie Lainé. The breathtakingly beautiful interiors of Waddesdon Manor can also be virtually toured using the link provided. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyYuxTfdtKo

Virtual Tour of Claude Monet’s Garden, Giverny, France. Claude Monet's garden inspired much of his painting. Royal Academy curator Ann Dumas introduces Claude Monet’s garden at Giverny in Normandy, which is open to the public between March and November and maintained by a team of gardeners led by James Priest. FREE. Garden tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjWx2WNXFF4.

Virtual Tour of Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago IL. With over 50,000 members, the Chicago Botanic Garden has the highest membership of any public garden in the United States. The Garden consists of 385 acres and has a grand total of 27 gardens and four natural areas. Some of the 27 gardens include the English Walled Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Plant Science Center. Boyce Tankersley, director of plant documentation, takes you on a tour of what's in bloom this summer. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV0Ryaw0hGc

Virtual Tour of Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Papaikou, HI. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden sits on 17 acres and it includes not only its own garden, but a nature preserve as well. With waterfalls, streams, and a boardwalk situated on the Pacific coast, this virtual tour is certainly a calming one, both visually and audibly. Expect to see more than 2,000 plant species, including over 80 species of heliconias and bromeliads, not to mention coconut and mango palm trees that have been around for over a century. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtZ0dcUzGX8

Virtual Tour of Kew Gardens, Richmond, England. Kew Gardens is part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which also includes Wakehurst, a historic house and garden located over an hour away, in West Sussex, England. Located on 326 acres and boasting its own palace, Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This virtual tour of 10 of the top ten sites in the Kew Gardens, also includes Kew Palace, the main surviving structure is known as Dutch House, which was once the residence of King George III and his family. Kew Gardens and Wakehurst have a grand total of approximately 27,000 taxa of plants, over 8 million specimens of plants and fungal herbarium, and a seed bank that contains more than 40,000 species. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioG_Vfh0Kxw

Virtual Tour Five National Parks. If you want to escape to the great outdoors, you can virtually explore national parks. Google Arts & Culture teamed up with five national parks across the country to provide video tours led by rangers. From glaciers in Alaska to volcanoes in Hawaii, the tours will take you on incredible journeys. FREE. https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service/parks

Museum Tours from Around the World. On Google Arts & Culture, you can take a virtual tour of thousands of museums around the world. According to Fast Company, the tech giant partnered with more than 2,500 museums and galleries, some of which include the Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and London's National Gallery. FREE. https://artsandculture.google.com/partner?hl=en

Virtual Tour the Louvre. While the Louvre in France is closed, you can virtually tour their exhibits. Tours allow you to zoom in on certain pieces and descriptions for more information. FREE. https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne

Virtual Tour Buckingham Palace. An iconic building and official residence of The Queen, Buckingham Palace has been the focus of many moments of national celebration. It is also a busy working building welcoming tens of thousands of people through its gates each year for Investitures, Garden Parties, Audiences and other events. Explore this magnificent building via a virtual tour. FREE. https://www.royal.uk/virtual-tours-buckingham-palace

Virtual Tour of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami, FL. Vizcaya is a Mediterranean Revival-style villa with Baroque elements that was once the home of businessman James Deering. The estate consists of 43 acres. It took eight years and $15 million to build the villa, and another year to complete the Italian Renaissance-style gardens and Vizcaya Village, which consists of 11 buildings across 12 acres, including greenhouses, fields, staff quarters, a garage, barns, and workshops. Explore the grounds and buildings in this virtual tour. FREE. https://vizcaya.org/virtualtour/

Virtual Tour of The Frick Collection, New York, NY. This Beaux Arts-style mansion located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan was once home to Henry Clay Frick, one of the most prominent industrialists during the Gilded Age. Take a virtual tour and see Old Masters paintings, decorative arts, and European sculptures in this former residence turned art museum, which includes Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Whistler, Bellini, Vermeer, and Goya, to name a few. FREE. https://www.frick.org/visit/virtual_tour

Virtual Tour Monticello, Charlottesville, VA. At just 26 years old, future President Thomas Jefferson inherited a plantation in rural Virginia. An architecture enthusiast, Jefferson himself devised a combination of Neoclassical and Palladian architecture for the estate that would come to be known as Monticello. It is now a National Historic Landmark, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your hour-long virtual tour, a Monticello guide will lead you in real-time through the first floor of Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop home. You will get a private, unobstructed view of the house and collections and discuss important issues such as Thomas Jefferson’s role as a nation builder and Monticello as a plantation powered by the labor of enslaved African Americans. There are also "family tours" available, with information geared more toward families with children aged 5+. Both tours uses Zoom to connect visitors from across the globe. During the tour, you can ask your Monticello guide questions, which will be answered in real-time, making for an interactive and unique experience. $10. Daily: 10:30AM & 4PM Live Virtual Tours for Families; 1PM & 2:30PM Regular Live Virtual Tours. https://www.monticello.org/visit/tickets-tours/guided-virtual-tours/

Virtual Tour of the Vatican Museums. Instilling a sense of wonder in everyone who enters, the 15th century Sistine Chapel is most renowned for Michelangelo's ceiling frescos. You'll have them (and the rest of the place) to yourself if you visit virtually, before making your way through a whole series of Vatican Museums—not least, Raphael’s Room and the New Wing. FREE. http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/collezioni/musei/tour-virtuali-elenco.1.html

The National Museum of Natural History. One of the world's most visited museums, and in our own backyard, this branch of the Smithsonian is magic at keeping kids of all ages entertained and learning. If your household could use some of that right now, head on in and start exploring the fossils, ocean life, even the insect zoo. And for pure eye candy, hit the Gems and Minerals Wing, or the Butterfly Pavilion. FREE. https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour

Volcanoes National Park. It may not be the best known of our national parks, but Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is certainly one of the most unforgettable, as you'll experience on this ranger-led tour. You’ll see stunning images of the rippling black rock formations and the still-fiery lava flows that feed them. You’ll also stand inside a rainforest, go underground to tour a lava tube and take a helicopter flight over an active volcano—a vantage you’d be hard pressed to find on an actual visit. FREE. https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service/hawaii-volcanoes/nahuku-lava-tube-tour

The British Museum. Home to no fewer than 8,000,000 works, this is one of the world's largest collectiosn. Even the tiniest objects hold their own on this virtual tour - you can view individual pieces, play audio to learn more, and search for related works. There's also a scrolling capability that lets you go back thousands of years. FREE. https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/

Tour the Taj Mahal. Built by a 17th-century Mughal emperor in memory of his favorite wife, who died during childbirth, the Taj Mahal is one of the most lavish architectural tributes on earth. For perspective on how the marble exterior shade-shifts throughout the day, from early-morning pinks to dusky blues, check out this video. The persistent thrum of tour groups makes the scene that much more realistic. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=665AHTNpf2o

Virtual Deep Dives. Immerse yourself in the deep blue sea. NOAA is willing to take you there gear and cost free: You can do a series of virtual dives through National Marine Sanctuaries, whether you want to peace out to the waters around American Samoa (don’t miss Big Momma), the Florida Keys (have a look at the Aquarius Reef Base research center) or any of several spots in between. FREE. https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/vr/

Street Art Tours. If you’ve ever turned a city corner to be stopped in your tracks by the Technicolor explosion of a mural, you know the impact of street art. You can explore the world’s best graffiti, from Buenos Aires to Bombay, in Google’s impressive Street Art collection. See dozens of collections of the world's street art including giant abstractions that transform no-nonsense industrial buildings in Moscow, portraits in the arrondissements of Paris, and in Berlin, relive the fall of the wall through its iconic graffiti. FREE. https://streetart.withgoogle.com/en/online-exhibitions

Northern Lights. The traditional version of Northern Lights chasing includes piling on layers of clothing, waddling into a gorgeous but bone chilling expanse, waiting, running inside to warm up and repeating this dance hoping that you don't miss your chance. One advantage of watching from home, which you can do thanks to Manitoba’s Churchill Northern Studies Center, is that you cut straight to nature’s most amazing light show. As luck would have it, late winter into early spring (i.e., now) happens to be among the best times to tune in. FREE. https://explore.org/livecams/aurora-borealis-northern-lights/northern-lights-cam

The Great Wall of China. Of the Great Wall's 4,000 total miles, 3,000 or so are walkable. Visit this New Wonder of the World virtually and start doing reconnaissance for your own trek without wearing out the tread on your gym shoes. FREE. https://www.thechinaguide.com/destination/great-wall-of-china

Zoos and Aquariums

Smithsonian National Zoo Webcams. Aquariums and zoos across the country are live streaming their animals, so you can see what they're up to. Smithsonian's National Zoo has webcams of naked mole-rats, lions, giant pandas, and elephants. While the webcams will remain online, the animals might not be visible because volunteers won't be operating the webcams. FREE. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams

Cincinnati Zoo's Home Safari Facebook Live. These live videos highlight an animal everyday at 3PM. If you don't have social media, you can access the videos on the zoo's website. FREE. https://www.facebook.com/events/2915534028492292/?event_time_id=2915534041825624 or http://cincinnatizoo.org/home-safari-resources/

Houston Zoo Webcams. Tune in to the Houston Zoo webcams to see giraffes, gorillas, elephants, chimps, rhinos, and and leafcutter ants. FREE. https://www.houstonzoo.org/explore/webcams/

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Webcams. Through 10 webcams, you can virtually visit sea otters, moon jellies, sharks, penguins and other see creatures. FREE. https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams

The National Aquarium Webcam. Tune into the National Aquarium's Blacktip Reef, Jellies Invasion and Pacific Coral Reef livestreams and enjoy a piece of the Aquarium from home. Cameras are only live streaming during business hours. After hours you can enjoy a previously recorded live stream segment. FREE. https://www.aqua.org/Experience/live#pcr

San Diego Zoo Webcams. The country’s most-visited zoo, with more than 3,500 animals in residence, was a pioneer in the world of open-air habitats and remains a leader in conservation science. You can catch a number of the most beloved inhabitants on live streams. Your virtual visit even has an edge over real life: Though mega-celebs Bai Yun Xiao Liwu were repatriated last year, you'll still find great archival footage of them on the Panda Cam. FREE. https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams

Safari Live. SafariLive comes very close to the experience and thrill of going on a safari. Track lions, leopards and hyenas as you make your way around herds of wildebeest and elephants, all while expert rangers school you on what you're seeing. Great inspiration to book your next safari, when we are all out of our social isolation, of course. https://www.facebook.com/WildEarthLIVE/ or https://www.facebook.com/WildEarthLIVE/videos/904091053345547/

Musical Performances

Cris Jacobs. Baltimore’s own rock-and-roll legend has started performing regular at-home solo sessions, performing old favorites as well as songs from his latest record, Color Where You Are, with a portion of tips donated to a new charity every week. FREE, tips welcomed. Tuesdays at 8PM. Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/crisjacobsmusic/. Virtual tip jar: https://www.paypal.me/crisjacobs1, Venmo @cris-Jacobs-1

Baltimore Choral Arts Society presents Music with the Maestro. Spend your Thursday happy hour with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society with at-home performances like Mahler's 8th Symphony and interviews with fellow orchestra leaders like maestro Marion Alsop of the BSO. FREE. Thursdays at 5:45PM. Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/baltimorechoralarts/

Rachel Ann Morgan Band. Spend your weekend with this singer-songwriter and her rock fusion band who will be performing acoustic happy hour sets of original tunes and fan-favorite cover songs. FREE, tips welcomed. Saturdays at 4PM. Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/RachelAnnMorganMusic/ Virtual tip jar: https://www.paypal.me/rachelannmorgan

The Metropolitan Opera. The Metropolitan Opera is streaming encore performances from the past 14 years on its website until the end of their closure. All of the “Nightly Met Opera Streams” will begin at 7:30 PM. Each performance is available for a period of 23 hours, from 7:30 p.m. EDT until 6:30 p.m. the following day. Access the performance by clicking on the link on the homepage, or through the Met Opera on Demand apps. FREE. https://www.metopera.org/

BroadwayHD. BroadwayHD, a streaming service for theater fans started in 2015, has long been bringing Broadway performances to people’s living rooms. On the platform, subscribers will find a combination of acquired performances including performances of Cats, The King and I, and Sound of Music, along with originals the platform filmed including performances of Kinky Boots and 42nd Street, from Broadway, The West End, and other elite venues around the world. The platform is currently offering a free seven-day trial, along with a wildly affordable $8.99 monthly plan. So go ahead and watch as many times as you want. You can even sing along if you please because you’re in your own house, who’s going to complain? $8.99/month or $99.99/year after the 7 day FREE trial. https://www.broadwayhd.com/

Digital Stage from The Kennedy Center. Watch extraordinary performances from the Kennedy Center's stages and beyond. They'll feature original works, new clips, and the best of their vast archive which you can also explore on your own. FREE. https://www.kennedy-center.org/digitalstage/

Berlin Philharmonic. The legendary Berlin Philharmonic is essentially playing house concerts with no door charge. Redeem the voucher code BERLINPHIL and receive free access to all concerts and films. FREE. https://www.digitalconcerthall.com/en/live

Vienna State Opera. One of the world's great opera houses, the Wiener Staatsoper, is now streaming not only operas, but also ballets. They're previously recorded, of course, but to keep the experience as authentic as possible, the lineup even mimics the original 2020 schedule. After registration on their website, the subscription can be booked free of charge until further notice. FREE. https://www.staatsoperlive.com/. Additional information found here: https://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/en/staatsoper/news/detail/news/the-wiener-staatsoper-is-closed-but-continues-to-play-daily-online/

Sydney Opera House. Now is your chance to take a peek inside the Sydney Opera House. Accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, cellist Benjamin Schwartz and soprano Nicole Car, you'll wander through a day in the life of the site, from early morning, before the performers arrive, to stolen moments between acts. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hunddVoMjo

Educational Resources and Entertainment for Kids

Scholastic Education Courses. To help millions of students whose schools have closed continue to learn, Scholastic is offering free day-by-day projects. According to its website, “Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers.” The educational projects are categorized by grade levels, which range from pre-k and kindergarten to grades 6 plus. FREE. https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html

Coloring Pages. Baltimore artist Landry Randriamandroso has announced that he will be posting coloring pages for kids and adults on his Facebook page. FREE. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012200018757

Science at Home. These science experiments, brought to you by the Maryland Science Center, will keep kids' minds learning and engaged. FREE. https://www.mdsci.org/learn/resources/science-at-home/

American Visionary Arts Museum Educational Resources. AVAM offers art workshops at the museum year-round that complement their collection and exhibitions. With these videos, they are coming to YOU with how to's of art projects you can do right at home with everyday household items. Enjoy, and have fun! FREE. http://www.avam.org/for-educators-and-educatees/educational-resources.shtml

Baltmore Museum of Industry. Museums offer a rich learning experience which doesn’t have to stop when you’re at home. Keep kids of all ages engaged during this break from school with these FREE activities designed and collected by the education staff at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Check back regularly for new activities that explore local industry which we hope will inspire the inventors and innovators of tomorrow. FREE. https://www.thebmi.org/visit/visit-from-home/

Mother Goose on the Loose. This exciting fun-filled story time uses rhymes, songs, puppets, musical instruments and more to stimulate the learning process of babies and toddlers. Mr. Cork is presenting his interactive story time via his Facebook page. He goes live every day at 10:30AM with a new story and at 4:30PM with a dance party! FREE (tips accepted via Venmo and Paypal). https://www.facebook.com/sprocketlearning/

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is dedicated to teaching students about the history and culture of the Chesapeake Bay’s communities and environment. Scroll down this home page to the Classroom Resources section for links to lessons and videos that you can introduce to children who are home from school. FREE. http://cbmm.org/learn/school-programs/

The Museum, Arts and Culture Access Consortium. The Museum, Arts and Culture Access Consortium has created a webpage to provide access to many at home learning resources from some of New York City's cultural institutions. Check back often. More content connections are being added everyday! FREE. https://macaccess.org/home-new/at-home-activities/

Wilkening Consulting. A Seattle based parent and museum consultant has compiled a list of museums with online lesson plans and learning. Check back often for updates and additional links. FREE. http://www.wilkeningconsulting.com/parental-resources.html

Neil Gaiman Reads. English author, Neil Gaiman, is known for writing a vast array of books from graphic novels to children’s books, from short stories to collaborations with the late-great Terry Pratchett. Readers may also know Neil Gaiman for his soothing voice when he reads the likes of Lewis Carroll’s The Jabberwocky in no other than a tulgey wood for a charitable cause. Gaiman has shared free online readings of his works The Graveyard Book and Coraline. Head to his Mouse Circus website for younger readers to listen. FREE. http://www.mousecircus.com/videos/

Goodnight with Dolly. Beginning April 2nd, everyone’s favorite Book Lady, Dolly Parton, is bringing children and families everywhere just what they need during a time of unrest. Goodnight with Dolly is a 10-week special series of weekly videos featuring Dolly reading select Imagination Library books. It is the hope that this gift will further inspire a love of books and shared storytime during this important period. Dolly hopes this series of stories will provide comfort and reassurance to coping kids and families during the shelter-in-place mandates. There are also links for activity sheets on the site. FREE. https://imaginationlibrary.com/goodnight-with-dolly/

ZUMBA & More with Alondra. Zumba and exercises for kids and teens with Alondra through Facebook Live! A unique way of exercising through dance and movement. Say goodbye to stress and have fun! Tip your instructor via Venmo: @alondraGrisel-Flores. FREE. Tuesdays at 6PM. https://www.creativealliance.org/events/2020/zumba-more-alondra or https://www.facebook.com/Creativealliance/

Exercise Classes and Videos

Barry's Bootcamp. Can't get to the gym? Barry's, a gym in NYC, will be streaming a band workout at least once a day on its Instagram. FREE. https://www.instagram.com/barrys/channel/

Planet Fitness. Planet Fitness will stream at-home workouts on its Facebook Live every day starting at 7PM. The classes will be led by Planet Fitness trainers and special guests like 'The Biggest Loser' coach Erica Lugo and Jerry O'Connell. The workouts are available to everyone, including non-members. FREE. https://www.facebook.com/planetfitness/

YMCA Exercise Videos. During this time of uncertainty, the Y is here for you. The Y continues to be your support for health and wellbeing, wherever you are. Regular exercise is one component of a healthy lifestyle that can help reduce stress and prevent illness. The Y is offering a variety of at-home exercise options called YMCA 360. You can take group exercise classes for all ages right in your own home at no charge for a limited time! Find some of your favorite classes by browsing videos. https://ymca360.org/

Virtual Marine Biology Camp. During the school shutdowns, Oceans Initiative decided to launch this (very) informal, impromptu, Virtual Marine Biology Camp. They thought it would be fun to be able to hang out online and talk about whales and dolphins and other marine life. They are streaming live on Mondays and Thursdays at 11AM PDT, which is 2PM Eastern, on both Facebook and Instagram. If you miss an episode, you can watch the videos at the link provided. FREE. Mondays & Thursdays at 2PM. Live streaming here: https://www.facebook.com/OceansInitiative/

or https://www.instagram.com/oceansinitiative/?hl=en. Watch videos later here: http://oceansinitiative.org/virtual-marine-biology-camp/

Kore Bootcamps. Virtual Bootcamp! Keep fit while social distancing. $50, first month only. https://korebootcamps.com/

Live Online Yoga Classes. FREE classes provided by some of your favorite LOVE Evolution Studio teachers! LOVE Evolution, in support of the #flattenthecurve mission, is providing yoga to the people - ALL the people. Join the Facebook group and create an account with Love Evolution to access the online classes. Classes are offered at various times through the day. Everyone in the group must have a signed waiver to participate. Create an account and accept/acknowledge our waiver at https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/LoginLaunch?studioid=771375 before requesting access to the Facebook group. Be sure to use the website NOT the app. FREE. Facebook Private Group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LESclasses/. Love Evolution's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/loveevolutionstudio/

Yoga Live! Movement as a Self Love Language. While you can’t head to Creative Alliance, that doesn't mean you can't continue monthly yoga sessions! Grace Marshall will be on Facebook Live Saturday mornings providing all with her Yoga: Movement as a Self Love Language workshop! This yoga class contains a plethora of movement styles for you to experiment with and incorporate into your own routine at home. Work with the natural rhythms of your body and learn breathing techniques to increase the mind and body connection. Visit this Facebook event on Saturday to join in Live! Tip your instructor via Venmo: @gracemarshmallow. FREE. https://www.creativealliance.org/events/2020/yoga-movement-self-love-language-2

ZUMBA & More with Alondra. Zumba and exercises for adults with Alondra through Facebook Live! A unique way of exercising through dance and movement. Say goodbye to stress and have fun! Tip your instructor via Venmo: @alondraGrisel-Flores. FREE. Saturdays at 6PM. https://www.creativealliance.org/events/2020/zumba-more-alondra or https://www.facebook.com/Creativealliance/

Cooking Classes and Videos

Baltimore Chef Shop. The “recipes and tips” section of Baltimore Chef Shop has instructions and videos for some fun and kid friendly recipes. FREE. https://www.baltimorechefshop.com/recipes

Great Italian Cooking Lessons With Massimo Bottura. On MasterClass, the subscription site that taps into the expertise of top names in a variety of fields, from the arts to business, you can learn the secrets of contemporary Italian cuisine with the maestro himself, Massimo Bottura, whose three-Michelin-star Osteria Francescana twice took top place at the World's 50 Best Restaurants Awards. The course, called Massimo Bottura Teaches Modern Italian Cooking, covers a lot of ground, from learning how to make Mediterranean-style sole to a “better than panettone” souffle. $90. https://www.masterclass.com/ You can also find Bottura cooking lessons for free with the recently launched “Kitchen Quarantine” series on his Instagram site, where the famous chef shows what he’s cooking at home during the pandemic. https://www.instagram.com/massimobottura/channel/?hl=en

How To Make Carbonara With Michael White. Chef Michael White of Marea, Morini, and Ai Fiori knows carbonara. He talks through what al dente means, how to cook spaghetti perfectly al dente, whether you should use guanciale, bacon, or pancetta, and whether it’s ever appropriate to throw your spaghetti against the wall. The real secret, though, is copious amounts of pecorino and parmesan cheese. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-IDUHH0_ow

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