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Savor the Summer: Five Things to Do Before the Onset of Fall

August 04, 2009

Summer, much to my sadness, is waning.

 

And I know what you're probably saying to yourself:  Oh, for Pete's sake, Laura, please give this sentimental schlock a rest.  But even you have noticed that the fireflies, night by night, are disappearing, and even you have strolled past-with no small amount of horror-the countless back-to-school displays.  Sure, it's only the first week of August, but in a flicker of lightning, summer will be over, and think of all there will be to miss. 

 

Hurry, before school starts, before everything gets cold and structured and crazy, and take advantage of all that summer has to offer.

 

Here-sniffle-are five fun suggestions.

 

(And stop rolling your eyes at me.  Can I help it that I'm a sentimental fool?)

 

Take a dinnertime boat ride!

At Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, you can, for $35 a family, enjoy dinner and twilight on a pontoon boat.  Don't drag your heels (or your lifevests), though:  There's only one more of these "Friday Floating Feasts" this season, so if you miss the next one, on August 14, you'll have to wait ‘til next season, and that, you know, might make me cry.

 

Camp out in the yard!

You can camp out in the mountains or by the ocean, sure, but if you're short on time but not on outdoor enthusiasm, why not camp out in your own backyard?  Pitch the tent, roast up some wieners, and enjoy the comforts of home in a whole new way.

 

Go to an outdoor concert!

Dance what's left of summer away at the last of Belvedere Square's Friday concerts.  Crowded, yes, but free, family-friendly and festive. 

 

Hit an outdoor movie! 

I know I've pushed the outdoor movie thing before, but seriously, outdoor movies are awesome.  They're also uniquely summertime, so if you don't get on the stick, movie buffs, your next flick's going to be watched at home or in a dank, sticky, burnt popcorn-scented theatre.  Not that there's anything wrong with that (weep)!

 

Catch a falling star!

Or, more accurately, catch a speeding meteor during the Perseids shower on August 12 and 13.  This shower is an annual stargazers' favorite, with an average of 60 meteor sightings per hour, so keep the kids up late and enjoy this celestial summertime spectacle.

 

Long live summertime! 

 Read more...

Stars Beneath the Stars: Five Places to Catch an Outdoor Movie

July 14, 2009

It's outdoor movie season in Baltimore, and neighborhoods and institutions all over town are getting in on the (Lights! Camera!) action.  Whether you're looking for a cinematic adventure for you and the kids, or a date night snuggle--without kids--for you and your partner, you'll find a free outdoor movie that fits the bill.  Here's are five great places to catch some flicks this summer, along with a list of what's playing.  Grab your chairs or blankets, some snacks, and head OUT to the movies!

Films on the Pier  - Broadway Pier in Fells Point
Wednesdays, 8:45 p.m. (In case of rain, movies will be shown on Thursday)
July 15:  Dark Knight
July 22:  Baby Mama
July 29:  Quantum of Solace
August 5:  Twilight
August !2:  Talladega Nights
August 19:  Slum Dog Millionaire

Flicks from the Hill - Federal Hill, beside the American Visionary Art Museum
Thursdays, 9:00 p.m. (In the event of rain, movies will be shown inside the museum)
July 16:  The Time Machine
July 23:  Sleeper
July 30:  Dr. No
August 6:  The King and I
August 13:  Ghostbusters

Little Italy Open Air Film Festival - Intersection of High and Stiles Streets
Fridays, 9:00 p.m. (Some folding chairs are provided)
July 17:  Sleepless in Seattle
July 24:  On the Waterfront
July 31:  Over the Hedge
July 7:  Johnny Stecchino
August 14:  Roman Holiday
August 21:  Under the Tuscan Sun
August 28:  Cinema Paradiso

Main Street Movie Series - Patapsco Masonic Lodge Parking Lot, 2 Trading Place, Dundalk
Saturdays (as noted), 7:30 p.m. (for pre-entertainment); movie begins at dusk
July 18:  Tale of Despereaux
August 1:  Hotel for Dogs
August 29:  Bolt

Clifton Park and Lake Montebello Film Series - Clifton Park, at Clifton Park Band Shell, off St. Lo Drive and at Lake Montebello
Fridays at Dusk (Free food and drinks will be provided!)
July 17: To Kill a Mockingbird (Clifton Park)
July 24:  Cornbread, Earl and Me (Clifton Park)
July 31:  Stormy Weather (Clifton Park)
August 7:  The Kid (Lake Montebello)
August 14:  A Rebel without a Cause (Lake Montebello)  Read more...

Summertime Freebies

June 29, 2009

Perhaps you've heard about these super deals already--and if you have, great, because that means you've had more time to take advantage of the savings--but if you haven't, shoot, then I've got to bring you up-to-date.  You know, as much as we love being outside in the summer, in spite of the withering sun, in spite of the drenching humidity, there are times when an air-conditioned indoor activity really fits the bill.  Times when, say, it's 109 degrees and we've completely run out of ideas.  And while we're all very fond of going bowling and to the movies, it can be tough, particularly in these tight times, to justify spending a bunch of money on entertainment.  Which is why . . . wait for it . . . these deals are so awesome. 

Everybody gets excited about free stuff, right?  Well, if you like bowling or the movies, then these are the deals for you.  First, let's talk about the bowling:

Kids Bowl Free, a program sponsored by AMF Bowling Centers, allows kids to (guess what?) bowl for free all summer!  Don't believe me?  Just register for Kids Bowl Free online and begin enjoying up to two games per day every day this summer.  I know, right!  Plus, when you sign up the kids, you'll have an opportunity to purchase a Family Pass (starting at $23.95) that will allow YOU (and up to three other adults) to bowl up to two games per day, too!  Which, as far as I'm concerned, is an excellent value, because I have a hard time resisting the allure of the pins.  Anyway, can you believe it?  Summertime bowling for free!

And now, let's talk about some movie freebies:

Between now and August 19, you can catch a free kids' movie (or two) any Tuesday or Wednesday morning at Hunt Valley Stadium 12.  You heard me--it's FREE!  Following is this summer's free movie schedule:


06/30/2009-07/01/2009Space Chimps (G)
 Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
07/07/2009-07/08/2009Mr. Bean's Holiday (G)
 Inkheart (PG)
07/14/2009-07/15/2009Horton Hears A Who (G)
 Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)
07/21/2009-07/22/2009Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)
 Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
07/28/2009-07/29/2009Everyone's Hero (G)
 Kung Fu Panda (PG)
08/04/2009-08/05/2009Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)
 Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG)
08/11/2009-08/12/2009Charlotte's Web (G)
 Barnyard (PG)
08/18/2009-08/19/2009Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)
 Monster House (PG)

The G-rated movie starts at 10:00, and the PG one starts just after.  Don't be late!

Don't you just love free stuff?   Read more...

Summer DVD Guide: Five Great Films to Share with Your Family

May 26, 2009

So it's nearly summertime and the blockbusters are coming, but you're too cheap (or, more nicely put, too frugal) to shell out for a new release.  What to do?  Well, with the wide array of great family films available for (relatively inexpensive) home viewing, there's no need to deprive yourself or the kids of a flick.  But perhaps you're overwhelmed, as I often am, by the prospect of selecting a movie that everyone will like.  Which is why I'm here to suggest five of our favorites,  all of which--I think--stand the test of time.
 
Monsters, Inc.
This movie has been enjoying a bit of a second life, thanks to the popularity of the now-running Monsters vs. Aliens, but what makes it a classic is the fact that, as family films go, it's just exceptionally well made.  The premise--that monsters need children's terrified screams to power their city--is clever, and the characters, particularly Sulley (played by John Goodman) and Mike (played by Billy Crystal) are both endearing and enduring.  I love this film.
 
Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit
I've been keen on Wallace and Gromit since long before the kids were born, so I never mind sitting through another viewing of this wonderful film about the quirky inventor and his loyal, perpetually expressive dog.  Parts of the film can be a little scary, especially for the youngest viewers, but nothing more than a quick covering of the eyes is needed to get to the very satisfying conclusion.  Excellent.
 
A Boy Named Charlie Brown
This odd film, first released in 1969, has been in pretty heavy rotation since we got it as a gift several years ago.  The plot, which centers around Charlie Brown's attempts to win a series of increasingly more challenging spelling bees, is riveting enough to sustain an adult's interest without boring even the youngest children.  And the trippy, multi-colored version of the National Anthem will either make you feel patriotic . . . or give you really intense flashbacks.
 
Alice in Wonderland (Disney version, 1951)
And speaking of trippy . . . when's the last time you watched the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland?  This is one of my favorite "classic" Disney films, mostly because I enjoy the soundtrack and the weird, rambling journey that Alice takes.  And the Cheshire Cat . . . what kid doesn't adore the Cheshire Cat?
 
The Sound of Music
One of my husband's many childhood favorites, this is a film that we don't watch often but that everyone in the family enjoys.  Sure, the Nazi scenes are pretty scary--depending on the ages of your children, you may just want to skip over those--but so much of the film is light and happy and airy that there's little reason not to share it with even the littlest child. 
 
What about you?  What will you be watching this summer?  We'd love to hear a few of your picks! 
 Read more...

Let's All Go to Bengies Drive-In!

May 25, 2009

Given Baltimore's affection for Beehives and pink flamingos and cat's eye-shaped glasses, you'd think there'd be more than one drive-in theater in this town.  But, alas, there is only one . . . so luckily for us, it's an awesome one.

 
If you've never been to Bengies, the 53-year-old drive-in on Eastern Boulevard in Essex, then you're really missing out on something special.  Yes, in order to share the experience with your children, you're going to have to keep them up past their bedtime . . . but isn't that the point of going to a drive-in?   The first feature doesn't start until about 8:30 (because it has to be at least a little bit dark), but there's plenty to do before the movie begins.  Bengies has a playground, as well as a fully stocked snack bar where you can find a half-way decent (by kids' standards, anyway) dinner.  Arrive early (the box office usually opens at 6:45 or 7:00), secure your spot, and take advantage of Bengies' many amenities.
 
Bengies is pretty serious--far more serious than most other theaters--about limiting outside food and drink.  In fact, in an effort to discourage patrons from bringing outside stuff in, they charge $7.00 (per car) for an outside food permit.  They're also very strict about the use of cameras; it's best, given their long list of rules regarding cameras, not even to bring them in.  Feel free to bring your pet, though, provided you keep it on a leash, and bring blankets and chairs if you'd like to watch the movie(s) outside of your car.
 
Check Bengies' Web site for a list of upcoming features and for prices, rules and FAQs.  Many of this summer's biggest blockbusters, including flicks for the little ones, will be making their way to Bengies this season.  So stock up on the bug repellent, and we'll see you at the movies! 
 
Bengies Drive-In Theatre - 3417 Eastern Boulevard, Baltimore, 410-687-5627 or 410-391-1956
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Movies on the Cheap: The Glorious Beltway Six

May 18, 2009

As everybody's talking about movies all over Savvy Source this week, I thought I'd take this opportunity to sing the praises of one of my favorite area theatres, the cheap and wonderful Beltway Six.

 
Oh, Beltway Six, how brightly you've made the metaphorical sun shine on the darkest, dreariest, moodiest days.  How you've saved afternoons that seemed utterly lost, how you've made us laugh with engrossing stories of cheeky chihuahuas and plucky penguins.  And while it's true that your features aren't the freshest of fresh, that maybe they've been around for a month or more, they are still, at least to us, new and exciting, and anyway, they haven't yet made it to DVD.  We love that you always have something for the children, even when lots of other theatres don't, and we love that you don't feel the need to be bigger than your britches, with fancy, reclining seats and 17 screens.  No, Beltway Six, what makes you you is your simplicity, your affordability, and goodness!  We haven't even talked about your affordability yet!
 
The last time I went to a "real" theatre, Beltway Six, it cost me upwards of 50 dollars.  50 bucks for two hours in the dark, with popcorn, and I felt so sick about dropping that kind of money that I could enjoy neither the feature nor the fancy, reclining seats.  But with you, everything's different:  your matinees, per person, cost a mere three dollars, while even your primetime features cost three dollars for kids and four bucks for adults.  And your snacks!  Let's talk for a second about your snacks!  Granted, you don't sell hummus or Mai Tais, as do some of your high-end competitors, but who cares?  You've got popcorn and Milk Duds and sodas and gummies, and all at the cheapest snack bar prices in town.  Plus you've got that amazing kids' combo--the popcorn, the Airhead, and the drink--for three dollars and a handful of change.  Your concession prices are so low, Beltway Six, that I'm not reduced to doing anything shameful, like hiding Sno-Caps and bags of microwave popcorn beneath one of my old maternity shirts.
 
So from the kids and me, Beltway Six, here's a thank you.  For giving us inexpensive access to the big screen and for salvaging many a frustrating day.  You rule, and were you not affixed to the ground at 7660 Belair Road, I would totally invite you over for dinner and a movie.  
 
Beltway Six Movies, 7660 Belair Road, Overlea, 410-882-5911
 Read more...

Ten Favorite Posts from Being Savvy Baltimore, 2008

by Laura Stallard Petza

December 30, 2008

Ever had to compile a "best of" list? It's hard, especially when the best-of's you're compiling are pieces of your own writing. Talk about daunting. Anyway, my fellow Savvy Sourcers and I are all mining our archives for ten of our favorite posts from 2008, and here, without further adieu, are mine: 1. Wrap up a Bit of Baltimore 2. Ha-Ha-Ha: Five Books to Make You Laugh 3.  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in baltimore

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy baltimore:
Laura Stallard Petza

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