Highlandtown Train Garden Visit, Baltimore with Babes

Model Sponsors, originally uploaded by pagodabob.

Visiting a train garden around Christmas time is a favorite tradition of mine. I try to see these little models though my daughter's eyes. We take our time discovering the holiday decorations, fake snow, the tiny cars and people, hobos. And if you're lucky, you see the little puffs of smoke that pump out of the engine in unison with a whistle. These displays somehow evoke nostalgic memories and stir up warm feelings of our own past childhoods. I'm happy to help make those memories with my family during this holiday season.

But this is no generic train set up! The Highlandtown Train Garden is full of personality. The engineers made sure to complete it with personal touches from this side of the city. National Lumber, the Guide, Di Pasquales. Even the newly acquired Frank Zappa head sculpture is decked standing proud outside of the SE Anchor Library! This train garden is overflowing with the charm of East Baltimore.

Don't miss out! The schedule can be found here:
http://highlandtowntraingarden.blogspot.com/

more info on the tiny Zappa Head here

Baltimore Life: Barcstoberfest at Patterson Park

This Saturday October 23rd at 11am for the 6th annual BARCStoberfest!

Bring your family and friends (furry or not) out for a walk to benefit pets less fortunate. Last min registration is at 11:00, Strut Your Mutt lines up at 12:00.

And if you like to oogle the silliness of pet costume contests, you are in luck. There will also be food, live music, local arts and crafts vendors, adoptable cats and dogs from BARCS and other rescue groups.


We have to make the most of the these beautiful Autumn days! Come over to southeast Baltimore, enjoy Patterson Park and raise some money for a good cause. We plan on going to the event for our first time this year, I think my 5 year old is going to love this!

Spring Into Art five, Benefit Auction for PPPCS

Tigerlillyshop donated 2 pieces, one copper necklace and one kimono button bracelet, to the Spring Into Art Auction this year that benefits PPPCS. I believe in the future of the Patterson Park Public Charter School and want it to succeed. The school has been a grassroots effort from the surrounding neighborhoods and I am proud that it is a great option for parents choosing to keep their families in the city. Please come out and bid this weekend!

03.20/21.10

A unique art exhibition and sale showcasing local talent and
benefiting Patterson Park Public Charter School

A chance to buy fine art from more than 20 Baltimore area artists and support the
Patterson Park Public Charter School. 40% of all art sale proceeds will be donated to the school.

Opening Night Silent Auction

Saturday, March 20th—6 pm to 12 midnight

VIP Reception—6 pm to 7 pm.

Enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres + cocktails, music, and the opportunity to place the
first bid! Tickets are $35 and include the Opening Celebration + After Party.

Opening Celebration—7 pm to 9:30 pm.

An evening of great art, food, drink + music. Get your auction bid in before 9 pm!
Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100 and include the After Party.

After Party—9:30 pm to 12 midnight.

DJ, chill tunes + cash bar keep the party going!

For ticket information please visit www.pppcs.org.

Open Gallery + Family Art Day

Sunday, March 21st—10 am to 2 pm

Browse + purchase art at this free open gallery. See (and hear) the talents of PPPCS students. Learn more about the arts programs at PPPCS.

Patterson Park Public Charter School

410-558-1230 x396 | www.pppcs.org | 27 N. Lakewood Ave. Baltimore, MD 21224

Baltimore Life: Duckpin Bowling

I drive past this little bowling center every time I head into downtown. This sign with pins and a bowling ball stares back at me on Eastern Ave. every time I drive past it. Well, I recently killed an afternoon there with some friends and was pleasantly surprised to find another living vintage gem on this side of the city!

They say today Patterson Bowling Center is the oldest operating duckpin bowling alley in the nation. And it is right here for all to enjoy in Baltimore!

This game is played a bit differently than traditional tenpin bowling. Duckpins are smaller than regular tenpin bowling pins. Their tiny size goes just perfectly with their corresponding 2-3 lb bowling balls. They are not very heavy, there are no holes in these balls, but are small enough for even young children to handle. The automatic scoring system makes it extra easy for the novice to keep up. And when it's your turn, instead of 2 tries, you get 3. You need 3, because this game is more of a challenge than you think!

Check this place out during their open play hours of some inexpensive entertainment this winter season. It's BYOB and you can have food delivered. Definitely makes for a memorable event full of old school Baltimore charm.

Get Ready for this year’s Great Halloween Lantern Parade

October is here, so in my family, this means we start preparing for our annual lantern parade festivities. Participating in the parade is a family tradition ever since I went (pregnant) that first memorable evening. Watching the lanterns wind through the night in Patterson Park, I knew this event was something I wanted to share with my family year after year. It is truly magical. And we are planning an extra cool lantern this year!

Parade Director Molly Ross, her band of loyal artist-assistants, and volunteers from all over converge this month to make this event happen. If you want to get involved, opportunities abound. Beginning October 11 there are lantern making workshops for children and adults through the Creative Alliance. This year Nana Projects’ stilt walking class for beginners offers a custom pair of stilts for $35.00. (Omg, that sounds fun!)The Parade Studio in Highlandtown hosts open studio time for people tackling larger projects and offers advanced lantern making workshops. 3323 Eastern Ave. Call 443-919-6980 for hrs. & info.All workshops are free, most require registration. Donations are welcome.
If you would like to see this Great Halloween Lantern Parade in all its glory, pencil it in on the calendar. Sat. Oct. 24, 7:30

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day -Ice Skating!

flickr image from sidewalk flying

Swing by the Dominic "Mimi" DiPietro Family Skating Center and Ice Rink at Patterson Park this Friday March 13th from 7-9pm and skate to traditional Irish Music. They are turning the ice green, featuring shamrock punch, cookies, contests and arts and crafts for the kids.
Admission is only $4.00, skate rental is $2.00, now THAT is a deal!

Originally built in 1967 the DiPietro Family Skating Center has become a family tradition in Baltimore. Located at 200 S. Linwood Avenue and Pratt Street, this ice skating venue has become a centerpiece for the local community.Look for the giant shrink wrapped bubble dome by the tennis courts, you can't miss it!