Now that the weather is warm, what better way to spend time enjoying the outdoorsthan to have a picnic? Greater Annapolis Patch has scoped out the top five placesto enjoy a picnic around our community. 1. Quiet Waters Park: Located off of Hillsmere Drive, Quiet Waters has more than six miles of paved trails and 340 acres of park. Enjoy the scenic viewof the South River and the luscious woods around the park, while buildingup your picnic appetite. The park’s visitor center holds art galleries, public restrooms, and formal gardens. There are six outdoor pavilions, holding 50 or 100 people that …

Moms are the greatest—cooking you hot meals, keeping a clean home, walking thedogs, taking care of you when you’re sick, reminding you that no one has all theanswers, wiping your tears. They do it all. Spend this Mother’s Day saying thanks by choosing an original way to celebrate everything your mom does, and show her how amazing and special she is. 1. Sam’s on the Waterfront: Sam’s on the Waterfront, located at 2020Chesapeake Harbour Dr. East, presents two special brunch items and anarray of dinner choices on its Mother’s Day menu. Choose from Lobster mac and cheese, crispy calamari, Spanish…

Cinco de Mayo is observed in the U.S. to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. Theholiday commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces atthe Battle of Puebla, in 1862. The win put a kink in the plans of Napolean III who wanted to supply American confederate rebels. That in turn gave the U.S. a year to build up its Army. So grab those sombreros and get ready for the national fiesta commemorating our Mexican neighbors. 1. Paladar Latin Kitchen and Rum Bar—Located in the Annapolis Towne Centre, Paladar will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the bar…

Greater Annapolis Patch lists for you some activities you can do around your homeand our community to benefit the environment well beyond Earth Day. 1. Rain Barrels — Rain barrels are easy to install and are extremely recyclable.Using rain barrels not only protect the environment, but saves you moneyand energy, as well. You can use the filtered water collected from your gutter to water plants, wash the car or dog, or top off the swimming pool. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation provides this article showing how to makeyou own rain barrel, breaking down cost, which barrel option works best foryour …

Greater Annapolis Patch perused the menus and reviewed the specials to help you choose the best place to enjoy a holiday meal. 1. Rams Head Roadhouse—Located on Generals Highway, Ramshead Roadhouse is serving an Easter brunch special made for the family. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. choose between ‘Peter Cottontail’s Omelet’ for $8.95 or two soft poached ‘Golden Eggs’ for $9.95. Make reservations at 410-849-8058. 2. The Severn Inn—The Severn Inn, at 1993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., offers an Easter brunch buffet for $29.95 per person. Seating from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Children’s plates cost $18 and …

Passover is a holy time of year, but it's also all about the food. Greater Annapolis Patch has compiled a list of modernized classic recipes to enjoy. Please feel free to try them out, add your own twist and more importantly, share some of your own with other readers.1. Matzo Tomato Lasagna: This tomato lasagna is Sarah Lasry’s take on traditional mamouras, with servingsdependent upon amount of people and desired serving size. Ingredients: 1/2 onion, diced Extra virgin olive oil three tomatoes sliced into thin rounds 8-12 Manischewitz Matzos 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese (mix mozzarella and …

Looking for a way to relax your mind and body? Patch has found the top five spasin our community to provide complete rejuvenation.1. Lotus Therapeutic Massage — 127 Lubrano Drive, Suite 103, promises “a holistic approach to your health,” with its spa services. It offers yoga, massage, body therapy, and mud treatments for only $15. Call 410-573-1565 to make an appointment based around your individual needs. Yoga: 60 to 90 minute sessions, cost from $35-$50, on Tuesday and Thursdays. Massages: 60 minutes to two hours, ranging from $85-$140. Massages packages (of five sessions): Two-hour …

Wondering what to do and where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year? Patchhas found the top 5 places to find the luck of the Irish in our community.1. Rams Head Roadhouse: Beginning at 2 p.m. Rams Head Roadhouse, 1773 Generals Hwy., will have an outdoor tent open until 11 p.m. with no cover charge. Inside there will be food specials from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. And as long as supplies last they will be serving green beer. 2. Fado Irish Pub: Fado, 1 Park Place, Annapolis, has been celebrating St. Patty’s all week, but on Thursday it’ll open at 6 a.m. for Pints and Pancakes. There will be a …

1. Bayside Summer Adventure: Creative Community Resources Inc., 410-266-6132, creativecri@yahoo.com. Campers participate in a variety of outdoor recreational and educational experiences. Activities are planned for pre-school-age children up through older teens. 2. Key School Camp: Summer at Key, www.keyschool.org/summer-at-key/general-information/index.aspx, 534 Hillsmere Dr., Hillsmere. The camp offers activities for camper ages 3 ½ through high school in outdoor recreation, as well as classroom academics. 3. Filmsters Academy: At The Key School, 534 Hillsmere Dr., Hillsmere, 410-263-3023 or…

1. The Napping House by Audrey Wood (Grades K-1). In this cumulative tale, a wakeful flea atop a number of sleeping creatures causes a commotion with just one bite. 2. The Hare and the Tortoise retold and illustrated by Helen Ward (Grades 2-3). Retells the events of the famous race between the boastful hare and the persevering tortoise. Includes a key to the various animals pictured in the illustrations. 3. Mailing May by Michael O. Tunnell (Grades 2-3) In 1914, because her family cannot afford a train ticket to her grandmother’s town, May gets mailed and rides the mail car on the train to …

1. The Clothes Box The Clothes Box is an upscale resale boutique on the Anne Arundel Medical Center campus that has been in business for more than 50 years. The store is staffed almost entirely by volunteers. Much of the clothing is on consignment and all proceeds go to a great cause. Hours: Monday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact: 443-481-5070. 2. a la mode, Annapolis Towne Centre, Suite 115. French for “in the fashion,” a la mode specializes in intimate apparel. A local shop that started in …

Welcome to a new weekly feature on Thursdays called Patch Picks, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more.   You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more. This week Patch helps you find a place to volunteer your time. We've reviewed various nonprofit groups in Greater …

Welcome to a new weekly feature on Thursdays called Patch Picks, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more.   You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more. This week, Patch picks the best places to have a romantic dinner with your someone special. Patch Picks: Valentine’…

Welcome to a new weekly feature on Thursdays called Patch Picks, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more.   You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more. This week, Patch picks the best hangouts to watch the big game on Sunday and celebrate with other fans in Greater …