Plan a Day of Learning Fun and Play at Port Discovery Children’s Museum @portdiscovery in Baltimore, MD

Plan a Day of Learning Fun and Play at Port Discovery Children's Museum @portdiscovery in Baltimore, MD | Visit Recap by SobeSavvy.com

Looking for a place for your kids to learn and play when visiting Baltimore, MD? Port Discovery Children’s Museum, located just steps away from the Inner Harbor/ Downtown Baltimore, is an ideal attraction for your child (up to age 10) to have fun! Our last visit was in 2018 and I added it to my list of Top Family Fun attractions in Baltimore. I learned that Port Discovery went under recent renovations on June 14, 2019 and opened its doors for the public to experience its updated amenities, new exhibits and more! Take a look at how my 7 year old daughter and her cousin of the same age enjoyed their playdate at Port Discovery.

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | Visit Recap July 2019 | SobeSavvy.com

Guest Amenities

* Museum’s Lobby

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -Museum Lobby| SobeSavvy.com

As soon as we walked into the bright and colorful lobby, we felt welcomed and the kids were ready to explore. There was a timeless quote by Mr Rogers on the wall that left a great first impression and reading it was the perfect beginning to our visit.

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -Mr Rogers quote| SobeSavvy.com

* Free private lockers

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -free lockers | SobeSavvy.com

Free private lockers were available to store our personal belongings during your visit. This is the perfect place to store kids’ lunch/snacks or backpacks.

Two NEW Exhibits

* The Port

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -The Port| SobeSavvy.com

The Port is a total immersive experience. Ava and her cousin learned about navigation on the bridge, loaded cargo on a conveyor belt and had a chance to catch the cargo up top. It is simply a delightful way for kids to work as a team or solo.

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -The Port| SobeSavvy.com

* Sky Climber

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -SkyClimber| SobeSavvy.com

This new “shoes off” exhibit is a multi-story climbing adventure that ends at a long slide back to the ground level. Children get to utilize their physicality while having a great time!There is even The Overlook area where they played on swings and enjoyed the view from the top.

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -The Overlook| SobeSavvy.com

Interactive Fun

Tiny’s Diner

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -Tiny's Diner | SobeSavvy.com

This make believe diner allowed them to play everything from cashier, cook and waiter. Realistic “meals” can be served with beverages and dessert. Booth and counter service is available. Tips not required!

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -Tiny's Diner| SobeSavvy.com

* Wonders of Water

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -Wonders of Water| SobeSavvy.com

Kids love water and this area shows why. Kids can make a huge “body bubble”, seal up leaky pipes and even use a squeegee to clean the windows. They learned about cause and effect while getting wet at the same time!

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -wonders of water| SobeSavvy.com

Exploration Experiences

* BGE Studio Workshop

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -BGE Studio Workshop| SobeSavvy.com

This arts and crafts area allow kids to express themselves in many ways. Painting and chalk writing are just a few neat activities available here.

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -BGE Studio Workshop| SobeSavvy.com

* Adventure Expeditions

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -Adventure Expeditions| SobeSavvy.com

Travel back in time to learn about ancient Egypt. Inside this exhibit, there are chambers with hidden surprises around every corner. My daughter and niece really thought this exhibit was cool because you could look inside this xray box and discover what lies inside of different items.

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -Adventure Expeditions| SobeSavvy.com

**SobeSavvy Tip: Port Discovery Children’s Museum has a Gift Shop that is filled with educational books, gifts and goodies! You can stop in for cool finds without even paying admission to the museum.

Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore MD | July 2019 Visit Recap -gift shop | SobeSavvy.com

Here are some links to help you as you plan your visit:

https://www.portdiscovery.org/play/exhibits-experiences

https://www.portdiscovery.org/visit/plan-your-visit

https://www.portdiscovery.org/visit/month-port-discovery

Connect with Port Discovery Children’s Museum! ⤵️

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

👀 WATCH MY YOUTUBE VIDEO RECAP OF OUR DAY OF FUN ⤵️

As you can see there is so much learning fun under one roof at Port Discovery. This place allows them to learn, explore and be creative and burn of some steam while using S.T.E.M skills. It is the perfect way to spend a hot, summer day indoor with kids!

Fun awaits behind those doors…what are you waiting for?!?!

Have you seen the 🆕️ exhibits at Port Discovery Children’s Museum?

PORT DISCOVERY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

35 Market Pl

Baltimore, MD 21202

5 Reasons You Go To #SundayBrunch at @PhillipsSeafood in Baltimore MD AGAIN & AGAIN!

All You Can Eat Crabcakes on a #SundayBrunch Menu …..
Where can you find that at? 🤷🏽‍♀️🤔
Phillips Seafood – Baltimore!

Every Sunday, 10 am-2pm
Adult #brunch buffet (includes Bottomless Bloody Mary Bar) cost is $35.99 and $14.99 for kids 5-10 years of age. Kids four years and under eat for FREE!

The variety of food: CARVING STATION | RAW BAR | HOT BAR BUFFET | OMELET STATION & so much more was amazing plus the service was great! Here are my 5 Reasons You Should Go To Sunday Brunch at Phillips Seafood in Baltimore, Maryland AGAIN & AGAIN!

1.GREAT VALUE, GREAT PRICE

Get ready to feast with Phillips Seafood’s new all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch buffet which started on Sunday, November 11, 2018. Adult brunch buffet cost is $35.99 and $14.99 for kids 5-10 years of age. Kids four years and under eat for free. Available every Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

2. A VARIETY OF MENU ITEMS ON THE ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET

From made-to-order omelets and classic breakfast favorites such as bourbon french toast and waffles, to fresh griddled crab cakes and carved prime rib, to their extensive raw bar featuring freshly shucked oysters, crab claws and peel-and-eat-shrimp, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. They also have all the classic breakfast sides like applewood smoked bacon, sausage, roasted potatoes, biscuits and gravy, plus some special lunch items such as baked salmon, clams, mussels, fried chicken and glazed honey ham. Round out your brunch with selections from the bakery bar with assorted bagels & cream cheese, breads, croissants, danishes, muffins and cereal.

3. BOTTOMLESS BLOODY MARY BAR

The Bottomless Bloody Mary bar is fully stocked and ready to give your morning a bit of a kick! Choose a Traditional or Spicy Bloody Mary base, then add in your favorite condiments to build your perfect drink – they’ve got olives, pickles and veggies, plus pepperoncini, pepper jack cheese, pepperoni and bacon. Finish it all off with a stalk of celery and keep ‘em coming! A big fan of the bubbles? Order up a Mimosa in classic orange, cranberry, grapefruit or pomegranate for $6 each. Sangria is available for $4. Juice, coffee, and tea are free.

4. RENOWNED CRABCAKES + SEAFOOD GALORE

“Sunday brunch is the perfect time to indulge and treat yourself to something special, and our kitchen team has developed a menu that really delivers,” Steve Phillips, CEO of Phillips said. From its roots on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay to its worldwide seafood processing plants, Phillips Seafood is anchored in tradition and remains family owned and operated by the Phillips family. Renowned for award-winning crab cakes and an unwavering dedication to quality, Phillips Seafood has served millions of families, vacationers and seafood lovers since 1956. Being a seafood lover, I was quite pleased with the fresh variety on the raw bar as well as the steamed mussels and especially the handmade,cooked to order, griddled crabcakes! Full traditional à la carte lunch menu also available. Read my family dining lunch review of Phillips Seafood>here

5. CONVENIENT LOCATION

Within the world famous Inner Harbor, Baltimore’s premiere dining and entertainment destination, Phillips Seafood Restaurant is located at 601 East Pratt Street. You can find street parking, or park at Pier V garage parking for a discount for dining at Phillips. Nearby are lots of family fun attractions to enjoy. Need some ideas? Check out my Top Sunday Funday Activities To Do in Baltimore MD. Phillips is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.phillipsseafood.com. Questions? Give them a call at 410-685-6600.

👀WATCH my YouTube video for a tour of Phillips Seafood Baltimore Sunday Brunch.

Phillips Seafood Restaurant

601 E Pratt St.

Baltimore, MD 21202

410.685.6600

http://www.phillipsseafood.com

TRAVEL | Where to Stay in Baltimore MD – Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott @BWI_Airport @FairfieldHotels

Flying or driving to the Baltimore/Washington Dc area and seeking an affordable modern hotel? Well seek no more. The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot BWI is the answer. This budget conscious property does not lack style or substance for a wallet friendly price. Whether just for one night pre or post flight or for a full blown vacation base camp, this property should be on your lodging short list. Let me share some reasons for you and your family to choose Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott BWI.

Location is Everything

This hotel is a short distance from the two major city centers.  It is right off of the B/W Pkwy-295. They also have a airport/train station shuttle that can take you anywhere within a 3 mile radius. There are a multitude restaurants and eateries close by. The MARC train runs between Baltimore and Washington and the Baltimore Light Rail takes you right into downtown Baltimore. This region offers visitors two major cities in one region. 

 

Wake Up to a wonderful Breakfast

There’s nothing worse than waking up in a hotel and having to figure out where to go for breakfast. Guests here do not have that problem. Just take the elevator to the lobby floor and voila. A hot breakfast awaits with some great coffee and tea to boot. Waffles, bacon, turkey sausage is on deck. Yogurt, granola, oatmeal, fruit and cereals can be had also. This just makes mornings better at FairField Inn & Suites.  

 

Stay Fit During Your Stay

 This hotel had an indoor pool and  spotless fitness center with new equipment for a quick run or weight training.

Modern Lobby

We were pleasantly surprised by how attractive the lobby and business center were designed. A few nods to Maryland crab culture always made us native Baltimoreans smile. Two full terminals with printers were available with office supplies. Two big flight status boards were also present. This would be priceless as it would avoid going to the airport only to find out your flight is delayed or canceled.

COMFORTABLE ROOMS

Our room was a king studio. It was a spacious open design. A microwave, mini fridge and coffee maker were all in suite. This was the only studio room I had ever stayed in that had two televisions ! Our girl stayed on the comfy sofa bed while the parents had the king. Perfect set up ! We all had a great nights sleep.

Make the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott BWI your lodging choice the next time you visit the area.

**Want to see more of what’s in store? Here is an inside look and brief tour, courtesy of my daughter #outandaboutAva!

WATCH: https://youtu.be/qk3MEStZ24c

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES by Marriott BWI Airport
1020 Andover Rd.
Linthicum, MD 21090                    Tel: 410-691-1001
http://www.marriott.com/bwiaf

TRAVEL | Top Family #SundayFunday Activities To Do In @BaltimoreMD #MyBmore

Dear Baltimore, I ❤ You. You may be misunderstood sometimes but anyone who has ever visited will discover that you have a whole lot of heart.

Recently, I was there to cover the Chesapeake Crab and Beer Festival and spent a ‘Sunday Funday‘ in the heart of Charm City at The Inner Harbor/Downtown Baltimore. It is a one stop place for family fun and a great city to travel this summer. Growing up here always makes it so surreal to return with my daughter and its beautiful to see her learn more about the city where her Mom and Dad where born.

Today, I am sharing my Top Family Sunday Funday Activities To Do In Baltimore,MD ! I am grateful to Visit Baltimore who provided passes to these attractions which allowed for me to review the experiences to be shared with you. Special thanks to BRIO Tuscan Grille for hosting my #HeighPartyof3. Hope you are inspired to visit this family friendly city soon! ❤

1. MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER

We started our Sunday Funday skipping up the steps of the Maryland Science Center yelling, “Let’s Science!” Science is fun,factual and actual! If you agree, then check out the Maryland Science Center where there are so many cool things to do,learn and see! This attraction is known for its major exhibits that focus on dinosaurs, earth science,the human body and space exploration. With three floors of hands-on exhibits, the Davis Planetarium and IMAX Theater, families really could spend a whole day here.

2. INNER HARBOR

One of my fondest memories growing up in BMORE is strolling and hanging out at the Inner Harbor. Now I get to do it with my daughter and show her the beauty of Baltimore’s waterfront. The Inner Harbor is the heart of downtown and many of the top attractions, as well as hotels and restaurants, are located here.

3. SUNDAY BRUNCH AT BRIO

Baltimore was voted America’s Hottest Food Cities on the Coast and has so many great dining options. We chose to experience the flavor of tuscany at a restaurant conveniently across the street from the Inner Harbor. Page 66 of the Visit Baltimore Summer-Fall 2018 guide led us to BRIO tuscan grille. It’s a delicious family-friendly restaurant that offers weekend brunch,lunch & dinner. We started off with two refreshing Brunch Beverages: White Peach Sangria & Italian Mule and for Starters: Bruschetta Sampler. I absolutley loved the presentation of the sampler as well as the fresh ingredients used and combination of flavors. My daughter ordered pasta of the kids menu, my husband customized a veggie omelette and I enjoyed a Strawberry and Chicken Salad with Balsamic Vinegarette. Save room for dessert and get the BRIO TRIO. You won’t be disappointed by the food or the great service here!

4. RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! Baltimore

So our daughter has a love/hate relationship with Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Sometimes she is freaked out by the weird displays, other times she finds the unusual items funny. We had a really good time going thru the Mirror Maze as a family and finding our way out to enjoy more of Baltimore. Our daughter left saying “I love Ripley’s now, I’m not afraid anymore. It’s so much fun!”

The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium offers unique fun!

5.PORT DISCOVERY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

My cousin and I are both in our 40’s with young girls under the age of 7. We wanted to meet up at a place where the girls could play and our families could catch up. Port Discovery Children’s Museum, voted one of the ten best childrem’s museum, proved to be a fun spot for us all! Make sure you get your kiddos to see the Dinosaurs Land of Fire and Ice exhibit before it ends on September 9th. Port Discovery is a great place for kids to enjoy interactive exhibits and creative play!

There is really a diverse array of attractions for you to enjoy with family and friends in Baltimore. I would recommend a long weekend up to a week to enjoy Baltimore’s attractions museums, tours and historical sites. The next time you are looking for a city with things to do and places to enjoy a ‘Sunday Funday’, consider planning a vacation to Baltimore for the entire family! Read more of my family fun ideas to enjoy this summer in Charm City>>>here and watch this video to see more ways to have fun and explore BALTIMORE!

Have you ever visited Baltimore? What was your favorite family friendly attraction?

Enjoy Holiday Shopping, Food & Fun thru Dec 24th @BmoreChristmas @BaltimoreMd #BmoreChristmas

Christmas Village in Baltimore | SobeSavvy.com

Are you ready to shop, dine and be entertained this holiday season? If you are local or have plans to Visit Baltimore, make sure to go to Christmas Village in Baltimore for an experience you will never forget! Celebrating its 5th Anniversary Season, this Authentic German Christmas Market is open now thru December 24, 2017. I went with my husband and our daughter on opening day (Nov. 23 Thanksgiving) and we had so much fun at the Christmas Village, located at the Inner Harbor/West Shore Park. (Between the Maryland Science Center and Visitors Center.) 

You’ll find places to explore both outside and inside at the Christmas Village which has over 50 vendors where you can shop from a truly distinct selection from hard to find international items to seasonal and holiday gifts. We picked up some wooden ornaments from Myroslava Creations for a $1 that our little one can not wait to hang from our tree!

Christmas Village in Baltimore | SHOP for the Holidays

This festival features all things that Germans find dear about celebrating the holidays the German way.  And if you work up an appetite while shopping, you can nosh on Bratwurst, Schnitzel, Gluhwein and more! A hot chocolate with deluxe toppings of whipped cream/ marshmallows served in a collectors mug is a must have for everyone to take home. On weekdays they have wine tastings with Boordy Vineyards and  a “Ho Ho Ho Happy hour” where you can hang out for drinks and snacks with your friends and catch live performances daily!

Christmas Village in Baltimore | FOOD – Enjoy European Specialities & Beverages

In addition to daily live entertainment on the event stage, Christmas Village in Baltimore has a weekend line up of events. SobeSavvy Tip: Admission is free weekdays and this 1st weekend! Today for the opening weekend, you can meet the original German Christkind. Since I knew we would miss it, we took advantage of the fun photo op to turn into the German equivalent to the American children’s Santa Claus. She represents the spirit of Christmas in Germany and will be at the opening ceremony on Saturday, November 25, 2017. 

Christmas Village in Baltimore | FUN for everyone!

So grab the entire family and go experience the German way of celebrating the holidays. See for yourself why this has quickly become a Baltimore favorite. Go to WWW.BALTIMORE-CHRISTMAS.COM for more information. Fröhliche Weihnachten….which means Merry Christmas in German! 

Check out my video photo recap >>> here and make plans to visit this authentic German Christmas market for an experience you will never forget!

Christmas Village in Baltimore

501 Light St

Baltimore, MD 21230

Top 6 #FamilyFun Activities to do this Summer in #Baltimore | #FamilyTravel #VisitBaltimore #MyBmore

Today on the blog, I am sharing #MYBmore TOP 6 Family Fun activities everyone should add to their child’s Summer Break list of things to do in Baltimore! This past weekend my #HeighPartyof3 drove the easy 5 hr ride to Downtown Harbor East and stayed at one of our favorite hotels, Hyatt Place. One of the reasons I was there was to cover the 4th Annual Chesapeake Crab and Beer Festival (be sure to check out my photo recap>>>here) but to also take #outandaboutAva to some museums and attractions in Baltimore. Here is my list of TOP 6 Family Fun Activites :

  1. See an Orioles Basesball Game -Orioles Park at CAMDEN YARDSA summertime visit to Baltimore would not be complete without a visit to the undisputed best ballpark in the nation! Oriole Park at Camden Yards is celebrating their 25th anniversary. We joined others to take in a game on an absolute beautiful evening. It was my little one’s very first MLB game and she loved it. Camden Yards is designed where there is not a bad seat in the house. She was also able to get up and close to the field pre game to watch the players stretch and interact with their fans. A night to remember for all.
  2. Learn and Play at Port Discovery Childrens MuseumBaltimore’s Port Discovery Children’s Museum is an expansive building dedicated to kids. They play and learn. Sometimes at the same time. This place has so many things to do, it can fill up an entire afternoon. From a faux diner called Tiny’s where the little ones can serve you lunch items {albeit plastic of course} to jungle gyms and a whole area dedicated to solving the mystery of what happened to a missing family, this place is amazing. My daughter enjoyed the Oasis room where she could sit quietly and read.There is plenty of hands on exhibits and interactive areas that the kids will simply love. A must stop for any families visiting with children. When you arrive grab your map at the front desk, arms in and let fun begin!
  3. Eat,Drink and Be Royal at MEDIEVAL TIMES Dinner & TournamentGo back in time to King Arthur’s day and visit the Medieval Times castle for a Dinner and Show you will never forget!  This attraction is not in Downtown Baltimore, but in Arundel Mills Mall (aprox 30 mins away by car).  Along with a medieval dinner (that you eat with your hands only),…we enjoyed entertainment like jousting,horse dancing and a real Falcon soaring above our heads to do a stunt!  This is all entertwined with a storyline the narrator explains.Medieval Times is great place to take someone who proclaims that they have seen it all. A mix between a Broadway show and Polo…Nothing compares to this experience. My daughter and her Grandma truly enjoyed their ‘Knight’ out! 
  4. Take a Joy Ride thru History at B&O RAILROAD MUSEUMDid you know that Baltimore is the home for modern commercial Railroading? The B&O railroad, which operated from 1828 to 1987, had many people skeptical {and scared} of this “new” technology. That didn’t last long as the B&O proved sucesseful in (per it’s motto)”Linking 13 Great States with the Nation”. We learned all about the rich history at the B&0 Railroad Museum while enjoying the impressive collection of vintage trains. We even took an actual 1.5 mile ride on an original section of the line! The museum does an excellent job telling the story of the railroad, which mirrors the story of America itself. Children can enjoy a hunt to collect stamps at stations throughout the museum in a little passport booklet which they turn in at the end for a free present at the gift shop! They also have a kid play area and rides outside which makes this a fun informative museum the entire family will love. I made a YouTube video full of highlights from our visit. Watch it here and Enjoy! SobeSavvy Tip: Check out this special circus themed event ‘Under The Big Top’ happening Now thru June 30 For more info visit www.borail.org.             

5. Take a cruise aboard the ‘Fearless’ and become a pirate for the day with URBAN PIRATES 

A day at the world famous Inner Harbor demands that one gets out on the water. We chose to take a trip back in time with a company called “Urban Pirates”. Based out of the Ann Street Pier in the Fells Point area, Urban Pirates takes visitors on a 90 min trip around the Harbor on a vintage looking ..well pirate ship. We didn’t know what to expect when we boarded along with other families. We were given official pirate names with tags and some pirate attire to wear for our voyage. https://www.instagram.com/p/BVu67NbBU55/ 

Once out on the open water, the crew did a great job of entertaining all of us (and especially the kids) with songs, dances and all sorts of seafaring games. We even had an attempted sea hijack that we all thwarted with their water cannons! I don’t want to give away too much but let’s just say be prepared for a great experience unlike any other.

6. Discover close to 20,000 animals at NATIONAL AQUARIUM The National Aquarium with its unique spiral floor plan, it’s huge rain forest in the rooftop, the diverse species of fish plus sharks and dolphins make it THE aquarium to visit. We chose to go early on Sunday morning and it paid off for being less crowded since this is Baltimore’s most popular attraction. 

The close encounters of being able to touch horseshoe crabs and a real moon jellyfish in the Living Seashore exhibit made the experience that much more real. This aquarium is a crown jewel for both kids and adults alike and we always look forward to learning something new with each visit.

Now that you know “Where to Play” your next visit to Charm City, be sure to check back here on Friday when I’ll be sharing “Where to Eat” and “Where to Stay” in Baltimore. Also check out www.baltimore.org for any information you need to plan your trip.

Check out my fun photo video recap of these listed attractions : https://youtu.be/8lWvmmN9LRs

#FoodieFriday spotlight on #Brunch in #Baltimore at @Bar_Clavel ! #CLAVEL #mezcaleria #taqueria

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As food days goes, some days during the week are for happy hour, others call for a long dinner but Sunday is THE day for brunch. When we got the brunch itch last Sunday in Baltimore we wanted to try something different, something new. We opted for a mexican brunch. Mexican brunch you say ? Si, Mexico has a very rich Desayuno {breakfast} tradition. Most Americans are not familiar with TRUE Mexican breakfast. I now know where to send them ..Go to Clavel mezcaleria and taqueria . They are located in the Remington neighborhood in Baltimore.

Every Sunday between 10am -2:30pm they offer their special brunch menu.

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This restaurant is set in a simple space with outdoor communal seating available for those wanting to eat al fresco.

The star here is the food and the people who create and serve it. Awesome vibe of friendliness and warmth permeated our entire experience there. We opted to sit outside on such a beautiful morning and tried a few dishes and drinks.

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Executive chef and Clavel partner Carlos Raba grew up in capital of Sinaloa, Culiacan. He is passionate about serving up these classic dishes. He told us these recipes have their foundation in recipes passed down by his great-grandmother and grandmother. Simple and fresh.

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We started with a Mimosa and a Sangre De Kahlo. The word “Clavel” means carnation in Spanish ,so naturally the Sangre De Kahlo is topped with one !!

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This is the Buenas Dias, which is a trifecta of fresh fruit, housemade Conchita Bread and a small carafe of juice. The bread disappeared in a few minutes courtesy of my daughter !! It had a semi sweetened crust on the outside but soft on the inside. Usually good bread bodes well for the rest of a meal and I am happy to report this was accurate in this case.

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Next, we enjoyed ‘Volcan De Cochinita’, which is served warm in a cast iron skillet. The picked onion was a great touch to a tasty dish !

Clavel prides itself on using local sources for their food when available. Their eggs are from Little Gunpowder Farms http://littlegunpowderfarm.civicworks.com/, which is a local farm that according to their website ,”providing high-quality vegetables at an affordable price, while prioritizing environmental stewardship of the land.

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The Huevos Rancheros were a delicious dish. Two eggs over Fresh Tostadas W/Salsa Ranchero Crèma and queso fresca. It was mouth watering good with subtle flavors.

This was a fantastic and different take on brunch that we won’t soon forget. We can’t wait to do it all over again next time !

My Fit+ Fitness Festival Recap @harboreast #fitplus #harboreast #zumba #baltimore

Get Out. Work Out. At the 4th Annual Fit+ Outdoor Fitness Festival.

FIT+ is a free festival that brings your workout to the streets of Harbor East. What better way to start a morning than with free fitness instruction from lululemon athletica, Maryland Athletic Club and Under Armour Brand House! 

So I registered via eventbrite and joined my sister and friend last Saturday for a day of fitness and fun . Each session showcased a unique fitness offering – from yoga to boot camp and beyond – perfectly timed so guests can sample multiple disciplines. We all discovered our favorite way to sweat! Take a look at the variety of classes offered :

Schedule:

9AM-9:30AM – THE MAC RUN GROUP

FIT+ kicks off with a run along our beautiful waterfront. Tom Casper and Stephen Penwell from The MAC’s Run Group will be leading an easy 30-minute run to warm everyone up! 

9:40AM-10:10AM – MAC ATTACK

Focus on boot camp-style drills and strength challenges with one of MAC’s top personal trainers, Wayne McFadden. This high-energy session has been a FIT+ favorite year after year!

10:20AM-10:50AM – VINYASA FLOW WITH LULULEMON ATHLETICA

Inspired vinyasa yoga with lululemon athletica – If you’re looking to add a little spice to your typical vinyasa flow, this 30 minute mindful vinyasa yoga practice with Ciara Desmond will leave you feeling strong and open for the summer! Please note this class is BYOM – bring your own mat.  

11:00AM-11:30AM – THE MAC HOSTS ZUMBA

Enjoy this Latin-inspired dance and exercise class that fuses fitness and dance into a fun and exhilarating workout with The MAC’s Tisha Guthrie.

11:40AM-12:10PM – LULULEMON ATHLETICA HOSTS BOOT CAMP

November Project may just be the most social workout you’ve ever experienced. This 30 minute workout combines cardio and body weight exercises with a good amount of what we call “that Recess vibe” (remember when you were 12 and class let out for recess…yeah, that feeling). At November Project we’re all about using community to help us push our limits and having as much fun as possible while doing it. We promise, the workout won’t be easy but you’re going to feel great about it when you’re done. It’s not a boot camp, it’s November Project.

12:20PM-12:50PM – “I WILL” BOXING WITH UNDER ARMOUR BRAND HOUSE

Have fun learning boxing basics with Team USA boxer and 2015 National Champion Franchon Crews. Use your will & skill while bobbing & weaving with an awesome “old school” classic boxing workout.

This was not your average health expo, FIT+ took our exercise routine to the next level with a DJ, health food & drinks from Whole Foods Harbor East, a photo booth, giveaways, and so much more! Proudly supporting the American Heart Association. 

Check out some of my photos from this year’s FIT+ Festival! 

*no more free socks or swag bag but we scored free selfies sticks courtesy of Harbor East !

*w/MAC Zumba Instructor, Tisha Guthrie

#Baltimore ,Feast Your Eyes on FEASTIVAL~Photos of #Feastival4CF @FSBaltimore @CFF_Maryland

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On Saturday, June 11, 2016, SobeSavvy.com joined fellow foodies for an afternoon filled with food and fun at an event called FEASTIVAL – A Food Adventure for a Cure benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Maryland Chapter.

The Waterfront Promenade at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore was the perfect setting for this unique culinary experience. Guests had the chance to feast on delectable bites by Baltimore’s hottest culinary talent, including Harbor East’s newest restaurant, Loch Bar, as well as Wit & Wisdom, Azumi, Colette, Encantada, and many more. Sunshine, blue skies and beautiful waterfront views were also on the menu while sipping stylish cocktails and craft brews! This epicurean adventure was held for a great cause allowing foodies, chefs, mixologists and philanthropists to join in the fight to finding a cure for CF.
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AMBASSADOR KATHARINE SCRIVENER says “Advances continue to be made in finding a cure, but your help is needed now – more than ever – to help keep up the momentum.” The public’s continuing support are needed to help accelerate efforts to pursue a lifelong cure for this fatal disease, develop lifesaving new therapies and help all people with CF live full, productive lives.

See here to make a donation and be sure to follow on Facebook
and Instagram @Feastivalbaltimore @cff_Maryland to stay up to date.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGmCepeCXL3/

Feast your eyes on these photos taken at Feastival ..as seen on the scene by SobeSavvy.com !

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Recap #SpringTravel to @BaltimoreMD for @LightCityBmore

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In February, we visited Charm City to explore the “Romantic Side of Baltimore” (read more here) and learned about the upcoming Light City Baltimore and immediately made family travel plans to return in the Spring. Since we enjoyed our stay at the Hyatt Place Baltimore Inner Harbor East during our last visit, we knew that it would be the perfect location to walk to shops, restaurants and also most of the BGE Light Art Walk during the festival. When we arrived early Friday, we were thankful that staff was able to expedite check in and allow us to lounge in the cafe area until our room was ready. My 4 yr old immediately relaxed on the bed and tuned into her favorite TV show on the flat screen TV.
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After we settled a bit, we visited the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture to learn how to start a Family Tree. Read our interview here with the Resource Center Manager, Lisa Crawley. We then parked our car and decided to explore this walkable city and head over to the HarborPlace, located in the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Along the way we saw some of the Light Walk attractions and other installations by day. My daughter really enjoyed playing music on the oversized instruments and playing in the sound garden found in the Kiddie Light City area.
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We had lunch at Phillips Seafood Baltimore because you can’t visit Baltimore without having some Maryland style seafood! See (here) why this is one of my favorite places to dine. Speaking of favorites, the LUSH Cosmetics store which was also walking distance from our hotel,  has natural skin care and bath & body products great for the entire family. Our room at the Hyatt Place Baltimore Inner Harbor East had a bathtub, so my daughter and I made it a point to go on a little Bath Bombs shopping spree at the LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics store, Harbor East location. Manager Mandee and her staff were very knowledgeable of the products and made it a very pleasant shopping experience. If you have any questions, like/follow them and ask via Facebook page . They are very responsive and provided great customer service both on and offline.
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The Light City Baltimore Festival each night started at 7pm. It was a unique event featuring art, music, and culture -combined to showcase the city of Baltimore via light! On the first night it rained a bit but we were able to enjoy some of it Friday/Saturday. This free, family-friendly event was the nation’s first large-scale, light, music and innovation festival. Be sure to mark your calendars for Light City round two in March 2017! Check out this Visit Baltimore video clip of what to expect : https://youtu.be/K66hToPGvVI

Here are a few pics of what we saw during the evening:
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Another attraction we enjoyed during our stay was the National Aquarium . You can arrange for tickets prior to going with the hotel concierge. Skip the line and just redeem voucher at Will Call…how convenient! If you are looking for family fun during your Baltimore stay, this is a must see place. Check out this video of their stunning jelly fish exhibit: https://www.instagram.com/p/BDtKlqkCXJl/

We ended our short but sweet weekend on a high note by dining at Wit & Wisdom for their Sunday Brunch. It is located in Harbor East as well at the Four Seasons Hotel. We had a wonderful view of the water and it was a delicious experience ! Read our full brunch review here and see why you should treat your tastebuds to a visit to this restaurant your next visit to Baltimore!

All in all, great family memories made during our Spring Break to the Charm City!