Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
November 21, 2024

Leisure

Leisure is the section where we highlight the intriguing, exciting and all-around fun events and activities happening in Baltimore over the weekend.





FILE PHOTO
Buckle up for more snow in Baltimore with these virtual recommendations.

(Virtual) events this weekend in Baltimore: Feb. 12 — 14

Even though the school will be lifting the current restriction on all gatherings of any size this Thursday, we at The News-Letter ask that our readers be respectful of Baltimore and attend community events virtually this weekend. But being virtual doesn’t mean you can’t have fun — take a look!


COURTESY OF CHRIS H. PARK 
Hoehn’s in Highlandtown offers delightful pastries and doughnuts.

Iconic Highlandtown bakery Hoehn's reopens

Still in a jetlagged daze a week after flying in from Seoul, I got on the outbound bus number 22 at 7 a.m. to get to the mecca of doughnuts — the cruller central. When John F. Kennedy famously declared, “Ich bin ein Berliner” (“I am a jelly doughnut”), he probably was talking about these doughnuts. 


FILE PHOTO
The Enoch Pratt Free Library is hosting a virtual book talk featuring Joy Reid and Sunny Hostin. 

Events in Baltimore this weekend: Feb. 5 — 6

Hopefully everyone had the chance to play in the snow earlier this week, but if you’re suffering from a bit of cabin fever (or are starting to get sick of hanging outside in the cold), here are a few fun activities to spice up your weekend. 


COURTESY OF SABRINA ABRAMS
Toki Tako features ssam, which is leafy lettuce wraps with meat or other filling. 

Toki Tako brings Korean BBQ to the Rotunda

As a half-Korean who rarely consumes Korean food while in Baltimore, I was excited to see Toki Tako opening up in the Rotunda. Whether or not you’re craving Korean food from home, I highly recommend checking it out: Toki Tako’s Korean food is tasty, accessible and fast. 




COURTESY OF MARVIS GUTIERREZ
Gutierrez offers some ideas for students hoping to safely re-engage with their hometowns.

Reconnecting to my hometown during COVID-19

I’m one of the many who returned back to their hometown for the holidays, and due to quarantine restrictions, decided to stay there for the rest of the semester. After staying in Baltimore for the past couple of months, I’ve felt like a stranger in Miami more than ever. 



COURTESY OF LAURA WADSTEN
Wadsten describes her love for Bloody Mary’s, a tasty drink that doubles as a snack.

Winter cocktails from The News-Letter staff

Holiday season is upon us, and I am ready for you, Mariah Carey. While everyone’s holiday plans look different this year, we here at The News-Letter have got you covered! We’re offering our favorite cocktails to enjoy over the next few months, regardless of which holidays you’re celebrating... provided you’re 21+. 


COURTESY OF KATY WILNER
Abrams offers some fun ways students going home for break can spend their last weekend in Baltimore.

Events this weekend in Baltimore (Nov. 20 — 22)

Thanksgiving Break is just around the corner and some students will be going home to their families, many until Intersession begins in January. If this sounds like you, here are some ways you can enjoy your last fall weekend in Charm City (following COVID-19 guidelines, of course).


COURTESY OF HUNTER HARRINGTON
Skillful trivia can beget prizes, such as this $25 gift card from Nepenthe.

Four ways to play trivia from your couch

My newest fascination over the past couple of weeks has been trivia, which is partially related to the fact that I just discovered that Nepenthe Brewing Company has trivia every Wednesday. They are currently taking a hiatus due to increased COVID-19 restrictions in Baltimore City, but my team totally won $25 in bar cash at the most recent rendition. 


COURTESY OF SABRINA ABRAMS

Milk & Honey Market by Vanguard Coffee near Penn Station is the starting point for a Station North Mural Art Tour this Saturday. 

Events this weekend (Nov. 12 — Nov. 15)

Merritt Clubs is holding a virtual trivia night to benefit Shepherd's Clinic, a clinic that works to provide health care for the uninsured. The trivia will be hosted by Charm City Trivia. $50 for a six-person team. 


COURTESY OF SABRINA ABRAMS
The crabby tots at the Point in Fells were a cheesy delight to have alongside pitchers of mimosas. 

Some of the better and cheaper boozy brunch options in Baltimore

Brunch can be served up in many forms, but one of the most appealing facets of a decent boozy brunch is the deals. Drinks at restaurants can get expensive, so if you’re a student doing some balling on a budget, here’s a list of some of the best brunch deals in Baltimore... provided you’re 21+.


PIXABAY LICENSE
Head downtown this Sunday to flex your cornhole skills in a regional tournament.

Events this weekend in Baltimore (Nov. 6 — 8)

Join Pandemic Clothing Company, a woman- and Black-owned business, for its virtual launch party. The launch will feature a DJ, giveaways, mixologist prizes and more. A portion of proceeds from sales go to COVID-19 research, and all attendees will receive discount codes for up to 20% off. RSVP. Free.  




COURTESY OF SABRINA ABRAMS

Nepenthe offers flights, giving patrons the chance to sample four different beers.

Nepenthe's menu makes for a fun drinking and dining experience

Enough people have either posted on social media or talked about going to Nepenthe Brewing Company that I felt inclined to get a group together and go myself. Located right off of the Main Street in Hampden, Nepenthe offered a lively atmosphere, plenty of seating and, most importantly, awesome food and beer.