Preakness Week Events

The second jewel of the Triple Crown has arrived and we’ve got all the events just for you! From the Hot Air Balloons at Turf Valley to the live music of InFieldFest, you’re sure to find a way to celebrate the 138th Preakness! We’ve even created a special Maryland themed dessert for the occasion – our Berger Cookie Trifle!

Special Event to Celebrate Secretariat’s 40th Anniversary
Tuesday, May 14th
6:30PM
The AFI Silver Theater
8633 Colesville Rd.
Silver Spring, MD 20910

A Special Evening with Penny Chenery and Ron Turcotte to benefit the Secretariat Foundation, Secretariat.com and the Maryland Jockey Club, in association with ESPN. They are proud to host a trio of events commemorating the 40th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown.

Preakness Frog Hop
Wednesday, May 15th
12 Noon – 1 PM
Paterson Park
Pulaski Monument inside the park at Eastern and Linwood Aves
Free and open to all ages!

The spirit of The Preakness horse race comes alive as kids and adults jockey their jumpin’ frogs to the finish line at this 47th annual event. Trophies awarded to the first four finishers with ribbons for all participants.

Only one frog may be entered per jockey. The frog must be at least 4 inches in length from nose to tail (not counting the legs). If you have extra frogs, please bring them so another child may participate.

For additional information, contact mark.burke@baltimorecity.gov  or call 410-396-9392 Click here (PDF File) for rules and registration form.

Celebrity Crab Derby
Thursday, May 16th
12 Noon
Lexington Market
400 W. Lexington, St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

Cheer for your favorite local celebrity as they jockey blue crabs to the finish line! The winner takes home a “purse” of $500 to the charity of their choice.

Power Plant Live Preakness Week
Thursday, May 16th – Saturday May18th

Power Plant Live!, Miller Lite and 98Rock present Miller Lite Nights Race Week.
ALL SHOWS ARE FREE and you must be 21+ to enter.

Thursday, May 16, The Darkness takes the stage at 7pm featuring Middle Class Rut.
Friday, Go Go Gadjet takes the stage at 8pm

Saturday, join us for the Preakness watch and post party. Watch the race on our 20′ Big Screen. Beer and food specials all day.

Preakness Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival and Launch
Thursday, May 16th – Saturday  May 18th

May 16 & 17, 2013, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Balloon Festival

May 16 & 17, 2013, 6:30 PM Balloon Launch

May 17 & 18, 2013, 6:30 AM Balloon Launch

Enjoy our annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, perfect for young children and those young at heart. There will be family activities, handmade crafts, retail and food vendors, and live entertainment. Balloon related activities will include tethered hot air balloon rides, a walk-through of an inflated hot air balloon, pilot demonstrations, balloon launches and the nightly Balloon Glow at dusk.

On Saturday, May 18th, the Balloon Festival will culminate with the launching of the balloons at 6:30 am.

Admission to the Preakness Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival is free and open to the public. All parking is at the Howard County Fairgrounds, with a donation of $5 per car. Donations benefit the Elkridge Adult Athletic Association. Balloon rides and flights will be fee-based. Please call Ron Broderick, Balloonmeister, at 410-442-5566, to schedule your balloon flight!

Sunrise at Old Hilltop
Wednesday, May 15th – Saturday May 18th
6 AM – 9 AM
Pimlico Race Course
5201 Park Heights Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21215

Experience sunrise over Old Hilltop at Pimlico. The 20 minute tours run from 6am – 9am, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Preakness Week. After enjoying sunrise on the Grandstand Apron, you will get an insider’s perspective on racing during an escorted tour of the Preakness Stakes Barn. You never know who you may run into on the backside…trainers, vets, owners, blacksmiths, exercise riders or jockeys. The Barn area is one place you can count on an interesting story! You will have an opportunity to shop for Preakness Souvenirs, stop by the Pimlico Museum and maybe even peek into the jockey’s quarters, then head back outside to watch the horses go through their morning workouts. The tour guides bring with them a wealth of experience and add a personal touch that can’t be beat!

Tours are FREE and on a first come, first serve basis. For more information email Diana Harbaugh at dharbaugh@marylandracing.com

Jockey Autograph Session
Friday, May 17, 2013
10 AM – 11 AM
Pimlico Race Course
5201 Park Heights Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21215

Meet your favorite jockey and get their autograph!

Black-Eyed Susan Day
Friday May 17, 2013
9:30 AM

One of Pimlico’s oldest stakes races, the Black-Eyed Susan was first run at Pimlico in 1919. The mile and one-eighth test, for three-year-old fillies is traditionally run the Friday before the Preakness and has long been recognized as the middle jewel of the traditional filly Triple Crown, which also includes the Kentucky Oaks Stakes and the Acorn. Don’t miss any of the fun, including:

• A 13-race program, including the $500,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2), the $300,000 Pimlico Special (G3), the $30,000 Pimlico “Battle of the Sexes” Jockey Challenge with eight of the top riders, and the Lady Legends for the Cure IV Race.

• The People’s Pink Party and first ever infield concert featuring Goo Goo Dolls, Rodney Atkins and Rachel Farley.

• Handicapping sessions, celebrity jockey autograph sessions, book signings, and more!!

138th Running of the Preakness Stakes and InFieldFest
Saturday May 18, 2013

One of the nation’s largest, single-day, annual sporting events! Once again Baltimore’s Old Hilltop comes alive with the running of the 138th Preakness Stakes, where the finest three-year old thoroughbreds will compete for $1 million in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.

The day will feature live performances by international superstar Pitbull and hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Both artists will play extended sets on the Main Stage. Afrojack will open the main stage with electronic dance music.

In addition to the main stage headliners, Preakness InfieldFest will host live music from Chevelle, Florida-Georgia Line and Kristen and the Noise on the Jägermeister Stage along with a variety of other activities, including the return of the popular Beer Garden and bottomless MUG Club. http://www.preakness.com/infield/infieldfest

If you will be celebrating the Preakness with a party at your home, be sure to check out Pinterest for Preakness Playlists, Recipes, Decor & More!

 

DMV Weekend Events – May 10-12

With beautiful weather and Mother’s Day this promises to be a great weekend! Here are our favorite weekend events, including our guide to all of the brunch locations Mom could ever choose from!

Washington, DC Events

DC Home brewers/ Sam Adams Third Annual Home brew Competition Meridian Pint 3400 11th Street NW Time: Saturday 1 pm Price: $15 Meridian Pint’s latest home brew contest is basically a tournament of champions: Judges selected 15 local home brewers to submit bottles of their favorite original beers, and the winner gets the opportunity to make their beer at Sam Adams’s pilot brewery. You are invited to sample all 15 of these delicious home brewed beers at what is sure to be a fun afternoon event!

Georgetown Garden Tour Tour starts at Christ Church, 31st and O Streets NW Time: Saturday 10 am to 5 pm Price: $35 Come tour 8 of Georgetown’s most beautiful private gardens and afterward sip on a delectable afternoon tea at Keith Hall.

National Train Day Union Station 50 Massachusetts Ave NE Time: Saturday 11 am to 4 pm Price: $5 for adults; children 12 and under free Celebrate National Train day in style at Union Station, where the history of how trains transformed America comes to life with family friendly festivities including interactive exhibits, model trains, and more!

Mother’s Day Brunch Guide

Virginia Events

Friday Night Live! Town Green in Downtown Herndon 777 Lynn Street Herndon, VA Time: Friday at 6:30 pm Price: Free Join in for all the fun with one of the most popular outdoor concert series’ in the DC area! Featuring local and regional acts from up and down the east coast. This Friday featuring Blue Label + South Bay bringing a fresh, new take to the dance floor.

Mother’s Day Celebration! Ticonderoga Farms 26469 Ticonderoga Rd Chantilly, VA Times: Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm Price: Moms are free. $8.95 regular admission Celebrate Mother’s Day in a different way at Ticonderoga Farms. There will be crafts, entertainment, and lots of great vendors!

Mother’s Day Brunch Guide

Maryland Events

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival Located in Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle, along Norfolk, Auburn, and Del Ray Avenues Time: Saturday 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday 10 am to 5 pm Price: Free See the works of 140 contemporary artists in this two day event and enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities and downtown Bethesda restaurants.

Annapolis Wine Expo Navy- Marine Corps Memorial Stadium 550 Taylor Avenue Annapolis, MD Time: Saturday Session 1 12 pm to 2:30 pm Saturday Session 2 3:30 pm to 6 pm Price: Session 1: $50 Session 2: $60 Over 100 national and international wines will be served where guests can also sample their favorite foods from local restaurants.

45th Annual Market Day Cylburn Arboretum 4915 Greenspring Ave Baltimore, MD 21209 Time: Saturday 8 am to 12 pm Price: Free  full of family-friendly activities, gardening seminars, and more. Focused on the urban gardener, visitors can purchase plants and gardening supplies from more than 15 vendors. Parking is $10.

Mothers Day Brunch Guide

Sports at a Glance

Contact your concierge for pricing and availability!

Washington Capitals vs NY Rangers Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 5, Friday at 7:30 pm, Verizon Center

Washington Nationals vs Cubs, Friday at 7:05 pm, Nats Park

Washington Nationals vs Cubs, Saturday at 4:05 pm, Nats Park

Washington Nationals vs Cubs, Sunday at 1:35 pm, Nats Park

Area Concerts at a Glance

Contact your concierge for pricing and availability!

Taylor Swift: The Red Tour, Saturday at 7 pm; Sunday at 7 pm, Verizon Center

Sweetlife Festival, Saturday at 12 pm, Merriweather Post Pavilion

Movies Opening this Weekend

The Great Gatsby Drama Romance 143 Minutes A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joel Edgerton, Tobey Maguire, and Carey Mulligan.

Peeples Comedy 95 Minutes Sparks fly when Wade Walker crashes the Peeples annual reunion in the Hamptons to ask for their precious daughter Grace’s hand in marriage. Starring Craig Robertson, Kerry Washington, David Alan Grier, and S. Epatha Merkerson.

April Fool’s Day

Looking for some new April Fool’s Day pranks to pull off on your friends and family? Check out our favorite jokes that are sure to leave everyone laughing in the end.

Transform your dinner into “dessert” Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Icing

Cook your favorite meatloaf recipe in muffin tins and pipe mashed potatoes on top of the baked loaves so it looks like icing. You can garnish with finely diced carrots and chives for sprinkles. Take the prank a step further and dye your mashed potatoes! This is a great way to surprise your kids for dinner or lunch.

Your April Fool’s Dinner wouldn’t be complete without a funny dessert. Our favorite funny dessert is Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcakes. Simply tint vanilla icing with coco powder and yellow food coloring to achieve the look of pasta. Top the cupcakes with a chocolate donut hole or truffle covered in a dark raspberry jam. Grate White chocolate over the top for the finishing look of Parmesan cheese!

A really fun and easy joke to pull off on your family or co-workers is a Balloon Avalanche. Tape a plastic trash bag to a door frame and fill the space between the bag and door with balloons. When someone opens the door they will be showered with the contents! You can also use packing peanuts, popcorn, or egg crates. Just remember, you might be enlisted to help clean up!

 

If you share a copier with a few co-workers and want some giggles, all you need is a paper clip. Make a few copies of a paperclip and put the printed copies back into the paper tray so when someone makes a copy they think there was a paperclip on the glass.  It usually takes a few minutes for someone to figure out what’s going on and you’ll be filled with laughing watching!

Want more pranks? Check out our Pinterest Page!

St. Patrick’s Day Party Printables

Want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a new way this year?! Charm City Concierge has got you covered. We’ve created festive printables that are perfect for your own shindig! Simply print out what you like and start decorating for a one-a-kind party. From clover garland and cupcake/garnish flags to cup wraps and napkin rings your guests will be green with envy!

Looking for a non-traditional party idea? Why not serve an Irish brunch for all your lucky friends. It’s perfect for a Sunday celebration and you can keep things low-key if your guests celebrated through the weekend.

Start planning your menu by using our Corned Beef Hash and Fried Potato recipe! It’s the perfect way to use leftover corned beef or try a new recipe!

Corned Beef Hash and Fried Potatoes
1lb Corned Beef, cooked and chopped
1 Medium Onion, chopped
2 Lb’s Potatoes, skins removed, sliced thin
4 Bacon Slices, optional
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Fresh Parsley for Garnish, optional.

Start by heating 4 tablespoon of olive oil in a deep pan and cook potatoes until they start to brown on both sides. Next add in the chopped onion and sauté until they become translucent. Add in the chopped corned beef and continue cooking until it gets crispy. Keep stirring until most of the beef is crispy. About 10 minutes. Taste and add any salt and/or pepper. Corned beef can be very salty so the amount you need to add, if any, will vary. To serve the corned beef hash and fried potatoes simply put the meal on a large platter and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve this family style.

Pair this with some warm Irish Soda Bread and an Irish Cheddar Quiche and you’ve got a great brunch to please everyone. Plus you’ll be free to mingle with your friends instead of stuck in the kitchen!

For more fun and festive Ideas, check out our Pinterest page!

Gift Exchange Ideas

Ah, the annual gift exchange. They can be so fun but it can be a challenge to shop for. Whether it’s for a coworker or family member, you always seem to pull the name of someone who you have no idea how to buy for. Luckily, I have found some great ideas over the years that I can’t wait to share with you!

The Homemade: Do you have a gift for baking? Great at crafting? Put these skills to use making something one-of-kind and homemade for them. If you are a great baker, giving someone a tin of warm homemade cookies, might be a great gift! People like receiving homemade goods, it shows that you care, you spent time and effort, and you know enough about them to make them something that they will like. It is a ton of work, but can be a great way to show off some skills. Are you a secret brew master? Give your friends a 6 pack of your own blend. Do you knit better than your grandma? Make some festive hats and gloves and scarves for your co-workers. The possibilities are endless, and if you have the time and the talent, then make use of them! If you are lacking on ideas, thank goodness for Pinterest! Here are some of our favorite, you may recognize them from our blog!

Spiced Coffee Blends

Hot Chocolate in a JarMake Your Own Sugar Scrub

The Quirky: These gifts are a personal favorite of mine, because how often do you actually use your gift exchange gift? Quirky gifts are something that you purchase intending not to really use all that much, or if you do, it is for a specialized reason. This is a great option for that one friend who is so hard to shop for, or especially in surprise exchanges, something a little funky can be a great conversation starter. I love the store Uncommon Goods. they have things in all price ranges, and their selection is vast and awesome. The Man Candle and Portable iPhone chargers are unique and fun!Candles for the man in your life. Scents include natural, nostalgic and savory scents like dirt, fresh cut grass, sawdust, campfire, pizza, and coffee. 100% renewable and made from a soy and vegetable wax blend. 

Take Charge – iPhone feeling a little drained? Give your go-to device a boost with this stylish portable battery that will revive a charge-less Apple device for up to 3 additional hours.

You can find household goods, stocking stuffers or even scratch off maps to show where you have been. Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters generally have great books that would be fun to give. Once you start looking around, you will start adding items to your own holiday lists. We love Old Dogs Are The Best Dogs from Anthro and The Cities Book from Urban Outfitters.

The Assortment: This one is a fun gift idea as well. Are you having a girl’s night exchange? Go to Bath and Body Works and stock up on the smaller size items! Put them in a make-up bag from Target add a few things of nail polish and viola, a great gift! You can do this with almost anything you can think of which makes it nice and customizable. I had a friend give me a scarf, and then some jewelry that matched that I still wear to this day! Pack some essentials for a night out, lip gloss, breath mints, and into a cute clutch for the social butterfly friend and you will have given her the gift she will be able to use always!

Wine & Spirits: This is one of the universally most desired gifts at exchanges. The great thing here is that you can do something creative to add-on, like personalized wine glasses with chalkboard paint covering the bottoms  that can be used at parties. That doesn’t take much time, but pairing it with some wine can make it the desire of your exchange. Or get a nice bottle of whiskey and some tumblers. There are also these great stone ice cubes from Uncommon Goods. These are fairly inexpensive and the recipient can use them again and again!

Skip the ice; Serve your drinks on the rocks.

If you aren’t sure how to choose the wine or spirit, refer back to our post by Red Red Wine Bar for awesome tips!

Make sure you know your audience and find gifts that are appropriate to the group. Be bold, try new ideas, and don’t worry about what people think, especially for silly exchanges! People love to laugh and get something silly that will be a memory for them instead of more stuff. Happy Holidays!

Two Reasons to Party this Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is always a GREAT excuse to have a party, enjoy great food and drinks with friends, but with the Kentucky Derby falling on the 5th we have two reasons to celebrate! With the help from our foodie concierge in the field, we’ve got some great recipe and party ideas for you.

Salsa-a-Thon!  Have your guests make their own favorite salsa and start a Salsa-a-Thon! There will be a great array of salsa for everyone to try and vote which salsa is their favorite! Have each guest bring a container of homemade salsa, a bag of chips and copies of their recipes!

Check out this award worthy recipe:

Peach Salsa Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 – 3 ripe, yet firm peaches, diced (you can leave the skin on or off)
• 1/4 red onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• a pinch of kosher salt
• the juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1 jalapeno, diced and seeded (optional)

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Salsa is best when it is left to refrigerate a few hours before serving.
3. To make this recipe extra special, serve the salsa with cinnamon sugar pita chips

Here is a great site to check for more tasty and healthy Cinco de Mayo snacks! Including Southwestern Turkey Fajitas!

Margarita Jello Bites

Make your Cinco de Mayo party extra special this year my skipping the traditional fare! Instead of having a standard margarita dazzles your guests with margarita jello bites that you put into limes! Your party guests will be wowed on arrival! This is also a great gift to bring if you’re going to a Cinco de Mayo Party!

Ingredients:
This will make approximately 24 lime “wedge” jello bites…feel free to double the recipe.
- 6-8 limes
- 3 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 package Knox unflavored gelatin (2 teaspoons)
- 3 ounces good quality tequila
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier or Cointreau (or Triple Sec if you must)
- sea salt and/or large crystal sugar, for garnish

To get Step by Step instructions on how to make the delicious creations, check out our Pinterest Page!

Here is the site with Step by step instructions that are extremely helpful!

Simple Churros

Running short on time for an authentic Cinco de Mayo Desert? Use our quick trick for Churros- biscuit dough! Cut store-bought biscuit dough and fry them in oil. Once they are golden brown, remove from oil shake with cinnamon and sugar.  Here is one of our favorite recipes to use when you aren’t in a hurry!

With the Kentucky Derby sharing it’s day with Cinco de Mayo, you can also make treats to tie into the fun of the race traditions!

Try our non traditional take on a traditional Kentucky Derby Favorite! Your guests will have as much fun eating them as you’ll have making them!

Mint Julep Gelées

Ingredients

• 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
• 2 cups cold water
• 1/2 cup firmly packed fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup bourbon
• Garnishes: fresh mint sprigs, coarse sparkling sugar

Preparation

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a medium saucepan. Let stand 5 minutes. Add mint leaves and sugar. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes or until steaming. Let stand 15 minutes. Remove and discard mint leaves. Stir in bourbon. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 9- x 5-inch loaf pan. Chill 4 hours to 1 week. Cut into squares. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and coarse sparkling sugar.

Here are just a few photos from a Kentucky Derby Party we coordinated for inspiration!

Take a look at our Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby boards on Pinterest for many more ideas and items!

Easter Events Guide

Mary Sue Candies Bunny BonanZOO 2012

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Baltimore, MD

Friday, April 6, 2012 – Sunday, April 8, 2012

10:00 am- 2:00 pm

Join the Zoo as they celebrate the holiday with their annual festival. Enjoy games, spring crafts, entertainment, bounce house and free egg hunts!

Easter Monday: Celebrating the African American Family Tradition

National Zoo, Washington, D.C.

Monday, April 9, 2012

11 am – 4 pm

Free and open to the public!

Since 1891, Easter Monday at the National Zoo has been a historic tradition in the African American community. The National Zoo proudly commemorates this family tradition that has grown to include all families in the metro area. The event will include special family activities, a traditional Easter egg hunt, animal demonstrations, educational activities highlighting African animals. live entertainment and more!

 

Train Ride & Breakfast Buffet with the B&O Bunny in the Roundhouse

B & O Railroad Museum, Baltimore, MD

Friday, April 6  & Saturday, April 7, 2012

8:30 am – 10:00 pm

Enjoy a breakfast buffet of pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit, juice, milk, and coffee. Choo Choo Blue makes a live appearance for storytime before the arrival of the B&O Easter Bunny, who will personally greet his friends and be available for photo opportunities. Carousel rides included (weather permitting). Then everyone hops on board the Mile One Express for an exclusive round-trip train ride with the B&O Bunny. General admission tickets for this event are $32.00 for adults and $24.00 for children (2-17). Tickets for B&O Adult members are $24.00 and $19.00 for their children. Space is limited and advance purchased required. To purchase tickets contact Dana Kirn at 410-752-2462 x 221.

Reston Zoo Easter Egg – Stravaganza

Saturday, April 7 & Sunday, April 8, 2012

Reston Zoo, Vienna, VA

Bring your Easter Baskets for an action packed zoo day! Meet our baby bunnies, bottle feed little lambs and enjoy Easter egg hunts, face painting and special visits from the Easter Bunny.  Egg hunts take place on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30, 12:30pm, 2:30pm. Special egg hunts for children 4 and under take place
in our picnic area at 10am and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. Egg hunts are FREE with admission to the zoo. (1 egg hunt per day per child.)

Spring Easter Festival

March 17, 2012 – April 15, 2012

Daily 10:00am—5:00pm  **Egg Hunts on Weekends

Ticonderoga Farm, Chantilly, VA

Come join us and the Easter Bunny for some festive fun.  Egg Hunts feature candy and toy-filled eggs.  Find those special golden goose eggs for a prize.  Kids and adults can get on the slides, take a hayride, visit our farm animals and roast marshmallows.  Bring your camera for photo ops with the Easter Bunny.  Please, arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the Egg Hunt and remember to bring your own basket or bag for collecting eggs.  Baskets will be available for purchase.  We request the emptied eggs to be returned at the end your visit so we can re-use (recycle) them if you do not wish to take them home. Weekdays $7.95, Holidays & Weekends $11.95

Easter Brunch, Lunch and Dining Specials

Baltimore Metro

Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia

Looking for recipe, gift and craft ideas for the holiday? Head to our Easter Pinterest board!