Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
September 11, 2025 September 11, 2025 | Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896

Leisure

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

COURTESY OF ISABEL THOMAS Thomas samples JBee’s Jamaican Me Crazy's Jerk Chicken Bowl, which she found delicious if overpriced. 

JBee's Jamaican Me Crazy delivers strong flavors but steep prices

By ISABEL THOMAS | April 5, 2022

An upscale version of a food court, Remington’s R. House features an eclectic mix of cuisines. Here, you’re able to enjoy both familiar fare like burgers, pizza and salads alongside more hard-to-find flavors of New Orleans soul food, Hawaiian poke bowls and Korean barbecue. An 11th stall called The Pop-Up serves as a launchpad for newcomers in the Baltimore culinary scene, with chefs taking over the space for about a week or month. 

COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS As the first weekend of April comes around, find some time to visit a new museum or get outdoors. 

Events this weekend (April 1 – 3)

By LEISURE EDITOR | March 31, 2022

Welcome back from spring break, Blue Jays! I wish we could revel in the warm spring weather, but unfortunately Monday’s snow had different plans for us. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of fun happenings in the city this weekend that I hope you’ll enjoy.

COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS Maras reviews the Baltimore Street Food Festival's many offerings, including the boneless buffalo wings and tater tots from Two Smooth Dudes.

The Baltimore Street Food Festival makes for a fun dinner excursion

By GRETA MARAS | March 29, 2022

The Power Plant Live! grounds were overtaken by food trucks and vendor stalls galore last weekend as the Baltimore Street Food Festival ensued. Over 18 vendors gathered to provide a smattering of culinary options to adults and children alike. Entry to the festival was $15 per person, and most food items were priced at $5 or less with a few exceptions. 

COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS Erin (left) and Lena (right) Bowman are bringing delectable and unique cupcakes to Hopkins and all of Baltimore with Sistahs' Sweets.

Sistahs' Sweets will satisfy your cupcake craving

By GRETA MARAS | March 18, 2022

Every so often, you will find a small black truck with bright pink font sitting on what has unofficially been dubbed the “food truck corner” of Homewood Campus. Inside that truck, you will find two extraordinary young women named Erin and Lena Bowman, who are the co-founders of Sistahs’ Sweets. The Bowman sisters are homeschool graduates who operate their own cupcake truck as a full-time business.

COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS If you're sticking around Baltimore for the break, enjoy some time away from school by hitting the city for these fun events.

Events this break (March 19 – 28)

By LEISURE EDITOR | March 17, 2022

We finally made it to Spring Break! Can you believe it? I, for one, am excited to experience my first true college Spring Break (shoutout to the sporadic one-day breaks last spring, you are gone and happily forgotten). If you’re staying around the Baltimore area for break, I’ve got you covered with some great events for both this weekend and next weekend to keep you entertained.

COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS Get in the St. Patrick's Day spirit and celebrate with the city this weekend!

Events this weekend (March 11 – 13)

By LEISURE EDITOR | March 10, 2022

If you’re anything like me, you need a nice break from the midterm grind this weekend. Luckily, we’re quickly approaching St. Patrick’s Day and have a host of great events to celebrate it! Have some fun before delving into the last week of school before spring break; you’ve earned it.

COURTESY OF EMMA ANDERSSON Coffee and pastry lovers alike are in luck; the newest cafe in town receives glowing reviews from Andersson. 

Coffee lovers can find Common Ground at their new Hampden spot

By EMMA ANDERSSON | March 9, 2022

Attention, cafe lovers: Common Ground is officially back open for business at its new location. Situated in a cozy brick building right off of the Avenue in Hampden, Common Ground serves coffee, baked goods and sandwiches. With plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors on its spacious patio, this cafe provides the perfect setting to enjoy a quiet morning or spend a relaxing afternoon with friends. 

COURTESY OF JEN JIANG Jiang speaks with Carma of Carma's Cafe to hear about her experience with facing remodeling issues and pandemic obstacles as she plans to reopen her doors in April.

Carma's Cafe prepares to make its return

By JENNIFER JIANG | March 8, 2022

Carma Halterman opened up her cafe 18 years ago in November 2004. Michael Lynch, her housemate at the time, wanted a part-time job in a social environment. They both thought that the location, which is now home to Carma’s Cafe, would suit them perfectly. 

COURTESY OF EMMA ANDERSSON Andersson reviews the newest exhibitions at the Baltimore Museum of Art, where visitors can find intriguing and visually stunning works.

Modern art shines in the BMA spring exhibits

By EMMA ANDERSSON | March 6, 2022

If you haven’t yet seen the Richard Yarde exhibit on display at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA), you still have a few more weeks to visit. Richard Yarde: Beyond the Savoy will remain on show through April 24, and I urge you to see it while you can. 

COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS Students report inadequate communication from the University regarding its investigation. 

Events this weekend (March 3 — 6)

By LEISURE EDITOR | March 3, 2022

Congrats on getting through your first full month of the semester! I’ve got some exciting events this weekend where you can find great food, drinks and dancing. There’s a little something for everyone as we head into warmer days.

COURTESY OF EMMA ANDERSSON Andersson and friends sing high praises of NuVegan, the newest addition to the St. Paul strip of restaurants.

Rediscover old favorites at NuVegan Cafe

By EMMA ANDERSSON | March 1, 2022

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try a new restaurant, NuVegan Cafe deserves a place on your Baltimore bucket list. Located on St. Paul Street, this newly opened spot makes for a convenient lunch between classes or a casual dinner option. 

COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS Maras offers a survey of the nearest bookstores to the Homewood Campus, including the wonderfully eccentric Normal's Books & Records.

Find your perfect Baltimore bookstore

By GRETA MARAS | February 26, 2022

I know it can be tough to find time to read for pleasure during our busy semesters, but sometimes even just browsing a quality bookstore can be an immensely calming activity. Here’s a rundown of some of the great independent bookstores surrounding campus, each with its own unique assets—I even snuck in some book recommendations if you need somewhere to start. 

COURTESY OF GRACE YANG AND LINDA FAN B.Willow provides a diverse array of plants to help you spruce up your dorm room.

Become a plant person at B.Willow

By GRACE YANG and LINDA FAN | February 23, 2022

Amid the stressful midterm season, we found ourselves in need of a stress-relieving hobby. Grace’s residential advisor mentioned that raising plants helped improve her mood and recommended that she look into raising plants of my own. As per her suggestion, we went to B.Willow to check out their selection of plants and was astounded to see the aesthetics and calming nature of the store.  

PRESERVATION MARYLAND/CC BY-SA 2.0 Take a brief trip north to check out the Evergreen Museum, a historical time capsule from old Baltimore.

Escape to the Evergreen Museum

By DIKSHA IYER | February 20, 2022

Though pictures of the Evergreen Museum make it seem like a reclusive, hard-to-find area of lush greenery in the middle of a bustling Baltimore, it is actually quite easy to access. 

COURTESY OF ANTON SHTARKMAN Shtarkman emphasizes that you've never had fries like these before. The Local Fry offers flavor combinations that will knock you out of this world.

Get your fusion fix at The Local Fry

By ANTON SHTARKMAN | February 20, 2022

We’ve all been there: scrolling through “food near me” on Google, unable to pick a place to eat. Am I in the mood for Asian? Maybe I should have some Spanish? Or should I go with American? Well, imagine a place that has all these cuisines. Now bring that imagination to reality and head over to The Local Fry, which is conveniently nestled in the Rotunda in Hampden. 

ROSIE JANG/CARTOONS EDITOR From jazz to flea markets to movie screenings, there's no shortage of fun events to seek out this weekend in Baltimore.

Events this weekend (Feb. 18 — Feb. 20)

By LEISURE EDITOR | February 18, 2022

Happy weekend, Blue Jays! After an unfortunate cold spell this week, enjoy some time around the city as the weather warms back up. There are plenty of opportunities to try some new foods, shop from local business owners and learn more about the city itself, so don’t be shy!

COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS Maras reviews the cuisine of Cosima, a local option for fine dining near the Homewood campus.

Valentine's Day three ways: Remington

By GRETA MARAS | February 13, 2022

While Hopkins students know and love the Remington eateries that are most proximate to us, like R. House and Papermoon Diner, I want to introduce you to a lesser known but equally wonderful spot that might serve you well this Valentine’s Day weekend. 

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