Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
October 19, 2021

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 VARUN HARISH You don't have to be a fan of outer space to enjoy comfort food from this Hampden joint.

Rocket to Venus offers delicious food in a creative setting

By VARUN HARISH | March 14, 2021

When you think about space and rocket ships, Baltimore might not be the first place that comes to mind. Back in 1928, however, three close friends tasked themselves with building a rocket ship. They didn’t aspire to go to the moon: They wanted to go to Venus. And while these three Baltimore residents might have never actually made it to space, they did inspire an eccentric and delicious restaurant in Hampden. 

ROSIE JANG/CARTOONS EDITOR There is no better way to celebrate Pi Day than by making some pie.

Events this weekend (March 11 — 14)

By LEISURE EDITOR | March 9, 2021

We may be losing an hour to Daylight Saving on Sunday, but that just means you should live the rest of your slightly shortened weekend to the fullest. Whether you’re participating in science trivia or virtually attending a racial justice concert, here are our upcoming events this weekend as we move into spring.  

COURTESY OF JUSTIN SECH Some members of Captain Shmule play outside in September 2019.

Hopkins band Captain Shmule cooks up debut album

By JOHN MURPHY | March 7, 2021

The month is April. The year is 2020. Overwhelmed by my newfound abundance of free time, I forced my left hand into a contorted grip on a borrowed guitar. Lacking the confidence that my fingers were placed on the correct strings, I performed a hesitant strum. 

ROSIE JANG/CARTOONS EDITOR Whether you want to bake or are more interested in watching other people bake, hop on Zoom to see chefs make king cake.

Events this weekend (March 5 — 6)

By LEISURE EDITOR | March 3, 2021

As we barrel into March, don’t let yourself get too down about midterm season. You don’t even have to go outside in order to entertain yourself this weekend — learn to make a hurricane cocktail or get in touch with your spooky side with Eastern Shore Paranormal all in the comfort of your own home. 

PUBLIC DOMAIN  Even during COVID-19, the Maryland Science Center has sought to connect with the community through their virtual weekly Friday movie nights.

Events this weekend (Feb. 26 — Feb. 28)

By LEISURE EDITOR | February 26, 2021

Midterm season is incoming, so take some time to enjoy yourself — especially if you’ve had a long and stressful week. As always, we’ve collected events so you can look for something that tickles your fancy, from online Dungeons & Dragons improv to watching The Martian with a science activity.

COURTESY OF LILY PINE One of Pine's favorite purchases from eBay is this dress.

Recreating meaning: a guide to eBay and pandemic window shopping

By LILY PINE | February 21, 2021

There came a point during quarantine where I found myself on eBay for at least four hours every night. I scrolled through pages and pages of search terms like “Penny Lane Almost Famous jacket brown,” “1960s lace nightgown full-length pink floral” and “patterned wicker basket big picnic.” There was something comforting about navigating the website’s interface, which at first seems designed to make finding and purchasing listings impossible, that provided me a feeling of comfort and ease.

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

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

By LEISURE EDITOR | February 10, 2021

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

By CHRIS H. PARK | February 7, 2021

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

By SABRINA ABRAMS | February 4, 2021

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

By SABRINA ABRAMS | January 31, 2021

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

By MARVIS GUTIERREZ | December 6, 2020

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

By SABRINA ABRAMS | November 20, 2020

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)

By SABRINA ABRAMS | November 19, 2020

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

By SABRINA ABRAMS | November 15, 2020

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. 

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