Weekend Roundup: 10 Things for Break that don’t involve Work…

Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.

Spring Break is here at last. For those of you staying in the area, here’s a ten day itinerary in case you’re worried that all you have to keep you occupied this break is homework…

Friday, March 7- Stop at World Café Live tonight for a free show. They’re hosting “Hothouse Flowers” an Irish band dubbed “the best unsigned band in Europe” by the Rolling Stones. Do pre-show dinner at the White Dog Café in University City.

Saturday, March 8- Stop at Verizon Hall for Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” a perennial favorite full of the riotous stuff that spring breaks are made of….

Sunday, March 9- Today’s your last chance to stop by the Philadelphia Flower Show, a great way to preview spring. If nothing else, you can say you’ve been to the largest indoor flower show in the world.

Monday, March 10- For some fine classical harp work, check out the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia’s “Rameau | Debussy” at the Perelman Theater. Wander over to Rittenhouse before or after the show and grab a delicious dessert at Café Miel.

Tuesday, March 11- Get a hold of the Philly CarShare car and make a field trip to New Hope, PA to check out the thirty acre outdoor flea market, Rice’s. It has something for everyone from fake Kate Spade bags to live chickens. Don’t miss the Amish shoofly pie or the incredibly tacky desk lamps.

Wednesday, March 12- The Grand Opera House will be hosting “Leahy,” a group of Celtic dancers and musicians. Watch the show and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early at a center city pub like Fado on Locust Street or The Bards on Walnut.

Thursday, March 13- Stop by Eastern State Penitentiary for a “Winter Adventure Tour” to see the remarkable architecture of the old Quaker prison and investigate Al Capone’s jail cell.

Friday, March 14- Join in the opening celebrations of the International Bach Festival (a ten day event) at Philadelphia Cathedral to hear the ambitious Four Piano Concerto.

Saturday, March 15- Take one of the city’s mural tours and get acquainted with the city and one of its most beautiful art forms.

Sunday, March 16- Recover a bit, and take advantage of free Sunday admission to the art museum to check out all of the galleries. If you’re feeling the need for one last hurrah, splurge for admission to the Frida Kahlo exhibit and grab dessert at the museum restaurant, the passionfruit crème brulee is highly recommended.

Whatever you do over break, take a little time to appreciate the arts and culture and enjoy yourself!