Among the thousands of words written by poets and authors about the arrival of spring, we love this thought from comedian Robin Williams:
"Spring is nature's way of saying, ‘Let's party!'"
It's hard not to feel a little more lighthearted, a little less encumbered and increasingly optimistic as the days continue to lengthen and the forecasts continue to warm. That positive vibe - okay, Old Man Winter, you're being kicked to the curb - just begs to be acted on. So as you launch The Pursuit of ways to enjoy our seasonal "party" in its emerging glory, we offer the following:
Our weather has improved from the Polar Vortex days, but we're still quite a distance from being hot-hot-hot. If you're looking for some of that steaminess, try the March 21 Salsa Social at Sunnybrook Ballroom. Come with your best pasodoble partner or on your own; you won't be able to keep your feet still when DJ Jay Nyce spins his best in salsa, bachata, merengue and cha-cha. The evening also includes a flamenco demo from dancer Eva Arraiga, drinks and light snacks.
There's a lot of vroom in the room at the Northeast Rod & Custom Car Show this weekend (March 21-23) at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. This three-day celebration of cylinders includes family fun (a pinewood derby challenge), monster truck racing, autograph opportunities (stars of Gas Monkey Garage and Fast ‘n' Loud) and music (Red Hill Ramblers). But the real stars are the coolest custom cars, street rods, classics, trucks, import tuners and custom cycles from all over the northeast region.
Dump your downy coat, scrap the scarf and thump the thermals: It's the 2014 edition of the Skippack Spring Fling,
March 21-23. The merchants of Skippack unite to provide a wide array of
special menu items, vibrant music and discounts on purchases, all in an
effort to celebrate the end of snow and ice season. Floral and Hardy,
for example, is hosting a series of helpful gardening workshops that
are rooted successfully raising herbs, roses and vegetables. Skippack Animal Hospital
is providing training tips for dealing with your bouncy Bichon or
grouchy Greyhound. If nothing else, you can put some spring in your step
just by strolling the main street and filling your lungs with a taste
of refreshing air. 
There is perhaps no better site to watch the unfolding of nature's color in spring than Morris Arboretum.
Right now, petite grape hyacinths are brightening the landscape, as are
the forsythia near the arboretum's fernery. Check out the Cornus officinalis,
a tree with little yellow clusters of flowers in the dogwood
collection. There are feasts for all the senses here; take a whiff and
see if you can detect the distinct citrus/spicy smell of the emerging
witchhazel. This weekend, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Become a tarragon of virtue in the kitchen. Learn the secrets of using herbs for cooking at the March 23 presentation at Norristown Farm Park. The timing is perfect, as many herb gardens are awakening throughout Montgomery County. Nutritional consultant Katherine Volk will not only speak about culinary herbs to enhance your health, she'll let you sample some seasoned selections. You'll also walk away with a recipe or two to try at home. Become an herbal sage; boast about being a chef in mint condition; the info available in this program is sure to be a dill-y.
It's a weekend of vernal variety as Montgomery County welcomes spring. If you and your chick-a-dees want a complete getaway, combine one of these events with an overnight or two in one of the luxury nests listed on our website. Once you shut the door and settle in, we guarantee you won't hear a peep.
