According to the weather forecast, the Valley Forge and Montgomery County area is supposed to hit 70° sometime over the next handful of days. This is the first time we've reached that temperature since November 7, 2013, more than five months ago.
If that doesn't make you want to put the top down on the convertible and zip around in short sleeves, nothing will.
Fortunately, if you're in The Pursuit of events that will entertain, engage and inform, the options are as plentiful as the daffodils springing up countywide.
"Hare" is an interesting outing for your youngsters: The Upper Schuylkill Valley Park program "Hippety Hop" on April 11. Educators will introduce very special some-bunnies, the resident rabbits at the park. They'll also talk to the kids about wild rabbits before moving onto story-and-craft time.
Spring is the perfect opportunity to jazz up a wardrobe, and nothing adds a little sheen to an outfit like a new piece of jewelry. But instead of buying something ordinary from a store, why not create something on your own? The demos, classes, vendors and workshops at Beadfest, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, help you do just that. Over 100 instructional sessions are scheduled throughout the entire weekend (April 10-13), providing detailed how-to's on a variety of crafty techniques. Vendor exhibits include a vast array of supplies, materials and tools. And you can chat with notable author-instructors at book signings throughout the weekend.
Although Washington D.C. may lay claim to the most notable celebration of spring cherry blossoms, the nation's capital doesn't have a monopoly on their beauty. Morris Arboretum is devoting the next two weekends (April 12-13 and 19-20) to its Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival. The itinerary comprises a floral fantasia that honors traditional Japanese cultural activities. Take a 45-minute cherry walk on the grounds, led by an Arboretum expert. Help your youngsters in-"crease" their appreciation for the art of Origami by learning how to construct a paper bird of their own. And for an experience truly hard to beat, feel the thump in your stomach as the Kyo Daiko Drummers pound out intricate rhythms and spring forth with dazzling choreography.
Each spring, Hollywood cranks up for the oncoming summer movie season, and in the queue for 2014 is yet another variation on The Wizard of Oz. The 1939 original is one of the most successful book-to-film adaptations ever produced, a blueprint for skillfully bringing an author's pages to the big screen. The challenge of that task is the topic of the discussion "Based on the Book: Bestseller Cinema" at the Norristown Public Library on April 12. KYW Newsradio film critic Bill Wine will speak in depth about some of his favorites and invite armchair critics to debate the merits - or drawbacks - of his choices.
Saturday, April 12 is the annual Keswick Village Spring Fling. Local businesses put their wares on display in the sunshine and fresh air of a sidewalk sale. And they're also the backdrop for a challenging scavenger hunt whose payoff is a collection of discounts and a grand prize basket of gifts. What's an outdoor festival without music? Not much. Which is why The Planets have been booked to keep the day energized.
Gramma's cure for a fever was to bustle you into bed for a rest. If spring fever is making you dizzy, perhaps it's best to get off your feet for a while and take it easy. There's no better place to do that than in the lap of luxury to be found at the various hotel options in Valley Forge and Montgomery County, listed on our website. Gram was also a fan of home-cooked meals, and for a taste of that kind of meal, give a try to Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, where every single food and beverage ingredient is farm fresh.
