Arrive Magazine - March/April 2012

UP to SPEED

CONNECTICUT Mystic Irish Parade: The largest annual event in the area begins at Mystic Seaport’s South Lot and makes its way in downtown, where the parade’s Marquis Act will perform. Featuring more than two dozen bands, Irish step dancers and a wide variety of performing groups. 1 p.m. March 25. Download the route and guide: mysticirishparade.org.

See seals: Every March, seals make their annual trek to Long Island Sound. Cruise aboard the 44-foot Sea Mist for an up-close and personal look at these fascinating creatures. Just 12 miles from Union Station, Stony Creek dock is easily accessible by taxi. Seal cruises are weekends only and reservations are suggested. Thimble Island Cruise. 203-488-8905; thimbleislandcruise.com.

Escape March Madness with music, comedy, books and more!

Experience the one and only Joan Rivers live on stage in Baltimore for one show only. The Emmy-and Tony Award-winning actress-writer-comedienne-entrepreneur returns to the stage to dish up her witty, uncensored view on everything from world news to reality TV and awards show fashions. The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra has a treat for musical theater lovers—A Salute to Gilbert & Sullivan. Take a look back at the career and works of the artist best known today for creating Shrek, at the Brandywine River Museum (see Delaware section). Meet some of your favorite authors and pick up a couple of great reads at a big book fest in Maryland. And allow the sights and scents of flowers to transport you to Hawaii during the Philadelphia International Flower Show. Plus, a ReggaeFest in Vermont and much more. Be sure to check out event websites for special rail fare discounts and other ways to save some cash. —Compiled by miChael hammett

DELAWARE “Comic Catharsis: Cartoons by William Steig”: Best known today as the creator of Shrek, William Steig (1907–2003) first achieved fame for his cartoons and covers for The New Yorker. Late in his career, Steig wrote and illustrated more than 30 works for children, including Shrek!. The exhibition features more than 100

works donated to the Brandywine River Museum in 2010 by Jeanne Steig from the artist’s estate, as well as selected works for children on loan from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and private collections. Through March 11. brandy winemuseum.org.