My children are teenagers, which means our time together as a family seems increasingly precious to the adults and increasingly annoying to the kids. Skiing is one of the few activities I can suggest that doesn’t get adolescent eye rolls. We talk and laugh as we ride the lifts together, dare each other to try the toughest slopes, and enjoy the tired, cozy après-ski pleasures of sipping hot cocoa, warming ourselves beside wood-burning fireplaces, and, of course, bragging.

Below are 12 of the best ski resorts within a day’s drive of Baltimore, listed in alphabetical order. Most offer tubing, night skiing, terrain parks, snow making, lessons, equipment rental, evening entertainment, on-site restaurants, and much more. For brevity, only adult full-day lift ticket prices are listed. Holiday rates include vacation weeks and weekends. Restaurants and amenities are representative, not inclusive. Now, go ski!

Blue Knob Resort

1424 Overland Pass, Claysburg, PA, 800-458-3403,

Overview: The highest ski mountain in Pennsylvania offers furnished condos with fireplaces and kitchens.

Ski area: With a vertical drop of 1,072 feet and an elevation of 3,174 feet, Blue Knob divides its 34 trails into beginner, intermediate, advanced intermediate, and expert. Five lifts take skiers and boarders to 100 ski-able acres, including glade runs and a terrain park.

Hours: M-W: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Th: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fr: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. 

Cost: A five-hour flex pass is $30 Sun.-Fri., $50 Fri. at 4 p.m. to Sun. at 2 p.m.

Other amenities: Indoor/outdoor pool, hot tubs, and saunas for guests who stay in the condos, ski school, equipment rental, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, Black Bear Inn, and Clubhouse Bar & Grill.

Driving distance: Three hours, 15 minutes.

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Canaan Valley Resort

230 Main Lodge Rd., Davis, WV, 800-622-4121

Overview: With an average of 180 inches of natural snow a year, this is the place to ski, snowboard, ice skate, tube, or try air boarding on an inflatable sled that can be controlled for turns and stops.

Ski area: It has an elevation of 4,280 feet with a vertical drop of 850 feet, 42 trails, three chairlifts, two magic carpets that take tubers to the top of the hill, nightly grooming, and snow making on more than 75 percent of the mountain.

Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily

Cost: Full-day lift tickets, $65 midweek and non-holidays, $80 weekends and holidays.

Other amenities: Arcade, gift shops, indoor heated pool, whirlpool spa, fitness center, massage services, drop-off child care, sleigh rides, tubing, lessons, and equipment rentals.

Driving distance: Four hours.

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Liberty Mountain Resort

78 Country Club Trail, Carroll Valley, PA, 717-642-8282

Overview: Deals and packages, particularly for new skiers and boarders, plus an easy walk from the hotel to the slopes makes Liberty a great getaway.

Ski area: Elevation is 1,190 feet high with a vertical drop of 600 feet and 100 acres of ski-able terrain. It has 16 trails and three terrain parks, serviced by nine lifts, with complete snow-making coverage.

Hours: M – W: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Th & Fri: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun: 8 a.m.-8 p.m; Snow tubing is Th & Fri: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sat & Sun: 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

Cost: $76+ midweek; $84+ weekends

Other amenities: Tubing, lessons, equipment rental, child-care center, and restaurants and bars. An exercise room, wireless Internet, and a hot breakfast buffet are included with hotel rates.

Driving distance: One hour, 24 minutes.

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Massanutten Resort

1822 Resort Dr., Massanutten, VA, 540-289-9441.

Overview: There are so many activities and events at the Shenandoah Valley resort, that they have an Entertainment Guide to help you plan your time. The Pirates Program at the Kids’ Club is a popular activity for the little ones.

Ski area: It has a 2,925-foot summit with a vertical drop of 1,110 feet, 70 ski-able acres, two terrain parks, seven lifts, 14 trails, and 100 percent snow-making coverage.

Hours: Fri-Weds: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tu-Th: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Lift-ticket prices had not been determined at press time.

Other amenities: Indoor water park, ski and snowboard lessons, equipment rental, tubing, outdoor ice skating, zip line (weather dependent), gift shops and boutiques, restaurants and cafeterias, and child care.

Driving distance: Three hours, 10 minutes.

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The Omni Homestead

7696 Sam Snead Hwy., Hot Springs, VA, 800-838-1766.

Overview: The ski mountain is really just another amenity of the ritzy, historic hotel on the property.

Ski area: Forty-five acres of wide, well-groomed trails define this five-lift, six-trail mountain, with an elevation of 3,100 feet and a vertical drop of 700 feet.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends and holidays.

Cost: Lift tickets are $39 on weekdays, $49 on weekends, and $59 on holidays. Resort guests pay $35 on weekdays, $45 on weekends, $55 on holidays.

Other amenities: Ski school, ice-skating rink, an indoor pool fed by warm mineral springs, gift shops, dress-up dinners, a salon, and exercise sessions with personal trainers. You get the idea.

Driving distance: Five hours.

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Roundtop Mountain Resort

925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, PA, 717-432-9631.

Overview: Roundtop is an excellent choice for beginner skiers and snowboarders.

Ski area: Ten lifts take downhill enthusiasts to 16 trails, plus a terrain park with a super pipe and half pipe. Elevation is 1,400 feet with a vertical drop of 600 feet and about 103 ski-able acres.

Hours: Mon-Tues: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Weds.-Fri: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cost: An eight-hour lift ticket is $72+ midweek and non-holidays, $79 on weekends and holidays.

Other amenities: Fireside Pub and Grill, sports shop, ski and snowboard schools, and tubing.

Driving distance: One hour, 30 minutes.

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Seven Springs Mountain Resort

777 Waterwheel Dr., Seven Springs, PA, 800-452-2223.

Overview: The resort is a kid-friendly, year-round entertainment center, where even non-skiers will find plenty to do.

Ski area: The mountain, at 2,994 feet, has a vertical drop of 750 feet and 285 acres of ski-able terrain, including through-the-trees glade runs and eight terrain parks. Ten chairlifts and a rope tow take skiers and snowboarders to 33 trails.

Hours: Sun – Weds: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs-Sat and holidays 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cost: Midweek all day: $74; Fri-Sun all-day: $95; Holidays all day: $98

Other amenities: Snowshoe and snowmobile tours, tubing, indoor miniature golf, indoor bowling alley, game room, roller-skating rink, late-night snowcat tours with the slope groomers, indoor-outdoor pool, fitness center, hot tubs, and 11 dining options. A sporting clays course is open year-round, weather permitting.

Driving distance: Three hours, 30 minutes.

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Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort

10 Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe, WV, 304-572-5909.

Overview: Snowshoe is the choice for serious skiers with some of the most challenging slopes in the region.

Ski area: With 57 trails, 251 ski-able acres, an elevation of 4,848 feet and a vertical drop of 1,500 feet, Snowshoe is one of the larger ski mountains in the area. It’s divided into three areas: the Snowshoe Basin, Silver Creek, and Western Territory, with options that include glades skiing and terrain parks, all with 100 percent snow-making coverage.

Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Snowshoe; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Silver Creek; M-Th: 12-9 p.m., Fri – Sun: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cost: $70+ midweek, $100+ weekends, and $89 on holidays.

Other amenities: Off-road adventure tours, tubing, snowmobile tours, snowcat tours, an indoor playground with arcade games, a climbing wall, hot tubs, an indoor/outdoor pool, restaurants and food courts, lessons, and equipment rental.

Driving distance: Five hours, 15 minutes.

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Timberline Four Seasons Resort

254 Four Seasons Dr., Davis, WV, 304-403-2074.

Overview: Its claim to fame is its high elevation, which makes it a snow magnet, averaging 200 feet or more a year. The Slopeside Hotel, as you can guess from the name, is within feet of the main lift.

Ski area: It has an elevation of 4,268 feet with a vertical drop of 1,000 feet, four lifts, 37 trails, 100 ski-able acres, and 100 percent snow-making coverage. It also has the longest run in the South—the two-mile-long Salamander.

Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily

Cost: An eight-hour lift ticket ranges between $55-85.

Other amenities: Lessons, equipment rental, Timbers Pub and Fireside Grille with live music and karaoke, cross-country ski trails, and snowshoeing.

Driving distance: Four hours.

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Whitetail

13805 Blairs Valley Rd., Mercersburg, PA, 717-328-9400.

Overview: This sibling of Roundtop and Liberty is another family-friendly, low-hassle choice, particularly for newbies. Packages for first-timers include equipment rental, lift tickets, and lessons, all for under $100.

Ski area: Elevation is 1,800 feet with a vertical drop of 935 feet. Nine lifts take skiers and boarders to 23 trails and two terrain parks, with 100 percent snow-making coverage.

Hours: Mon-Weds: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs-Sun: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cost: Eight-hour lift ticket is $76+ midweek

Other amenities: Tubing, child care, ski and snowboard lessons, food court, slope-side Windows Restaurant, and adaptive snow-sports program for children and adults with mental and physical challenges.

Driving distance: Two hours.

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Wintergreen Resort

Rte. 664, Wintergreen, VA, 855-699-1858

Overview: Luxury and outdoor adventure live side by side at the resort, where days of challenging skiing are followed by evenings of spa treatments and excellent food.

Ski area: Elevation is 3,515 feet with a vertical drop of 1,003 feet, and 129 ski-able acres. Five chairlifts bring skiers and snowboarders to 26 runs, plus two terrain parks that are continually reshaped for new challenges.

Hours: Sun-Wed: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Th-Sat: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cost: Eight-hour lift tickets, $79 midweek; $99 on Fridays, Sundays and non-peak Saturdays; and $109 on Saturdays and holidays

Other amenities: Two snow-tubing parks, ice-skating, a winter zip line, pool and fitness center with year-round outdoor hot tubs and a therapeutic soak pool; Pilates and yoga classes; and Ridgely’s Fun Park, where children younger than 11 can enjoy snow shoes, a gentle tubing slope, and hot chocolate.

Driving distance: Three hours, 49 minutes.

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Wisp Resort

296 Marsh Hill Rd., McHenry, MD. 800-462-9477

Overview: Maryland’s only ski resort is

in a town that is home to Deep Creek Lake and year-round outdoor activities. Stay at the Wisp Resort Hotel or rent a townhouse or condo.

Ski area: Wisp is 3,115 feet at its highest point with a vertical drop of 700 feet and 132 ski-able acres. Seven chairlifts and five surface lifts take skiers and snowboarders to 32 beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails and four freestyle parks.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. “First tracks,” for multi-day and season ticket holders, begins at 8 a.m.

Cost: $79 weekdays, $89 weekends and holidays.

Other amenities: Tubing, outdoor ice skating, canopy tour with five zip lines (limited winter operation), cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, a “mountain coaster,” and snowmobile tours.

Driving distance: About three hours, 30 minutes.

Additional fact checking by Reines Maliksi.

As the snow falls, plenty of bars and restaurants are open and ready to provide a warm setting for a tasty cocktail. So brave the cold and head out to a neighborhood spot to take advantage of these food and drink specials. A blizzard in Baltimore is just one big all-day happy hour, after all.

Avenue Kitchen & Bar: This Hampden hangout will be hosting an all-day snow party with discounted eats and drinks from noon to 7 p.m. Bundle up tight and head to the Avenue for cocktail specials (think the sweet frozen rosé or a smoky Paloma) and $20 crab cakes all day. 911 W. 36th St. 443-961-8515

Chez Hugo: There’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup when the temperatures start to drop, and this French bistro downtown is featuring a special soupe a l’oignon combo served with a green salad for $15 during lunch. Stop in to sample the aromatic onion broth topped with a crouton and hearty hunk of melty gruyère cheese. 206 E. Redwood St. 443-438-3002

Don’t Know Tavern: Forget your winter worries and pretend it’s summertime with a $5 Orange Crush at this Federal Hill staple. Don’t Know will also offer $3.50 draft beers and $5 orders of wings throughout the day. 1453 Light St. 410-539-0231

Lee’s Pint & Shell: This Canton hangout is always down for a party, and snow days are no exception. The bar will open early and offer $1 Rumple Minze shots starting at 11 a.m. Stick around for happy hour at 4 p.m. to fill up on $5 mini pizzas, quesadillas, and duck nachos. 2844 Hudson St. 410-327-2883

Lobo: Nothing says cozy like the toasty sandwiches and warm soups at this corner spot in Fells Point, which will be opening early at 2 p.m. Indulge in steamy bowls of pho, as well as happy hour specials on oysters, beer, cocktails, wine, and snacks from 2-7 p.m. 1900 Aliceanna St., 410-327-0303

Looney’s Pub: Discounted drinks will be flowing all day at this O’Donnell Square staple, which is celebrating the snow day accordingly with happy-hour specials starting at 11 a.m. Chow down on $2-off tacos while sipping $2 Miller Lites, $3 Blue Moon bottles, and $4 microbrews. 2900 O’Donnell St. 410-675-9235

Noona’s: Settle in at this Midtown newbie to dig in to hot sourdough pizzas while sipping discounted drinks. The neighborhood gathering spot is highlighting $1-off all drafts and $2-off select wine and cocktails throughout the day. 1203 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 410-424-0857

Order & Chaos: Treat yourself to a frothy latte or piping-hot cappuccino at this Key Highway coffee shop, which is offering 15 percent-off all pastries with the purchase of any coffee beverage. Enjoy a fresh muffin, scone, or signature handheld waffle for a filling snow day breakfast. 1410 Key Highway. 410-244-1111

The Red Star: Both Red Star locations in Fells Point and Charles Village are taking advantage of the wintry weather with happy hour prices all day. Cozy up under the dim lights to sip $5 draft beers, wines by the glass, and well cocktails from lunch until close. Other deals include $9 appetizers (think fried Brussels sprouts and creamy crab dip) and $6 martinis. Plus, the special Connie’s Chicken & Waffles pop-up at the Fells Point location is still on for 5-10 p.m. Multiple locations including 906 S. Wolfe St. 410-675-0212

Vida Taco Bar: Pregame for National Margarita Day (this Friday) with half-priced pitchers at this taco spot in Harbor Point. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows are ideal for watching the snow pile up, and you can’t go wrong with the tacos—filled with everything from Buffalo cauliflower to tinga chicken. 1401 Point St. 443-835-3474

Wet City: In Mt. Vernon, the team at Wet City will be mixing up warm cocktails like a signature mulled cider (dark rum, amaro, mulling spices, and a clove-studded orange peel garnish) as well as a hot toddy made with local cinnamon-walnut Wight Tea, lazaroni amaretto, honey, and lemon. The bar is also highlighting tons of food specials, including cast iron hanger steak, a loaded chili dog, and Nashville hot fried oysters. 223 W. Chase St. 443-873-6699

The Waterfront Hotel: Avoid cabin fever by heading out to this Fells Point favorite for $1-off premium drafts, $2 Natty Bohs, and $4 rail drinks throughout the storm. Pair all of the discounted drinks with warm food specials including $8 pork belly sliders, crab pretzel sticks, curry mussels, and crunchy calamari. 1710 Thames St. 410-537-5055

The Wine Source: Hampden locals in need of provisions should look no further than this neighborhood spirits shop, which is fully stocked with plenty of bottles to hold everyone over until the storm passes. Shoppers buying in bulk will receive 10 percent-off of their purchase when they buy a half case of six bottles, or 20 percent-off when they buy a full case of 12 bottles. 3601 Elm Ave. 410-467-7777

Additional reporting by Skyler Aikerson.

For kids (and adventurous adults) snow in the forecast means partaking in the best part of winter: sledding! While it can be tempting to hide under a heated blanket until springtime, the snowy hills of Baltimore are the perfect excuse to venture out of your cozy home.

From big slopes to mild ones, there are tons of hills to hit. And you really should. Not only because hot cocoa always tastes better after a day of sledding, but Instagram is practically made for adorable pics of your winter riders.

Baltimore County Board of Education (aka Greenwood)
This super steep hill is a favorite sledding spot whenever the snow comes to town. Whether it’s a couple of inches or a blizzard, it doesn’t matter. The massive hill will send kids soaring, either way. Just beware of the big ditch at the bottom that’s surely been the cause of more than a few ice cold wipeouts. 6901 Charles Street Towson, next to Loyola Blakefield

Herring Run Park
The beloved park that sits between Harford and Argonne roads, near Lake Montebello, is known for its beautiful scenic views all year long. Come winter, it’s also a top sledding spot! Hills are of varied elevations for kids of all ages to enjoy. Little ones can stay on the small slopes while the big kids might get adventurous on the steeper hills that they can pick up speed on. Harford and Argonne Roads

Baltimore Country Club (aka “Suicide Hill”):
This sketchy hill can be seen as you drive along Falls Road. But beware, it’s extremely steep and a bit dangerous. There have been plenty of injuries on this insane slope, so it’s not for the faint of heart, but rumor has it, it’s still pretty thrilling. Another reason this spot is only for the bravest of the brave? It’s not exactly legal, per say, so trespassers beware, and maybe have a lawyer handy. 4712 Club Road

Dumbarton Middle School
Rodgers Forgers have been hitting up the pint-sized hills surrounding the fields between Dumbarton Middle and Rodgers Forge Elementary schools for eons. It’s a short ride down one of these small slopes which are great for small riders. Older neighborhood kids have been known to get clever, building ramps and finding creative ways to make their sleds soar. 300 Dumbarton Road

Patterson Park (near the Pagoda)
You’ll find every age group present and accounted for here—from kids and families, 20-somethings, and even furry friends. There are tons of little hills where folks are known to get creative, using trash can lids and other makeshift sleds. Hey, whatever keeps your butt dry. Patterson Park Avenue and Pratt Street

Federal Hill Park
Since this neighborhood is a total mix of families and 20-somethings, you’ll find just about everyone hitting up these super steep hills. But, look out, because there’s a few that might lead you astray . . . like, right into Key Highway. Another thing to look out for? There’s almost always a snowball fight brewing, so don’t turn your back for too long. Warren Avenue

Oregon Ridge Park
This massive hill is actually former ski slope, so while it looks very long and steep, it’s actually pretty safe! That’s a big perk for families with little ones, who can ride safely (but if they get scared, there are more shallow ones, too). The main hill lands into a long, flat field and then drops off into another flat area. Sometimes, you’ll still see cross-country skiers and snowboarders here, as well, shredding down the “mountain.” 13401 Beaver Dam Road

Towson University’s Smith Hall
Of course, this is a popular site for students on a snow day, located on school grounds, at the spot right next to the English building. While some riders choose sleds or skis, other settle for riding in last night’s pizza box (probably while sipping on last night’s leftover Natty Lights, too). Glen Drive, Towson

Leakin Park
The hill at Leakin Park refers to the dip behind Crimea Mansion on Eagle Drive. It’s another well-known favorite inside the city lines, only this one never gets terribly crowded—a perk for the neighborhood kids. This hill is of medium difficulty, but still long and steep for an epic day of sledding. Eagle Drive

Wyman Park
It’s no wonder the 16-acre public park, between Charles Village and Remington has been a beloved sledding spot for more than 100 years. The park is known for its steep slopes, after all. On a snowy day, you can find friends of all ages there, from little ones to college kids from JHU, zipping down hills so sharp they’ll make even the strongest stomachs drop. North Charles and 29th Streets

From water mains breaks to climbing energy bills, a myriad of issues arise as temperatures inevitably fall each winter.

“People might not think about this, but even if you keep your thermostat at the same temperature you always do, your heating furnace will have to work harder to maintain that same temperature,” said BGE spokesman Richard Yost. “So even if you’re not turning up the heat, you may end up using more energy.”

Here are some tips to help you (and your furry friends) through these frosty winter months without breaking the bank.

Use the sun.
Just opening the curtains and letting the sun’s natural heat do some of the heavy lifting on those cold days will help to keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature. Just be sure to close them at night to keep the cold air outside where it belongs.

Ceiling fans can help in the winter, too.
If your home is equipped with ceiling fans, have them circulate clockwise on a slow speed to get the hot air stuck in your ceiling down to you.

If your health permits, lower your thermostat.
“The simplest thing to do is to adjust the temperature—especially when you’re sleeping,” Yost said. “If you dial it back 10 to 15 degrees, it might sound like a lot, but if you’re under your blankets you won’t notice it.” BGE customers can save up to 5 percent on heating costs every degree the thermostat is lowered. It’s also a good idea to wear socks and long sleeves when in the house to help keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature.

Make sure your home is properly insulated.
Frozen and burst pipes are so common in the winter months due to poorly insulated plumbing. BGE customers can take advantage of the quick home energy checkup to have a licensed contractor come to your home to assess your insulation.

Keep your outdoor gas vents clear.
Homes with natural gas appliances have outdoor vents—typically at knee or thigh height. When it snows or gets icy, it is important to keep those vents clear so that the exhaust is not trapped in the home.

Make sure pets are safe.
Speaking of outdoor, we can’t forget about our furry family members in these brutal temps. By law, if the temperature is below 10-degrees, pets are required to have heated housing. Pets exposed to cold temperatures for a long period of time can experience hypothermia. Signs include low body temperature, violent shivering, and blue gums.

“If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets,” said executive director for BARCS Jen Brause. “It may seem like common sense, but we still see pets come in with hypothermia, half frozen.”

Dogs with short coats should wear a jacket.
Unlike breeds such as shepherds, huskies, malamutes, and retrievers, breeds that do not have an undercoat can get cold quickly.

Pets should avoid salted roads.
It’s not only very toxic if ingested, but it’s very coarse and painful for their paw pads. If they happen to come in contact with it, wipe the pet’s paw off with a lukewarm washcloth to remove any residue.

Keep pets inside.
We know they have to go outside at some point, but shorter walks and potty breaks make all the difference. Less time outside may result in a bored pet, but it’s the safest place for them when the temps get below freezing. The best thing to do is find fun things to do with them indoors like training games and food puzzles.

“This is a great opportunity to interact and play with your pets,” Brause said. “It’s perfect, you can snuggle each other and keep warm.”

Mindy Sue Bush, community sales manager, Bozzuto Homes: When I can stay home in my jammies, snuggle on the couch, and just sit and watch the beauty of the snow falling.

Jennifer Jean-Pierre, editor in chief, Comme Coco lifestyle blog: With hot cider and rum, making s’mores in the fireplace, and watching ’90s sitcoms all day long!

Kimberly Hart, owner, BMoreMusical: Baking and trying out some new cookie recipes! The more creative, the better!

Linda McNeeley, sales and marketing: In Jamaica, LOL!

Emma Kaufman, artist: I get claustrophobic very quickly and usually end up putting on my snowpants, walking round the neighborhood, and chatting to neighbors. It’s a great time to catch up on all the local gossip! By the third snow day, all the moms are wringing their hands and hoping school will open back up soon.

Joseph Di Seta, database analyst: Still sledding down a Patterson Park hill, but now with my children.

Martin Leslie, life coach: Two words: Ale Mary’s.

Forget crowded Home Depot.
In case you are total procrastinators like us and have yet to scour the shelves of Home Depot and Ace Hardware, Station North Tool Library has you covered. On Thursday from 5-8 p.m., the tool shop and workspace will be selling custom-made flat head and snow shovels.

Put on some Drake and make yourself a cocktail.
Pretend it’s still 80 degrees out there by making a cocktail inspired by the song of the summer. Wit & Wisdom‘s head bartender Jonathan Levy shared the recipe for his winter cocktail Hot Line, which you can make at home or enjoy by one of the restaurant’s many fireplaces.

• 1.5 oz. Dewars White Label
• 0.5 oz. Drambuie
• 0.5 oz. honey syrup
• 0.5 oz. lemon juice
• 0.5 oz. orange juice
• 2 dash Angostura Bitters
• 3.5 oz. hot water

Combine in a preheated dock glass and top with hot water, orange twist garnish.

Do sweaty yoga inside a rock venue.
If you live local and want to layer on and trek over to Rams Head Live, the zen vibes will be flowing inside the concert venue on Sunday. M.Power Yoga Studio is hosting a Rock ‘n Flow event that will feature a beginner’s vinyasa class by instructors Nila Mechali and Lindsay Lusignea, set to a soundtrack of live music performed by Mickey Coviello of bluegrass band Cabinet and ambient tunes from The Herd Brothers. Update: Not surprisingly, Rock ‘n Flow has been postponed to February 12 due to weather.

Pelt snowballs at a bunch of strangers at the Washington Monument.
A couple of planned, neighborhood snowball fights have been cropping up, but we like the sound of this epic event taking place at the Washington Monument at noon on Saturday. (Organizers are also considering moving it to Sunday due to blizzard-like conditions.) Some important rules: stay warm, load up on carbs beforehand, and don’t be a jerk.

When all else fails, head to the bar.
Once you’ve exhausted all your available resources, enjoy one of the most characteristically Baltimore pastimes: trudging down to the corner bar. In all likelihood, they’ll be open and ready to serve. In fact, some of them, like Banditos in Federal Hill, are turning all of these Doppler radar reports into one giant party.

1. Make sure you’re stranded in a fun area.
If the weatherman is calling for a huge snowfall, plan ahead so you can be “stranded” in a good spot with plenty of places to walk. Cabin fever got to us all last year, but the smart folks made sure they were in trudging distance to a local restaurant, bar, or movie theater when the boredom kicked in.

2. Keep your house well stocked with the right things.
For some reason, when the weatherman predicts snow, everyone runs to the grocery store to buy tons of milk, eggs, and bread. That’s all well and good, but, when it really counts, you’ll need a decent liquor cabinet, a current version of Trivial Pursuit, your book club’s latest selection, and the most entertaining Wii game you can find.

3. When the city bans driving, you probably shouldn’t drive.
We knew the snow was really extreme when the city outlawed driving. Even still, we saw some daredevils in SUVs, who thought they were above the law, cruising the snowy streets. We also saw them skid, swerve, and smack right into mailboxes.

4. Establish ground rules for lawn chair use.
Now, we totally understand saving your spot with a lawn chair (or orange cone, trashcan lid, etc). You worked hard to dig out that spot, and you have the right to reserve it—for a time. Just don’t overextend lawn chair use. Also, under no circumstances can you place a lawn chair in a spot you didn’t dig out. That’s just poor form.

5. Be a friendly neighbor.
It’s true that you don’t really know your neighbors until disaster strikes. Instead of being cooped up, a lot of people are out shoveling walks, digging out cars, or supervising snowball fights. This is a chance to be a good neighbor, whether it’s lending a shovel or helping the mom down the street fit her minivan into a parking spot.

6. There could always be another one!
Just when we thought all the madness was over last February, another snowstorm reared its ugly head. So don’t go out and shovel too soon because you might just get plowed back in and have to do it all over again.

7. Shovel your roof. Seriously. This may be common knowledge for someone who grew up in Minnesota, but we Baltimoreans never really knew we had to scrape our roofs with shovels. That is, until last year. The last thing you need during a winter storm is a leaky roof.

8. Always have a shovel, ice scraper, and brush in your car.
One of the worst feelings is knowing you have to dig out your car and you’re totally unprepared. As pleasant as asking total strangers for help can be, it’s always better to be self-reliant. And go to the hardware store early, before they’re all cleaned out.

9. Have fun with it.
Don’t let the snow get you down. When else does the city basically shut down, you get days off work, and you’re allowed to act like a kid again? Get in a snowball fight, go sledding, and make snow angels. Go ahead, we won’t judge.

10. Plan a vacation!
We know some people who had incredibly good timing and spent the 2010 blizzards down in the Caribbean. Try your luck and book a flight to a warmer climate so you can avoid the snow (and all its inherent drama) completely.