Jenny Curran, inside sales rep: Wait . . . it isn’t a holiday?!?! It is for me! Every year!

Tyson Heck, bartender: “America’s pastime” speaks for itself. Opening day represents more than just baseball. It represents everything about the American Dream and loving life. No other sport has influenced everyday culture like baseball has. So, we owe it to the game to make opening day a holiday. Not to mention, time off from work means more time to chow down on some Esskays.

Candice Knight, designer: Obviously, it can’t become a legitimate office holiday, but I think it’s already considered a local holiday. I know I think of it that way! It’s one of the most fun days of the year in Baltimore!

Jason Wagner, graphic designer: Opening day is for those with heart and smarts to skip work. It’s not for everyone.

Ryan Detter, NASA engineer: That’s a rhetorical question, right? I do feel a cough coming on . . .

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.

Terrence Nelson, TV producer: It’s all about the aroma and the music . . . and maybe a little wine.

Nichele Benton, administrative officer: Keep the bugs away so people can enjoy their meals. Cover the food with food nets, keep fans blowing to prevent mosquitoes from landing, check for beehives, and keep the smell of mint and citronella candles blowing.

Jay Garrett, program analyst: Do as much the day—or days—before the cookout as possible, like preparing sides or marinating the meat.

Rachel Grier, risk analytics consultant: Wrap corn-on-the-cob in aluminum foil with butter and Old Bay. Then throw it on the grill. A Baltimore staple!

Emily Martin, advertising account director: Kabobs are popular at our house because they don’t require constant attention. Plus, your guests get a variety of veggies and protein—all skewered and grilled to perfection at once.

Ingrid Friedenberg, entrepreneur: Fenwick Island State Park and Bethany Beach, DE. They are clean, family-oriented, pet-friendly, cute, and charming beach communities.

Kristy Wright, legal secretary: Rehoboth Beach. It has an upscale feel with fewer kids.

Val Levin, IT professional: Assateague: easy parking, natural beauty.

Scott Mech, sushi chef: There’s a “secret” beach in North Point State Park with a fallen tree that is absolutely amazing. Nature provided a beautiful bench for a beautiful place.

Lisa Frisky, staffing company branch manager: Ocean City, of course! Because it’s an easy escape from where I live. It has always been there for us, and the memories are priceless!

Courtney Casas, stay-at-home mom: Never owe more on your credit card than you have in your savings account.

Alicia Sneed, homemaker and exercise instructor: Three words: Pick your battles. That advice has worked with friends, enemies, husband, children, bosses—and even her.

Eric Seeley, hospitality sales representative: “Do the right thing” kind of covers everything.

Jennifer Alonso, account manager: Appreciate every moment as a parent, even the messy ones. Two weeks later, our newborn managed to poop all over the walls of his nursery and my husband’s face. All we could do was laugh and cherish that disgusting moment!

Jillian Peterson, dancer: If it’s wet and it’s not yours, don’t touch it!

Jasmine Simms, owner, Scrub Nail Boutique: “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. I don’t care who tells you: me, your father, anyone. You’re in control of your own life.” And I was only 8!

Kathy Heisler, retired: Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, founded by the amazing Alice Waters. Over $300 for two of us, but worth every cent.

Julie Wardley, makeup artist: Minibar [in Washington, D.C.] for my 32nd birthday. Was kissed on the hand by my idol chef José Andrés as we were on our way out the door! My husband was a good sport, and that dinner was something we could
never recreate on our own.

Michelle Arencivia, product management director: Brennan’s in New Orleans. $400 for breakfast. My first time in N’awlins in my early 20s, I thought: ‘What could you possibly do to breakfast to make it that expensive?!’ A decade later, when I could afford it, I learned. The flambé was amazing.

Michael Damian Coleman, international contracts manager: Ate lunch at Per Se by Thomas Keller of The French Laundry fame at the window overlooking Central Park. Dinner was at Le Bernardin by Éric Ripert. Both worth it!

Joseph Di Seta, database analyst: Definitely. I am married to mine. Five years married, but feel like I have known her a lifetime.

Shira Bethea, actress/model: I most certainly do. There are a number of people you can make it work with, but there’s only one soul mate. If you’re doubting or questioning your partner, chances are they’re not the one.

Lee Ann Dolly, administrative assistant coordinator: It may not be love at first sight, but there is a person out there for everyone. My husband and I spark a flame in each other. We call each other mo anam cara, meaning my soul mate in Gaelic.

Hope Jordan, independent college access counselor and educational adviser: No. Seeking a soul mate limits my life. Why burden life with the term soul mate? If I went into relationships pondering if the person was my soul mate, well, I am not living; I am expecting. Avoid labeling people or feelings. It will keep you content and allow you to see the good in everyone.

Scott Landsman, executive information technology recruiter: I would love to see money put into neighborhoods that are boarded up. They need to be restored. Make people proud of where they live as an investment and watch the returns you get from the community.

Jacqueline Connor, teacher: I would like to see Harborplace only have Maryland-based businesses. Why would tourists come all the way to Baltimore to eat at a Bubba Gump restaurant or a Cheesecake Factory?

Erik Fjord Hansen, merchant marine officer: I’d love to pass a cop actually walking a beat. I see them doing their best after someone’s been burglarized, robbed, murdered, etc. A few ounces of prevention would be great.

Paige Whipple, college student: The Baltimore Orioles winning the World Series—DUH! It’s inevitable.

Adriane Beveridge, hairstylist: It depends on how conservative the business is. I am a hairstylist; it is normal for us to have a good time.

Truet E. Purnell, personal trainer manager: HELL NO! Whatever is on your mind about your co-workers, you will let it out unfiltered when drunk. Also, if you are very flirtatious, that will also come out when drunk.

Brian E. Young, art director: Drunk? Nah, limit yourself to a drink or two. If you really have the desire to get drunk, there are safer venues that won’t affect your livelihood.

Joel Lessard, wedding officiant: Sure, if your New Year’s resolution is to find a new job.

Angie Marion, executive assistant and student: Way too early now! Each holiday’s decorations need to come out just after the preceding holiday ends.

Joanne Taylor, social worker: Anytime before Christmas Eve’s Eve. Too Early. Bah. Humbug.

Jennifer Wojcik, middle-school teacher: If it’s warm enough for flip-flops, it’s too early.

Rachel Wafle-Tabacchi, substitute teacher and college student: There should be some sort of rule, only December 1 to December 31.

Jeffrey V. Brown, IT director: Before Halloween is way too early. I prefer right at Thanksgiving. 

Jen Burke, full-time mom and part-time lab tech: “It’s got to be Rodgers Forge with its row homes and lots of young families.”

Shannon Nickey, bartender, Holy Frijoles: “Violetville is a safe, family-oriented neighborhood, and the police are prevalent to make sure there are no troublemakers!”

Helene Luce, senior director, educational initiatives, Community Law in Action: “Patterson Park is pretty amazing. There have been tons of kids born the last couple of years, and the families have stayed.”

Beth Laverick, owner, B Scene Events & Promotions: “In Butchers Hill, a lot of local families meet after trick-or-treating for a community potluck. Parents get to enjoy festive food and drinks while kids tear into their Halloween treats.”

Emmanuel André, staff development teacher: “The YMCA is fantastic. Also, I love a bike ride along the water early Saturday mornings—and Charm City Yoga.”

Chris Daley, public relations: “I love a good run or bike around the waterfront. If I’m looking to step it up, I’ll participate in a boot-camp session at the Under Armour Performance Center/FX Studios.”

Tina Milnes, health care: “Running on the NCR Trail! So peaceful!”

Amanda Shinholser, development coordinator, The Johns Hopkins University: “Running along the promenade and playing volleyball at Rash Field!”

Stephanie Weaver, media relations specialist: “Nothing like biking with hundreds of fellow Baltimoreans at Baltimore Bike Party to stay active!”