The Scouted Calendar / April 2017

The arrival of April marks the start of spring in full bloom, and with the height of the season comes plenty of opportunities to appreciate all the season has to offer in our communities. From festivals celebrating innovation to blossoming botanical gardens to awe-inspiring light exhibitions, here’s what we’re looking forward to in some of our Scouted cities next month:

BALTIMORE & ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

March 31-April 8, Baltimore will be a bit brighter thanks to the second annual Light City. The week-long event blends large-scale lighting installations, innovation, and music to create a transformative experience. Don’t miss the BGE Light Art Walk along the Inner Harbor showcasing more than fifty attractions, including sculptures, concerts, and interactive technologies. While the lights brighten the night, Light City hosts innovation programming via six Labs@LightCity conferences during the day, focusing on health, education, design, and more.  {Find local recommendations for what to do and see in Baltimore and Annapolis here.}

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

April 26, women’s boutique Edit by LBP will host a trunk show showcasing up-and-coming designer GG Maull’s new handbags. Attendees can browse the selection of bags, which are designed in New York and hand-crafted in Italy, while meeting GG Maull, who will be at the trunk show to discuss and display her work. {Find local recommendations for what to do and see in Baton Rouge here.}

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

An exciting collaboration between Ali MacGraw and global textile company ibu on April 26 brings exciting new wearable creations from female artisans around the world. The launch of Women Without Borders will include a runway viewing and a talk from MacGraw, as well as raffles and give-aways. {Find local recommendations for what to do and see in Charleston here.}

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA

April 10-16, get inspired at the sixth annual Tom Tom Founders Festival, where innovators, visionaries, and artists come together. The week-long festival will host leading creative minds at The Founders Summit, up-and-coming musicians and bands at The Block Parties downtown, and a stimulating Keynote lecture from Ann-Marie Slaughter. Highlighting entrepreneurship and innovation, this lively spring festival will not disappoint. {Find local recommendations for what to do and see in Charlottesville here.}

COLUMBUS, OHIO

For a fresh twist on the museum-going experience, check out the Designers’ Show House at the Columbus Museum of Art. For the first time, from April 23-May 14, DSH@CMA will transform gallery space into living space created by favorite and debut designers, incorporating works from the Museum’s collection to complete the experience. {Find local recommendations for what to do and see in Columbus here.}

HIGH POINT, NORTH CAROLINA

Design professionals will descend upon High Point, North Carolina, for Spring High Point Market April 22-26, where the latest lines and fabulous dealer finds will be on display. Look for TSG members exhibiting throughout the area, including in the Antique & Design Center (which opens on April 20) and in Market Square. {Find local recommendations for what to do and see in the Triad here.}

HILTON HEAD ISLAND & BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

If you’re looking to sample delicious local cuisine, head to the Lowcountry for Taste of Bluffton on April 8. Boasting over twenty vendors, the festival offers Southern fare and activities for the whole family. Just two days later, the RBC Heritage Golf Classic kicks off on Hilton Head Island and runs until April 17. Enjoy world-class golfing by some of the top names in the game, and participate in fun and fan-friendly events. At both events, be on the lookout for TSG Bluffton & Hilton Head Island, which will be among the sponsors. {Find local recommendations for what to do and see in Hilton Head and Bluffton here.}

MIAMI, FLORIDA

April 8-9, visitors can enjoy the Spring Garden Festival hosted by the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens. The Festival offers local food and vendors, and, for those who need help with their green thumb, helpful instruction to keep your garden thriving.  The event will also host the 38th Annual Spring Plant Sale, where both experienced and amateur gardeners can find the perfect additions to their gardens, all while admiring the Botanic Garden at its height.  {Find local recommendations for what to do and see in Miami here.}

Minneapolis, Minnesota

A celebratory, interactive kickoff to Fashion Week Minnesota, the fourth semi-annual Minnstafashion event will take place Thursday, April 20th. The Scout Guide Minneapolis is planning the social media-themed evening in partnership with the W Hotel Foshay, and guests will have the opportunity to enjoy music, cocktails, and fashion inspired by local emerging designers and tastemakers.  {Find local recommendations for what to do and see in Minneapolis here.}

SARASOTA, FLORIDA

A perfect Easter excursion, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers what’s sure to be a memorable brunch on April 16. Children can participate in an easter egg hunt throughout the colorful gardens and anticipate a visit from the Easter Bunny, and adults will appreciate delicious fare and live music. {Find local recommendations for what to do and see in Sarasota here.}

ALEXANDRIA, CHARLOTTESVILLE, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA BEACH, AND WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA

Gardeners and non-gardeners alike can spend a week enjoying beautiful landscapes and homes throughout the state of Virginia April 22-29. At Historic Garden Week, visitors can participate in tours throughout Virginia communities ranging from Richmond to Alexandria to Charlottesville. Each tour will feature bright springtime colors, as well as stately homes, many with historical significance. {Find local recommendations for what to do and see in Alexandria here, Charlottesville here, Richmond here, Virginia Beach & Norfolk here, and Williamsburg & The Chesapeake Bay here.}