1 . These local hot spots put the “win” in winter
1. Roasting s’mores at Backyard Bar
It’s a dream backyard that encourages sitting outside with a glass of wine, ignoring the evening chill.
Open Wednesday through Sunday. S’mores $12, cocktails $12-$14. (Warning: When the temperatures get close to freezing, outdoor service may be stopped. )
2. Discover a comedian at Hotbug
If you need to hear a few jokes, head to underground comedy, a stand-up show case held five nights each week at Hotbug.
Underground Comedy takes place Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 8 p. m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 11:30 p. m. Free.
3. Watch indoor movies for all ages at Metrobar
Free outdoor movies have been a loved communal activity in D. C. for decades, but uncertain weather means that most series tend to wrap up before Labor day. But Metrobar, the outdoor bar is best known for the out-of-service Metro car sitting in the heart of its beer garden.
Sundays at 3 p. m. Metrobar. Free.
4. Have a sound bath at Eaton
It may seem like the last place you’d expect to find your happiness, but not if Artis Moon is your host. Each Thursday night, the healing guide takes over the yoga room at the Eaton wellness center.
Thursdays at 7 p. m. Eaton,. $30.
5. Watch the poets spit rhymes at Busboys and Poets
The Busboys and Poets’ 14th Street location feels like a warm embrace. Try your hand at a verse (章节) or a song or a five-minute set of stand-up comedy. There is no friendlier crowd.
Tuesdays at 8 p. m. Busboys and Poets. $5. See Busboys and Poets’website for the full schedule.
1. If you arrive at this city on Wednesday with the temperatures getting close to freezing, which hot spot would be available?| A．Backyard Bar. | B．Hotbug. | C．Metrobar | D．Eaton. |
| A．Listen to comedy for free. | B．Watch movies for free. |
| C．Practice yoga. | D．Try playing stand-up comedy. |
| A．A market research report. | B．A magazine column. |
| C．An online news report. | D．An official document. |
2 . Central Park Picnic Experiences
Having a picnic with family, friends or colleagues at the Pool with iconic views of the NYC backdrop would give you good feelings. We handle all aspects of your event from beginning to end, so you can just show up and have a great time! Fresh baked service! — You can now add games to any picnic experience (details below).
Family-Style Picnic
Serves a minimum of 15 people
Our family-style picnic experience is perfect for big groups! Includes set up & clean up, plus fruits and food. Also includes coolers with ice, blankets, pillows and parasols (遮阳伞). $60.00 per adult, $30.00 per child. Includes a 2-hour picnic with set up and clean up. $50 per add 1 hour.
Social Picnic Party
Serves 10 to 12 people
Comes complete with an entire picnic set up including extra space, blankets, pillows, parasols. The meal is a sampling of sandwiches, roast chicken, potato salad, seasonal greens, local cheese platter, lemonade, water and something sweet for dessert. Perfect for meeting new friends.
We Love This Formal Picnic!
Serves 4 to 10 people
Looking for something more formal? This is special and for you! Includes set up with a set low-rise table for business talk, a great selection of delicious food, flowers, and clean up! Tips not included — and should go direct to your picnic expert.
Birthday Party Picnic
Serves 2 to 18 people
Besides our signature birthday party cake, we also offer a local cheese platter (拼盘), seasonal salad, chips, lemonade and water, plus cookies & brownies for dessert! When you arrive at your picnic spot, one of our picnic experts will have everything set up, ready and waiting for you when you arrive! Includes a 2-hour picnic for 2 with set up and clean up. Add up to 16 additional guests. $50 per add 1 hour. $50 per add 1 guest. Max 18 guests.
Contact us with questions!1. What is a new service for the picnic experiences?
| A．New spots with wonderful views. | B．Whole-process service. |
| C．Allowing for adding games. | D．Offering freshly-made bread. |
| A．$720. | B．$1,020. | C．$1,070. | D．$1,150. |
| A．Expense of picnic. | B．Number of people. |
| C．Age of the group. | D．Purpose of the activity. |
3 . Park City has something for every multigenerational family. Whether you’re trying to tire out kids, comfort teenagers, and satisfy core skiers, you’ll have no problem finding something that the whole family will enjoy.
Skiing at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley
Deer Valley and Park City Mountain offer thousands of acres of terrain for all skiers. Whether you like carving freshly groomed runs, ripping powder and trees, or are just honing your skills on green and blue runs-all riders can find something they like! Each resort provides exceptional experiences on and off the mountain. With plentiful skiing, easy transportation, and tons of close lodging, starting your family trip on the slopes is a no-brainer.
Art classes at the Kimball Art Center
The Kimball Art Center is a great place to escape the cold weather, and let your creative juices flow. The Kimball Art Center has a variety of art classes that are offered several days every week. Classes cover a wide variety of art styles including pottery, painting, textiles, and even glass making. To make it easy for families, all of their classes can be sorted by the best ages, so you can be certain to sign up for a class that suits your unique group well.
Family Sleigh Ride in Park City
If you’re looking for a nice way to relieve stress at the end of the day, a family sleigh ride is one of our favorite activities. Bundle up together under blankets as you’re pulled through the snow behind a team of horses, and you’ll quickly feel like you’ve been transported to another time. With our young kids, we found that taking a short sleigh ride followed by dinner at Cena, was a perfect combination.
Park City Escape Room
If you’re looking for a bit of a mental challenge, and are willing to really work together as a team, make sure to visit the Park City Escape Room. With several themed rooms, your family will work together to solve a puzzle and figure out how to escape. Escape rooms are fantastic for multigenerational families and big groups, since everyone has something unique to bring to the game.
1. Which activity reflects the cooperative ability of family members?| A．Skiing at Deer Valley. | B．Art classes at the Kimball Art Center. |
| C．Park City Escape Room. | D．Family Sleigh Ride in Park City. |
| A．Experience horse-riding. | B．Relax themselves. |
| C．Travel to the long past. | D．Dine on a sleigh. |
| A．Household participation. | B．Adventurous spirit. |
| C．Family background. | D．Professional skills. |
4 . Paris is one of the most-visited destinations in the world. A relaxing trip to Paris takes a little bit of planning. Here are some tips for you to make your trip smooth.
Planning your trip
Have a passport for international travel. A passport costs $110 and takes 6-8weeks to arrive after you apply.
Booking Flights
The cheapest month to fly is March, especially if you can leave on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. You’ll save even more money by booking around 90 days in advance. In the summer months, tickets will be more expensive no matter when you book.
Enjoying Your Time
●Visit the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the most recognizable symbol of Paris. To avoid the crowds, go to the Eiffel Tower early in the morning. It costs €25 to go to the top, or €10 to climb to the first 2 levels on foot.
● See the Notre Dame Cathedral
At present, the Notre Dame Cathedral is closed to tourists due to the fire that destroyed parts of the cathedral. However, you can still visit the outside of the cathedral.
● Go to the Louvre to see world-famous art
The Louvre hosts the Mona Lisa along with 35, 000 other pieces of art. If you’re pressed for time, visit the highlights. The Louvre costs €15 at the museum or €17 in advance (to skip most of the line).
● Take a day trip to Versailles
If you have a day to spare, head to the palace of Versailles, around 14 miles southwest of the city. Take a tour to see King Louis XVI’s palace and gardens. It costs €20 to visit the palace and grounds.
1. When can we book plane tickets to save the most money?| A．In March. | B．In June. |
| C．In August. | D．In December. |
| A．You can climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower free of charge. |
| B．Visitors can pay an extra to save the queue time in visiting the Louvre. |
| C．The Notre Dame Cathedral was completely destroyed in a fire. |
| D．Visiting the palace of Versailles is the most expensive among the four attractions. |
| A．A travel brochure | B．A course plan. |
| C．A research paper. | D．An encyclopedia. |
5 . We’re giving London’s Lidos some love this summer. Whether you're an outdoor swimming fanatic or are yet to dip your toes into the water, there are plenty of options for you. Let’s dive right in!
Brockwell Lido
Located in the corner of Brockwell Park and surrounded by low line art decorated with redbrick walls, the unheated 50m pool has a dedicated army of year-round swimmers, and queues often stretch all around the block on summer days. Do book ahead if you can. There’s also a gym and fitness center on-site, all operated by Fusion, with the added bonus of an outdoor sauna available during the winter season.
Hampton Pool
Hampton Pool is well-known for its famous moonlight swims, taking place late at night in the summer months. Not a night owl? During the day, two outdoor pools are available—a 36m one for the adults, and a 12.5mlong one for learners and toddlers. They’re heated year-round. As well as the moonlight and Christmas Day swims, Hampton Pool offers other special events including picnic concerts in the summer months.
Charlton Lido
Charlton Lido has all the equipment and classes a gym fanatic might need, but we’re here to talk about the outdoor pool. 50m long, heated, surrounded by a sun terrace in the summer months, with drinks available to buy from Coffee Corner in June-September. Members can take part in classes such as aqua aerobics in the outdoor pool free of charge.
Oasis Sports Centre
Central London’s only heated, outdoor pool, this one comes with the added bonus of being located on a sun terrace. The outdoor pool is just one part of the Oasis Sports Centre, which also houses a gym, indoor pool and exercise studios. The 27.5m long outdoor pool is surrounded by a patio area and sunbathing deck, with the added bonus of a sauna nearby. Sure, views of the rooftops of Covent Garden make it feel like something of a hidden gem (宝石).
1. Which swimming pool is suitable for a night swimmer?| A．Brockwell Lido. | B．Hampton Pool. |
| C．Charlton Lido. | D．Oasis Sports Centre. |
| A．It is a pool built outdoors. | B．It is surrounded by a sun terrace. |
| C．It has a large pool for toddlers. | D．It offers free training sessions. |
| A．They are heated outdoor pools. |
| B．They are decorated with red walls. |
| C．They have pools of similar size. |
| D．They offer an added sauna service. |
6 . If someone asked whether you like the arts, you’d probably say you do—at least in theory. According to a survey, more than two-thirds of U.S. adults say the arts “lift me up beyond everyday experiences.” However, only 30 percent attended a concert of any type in 2017; 23 percent went to an art museum. Fewer than half actively created art of any kind.
The mismatch can boil down to the fact that we are weighed down by our day-to-day responsibilities, leaving our schedule packed. Maybe you like to play a little background music while you work or do the chores, but even before the pandemic, most of us rarely, if ever, saw a live performance, let alone visited a gallery or watched a play.
Too often, we let the dull reality of life get in the way of the arts. But this is a mistake. The arts are the opposite of an escape from reality; they might just be the most realistic glimpse we ever get into the nature and meaning of life. If you make time for consuming and producing art—the same way you make time for work and exercise and family commitments—I assure you that you’ll find your life getting fuller and happier. Think of a time when you heard a piece of music and wanted to cry. Or maybe your dizziness as you emerged from a narrow side street in an unfamiliar city and found yourself in a beautiful town square as if in a fantasy. They probably stimulated a sudden awakening, much like the shock from a lungful of pure oxygen after breathing in smoggy air.
If you are among the people who feel that art is pure pleasure to experience and participate in, you might see it as a luxury item, while a preferable attitude is to treat art less like a distracting pleasure, and more like exercise or sleep, a necessity. Then draw up a schedule of your art exposure journey, and gradually weave art into your everyday life.
1. What prevents people from enjoying the arts?| A．Shortage of time. | B．Avoidance of duty. |
| C．Lack of interest. | D．Art space inaccessibility. |
| A．It explores mysteries of life. | B．It sparks emotional responses. |
| C．It enhances physical well-being. | D．It offers a getaway from daily life. |
| A．Ways to integrate art into routine. | B．Barriers to combine art and life. |
| C．Forms of distracting pleasures. | D．Benefits of engaging with art. |
| A．Art Journey: Refreshing Soul |
| B．Art Pursuit: Transforming Dull into Full |
| C．Embracing Art: From Luxury to Necessity |
| D．Connecting with Art: From Reality to Fantasy |
7 . The MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR is back and bigger in Belton, Texas in 2024! Join us Feb. 16-18, 2024 (Friday-Sunday), at the Cadence Bank Center (formerly the Bell County Expo Center) for a THREE DAYS of opportunities to live a more independent and economical lifestyle, such as learning DIY skills to slash your monthly bills, stopping overpaying for basic necessities. And you can get the chance to learn directly from some of the most sought-after experts in the world of sustainability!
The MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR is your passport to money-saving hacks, health-boosting remedies, and environmental strategies from leading experts and entrepreneurs around the country.
Enjoy dozens of workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations, and the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR bookstore! Children 17 and under are FREE and do not need to register.
Buy in Advance and Save!
Get your tickets early and get excited!
Individual day prices will increase $5, Weekend and Preferred Seating will increase $10 the weekend of the Fair.
What do you get with your ticket type?
Ordinary Pass
This registration provides access for one adult to Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, including dozens of on-stage workshops, a robust marketplace and attractions in Belton, Texas, on February 16-18, 2024. It does not include access to Hands-On or Extended workshops.
Preferred Seating Pass
Enjoy the following benefits when you get a Preferred Seating Pass:
● Access to seating in the front rows of most workshop areas.
● The complete MOTHER EARTH NEWS Archive 1970-2022: Classic Edition on USB (a $59.95 value!)
Please note: All FAIR ticket sales are final and non-refundable unless the event is canceled. Please, no pets allowed other than service animals.
Visiting Hours:
Feb. 16. Friday·12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Feb. 17. Saturday·9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Feb. 18. Sunday·11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
1. The main purpose of the FAIR is to help visitors know more about ________.| A．the new breakthroughs in the medicine |
| B．the challenges of the environmental protection |
| C．the recipes for self-sufficiency and sustainability |
| D．the sustainable development of the global economy |
| A．Thursday | B．Friday | C．Saturday | D．Sunday |
| A．Visitors will be refunded if the FAIR is cancelled. |
| B．Every visitor can learn about the history of the FAIR. |
| C．A guide-dog for the blind isn’t allowed into the FAIR. |
| D．Adult visitors have free access to Extended workshops. |
8 . Camping tips: Which overnight wilderness experience is right for you?
If you’re an experienced backpacker, read no further. This article is for camping rookies, those who have never slept beneath the stars or haven’t pitched (搭建) a tent since their youth but are seriously thinking about overnighting in the wilderness.
Car camping
At its most basic, car camping involves packing a tent, sleeping bag, fold-up chair, cooler and camp stove into your vehicle and staying at a drive-up campground. Nearly every national park, and many state and county parks and private facilities, offer drive-up campgrounds with restrooms, potable water, fire rings or pits, and maybe even hot showers. So there are lots of choices.
The downside of car camping is the fact that these campgrounds are often packed with other campers. Not a lot of privacy, they can be noisy, and possibly hinder (阻碍) your quest of communing with nature.
Backpacking
No vehicle required; just your feet and a good pair of hiking boots or shoes to get you to the next overnight spot. A multi-day hiking trip is without doubt the most immersive way to experience the great outdoors.
Different from maybe car camping, it requires the least expense and equipment. All you really need are a backpack, sleeping bag, water bottle, small first-aid kit, enough food to last the entire travel. It can be done just about anywhere on the planet.
Boat Camping
While this does involve owning or renting a watercraft or using a ferry or water taxi service to reach the overnight site, camping via canoe, kayak, raft or boat offers a similar get-away-from-it-all adventure as backpacking.
Experienced paddlers and boaters usually prefer to camp on their own along a quiet shoreline. But many adventure or wilderness outfitters offer guided trips that can last anywhere from a couple of days to two or three weeks. With a boat, you can sometimes camp places that not even backpackers can reach.
1. Who are the intended readers?| A．Red-blooded males. | B．White-collar staff. |
| C．Green-hand campers. | D．Blue-blooded tourists. |
| A．Boat camping offers the same adventures as backpacking. |
| B．Backpacking allows you to communicate with nature deeply. |
| C．Car camping is the most economical way to experience nature. |
| D．The drive-up campgrounds provide people with private environment. |
| A．Business. | B．Entertainment. | C．Style. | D．Travel. |
9 . Trying to book a holiday that will attract everyone in the family is so difficult. Check out the full guide to the best UK holiday parks below and it will give you a helping hand.
Yorkshire: Thornwick Bay Holiday Park
Activities include Segway rides, football and an all-weather Activity Barn that’s sure to be a hit (受欢迎的事物) with the kids, and the heated indoor pool with water slides never fails to be a hit either.
How much? Each night break starts from ￡179.55 for the whole family, based on a trip in July.
Dorset: Warmwell Holiday Park
Want a trip to the slopes (斜坡)? This award-winning resort near Weymouth has its own dry ski slope, and you’ll find skiing lessons, snowboarding as well as an indoor pool with a flume (水滑道) and a wave machine.
How much? Two-night break starts from ￡329 based on a trip in July.
Porthcawl: Trecco Bay Holiday Park
Kids will love the outdoor wet play area at Parkdean Resorts’ Trecco Bay Holiday Park. On-site attractions include an indoor pool with the pirate ship, adventure golf and a kids’ play area. In the evening there are discos and bingo.
How much? Three to four night breaks start from ￡305 based on a trip in July.
Hampshire: Sandy Balls Holiday Park
On the edge of the New Forest, this family-owned park allows you to get close to nature, with cycle trails, horse-riding, and then welcomes you back into the warmth with a pizza restaurant, indoor play facilities, including a pool plus a spa.
How much? Camping tents usually start from ￡40 each night in August.
1. Which park might attract the family who enjoy music?| A．Porthcawl: Trecco Bay Holiday Park. |
| B．Hampshire: Sandy Balls Holiday Park. |
| C．Yorkshire: Thornwick Bay Holiday Park. |
| D．Dorset: Warmwell Holiday Park. |
| A．￡379.55. | B．￡610. | C．￡329. | D．￡280. |
| A．Skiing. | B．Playing football. |
| C．Horse-riding. | D．Swimming. |
10 . Online Events
Virtual Book Tasting
Need a new book for the month? Then come and get a taste of a variety of new and popular books from our librarians that are in our collection! This event will take place over Google Meet. Registration begins at 9 am, October 28.
Date and Time: 3 pm, November 23
Host: Pelham Parkway-Van Nest Library, online only
Audience: teachers, teens/young adults
Lunchtime Virtual Handwriting Den
When was the last time you sent a thank-you note to a beloved one? Come and put pen to paper. Write, chat, and share (not required but encouraged) in a safe, welcoming, and friendly environment.
Date and Time: 1 pm, November 30
Host: Muhlenberg Community Library, online only
Audience: adults
Family Storytime
Join the staff at Fort Washington Library for a live, online program with songs, rhymes,and favorite read-aloud books. Both the parent/caregiver and the child must be present during the entire program.
Date and Time: 10: 30 am, December 7
Host: Fort Washington Library, online only
Audience: children, infants (0-18 months old), toddlers (18-36 months old), preschoolers (3-5 years old)
Teen Book Discussion: Sports Books
Come and hear about books about your favorite sports and tell us about yours. This event will take place over Google Meet. You must register with your email address to receive the link, approximately one day before the program, to participate.
Date and Time: 3: 30 pm, December 8
Host: Pelham Public Library, online only
Audience: teens/young adults
*Please note: For all events, registration is required online.
1. Who can attend Lunchtime Virtual Handwriting Den?| A．Children. | B．Toddlers. | C．Adults. | D．Teens. |
| A．Pelham Public Library. | B．Muhlenberg Community Library. |
| C．Fort Washington Library. | D．Pelham Parkway-Van Nest Library. |
| A．They encourage personal experience. | B．They take place in the afternoon. |
| C．They are about telling stories. | D．They need online registration. |
