Courtesy of Penn Museum

Or maybe not. Depends on your perspective and how much you believe those who divine to foretell the future. Specifically, we are talking about the Maya and their prediction that the world will end on December 21, 2012. You still have a few months of living to do, so why not learn more about this ancient civilization at the Penn Museum’s Maya 2012: Lords of Time exhibit.

The Mayans must have been a punctual bunch, as this exhibition digs deep into their intricate calendar systems. It’s an interactive exhibition; you’ll walk among sculptures and around full-size replicas of some of their major monuments. Penn Museum archeologists have been working in Honduras, and you’ll get to see some of the fascinating artifacts they’ve recently uncovered as well. The timeline of time moves forward into modern day, and you’ll even learn a little about the contemporary Maya population.

The Penn Museum, officially known as the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, also has on show now Run! Super athletes of the Sierra Madre and Imagine Africa. And don’t worry so much about the approaching apocalypse—the exhibition’s curators have scheduled Maya 2012 to end on January 13, 2013.

Penn Museum; 3260 South St; 215-898-4000; Google map

Courtesy of Landfelt @Flickr

Here it comes…Philly Beer Week opens June 1 for a 10-day run of all things ale, lager, pilsner, porter, stout…you name it. This is a city-wide event with dinners, pub crawls, tastings and meet-the-brewer nights scattered across town. It put a focus on the region’s diverse beer scene; like its breweries, neighborhood taverns, trend-setting restaurants and rich beer culture and history.

The program is quite extensive so luckily organizers have put in a handy search function that lets you find out what’s happening by date, neighborhood, brewery or event category. Some of the fun things we are looking forward to include the It’s a Firkin’ Riot on June 2 at Johnny Brenda’s where you can taste fresh beer straight from the barrel from 6 local breweries and the Fruit Beer Event (the same day—could be a problem!) at the Institute. The Sanson Street Block Party will see the street shut to traffic June 7, with live music and New Deck Tavern serving up craft beers. The list is pretty exhaustive—you may want to relax with a beer while you peruse it!

Some events have an entry fee; however most tastings and specials at individual venues are pay-as-you-go. There are a couple special passes for those planning to take full advantage of the festivities. The All Fest Pass is $130 and gets you into the Opening Tap, plus you can choose 2 other festivals while the VIP Pas for $200 gets you VIP sessions at a number of selected events.

Courtesy of Jim Brickett @Flickr

With the opening of the Havana Room over the weekend, we went all Cuban…mojitos, cigars, rumba…so decided to put together a little cheat sheet next time you are in the mood for a spicy evening!

First, the Havana Room is located in Northern Liberties and promises a taste of new Cuba. Interesting touches and spins on classic Cuban food is what you’ll find; mains include plantain-crusted snapper, slow-braised oxtail and a seafood soup with shrimp, mussels and octopus in a spicy broth. You’ll also find emparedados (sandwiches), gazpacho and crudo (daily selection of fresh fish). The sunny patio and umbrella topped tables will appease your appetite for something Caribbean.

Havana Room; 1031 Germantown Ave; 215-555-1212; Google map

For a night out on the town, head over to Alma de Cuba for their tasty specialties like black bean soup, octopus salad, adobo lamb and plantain-crusted halibut. They have a fascinating selection of Latin American wines, or just go for their very potent mojito.

Alma de Cuba; 1623 Walnut St; 215-988-1799; Google map

Finally, if you really need to soak in some Cuban vibes (and rum) hit Cuba Libre. Their open-air setting, vintage décor and Latin music will have you island dreaming in no time. And while there, of course dine on Ropa Vieja, classic Cuban shredded beef brisket or share some piqueos, small tasting plates that let you mix and match according to your mood.

Cuba Libre; 10 S. 2nd St; 215-627-0666; Google map

Photo courtesy of Caathba @Flickr

Brunch is always a treat, and whether or not you treated mom to one on her special day; you should keep Lime&Tonic’s brunch tips handy for when an ‘I need a little indulgence this weekend’ moment strikes. Birthdays, anniversaries, and heck-why-not days are all enlivened with a relaxing delightful late morning meal.

Green Eggs Café is not indicative of the overdue label on their food, but of their commitment to the environment. Locally sourced food products, herbs grown in their rooftop garden, plus massive recycling and composting efforts means you’ll feel extra good about dining here. Smoked lox Benedict, vegan French toast and stone ground grits are only a few of the morning delights on offer. This is a casual place, perfect for a quick weekend catch-up with friends. Cash only and no reservations on the weekends

3 Locations: 1306 Dickinson Street; 215-226-3447; Google map

719 North 2nd Street; 215-922-3447; Google map

212 S. 13th St (@ Locust); 267-861-0314; Google map

If you are looking for a more traditional brunch experience, head to Matyson. Their BYOB brunch (Sundays only, 10:30am-2pm) includes a sweet potato waffle with marshmallows, but also omelets and a wild mushroom quiche. This is BYOB, and on the menu are handy mixers like a carafe of OJ and one of Bloody Mary mix.

37 South 19th Street; 215-564-2925; Google map

And a heads up brunch alert: Alla Spina, the yummy Italian joint, will be offering brunch, Sundays only starting June 3.

Courtesy of Space 1026

First Boston, then New York and now Philadelphia. The creative Paint it Now artistic collaboration is showing at Space 1026 until May 25. Paint it Now is a multi-city exhibition of site-specific painting installations. In Philadelphia, 15 local and international artists participated and the show is free.

Paint it Now organizers fuse individual exhibition and collaboration by inviting participating artists to paint solely in opaque black paint directly on the white walls of the gallery. Given only a week, artists must come together to create a visually appealing installation. Developed by Scott Chasse and Thomas Buildmore, the outcome is a unified, high-contrast, edgy installation.

Space 1026 is a creative endeavor for making, producing and creating.  Calling themselves a creative community, participating artists hold gallery shows but the crew is also open to holding readings, lectures and other creative discussions. No set opening hours, just ring the bell. There’s usually someone on hand to let you in!

Space 1026; 1026 Arch Street; 215-574-7630; Google map

Nosh your way through the streets of Philadelphia courtesy of the Night Market. These way-cool food festivals popped up last summer and are back for another season of strollin’ and eatin’.  Cool neighborhoods, the best ethnic restaurants and some fun food trucks are all awaiting your hungry stomachs.

Sponsored by the Food Trust, the Night Market is a great way to discover a new corner of the city via its food. Tens of thousands of Philadelphians have participated in the four markets held so far and the buzz on them just keeps growing. Besides the food trucks and participating neighborhood restaurants, beer and cocktail bars show up to share their goodies. Taste a little something here … try a little something new there … you get the idea. At the last Night Market held in October in Chinatown, foodies were treated to delights from France, Italy, Indonesia, China, Mexico and more.

The Food Trust works with neighborhoods, schools, grocers, farmers and policymakers to develop a comprehensive approach that combines nutrition education and greater availability of affordable, healthy food.

May 24, 2012; Night Market at 2^nd & Poplar, 7pm-11pm; Google map

June 28, 2012; Night Market at 9^th & Washington Ave, time TBA; Google map

Courtesy of Milk & Honey Market

Those yearning for locally sourced seasonal goodies should mark May 10 on their calendars with a big red smiley face. That’s when Milk & Honey Café will be throwing open the doors to their new digs at Sister Cities Park.

The same bunch who run Milk & Honey Market in West Philly are behind this venture. For those unfamiliar with them; Milk & Honey specializes in food from Lancaster County and the surrounding area, offering fresh cheeses, meats, bakery products, fruits and veggies and more every day. The Milk & Honey Café will take up the freshness challenge in a new part of town.

You’ll discover lots of local goodies on the Café’s breakfast and lunch menu, including sandwiches, salads, coffee and desserts. There’s not a separate website for the café yet, but you can find out more about Milk & Honey on their website.

Milk & Honey Café; Sister Cities Park—18^th and Logan Square; Google map

Courtesy of Painting With a Twist

Picture this: you and a friend, or you and your spouse, or you and your child. Enjoying an artistic evening together, doing something fun and learning something new. It’s time to check out Painting With a Twist, a novel concept that offers evening amateur art lessons for everyone.

The franchised company has two locations near Philly–one in Wayne and one in Skippack. The concept at both is the same—they provide canvas, brushes and paint; you provide your creativity, openness, willingness to have fun and experiment, oh and a bottle of wine. Yep, Painting With a Twist is BYOB so make sure you have a bit of your favorite tipple on hand – or some chocolate milk for the kids. Each open session works with one painting, or you can arrange for a private party. Classes are led by experienced instructors who will put the fun in fine art!

Cost is $35 per person for a 2 hour class or $45 per person for a 3 hour class, plus they have special Family Days so you can bring the kids. By checking out their online calendar, you can see what piece of art will be painted that evening so choose your favorite. There are also special days arranged—like paint your pet. And remember—Painting With a Twist is all about having fun and being creative. No artistic experience necessary!

1240 Bridge Road Suite C; Skippack; 610-584-4232; Google map

107 E. Lancaster Ave; Wayne; 484-367-7254; Google map

Courtesy of Philadanco

Spring is a time for new beginnings and fresh ideas. Why not treat yourself to something different this spring season? PHILADANCO is a local contemporary dance troupe famed for its innovative choreography and pioneering take on modern dance. The company has danced around the world, introducing audiences to their creative mix of African American-based dance with ballet, jazz, and modern.

If you haven’t seen this talented group of dancers in action—now is your chance. April 20, 21 & 22, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts will be presenting PHILADANCO’s The Philadelphia Collection in the Perelman Theater. Four dances are on the lively bill: Gatekeepers, Tribute; Suite en Bleu and Wake Up. You’ll get a true feeling for the inspired choreography and amazing dancers that make up PHILADANCO. Wake Up, for example, is a new piece that explores the birth and evolution of hip hop, while Tribute is a full-company piece celebrating the soulful sounds of Philadelphia International Records.

Tickets can be purchased on the Kimmel Center website.

Courtesy of Poetry247

Lovers of poetry, or anyone interested in a live spoken word evening should keep an ear on the Poetry247 website. Here you can find out where and when the best poetry events in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC are happening.

Titled “The Art of Conversation” these events host both professional poets and first-timers. With a tag line that promises the intersection of open-mic poetry with open-minded conversation, this is your chance to meet and interact with not only a range of poetry lovers, but people looking for some good conversation as well.

In Philadelphia, Art of Conversation events are held most Mondays. On April 9, you can hear Rebecca Dupas; April 23, Seff Al-Afriqi will be on stage and April 30 is a special double feature of Tiger Rose and Major May. If you’d like to give it a try, show up at 7:30pm to register. Show starts at 8pm.

The Arts Garage; 1533 Ridge Ave; 215-765-2702; Google map