If you're looking to get away from it all and smell the flowers, the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown is offering a unique destination: China. The nature center is presenting the second part of Plants of China: A Friendship and Peace Exhibit and Cell Phone Tour, a self-guided exploration of flora and fauna native to the world's most populous country, through April and May. The first part was on display last fall. The program at the Arboretum provides visitors with extensive cultural and horticultural background of many of the Chinese transplants growing in local gardens. China is the …

You don't need to go into New York City to find great concerts. The Sanctuary Concert Series brings headlining musicians to the intimate venue of the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township on Southern Boulevard. On March 26, the Sanctuary Concert Series presents Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett, an acoustic duo that has performed to rave reviews, independently, in other bands and together, for over 35 years. Barrere and Tackett played together on the Little Feat album "Dixie Chicken" (1973) and subsequently became full members of the band. When not working with Little Feat, they perform …

If your perfect idea of getting away from it all is a few magical hours of Celtic harp and guitar, then we've got a Great Escape for you. On Sunday, March 27 at 2 p.m. the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts will host an afternoon of Celtic and original music featuring the harp and guitar duo Slight Imperfection.  The song-writing duo of Odarka Stockert and Red Jimenez blends the musical genre of traditional Celtic, folk, rock and roll—and just about everything in between. Stockert is featured on vocals, Celtic harp and percussion with Jimenez on guitar and vocals. Their songs are carefully …

A staple of the community for the avid athlete or the mom looking to get in shape, the 33-year-old Chatham Club has evolved into a state of the art fitness facility.  Say goodbye to tension with a massage at The Center for Relaxation and Healing. Work your core in a Yoga or Pilates class. Learn the ins and outs of karate, fencing, or squash. "The Chatham Club is a little oasis for people," said Diane Sirna-Miller, a director at the club. "Moms can take classes that will challenge them: yoga will calm them and a spin class will help improve cardio." The Chatham Club offers 100 classes each …

Want to see an award-winning film before its public release? How about a Q&A with the filmmakers afterward, and a discussion of their work? Happily, you don’t have to go to Hollywood to feel like you’re getting a private screening with studio bigwigs. Starting March 7, the Filmmakers Symposium’s Arthouse Film Festival will run for 10 weeks at the AMC Loews Mountainside and AMC Loews Monmouth Mall. The festival has hosted 1,427 movie premieres with 942 live guest appearances since the Symposium was founded in 1990. In 2010 the Festival premiered 33 films that earned a total of 20 Oscar …

For 43 years, professionals at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Chatham have taught young and old the magic of ballroom, swing and tango. "Dance is a perfect activity for moms because it relieves stress and is a lot of fun. If moms have an hour to dedicate to themselves, they will find it is a nice escape. The beginning is fun and easy and people learn very fast," Mike Conklin, the assistant manager of Arthur Murray's Chatham, studio said. Matt Montamano and Jessica Liddell of Whippany are taking classes to learn dance steps for their wedding in August. "It is great to try something new and …

The weekend's done, the full slate of birthday parties, religious school, lessons, tutors and play dates come and gone. What's that? You say you and your significant other gave all you had to give, and you're toast? Nonsense. Find a babysitter or better yet, call on the grandparents, and make plans for that Valentine's Day dinner out. Patch has just the place. Make a short hop to Shanghai Jazz Restaurant and Bar and a special Valentine's Day celebration with the Tony DeSare Trio. The vocalist/pianist will perform two shows, with seatings at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 pm. Full course dinner, dancing …

When Chatham mom Lynn Somers first tried hot yoga, she left the first class unsure if she would return. But the change she felt in her body  drew her back for more. "Hot yoga at Powerflow keeps me supple and limber like I have never been before," said Somers, mother of a 3-year-old and 6-year-old. Somers, who practiced yoga for years before starting with Powerflow when they opened opened in May 2008, said she always had pain and attributed it to her pregnancies. Since trying hot yoga, she has come to a different opinion. "Hot yoga makes all the difference and I have been coming here since the…