May 22nd, 2016
I could not believe it!! No rain! Can you imagine? We have been so inundated with rain that I was not sure how this event was going to turn out. But, as it happens, on Thursday, May 19th, the skies were clear, the moon and the stars were out and the location was mesmerizing.
It was going to be a celebration of the 23rd year anniversary of Atlantic General Hospital located at 9733 Healthway Dr., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-641-1100. Website? http://www.atlanticgeneral.org.
We were meeting at the “Speakeasy”, where the event was taking place. This is the farm of the Host and Hostess, Mr. & Mrs. Buddy Jenkins. Atlantic General has been celebrating its anniversaries with an annual event. Fun and Fundraising for the hospital. This year’s theme was the Roaring 20’s and with 500 people of their supporters, family and friends in attendance it was certainly a memorable evening.
Most of the attendees wore 1920’s dress code…..long pearls, fringes…it was a time of excess. Games and crafted cocktails. You picked your own glass at the entrance and fill it to your hearts desires. The tent was huge and it was very well appointed. The center pieces were gorgeous, as well. No detail was left out.
LA Catering from Liquid Assets located at 94th & Coastal Highway in Ocean City, Maryland did a spectacular job with their catering. Besides their restaurant in Ocean City their catering side of it can work magic for any of your events, small or large. As you can see they fed 500 and there was no shortage of food throughout the evening. Tel. 410-524-7037 Website? http://www.ocliquidassets.com.
We are located on the eastern shore so seafood is regarded as a main staple at events. Surrounding the Speakeasy there were stations where attendees could fill their plates and come back for more.
Oysters on the half shell, shrimp, smoke scallop salad, smoked salmon, crab claws!!
Softshells!! My favorites!
Cheeses and Charcuterie!!
 Lisa & Cindi checking it out! Seafood Paella.
Sushi!!
Dessert!! That sweet ending that completes a meal….Have you had the doughnuts made in house at Liquid Assets? They are to die for. At the event they gave them a little twist. You could customize them. They were warm, perfect to hold in one hand or on your plate and then the sweet condiments on top.
I took a look at the cakes….could they possibly be the cakes that have been the talk of the town? Yes!! I could not believe it. I am going to learn more about the two guys that are from Brooklyn and call themselves the Brooklyn Baking Barons. The cakes featured the other night were Honey Whiskey Cakes, accompanied by local strawberries. They were so good that at the table we all went back for seconds. They are the perfect size…guilt free shall we say? They will be opening a store front in Berlin, I believe on or around Memorial Week-End. Check them on Facebook. From their website they ship nationwide. http://www.bkbarons.com.
Cannot wait to taste a new flavor….the Limoncello Cake with homemade Limoncello….Justin Noble, a friend of theirs said this new cake is out of this world.
It is that time of the year to fund raise at the Maryland and Delaware Beaches. People have big hearts here. Lucky to call it home!!
June 17th, 2015
A few weeks ago two of my usual suspects and I took a day trip to Oxford, St. Michaels, and Easton….Maryland’s Eastern Shore!! Today’s weather reminded me of that trip. At times it is better not to plan. Our trip was unexpected and we had the most fun. These women are interesting, exciting, and always ready for a road trip.
We had lunch at the Robert Morris Inn, ice cream at the Highland Creamery and then stopped at a very cute shop called The Treasure Chest, located at 214 N. Morris St. Tel. 410-924-8817 They are on Facebook.
The shop opens Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Skipper Bags, Stained Glass, Pottery, Tervis, Joan’s Gems, Port of Oxford merchandise and much more is what Joan Nubie-Miscall offers to her customers, along with plenty of friendly conversation.
The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry is America’s oldest privately owned ferry. It was established in 1683. The 2 Debbies and I were taking it, crossing the Tred Avon River. The ferry runs 7 days a week. Please note that in November, it only runs Saturday and Sunday. There are continuous crossings every 15-20 minutes. It closes at sunset. Tel. 410-745-9023. Website? http://www.oxfordbellevueferry.com. On Facebook find it as Oxford Bellevue Ferry. Fares are subject to change. You can take your bikes, motorcycle, car or just be a walk-on passenger.
It takes no time to cross the Tred Avon River. The ferry is very small….on that day only my car and two other passengers with their bikes were on board.
The mail to St. Michaels was coming with us, as well. Oxford is a small town.
Meet my two friends. Debbie and Debbie.
Arriving at Bellevue Landing….The scenic route between Oxford and St. Michaels is one of the top 25 bicycle routes in the U.S.A.
We went directly to The Inn at Perry Cabin. This Manor Home Resort & Spa is owned by the Belmond Group. It is located at 308 Watkins Lane in St. Michaels, MD 21663. Tel. 410-745-2200. Website? http://www.belmond.com/innatperrycabin It is pet friendly.
Manicured gardens and cozy corners to take a seat and relax.
The Inn at Perry Cabin is a destination for weddings, sailing, spa relaxing treatments, and other celebrations. We decided to make ourselves at home. So much so, that we did not even take a walk in downtown St. Michaels.
Sipping Cucumber Water, we sat for the longest time enjoying one beautiful scenery and the best company.
Our day was not over….our next destination? Easton, Maryland…Stay tuned.
“Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs.” susan sontag……Guilty!!
June 1st, 2015
I scream for Ice Cream!! I love ice cream. It is my donwfall. I really don’t keep it in the freezer, no way!! My problem is that I usually do not discriminate. I can have a Frosty or I can have the best homemade ice cream in the world. Which is why I am writing this post today….and passing the info. to you.
A couple of posts back I wrote about the Robert Morris Inn in Oxford, Maryland. No dessert was needed after our fab. lunch….we were walking towards the Scottish Highland Creamery located at 314 Tilghman St., Tel. 410-924-6298. Website? http://www.scottishhighlandcreamery.com. If you are on Facebook, check them out there, as well.
Oxford is usually pretty quiet in the middle of the week. The Creamery always has a line. I have to admit it; this is the best ice cream ever!! It is so good. Fresh ingredients with flavorings imported from Italy. They also have sugar free and gluten free ice cream. Note: They do cater parties!!
My usual suspects, the 2 Debbies and I had the following….Please do remember that only cash or checks are accepted. From left to right….2 scoops each. Italian Lemon Cookie with Coffee Hazelnut Crunch on the bottom. Both had very distinct flavors with bits and pieces of cookie and hazelnut crunch. Next was strawberry on top of vanilla. And last was Coffee Hazelnut Crunch on top of Pomegranate!! And, you know how ice cream prices take you to the poor house? The Creamery is very affordable!! Voted “Best of the Eastern Shore.”
We sat down to enjoy our delish sweet ending, overlooking one beautiful scenic town.
Oxford’s Picket Fences are Up!!
This is a fundraising event…Since 2009 picket fences have been painted by local artists. The fences are displayed around the town of Oxford; smaller ones are usually inside businesses and the larger ones are outdoors scattered through downtown. You can vote for them, but you will have to wait until the end of the summer when they will be auctioned off. Residents that have bought them in the past display them with pride.
Artists paint them and offer proceeds to a charity chosen by them. Please visit http://www.portofoxford.com, then click on Special Events. You will be able to see the picket fences for 2015. Here a few of them:
No Dogs Allowed – By Maggii Sarfati. Charity: Talbot Humane Society. You can find this fence at the Scottish Highland Creamery.
The next one is Forward and AFT by Sean Wells. Charity: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. You can find this beautiful one at the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry Dock.
Land of Pleasant Living is a smaller picket fence painted by Bible Praire and Prayers Painters. Charity: Character Counts Mid Shore, Inc. You will find this one inside Benson & Mangold’s Window.
Have a great day!!
June 18th, 2014
 
I called this post day tripping because that’s exactly what it was. Driving to Easton from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, takes a little bit over an hour. I take the back roads. Easton is the jewel of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It is a very sophisticated town with much history.
My first stop was to have lunch with Louise and Powell at The Hunters’ Tavern inside the Tidewater Inn, located at 101 East Dover St., Easton, MD 21601. This is a beautiful historic hotel; very centrally located. Tel. 410-822-1300 Website? http://www.tidewaterinn.com.
The Hunters’ Tavern has indoor and outdoor seatings. Tel. 410-822-1300 Website? http://www.tidewaterinn.com/dine/hunters-tavern. The restaurant is well aware of customers with a gluten allergy. Check the website.
We started with the Snappy Turtle Soup. This soup is tomato based. It is totally delicious. I have had it before, I have written about it before….and now I am doing it again. Don’t forget to add plenty of Sherry. And if you want to take some home, they have it to go, as well. Just tell them how much you want.
We had 2 salads: Nuts & Berries with mixed greens, strawberries, candied walnuts and Chapel Bay Bleu Cheese. Light and refreshing.
The Bibb Salad had a champagne terragon vinegar dressing, and Chapel Bay Bleu Cheese. It was accompanied by Blackened Ahi Tuna. This was my salad and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
No dessert….time to hit the town.
SHOPPING:
Some time ago I saw a boutique called Marc Randall. I wanted to check it out. Easton has so many stores, but this particular one is different. Women’s fun and fine apparel. Unique handbags and jewelry. The location is 3 Dover St. Tel. 410-820-4077. Website? http://www.marcrandall.com. The shop is shophisticated with cutting edge appeal. Everything is different from the rest of the shops in Easton.
The Ket Sao collection of jewelry caught my attention….These pieces of jewelry are beautiful accents to your wardrobe for Summer 2014. I loved the mixed metal and beaded jewelry.
You can read more about this jewelry by visiting http://www.chickboss.com. This company is helping young Guatemalans and when you purchase a piece of jewelry, you are helping too. The metals are sealed to retard the natural oxidation process. You can clean it with a polishing cloth if needed. Store it in a dry place. That’s all the care you need.
Next time in Easton stop by and meet Marc. He is very friendly.
PLEIN AIR EASTON ART FESTIVAL
This Art Festival is held every year in July. It is the largest and most prestigious juried plein air painting competition in the U.S. Instead of producing art in a studio, Plein Air Painters produce art from life. There is representation from all over the U.S. and beyond.
Last year’s art sales totaled $325,000 with 313 paintings sold in two and a half days. Approximately, 6,000 to 8,000 people participate in the festival throughout the week.
You have ambition and $10…then you are in Plein Air Easton’s Quick Draw. Plen Air Easton is at the center of the modern plein air movement.
More info? Please visit http://www.pleinaireaston.com
Have a great day!!
May 2nd, 2014
After a rainy week, the week-end looks like it is going to be beautiful. I think that when visitors come to Ocean City, Maryland the first thing they have in mind is the beach and where can they stay.
The Executive Motel is opening up today, Friday, 5/2, for Summer 2014. It is located on 3001 North Baltimore Avenue in Ocean City (30th street). It is a jump and a skip away from O.C.’s sandy, wide beach. So close to amusements and restaurants. Tel. 410-289-3101, 1-800-638-1600. Website? http://www.executivemotel.com.
The Executive Motel is immaculate, run by the same family for many years. It is very reasonably priced and the perfect get-away for the week-end or the week. Spend the day at the beach and then jump in the pool to refresh.
The Executive Motel has 4 other sister motels in Ocean City. Please check http://www.http//www.bestmotels.com to check them out.
So, what’s going on in O.C.?
Through May 4th…SPRINGFEST – Inlet lot at the south end of the O.C. Boardwalk. Arts, crafts, and plenty of delicious food…Eastern Shore delicacies!!
Live entertainment with Merle Haggard, Loverboy, The Fabulous Hubcaps and more. 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. More info? Please visit http://www.ococean.com/events/springfest
Sunday, May 4th – Sunday, May 18th – RESTAURANT WEEK – Special fixed price menu options from $10 – $40. No tickets or passes are required but reservations are most appreciated. To find out more and what restaurants are participating, please visit http://www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com.
Year-round, any day of the week you will find early in the a.m., bikers, runners, walkers enjoying this historic Boardwalk. It has been completely renovated.
The Ocean City Boardwalk is one of the best boardwalks in the country. It is 2.5 miles long.
The Boardwalk dates back to 1902. At the time is was just a wooden walkway for convenience. It was rolled up and stored on hotel porches. If you want to learn more about it, please visit http://www.ocboards.com/history.php.
During the summer, families and visitors spend most of the time on the beach and walking up and down the Boardwalk, sampling all the grub the eateries can offer.
It’s summer at the beach!!
January 1st, 2014
My sister in law, Susie, and I decided to do something different on this first day of 2014….To meet in Easton, Maryland at the corner of Harrison St. and East Dover. This is where the beautiful and historic Tidewater Inn is located. The actual address is 101 East Dover St. Tel. 410-822-1300. Website? http://www.tidewaterinn.com. I drove from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, going through the backroads; leaving Sussex County behind and entering Caroline County and finally Talbot County. It took about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The Tidewater Inn is a landmark in Easton. It was designated a Historic Hotel of America by The National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2006. It has been owned by the Carl M. Freeman Companies. The hotel is elegant.
At this time of the year we decided that eating indoors would be a must, but if the weather turns a little milder then outdoor seating is also available.
 
At the Hunters’ Tavern we got comfortable and we both had their amazing Snapper Soup. It is awesome and it is served with Sherry. Put as much or as little as you want. It is so delicious I decided that there was no way I would be starting my diet on January 1st.
It was followed by a Caesar Salad with their signature crabcake. And, rock fish fingers!! Rock fish is local.
 
A sweet ending with Smith Island Cake…ready to walk the town, but not before I thank our server. She was very friendly and attentive.
Easton has beautiful tree line streets, porches and old houses…Colonial and Victorian architecture.
It also has plenty of art galleries, gourmet restaurants, and gift shops. The attraction to this town is also fishing, hunting, golfing and sailboat racing.
 
The Avalon Theatre offers entertainment…opera, blue grass, comedy. It is located at 40 East Dover St. For more information, please visit http://www.avalontheatre.com.
Easton is “the 8th Best Small Town in America”. Maryland’s Eastern Shore is so scenic, so get in your car and spend the day or a few hours like we did. For more information, please visit http://www.eastonmd.org.
 
Leaving Easton…going home, I passed the town of Bethlehem…
December 9th, 2013
It was quiet as I passed the other night St. Martin’s Church….not so much so on Friday, November 1st when the celebration of The Fall Feast of St. Martin took place. St. Martin’s Church is located at 11413 Old Worcester Highway, Showell, MD 21811.
I was looking forward to mingling with friends and stepping into the past.
The mood inside the tent was festive.
The food was delicious, combining the cuisine of the region, from farm to table and from the sea to the raw bar.
 
And plenty to choose for dessert.
Historic St. Martin’s Church is one of the oldest structures in Worcester County. It was built in 1756, 20 years prior to the signing of The Declaration of Independence.
This is the key that opens the doors to this historic church, built brick by brick. The importance of historic preservation…”St. Martin’s Church is considered by many historians to be the finest preserved, most significant piece of American history on the Lower Eastern Shore.”
The President of the Board of Directors is Mrs. Sherrie T. Beckstead. With her there are many that make possible the fundraising to keep the preservation on-going.
St. Martin’s Church is a museum. It is open to the public on a regular basis. Please visit http://www.historicstmartinschurch.org. Summer and fall bring open houses that are scheduled and staffed by volunteers. It is also available for private tours. It is a venue for historic weddings. Educational events like the Shakespeare performance of Romeo & Juliet are free to the public.
Take a look inside St. Martin’s. The pews have a history, as well….many of them were owned by area families.
A beautiful performance inside St. Martin’s by Vocalist Rachel Allman….the evening ended with the announcement of the raffle…a replica of the Key to St. Martin!!
Have a great day!!
December 9th, 2013
For me, shopping small and local has always been something that I have enjoyed. I have plenty of friends that love going “mall” shopping….not for me. I like that up close and personal kind of service. Which brings me to NEST, located at 11 South Main Street in Historic Berlin, Maryland. Tel. 410-629-1030.
Driving to Berlin from Rehoboth Beach, takes about half hour. No big deal, it is the Second Season so there is no traffic. Strolling a historic town, checking what’s new during the holidays is pretty nice, so Jody and I did just that.
I think Petey is really the Mayor of Historic Berlin. He is such a hard working little dog. I have featured him before and once again here he is…..greeting the customers and making sure that Dee gets up and gives us that personal attention we were looking for. Now, you tell me…where would you find something like this in a “mall”? You gotta love it!!
Dee has been quilting. Her remnants have become quilts. The reverse of the quilts is soft and warm.
Dee calls her handmade handbags Boppyowl. She offers 2 sizes and they are made with beautiful rich fabrics, lined with contrasting colors.
 
NEST is an eclectic and funky shop. Every time you shop, there are surprises; local artwork, jewelry, home accessories. At this time of the year the shop is fully stock. Berlin’s 2nd Friday Art Stroll will be on Friday, 12/14, so make sure you make NEST one of your stops.
NEST carries unwined candles from Unwined Candle Co., located in Sykesville, Maryland….from recycled wine bottles.
NEST opens year-round. Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sunday from 12 until 4 p.m. You can find NEST on Facebook, as well.
Merry Christmas!!
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