May 12th, 2015
“Fund-Racing” in Historic Berlin, Maryland….In 2014 Berlin was named America’s Coolest Small Town. It is in the heart of Worcester County, near Ocean City, and Assateague Island National Park. It is quaint, full of restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
The Worcester County Arts Council is excited to announce the inaugural 5K Race/Walk For The Arts to be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015 in Historic Downtown Berlin. This healthful, family friendly, and positively focused event is a fundraiser to increase the awareness and importance of Arts in our Communities!! Runners of all ages are encouraged to sign up.
Race fee is $25, even on the day of the event.
For details, schedule and registration go to: http://www.octrirunning.com. OC Tri-Running Sport, Inc., is an endurance and multi-sport event management company. It was founded by friends, and locals to the OC MD area that have participated in many triathlons, running, and cycling events.
A FREE, 1 year membership to the Worcester County Arts Council is included with your registration for this event!! The Arts Council thanks T-Shirt Sponsors, Event Sponsors, and Mile Marker Sponsors. Please visit http://www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org for information on other events, summer arts camps, exhibits and programs.
Summer Arts Programs are designed to help area children improve themselves while having fun engaging in art activities. The camp will start on June 22nd until June 26th from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Please check the above mentioned website or give them a call to 410-641-0809.
Note: Paint Berlin – 6th Annual Plein Air – Artists Registration is Open!!
This competition will be held September 17 – 19, 2015. It will feature talented artists from across the region who will pain the beauty of Berlin and surrounding areas to capture and preserve the best aspects of the community.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later!
June 25th, 2014
I think you will like this!! Fig Tree Studio travels around the Eastern Shore providing 1-hour classes to day care and community centers. Ages 10 months and up!! Supplies are included, affordable art lessons; prices depend on how many kids end up participating in the art lesson.
10 students and under-$25
20 students and under-$35
30 students and under-$45
40 students and under-$55
50 students and under-$65
More than 50 students, please contact them for a price.
Fig Tree Studio’s schedule caters to the needs of the center, whether its a one session, weekly, or monthly class.
For detailed information and any questions you may have, please contact Erika Ritlling, 443-523-7656. You shoud visit the website http://www.figtreestudioberlin.com. On Facebook you may find it as Fig Tree Studio.
JULY ART CLASSES – Fig Tree Studio will be providing art classes at the Worcester County Arts Council located at 6 Jefferson Street in Berlin, Maryland, for the month of July. Your kids will have a great opportunity to create during the summer. All classes include supplies. Sign up and show up!! You may book a class by visiting the above mentioned website.
The following classes will begin the first day of July :
RHYME WITH ART – Ages 2-4. Price $6.00. 4:00 p.m. until 4:45 p.m.
July 1 – It’s Raining It’s Pouring – These little artists will learn basic watercolor techniques by creating a scene from this famous nursery rhyme.
July 8 – Itsy Bitsy Spider – Little artists will construct a spider using construction paper and other materials.
July 15 – Down in the Meadow – Little artists will create a family of fish using tempera paint and other tools to create a texture pattern.
July 22 – Humpty Dumpty – The little artists will create their own Humpty Dumpty using contact paper and paint.
July 29 – Alphabet Song – Little artists will create their initials using stamps made from fruits and veggies.
ART AROUND THE WORLD – Ages 5-13. Price $12. 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
July 1 – Creative Alphabet – Little artists will gain inspiration from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and create their own alphabet using inks and brushes.
July 9 – Circles in Art – The little artists will create a mandala using a variety of mediums.
July 16 – Mexican Masks – Little artists will use their imagination to travel to Mexico and create a collage inspired by the tradition of the Day of the Dead.
July 23 – Faces on the Pole – The little artists will create their own 3D pole inspired by North American totem poles.
July 30 – Light Your Way – Little artists will create their very own Chinese lanterns.
July is around the corner….have a great day!!
April 30th, 2014
When some of us got together at the end of 2013 for a dinner at the Waystead Inn, in Berlin, Maryland, we had no doubt that Toby Gilbert was on his way. On that evening some of Chef Toby’s offerings were:
Roasted Oyster Chowder…oyster cream, and roasted vegetables.
Roasted Duck…potato puree, jus reduction and herbs.
Winter Roots…carrot, sweet potato, purple potato, celery root, turnip, radish, beet, and herbs.
Venison Loin…rye risotto, berry sauce, chanterelle mushroom.
A sweet ending of “Apple Pie”…apple pate de fruit.
Spring 2014, Blacksmith opens in Historic Berlin, Maryland with Chef Toby Gilbert giving his customers food prepared in unexpectedly delicious ways.
Locals can walk or ride their bikes, but some of us that live further away do not mind the drive. It was great to see Paul again and his date early on Sunday….from Lewes, Delaware. So, you see, no big deal to drive, especially on a beautiful day.
Cindi and I arrived at 4 p.m. As the time passed it started to get comfortably crowded for a Sunday evening. You know what? As I took a look at the customers on that particular evening it was so much fun to see a wide range of ages….families with children, young adults, and the matured crowd, as well. The next thing I noticed was that everyone was having a good time.
Blacksmith is located at 104 Pitts Street, Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-973-2102. On Facebook, find it as Blacksmith Berlin.
The sitting area is open with available sitting for about 70 customers. The kitchen is open, as well.
Meet Toby….So, how did you get into cooking? He said that he started cooking with his Mother. Now, that was a sweet thing to say. Giving credit to his mother was priceless!! Then, cooking in different restaurants and with amazing chefs, traveling and much appreciated training.
 
Toby feels very much at ease talking to his customers. He is particular about his food and presentation. Very engaging, treating his customers like they are the only ones in the restaurant.
The menu changes constantly and on Soul Food Sunday you had a choice of small plates, salads and soups, large plates and sandwiches. Some of the dishes passing by our table were Maryland style fried chicken, with Hanks duck fat hot sauce, Boneless short ribs with grits and pickled veggies….Cindi and I resisted those temptations and went for small plates instead.
We decided to share the Chicken Liver Pate, sealed with duck fat with homemade orange marmalade (Toby said they had so many oranges.), arugula and pumpernickle toast. Delicious.
The Soup of the Day was a cauliflower and carrot cream soup with roasted beets and creme fraiche. Just perfect for a chilly evening and the right amount of heat, as well.
Organic Arugula Salad with raw Blue Cheese, basil, vinaigrette, toasted almonds and red grapes.
Cold Smoked Oysters with beet mustard and carrot hot sauce.
Grilled Romaine lettuce leaves, Parmesan croutons and homemade Caesar dressing.
There were 3 desserts on the menu…tempting but we were satisfied…maybe next time.
Next time your destination becomes the Historic town of Berlin, Maryland….check Blacksmith!!
February 25th, 2014
The results are in and officially, Berlin, Maryland is the Coolest Small Town in U.S. That celebration will be all year long. Congratulations Berlin! This was Budget Travel’s 9th Annual contest. Berlin is open year-round with many shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It is the perfect town to stroll. The merchants are so welcoming and very unique shops are all over Historic Berlin.
Berlin was Numero 1…..the rest of the towns were:
2 – Cazenovia, NY
3 – Buckhannon, WV
4 – Travelers Rest, SC
5 – Mathews, VA
6 – Nevada City, CA
7 – Rockport, TX
8 – Estes Park, CO
9 – Galena, IL
10 -Elkin, NC
SAVE THE DATE!! Paint Berlin 2014, Plein Air, is coming on September 18 – 20, 2014. Artist registration begins on May 1st. Only 50 artists will be able to network, exhibit, sell their artwork, as well as compete for cash prizes.
Paint Berlin 2014, is open to experienced and novice painters. There will be a “Wet Paint” Sale & Exhibit on Saturday, September 20th.
The Worcester County Arts Council is the sponsor for Paint Berlin 2014. It was established in 1977. It is located at 6 Jefferson Street in Historic Berlin.
Their Co-Op Gallery features local artists and their work. Great to visit since you can get to see the artists up close and personal. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. It is also open some Saturdays.
Please visit http://www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org for information on everything relating to the arts in Worcester County. You may call them at 410-641-0809.
In April – Call for Artists – Earth – Through The Artist’s Eye: The Worcester County Arts Council invites all interested artists to participate in a juried art show to be exhibited during the month of April at their Gallery. The exhibition is open to all artists, professional or amateur with work in all media. The work must be delivered to the Arts Council’s Gallery between March 24 – 28 to be accepted. Please check the above website or call for more info.
Have a good one!!
December 13th, 2013
 
TaDa will open today, Friday, December 13th at 10 a.m. and will stay open until 8 p.m. It is the 2nd Friday Art Stroll in Downtown, Historic Berlin, Maryland. TaDa is located at 18 N. Main Street. Tel. 410-641-4430. Website? http://www.berlintada.com.
Historic Berlin, Maryland is part of the Maryland Main Street Community…they support traditional main streets and neighborhoods throughout Maryland. Getting the residents and visitors to stroll, shop and live Main Street. So, tonight Main Street Historic Berlin will not be this quiet. On the contrary….this town is a destination for shopping, antiquing, dining, and entertainment.
Blair Parsons is the shopkeeper of this gift shop where personal attention is of most importance. Friendly and knowing her merchandise well, Blair’s customers have become friends. TaDa looks beautiful and fully prepared to help you shop for everyone on your list. Gift giving is part of the Holiday Season….TaDa’s painted glassware and art by Patty Falck is collected by many.
Shop, stroll, meet with friends…..TaDa is a must!!
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!!
 Bird Houses
December 9th, 2013
Wishing luck to Berlin, Maryland…apparently the preliminary voting is over but Berlin is on the top spots for Budget Travel’s “Americas Coolest Small Town 2014”. We will have to wait to see if Berlin becomes a finalist in January.
Historic Berlin is a great town to visit…at this time of the year it is very festive and you will find that there is plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well.
Baked Dessert Cafe is located at 4C Bay Street, just off of Main Street. Tel. 410-641-1800 Website? http://www.bakeddessertcafe.com They open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Find Baked Dessert Cafe on Facebook.
At Baked Dessert Cafe you may sit down and enjoy some of their specialties and then some of their baked goods….the Cupcake Bombs come to mind. So delicious and tiny, so you will not have any guilt…
Please note that Baked Dessert Cafe offers gluten free baked goods!! For more information, please call them at 410-641-1800.
Baked Dessert is also an Art & Wine Gallery, featuring local artists and interesting wines.
Holiday Open House will be Saturday, 12/14 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Let them to the Holiday Baking…on that day you can sample desserts, breads and various holiday menu items. Place your order on Saturday the 14th and receive 10% off.
Merry Christmas!!
July 9th, 2013
“You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces; just good food from fresh ingredients.” julia child
Word of mouth was that the place to be on Monday, July 8th, was going to be at the Waystead Inn, located at 15 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 443-856-4755. Berlin’s own Burley Oak Brewery, located at 10016 Old Ocean City Blvd., partnered with Chef Eric from Waystead Inn, and Chef Toby Gilbert from the Grove Market. It was going to be a casual evening, where friends would get together to catch up and some new friends would be made, as well.
Waystead Inn is a Bed & Breakfast that offers 5 guest rooms with private bathrooms. All modern facilities…restored with 21st century amenities, and a wrap-around porch. Their Wednesday Dinners prepared by Chef and Innkeeper, Eric, are selling out quickly. Please visit their website, http://www.waysteadinn.com, to find out what other events are on the schedule, including future dinners.
I have to tell you that one of the reasons that I was looking forward to this dinner was because I had heard that Chef Toby was creating some unique dishes. He, apparently, is also fearless in his kitchen. Picking up my friend, Debbie, was a no brainer, she was game.
Waystead Inn is very pretty in its simplicity…a quiet and peaceful retreat after the hectic 4th of July.
A round of beers from Burley Oak Brewery…Made in Maryland. Website? http://www.burleyoak.com.
Chef Eric welcomed us all and explained that some dishes were going to be served family style. Toby and him would be sharing the kitchen.
As dishes arrived at the table…everyone waited for the person taking the photos…me. So, let me tell you about the menu.
Charcuterie Board by Chef Toby – Soft Stout Ricotta, Harder Wheat Beer Ricotta, IPA Spicy Pickles, Honey Wheat Sweet Pickles, Hop Cured Duck Prosciutto, and local pig and rude boy headcheese. I love this presentation with a favorite of the Hop Cured Duck Prosciutto and the rude boy headcheese. Toby stopped by the table to describe his creation.
Ruder Shrimp Pizza by Chef Eric – Just the Tip in the dough and Rude Boy beer cooked Shrimp with Roasted Peppers, Caramelized Onions and Dry-Aged Wisconsin Cheddar.
We had a chatty group at our table. We all put our 2 cents in. And, some of us got into staging our meals.
Bryan, from Burley Oak was making the rounds…and a stop at a our table to see how we were doing. Exciting things happening at Burley Oak Brewery. They offer Brewery tours on Saturday, and Sunday at 3 p.m. Please visit the website above mentioned to check them out.
I really liked the Fish and Chips by Chef Toby – The Truffle Chips were so good and….at this point my low fat diet was slowly in decline after this dish. The fish was beer battered cod, with a vinegar gel sheet.
By the time the Beef Sausage, by Chef Eric, came along we were completely satisfied, but we managed a few bites. It was a homemade beef sausage with garlic and apples. Served with a Pale Ryder Stone Ground Mustard.
We were really looking forward to dessert. A Sweet Corn Ice Cream by Chef Toby – Local sweet corn and beer soft-serve, chocolate ganache, beer caramel, honeydew and cantaloupe spheres, lemon zest!! Awesome combination!
And, more spheres for our table!!! The End; until next time. Thanks Toby.
Notes: Waystead Inn – No Children under 12, and no pets. No smoking inside. Two guests per room. Find them on Facebook.
Burley Oak Brewery can be found on Facebook and Twitter.
|
Comments Off on Destination? Historic Berlin, Maryland, 5K Race For The Arts, Saturday, May 16th, Fundraising, Event, Worcester County Arts Council, Race for the Arts!! Berlin, Maryland