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
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!!
November 7th, 2013
Some coastal resorts like Rehoboth Beach, and all the Delaware Beaches, are now in their Second Season, while others, like Delray Beach, Florida, become a winter’s destination for many you want to escape the colder weather ahead.
Pretty soon these will be every day scenes in Delray Beach, Florida.
Delray Beach is one of those towns in South Florida that is very accessible. Two major airports, are close to this Village by the Sea. Known also as the most small fun town in the U.S., Delray Beach offers its visitors amazing beaches, completely unobstructed, a downtown full of shops and restaurants and plenty of music and entertainment, as well.
Shopping local in these towns mean that you support the local economy. The merchants in Delray Beach and the artists are the heart of the community.
Shop Small is a movement to celebrate small businesses every day and to help communities thrive. Delray Beach invites you to Shop Small throughout the month of November. On Saturday, November 30th is Small Business Saturday. With over 400 small businesses in Downtown Delray Beach, you will have plenty to choose from….the holidays are fast approaching.
Delray Beach is also a town of many festivals….so stay tuned!!
Thursday, 11/7 there is a Grand Opening Celebration for Ginjer Boutique from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. The shop is located at 133 E. Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-272-1033.
Friday, 11/8 – Free Friday Night Concert from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Outdoor Pavilion at the Delray Center for the Arts at 51 N. Swinton.
Looking for restaurants in Delray Beach? Check http://www.downtowndelraybeach.com/dining.
You can do as much as you want to, or as little….that’s its beauty!!
August 8th, 2013
I could tell that it was August because Staples was packed…this is their Christmas when everyone is ready to go back to school. Rehoboth Beach is open year-round and even though the summer of 2013 might be coming to an end, this town is just getting started. There is still time to think about all the festivals and the comings and goings of this coastal town….stay tuned for that.
In the meantime…..What’s Going On?
Friday, 8/9 – Clear Space Theatre Company is inviting you to join them on Friday, 8/9, for 2 FREE matinee performances at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. WICKED will be presented by the talented students in their Musical Theatre Summer Intensive Program. Location? 20 Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-2270. Website? http://www.clearspacetheatre.org.
Until 2014 – If you love Rehoboth Beach, you should stop by and visit the Rehoboth Beach Museum. It is an easy museum to navigate and you will still have plenty of time to hit the beach, shops, and restaurants. You can learn how Rehoboth Beach was then and how it has developed during these years. The present exhibit is “Beach Eats”. Rehoboth Beach is a dining destination, as well, and the exhibit celebrates over 100 years of eating in Rehoboth Beach, from the grub to the fine dining. For more information please visit http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
Saturday, 8/10, Sunday, 8/11, and Saturday, 8/17, and Sunday, 8/18 – The 40th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Crafts Show…Two week-ends!! Location? Rehoboth Art League, 12 Doods Lane in Henlopen Acres. Saturday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission ? $5.00 Tel. 302-227-8404. This show is a much awaited event every year in Rehoboth Beach. And, this is a very special year as the Rehoboth Art League celebrates its 75th anniversary. There will be plenty of activities, entertainment and food. For more info., please visit http://www.rehobothartleague.org/events/40th-annual-members-outdoor-art-show.html.
If you have been coming to the beach, you know that August is so busy….and parking can be a hair raising experience. So, for the 40th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Crafts Show this is what you should do:
Since the parking in Henlopen Acres is very limited, the Art League is suggesting you use the Jolly Trolley. Two convenient locations: Park your car at either the Kmart on Rt. 1 or at the Rehoboth Beach ElementarySchool at 500 Stockley Avenue. The shuttle will begin running at 9:45 a.m. and will be making continuous loops to the Outdoor Show. I have used it and recommend it.
If you decide to venture and park in Henlopen Acres, please be considerate of the residents. Adhere to parking restrictions, including no parking on the street. Unless there is a “No Parking” sign, all vehicles must park on the grass with tires off the pavement. Yes, you heard me right and I write this too from experience.
For the 2 week-ends of the show, Henlopen Acres’ Dodd’s Lane, beginning at the instersection of Rolling Rd. and Tidewaters, from Dodd’s Lane to Zwaanendael, will be temporarily one way street. Visitors will be entering Henlopen Acres by making a left off of Columbia Avenue and exiting Henlopen Acres across from Rehoboth Beach’s Surf Avenue.
Saturday, 8/10 – Opening Reception for artist Michael Krausz from 6 – 9 p.m. A benefit for AIDS DE, 6 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. It is the 5th Annual Silent Art Auction at Gallery 50, located at 50B Wilmington Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-2050. Website? http://www.50contemporaryart.com.
Have a great week-end!!
June 27th, 2013
 Liz Lind Editions - Catalog “Colour and I are one. I am a painter.” paul klee, 1914
This quote of long ago came to mind when I visited Liz Lind Editions Gallery and Studio in the town of Showell, Maryland. So, you wonder where Showell, Maryland is….It is an unincorporated town in Worcester County not far at all from Ocean City, Maryland and the Delaware/Maryland line, between Bishopville and Ocean Pines, Maryland. From Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, it will take you about half hour to 45 minutes at this time of the year.
You can find Liz Lind Editions at 10109 Pitts Rd., Showell, MD 21862. Tel. 443-727-9042. Website? http://www.lizlindeditions.com It opens Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. During the week, please call for an appointment and Liz or Erica Rittling, her Assistant, will be happy to receive you.
I think that years ago, I stopped at her gallery in Annapolis, and at that time I was taken with her watercolors. When Liz mentions that sunlight, sand and surf are the 3 elements that inspire her work, all you have to do is look around her studio, or you might want to open her website, above mentioned, to see her work.
And, when I looked outside today, it was so pretty that I thought this day is what Liz is talking about…ocean breezes, hot sand between the toes, and pink swirls of cotton candy on the boardwalk. She mentions that those memories are always with her.
So, I asked her…How did you become a painter? It started as a little girl, buying spiral notebooks from the pharmacy, scribbling and just playing around. Later in life, she and her mother had a gallery, then Liz had a gallery…and she finally decided that her paintings were selling so well that she would only represent herself…Linz Lind Editions!!
 Coffee Table Book Liz mentions her work is a combination of many things, including gouache. Not knowing what gouache was, I found out that painting in this form is similar to watercolor, but it is modified to make it opaque.
Some of her paintings are traditional watercolors, and she mentions that others are more like a stage set, where they are assembled separately. She works on several paintings at the same time. Some take months; others just minutes. Her work is not complete until the composition becomes her vision.
Liz grew spent so much time in Ocean City, Maryland…a coastal type of girl. Her paintings show, the sand and the sea, the ocean and surfing, whales, the Atlantic Shore, and the Chesapeake Bay. Her watercolors of flowers and garden petals are whimsical…She designed the cover for Maryland Life magazine.
Her gallery is on the first floor and upstairs you will find her studio. Liz Lind Editions also offers framing.
 
Liz Lind is a brand name. In her gallery you will find the perfect gifts….note cards, ceramic coasters, tiles, framed tiles, baby onesies, coffee mugs, ornaments, and adult and children tee-shirts.
 
 
Liz Lind is in collaboration with Maine Cottage. Her works for Maine Cottage are printed and signed in a limited edition of 100. For more information, please visit http://www.mainecottage.com.
Please note that Liz Lind accepts commission work and she is also a great teacher. If you have any questions, please call her at 443-0727-9042.
It was so nice meeting Liz….the artist behind her paintings. If you do decide to visit and meet her, you’ll see what I mean. She was friendly, gracious, and fun. And, so were you Erica!!
Have a great day!!
May 9th, 2013
Only a few miles from Ocean City, Maryland, Berlin is a town full of history, with eateries that are making it a dining destination. So, are all the quaint shops that surround Historic Berlin. Free parking!!
On Friday, May 10th, Berlin celebrates its 2nd Friday Art Stroll….every month this is a day when stores stay open late; music, food and fun!! Stroll the art galeries, the artists have their own receptions. You can shop early, then stay for dinner.
NEST is a must stop shop, located at 11 South Main St. Tel. 410-629-1030. You can find NEST of Facebook, as well.
The shopkeeper is Dee and with her is assistant shopkeeper, Mr. Petey. Mr. Petey is always at your service from the moment customers enter NEST. He does not miss a thing. He is a fixture in Historic Berlin. A good worker, he puts full hours. But, don’t get me wrong….he can chill too!!
I have known Dee for a long time. So has Cindi, who was my partner in crime during that day when we ate at The Globe and then walked over to say hi to Dee. There is always something new; something for everyone. And every piece has a story. It is great to see how she has taken the time to get merchandise that has a meaning.
Dee is also an artist herself. There is nothing she can’t do. She is an accomplished seamstress; her aprons are gorgeous and her Boppyowl handmade bags are full of color and interesting contrasting materials.
Her merchandise changes frequently…Take a peek at her store!!
You do remember that Sunday is Mother’s Day!! I thought so.
 
This pillow caught my attention. Take a closer look….real feathers!!
Mr. Petey got comfortable again….”Thank God they are finally gone”. Talk to you later.
April 4th, 2013
This is a great time of the year to get out of town and visit the Delaware Beaches. They are primping for what is expected to be a great 2013 season.
Restaurants are open, shops are always open…shopkeepers are the best!! The Boardwalk is right by the beach…exercise, breath that salty ocean air…kick back and relax.
So, what’s going on?
Friday, 4/5 – Opening Reception for Art is Healing, Healing is an Art, a juried fine art exhibition that you can see at the Rehoboth Beach Art League until April 28th. The Opening Reception is from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., free and open to the public. It is hosted by SOAR, Inc. (Survivors of Abuse in Recovery, Inc.) http://www.survivorsofabuse.org, and the Rehoboth Art League, http://www.rehobothartleague.org.
Through the centuries art has been an influencing force in calming the mind, soothing the soul, and flexing the mind and body. This exhibit celebrates the healing power of art. A curated exhibition will be on display in the newly renovated Chambers building. Artwork will be available for sale to the public through the Rehoboth Art League.
The League is located at 12 Dodds Lane in Henlopen Acres. Tel. 302-227-8408.
Friday, 4/5 – 3rd Annual Get Down in Town…Stroll Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Find Great Deals…enjoy great food! 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. The Downtown Rehoboth Beach favorite stores will be offering great deals, and the favorite restaurants will serving fantastic appetizers and desserts inside each participating store! Chance to win thousands of dollars in gifts and prices from Downtown local merchants.
$10.00 writsbands pre-purchase at Azura, Bellmoor, Carlton’s, Heidi Lowe Gallery, and South Moon Under. Need more info? Please call Azura Clothing at 302-226-9650. The store is located at 139 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Clear Space Theatre presents “A Little Night Music” – Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. April 4th at 11 a.m., April 7th and 14th at 3p.m., April 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7 p.m.
This is a tangled web of lust and love, new and rekindled, some legitimate and most illicit, blend to create this beautiful waltz. Lavish music and romantic comedy are at the heart of this Tony-award winning musical. General Admission, $30, Senior, $25, Student/Child, $15. The Theatre is located at 20 Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Free parking. More info? Please call 302-227-2270 or visit http://www.clearspacetheatre.org.
Friday, 4/4/ and Saturday, 4/5 – Music and Entertainment with Sydneys Music Revival at Bethany Blues, located at 18385 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1)…Music starts at 8:30 p.m. Website: http://www.bethanyblues.com.
Friday is Nothin’ But Trouble – What do you call 4 guys who write music, sing and have been front men for their own blues band? NOTHIN’ BUT TROUBLE!
Saturday is New Pony Blues – The big muddy Mississippi and the dark waters of the bayou flow through the heart and soul of this band.
Saturday, 4/6 – Big Fish Grill continues its cooking classes with only a few more Saturdays still on the schedule. The classes will feature menu items from the Big Fish Restaurant Group. Hands-on participation in the preparation of featured items. The classes also include a tour of the seafood market, a whole fish cutting demonstration (I have done it and it is not that easy!), tips about purchasing and preparing seafood. Cost is $75. Classes are from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. To sign up, please call 302-227-FISH. Classes are held at Big Fish Grill located on Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Rehoboth Beach. Next classes will be: Saturday, 4/20 and 5/4.
Saturday, 4/6 – “Swing into Spring” Fashion Show presented by the Village Improvement Association. Noon until 3 p.m. at Baywood Greens. It will start at Noon with lunch served at 1 p.m. $30 per person. Doors open at 11 a.m. For reservations, please contact Marge at 302-226-2721. There will be prizes, ticket auction, and much more!! Please visit http://www.rehobothbeachvia.org.
The Village Improvement Association is located at Boardwalk & Grenoble in Downtown Rehoboth Beach….all remodeled!!
Saturday, 4/6 and Sunday, 4/7 – 16th Annual Delaware Resorts 2013 Home Expo. Rehoboth Beach Convention Center located in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Saturday, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Free gifts, prizes and give aways. Realtors, developers, builders, mortgagers, home services…all under one roof!! Please call 302-236-0857 for more info. Check Better Living Patio & Sunrooms of Delmarva…they will be there.
Saturday, 4/6 – Family Gathering Annual Spring Concert presented by the Rainbow Chorale. This is a “non-profit Delaware organization community chorus providing gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender persons, and their friends, supporters, and allies with opportunities to perform choral music in a supportive and affirming environment”. Music of Elton John, Sister Sledge, Bobby McFerrin, Randy Newmn & Billy Joel. Plus, a moving tribute to Matthew Shepard. Location? Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Rd. in Rehoboth Beach. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Buy tickets at http://www.therainbowchorale.org.
Sunday, 4/7 – Wine Tasting benefiting Sussex County Habitat for Humanity at Bin 66, located on Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Rehoboth Beach. $22/person in advance or $27/person at the door. To attend, please contact Melissa Korik at 302-855-1153 x 209. or email melissa@sussexountyhabitat.org. 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Enjoy tastings and appetizers provided by Arena’s and Henlopen City Oyster House!
Enjoy!! Talk to you later.
December 15th, 2012
Up and down the Delmarva Peninsula historic towns are being preserved by residents and merchants. The Historic Town of Berlin is one example. On any given day, this town, which by the way, looks like a movie set, is bustling with visitors. If it is not one thing is another….but, they always have a concert, a festival, merchants’ stroll, you name it. The shopkeepers are young and interesting, new restaurants have opened this summer; making Historic Berlin a shopping and dining destination.
From Rehoboth Beach and other Delaware Beaches, it takes about 45 minutes. If you live on the Delaware and Maryland coast, then you are probably used to driving. I really don’t mind it one bit. A road trip? I look forward to it!!
My friend, Susan, and I stopped at Jeffrey Auxer Designs. The building is unique and it dates back to 1897. It is located at 19 Jefferson St. in Berlin, Maryland. It is behind the Atlantic Hotel, which is located on Main Street. Can’t miss it. It is the center of the town. Jeffrey Auxer Designs closes on Monday, but it is open the rest of the week. At this time of the year it was the perfect place to pick up a few Christmas presents. His Tel. is 443-513-4210. His website? http://www.jeffreyauxer.com.
The ring holders were so cute. Jeffrey also makes rings and earrings.
The art of blown glass. The deep colors of the glass. The amazing shapes. All this you will find at Jeffrey’s shop. A person who blows glass is called a glassblower, a glassmith, or a gaffer.
 
Jeffrey offers classes, either individually or in a group setting. You can also bring your party to the studio. He has room for 8; kids or adults. You can find more info. if you visit the above mentioned website.
I bought one of the ornaments and I also bought a couple of bowls.
The studio is so colorful and Jeffrey is very friendly and easy to talk to.
Berlin is beautiful this time of the year. This is, definitely, a must stop shop while visiting this Historic Town.
 
Note: Jeffrey also exhibits at Gallery One, located at 32 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View, Delaware. It is a few miles west of Bethany Beach.
Talk to you later…
 
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