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…
May 30th, 2012
My car had not forgotten where to go. For so many years I had traveled up and down Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) from, Bethany Beach, where I first lived, and later from Rehoboth Beach. The back roads have always been my favorite. It is where you can really enjoy the beauty of the area I call home.
Friends from out of town. Great opportunity to show them here or there. Today was a road trip from Rehoboth Beach to Berlin, Maryland, in Worcester County. Jim and Basil had already hit the Farmers’ Market in Rehoboth. Please don’t eat there I told them. I am taking you to a special place.
Em-ing’s!! If you have been there, then you know I am talking about great barbecue. Homemade desserts and breads. They are located on the corner of Rt. 113 and 610 in Bishopville, MD, just after you leave the town of Selbyville, Delaware if you are going south. The tel. is 410-352-5711. Website? www.em-ings.com.
It was great seeing Robin. We have only talked by e-mail. I wrote a post on Em-ing’s back on January 22, 2011. If you want to see it just click on the month of January, 2011 on the left hand side of this website, and scroll down to the 22nd.
I think Jim and Basil were very happy with their choices. This is what we all had.
Jim ordered the Country Rib with a side of Mac, salad, bread and butter. It also included a homemade pie. He chose the peanut butter. I have to tell you that he ate it all.
Then, Basil had the pulled barbecue chicken sandwich with cole slaw and baked beans. I know he, definitely, enjoyed it.
I decided to have the beef barbecue sandwich. At Robin’s suggestion, with a side of cole slaw and potato salad. Perfect suggestions, Robin. It was delicious, as usual.
Soooo satisfied, it was time to move to the town of Berlin, Maryland, but not before you see the latest addition to their menu.
We decided to stop at the Berlin chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center located at 14 South Main St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-641-4775. Website? www.berlinchamber.org.
Berlin is a Historic Village. An influx of shops, arts, entertainment, and restaurants is making this town a favorite destination for many. Only about 6 or 7 miles from Ocean City, Maryland, it takes no time to get there. Even though from the Delaware Beaches it takes longer, believe me, it is worth it.
Pleasantly surprised at how large the Chamber was. Local artists have studios in this particular building, where you can see them at work. They were not there when we visited but we could still look into their studios.
From the Berlin Chamber we crossed the street to see if my friend, Dee, was working, NEST, her store. Dee is one of those shopkeepers that you upon meeting her, you think you have known her forever. Introduction were made and a few pictures taken.
NEST is a boutique, and a gallery, with local art, village treasures, and handmade collectibles. It is located at 11 South Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-629-1030. You can also find NEST on Facebook.
The store looked great and Dee has wonderful things for everyone.
Her colorful bags were hanging, displaying unique contrasting fabrics. These bags are made by Dee.
We continued with our sightseeing by stopping at the Atlantic Hotel. Built in 1895, the Atlantic Hotel is located at 2 North Main St. in downtown Historic Berlin. Tel. 410-641-3589. Website? www.atlantichotel.com.
Some of the early guests were called “Drummers”, traveling salesmen that crisscrossed the area during the turn of the century.
The Hotel plays an integral part in this town. Events, parades, pretty much are centered around it. It is open for lunch, dinner, and for special events.
I wrote a post on November 5, 2011 on this historic hotel. Just check my archives.
We then continued on our exploration of Berlin even though it was somewhat hot today. When I first visited Jeffrey Auxer Designs, I was so impressed by this young artist. His craft? Blown Glass.
Jeffrey Auxer Designs is located at 19 Jefferson St. (behind the Atlantic Hotel). Tel. 443-513-4210. Website? www.jeffreyauxer.com.
For information on Glass Blowing Classes, please call 443-513-4210. You can find Jeffrey Auxer Designs on Facebook.
Our next stop was Cupcakes in Bloom. This bakery is located at 120 N. Main St. in Downtown Historic Berlin. Tel. 410-641-9020. You can find Cupcakes in Bloom on Facebook.
Shawnee is the owner and self taught baker. She is the 2nd place winner of Cupcake Wars. Talented, created and soooo friendly.
Talking to Shawnee was fun. You can tell she loves what she is doing. We decided on a carrot and red velvet for me, one that was like a strawberry pretzel salad all in one for Jim, and Basil got I believe one with peanut butter and chocolate, I think.
We sat outside and enjoyed every single bite. I wrote a post on this bakery on November 2, 2011. Check my Archives. On that post you can see Shawnee’s specialty; the blooming bouquets.
A quick stop at the Globe Theater. I did not take any pictures. It is locally owned and operated. Please check their website www.globetheater.com. Their new schedule of events is coming out this week. They serve lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. And, on their stage thy feature local, regional and national live music.
The Globe Theater is located at 12 Broad St. in Downtown Historic Berlin. Tel. 410-641-0784.
We took off from Berlin, making our way back through Ocean City, Maryland. Then, one last stop for my friends to check out Seacrets. It is located at 117 West 49th St., Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-524-4900. Website? www.seacrets.com. It can be found on Facebook, Twitter and probably any other social media.
Seacrets is one of those places that you have to see for yourself. It is located on the Bay. Restaurants, Bars, Beach Bar, and plenty of music and partying. This past week-end the lines to get in were unreal. So, here it is.
Now what? There was not way I would be cooking. Hungry hombres at home? You bet!! A friend to join us for dinner? Possibly. So off we went to Saketumi located at 18814 Highway One, Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-645-2818.
Kim was there, as usual. Friendly and glad to see us. Tanaka? He was there too and he is amazing. To see him work behind the sushi bar is like watching an artist at work.
We had our usuals. I decided to have the seared white tuna tataki with yuzu citrus vinaigrette, accompanied with fresh wasabi. Delicious and light.
Then, a lettuce wrap followed. I am hooked on these. Ground seasoned chicken so easy to eat and refreshing on a summer day.
I think the show is over….I am tired. Talk to you later.
October 31st, 2011
“Glassblowing is a glassforming technique that involves inflating molten glass into a bubble, or parison, with the aid of a blow pipe, or blow tube.” It was invented by the Phoenicians at approximately 50 BC. A person who blows glass is called a glassblower, glassmith, or gaffer.
I spent so many years going to Berlin that it seemed like a second home to me. Since those days the town has so many more stores and an artist village has emerged. Just like in Rehoboth, Bethany and Lewes, the shopkeepers of Historic downtown Berlin are friendly and a joy to talk to.
I cannot draw, paint, or sculpt; I am in awe of anyone that can express him or herself in such a way. There must be sensitivity that I do not pocess.
So, there I was in front of Jeffrey Auxer Designs, located at 19 Jefferson St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 443-513-4210. Website? www.jeffreyauxer.com.
The building was pretty neat. It looked like it had been a garage at some point, but I am not sure. The Gallery was not very big; just perfect. As you come in be prepared for a burst of color. You will smile; you can’t help it.
Slowly take it all in. Check the pieces because each has been individually hand blown. A work of art by Jeff, who I found to be reserved but friendly. I also met Adam the first time I visited.
Jeff is a local guy, having graduated from Stephen Decatur, Berlin, Maryland, and then attended Salisbury University. In business for more than several years.
In his studio you will find home decor, lighting, vessel sinks, hanging platters, centerpiece bowls, vases, jewelry and many other items for gifts, or for your own personal indulgence.
Sink
I asked Jeff what pieces he liked the most. He mentioned the lamps. They truly are works of art and very unique.
In the middle of the Gallery there was a case with golf putters. He can customize them with pretty much any sport’s team. They are $125. You would have to call him to the above telephone number and tell him if you are right or left handed and tell him what logo you would like.
Jeff is also making jewelry. Loved the ring holders.
On Friday, November 2nd, his Studio will participate in the 2nd Friday Art Stroll. This is an event that takes place the 2nd Friday of every month from 5-8 p.m. Shops and galleries in Historic Berlin open late to give the visitors a time to get to know them better.
From November 12th until December 17th – Saturdays, there will be a hand blown glass ornament making class. $15/ornament. Ages 4 to……Just call the Studio at 443-513-4210 to reserve your spot.
Glass Blowing Classes are held every other week-end, as well. Just call the number above mentioned for class times and pricing.
A Party Experience – Bring your party to the Studio. Make a paperweight for $75. All info. regarding this unique experience can be found by visiting www.jeffreyauxer.com.
So, to my friends in Rehoboth and Lewes I just want to let you know that it only takes about 45 minutes or so to get to Berlin. Not a bad drive.
From Ocean City is just 10 or 15 minutes and from Salisbury, it only takes about 25 minutes.
I really enjoyed it…..more to come from Berlin…as I was strolling through the town…
Note: Some info. for this post was taken from Wikipedia.
Comments Off on Jeffrey Auxer Designs, Berlin, Gallery, Studio, Blown Glass, Fine Art, Classes, Parties, Maryland, Worcester County