November 30th, 2015
Not that long ago a friend said to me that we should all be traveling while we can. To discover the world that is getting much smaller and definitely more dangerous. But, you have to do it, otherwise, they win. So, the State Department has just issued in the past few days a Worldwide Travel Alert which will expire in mid February, 2016. I believe that not since 9/11 such an alert has been issued, worldwide. If you are traveling abroad you can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is a way of staying connected through these uncertain times. They will send you travel alerts, weather surprises, uprisings in any particular country….so please visit https://step.state.gov/step.
The whole week in Berlin was grey and cold. We did manage to do everything including 4 and 5 hour walking tours. We arrived at WeihnachtsZauber Christmas market late afternoon. This is a classic market in one of the most beautiful settings in Berlin; the opulent architecture is breathtaking.
The Christmas Markets are the perfect place to escape the noisy city streets. This market lends a magical air to the event because of where it is located. Music floats from the stage where many other events take place throughout the month.
The organizers of the WeihnachtsZauber Christmas Market will be presenting a check to Berlin to support people in need and to promote cultural projects based in Berlin.
The market opened on November 23rd and you can visit from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. The 1 Euro entry free is for the charity collection which I mentioned above.
Visitors like us walked from booth to booth, discovering glass blowers, jewelry designers, painters and wood carvers. Did not buy anything just for the fact that I did not want to carry anything else on the plane.
There are heated tents with seating where you can have something to drink or eat…..kale and potatoes!!
I chose Currywurst and Beer. It might not look as good to you but believe me it was. The wurst is so crispy on the outside and perfectly moist inside. The sauce is a mixture of Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, and Curry. It is sold everywhere with the best one being Currywurst #36.
Apparently this square lights up on New Years Eve with a spectacular firework display that will set off from the roof of the Konzerthaus.
Stay tuned, I have one more Christmas Market post in the making. Now that Thanksgiving is over we can say Merry Christmas!!
November 29th, 2015
A week in Berlin, Germany, just as the Christmas Markets were ready to open. It is a German tradition called Weihaachtsmarkt or Christmas Market. Not only there are about 60 markets around the City, but Berlin itself has an obssession with Christmas decorations throughout. Buildings, shops, restaurants….all are decorated and for the most part all Christmas trees are real.
A main shopping street in West Berlin is Tauentzienstrasse…Shops are upscale and plenty of them are not shy about saying Merry Christmas!! One of such store, Hugo Boss.
This avenue will be completely lit up at night and they were still placing lights as we left on Thanksgiving Day.
With everything happening in this world, it was great to see all the decorations and hear Christmas music all throughout the city.
But nothing will get you more in the spirit of Christmas than Berlin’s Christmas Markets. All the markets are laden with traditional food, drinks, and crafts.
 
The market just opened this past week and will be opening throughout December. It is a lot of work as I watched some of the merchants putting the last minute details on their stalls.
One market in West Berlin, near my hotel, was called City Weihaachtsmarkt.
The markets open around 11 a.m. and continue until about 10 p.m. depending on the market. Also, some of them have rides for kids and others have heated restaurants within the market.
Plenty of food and no need to be on a diet in Berlin….you can’t.
I love roasted chestnuts so twice I went to this stall….the chestnuts were from Italy. I had them in the a.m. and then in the p.m. They told me that late in the day they were better….they tasted great to me both times.
They were perfectly roasted, easy to peel and best was eating them while walking around checking other stalls out…..did I tell you that Berlin does not have open container laws?
The Christmas Markets are a place to meet for drinks and dinner. Grab something up or just have a drink and enjoy. It was cold so make sure you bundle up.
Stay tuned….a few more posts from the markets in Berlin.
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 24th, 2013
For those of you who are still doing those last minute shopping….New shop opened just recently in Historic Berlin, Maryland. Sea-La-Vie is owned by two sisters. It is located on 11 Artisans Way, Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 443-513-4768.
 
The building is as cute as it can be. Sea-La-Vie offers home accessories, gifts, and much more. Pick up some local art, a hostess gift, a birthday present. Or, something that might catch your fancy.
Children’s present…and don’t forget your pet.
 
Historic Berlin has plenty of charm. It is a great town to visit any time of the year. This town is surging in the Small Town poll, so stay tuned because Budget Travel’s “Americas Coolest Small Town 2014” will be announced in mid February.
In the meantime stop by Sea-La-Vie.
 
Merry Christmas!! Talk to you later.
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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