September 5th, 2012
Brown Box Theatre Project is returning to its home on the Eastern Shore with an exciting production of Romeo & Juliet. The Director is Kyler Taustin, one of Ocean City, Maryland’s, own. He is proud to be heading up the Second Annual Free Shakespeare at the Beach.
Romeo & Juliet is the tale of tragedy as star-crossed lovers take their life.
Brown Box Theatre Project was founded in 2010. It has been producing quality theatre along the East Coast, including venues in Boston, New York, Maryland, and Delaware. This year Brown Box has expanded the tour to Downtown Berlin and Snow Hill, as well as adding more educational workshops and performances for local students in Worcester and Wicomico Counties.
Last year, Brown Box produced Twelfth Night as its inaugural performance of Free Shakespeare at the Beach. The goal of this initiative is to offer free outdoor productions of Shakespeare’s plays to communities that may not have access to the arts and to introduce these iconic plays to the non-theatre audience as they are meant to be seen – – as live theatre. After Twelfth Night was incredibly well received on the Easter Shore (press coverage can be found at http://www.brownboxtheatre.org/12N.html), Brown Box is thrilled to be returning with a longer run as it continues to make Shakespeare at the Beach a yearly event on the Eastern Shore.
Romeo & Juliet will be performed September 7th through September 14th at various locations throughout the Eastern Shore, including private performances at several local grade schools and high schools. Visit the website http://www.brownboxtheatre.org for more information.
Performance Schedule
Thursday, 9/6 – Press Preview Performance, 7:30 p.m. at 10647 Griffin Road, Berlin. Press & Industry Night, Closed to the Public. email chelsea@brownboxtheatre.org to request tickets.
Free, Open Public Performances
Friday, 9/7 – Arts on the River First Fridays at Sturgis Park, 300 River St., Snow Hill, Maryland. 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9/8 – Historic St. Martin’s Church, 11413 Worcester Highway, Showell, Maryland. Two performances!! 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, 9/9 – Sunset Park, South Division St., Ocean City, Maryland. Two performances!! 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 9/12 – White Horse Park, Ocean Parkway, North Gate, Ocean Pines, Maryland. 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 9/13 – Indian River Lifesaving Station, 25039 Coastal Highway, by the Indian River Bridge, at the Delaware Seashore State Park, south of Dewey. 6:30 p.m. Note: There is an opportunity to pre-order a boxed dinner from Matt’s Fish Camp to enjoy during the performance. Dinner order reservations must be made by Monday, 9/10 and paid by credit card at the time of reservation. Call the life saving station at 302-227-6991 if you wish to place an order. All meals are served boxed lunch style and include a bottle of water. A children’s menu is also available.
Thursday, 9/14 – Friday Night Art Stroll on Main St., Downtown, Berlin, Maryland. 6:30 p.m.
Cast: Laura Menzie (Juliet), making her debut with Brown Box Theatre, Juan C. Rodriguez (Romeo), who is thrilled to take part in his Brown Box Theatre Project debut. For full cast bios, please visit their website above mentioned.
Director, Kyler Taustin, Cory Rodriguez, Set Designer
Have a great time!! Talk to you later.
July 12th, 2012
The following two events are happening this week-end, about 45 minutes or so away from each other. Both have been in existence for a long time..and so much fun!!
Friday, July 13th – The Historic Town of Berlin is one of those gems that is growing more and more in popularity year-round. It is only about 6 miles west of Ocean City, Maryland. On Friday from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. is the 2nd Friday Art Stroll. You can visit the quaint shops and restaurants that make Berlin their home. Just park; no meters…and start strolling.
During this event is when the 23rd Bathtub Race will be taking place. Since 1992, local businesses have turned ordinary bathtubs into rolling works of art. The race is open to anyone who wants to compete.
Rules to follow:
Wheels may be no larger than 26 inches. Bathtub must have brakes and steering. There must be at least one rider (helmet required). No more than one person can push (closed toe shoes required). Bathtub must hold a minimum of 2 gallons of water. There is no limit to the number of wheels. Businesses may advertise on the side of their bathtub. Tub must be under control of a pusher at all times and may not be released until tube has come to a complete stop.
Winner Takes All trophy and Bragging Rights, plus a free banner ad on the Berlin Chamber’s website, worth $400.
$50 entry fee per tub for Berlin members of the Chamber and $75 for future members.
So…pick your Pit Crew, Driver and Pusher!! More info? Please call 410-641-4775. Visit http://berlinchamber.org.
Saturday, July 14th – Bringing a bit of the Fiestas of San Fermin in Pamplona, which end on July 14th, to Dewey Beach, Delaware. It is the the 12th Running of the Bull!!
Just in case….The Bull is only 2 people in a BULL COSTUME. Come on; no need to call anyone. No animals are used in these race….only humans!!
It is a gathering at the Starboard in Dewey Beach, Delaware to Run with the Bull. The pre-run festivities will start at 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Beverages, loud music and a whole lot of fun. The run will start at 2:00 p.m.
For more information and history, please visit http://therunningofthebull.com/history.php.
Have a great time. Talk to you later.
June 8th, 2012
This is the actual key that has unlocked the past of Historic St. Martin’s Church. Preserving it has been a labor of love and much work.
I thought I had gotten an e-mail by mistake. An invitation to a Business after Hours from the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. No, no mistake at all. My connection to this invitation had to do with the Historic St. Martin’s Church.
A Business after Hours where members can relax an meet one another. The location? The Historic St. Martin’s Church is located at 11413 Worcester Highway, Showell, MD 21813. (Rt. 113 & 589 Junction.) Four miles north of Berlin, Maryland. The Church is adjacent to the highway (113). Tel. 410-430-2142. E-mail historicstmartin@aol.com. Website? www.historicstmartinschurch.org.
I don’t think words describe how beautiful this Church is. It was built in 1756, twenty years prior to the signing of The Declaration of Independence. They came by carriage, horse, boat or by foot to worship.
It is so quiet, peaceful and sits on a property that is surrounded by pine trees.
Historic St. Martin’s Church is 256 years old. After all these years, the preserved brick floor remains. The pine box pews, the barrel vaulted ceiling and the magnificent Pulpit are reminiscent of the 18th century.
 
The Berlin Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours, was well attended with a lite fare and drinks available. The Church was open and guests could either sit inside and enjoy the Church or just chat and make friends outdoors. Raffles and a 50/50 drawing were also part of the evening’s activities.
I wrote about St. Martin’s Church last year, on May 9th. If you want to see it, just go under the Archives and click on the month of May, 2011 and scroll down to the 9th.
The Church is worth visiting. It is a Museum. It is open every Saturday, from June until October. Volunteer docents are available for tours. Tour hours are at 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Historic St. Martin’s Church is the perfect setting for a wedding. Simple, romantic, historic and charming. If you have an interest, please call 410-430-2142, or email hitoricstmartin@aol.com.
Besides weddings, the Church is available for lectures and educational events.
Admission to Historic St. Martin’s is free of charge; but donations are graciously accepted.
Note: Please call ahead of time or e-mail for special assistance or handicap access.
Have a great week-end!!!
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.
November 29th, 2011
I have never been one to shop in big malls. I know, I know, the majority of people do. I don’t even go when there is not a holiday around the corner. So, why would I go when at the holiday season all I will get is full parking lots, long lines at the cash register, attendants are busy and a little short?
I like those small shops that you find in every single town, or city. In these shops you get the personal attention you need. My favorites are the local shops in the Delmarva Peninsula; the towns of Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Ocean View, Ocean City, and Berlin among them.
So, no hustle and bustle; peace and serenity is what I want. One such shop is TaDa in the Historic town of Berlin, Maryland. I have written about it before and I just wrote a post on its sister store, TaDa Home. These are the shops that are worth visiting over and over again. New merchandise gets updated all the time.
TaDa is located at 18 N Main St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-641-4430. Website? http://www.blairelizabeth.com. At any given time you will find Blair, Patty, Christine and even Brooke. They are responsible for everything on the store to look just right.
Being that the Holidays are upon us I wanted to show you some of the items that make TaDa a must stop shop in Berlin.
TaDa has a Children’s Corner with lots of cute presents for babies. The store has tote bags, scarves, shoes, bags, personalized items and even fun presents for the bride to be.
New colors had just come in – the flats
   
TaDa carries jewelry but the one that attracted by attention is the one designed and handmade by Blair Elizabeth. The stones and color combinations are, definitely, fun, casual with an understated elegance.
      
TaDa and TaDa Home are part of the merchants that make the town of Historic Berlin special during the Christmas Season. Please check out the following events when both shops will be involved.
December 1 through the 24th – Join them for refreshments, gourmet tastings, and free gift wrapping. The stores will open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Fridays in December – Sip and shop with TaDa at Burley Oak Brewery. Stop by TaDa any time to fill out your wish list and send your Santa to Burley Oak located in a building originally built at the turn of the century at 10016 Old Ocean City Blvd. 5 – 7 p.m. shop and enjoy some delicious local brews.
Food Drive, December 3rd – Benefitting the Maryland Food Bank. For every non-perishable food item donated, receive a coupon for $1 off your $5 purchase. No limit on coupons – coupons must be redeemed that day.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
November 23rd, 2011
If there is a town that can bring the nostalgia of what the holidays should be is the historic town of Berlin, Maryland. It is located west of Ocean City, Maryland, just by a few miles. From Rehoboth Beach, it is a longer drive but only about 40 minutes, if that. It is worth it and at this time of the year Berlin gets all decked out for the holidays, their windows are decorated and on Friday November 25th at 5:30 p.m. the Holiday Season will kick off with the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of of the Atlantic Hotel right on Main Street.
Berlin dates from the 1790s; historically charming with lots of shops and restaurants. Their Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 1st at 7 p.m. is one not to be missed. Out of a Norman Rockwell painting, it is.
The setting of Berlin is great but the people that reside, work and own businesses are making sure that this town offers its visitors a treat; wanting them to keep coming back again and again.
One of those shops that is celebrating the Season is TaDa Home. It opened this year, but it does have a sister store; TaDa, that has been around for years. If you are visiting Berlin on the Fridays in December; the 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd stop by because you will be able to enjoy home-made baked goods while you shop for one of a kind Christmas decor and gift items.
TaDa Home is located at 27 N. Main Street, Berlin, Maryland. Tel. 410-641-4430. Website? http://www.blairelizabeth.com.
When Patty Falck first opened TaDa, the store had her signature all over and it still does; simple and elegant. TaDa Home keeps constantly evolving, though. The combined artistic talents of the Falck family is now shining through. I love it; the two girls, the father and the mother. Yes, TaDa Home is a must stop shop in Berlin, Maryland.
The shop is beautifully appointed. Steve and Brooke have combed the area looking for special pieces; Patty then puts then her artistic touches.
Rugs, paintings by Patty, pillows, coastal touches, epicurian books and delights are the many surprises you will find at TaDa.
 
It is easy shopping for the holidays, as well. And, no, Tada is not opening at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. The store hours will be Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
These pictures reflect what a beautiful store it is. Something will have to catch your interest, I am sure.
     
If you happen to see the November issue of Coastal Style Magazine, www.coastalstylemag.com. you will get to meet the Falck family in depth. A beautiful article on this family that for some years has been facing one of those curves that life throws at you.
TaDa supports The Stephen Falck Foundation for MSA Research. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is currently without treament and cure. It is their hope that by funding research for this illness, they may help those currently suffering, and provide hope in the future for a cure.
Please note that portions of every sale from TaDa Home are donated to MSA. Websites to learn more about what they are going through? www.wemove.org/msa. and www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/multiple_system_atrophy.
Happy Thanksgiving!!…talk to you later….TaDa is next….
November 9th, 2011
Among the shops that line up Main Street in the historic town of Berlin, Maryland you will find a new shop called NEST. This shop is only new to the Main Street area but NEST has now been in business for some time. Change of location but same concept.
NEST is located at 11 South Main St., Berlin, Maryland, 21811. The location is right across the street from the new Chamber of Commerce. Tel. 410-629-1030. E-mail nest.berlin@gmail.com. It opens Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 Noon until 4 p.m.
Just like all the other shopkeepers that abound in Berlin, Dee, welcomes you with a nice smile. Throughout the shop you will find niches of vintage treasures, local art, housewares, home accents, and decorative items.
There is a lot to take in, so make sure you take your time in strolling through her shop. Dee is more than willing to inform you where each piece has come from in detail, whether it is an antique or a work of art.
NEST is a definitely an eclectic store; you can find surprises in every corner.
 
Dee is also known for her artistic talents. I saw that in the store already some of her Old World Santas have made an appearance. These santas are handsculpted by Dee. She uses dry clay; the faces are painted in acrylic. They are collectibles and very much sought after. Vintage fabrics are utilized for their clothing, as well. Call the store for more information or if you would like to place an order.
 
Dee is a seamstress, as well. She makes colorful aprons with contrasting fabrics that are really cute. Custom bags are on display at NEST, as well. They have great fabric color combinations and textures; the patterns and colors changing with the seasons.
As I was chatting away, earrings caught my eye. Vey cute and made by Lex.
This is the perfect time of the year to stroll through Berlin. There is something about it….yes, it is pretty!!
Have a great day!!
November 5th, 2011
They say you have to see the town that Hollywood fell in love with….Remember? Runaway Bride? Or, Tuck Everlasting? These movies were filmed in the town of Berlin. And, even though it has been years since the streets were turned into a movie set, I always refer to both of those movies to see if people have a recollection.
The funny part is that when you do visit Berlin, it does remind you of the perfect movie set. One thing, for sure, is the fact that this Historic Village is vibrant with an influx of shops, arts, entertainment and restaurants. The shopkeepers? Friendly!!
You cannot miss in the center of Berlin, the beautiful and historic Atlantic Hotel. It is located at 2 North Main Street. Tel. 410-641-3589. Website? www.atlantichotel.com.
The Atlantic Hotel was built in 1895 by Horace F. Harmonson and his wife, Virginia Lingo Harmonson. “Drummers” were traveling salesmen that crisscrossed the area during the turn of the century and they stayed at the hotel.
In those early times there was a livery stable in the back. Here the sales of mules and horses took place. Livestock would arrive in Berlin by rail, then it would be driven up through the town to the Atlantic Stable.
Mr. Harmonson had a horse-drawn bus. He met incoming trains. The bus would carry passengers directly to the Hotel. “Drummers” would check into the Hotel and order up a horse and buggy from the stable to make their rounds.
Other frequent guests at the Hotel were those on their way to the ocean, those interested in hunting and fishing; guides were readily available, and those who simply loved good food.
Move forward many years and in 1986 the Atlantic Hotel was purchased by 10 local businessmen who were interested in preserving this gem. The Hotel now looks like it should have looked in its early days.
The Drummer’s Cafe opens daily with delicious food. The staff is more than happy to take you through a tour of the hotel and even show you some of the rooms, as long as there are no guests.
During the filming of the Runaway Bride, The Atlantic Hotel was used for many of the scenes in the movie.
The Hotel stands by itsel, but on Jefferson St., next to the Hotel, there is a Gardener’s Cottage. This cottage is also part of the Hotel and available for rent. It is so cute.
The Historic Village of Downtown Berlin is perfect for strolling. Just park your car; no meters, by the way, and take off exploring. So many new things coming to this town; it is becoming a destination.
It is just 10 minutes West of Ocean City, Maryland, 7 minutes West of Assateague Island, 25 minutes East of Salisbury and 45 minutes South of Rehoboth Beach.
Note: Some info. for this post was taken from The Atlantic Hotel.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
 
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