Recreation News, February 2017 by Indiana Gazette INC

Recreation SERVING THE EMPLOYEES OF 55 GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATIONS

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February 2017

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Volume 35/Number 2

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NEWS

Take a romantic break this winter

A BERKS JAZZ GIVEAWAY

Includes 2-night stay at the Crowne Plaza Reading and tickets to three major concerts.

ALONG THE HOWARD COUNTY BREW TRAIL

JAMES MONROE BICENTENNIAL

Includes tour and tasting at Jailbreak Brewing Co., tickets to Red Branch Theatre Co., stay at the Columbia Sheraton, and more!

FREDERICK RUNNING FESTIVAL

HARRIET TUBMAN VISITOR CENTER OPENS

A HOWARD COUNTY GETAWAY

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

What’s love got to do with it?

It started out with Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, being a single-day observance. From a fixed date, it expanded to a broader range with people trying to incorporate it into a weekend event. When Valentine’s Day is situated on Wednesdays, it often creates a pair of weekend events, one before and another after. Further expansion creates a whole month of love. February, romance — what are you going to do to make the most of it? Some obvious choices for February capitalize on winter events: skiing, ice festivals, restaurant weeks, brisk hikes in the winter wonderland, or cabin fever indoor events. All of these can have elements of romance in them. It can be the warm fireplace in the ski lodge after skiing, getting bundled up while watching ice carvers at an ice festival (perhaps with an Irish coffee in hand), or a candlelight dinner. It seems just about everything can have romance incorporated into it. But, romance and elements of the heart are both for the spontaneous here and now, as well as into the future. How? Planning! Plan a getaway together, but not just any getaway. Plan for one that sits squarely on one or both

3 ~ Publisher’s Note 4 ~ Editor’s Note 5 ~ Cruise Corner

of your bucket lists. Not sure where to go? Make it a dream date or, more appropriately, a date to make dreams. Anticipation is a rewarding part of a dream getaway. There’s a step that can occur even before the planning. I’ve mentioned this in the past and I’ll mention it again. Make a bucket list date. Each member of the couple starts with a blank slate. Next, write down 20 items on your own bucket list, have your partner do the same. Swap lists and review them. Common items on each of your lists should be the top priorities. Non-common items may serve as a pleasant surprise, or a point of discussion. Either way, it’s a win. Travel is about discovery, and these lists can be about discovery, too. Travel deepens one’s understanding of life and the world we live in. Traveling with a loved one deepens the relationship and understanding of each other. Few things beat seeing the look in your loved one’s eyes as he or she sees a dreamed-about sight, or experiences an anticipated thrill, such as hot air ballooning for the first time. Accomplishing one of these bucket list experiences can be quite a victory to share together. A shared thrill that also creates a deeper sense of the relationship — now that’s something to strive for. Start out small, maybe a beach weekend, a bedand-breakfast getaway, or a dinner at a favorite restaurant. Incorporate into that the bucket listsharing exercise. Then, make your plans. Recreation News is here to help. Research and get the ball rolling. Let the anticipation dreaming begin. Make it a month of love!

On our cover February is a great time to take a mid-winter break, find a cabin or resort, and cozy up to a fire. Check out the options in this issue.

6 ~ Travel Line 8 ~ Find a romantic cabin 9 ~ Culture 10 ~ Airboard at Montage Mountain 12 ~ James Monroe bicentennial 14 ~ Calendar of Events 17 ~ Cycling beach to bay 18 ~ Frederick Runnning Festival 19 ~ Howard County beer trail 20 ~ Adventures in Taste 21 ~ Wine Doctor 22 ~ New Harriet Tubman park

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February offers a month full of ways to ease winter doldrums Mid-winter break

February may be a short month, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loaded with possibilities. The long Presidents Day weekend gives history lovers great opportunities to explore the local ties to many presidents at obvious sites such as Mount Vernon and at others you might not consider, including the Lincoln Cottage, a 19th-century Camp David-type retreat. Carol Timblinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Travel Line column offers details on the activities. This Presidents Day is an appropriate time to look at Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth chief executive, James Monroe, as we approach the bicentennial of his administration. We take a look at local sites that reflect Monroeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life in Virginia from Fredericksburg to Charlottesville to Hampton.

No matter your level of interest in history, the long weekend offers a mid-winter break. Head to the ski resorts, many of which have special offers in this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Recreation News. Non-skiers will find plenty of other winter activities at the resorts as well, from tubing to ice skating to the newer sport of air boarding. Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day falls mid-week this year, but there are plenty of ways to show the love of your life how much you care. Flowers and dinner are nice, but we have packages at some top resorts for you to consider as well. For an over-the-top experience, check out the Cove Haven Resorts in Pennsylvaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pocono Mountains. February in the Mid-Atlantic is also an allaround good time to find a cabin and snuggle in front of a fire. Just 90 minutes from the Washington area, Luray is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cabin Capital of Virginiaâ&#x20AC;? and boasts options from rustic cabins to luxurious cottages. West Virginia, a bit farther away, is peppered with cabins, cottages, vacation homes, and other accommodations that guarantee mountain views and the likelihood of a snowy landscape. We report on an even dozen options in this issue. February has also become a month to reflect on African-American history, and the Mid-Atlantic is an almost unique place to find people, places,

and themes that weave together to form important parts of that history. We have the combination of slave-holding and abolitionist history, connections to figures such as orator and publisher Frederick Douglass and scientist Benjamin Banneker, and even the new Smithsonian African American History Museum. Importantly, we also have many Underground Railroad history sites that tell stories of daring and survival, as well as the dedication of those who assisted in the Underground Railroad effort. Perhaps no one connected with the Underground Railroad is as well known as Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery in Maryland only to return many times to guide others to freedom. The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway experience is being enhanced with a new visitor center in Dorchester County on Marylandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eastern Shore. Reed Hellman takes us on a visit to the area this month. Whatever your preference, take time to enjoy these February offerings as our special gift to you.

Coming next month u Explore Coastal Virginia u Railroad attraction round-up u Mid-Atlantic fishing u Civil War section

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February brings long weekends and local restaurant weeks Though February is only 28 days long, it is packed with things to do in the Mid-Atlantic. We have Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Weekend, and various restaurant weeks to celebrate, and the ski slopes in the area are beckoning. On Feb. 2, we look to Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., where Phil, the groundhog, will predict the remaining days of the winter. The three-day Punxsutawney Groundhog Day Celebration, a family event scheduled for Jan. 28–Feb.2, features a chili and wing cook-off, Groundhog Bingo, workshops, art shows, and children’s activities. Visitors may opt for breakfast with Phil and tours of Gobbler’s Knob on Saturday, Jan. 28, followed by the crowning of Little Mr. and Mrs. Groundhog, a Groundhog and winter wear dog costume competition, and the Inner Circle’s Groundhog Ball in the evening. Gobbler’s Knob’s Got Talent takes place on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 29. Activities ranging from wine tasting to chain saw carving to scavenger hunting begin at 9:00am Feb. 1, and end around midnight. Special activities Feb. 2 include Phil’s Birthday Party, for those who have a Feb. 2 birthday, and Groundhog Day weddings. (groundhog. org)

Area restaurant weeks Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week

begins Jan. 30 and ends Feb. 5. Sponsored by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, the event offers three-course price-fixe $22 lunches and brunches and $35 dinners at more than 250 participating restaurants in the area. (rwdmv.com) In Maryland, Baltimore County offers its restaurant week Jan. 20–Feb. 4, Howard County celebrates its restaurant week Jan. 23–Feb. 6, and Calvert County has a Feb.17–26 restaurant week. York, Pa., presents its restaurant week Feb. 25– March 4. Presidents Day is always observed on the third Monday of February, making it a three-day weekend. Three full days of activities will take place Feb. 19–21 at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home on the Potomac River. Visitors can take selfies with the president and make birthday cards while enjoying birthday cake, character performances, military salutes, music and dancing, a wreath laying, and more. All are included in the price of admission for Washington’s 284th birthday, and the celebration on his actual birthday is free. On Feb. 25, Lady Washington will discuss the art and social history of tea during a fireside tea at the estate. (mountvernon.org) Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, falls on a Tuesday this year, so the weekend prior to the holiday may be

the best time to celebrate. And, what place would be more fitting than Virginia? After all, “Virginia Is for Lovers.” Charlottesville’s Keswick Hall and Golf Club, a five-star resort with a history dating to 1912, sits amid 600 acres, surrounded by vineyards and equestrian estates. It has 48 luxurious rooms furnished in antiques and art, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and golf and tennis. Guests to the resort may choose from several packages. The Gourmet Package includes accommodations, breakfast for two, and a $130 credit toward dinner at the elegant Fossett’s Restaurant. The Keswick Spa Package includes accommodations, breakfast for two, and a $150 spa credit. The Full Cry Package, starting at a single rate of $404, single occupancy, includes a one-night stay and one round of golf. (keswick.com) The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va., will celebrate its annual Winterfest Weekend Feb. 3–5, featuring zip lining, skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, cornhole tournaments, and dance clinics. The resort’s special Retreat to Romance package, available through March 31, includes luxurious accommodations, a $100 cuisineand-cocktail credit per stay, a bottle of Chandon sparkling wine upon arrival, turndown service with robes, music, and lighting, concierge pre-call services for personal requests, and a late checkout.

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Guests have access to a full range of recreational activities, a variety of dining options, and a full-service spa for additional charges. Book through OmniHotels.com, and the company’s donation to Feeding America will provide dinner for a family of four for an entire week. February is “Romance Month” at the Salamander Resort and Spa, a 168-room luxurious five-star resort in Middleburg, Va., with golf next door and a winery and several art galleries just minutes away. Choose a getaway for two and enjoy a $100 resort credit toward a romantic dinner in Harrimans, a relaxingSpend treatment in the resort’s an afternoon cyclingawardwinning spa, oralong a charming ride roads through the windingtrail country or exploring scenic, forested countryside. (salamanderresort.com) paths at Park. Primland, located offTuckahoe the Blue State Ridge Parkway near Meadows of Dan, Va., is currently offering up to $100 off its regular rate, subject to limited availability but not applicable on holidays or special events. Full payment, non-refundable and non-transferable to other dates, is required when

MARYLAND

reservations are confirmed. Guests may enjoy luxurious accommodations, fine dining, a full-service spa, and an observatory set amid 12,000 acres — an ideal place for countless outdoor adventures. (primland.com)

Other travel options Kutrubes Travel will offer “Origins of a Saint: Mother Teresa,” a tour that centers on St. Theresa of Calcutta, April 21–May 4. Stops will include her birthplace in Skopje, Macedonia; Letnica, Kosovo, where she decided to become a missionary; Tirana, Albania, home of a mission that still cares for poor and orphaned children; and a cathedral in Pristina, Kosovo, to visit a priest who knew Mother Teresa. Tour participants will see monasteries, frescoes, artifacts, a winery, and spectacular scenery. The price for a group of eight is $3,135 per person and includes accommodations for 12 nights, daily breakfast, dinners at hotels or local restaurants,

sightseeing tours led by licensed English-speaking guides, entrance fees, and private transfers. Airfare and other travel-related fees are not included. (kutrubestravel.com/tours/mother-teresatour-on-the-balkans) Tropical Sails Corp. has organized three tours to see the first total solar eclipse since 1979, which will cross into the U.S. on the morning of Aug. 21 in Oregon and sweep southeast to South Carolina in the early afternoon. The eclipse will pass over Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri, southern Illinois, Tennessee, and South Carolina. If viewing an eclipse is on your bucket list, the Idaho Eclipse Tour, Aug. 20–23, is priced from $1,090, with an optional Friday night in Salt Lake City for an additional fee. The Total Solar Eclipse Tour, Aug. 18–25, begins in Denver, travels to Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and Tetons national parks, and ends in Salt Lake City.

travel line

MARYLAND

NORTH CAROLINA

continued on page 11

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Check out these twelve places to find your romantic retreat What’s your idea of a mid-winter romantic getaway? Snow bunnies may prefer the slopes and ski lodges with a relaxing soak in a tub or massage at the end of a day outdoors. The adventurous may be looking for a winter hike or snug campground. Warm weather lovers may abandon the area entirely, choosing to escape to white sand beaches where the thermometer pushes into the 80s. Then, there are those who are content to find a cabin and snuggle down in front of a warm fire. Skiers can find slopes, tubing lanes, terrain parks, and other activities at 30 Mid-Atlantic resorts, from Elk Mountain in northeastern Pennsylvania to Winterplace in southern West Virginia. Lodges, condos, bedand-breakfast inns, and chain hotels

and motels provide ample numbers of rooms in the areas surrounding the resorts. State parks and many commercial campgrounds throughout the region offer winter experiences and accommodations. And, if your goal is a getaway to warmer climes, there are three regional airports and the Baltimore cruise terminal waiting to take you to your chosen destination.

Cabin-wise

But, back to the cabin or cottage with the cozy fireplace. It’s hard to beat the relaxation and romance of a cabin for two, even if the weather outside is “frightful.” Here are an even dozen to check out for a midwinter getaway. Insider tip: Many offer weekday specials during the winter months that are good deals. Allstar Lodging offers nearly 100 cabins and vacation homes, most within 15 miles of Luray, Va., the “Cabin Capital of Virginia.” You can choose from cabins, cottages, and luxurious vacation homes with water or mountain views. (allstarlodging.com) Black Bear Resort in the Canaan Valley H eml ock H ave n provides cabin homes, inn suites, and deluxe Hemlock Haven’s cabins come with hot tubs homes close to skiing and even have fenced-in yards for your dog.

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and other West Virginia winter activities. (blackbearwv.com) Cabins at Pine Haven offers 11 cabins, including four one-bedrooms and two tree houses. You can get free Winterplace ski lift tickets with the weekday Stay and Play Couple’s Package. (cabinsatpinehaven.com) Country Road Cabins, near the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia, has 18 deluxe log cabins, the Love Shack Yurt, and the new Holly Rock Treehouse. The area offers seasonal zip lines, whitewater rafting, the famous Bridge Walk under the New River Bridge roadbed, and hiking. The cabins have private hot tubs and a two-night weekday Romance Special includes a cabin upgrade. (wvcabins.com) Cove Haven Resorts are a departure from the cabin scenario, but the three resorts in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania sell romance big-time. The couples-only resorts offer accommodations such as the Champagne Tower Suite, with its unique whirlpool for two and suites with private swimming pools. Other activities and most meals are provided. (covepoconoresorts.com) Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins in the Monongahela National Forest of West Virginia offers accommodation choices that include six one-bedroom couple’s cabins with Jacuzzi tubs, outdoor hot tubs, and gas fireplaces. There are also two-, three-, and four-bedroom cabins. The resort is situated in Hopewell Canyon along a trophy trout stream. (wvlogcabins. com) Hemlock Haven in Hico, W.Va., features four cabins that sleep up to eight and a fifth cabin that accommo-

dates up to 12. The Romantic Getaway package for two starts at $299 and is valid through April 30. The accommodations are dog friendly and include fenced yards as well as outdoor hot tubs. All bedding and towels are included, along with fully equipped kitchens. (hemlockhavenwv.com) Another departure from the strictly cabin scene, The Mimslyn Inn, in Luray, Va., offers rooms at the historic, but updated, inn, as well as a choice of nine cottages and a manor house. The cottages are luxurious and provide a unique way to enjoy the beautiful property. (mimslyninn.com) You can combine a bit of romance with pop history at Mountain Lake Lodge near Blacksburg, Va. A variety of accommodations are available in the Main Stone Lodge, but there are 13 cabins on the property available for 2017, including the Virginia Cabin, recognizable as “Baby’s Cabin” from the movie Dirty Dancing, which was shot at the lodge. Take time to visit other spots on the property associated with the movie. Additional accommodations are available in Chestnut Lodge and on Blueberry Ridge. Movie fans can even participate in Dirty Dancing weekends during the year. (mtnlakelodge.com) Professional real estate agents in some areas offer cabin and cottage rentals. Railey Mountain Lake Vacations offers selections at Deep Creek Lake in Maryland. You can filter your search, and skiers can even get insurance protection in case there’s no snow. (rentals.deepcreek.com)

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Spice up wintertime with films and music H arman’ s C abins

Situated on a trophy trout stream, Harman’s Log Cabins are anything but rustic. Shenandoah River Outfitters can put you on the water in season, but can also provide a waterside cabin throughout the year. There are nine cabins and a cottage, most with fireplaces and hot tubs, to choose from. (shenandoah-river.com) Taylor Made Realty is another rental agency at Deep Creek Lake in Maryland, and offers numerous cabins, cottages, and vacation homes. A number of packages are available, including a romance add-on that provides amenities and a restaurant gift card. (deepcreekvacations.com)

family event Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Md., presents “The Freshest Snow Whyte,” Feb. 11–March 18. This fun hip-hop show is designed for children ages 5 and older. Witty raps, cool moves, and a beat that just won’t quit will have you and your kids bouncing in your seats. The storyline is an update of a familiar classic — set in the year 3000. We meet Snow Whyte, a graffiti artist locked in competition with her archrival, Kanye East, over which of them makes the “freshest” images in the universe. Whyte ultimately uncovers the true secret to talent: That it is shared equally among all people. Tickets are $15 to $30. (imaginationstage.org) — ami neiberger-miller

Film festivals are a great way to see many cutting-edge films in a short time from a wide variety of sources. The filmmakers are often on hand to host screenings and answer questions. Virginia, Washington, and Maryland have festivals coming up that will whet the appetite of any movie buff. Virginia’s Richmond International Film Festival, now in its sixth year, is expanding with a music component. Up to 65 local, national, and international bands will perform at various venues around the city during festival week, Feb. 27–March 5. In addition, a one-day creative conference, the FLOW Collective, will bring together artists and professionals from the film and music industries for presentations and networking. The film part of the festival will feature more than 120 movies from 20 countries. All genres are expected, including feature films, shorts, documentaries, animation, and music videos. Screenings are held at the historic Byrd Theater and Bow Tie Criteria Cinemas at Movieland. Prizes are awarded in competitions. The festival’s Heather Waters is modeling the Richmond festival after South By Southwest, an international film and music festival in Austin, Texas. Other upcoming festivals include: u The DC Independent Film Festival, Feb. 15–20 in Washington. The festival offers feature, short,

animation, and documentary films by local, national, and international filmmakers. u The DC Environmental Film Festival celebrates its 25th year March 14–26, presenting 150 films focused on the environment at multiple venues. u Filmfest DC International Film Festival, April 20–30 in Washington. The 31st annual festival promises more than 70 feature premieres, restored classics, and special events. u The Maryland International Film Festival in continued on page 17

I-64 Exit 125, Beaver, WV 877-573-2001 Vacation packages available • Ski Winterplace • ATV rent and ride Burning Rock • Whitewater rafting • Golf four local courses

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Montage Mountain offers winter sports for every activity level February is the perfect month to get outside and shake off those cabin-fever blues, especially if you like to play in the snow. Whether you’re a beginning or expert skier or snowboarder, love to go tubing, or are curious about what it’s like to go air-

borne on an airboard, Montage Mountain Resorts in Lackawanna County, Pa., can help you banish those winter blahs. According to the resort’s Jeff Slivinski, there is something for everyone on the mountain, from

M ontag e R esort

Montage Mountain is home to the largest airboarding program in the world, with 150 airboards onsite for snow sports enthusiasts to enjoy.

WHERE Y YOU WANNA SKI. Enjoy unmatched views, crisp mountain air and thrilling downhill terrain at one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s exceptional ski resorts. Whether it’s challenging wintry slopes or the rustic charm of a traditional holiday, there’s a little something for everyone in Lackawanna County.

Wanna Lackawanna? VISIT NEPA.ORG | 1-800-22-WELCOME ACCOMMODATIONS AVAILABLE

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first-timers to advanced winter athletes. “Our 140-acre ski resort offers 26 trails ranging from beginner, intermediate, and advanced to expert levels,” he explained. “We encourage beginners to come out, and we have programs solely based on the fact that it’s their first time on the mountain. “We also have the steepest slope in Pennsylvania, and the second steepest slope on the East Coast for more advanced skiers and snowboarders,” he added. One of the more unique activities offered at Montage Mountain is airboarding, which is only available at seven resorts across the nation, according to Slivinski. Unlike tubing, where you stay in a lane, airboarding allows riders to cruise dedicated ski slopes on an inflatable sled with rubber treads on the bottom. “In airboarding, you can carve, turn, and stop like skiing or snowboarding,” said Slivinski, who noted that Montage Mountain has the largest airboarding program worldwide, with more than 150 airboards on site. “It’s a great opportunity for someone who has never skied before to ride the lifts and see what the mountain is like without having to experience the learning curve of skiing.” The resort’s tubing area, featuring 15 of the longest and fastest lanes in Pennsylvania, is a blast for

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kids and adults alike. And to ensure that no one is left out, there is even a kiddy tubing area, featuring a smaller hill for little ones ages 3 and older. Now in its 32nd year, the resort features 100 percent snowmaking across the mountain, and also offers night skiing, staying open until 9:00 or 10:00pm each night to allow guests to come up after work and ski under the lights. “We get a big local following, as well as a lot of guests from the Allentown, Pa., area and New York and New Jersey,” said Slivinski. “Our terrain is — bar none — the best in the area. Even if you’re making the drive from Washington, D.C., it’s well worth the trip.” Insider tip: There are numerous hotels in the Montage Mountain area, but if you want to take a break from the slopes, Dickson City, which is equidistant between Montage Mountain and Elk Mountain, is in the heart of the shopping area.

travel line continued from page 7 Priced at $2,359, it includes a chuck wagon dinner and a float trip on the Snake River. Another tour, Aug. 15–26, departing from Phoenix and ending in Mount Rushmore with stops in Sedona, Grand Canyon, Parks of Utah, Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone, is priced from $3,799. “Weather and high probability of clear skies

are important when trying to observe a total solar eclipse,” said Daniel Oppliger, president of Tropical Sails Corp. “I have been doing eclipse tours since 1991, and shake my head when I see tours to predicted cloudy areas. The whole of Shanghai missed it in 2009, while we had a group inland on top of a mountain reservoir, above the clouds.” (tropicalsails.com) Carol Timblin welcomes travel news at ctimblin@ gmail.com.

Before you go Lackawanna Co. Tourism: visitnepa.org Montage Mountain: montagemountainresorts.com

■ C L A R K S S U M M IT F E S T IV A L O F IC E

Now in its 13th year, the Clarks Summit, Pa., Festival of Ice will take place Feb. 17–20, and will feature more than 50 ice sculptures, as well as a Friday night parade. Hosted by the Abington Business and Professional Association, this year’s theme is “Ice, Lights, Broadway.” The festival is free and open to the public, and local businesses, including shops and restaurants, welcome visitors to the event. (theabingtons.org)

Marcus Miller

Fourplay

Patti Austin

Fred Hammond

Snarky Puppy

Dr. Lonnie Smith

Jim Brickman

March 31-April 9 Reading, PA Spend 10 jazz- and blues-filled days and nights in the Greater Reading area! Over 120 scheduled events, plus great shopping and dining in one area, make the 27th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest your perfect spring getaway. For tickets, call Ticketmaster toll free at 1-800-745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com to order online.

PATTI AUSTIN • GERALD ALBRIGHT • JONATHAN BUTLER • SNARKY PUPPY • WILL DOWNING • NAJEE KEIKO MATSUI • RICK BRAUN • JIM BRICKMAN • MARCUS MILLER • FOURPLAY FEATUIRNG BOB JAMES, NATHAN EAST, HARVEY MASON, CHUCK LOEB • PAT MARTINO ORGAN TRIO WITH HORNS • BRIAN CULBERTSON NEW URBAN JAZZ PARTY: BOB BALDWIN, WALTER BEASLEY, MARION MEADOWS, TOM BROWNE • NICK COLIONNE ERIC DARIUS • ADAM HAWLEY • LARRY GRAHAM & GRAHAM CENTRAL STATION • DR. LONNIE SMITH • TROKER JEFF HAMILTON TRIO • JAREKUS SINGLETON • TOMMY KATONA & TEXAS FLOOD • JON CLEARY • EVERETTE HARP & FRIENDS: CHANTE MOORE, PHIL PERRY, BRIAN BROMBERG • JASON MILES PRESENTS CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF WEATHER REPORT • BERKS GROOVE PROJECT • GERALD VEASLEY’S MIDNIGHT JAMS • ERIC MARIENTHAL FRANK DIBUSSOLO’S PHILLY REUNION BAND • GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JAZZ CELEBRATION: KIRK WHALUM, FRED HAMMOND, KEVIN WHALUM, JOHN STODDART AND THE DOXA GOSPEL ENSEMBLE • ANAT COHEN QUARTET WEST COAST JAM WITH RICK BRAUN, NORMAN BROWN, RICHARD ELLIOT • THE ARTIMUS PYLE BAND: TRIBUTE TO RONNIE VAN ZANDT’S LYNYRD SKYNYRD • SHEMEKIA COPELAND AND MUCH MORE!*

berksjazzfest.com

*LINEUP AS OF 1/8/17 SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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Our fifth president honored at three different Virginia sites The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library in Fredericksburg, Va., is home to the largest collection of artifacts and documents related to the fifth president of the United States. (jamesmonroemuseum.umw. edu) Descendants of Monroe opened the tidy brick structure in 1927 as an homage to their ancestor and to house personal collections that had been handed down through the family for generations. Today, the museum is owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and administered by the University of Mary Washington.

The building, which dates back to 1815, is located on the original site where Monroe once practiced law. Visitors learn details about the former president through a series of interpretative exhibits. Helpful docents are available to provide guests with an overview and answer questions before or after the self-guided tour. Few know that Monroe served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, was wounded at the Battle of Trenton, and nearly died from his injuries. He later went on to become the first president to occupy the White House after it was

burned by the British in the War of 1812. The onus to refurnish the residence fell on Monroe and his wife. Guests will view some of the furnishings the couple transported to the White House to fill its cavernous rooms. A picture showing the infa-

mous burning hangs on one of the walls. In stark contrast, a nearby piano on display was used to entertain guests during happier times and is still played today during special events. A series of panels provides guests with details about Monroe’s life and

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n 2-Night Stay at the Crowne Plaza Reading n Tickets to three major concerts scheduled either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, presented by the Berks Arts Council, features an all-star lineup for the 10-day festival that runs March 31-April 9. As always, Jazz Fest will be epic in scope and talent -- with a multiplicity of concerts at venues large and small encompassing contemporary jazz, urban jazz, straight-ahead jazz, blues, funk, R&B, gospel, sounds that meld genres, and unique concerts produced especially for the festival.

James and Elizabeth Monroe occupied the White House after it was burned by the British in 1814 and had to bring their own furniture to the mansion.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO Country Road Cabins Getaway OUR JANUARY WINNER! Trisha Camobreco of Derwood, MD Name _______________________________________________________ Address Line 1 __________________________________________________ Address Line 2 __________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State ____ Zip Code _________ From the information in this issue of Recreation News, what is your favorite destination?

AMMERMAN & GOLDBERG Attorneys: Harris S. Ammerman and Joseph M. Goldberg

We’ll mail you information on this spot at no charge, or check here___ to “go green” and have information emailed.

CONTEST RULES 1. Fill out coupon at right legibly and completely. 2. Mail to RecNews Contest Dept., 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221 OR enter online at RecreationNews.com OR fax this form to 410-638-6902. 3. You may also email to publisher@recreationnews.com. Provide all information in the form at right and enter “FEBRUARY CONTEST” in the subject line. Entries must be received by 2/16/2017. Limit one entry per household. Winner will be drawn at random from the pool of all entries received on time with legible information and will be published in next month’s issue and notified by phone, UPS or email, and notified on February 16, 2017. Winner must respond by February 23, 2017 to claim prize, or prize forfeits to a runner up. Reservations subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply.

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the legislation he spearheaded. Among the many artifacts on display are the china the couple used for entertaining dinner guests, the 1795 desk where the Monroe Doctrine was signed, portraits of the former president during various stages of his life, and jewelry worn by his wife, Elizabeth Monroe. A bas-relief created by sculptor Karl Bitter dates back to 1904 and served as a template for a bronze sculpture that is now displayed at the Missouri State Capitol. It depicts James Monroe, Robert Livingston, and Francois Barbe-Marbois signing the Louisiana Purchase treaty. Insider tip: Through the end of March, visitors will be offered a view into life back in Monroe’s day via a collection of political cartoons and memorabilia amassed by the museum’s founding director, Laurence Gouverneur Hoes.

Fort Monroe and Highland Among the other Virginia connections to James Monroe are two very different locations. Near Charlottesville is Highland, the home of James and Elizabeth Monroe from 1799 to 1823. A new tour of the home highlights Monroe’s work in his decades-long public service, but also reveals the story of new archaeological evidence about the property. The current home is now thought to date to 1818 and scientists have discovered a foundation of what is believed to be the original 1799 structure. On Fridays and Saturdays, April through Octo-

ber, you can see a presentation on slavery at Highland, between 10:00am and 2:00pm. (highland.org) A Monticello Neighborhood Pass includes Highland, Monticello, and historic Michie Tavern, and saves $6 over normal admission prices. In Hampton, near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, stands Fort Monroe, the largest stone fort ever constructed in America. Following the War of 1812 and the burning of Washington, the Army began constructing coastal defenses and Fort Monroe was built between 1819 and 1836 and named for the fifth president. While it is no longer an active military base,

Fort Monroe’s free Casemate Museum presents the military history of the location from Fort Algernourne in 1609 through the recent deactivation. While most of Virginia was part of the Confederacy, Fort Monroe remained in Union hands and you can learn about Gen. Benjamin Butler’s Contraband of War decision that offered refuge to escaped slaves and set a precedent for the remainder of the war. You can see the room where Confederate President Jefferson Davis was held following the Civil War, and learn about the history of the Army Artillery Corps. (fmauthority. com/visit/casemate-museum)

■ S P O T S Y L V A N IA ’ S S T E V E N S O N O F F E R S A S T E P B A C K IN T IM E History lovers visiting the Fredericksburg area will revel in the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere in the unique accommodations offered at Stevenson Ridge, located in Spotsylvania Courthouse, Va. Debbie and Dan Spears own the 87-acre property and share a passion for old structures. After the couple purchased the property in 2000, they began restoring antique cottages and relocating them to the property located near the Spotsylvania National battlefield. Currently, Dan Spears has restored nine, updating them with modern conveniences while retaining the original character. The couple named their property “Stevenson

R ID G E

Ridge” for a Union officer who was killed in the area in 1864 while commanding soldiers who fought in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. The oldest building on the property dates back to 1732 and is deemed “The Spy Hill House.” The two-story structure includes a master suite, a queen bed, two wood-burning fireplaces, a living room, a kitchenette, and a private patio overlooking a pond. Additional accommodations include a log home dating back to 1830, a pre-Civil War-era tobacco barn, an 1812 plantation home, a corn crib, and an 1800s post office, to name a few. (stevensonridge. net)

Experience James Monroe’s Virginia The President Requests the Pleasure of Your Company . . .

Explore the Stories of Freedom at Fort Monroe

Revolutionary War Hero Ambassador Congressman Senator Governor of Virginia Secretary of State Secretary of War President of the United States Author of the Monroe Doctrine

Experience the story of one of our nation’s most popular and respected public servants, told with a collection of artifacts and images like no other.

The James Monroe Museum 908 Charles Street Fredericksburg, VA 540-654-1043

www.jamesmonroemuseum.org

A National Historic Landmark administered by the University of Mary Washington

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recreationnews.com I february 2017 I recreation news 13

A SLAVE NO MORE Feb. 25, 2:00–4:00pm. Retired educator Wes Boutchard will unfold the incredible story of Lewis Lee, a mulatto slave related to Blenheim’s Willcoxon family, his escape from slavery, and the choices he made as a free man. Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim, 3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Va. 703-591-6728

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS BACCHUS WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL Feb. 3, 7:00–10:00pm. Enjoy delicious samplings of more than 20 fine wines, samplings from more than 20 local restaurants, and an eclectic mix of live music, entertainment, and games. Virginia Living Museum, 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, Va. 757-595-1900, thevlm.org

February 2017

ICE FEST Feb. 4, 1:00–6:00pm. The festival features ice sculptures, an ice skating rink, and an ice playground. Also, enjoy treats, activities, and a visit from the Baltimore Zoo Mobile with a penguin and surprise guest. Main Street, Sykesville, Md. 410-795-8959

Feb. 14 — Valentine’s Day Feb. 20 — Washington’s Birthday/Presidents Day

CHOCOLATE LOVERS FESTIVAL Feb. 4–5. Among the events planned each year are the Taste of Chocolate, where chocolate vendors sell their wares to taste and purchase; the Chocolate Challenge, an arts extravaganza where the medium is chocolate; the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, featuring chocolate chip pancakes; children’s activities; Chocolate Covered Fairytales; and open houses at historic buildings. Fairfax, Va. 703-385-7858, chocolatefestival.net

HOLIDAYS

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER AND DANCE Feb. 11, 6:30–11:30pm. Invite your loved ones and friends to enjoy a lively five-course winemaker’s dinner and dancing in Saddleback Hall. Veritas Vineyard and Winery, 151 Veritas Lane, Afton, Va. 540-456-8000, veritaswines.com

RVA ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL Feb. 6–12, 6:30–8:30pm. The festival strives to showcase local and national films selected to raise awareness of environmental issues relevant to the Richmond region, our nation, and our planet. 101 E. Franklin St., Richmond, Va. 804-646-7223, rvaeff.org

LOVE TOUR AT MAYMONT Feb. 11–12, noon–5:00pm. Visit Maymont Mansion on Valentine’s Day weekend as elegantly costumed ladies and gentlemen relate details of this royal love story and the courting customs of the era. 1700 Hampton St., Richmond, Va. 804-358-7166, maymont.org

THE JMU CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL Feb. 14–16, 8:00pm. JMU faculty, ensembles, and students will present August Read Thomas’ music and other contemporary works in three main concerts. 147 Warsaw Ave., Harrisonburg, Va. 540-568-7000, jmu.edu/forbescenter

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT MONTPELIER Feb. 18–20, 9:00am–5:00pm. Visit sites and original structures that bring to life the generations of enslaved individuals who lived at Montpelier, and discover their experiences as they transitioned through Emancipation and Reconstruction, into Jim Crow segregation, and, finally, through the Civil Rights Movement. 11350 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station, Va. 540-672-2728, montpelier.org

WINTER FEST Feb. 17. Ice sculptures will remain out until they melt. Oakland, Md. 301334-2691, agreatsmalltown.com

BLACK HISTORY MONTH PRESENTATION Feb. 21, 10:00am–5:00pm. Celebrate African-American achievements in aviation, science, and technology. Virginia Air and Space Center, 600 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton, Va. 757-727-0900, vasc.org

MAPLE MAGIC Feb. 18–19, noon and 2:00pm each day. Take a nature hike to identify maple trees, collect sap, and boil it down into syrup. End the day with a pancake snack and maple candy. Advance reservations recommended. Ladew Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, Md. ladewgardens.com

MID-ATLANTIC QUILT FESTIVAL Feb. 23–26, 10:00am–6:00pm. The perfect place for quilt enthusiasts and textile artists to meet, shop, learn, and explore their art. Hampton Roads Convention Havre de Grace Restaurant Week Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, . Hampton, Va. 757-315-1610, visithampton.com/hrcc Dine out and enjoy the most

February 20- 26

delicious week of the year. Restaurants and businesses throughout town will be offering specials you won’t be able to resist. Visit our website for a full listing of specials.

RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Feb. 27–March 5. More than 120 films from 20 countries to view and 65 bands to hear in the related music event, plus other events for filmmakers and fans. Various locations in Richmond, Va. rvafilmfestival.com

Restaurant Weeks

BALTIMORE COUNTY RESTAURANT WEEK Through Feb. 4. Participating restaurants throughout Baltimore County, Md. baltimorecountyrestaurantweek.com WASHINGTON D.C. RESTAURANT WEEK Through Feb. 5. More than 250 of D.C.’s finest restaurants will offer three-course lunches for $22 and three-course dinners for $35. Washington, D.C. ramw.org/restaurantweek CALVERT COUNTY RESTAURANT WEEK Feb. 17–26. Participating restaurants throughout Calvert County, Md. choosecalvert.com/restaurantweek ALEXANDRIA RESTAURANT WEEK Feb. 17–26. Sixty Alexandria restaurants will feature a $35 threecourse dinner for one or a $35 dinner for two. Participating restaurants throughout Alexandria, Va. visitalexandriava.com HAVRE DE GRACE RESTAURANT WEEK Feb. 20—26. Restaurants and businesses in Havre de Grace, Md., offer specials during the most delicious week of the year. explorehavredegrace.com ANNAPOLIS RESTAURANT WEEK Feb. 22–28. For a set, uniform price, you can indulge in a two-course breakfast, two-course lunch, or three-course dinner. Participating restaurants throughout Annapolis, Md. downtownannapolispartnership.org YORK RESTAURANT WEEK Feb. 25–March 4. Visit the restaurant you’ve always wanted to try and return once again to the neighborhood spot you’ve loved for years. Participating restaurants throughout York, Pa. rwyork.com

NOW SHOWING

GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOOR SHOW Feb. 4–12. The largest consumer sports and outdoor show in the world. Events include outdoor equipment vendors, the NRA Country Concert, archery competitions, celebrity appearances, expert seminars, and demonstrations. Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, Pa. greatamericanoutdoorshow.org WASHINGTON AUTO SHOW Through Feb. 5. A huge event displaying more than 700 new makes and models of cars, trucks, minivans, and sport utility vehicles from 42 domestic and import automakers. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, D.C. washingtonautoshow.com BALTIMORE AUTO SHOW Feb. 9–12. More than 500 new cars and trucks, including one-of-a-kind supercars and custom creations. Kids under 12 get in free. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. autoshowbaltimore.com MOTORCYCLE SHOW Feb. 10–12. All things motorcycle at this big annual event with free Friday admission for military and first responders. Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Md. FINE ART AND CRAFT SHOW Feb. 11. Acquire black memorabilia, fine art and crafts, including slavery and Civil War artifacts. Tuskegee Airmen and Malcolm X’s daughter will be in attendance. Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. 443-263-1800, lewismuseum.org

Take a Day? Take a Weekend? Havre de Grace embraces the French culture with a grand celebration. Attend a Masquer “Aid” Ball, Saturday, February 25th then, enjoy a festive parade starting along our very own Bourbon Street on Fat Tuesday, February 28th, 6:30 pm, where procession watchers will enjoy floats, costumed characters and a feast of beads.

EXIT 89

A Ball Benefiting the Havre de Grace Opera House Foundation Saturday, February 25th HdG Community Center 6pm-10pm

operahousefoundation.org

Community Projects of Havre de Grace, Inc.

For more information and to get your FREE Havre de Grace Destination Guide, go online or call!

14 recreation news I february 2017 I recreationnews.com

You need to escape, but not too far away! Check out our get-out-of-the-house Cabin Fever go-away events… ANNUAL FOREIGN FILM FESTIVAL February 3-24 (Fridays Only) | 1 pm & 7:30 pm Carroll Arts Center Westminster SYKESVILLE ICE FEST February 4 | all day event Historic Downtown Sykesville

PINEY RUN CABIN FEVER ART SHOW February 11 | 11 am-4 pm Sykesville STOP, SWAP & SAVE BIKE FEST February 12 | 9 am-2 pm Carroll County Ag Center Westminster

Go to our website to discover driving tours throughout our scenic county…the Barn Quilt Trail, the Wine Trail, or our Civil War Driving Tour. Stop in one of our quaint towns for a bite to eat or unique shopping.

800-272-1933 | www.CarrollCountyTourism.org

WORLD OF PETS EXPO Feb. 17–19. Exhibitors will feature thousands of products and services for pets. Some of the country’s foremost authorities in the pet industry will present seminars and demonstrations covering practically every aspect of pet care and training. Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, Va. 757-315-1610, visithampton.com/hrcc MARYLAND RV SHOW Feb. 17–19 and 24–26. Two weekends of more makes and models of RVs than any other East Coast show. Also, meet with campgrounds and popular RV destinations. Veterans free on Fridays. Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Md. timoniumrvshow.com SEASIDE BOAT SHOW Feb. 17–19. Features 350 boats, electronics, dock builders, boat lifts, crafts, canvas, fishing rods, fishing tackle, paddle boards, artists, and food vendors. Ocean City Convention Center, Ocean City, Md. 410-2892800, ococean.com THE AMERICAN CRAFT SHOW Feb. 24–26. The indoor juried craft show features more than 650 of the national’s top contemporary craft artists under one roof. The Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. craftcouncil.org/baltimore

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES OUTDOOR ICE SKATING RINK Daily through March 30. The rink includes holiday decorations, twinkling lights, and festive music. 815 Justison St., Wilmington, Del. riverfrontwilm.com GAMEDAY 10K/5K Feb. 5, 8:30–11:00am. This Super Bowl Sunday tradition features a race through City Center in Newport News and finishes with the biggest tailgate in Newport News, Va. 757-880-8843, gameday10k.com TRACKS AND TRAILS DETECTIVES Feb. 18. Winter animals are out and about even in winter’s cold. Learn about the clues they leave and practice your animal detective skills. Dress for the weather. Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, 300 Oella Ave., Oella, Md. 410-887-1081 MAPLE SUGARING WEEKENDS Feb. 18–19 and 25–26, 10:00am–4:00pm. Hikes on the hour, sugar-onsnow demos, and sugar time activities. Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, Md. 410-887-1815 MAPLE SUGARIN’ Feb. 25, 1:30–3:00pm. Come participate in one of the traditional early American rites of spring, and learn about the history of maple sugaring. Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, 300 Oella Ave., Catonsville, Md. 410-887-1081 MAD ANTHONY MUD RUN Feb. 25, 9:00am. Are you ready for the challenge Mother Nature throws at you? A battle awaits you at Coyner Springs Park. Waynesboro, Va. 540-942-6735, runthevalley.com

MUSIC

Orchestra/Band/Classical/Choral

BRIAN GANZ PLAYS CHOPIN Feb. 18. Renowned pianist Brian Ganz continues his journey through the complete works of Fryderyk Chopin with a celebration of the composer’s youthful creations. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, Md. 301-581-5100, nationalphilharmonic.org

Popular/Other ARLO GUTHRIE: RUNNING DOWN THE ROAD TOUR Feb. 15. Folk icon Arlo Guthrie takes a musical road trip through time. Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick, Md. 301-6002828, weinbergcenter.org WINTER MUSIC CONCERTS Saturdays in February, hear tribute bands in various genres at Chesapeake Beach Resort, Chesapeake Beach, Md. cbresortspa.com

DOZENS OF GREAT PERFORMANCES

DAZZLING DANCE

CANADA’S ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET

SWAN LAKE

with Virginia Symphony Orchestra

MARCH 31-APRIL 2

Theater AS YOU LIKE IT Through March 5. Directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch, in association with Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. 202-544-7077, folger.edu/theatre I TOO SPEAK OF THE ROSE Feb. 2–26. Performed in Spanish with English surtitles. GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-234-7174, galatheatre.org THE AMAZING MAX Feb. 4, 2:00pm. This high-energy, interactive, and all-around silly show is appropriate for audiences of all ages, but it’s recommended it for ages 5 and older. The Robert Ames Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, Va. 703-790-0123, aldentheatre.org VIRGINIA OPERA’S DER FREISCHÜTZ Feb. 4–5. Drawing from German folk legend, this is the first of the country’s great romantic operas and is revered for its stark emotions and strong sense of national identity. George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Va. 888-945-2468, cfa.gmu.edu CHRISTIAN FINNEGAN, COMEDIAN Feb. 9–12. Stand-up comedy. DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-296-7008

GREAT CLASSICAL MUSIC ITZHAK PERLMAN, violin The Great Film Scores

with Virginia Symphony Orchestra JoAnn Falletta, conductor

APRIL 13

RICHARD III Feb. 10–March 5. Shakespeare’s chronicle of the Wars of the Roses concludes with the story of Richard III. The story is set during World War I. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St., Baltimore, Md. chesapeakeshakespeare.com THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Feb. 10–18. The game of Victorian-era courting goes hilariously awry in this classic comedy of manners. The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Md. 301-405-2787, theclarice.umd.edu THE SELECT THE SUN ALSO RISES Feb. 18–April 2. The third in a trilogy of literary adaptations along with Gatz (The Great Gatsby) and The Sound and the Fury. Lansburgh Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW, Washington, D.C. shakespearetheatre.org

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF UKRAINE Feb. 4, 7:30–9:30pm. Experience the beautiful sounds of Dvorák, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich, performed by one of the most prominent symphony orchestras in Eastern Europe accompanied by pianist Alexi Grynyuk. Moss Arts Center, 190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg, Va. 540-2315300, artscenter.vt.edu/online

GUYS AND DOLLS Feb. 21–23, 8:00pm. Based on Damon Runyon’s story and characters, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, 147 Warsaw Ave., Harrisonburg, Va. 540-568-7000, jmu.edu/forbescenter

CHAMBER ENCOUNTERS CONCERT SERIES Feb. 8. Features Yonaton Grinberg on violin, Sarah Lowenstein on viola, and Andrea Grinberg on cello. The Gordon Center for Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills, Md. 410-559-3616, jcc.org/gordon-center

PRO SPORTS

AWESOME SPECTACLE VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO Over There: 100 Years of America and Our Allies APRIL 27-30

BEETHOVEN’S TRIPLE Feb. 11, 8:00pm. The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra with conductor Christopher Zimmerman. George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall, Fairfax, Va. cfa.gmu.edu VENICE BAROQUE ORCHESTRA Feb. 12. International violin sensation Nicola Benedetti joins the scintillating Venice Baroque Orchestra in a program of English and Italian Baroque composers and Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. Shriver Hall, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Md. 410-516-7164, shriverconcerts.org AMERICAN FESTIVAL POPS ORCHESTRA Feb. 12, 3:00pm. The Valentine Pops performance is a love letter to the Great American Songbook, featuring some of the 20th century’s most popular and beloved melodies and movie love themes. Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, Va. 888945-2468, hyltoncenter.org

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WASHINGTON WIZARDS AT HOME Thursday, Feb. 2, vs. Lakers, 7:00pm Saturday, Feb. 4, vs. Jazz, 7:00pm Monday, Feb. 6, vs. Cavaliers, 7:00pm Friday, Feb. 10, vs. Pacers, 8:00pm Monday, Feb. 13, vs. Thunder, 7:00pm Sunday, Feb. 26, vs. Jazz, 5:00pm Tuesday, Feb. 28, vs. Warriors, 7:00pm

The Wizards play home games at Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. Call 202-661-5050 or visit nba.com/wizards.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS AT HOME Wednesday, Feb. 1, vs. Boston, 8:00pm Sunday, Feb. 5, vs. Los Angeles, noon Tuesday, Feb. 7, vs. Carolina, 7:00pm Thursday, Feb. 9, vs. Detroit, 7:00pm Saturday, Feb. 11, vs. Anaheim, 7:30pm Friday, Feb. 24, vs. Edmonton, 7:00pm

The Capitals play home games at Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. Call 202-397-SEAT or visit capitals.nhl.com.

BALTIMORE BLAST AT HOME

YOUR SPRING 2017 DESTINATION FOR THE ARTS INFORMATION & TICKETS AT

Saturday, Feb. 4, vs. Wave, 7:05pm Friday, Feb.17, vs. Silver Knights, 7:35pm Sunday, Feb. 19, vs. Silver Knights, 4:05pm

The Blast play home games at the Baltimore Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, Md. Call 410-347-2020 or visit baltimoreblast.com.

VAFEST.ORG

OR CALL 1-877-741-2787

recreationnews.com I february 2017 I recreation news 15

BRANDON T. JACKSON COMEDY Feb. 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;26. The Detroit native can bring it as a stand-up comedian, armed with tales from the inner city, the suburbs, and Hollywood. DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-296-7008 MRS. MILLER DOES HER THING Daily (except Mondays), Feb. 28â&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 26. Mrs. Miller canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell her that. Based on the real life story of Elva Miller, this touching and funny portrait of the devoted, warbling songstress whose operatic, off-key singing became an unlikely pop phenomenon in the 1960s. Signature Theatre, Arlington, Va. signaturetheatre.org

Dance WASHINGTON BIRTHNIGHT BALL DANCE CLASSES Feb. 2, 9, 16, 7:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9:00pm. Attend one or more dance classes to learn a variety of 18th-century dances in preparation for George Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday. Gadsbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria, Va. 703746-4242, alexandriava.gov/gadsbystavern STEP AFRIKA! STEP XPLOSION Feb. 12. Local area step teams perform as part of celebration of Black History Month. Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Md. 301-581-5100, strathmore.org

Exhibits Featured Exhibitions SHAKESPEARE FIRST FOLIO Ongoing. Always on display at the Folger, the 1623 First Folio includes almost all of Shakespeareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plays. It is also our only source for 18 of them, including Macbeth, The Tempest, and As You Like It, which would otherwise have been lost. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St., Washington, D.C. 202-544-7077, folger.edu JASPER JOHNS AND EDVARD MUNCH Through Feb. 20. Assembles more than 120 paintings, drawings, and prints in once-in-a-lifetime combinations to trace the route Johns traveled in relation to Munchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum POPď&#x161;şUPS BY COLETTE FU Through Feb. 26. This focus exhibition presents works from her series Haunted Philadelphia, inspired by eerie historical sites in her hometown, and We Are Tiger Dragon People, her visual explorations of the culture in Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Yunnan Province, her ancestorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; homeland. The National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-783-5000, nwhm.org COLORS OF LIFE Through March 3. This visual and impactful body of work shares some of our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital outside of the usual tourist areas. Caton Merchant Family Gallery, 9419 Battle St., Manassas, Va. 703-330-2787, center-forthe-arts.org

STUART DAVIS: IN FULL SWING Through March 5. Carefully selected from the full range of Davisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career, some 100 of his most important, visually complex, jazz-inspired compositions will be on view. The National Gallery of Art, National Mall between Third and Seventh streets at Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 202-737-4215, nga.gov RICK MALMGREN: RETROSPECTIVE Through March 7. Rick Malmgrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40-year career and work are explored in this retrospective. Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis, Md. 410-263-5544, marylandhall.org GUERRILLA GIRLS Through March 12. This group of anonymous women artists have produced, over the course of 30 years, a body of work that includes posters, stickers, books, printed projects, and actions that expose sexism and racism in politics, the art world, film, and culture at large. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org FOUR SEASONS BY PHILIP HAAS Through March 31. The lush foliage, colorful blooms, and vegetation native to each of the seasons are spectacularly transformed into larger-than-life, 3-D portrait busts for this special exhibition. Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. hillwoodmuseum.org ON PAPER: FINDING FORM Through April 30. This exhibition celebrates one of the strengths of the BMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection: contemporary drawings that combine an interest in pure, refined geometric form with a desire to use materials expressively. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443573-1700, artbma.org CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART Through June 18. Each artist offers pointedly political perspectives on the lives of Africans and their diasporic descendants. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org SHANGHAI PASSAGES Through Oct. 3. Unique to Shanghai, longtang are a type of community, started in the late-19th century, in which the traditional Chinese courtyard home is adapted to the urban townhouse format. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum ANCIENT TAPESTRIES AND THE ART OF LOUISE B. WHEATLEY Feb. 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;July 30. This intimate exhibition celebrates the 40-year career of Maryland artist Louise B. Wheatley. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org BLACK BOX: TAMAR GUIMARĂ&#x192;ES AND KASPER AKHĂ&#x2DC; Feb. 8â&#x20AC;&#x201C;June 11. The 14-minute black-and-white film is a meditative look at the mediums who communicate with the dead and engage in psychic healing practices. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org

WOODBLOCK PRINTS BY KAWASE HASUI Feb. 16â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Oct. 3. Created by Hasui between 1924 and 1953, the works displayed here, which depict scenes of mountains and hills across Japan, represent the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yetuntouched austerity, serenity, and beauty. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va.

804-340-1400, vmfa.museum

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History A VINTAGE EVENING: WHISKEY AND REBELLION Feb. 22, 6:00pm. Learn about the uprising against a tax on distilled spirits in 1791 and George Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bold response to subdue the protesters, while sampling whiskey from Lyon Distilling Co. of St. Michaels, Md. Anderson House, The American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202785-2040, societyofthecincinnati.org LIGHTNING RODS FOR CONTROVERSY Feb. 25, 9:30amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;4:00pm. Join the speakers as they seek to provide the background and perspective needed to understand the controversies surrounding Civil War monuments. Off-site at the Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St., Richmond, Va. 804-649-1861, extension 131

Lectures/Workshops/Classes THE PRESIDENTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GARDENS Feb. 12, 1:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:30pm. Garden historian Marta McDowell shares the history of the White House grounds. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Va. 703-642-5173, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring TROUT FISHING WORKSHOP Feb. 18, 10:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;noon. Learn to fly fish. This two-hour workshop reveals the fine points which Harry Murray uses on streams across the country. Murrayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fly Shop, 121 S. Main St., Edinburg, Va. 540-984-4212, murraysflyshop.com COPING WITH DEER Feb. 26, 1:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:30pm. Garden expert Ruth Clausen shares beautiful shrubs, annuals, and perennials that deer seldom browse. Get design tips and plant combinations for your deer-resistant garden. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Va. 703-642-5173, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

TOURS CAPE MAY, N.J. Historic district, moonlight trolley, and Cape May sampler tours. Cape May, N.J. 800-275-4278, capemaymac.org MARITIME HISTORY WALKING TOURS Second and fourth Saturdays, 10:00am. Fells Point Visitor Center, Baltimore, Md. 410-675-6750, preservationsociety.com

O THER BEER PAIRING DINNER Feb. 3, 5:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8:30pm. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry partners with Cold Spring Brewery to host a five-course dinner with special menu. Cape May, N.J. capemay.com POKEMON: SYMPHONIC EVOLUTIONS Feb. 4, 7:30pm. The must-see video game concert of the year, featuring all-new orchestral arrangements played by the National Philharmonic and carefully timed visuals drawn from recent and classic PokĂŠmon video games. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, Md. nationalphilharmonic.org WAKE UP GROUNDHOG! Feb. 5, 1:00â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3:00pm. Has the groundhog woken up yet? Is spring almost here? Learn where they may be hiding out for the winter and see what other critters are doing in February. Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, Md. 410-8871815

Visit where the locals play...

County ofKent

Marylandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Upper Eastern Shore on the Chesapeake Bay Chestertown, Rock Hall, Betterton, Galena, Millington

March 11, 12, & 18, 19 â&#x20AC;˘ 9:30 a.m.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:30 p.m. Cunningham Falls State Park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Houck Area Welcome spring at Cunningham Falls State Park by learning how maple syrup is made from the sap of trees in the park. A pancake breakfast is available. The event supports Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks. Follow signs from MD 77 west of US 15 at Thurmont, Md. For more information, call 301-271-7574. For more to see and do in Frederick County, call 800-999-3613 or visit www.VisitFrederick.org

16 recreation news I february 2017 I recreationnews.com

www.kentcounty.com

Winery, Shopping, Fishing, Sailing, Kayaking, Art galleries, Museums, Performing Arts Theaters, Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; & Artisansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Markets, Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Quaint Beaches, Local Seafood and more.

www.kentcounty.com â&#x20AC;˘ tourism@kentcounty.com â&#x20AC;˘ 410-778-0416

d el aware I ad ve rtorial

Cycling from beach to bay through Southern Delaware Southern Delaware may be best known for its beaches and tax-free shopping, but the flat terrain and less-traveled country roads are ideal for cyclists. That’s why the annual Ocean to Bay Bike Tour has grown to more than 2,000 participants in the past quarter-century. The Bethany Beach-Indian River area is the scene for the April 29 event. Registration is now open, and the earlier you register, the lower the fee. The event is open to riders of all ages and skill levels. There are 30- and 50-mile rides, plus a metric century of 62.5 miles and a 100-mile Century Ride. Completing the route is optional, and discounts are available for teams of six or more participants. Check for details during registration.

Along the way Salt air and a welcome spring are good reasons to shake off the winter doldrums with the Ocean to Bay ride, but there is much to see along the route as well. There are great scenic vistas of the Indian River at Holt’s Landing State Park and the wildlife at Salt Grass Point. The official support stops aren’t the only places you may want to pause. The mostly flat countryside is dotted with farmhouses, chicken

CULTURE continued from page 9 Hagerstown, Md., March 31–April 2. Films from 140 countries are on tap. u The Maryland Film Festival, May 3–7 in Baltimore. Some 50 feature films and 75 short films will be showcased.

Learn more Richmond International Film Festival: rvafilmfestival.com DC Independent Film Festival: dciff-indie.org DC Environmental Film Festival: dceff.org Filmfest DC International Film Festival: filmfestdc.org Maryland International Film Festival: marylandiff.com Maryland Film Festival: mdfilmfest.com

houses, turn-of-the-century buildings, and neat shops. Marshland and waterways are home to beaver, deer, bald eagles, egrets, herons, and hawks.

Start and finish All routes, regardless of length, begin and end in Bethany Beach. A “Show & Go” ceremonial start is at 7:00am for century cyclists. Participants on all routes are encouraged to leave during the suggested time frames for maximum support. Registered cyclists receive bibs and event shirts at check-in, and must be wearing their bib numbers to have access to support services. From 7:00am to 4:00pm, a sag wagon provides the necessary support services, in addition to the designated rest stops which are equipped with restrooms, light refreshments, music, and beverages. The routes and rest locations are strategically located to break up the trip into reasonable segments and to help keep cyclists energized. The traditional after-party provides an opportunity to relax after the ride. Again this year, the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce and local businesses offer a “Continue the Tour” bonus. Riders receive a $5 voucher attached to their bibs that can be used any time

following registration and packet pick-up in many participating businesses. Offered specials are geared toward cyclists’ needs. For accommodations to make it a weekend get-

away, or to plan the rest of your stay, visit thequietresorts.com.

Learn more Ocean to Bay Bike Tour: oceantobaybiketour.com

THE OFFICIAL MEDIA OF 55 GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATIONS Advisory Panel — Renee Bolden, Clement Jackson, Karl Teel, Nadine Wright, Melissa Birdsall, Michelle Flowers and Teresa Knoll Publisher, Recreation News — Karl Teel

RecreationNews.com | GovPerk.com Websites, email blasts, radio vignettes, digital magazines, newspaper, conferences, on site displays, and social media — Every way to reach the federal workforce! E-mail: Publisher@RecreationNews.com 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221 @LivePlayDo Phone: 301-474-4600 • Fax: 410-638-6902 © 2017, Indiana Printing and Publishing Co., Inc. Recreation News (ISSN 1056-9294) is the oﬃcial publication to more than 50 government agencies and is published monthly by the Indiana Printing and Publishing Co., Inc. Subscriptions by mail are $15 per year (12 issues). Corporate and bulk employee subscriptions are free. Contact the publisher at the address or telephone number listed above. Items in Recreation News may not be reproduced without the publisher’s written consent. Publisher — Karl Teel Editor — Marvin Bond Calendar Editor — Jessica Bosse Copy Editor — Andrea Ebeling Cover Design — Nate Miller Web Support — Ron Yarnick and Sam Pardee Layout & Art — Beth Wood Accounting — Kitty Henry

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Make a weekend run in Frederick “My car pretty much knows its way from Charleston to Fredrick,” said Sid Busch, who has participated in about 10 Frederick Running Festivals. The 2017 event is May 6 and 7, with a Kids’ Fun Run and 5K race on Saturday, followed by half marathon and team relay events on Sunday. There’s also the Health and Fitness Expo and Celebration Village, with interactive games, live music, food, and beer. “This is a big-time race in a small town,” said Chris Tomlinson, of Corrigan Sports, the race organizer. “It’s a great experience running through the historic district and Frederick is so easy to get to. We make it even more convenient with off-site packet pickup locations in both the Washington and Baltimore areas.” With four different runs, the Frederick event is attractive to runners at every level and families, too. About 7,000 runners from 35 states participate in the weekend events. “The Frederick Running Festival contributes significantly to the local economy both on the weekend it occurs and for a long time after the event has ended,” noted John Fieseler, who promotes the county. “Runners and watchers alike spend time along the race route, viewing many of Frederick’s best features. The festival often inspires visitors to return for a more leisurely trip in the future.” Runners praise the course and the support. Busch, a retired submariner who races in events on the East Coast in honor of slain members of the military, said, “Frederick is a beautiful area to run in and the support is really good. The medals and

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C orrig an S p orts

More than 7,000 runners participate in the four races during the Frederick Running Festival. shirts are really nice, too.” A 2016 participant who blogs as Running to Travel, and is trying to run a half marathon in all 50 states, posted, “People in the neighborhoods through which we ran were fantastic supporters. The volunteers on the course were plentiful and actually seemed to know what they were doing.” This will mark the 15th year for the event, which was a full marathon for the first seven years. Runners get a virtual event bag by email that includes digital gifts such as coupons and games, as well as race advice.

Additional challenges There are a number of challenges that runners can accept for additional medals and bragging rights. Runners who participate in both the Frederick event and the Baltimore Running Festival in October conquer the Maryland Double challenge and receive an extra medal and registration discount. More than 7,000 runners have qualified since 2007. The Nut Job Challenge requires runners to participate in both the half marathon and the 5K events during the Frederick Running Festival and yields a special medal and race bib. The King Crab Challenge requires runners to participate in the Frederick half marathon, the Baltimore 10-Miler on June 3, and the Baltimore full or half marathon on Oct. 21. Those who complete all three win a number of prizes, an extra medal, and are invited to a special King Crab dinner. “Corrigan is one of the best organizations that puts on races,” said Busch. “I’ll definitely be there in May.”

For more information Frederick Running Festival: frederickrunfest.com

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Check out a craft beer trail with the HowardOnTap app The art of brewing beer spans six millennia. Yet, after so many centuries of refining, improving, and enhancing the beer-drinking experience, humans still find new ways to enjoy a tall cold one. The HowardOnTap Craft Brew Trail’s app is a prime example of applying cyber age technology to a pre-Bronze Age potation. Sandwiched between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Howard County, Md., combines its rich agricultural tradition with its suburban communities and is home to nearly a dozen breweries, sophisticated tap houses, and brew-centric taverns. HowardOnTap uses smartphone technology to plan and guide a customized tour of craft beer meccas, including: u Black Flag Brewing Company, Columbia u Ellicott Mills Brewing Company, Ellicott City u Frisco Tap House, Columbia u Jailbreak Brewing Company, Laurel u Manor Hill Brewery, Ellicott City u Rams Head Tavern, Savage u Red Shedman Farm Brewery, Mount Airy u The Ale House Columbia, Columbia u Victoria Gastro Pub, Columbia Howard County Tourism offers the HowardOnTap app for beer geeks, as well as the thirsty general public. The app tracks users’ progress, automatically registering with each of the stops along the trail, and letting them know when they complete the trail. Those who visit all the trail stops receive an official HowardOnTap souvenir glass and become eligible to win prizes. The app also has an “On Tap & Events” feature that lists happenings at local brew spots. Using the “Rooms, Rides & Tours” feature enables users to book hotel rooms, Uber rides, taxis, and even tours to ensure safety-conscious beer tasting adventures. Easily share the journey on Facebook and Twitter within the app. The HowardOnTap website presents profiles and links to the participating craft brewers on the trail, along with useful information about the trail. (howardontap. com)

Varied experiences Although they all participate, the beer venues are not homogenous. Some were purpose-built; others expanded existing food and beverage operations to include craft beverages. Though each offers craft-brewed beers, each has its own approach. The Frisco Tap Room claims to be one of the oldest in the county, currently offering 56 taps including a half dozen brews made on site. “We change the tap list every week,” said general manager Keith Whitelock. “We bring in 20 to 30 new beers every week.” Along with the beers, Frisco Tap Room has history as a restaurant, serving Tex-Mex fare mostly made from scratch, regional specialties, and upscale pub food. At first glance, Frisco seems incongruously located, tucked away on the ground level of a low-rise Columbia strip mall. But, its popularity is quickly evident. “Howard County is becoming quite the beer mecca,” said Whitelock. “It’s a great place for a beer trip — safe, nice, and picturesque. And, each place has its own unique crowd of people.” The crowd was absolutely different at Black Flag Brewing Company — younger and more into gaming. Open less than a year, the brewpub serves five regular and five seasonal brews, all made on-site at the location off Snowdon River Parkway. Although the décor was largely warehouse, the atmosphere was comfortable. Black Flag

does not serve food, but food trucks parked outside handle any hungry patrons. Comparing Manor Hill Brewery to the Frisco Tap Room and Black Flag Brewing Company dramatically points out the diversity found along the trail. Instead of an urban strip mall or low-rise warehouse, Manor Hill is at the end of a country lane in a very horse farm-looking mansion and outbuildings. In front of the brewery, tall poles support 3,000 hops vines Manor Hill uses for its brews. Rachael Mull is Manor Hill’s vice president and the third generation of her family to work in the food and beverage industry. Their ventures have included Blob’s Park, Iron Bridge Restaurant, and Victoria Gastro Pub, one of the other stops on the brew trail. Manor Hill currently makes 3,000 barrels annually, and presents 15 beers at its tasting room. Unlike the other stops on the trail, visitors should call for reservations before coming. Using the HowardOnTap app to build a Howard County Craft Brew Trail experience is an ideal way to use modern technology to explore the most ancient of beverages.

For more information: Howard Co. Tourism: visithowardcounty.com Howard Brew Trail: howardontap.com

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Earning a Chile Pepper education in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert Here in the East, culinary historians talk about the “three sisters” — corn, winter squash, and climbing beans — as mainstays of Native American agriculture. In the Southwest, they’ve added another sister: chile peppers, spelled the Spanish way. In fact, Dalton Overstreet, owner of El Charro Restaurant, the oldest continuously owned and operated restaurant in Arizona’s Gila Valley, insists that his patrons recognize the difference between “chile” peppers and “chili,” the hearty stew that you make using the peppers. Chile peppers originated in the Western Hemisphere around 7500 B.C., if not earlier. Archaeological evidence in southwestern Ecuador indicates that humans domesticated the peppers more than 6,000 years ago, making them one of the first cultivated crops in the Americas. Some theories also claim that the ancient Greeks and Romans may have had access to the fiery fruits. When Europeans landed in the Western Hemisphere, peppers were among the treasures they took home. One story holds that the term “pepper” resulted from the tangy taste that reminded Columbus and his cronies of the Asian peppercorns so valued in Europe. Regardless the origin of their name, peppers soon spread into the Philippines, India, China, Korea, Japan, and around the world, quickly incorporating into many cuisines.

I had my chile pepper “aha moment” in the El Camino Restaurant, in St. Johns, a tidy town in east Arizona close to the New Mexico border. The waitress asked that ubiquitous Southwestern culinary question: Red or green? Did I want red chile sauce or green chile sauce with my dinner? I answered: “Christmas! Bring me some of both.” El Camino was a gastronomic gem, with a menu based largely on family recipes that became my course syllabus for learning about chile-based cuisine. As an Easterner, I expected El Camino’s red sauce to be tomato-based and was startled when I tasted the hearty pepper puree. Not spicy, but rich with earthy overtones, the red was mild and flavorful. The green sauce — thicker and stronger than the red, with coarser ground peppers — was the real star. My chile education continued in Bisbee, Ariz., a “repurposed” ex-mining town that melds the best parts of Ithaca, N.Y., Homer, Alaska, and Key West, Fla. The pork chile verde at the Café Roka was redolent with smoky and tangy poblano chilies, hot enough to set my brain cells awash in endorphins, but not so hot as to cause casualties. The chilies’ heat enhanced the entree’s vegetable medley and other elements and gave my taste buds a visceral rush, but did not overwhelm. Sugary plantains offset the peppers’ earthiness, picked up the pork

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cutlets’ sweet flavor, and demonstrated that chilies can “dress-up” very well. The San Simon Chile Company, outside of Safford, Ariz., harvests and processes 340,000 pounds of peppers each year. It grows six varieties, including the iconic New Mexico 6-4 heritage chile pepper. Visiting the farm, I learned that red chile peppers are simply green chile peppers that stay on the plant longer. They are just as hot as the green, but a bit more flavorful. And, the more pointed the tip, the hotter the chile. After picking and sorting, San Simon roasts some of the fresh peppers. Roasting changes the texture and flavor and makes peppers easy to peel. Open wire tumblers, reminiscent of those found in bingo parlors, churn the peppers above gas burners. For five minutes, the mix of red and green chilies crackles in the flames and perfumes the air. The roasted peppers get skinned and cleaned by hand. In 2015, Tucson, Ariz., became the first U.S. city designated a “World City of Gastronomy” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. I contend that chile peppers are an essential element of Tucson’s ascension. In Tucson, even the humble frankfurter rises to gastronomic splendor when paired with chilies. The Sonoran hotdog is an open-flame grilled hotdog, wrapped in bacon, slathered in beans, salsa, chopped peppers, onions, tomatoes, cheese, mustard, and mayo, served on a split-top, soft bolillo roll, and accompanied by thin-sliced radishes, cucumbers, pickled red onions, fire-roasted spring onions, and, of course, piles of grilled chilies. Reed Hellman is a professional writer living in Alberton, Md. Visit his website, reedhellman wordsmith.com, or email questions or comments to rhway2go@yahoo.com.

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use of oak, rising alcohol levels among 2017 wine trends It’s really difficult to predict trends in wine, but certain evidence does suggest many in the offing. Look for more collaboration between “Old World” and “New World” producers. Joint ventures on both sides will flourish. The aggressive use of oak, for the most part, will subside. However, there’s a tendency for producers to look at different formats of oak for aging wine, like the use of Bourbon barrels for aging some table wines. Alcohol levels will continue to rise. Whether the reason is warmer temperatures, winemaking styles, or the consumers’ demand for “more buzz for the buck,” it’s a fact. Advanced vineyard management, production techniques, the use of new oak, and, in some cases, the blending in of popular, nontraditional grape varieties are all robbing wine of indigenous qualities. While this metamorphosis provides wine with smoother, fruitier, more harmonious flavors, it reinforces sameness. If this continues, within 20 years or so, we will be floating in a sea of homogenized, similar-tasting wine void of not only country, but also regional and varietal distinction. When it comes to wine enclosures, cork is making a comeback. The Portuguese (who produce most of the natural corks in the world) have spent billions of dollars to correct the “taint” problem and many producers the world over are going back to the “real thing.” Of course, there will still

be lots of wine presented under screw caps, polymer (plastic), glass, etc. Wine and its components will be used more for other things beyond sipping, such as vino-therapy utilizing the skins, pips, stems, and residue from winemaking for therapeutic wraps, messages, soaks, baths, and cleanses. Look for it in toiletries, too. The general trend today, and most likely tomorrow, is to turn all aspect of production over to a younger generation, and most of these are women. This group — especially the millennials, who sip anytime and anywhere, like to try new concepts, are creating a rosé renaissance, and are more interested in “natural” wines — will steer production, marketing, and sales down the road. Perhaps the largest trend has to do with climate change. Warmer temperatures, reduced water levels in many of the larger bodies, severe weather with harsher and more frequent storms, flooding, and earthquakes are devastating vineyards around the globe and may result in less wine produced. There will be more celebrity-owned wineries, as many well-to-dos look for tax write-offs and something else to display and extend their brand. Actors, professional athletes, musicians, and others will take the plunge. Even Donald Trump has one in Virginia. If you think prices, overall, will fall, you had better think again. As grape growing and winemaking become more innovative, complex, and challeng-

ing, the cost of production will increase, and that cost will filter down to the consumer. Packaging and labeling practices will become more avant-garde and experimental. As producers and distributors compete for shelf space and their need to stand out increases, presentation should be quite fascinating. Artistic labels, unusual bottles, and alternative packaging, including wine in plastic, cans, tetra-packs, boxes, and even “on tap” like beer, are flourishing. Lots of new “wine toys,” such as aerators, chillers, thermometers, and preservers, will continue to emerge. Some actually work reasonably well, while others are downright silly. A serious trend for licensed establishments is the fact that more folks are choosing to drink at home, as opposed to doing so while out. Whether it’s the cost, stricter drinking/driving laws, or for other reasons, this trend most definitely will affect alcohol sales. © Edward Finstein, “The Wine Doctor” 2017. “The Wine Doctor” is Edward Finstein, awardwinning author, TV/radio host, renowned wine journalist, international wine judge, professor of wine, and consultant. For more information, visit winedoctor.ca, twitter.com/drwineknow, thewinedoctor. blogspot.com,winedoctor.ca/docs-grapevine.html, or facebook.com/edwarddocfinstein?fref=ts.

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1. Fill out coupon at right legibly and completely. 2. Mail to RecNews Contest Dept., Address Line 2 __________________________________________________ 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221 City _______________________________ State ____ Zip Code _________ OR enter online at RecreationNews.com OR fax this form to 410-638-6902. From the information in this issue of Recreation News, what is your favorite destination? 3. You may also email to publisher@recreationnews.com. Provide all information in the form at right and enter “FEBRUARY CONTEST” in the subject line. Entries must be received by 2/16/2017. We’ll mail you information on this spot at no charge, or check here___ to “go green” and have information emailed. Limit one entry per household. Winner will be drawn at random from the pool of all entries received on time with legible information and will be published in next month’s issue and notified by phone, UPS or email, and notified on February 16, 2017. Winner must respond by February 23, 2017 to claim prize, or prize forfeits to a runner up. Reservations subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply.

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New Maryland park celebrates Harriet Tubman’s roots, skills The marshes and woodlands south of Cambridge, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, have long been a source of native cypress and loblolly pines. Before the Civil War, black slaves did much of the log cutting, and one of those slaves had a daughter named Araminta. “Minty” was born in Madison and grew up in Bucktown, on her owner’s farm, helping her father in the forests. In 1849, she escaped north. Not content to simply enjoy her freedom, Minty returned to the Dorchester County woodlands 13 times, each time “conducting” friends and family back north to freedom. At least 70 people followed Araminta Ross — now known as Harriet Tubman — along the skein of trails, paths, and safehouses called “The Underground Railroad.” One of Maryland’s newest state parks, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center, serves as a portal for exploring Tubman’s world and the forces that molded her and drove

her to risk her life so many times. The park presents a Maryland perspective on Tubman and the Underground Railroad resistance movement and serves as a key destination on the 125-mile Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. It also is the administrative center for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program and the Harriet Tubman National Monument. In total, there is a mosaic of approximately 25,000 acres of federal, state, and private lands managed by the National Park Service. Set to open on Harriet Tubman Day, March 10, the park encompasses about 17 acres and features a 10,000-square foot LEED Silver-rated visitor center, a legacy garden, and an open air pavilion with a stone fireplace. The visitor center design includes a “living roof” and maximum use of permeable roads and paths.

Telling the story Everything about the innovative visitor center helps tell the story of

Escape to

moving northward to escape slavery and using the land to aide that escape. “The buildings are representational,” explained ranger Angela Crenshaw. “It has a north/south orientation; you come into the south and head north. “You enter the building in the present, right now. It’s emotive and evocative, a walking trail through the building and its exhibits. It’s an immersion experience that interprets Harriet Tubman’s faith, family, community, and the landscape.” That Dorchester County landscape taught Tubman how to get along in the woods and back country. “She learned outdoor survival and skills from her father, the tree cutter,” said Crenshaw. “She was comfortable in the woods; she knew how to interpret the landscape and learned survival.” The new state park appends a human dimension to the wildlifefocused landscape in nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. “We are happy about the state park opening,” said Marcia Pradines, the refuge director, “and are looking forward to tying the wildlife refuge elements to the cultural elements at the park. “Everything is interconnected — the refuge, state park, national park. We can enjoy the resources and understand the cultural and natural history. We welcome the opportunity

to understand how the landscape affected Harriet Tubman.” The new visitor center also features a gift shop, information desk, research library, and exhibit space. Outside, a walking path through the legacy garden encourages interpretation, quiet reflection, and meditation. Landscaped with native plants, the garden presents growth throughout the year, but reaches its peaks with spring blooms and autumn colors. The path through the garden is part of a 3/4-mile trail that offers views of the park and Blackwater refuge. “Harriet Tubman knew the marshes of Blackwater,” said Crenshaw, pointing toward the adjacent wetlands. “The land is largely as it was; not much has changed. Now, it will look the same for as long as the parks exist.”

For more information: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: fws.gov/blackwater Dorchester Co. Tourism: tourdorchester.org Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands www.recreationnews.com 410-638-6901 | fax: 410-638-6902 Mailing Address: 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore MD 21221

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Grand opening of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, March 11-12, 2017

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Take a tour of historic downtown; visit museums or the boyhood home of general “Stonewall” Jackson. Relax at a winery, play golf, fish in a quiet cove or boat on one of our beautiful lakes. Shop in our locally owned shops, watch glass blowing demonstrations, visit our historic and haunted Asylum, or attend a local fair or festival. There’s something for everyone to enjoy here ...

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