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W E S T V I R G I N I A | H O L I D AY 2 0 2 6

PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK

THE 2026 RESULTS ARE IN! 159

CATEGORIES

381

WINNERS& FINALISTS! WASHINGTON COUNTY MARYLAND

54 4 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERKELEY COUNTY

PENNSYLVANIA

WEST VIRGINIA

PLUS: HAGER HOUSE’S GERMAN CHRISTMAS THE HISTORIC BACK CREEK BEND FARM AND MORE!

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AT THE LIBRARY

Written by Lauren Buechmann

ometimes the best adventures are hiding in plain sight, maybe it’s down a road you’ve never taken, inside a museum you’ve driven past for years, or on a Main Street you’ve never stopped to explore. Below are some challenges that just might inspire you to broaden your horizons.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard

Instead of booking a flight or spending hours on the highway, challenge yourself to explore the places you’ve driven past, overlooked, or always assumed were “for tourists.” Your own region can become the destination you didn’t know you needed. Challenge: Choose a road you’ve never traveled and give yourself an hour to see where it takes you. Stop whenever something catches your attention.

Go on a Photo “Safari”

You don’t need a professional camera. Your phone is enough. Walk around with “fresh eyes” and see what grabs your attention. 6 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

Challenge: The goal isn’t necessarily to take great photographs, it’s to look at familiar places differently- a building you’ve never noticed before, a mural or piece of public art, an interesting door or window, an unusual sign, a historic marker.

Explore a Main Street You’ve Never Explored

Pick a nearby Main Street or downtown you’ve never explored and spend an afternoon there. Walk instead of driving from place to place. Browse local shops, look at the architecture, stop for coffee or lunch, and see what historical details you can find. Challenge: Give yourself a $10–$20 “local adventure” budget and see what you can discover- maybe it’s an interesting smoothie, a small, pottery ring dish you fell in love with, local honey, or a package of fresh rolls to have with dinner. Commemorate the day with a gift for yourself and your local economy.

Visit a Museum You’ve Never Seen

Choose one museum in your local area to visit and get to know. Some local favorites

are: Hagerstown Aviation Museum and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Challenge: While you are visiting a museum, ask about upcoming exhibits and make a date on your calendar to visit it. Invite a friend who has never been before. You don’t have to go far to find something new. Sometimes, all it takes is a little curiosity and a willingness to slow down and look at your surroundings differently. Whether you’re wandering a familiar road, discovering local art, exploring a new Main Street, or stepping inside a museum for the first time, these small adventures can turn the places you know into places you’re excited to discover. So, pick a challenge, make a day of it, and see what you’ve been missing right in your own backyard.

Lauren Buechmann is the head of public relations and marketing at the Washington County Free Library.

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Stay Local, Explore More

OUT & ABOUT

Explore a German Christmas Heritage at Hager House Written by Tricia Lynn Strader

n a corner of Hagerstown’s City Park sits a house that’s seen hundreds of years of history. Parts of it are said to be older than Hagerstown itself. Hager House is former home of Hagerstown’s founder, Jonathan Hager, a German immigrant to this country when Maryland was still a British colony. And each year, Hager’s German roots are showcased for the German Christmas at the Jonathan Hager House Museum. Built around 1739 or 1740 with walls nearly two feet thick, this home, once called Hager’s Fancy, is a one-of-a-kind house museum staged with historic furniture and artifacts. Tour guides tell what life was like in the early days of our coun8 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

try, on the frontier. “We’ve been doing a variation of German Christmas traditions for several years,” says Kay Osmer of Hagerstown Parks and Recreation. “We show traditional historic Christmas décor for two weekends in December after the tree lighting. We talk about German traditions, and the old pagan holidays and how we celebrate them today. “The tour includes folk tales and pagan traditions about witches and evil spirits, Norse gods, and why we bring evergreens into our homes during winter. The house typically will have firs, holly and mistletoe decorations. Plus, we have handmade ornaments and Christmas tree decorations, like tinsel.” The structure has two natural springs in

OUT & ABOUT

PROVIDED BY HAGER HOUSE

the basement, a very unique aspect. Jonathan Hager, a young German immigrant, had traveled to the wilderness of Western Maryland for a fruitful future. He arrived on the new colonies’ shores in 1736, debarking at the Port of Philadelphia. In 1739, he made his first land buy here, 200 acres for 44 pounds from Daniel Dulany. The area was then part of Frederick County, and he built this house where he settled in to embark on the grand ambitions that lay before him in the colonial frontier. He dubbed his tract “Hager’s Fancy.” With the location carefully chosen over cool spring water, construction of the now 3 1/2-story home began. In 1740, Hager married a German neighbor, Elizabeth Kershner, and presented her with the new house. Osmer says they’re not sure exactly when the earliest part of the house was built, but they estimate it was around 1739 or 1740. Jonathan Hager lived in it five years before selling. Later owners expanded the structure and it was lived in for over 200 years.

tyled in the German tradition, the large central chimney added warmth to the stone structure with its thick walls. An insulation of rye straw and mud between floors and partitions served as protection against the cold winters. During the summers, the family could retreat to the cellar where the spring water provided cool-

ness, safety, and convenience. With its thick walls and a protected water supply, Hager’s home served as a frontier fort in case of Indian attack. Hager himself became prosperous. He opened a trading post within his home while acquiring land. He was involved in many activities: farmer, cattleman, gunsmith, and was also a volunteer Captain of Scouts during the French and Indian War. On May 8, 1745, “Hager’s Fancy” was sold to Jacob Rohrer for 200 pounds. The house remained within the Rohrer family until 1944.

Tour guide Matthew Penrod explains some of the Hager House history to a group among the German Christmas decor.

AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 9

OUT & ABOUT

In 1762 Hager founded Hagerstown, and in 1771 and 1773, he was elected to the General Assembly at Annapolis, qualifying him as the first German to make his mark in politics. On November 6, 1775, Captain Hager was accidentally killed while supervising the building of the German (now Zion) Reformed Church on land that he had donated. At the time, he was serving on various critical pre-Revolutionary War Committees. Hager has been called the “Father of Washington County” because he laid the groundwork for its separation from Frederick County in 1776 and the subsequent creation of Hagerstown as a county. Washington County Historical Society purchased the house in 1944 and in the 1950s, tours began. It was presented to the City of Hagerstown in 1954. The visitor center has been recently undergoing a renovation. Today, the Hager House is completely outfitted with authentic period furnishings. It depicts a lifestyle long since forgotten. Stepping into the Hager House is like walking through the past. 10 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

“We also have other events around the Hager House in City Park,” says Osmer. “The tree lighting is the first Friday in December. The Western Maryland Railway used to have daily service to Baltimore and western Maryland. We have a retired steam locomotive, circa 1912, in the park. There is a whole museum built around it, and the caboose is open for anyone to explore. Its museum has hands-on activities for kids.” With Jingle Bell Junction at City Park Train Hub on December’s special weekends, kids can experience the magical bells

and whistles of trains at Christmas. They can ring the bells, hear the whistles, and mail a letter to Santa via the 202 North Pole Express. For more information, call (301) 739-8577 extension 170, or email hagerhouse@hagerstownmd.org.

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https://franklinhospice.org AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 11

OUT & ABOUT

Written by Tricia Lynn Strader

hopping for quality holiday meats might be as easy as going to the farm. There’s a bend in the road near Hedgesville, W.Va. that shows Back Creek Bend Farm, a farm that’s been in the same family since the 1800s. The road itself, W.Va. 9, is a historic road upon which notables like George Washington traveled. On closer inspection, a large stone house and other outbuildings are revealed sitting along Back Creek. In fact, George Washington stopped at the Snodgrass Tavern in the 1700s.

12 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

“My family bought the farm in 1868,” says Dan Gonano of his ancestors, the Fuss family. “It had been a tavern for 100 years.” It is unclear when the tavern was built.

Some accounts say 1742. It was a wayside tavern for over a century or more. According to Early Hedgesville Chronicles 1720–1947 by William Moore, an account of Robert Snodgrass’s wife, Susannah and their first daughter baby Elizabeth, describes it having been used as a tavern during the Indian wars at the brink of the French and Indian War (early to mid 1750s). Specifically, they hid beneath the floors of the tavern, while the Indians drank and fought above. Other sources claim John Ford began the original construction, continued on page 50

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Back Creek Bend Farm: Generations of History

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AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 13

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THE 2026 RESULTS ARE IN!

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026 2025 WASHINGTON COUNTY MARYLAND

FRANKLIN COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA

BERKELEY COUNTY WEST VIRGINIA

2026 2025

381 WINNERS&

Tri State's Best

FINALISTS!

159 CATEGORIES

MORE THAN

117,000 VOTES CAST

From BUFFETS to BARBECUE, from BOUTIQUES to BANKS, here is this year’s roster of businesses, people, places, and more, chosen by our Tri-State readers as the Best of the Best.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! SEE INSIDE >>

AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2025 15

OUR CATEGORIES

BEAUTY & HEALTH

Barber Shop (Franklin County) . . . .18 Barber Shop (Washington County) .18 Chiropractic Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Center . .18 Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Dermatology Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Eye Care Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Facials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Family Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Hair Salon (Franklin County) . . . . . .20 Hair Salon (Washington County) . . .20 Hair Stylist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Home Health Care Services (Franklin County) . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Home Health Care Services (Washington County) . . . . . . . .20 Hospital/Medical Center . . . . . . . . .20 Massage Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Medical Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Nail Salon - Manicure/Pedicure . . .20 Nutrition/Vitamin/ Supplement Store . . . . . . . . . . .20 OB/GYN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Orthodontic Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Pediatric Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Pharmacy/Drug Store . . . . . . . . . . .22 Physical Therapy Clinic . . . . . . . . . .22 Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

DINING

All-Around Restaurant (Franklin County) . . . . . . . . . . . .23 All-Around Restaurant (Washington County) . . . . . . . .23 Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 BBQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Buffet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Burger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Caterer/Catering Company . . . . . . .23 Cheesesteak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Chinese Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Crab Cakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Curbside/Carry Out/Drive-Thru . . .24 Dessert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Diner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Dining Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Doughnut Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Fine Dining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Food Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Fried Chicken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt/ Frozen Custard . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Italian Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Japanese Food (Franklin County) . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Japanese Food (Washington County) . . . . . . . .26 Local Coffee Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Mexican Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Outdoor/Patio/Rooftop Dining . . . .26 Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

SHOPPING ABOUT THE TRI-STATE’S BEST READERS POLL Our two-round, five-week poll featured 159 categories covering such topics as Beauty & Health, Dining, Entertainment, Home Services, Shopping, and Top Employers. Readers nominated and voted for the best businesses in their locations, racking up a grand total of 117,741 votes cast in the final round alone. During round one of the poll, voters nominated their favorites. The top five nominations in each category then moved on to round two in a head-to-head format. Those who made this final list of Winners and Finalist have earned the right to say they are one of Tri-State’s Best! This one-of-a-kind contest is conducted throughout the USA Today Network, with publications in more than 100 regions nationwide. Whether you’re looking for an exceptional landscaper or the best spot for barbecue, this list will have you covered. Check out our online edition of these results at yourchoiceawards.com/tristate

Antique/Coins & Collectibles Store . 43 Appliance Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Bridal/Formalwear Boutique . . . . . .43 Butcher/Seafood Shop . . . . . . . . . .43 Consignment Store . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Firearms Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Flooring Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Furniture Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Garden Center/Nursery . . . . . . . . .44 Grocery Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Hardware/Home Improvement Store . 44 Home Goods/Décor . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Jewelry Store (Franklin County) . . .44 Jewelry Store (Washington County) . . 44 Lawn Equipment Store . . . . . . . . . .44 Shoe Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Specialty Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

SPIRITS

Brewpub/Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Happy Hour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Liquor Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Sub/Deli/Sandwich Shop . . . . . . . . .27 Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Vegetarian/Vegan/ Gluten-Free Food . . . . . . . . . . .27 Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE

Bus Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Event (Local) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Event Venue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Family Amusement . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Festival/Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Live Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Person of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Tour Guide/Guide Service . . . . . . . .28 Tourist/Seasonal Attraction (Local) 29 Wedding Venue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

FINANCE

Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Bank (Berkeley County) . . . . . . . . . .30 Bank (Franklin County) . . . . . . . . . . .30 Bank (Washington County) . . . . . . .32 Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Investment Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Mortgage Lending Company . . . . .32 Tax Preparation Services . . . . . . . . .32

KIDS & EDUCATION

Child Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 College/University . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Karate/Martial Arts School . . . . . . .33 Pre-School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 School (Private) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 School (Public) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

16 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

PETS

Pet Grooming Company . . . . . . . . .34 Veterinarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Veterinary Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

SERVICES

Assisted/Senior Living (Franklin County) . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Assisted/Senior Living (Washington County) . . . . . . . .34 Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Auction Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Construction Company . . . . . . . . . .36 Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Electrician/Electrical Service Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Fence Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Funeral Home/Crematory . . . . . . . .36 Heating/AC Service Company . . . .36 Home Builder (Franklin County) . . .36 Home Builder (Washington County) . 36 Home Repair/Remodeling Company 38 Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Insurance Agent (Franklin County) . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Insurance Agent (Washington County) . . . . . . . .38 Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Lawn Care/Landscaping Company .38 Nursing Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Pest Control Company . . . . . . . . . .38 Photographer/Videographer . . . . .38 Plumbing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Power Washing Company . . . . . . . .40 Real Estate Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Real Estate Company . . . . . . . . . . .40 Retirement/55+ Community . . . . . .40 Roofing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Security Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Tree Service Company . . . . . . . . . . .41

SPORTS & FITNESS

Fitness Center/Gym . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

TOP EMPLOYERS

Benefits Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Employee Recognition Program . . .42 Locally Owned Business . . . . . . . . .42 Overall Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Place to Host a Work Event . . . . . .43 Place to Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

VEHICLES, DEALERS & SERVICES

Auto Body/Collision Company (Franklin County) . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Auto Body/Collision Company (Washington County) . . . . . . . .48 Auto Dealer Service Department . .48 Auto Repair Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Car Salesperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 New/Used Car Dealer (Washington County) . . . . . . . .48 New/Used Car Dealer (Franklin County) . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Oil Change Service . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Tire Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

*Finalists are listed in alphabetical order within each category

PHOTOGRAPHY THROUGHOUT THIS SECTION PROVIDED BY THE BUSINESSES, HERALD-MAIL ARCHIVES AND GETTY IMAGES

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

• Retirement/55+ Community

• Assisted/Senior Living (Franklin County) • Assisted/Senior Living (Washington County) • Nursing Home

DECEMBER 8, 2026 - 2:00 PM TO 5:00 PM

Join us for a Taste of the Residential Living Lifestyle with Homewood. · Community Tours · Live Holiday Music · Delicious Hors D’oeuvres · Cozy Coffee & Cocoa Bar · Scrumptious Desserts

BEAUTY&HEALTH

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

BARBER SHOP (FRANKLIN COUNTY)

THE DAPPER HOUSE BARBERSHOP GREENCASTLE 101 W. Baltimore St. 717-643-0737 dapperhousebarbershop. com

FINALISTS BILL’S BARBER SHOP

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SOUTH END BARBER SHOP

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CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

PACI CHIROPRACTIC HAGERSTOWN 200 Northern Ave. 301-733-4445 pacichiropractic.com

FINALISTS ANTRIM CHIROPRACTIC CENTER

antrimchiropractic.com

HAGERSTOWN HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC & PHYSICAL THERAPY hagerstownhealth.com

BARBER SHOP

(WASHINGTON COUNTY)

PETE’S BARBERSHOP BOONSBORO 29 N. Main St. 301-432-6834 petes-barbershop.com

FINALISTS THE RAZOR’S EDGE BARBER SHOP razorsedgebarber.com

WILLIAMSPORT BARBER SHOP

facebook.com/williamsportbarbershopdowntown

FACIALS

COSMETIC/PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER

BELLA SALON & SPA

MERITUS COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

HAGERSTOWN 1691 Langley Drive 301-665-1060 bellasalonandspa.net

HAGERSTOWN 11110 Medical Campus Road, #241 301-790-8000 meritushealth.com

FINALISTS BEAUTY & GRACE SALON & SPA

FINALISTS LUNA AESTHETICS

beautyandgracesalonandspa.com

luna-aesthetics.org

PLASTIC SURGERY SERVICES plasticsurgeryservices.net

DERMATOLOGY CLINIC

MERAKI SALON & SPA

merakisalonandspas.com

EYE CARE CLINIC

FAMILY PRACTICE

DENTAL CLINIC

HAGERSTOWN SMILES DENTAL CARE HAGERSTOWN 1115 Mt. Aetna Road 240-329-4724 hagerstownsmiles.com

FINALISTS ALLEGANY DENTAL CARE alleganydentalcare.com

DRS. PORAC & BACHTELL

porac-bachtelldental.com

ANNE ARUNDEL DERMATOLOGY

EYECARE PROFESSIONALS

HAGERSTOWN 1185 Imperial Drive, Suite 201 667-296-5288 aadermatology.com

HAGERSTOWN 101 Eastern Blvd N. 240-420-8888 eyecarepros2020.com

FINALISTS HAGERSTOWN DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CARE hagerstownderm.com

RUMBARGER AND SCHIRO MDS 301 739-4900

WELLAVE DERMATOLOGY wellave.com

FINALISTS LUDWICK EYE CENTER

oomc.com/ludwick

MARYLAND VISION INSTITUTE marylandvisioninstitute. com

MERITUS INTERNAL MEDICINE, MERITUS HEALTH HAGERSTOWN 11116 Medical Campus Road 301-790-8000 meritushealth.com

FINALISTS ANTIETAM FAMILY HEALTH

antietamfamilyhealth.com

BLACK ROCK INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

blackrockintegrativemedicine.com

LEATHERMAN HEALTHCARE

leathermanhealthcare.com

18 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

We care for the whole family. Thanks for voting us Best Home Health Care Services Franklin County. Providing Exceptional Family-Centered Care in our community since 1980.

209 Grant St, Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 504-3465

https://franklinhospice.org HAG44694343

THE CHILDREN’SDOCTOR DOCTOR THE CHILDREN’S A complete medical home for your child & adolescent! OFFICE HAGERSTOWN OFFICE KEEDYSVILLE OFFICE HAGERSTOWN OFFICE KEEDYSVILLE OFFICE HAGERSTOWN OFFICE KEEDYSVILLE 21 Wyand Drive, 319 East Antietam Street, Thank you for voting 21 Drive, 21 Wyand Wyand 319 319 East East Antietam Antietam Street, Street, Keedysville, MDDrive, 21756 Hagerstown, MD 21740 Keedysville, MD Keedysville, MD 21756 21756 Hagerstown, 21740 Hagerstown, MDfor 21740 us Best Pediatric 301-432-4000 301-790-3620MD 301-432-4000 301-432-4000 Monday - Friday 301-790-3620 301-790-3620 MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 AM - 9 PM Clinic THE DOCTOR THE Monday Monday Friday - 5 DOCTOR PM -- Friday MONDAY -- FRIDAY MONDAY FRIDAY AM PM 8 AM SATURDAY 8 AM -885AM PM-- 99 PM 88 AM AM -- 55 PM PM HAGERSTOWN OFFICE FOR WELL CHILD SATURDAY 88 AM -VISITS, SATURDAY AM - 55 PM PM KEEDYSVILLE OFFICE 21 Wyand Drive, 319 East Antietam Street, OFFICE HAGERSTOWN OFFICE KEEDYSVILLE OFFICE HAGERSTOWN OFFICE RECHECKS AND SICK VISITS KEEDYSVILLE FOR WELL CHILD VISITS, Welcoming FOR WELL CHILD VISITS, 21 Wyand Drive, Keedysville, MD 21756 319 East Antietam Street, 21 Wyand Drive, 319 East Antietam Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740 SUNDAY 1 PM 5 PM Keedysville, MD 21756 new patients! Keedysville, MD 21756 Hagerstown, MD SICK 21740 301-432-4000 RECHECKS AND Hagerstown, MD 21740 RECHECKS AND SICK VISITS VISITS 301-790-3620 Welcoming 301-432-4000Welcoming 301-432-4000 SICK VISITS ONLY 301-790-3620 301-790-3620 Monday Friday SUNDAY 1 PM 5 PM MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 -AM 9-PM SUNDAY 1 -PM 5 -PM Monday - Friday new - Friday new patients! patients! MONDAY FRIDAY 9 PM Monday MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 AM8 -AM 9 PM 88 AM -55PM PM AM SATURDAY 8 AM 5 PM 8 AM - 5 PM SATURDAY 8 AM 5 PM SICK VISITS ONLY SICK VISITS ONLY SATURDAY 8 AM - 5 PM

THE CHILDREN’S DOCTOR

CHILDREN’S CHILDREN’S

FOR WELL CHILD VISITS, FOR WELL CHILD VISITS, FOR WELL CHILD VISITS, RECHECKS AND SICK VISITS RECHECKS VISITS RECHECKSAND AND SICK SICK VISITS SUNDAY 1 PM - 5 PM SUNDAY11PM PM -- 5 PM SUNDAY PM SICK VISITS ONLY SICK VISITS ONLY SICK VISITS ONLY

Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming new patients! new patients! new patients!

HAG44725295

AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 19

BEAUTY&HEALTH

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2025

HAIR SALON

(FRANKLIN COUNTY)

HAIR STYLIST

HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES (WASHINGTON COUNTY)

BEAUTY & GRACE SALON & SPA CHAMBERSBURG 278 Lincoln Way East 717-550-9876 beautyandgracesalonandspa.com

FINALISTS LASTING IMPRESSIONS HAIR AND NAIL STUDIO Find Us on Facebook

MERAKI SALON & SPA

merakisalonandspas.com

HAIR SALON

LIZ CHANEYBURRIS BLENDED HAIR STUDIO HAGERSTOWN 13701 Maugansville Road, Suite 1 301-573-2883 facebook.com/ LooksbyLizatAdoreU

FINALISTS ERIN HOUCK, LOTUS MOON BEAUTY LOUNGE

facebook.com/hairapyonmane

LORAH BROOKS, SAGITTARIUS SALON & SPA sagittariussalon.com

(WASHINGTON COUNTY)

HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES

HOSPICE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY HAGERSTOWN 1710 Underpass Way, Suite 300 301-791-6360 hospiceofwc.org

FINALISTS MERITUS HOME HEALTH meritushealth.com

VISITING ANGELS hospiceofwc.org

HOSPITAL/ MEDICAL CENTER

MASSAGE THERAPY

REVITALIZED BY KACIE CHAMBERSBURG 603 Wayne Ave Meraki Business Suites 814-767-0212 revitalizedbykacie.com

FINALISTS BEAUTY & GRACE SALON & SPA beautyandgracesalonandspa.com

BODYWORKS MASSAGE CENTER

bodyworksmassagecenter.com

MEDICAL SPA

(FRANKLIN COUNTY)

BELLA SALON & SPA HAGERSTOWN 1691 Langley Drive bellasalonandspa.net

FINALISTS BLENDED HAIR STUDIO

facebook.com/ LooksbyLizatAdoreU

SAGITTARIUS SALON & SPA

sagittariussalon.com

MERITUS HOME HEALTH HAGERSTOWN 1799 Howell Road 301-766-7800 meritushealth.com

MERITUS HEALTH HAGERSTOWN 11116 Medical Campus Road 301-790-8000 meritushealth.com

FINALISTS FRANKLIN HOSPICE

FINALISTS THE JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL

VISITING ANGELS

WELLSPAN WAYNESBORO HOSPITAL

franklinhospice.org/ about-us/financial-responsibility visitingangels.com

20 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

hopkinsmedicine.org

wellspan.org

NAIL SALON MANICURE/ PEDICURE

NAILED IT BEAUTY BAR BY CHRISTI SITES FORT LOUDON 24 Path Valley Road 717-79-6583 facebook.com/naileditbeautybarbychristisites

FINALISTS LE’S NAILS

facebook.com/Les.Nails4U

LUXENAILS BY SILVIA ARIAS

facebook.com/luxenailsbySilvia

NUTRITION/ VITAMIN/ SUPPLEMENT STORE

PLASTIC SURGERY SERVICES HAGERSTOWN 1140 Conrad Court 301-791-1800 plasticsurgeryservices.net

NORLAND AVENUE PHARMACY

FINALISTS BEAUTY & GRACE SALON & SPA

CHAMBERSBURG 12 St. Paul Drive, Suite 105 717-217-6790 norlandrx.com

beautyandgracesalonandspa.com

KAIROS REJUVENATION

kairosrejuvenation.com

FINALISTS GNC gnc.com

THE VITAMIN SHOPPE

vitaminshoppe.com

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

STAY IN THE GLOW Thank You for Your Votes for Best Cosmetic/ Plastic Surgery Center!

INJECTABLES, SKIN, WELLNESS

TEXT OR CALL

240-916-2409

Located inside of Bella Salon & Spa 1691 Langley Dr. Hagerstown, MD 21740

BUSINESS HOURS Monday - Saturday: 8am-5pm Sunday: CLOSED

Luna-aesthetics.org

Thank you for voting for us! Eyecare Professionals Proudly serving the community for more than 25 years Ray Ban • Tom Ford • Oakley

Thank you for voting Eyecare Professionals #1

Outside Prescriptions

EYECARE Professionals

Proudly serving the community for moreWelcome! than 20 years • Ray Ban • Nike • Oakley

Dr. Rose Navin Wood, Dr. Lauren N. Wood and Dr. Tiffany S. Frey

101 Eastern Blvd. N., Hagerstown, MD 21740

Dr.240-420-8888 Rose Navin Wood, Dr. Lauren N. Wood, P: • F: 240-420-8400 www.eyecarepros2020.com • eye.care@myactv.net Dr. Thanh Hieu-Ngo, Dr. April Miller

101 Eastern Blvd. N., Hagerstown, Monday 10-6 • Tuesday 9-6 • WednesdayMD 9-521740 P: 240-420-8888 240-420-8400 Thursday 9-7 • Friday 9-6• •F:Saturday 8-2

www.eyecarepros2020.com • eye.care@myactv.net

Monday 10-6 • Tuesday 9-6 • Wednesday 9-5 Thursday 9-7 • Friday 9-6 • Saturday 8-2

We care for the whole family. Thank you for voting for us Best Home Health Care Services Washington County Providing Exceptional Family-Centered Care in our community since 1980.

Call Anytime: (301) 791-6360 www.hospiceofwc.org AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 21

BEAUTY&HEALTH

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2025

OB/GYN

BELLA ANDELE, MD MERITUS WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS HAGERSTOWN 11110 Medical Campus Road, Suite 147 301-791-5555 meritushealth.com

FINALISTS ANDREW J. OH, MD CAPITAL WOMEN’S CARE

cwcare.net

JAY GREENBERG, MD MERITUS WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS

meritushealth.com

LISA MILLER, MD

CAPITAL WOMEN’S CARE

PEDIATRIC CLINIC

THE CHILDREN’S DOCTOR HAGERSTOWN 319 E. Antietam St. 301-790-3620 thechildrensdoctor.com

FINALISTS ANTIETAM PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT CARE myprivia.com

KESSLER FAMILY HEALTH kesslerfamilyhealth.com

PHARMACY/DRUG STORE

PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC

MERITUS PHYSICAL THERAPY - MERITUS HEALTH HAGERSTOWN 11116 Medical Campus Road 301-790-8000 meritushealth.com

FINALISTS BODYSENSE PT bodysensept.com

SPA

BODYWORKS MASSAGE CENTER HAGERSTOWN 18745 N. Pointe Drive 301-745-6490 bodyworksmassagecenter.com

FINALISTS REVITALIZED BY KACIE revitalizedbykacie.com

WARMSPRINGS DAY SPA warmspringsdayspa.com

WELLSPAN REHABILITATION HAGERSTOWN wellspan.org

cwcare.net

ORTHODONTIC CLINIC

MERITUS PHARMACY HAGERSTOWN 11116 Medical Campus Road 301-790-9281 meritushealth.com

TOOTHMAN ORTHODONTICS HAGERSTOWN 81 N. Edgewood Drive 301-791-1770 toothmanorthodontics.com

FINALISTS HUB CITY ORTHODONTICS

FINALISTS CHAMBERS’ APOTHECARY chambersapothecary.com Pharmacy/Drug Store

NORLAND AVENUE PHARMACY norlandrx.com

hubcityorthodontics.com

ROBINWOOD DENTAL

robinwooddentalcenter.com

Thank You FOR YOUR

Votes FOR

Best

Nail Salon Best Manicure/ Pedicure! 24 Path Valley Road, Fort Loudon, PA, United States, Pennsylvania (717) 729-6583 HAG44622492

22 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

DINING ALL-AROUND RESTAURANT

BAKERY

BREAKFAST

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026 2025

BURGER

CHEESESTEAK

(FRANKLIN COUNTY)

PARLOR HOUSE WAYNESBORO 724 S. Potomac St. 717-762-5415 Find Us on Facebook

FINALISTS B STREET 104 RESTAURANT & PUB bstreet104.com

THE ORCHARDS

orchardsrestaurant.com

ALL-AROUND RESTAURANT

(WASHINGTON COUNTY)

SANDERS COOKIE JAR BAKERY HAGERSTOWN 13140 Pennsylvania Ave. 301-797-0076 sanderscookiejarbakery. com

FINALISTS SAFRON BAKERY CAFE safronbakery.com

SWEET NOTES BAKERY

sweetnotesbakerymd. com

J’S DINER HAGERSTOWN 43 Eastern Blvd. N. 301-745-3091 eatatjs.com

FINALISTS CHICK-FIL-A chick-fil-a.com

SPRING MILLS DINER

facebook.com/ WarmSpringsDiner

FOSTER’S ON THE POINT

ROCKY’S NEW YORK PIZZA

HAGERSTOWN 1437 Salem Ave. 301-739-7182 fostersonthepoint.com

HAGERSTOWN 11351 Robinwood Drive. 301-790-3852 rockyspizzarobinwood. com

FINALISTS LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE

longhornsteakhouse.com

THE GRILLE AT RUNWAYS

thegrillehgratrunways. com

CATERER/ CATERING COMPANY

WESTERN SIZZLIN CHICK-FIL-A

MISSION BBQ HAGERSTOWN 17301 Valley Mall Road 443-491-8777 mission-bbq.com

FINALISTS OLIVE AND OAK RESTAURANT & BAR

FINALISTS BLACK HOG BBQ

oliveandoakrestaurant. com

SCHULAS GRILL & CRAB HOUSE

schulasgrillandcrab.com

THE GRILLE AT RUNWAYS

blackhogbbq.com

ROLLIN’ SMOKE MEATS N SWEETS FOOD TRUCK & CATERER

facebook.com/rollinsmokemeatsnsweets

dinecastellos.com

TURTLE’S SUBS

Find Us on Facebook

BUFFET

BBQ

HAGERSTOWN 1680 Wesel Blvd. 301-393-3755 chick-fil-a.com

FINALISTS EL CASTILLO – PIZZERIA & TEX MEX

HAGERSTOWN 17567 York Road 301-791-7560 westernsizzlinhagerstown.com

FINALISTS MOUNTAIN GATE FAMILY RESTAURANT

mountaingatefamilyrestaurant.com

SPRING MILLS DINER

springmillsdiner.com

LEITERS’ FINE CATERING, INC. HAGERSTOWN 59 W. Washington St. 301-223-7070 leitersfinecatering.com

FINALISTS CHICK-FIL-A chick-fil-a.com

RHUBARB HOUSE facebook.com/ RhubarbHouse

CHINESE FOOD

IMPERIAL CHINESE RESTAURANT HAGERSTOWN 13112 Pennsylvania Ave. 301-797-3388 imperialhagerstown. kwickmenu.com

FINALISTS CHINA 88

china88smithsburg.com

HONG KONG CHINESE RESTAURANT

hongkonghagerstown. com

thegrillehgratrunways. com

AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 23

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

DINING CRAB CAKES

DESSERT

SCHULAS GRILL & CRAB HOUSE

MEADOWS ORIGINAL FROZEN CUSTARD

HAGERSTOWN 11205 John F. Kennedy Drive. 301-714-1397 schulasgrillandcrab.com

FINALISTS AIRPORT INN

nicksairportinn.com

FRATELLI’S ITALIAN & SEAFOOD fratellispasta.com

GORDON’S GROCERY

gordonsgrocery.com

CURBSIDE/ CARRY OUT/ DRIVE-THRU

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 301-790-2400 meadowsfrozencustard. com

FINALISTS LEOTA’S ICE CREAM leotasicecream.com

SANDERS’ COOKIE JAR BAKERY

sanderscookiejarbakery. com

DINER

DINING EXPERIENCE

THE GRILLE AT RUNWAYS HAGERSTOWN 18421 Henson Blvd. 240-707-6466 runwaysgrille.com

FINALISTS OLIVE AND OAK RESTAURANT & BAR http://www.oliveandoakrestaurant.com

SCHMANKERL STUBE BAVARIAN RESTAURANT

CHICK-FIL-A HAGERSTOWN 1680 Wesel Blvd. 301-393-3755 chick-fil-a.com

FINALISTS ALECKOS 2 GO alekos2go.com

FREE RANGE CAFE freerangecafe.com

FINALISTS OAK RIDGE FAMILY RESTAURANT

oakridgefamilyrestaurant. com

SPRING MILLS DINER

springmillsdiner.com

DOUGHNUT SHOP

KRUMPE’S DO-NUT SHOP HAGERSTOWN 912 Maryland Ave. 301-733-6103 krumpesdonuts.com

FINALISTS HOME RUN DONUTS

facebook.com/ HomeRunDonuts

SANDERS’ COOKIE JAR BAKERY

sanderscookiejarbakery. com

24 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

NICK’S AIRPORT INN HAGERSTOWN 14548 Pennsylvania Ave. 301-733-8560 nicksairportinn.com

FINALISTS OLIVE AND OAK RESTAURANT & BAR oliveandoakrestaurant. com

SCHMANKERL STUBE BAVARIAN RESTAURANT

FRIED CHICKEN

AC&T MULTIPLE LOCATIONS acandt.com

FINALISTS KFC kfc.com

ROYAL FARMS royalfarms.com Dining

FOOD TRUCK

ICE CREAM/ FROZEN YOGURT/ FROZEN CUSTARD

GRAB SMASH & GO

NUTTER’S ICE CREAM

schmankerlstube.com

J’S DINER HAGERSTOWN 43 Eastern Blvd. N 301-745-3091 eatatjs.com

FINE DINING

WASHINGTON COUNTY Find Us on Facebook

FINALISTS BENTWOOD SMOKERS OLD FASHION BBQ

Find Us on Facebook

FAT RUSS’ BBQ fatrussbbq.com

SHARPSBURG 100 E. Main St. 301-432-5809 nuttersicecream.com

FINALISTS MAUGANSVILLE CREAMERY

facebook. com/813910322106906

MEADOWS ORIGINAL FROZEN CUSTARD meadowsfrozencustard. com

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

FRESH FLAVORS. REAL MEXICAN TRADITION.

Our Story The Tapia family’s passion for hospitality began years ago, rooted in a love of bringing people together over great food, warm service, andmemorable experiences. After opening their first restaurant in Hagerstown in 1999, they were honored to build lasting relationships with guests who became more like family. Those early years in Hagerstown will always hold a special place in their hearts. Today, while continuing to serve the community in Middletown at Tapia’s On Main, the Tapia family is proud to return to their hometown of Hagerstown and begin an exciting new chapter with Olive & Oak Restaurant & Bar. Olive & Oak was created with a vision of bringing something fresh and modern to Hagerstown- an innovative dining destination that still feels welcoming and familiar. The menu will feature thoughtfully crafted dishes, inspired flavors, and a warm, inviting atmosphere designed to elevate every occasion. Whether you’re joining us for a date night, a girls’ night out, a family dinner, or a milestone celebration, Olive & Oak will be a place where guests can gather, connect, and truly enjoy the moment. The Tapia family looks forward to welcoming Hagerstown back to the table and sharing this new experience with the community that has always meant so much to them.

Thank You for Your Votes! Best All-Around Restaurant Best Fine Dining HAG44685474

THANKS FOR VOTING US TRI STATE’S BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT!

19435 Emerald Square Hagerstown, MD 21742

240-267-2888

Visit us online at DINELOSAMIGOS.COM

This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication that our team puts into our craft, and it will inspire us to continue to improve.

Thank you for Voting us for Best Diner & Best Breakfast Open daily 7am-3pm 43 Eastern Blvd N, Hagerstown, MD 21740

(301) 745-3091 HAG44748984

www.eatatjs.com AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 25

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

DINING ITALIAN FOOD

FRATELLI’S ITALIAN & SEAFOOD MULTIPLE LOCATIONS fratellispasta.com

FINALISTS CAFE ROMA

caferomahagerstown. com

OLIVE GARDEN m.olivegarden.com

JAPANESE FOOD

JAPANESE FOOD (WASHINGTON COUNTY)

HOUSE OF KOBE HAGERSTOWN 757 Dual Highway 301-797-6979 thehouseofkobe.com

FINALISTS NIKKO JAPANESE STEAK & SEAFOOD nikkojs.com

SAKURA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR

LUNCH

HAGERSTOWN 1680 Wesel Blvd. 301-393-3755 chick-fil-a.com

FINALISTS RHUBARB HOUSE facebook.com/ RhubarbHouse

THE GRILLE AT RUNWAYS

thegrillehgratrunways. com

MEXICAN FOOD LOCAL COFFEE SHOP

NIKKO JAPANESE STEAK & SEAFOOD HAGERSTOWN 1580 Wesel Blvd. 301-714-0005 nikkojs.com

FINALISTS AKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

akichambersburg.com

SAKURA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR facebook.com/sakurahagerstown

BEAN HOLLOW COFFEE CO.

CHAMBERSBURG 4991 Molly Pitcher Hwy. S. 717-987-8749 beanhollowcoffee.com

FINALISTS BROOKE’S HOUSE COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE

brookeshousecoffeeandchocolate.com

LIGHTSOME COFFEE TRAILER lightsomecoffee.com

26 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

CHICK-FIL-A

facebook.com/sakurahagerstown

(FRANKLIN COUNTY)

OUTDOOR/ PATIO/ROOFTOP DINING

CHIC’S SEAFOOD FOSTER’S ON THE POINT HAGERSTOWN 1437 Salem Ave. 301-739-7182 fostersonthepoint.com

FINALISTS ANTIETAM BREWERY

antietambrewery.com

SCHMANKERL STUBE BAVARIAN RESTAURANT schmankerlstube.com

HAGERSTOWN 300 Summit Ave. 301-739-8220 chicsseafoodmd.com

FINALISTS FRATELLI’S ITALIAN & SEAFOOD

fratellispasta.com

JIMMY JOY’S LOG CABIN INN

jimmyjoyslogcabin.com

STEAKHOUSE

PIZZA

EL RANCHERO MEXICAN RESTAURANT HAGERSTOWN 1715 Dual Highway 301-797-7589 elranchero-restaurant. com

FINALISTS FAJITA GRANDE MEXICAN RESTAURANT fajitagrande.net

LOS AMIGOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT

dinelosamigos.com

TEXAS ROADHOUSE ROCKY’S NEW YORK PIZZA HAGERSTOWN 11351 Robinwood Drive 301-790-3852 rockyspizzarobinwood. com

FINALISTS BROTHER’S PIZZA pizzabrothers.net

RAD PIES

radpies.com

HAGERSTOWN 120 Edgewood Dr. 301-739-2200 texasroadhouse.com

FINALISTS COPPER KETTLE RESTAURANT

thecopperkettlerestaurant.com

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE

longhornsteakhouse.com

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

SUB/DELI/SANDWICH SHOP

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN/ GLUTEN-FREE FOOD Thank you

for your votes and support for

Best Dining Experience! JERSEY MIKE’S

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS jerseymikes.com

FINALISTS HOLSINGERS MEAT MARKET holsingers.com

TURTLES SUBS ETC Find Us on Facebook

SUSHI

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS.

OPEN TUESDAYS - SUNDAYS!

FREE RANGE CAFE HAGERSTOWN 520 Northern Ave. 240-513-6070 freerangecafe.com

FINALISTS CAFE DEL SOL, WAYNESBORO delsolcafes.com

HUMMUS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL hummusgrill.net

WINGS

BEST VIEWS, GREAT FOOD! 18421 Henson Blvd. • Hagerstown, MD 21742 HAG44701483

240-707-6466

www.runwaysgrille.com

HOUSE OF KOBE HAGERSTOWN 757 Dual Highway 301-797-6979 thehouseofkobe.com

STADIUM GRILL & TAVERN

FINALISTS NIKKO JAPANESE STEAK AND SEAFOOD

HAGERSTOWN 401 S Cannon Ave. 301-714-0849 stadiumgrillandtavern.com

SUSHI BOMB

FINALISTS NORLAND PUB

nikkojs.com

usasushibomb.com

Thanks for voting us Tri State’s Best All-Around Restaurant and Best Crab Cakes!

norlandpub.com

WINGSTOP wingstop.com

Visit us online 11205 John F. Kennedy Dr. Hagerstown, MD 21742

(1 block North of Meritus Health Center)

301-714-1397 WWW.SCHULASGRILLANDCRAB.COM

AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 27

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

ENTERTAINMENT&LEISURE BUS TOURS

EVENT VENUE

KLINE TOURS

THE MARYLAND THEATRE

WASHINGTON COUNTY 717-597-5997 klinetours.net

FINALISTS BAER EXPRESS TOURS baertours.com

GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD TOURS gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com

EVENT - LOCAL

HAGERSTOWN 21 S. Potomac St. 301-790-3500 mdtheatre.org

FINALISTS ELMWOOD FARM BED & BREAKFAST

elmwoodfarmbandb.com

MERITUS PARK flyingboxcars.com

FAMILY AMUSEMENT

FESTIVAL/FAIR

WASHINGTON COUNTY AG EXPO & FAIR BOONSBORO 7313 Sharpsburg Pike agexpoandfair.org

FINALISTS AUGUSTOBERFEST augustoberfest.org

BOONESBORO DAYS boonsborohistoricalsociety.org

LIVE THEATER

MUSEUM

WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HAGERSTOWN 401 Museum Drive 301-739-5727 wcmfa.org

FINALISTS HAGERSTOWN AVIATION MUSEUM

hagerstownaviationmuseum.org

PLUMB GROVE MANSION

visithagerstown.com

PARK

PERSON OF THE YEAR

JIM COCHRAN J.G. COCHRAN AUCTIONEERS & ASSOCIATES BOONSBORO 7704 Mapleville Road 301-739-0538 cochranauctions.com

FINALISTS BILL SKOMSKI, ANTIETAM BREWERY

antietambrewery.com

PAUL FREY, WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE hagerstown.org

TOUR GUIDE/ GUIDE SERVICE HAGERSTOWN FLYING BOXCARS HAGERSTOWN 50 W Baltimore St. 240-215-6050 flyingboxcars.com

FINALISTS AUGUSTOBERFEST augustoberfest.org

GREAT BOONSBORO CARNIVAL facebook.com/ GreatBoonsboroCarnival

WAREHOUSE CINEMAS LEITERSBURG HAGERSTOWN 20145 Leitersburg Pike 240-608-4900 leitersburg.warehousecinemas.com/home

FINALISTS HAGERSTOWN FLYING BOXCARS flyingboxcars.com

STARLAND ROLLER RINK

facebook.com/skate1946

THE MARYLAND THEATRE HAGERSTOWN 21 S. Potomac St. 301-790-3500 mdtheatre.org

FINALISTS TOTEM POLE PLAYHOUSE

totempoleplayhouse.org

WASHINGTON COUNTY PLAYHOUSE DINNER THEATER washingtoncountyplayhouse.com

HAGERSTOWN CITY PARK HAGERSTOWN hagerstownmd.org

FINALISTS ANTRIM TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY PARK twp.antrim.pa.us

CALEDONIA STATE PARK dcnr.pa.gov

ANTIETAM BATTLEFIELD GUIDES ANTIETAM 301-432-4329 antietamguides.com

FINALISTS GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK

gettysburgfoundation.org

KLINE TOURS klinetours.net

28 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

TOURIST/SEASONAL ATTRACTION - LOCAL

HAGERSTOWN FLYING BOXCARS HAGERSTOWN 50 W Baltimore St. 240-215-6050 flyingboxcars.com

FINALISTS ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD nps.gov/ANTI

WEDDING VENUE

ELMWOOD FARM BED & BREAKFAST WILLIAMSPORT 16311 Kendle Road 240-707-0772 elmwoodfarmbandb.com

FINALISTS MILLER’S FARMSTEAD millersfarmstead.com

STONY SPRING MANOR events.stonyspringmanor.com

THE CELEBRATION OF TREES - THE SPRINGFIELD BARN facebook.com/ WeddingsatSpringfield

LEARN MORE ABOUT 2027 GROUP OUTINGS AT FLYINGBOXCARS.COM OR CONTACT MWALLING@FLYINGBOXCARS.COM

(888) 777-9982 patriotfcu.org INSURED BY NCUA

AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 29

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

FINANCE ACCOUNTANT

PAMELA J. DONOHUE, CPA, ALBRIGHT CRUMBACKER MOUL ITELL HAGERSTOWN 1110 Professional Blvd., Suite 300 301-739-5300 acmicpa.com

FINALISTS BAILEY ZILER, CPA, NOT YOUR TYPICAL CPAS nytcpa.com

KELLI COBB, CPA SEK CPAS & ADVISORS

ACCOUNTING FIRM

BANK

ALLBRIGHT CRUMBACKER MOUL & ITELL

CNB BANK

HAGERSTOWN 1110 Professional Court, # 300 301-739-5300 acmicpa.com

FINALISTS NYT CPAS nytcpa.com

SEK, CPAS & ADVISORS

(BERKELEY COUNTY)

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 888-258-1520 cnb.bank

FINALISTS FULTON BANK fultonbank.com

TRUIST

truist.com

BANK

(FRANKLIN COUNTY)

MIDDLETOWN VALLEY BANK MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 301-371-6700 mvbbank.com

FINALISTS F&M TRUST fmtrust.bank

TRUIST

truist.com

sek.com

SEK, CPAs & Advisors Voted Best Tax Preparation Services Winner Kelli Cobb, CPA, MBA, Member of the Firm, Voted Best Accountant Top 3 Finalist

Thank you! 30 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY BANK We’re proud to provide the tri-state area with Absolutely Exceptional Experiences

2026 mvbbank.com |

AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 31

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

FINANCE BANK

CREDIT UNION

(WASHINGTON COUNTY)

PATRIOT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

MORTGAGE LENDING COMPANY

TAX PREPARATION SERVICES

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 888-777-9982 patriotfcu.org

FINALISTS BULLDOG FEDERAL CREDIT UNION bdfcu.com

CNB BANK MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 888-258-1520 cnb.bank

FINALISTS MIDDLETOWN VALLEY BANK

SECU

secumd.org

MIDDLETOWN VALLEY BANK

SEK, CPAS & ADVISORS

CNB BANK

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 301-371-6700 mvbbank.com

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 888-258-1520 cnb.bank

FINALISTS CNB BANK

HAGERSTOWN & CHAMBERSBURG 301-733-5020 sek.com

FINALISTS CARSON WEALTH

UNITED BANK

INVESTMENT FIRM

mvbbank.com

PNC BANK pnc.com

carsonwealth.com

UNITED BANK

bankwithunited.com

cnb.bank

bankwithunited.com

FINALISTS ALBRIGHT CRUMBACKER MOUL & ITELL acmicpa.com

NYT CPAS nytcpa.com

Thank You

for Your Votes & Support for Best Child Care

Thank You For Your Support!

301-223-9122

35 W. Potomac St., Williamsport, MD 21795 director@kinderhavenmd.org https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/621805551265073/kinder-haven-child-care-center/

32 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

Best School — Private

www.stmarycatholicschool.org 301-733-1184 218 W. Washington Street Hagerstown, Maryland 21740

KIDS&EDUCATION CHILD CARE

LITTLE JACKS CORNER HAGERSTOWN 14629 Citicorp Drive 240-469-4295 littlejackscorner.net

FINALISTS KINDER HAVEN CHILD CARE

facebook.com/p/Kinder-HavenChild-Care-100077534404009

MT. NEBO CHRISTIAN LEARNING CENTER mtneboumc.com

COLLEGE/ UNIVERSITY

KARATE/MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL

SCHOOL - PRIVATE

GRACE ACADEMY MR JIMMY’S WHITE TIGER MARTIAL ARTS HAGERSTOWN 367B E. Franklin St. 301-790-1123 whitetigerkaratemaryland.com

FINALISTS CHOI’S TAE KWON DO hagerstowntkd.com

TIGER-ROCK MARTIAL ARTS OF HAGERSTOWN tigerrockhagerstown.com

HAGERSTOWN 13321 Cearfoss Pike 301-733-2033 gaknights.org

FINALISTS SHALOM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY shalomca.com

ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL stmarycatholicschool.org

SCHOOL - PUBLIC

BARBARA INGRAM SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS HAGERSTOWN 7 South Potomac St. 301-766-8840 bisfa.wcpsmd.com

FINALISTS CLEAR SPRING HIGH SCHOOL cshs.wcpsmd.com

WILLIAMSPORT HIGH SCHOOL whs.wcpsmd.com

PRE-SCHOOL

GRACE ACADEMY HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

HAGERSTOWN 13321 Cearfoss Pike 301-733-2033 gaknights.org

HAGERSTOWN 11400 Robinwood Drive 240-500-2000 hagerstowncc.edu

FINALISTS HAGERSTOWN CHILDREN’S SCHOOL

FINALISTS PENN STATE MONT ALTO

LITTLE JACKS CORNER

montalto.psu.edu

hagerstownchildrensschool.org littlejackscorner.net Kids & Education

SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY shepherd.edu Kids & Education

AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 33

SERVICES

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

PETS PET GROOMING COMPANY

WHISKERS AND WAGS PET GROOMING whiskers-wags.pet

FINALISTS CENTRAL DAWGMA & THE DAWG WASH centraldawgma.com

HEARTY PET heartypet.com

VETERINARIAN

JENNIFER DOLAN CUMBERLAND VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC HAGERSTOWN 17747 Virginia Ave. 301-739-3121 cumberlandvalleyvets.com

FINALISTS ABBY BURKHART, DVM, NORTHPAWS ANIMAL HOSPITAL northpawsanimalhospital.com

PAM SNYDER, DVM, STONE MARSH MOBILE VET stonemarshmobilevet.com

ASSISTED/SENIOR LIVING (FRANKLIN COUNTY)

ASSISTED/SENIOR LIVING (WASHINGTON COUNTY)

HOMEWOOD AT WILLIAMSPORT

WILLIAMSPORT 16505 Virginia Ave. 301-582-1750 homewoodlivingwilliamsport.com

FINALISTS MENNO HAVEN

FINALISTS BROOKDALE HAGERSTOWN

mennohaven.org

QUINCY VILLAGE

presbyterianseniorliving.org/quincy-village

brookdale.com

FAHRNEY-KEEDY SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY fkhv.org

TWIN OAKS ASSISTED LIVING Find Us on Facebook

VETERINARY CLINIC

ATTORNEY

AUCTION COMPANY

CUMBERLAND VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC HAGERSTOWN 17747 Virginia Ave. 301-739-3121 cumberlandvalleyvets.com

FINALISTS NORTHPAWS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

northpawsanimalhospital.com

STONE MARSH MOBILE VET

stonemarshmobilevet.com

D. BRUCE POOLE, ESQ., POOLE LAW HAGERSTOWN 29 W. Franklin St. 301-790-3600 poolelg.com

FINALISTS CLINT BARKDOLL, KULLA, BARKDOLL AND STEWART, PC kullalaw.com

RUSSELL ROBINSON,ROBINSON & ROBINSON 301-797-0100

34 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

J.G. COCHRAN AUCTIONEERS & ASSOCIATES BOONSBORO 7704 Mapleville Road 301-739-0538 cochranauctions.com

FINALISTS HURLEY REAL ESTATE & AUCTIONS hurleyauctions.com

STOUFFER’S AUCTION CO. stouffersauctionco.com

(301) 791-9046

realestatetoday.pro

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES AND SUPPORT FOR

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Your trusted real estate partner since 2008.

Thank you for trusting me with your real estate needs. I truly love what I do, and it is a privilege to work alongside such incredible people in our community every day. This recognition means the world to me, and I look forward to continuing to deliver top-tier real estate service to the place we call home.

Homes • Farms • Commercial • Historic Estate • Multi-Family • Land

Follow Toby on Facebook!

(301)791-9046

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

SERVICES CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

ELECTRICIAN/ ELECTRICAL SERVICE COMPANY

FUNERAL HOME/ CREMATORY

HOME BUILDER

DOUGLAS A. FIERY FUNERAL HOME

COREY’S CONSTRUCTION

T I E!

OLIVER HOMES HAGERSTOWN 19733 Leitersburg Pike 301-797-0000 oliverhomes.com

PAUL CRAMPTON CONTRACTORS HAGERSTOWN 222 E. Oak Ridge Drive, Suite 100 301-790-0101 paulcramptoncontractors.com

FINALISTS HAGERSTOWN BUILDERS hagerstownbuilders.com

MT. TABOR BUILDERS mttaborbuilders.com

ELLSWORTH ELECTRIC, INC. HAGERSTOWN 88 West Lee St.. 301-739-8800 ellsworthelectric.net

FINALISTS APPALACHIAN ELECTRIC & SECURITY appalachianelectrical.com

JAKE’S ELECTRIC jakeelectricllc.com

FENCE COMPANY

(FRANKLIN COUNTY)

HAGERSTOWN 1331 Eastern Blvd N 301-791-7759 douglasfiery.com

WAYNESBORO 4760 Zane A Miller Drive 717-844-6589 coreysconstruction.com

FINALISTS MINNICH FUNERAL HOME

FINALISTS HAGERSTOWN BUILDERS

minnichfh.com

hagerstownbuilders.com

OSBORNE FUNERAL HOME

OLIVER HOMES oliverhomes.com

osbornefuneralhome.net

HEATING/AC SERVICE

HOME BUILDER (WASHINGTON COUNTY)

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SERVICE

OLIVER HOMES HORST FENCING SERVICE INC CHICK-FIL-A HAGERSTOWN 1680 Wesel Blvd. 301-393-3755 chick-fil-a.com

FINALISTS CNB BANK cnb.bank

MAGICAL VACATION PLANNER BY CALLI THOMAS

HAGERSTOWN 16604 National Pike 301-739-6357 horstfencingservices.com

FINALISTS R. PERRY FENCE CO., LLC perryfencing.com

TRI-STATE FENCE & LAWN

tristatefenceandlawn.com

Find Us on Facebook

36 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

HAGERSTOWN HEATING & COOLING HAGERSTOWN 511 E. Franklin St. 240-469-4866 hagerstownheatingandcooling. com

FINALISTS CUMBERLAND VALLEY HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING cvheating.com

G&M HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, INC. gmhacinc.com

HAGERSTOWN 19733 Leitersburg Pike 301-797-0000 oliverhomes.com

FINALISTS MT. TABOR BUILDERS mttaborbuilders.com

PAUL CRAMPTON CONTRACTORS

paulcramptoncontractors.com

neighbor Go with a good neighbor

Being a good neighbor means being there for ® my community. AsTRI-STATE’S your local State Farm BEST 2026 agent, I’m ready to help whenever you need me. Give me a call.

Thank You for Voting for Us!

Thanks for nominating Gaye McGovern Being a good neighbor means being there for Insurance Agency, forlocal Community’s Choice ® my community. As Inc your State Farm as one of the top agencies in the area. Please agent, I’m ready to help whenever you need me. vote me for us. Give a call.

Thanks for nominating Gaye McGovern Insurance Agency, Inc for Community’s Choice as one of the top agencies in the area. Please vote for us.

Best Insurance Agent and Best Insurance Agency

Go with a good neighbor Being a good neighbor means being there for my community. As your local State Farm® agent, I’m ready to help whenever you need me. Give me a call. HAG44659098

Gaye McGovern Ins Agcy Inc Gaye McGovern, Agent

11373 Robinwood Dr Hagerstown, MD 21742-6706 Bus: 301-790-1462 gaye@gayemcgovern.com Gaye McGovern Ins Agcy Inc www.gayemcgovern.com

Gaye McGovern, Agent

11373 Robinwood Dr Hagerstown, MD 21742-6706 Bus: 301-790-1462 gaye@gayemcgovern.com www.gayemcgovern.com State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Thank You

For Your Votes and Continued Support State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Honored by the Community. Committed to Serving Families. Thank you for Voting Us Best Funeral Home and Best Local Business in the Community’s Choice Awards. While awards are appreciated, our greatest honor continues to be helping families find comfort, guidance, and peace of mind when they need it most. We’re grateful for the trust our community places in us every day.

“Honored by the recognition. Grateful for the trust.” HAG44773959

1331 Eastern Boulevard, Hagerstown, MD 21742 301-791-7759 • www.douglasfiery.com AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 37

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

SERVICES HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING COMPANY

S. POFFENBERGER & SON CONSTRUCTION 301-660-0380 Find us on Facebook

FINALISTS 3 CLOVERS ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION

3cloversconstruction.com

SOUTH MOUNTAIN RAILING

southmountainrailing.com

INSURANCE AGENCY

INSURANCE AGENT

LAW FIRM

NURSING HOME

THE POOLE LAW GROUP

HOMEWOOD AT WILLIAMSPORT

HAGERSTOWN 29 W Franklin St. 301-790-3600 poolelg.com

WILLIAMSPORT 16505 Virginia Ave. 301-582-1750 homewoodlivingwilliamsport.com

(FRANKLIN COUNTY)

JASON CRIDER, STRICKLER AGENCY CHAMBERSBURG 1200 E. McKinley St. 717-263-4179 stricklerins.com

FINALISTS ABEL CASTRO STATE FARM

abelcastroinsurance.com

DAVID RAJTIK, ANTRIM INSURANCE AGENCY antriminsurancepa.com

TIM PANTHER STATE FARM timpanther.com

FINALISTS ROBINSON & ROBINSON 301-797-0100

SERAFINI LAW lawserafini.com

LAWN CARE/ LANDSCAPING COMPANY

INSURANCE AGENT

FINALISTS FAHRNEY-KEEDY SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY fkhv.org

WILLIAMSPORT HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER williamsporthrc.com

PEST CONTROL COMPANY

PHOTOGRAPHER/ VIDEOGRAPHER

CHELSEA MYERS, CHELSEA RAE PHOTOS HAGERSTOWN facebook.com/ ChelseaRaePhotosLLC

FINALISTS MARK YOUNGBLOOD, YOUNGBLOOD STUDIOS youngbloodstudios.com

MEGAN MOXIE MUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Find Us on Facebook

PLUMBING COMPANY

(WASHINGTON COUNTY)

S&T OUTDOOR SERVICES HAGERSTOWN 301-991-4356 Find Us on Facebook

BOWERS INSURANCE HAGERSTOWN 1380 Dual Highway 301-791-7910 bowersinsurance.com

FINALISTS ANTIETAM INSURANCE antmd.com

GAYE MCGOVERN INS AGENCY INC gayemcgovern.com

GAYE MCGOVERN STATE FARM INSURANCE HAGERSTOWN 11373 Robinwood Drive 301-790-1462 gayemcgovern.com

FINALISTS JOHN BOWERS,

BOWERS INSURANCE

bowersinsurance.com

LARRY T. MICHAELS, STATE FARM INSURANCE

larrymichaels.org

38 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

FINALISTS HOTT’S LAWN CARE hottslawncare.com

LANCO TURF SERVICES

lancoturfservice.com

SNYDER’S TERMITE & PEST MANAGEMENT

LARRY & SONS

WILLIAMSPORT 2 W. Potomac Parkway, Suite 4 877-582-4282 snyderspestcontrol.com

PLUMBING, HEATING, COOLING, DRAIN & ELECTRICAL HAGERSTOWN 20 Hump Road 301-800-0532 larryandsons.com

FINALISTS EHRLICH PEST CONTROL

FINALISTS LAFFERTY’S PLUMBING

GLADHILL SERVICES

RODNEY B. SMITH PLUMBING HEATING & CLNG

jcehrlich.com

gladhillservices.com

301-582-0965

rodneybsmith.com

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

Let's Build Your Future Home Together. Your Home, Your Way

Thank you for your votes for

Best Home Builders & Construction Company! 301-797-0000 | Oliverhomes.com BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME

Your One Stop Shop for Roofing, Siding, Windows, and More in the Tri State Area!

in months, NOT YEARS.

CUSTOMIZABLE HOMES. ACCELERATED TIMELINES TURNKEY CONSTRUCTION.

WE BUILD IN PENNSYLVANIA

MARYLAND

VIRGINIA

WEST VIRGINIA

Thank for Voting Us Thank you you for Voting Us The Best Roofing Roofing Company! Best Company

in the Tri State!

Roofing, Siding, Windows, Doors, Patio and Carport Covers

SERVING: Maryland, Pennsylvania, & West West Virginia Virginia (301) 582-0600 | 9813(301) White582-0600 Hall Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21740 9813 White Hall Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21740 HM-43723444 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 39

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

SERVICES POWER WASHING COMPANY

REAL ESTATE AGENT

REAL ESTATE COMPANY SULLIVAN SELECT

ROOFING COMPANY

HAGERSTOWN 13146 Pennsylvania Ave. 301-745-5500 sullivanselectllc.com

FINALISTS

TOBY WANTZ REAL ESTATE TODAY HAGERSTOWN 123 W. Washington St. 301-791-9046 realestatetoday.pro

JIMMY’S PRESSURE & SOFT WASHING

FINALISTS CYNTHIA SULLIVAN,

CLEAR SPRING 301-331-0400 Find Us on Facebook

FINALISTS GROVE’S PROPERTY SERVICES grovesservices.com

HINKLE’S PRESSURE WASHING hinklescleaning.com

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY, FORMERLY SULLIVAN SELECT REAL ESTATE

CYNTHIA SULLIVAN BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY, FORMERLY SULLIVAN SELECT REAL ESTATE bhhshomesale.com/hagerstown/cynthia-sullivan/cid-3079213 RE/MAX REALTY AGENCY realty-agency-chambersburg-pa.remax.com SAMSON PROPERTIES HAGERSTOWN samsonproperties.net

RETIREMENT/ 55+ COMMUNITY HOMEWOOD AT WILLIAMSPORT

bhhshomesale.com/hagerstown/cynthia-sullivan/ cid-3079213

WILLIAMSPORT 16505 Virginia Ave. 301-582-1750 homewoodlivingwilliamsport.com

LAUREL WALKER, THE GLOCKER GROUP REALTY RESULTS

glockergroup.com/laurel-walker

FINALISTS EMERALD POINTE emeraldpointehagerstown.com MENNO HAVEN mennohaven.org

KLINE ROOFING & SIDING HAGERSTOWN 9813 White Hall Road 301-582-0600 klineroofing.com

FINALISTS 3 CLOVERS ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION

3cloversconstruction.com

HAPPY HOME ROOFING

happyhomeroofs.com

MIGHTY DOG ROOFING OF WAYNESBORO

mightydogroofing.com

Thank you

for your votes and support for

Best Real Estate Company!

We Appreciate Your Votes & Support for

Best Funeral Home/Crematory Family-Owned Care, Personalized for You

425 South Conococheague St., Williamsport, MD 21795

osbornefh425@gmail.com | 301-582-3311 OsborneFuneralHome.net

40 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

Shelley Layton,

Broker/Owner

1132 Kennebec Drive Chambersburg, PA 17201 717.267.0011 office 717.729.6805 cell shelleylayton@remax.net

HELPING YOU FIND HOME

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

SECURITY COMPANY

TREE SERVICE COMPANY Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, and Mass Torts

SPICHERS APPLIANCES & SECURITY HAGERSTOWN, CHAMBERSBURG & MARTINSBURG 301-637-2267 spichers.com

FINALISTS APPALACHIAN ELECTRIC & SECURITY appalachianelectrical.com

GLESSNER ALARM & COMMUNICATION

ANTIETAM TREE &TURF HAGERSTOWN 405 N. Burhans Blvd. 301-791-3500 antietamtree.com

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

Thank you for voting for us:

FINALISTS CARBAUGH TREE SERVICE carbaughtree.com

CUMBERLAND VALLEY TREE SERVICE cvtslandscape.com

glessner.net

• Best Law Firm • Best Attorney, D. Bruce Poole, Esq. • Top Employer, Locally Owned Business

301-790-3600 | www.poolelg.com

29 W. Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740 • 100-102 W. Church Street, 2nd Fl, Frederick, MD 21701

COMFORT YOU CAN COUNT ON. SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

BEST - Laurel Walker REAL The Glocker Group ESTATE Realty Result Thank You For Your 301-667-8673 BEST REAL AGENT Votes and Support ESTATE AGENT SCAN TO VOTE

17339 Virginia Avenue Hagerstown, MD 21740 for Best Heating/AC

- Laurel Walker

- Laurel Walker The Glocker Group SCAN TO VOTE

The Glocker Group Realty Result

Service Company Family owned. Family focused.

Realty Result

301-667-8673 17339 Virginia Avenue Hagerstown, MD 21740

HEATING - Installation • Repair • Maintenance HM-44363213

AIR CONDITIONING - Installation • Repair • Maintenance

HM-44363213

www.gmhacinc.com

301-223-7280

AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 41

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

TOP EMPLOYERS BENEFITS PROGRAM

BOSS

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAM

LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS

OVERALL LEADERSHIP

CHICK-FIL-A

DOUGLAS A. FIERY FUNERAL HOME

HAGERSTOWN 1680 Wesel Blvd. 301-393-3755 chick-fil-a.com

HAGERSTOWN 1331 Eastern Blvd N. 301-791-7759 douglasfiery.com

FINALISTS CNB BANK

FINALISTS BEAUTY & GRACE SALON & SPA

RANDY SCOTT CNB BANK MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 888-258-1520 cnb.bank

FINALISTS BEAUTY & GRACE SALON & SPA beautyandgracesalonandspa.com

MERITUS HEALTH meritushealth.com

CHICK-FIL-A HAGERSTOWN HAGERSTOWN 1680 Wesel Blvd chick-fil-a.com

FINALISTS BILL SKOMSKI

ANTIETAM BREWERY

antietambrewery.com

MARK HARRELL CNB BANK

cnb.bank

MIDDLETOWN VALLEY BANK mvbbank.com

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY BANK We’re proud to provide the tri-state area with Absolutely Exceptional Experiences

2026 mvbbank.com |

42 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

beautyandgracesalonandspa.com

KIPE’S UPHOLSTERY kipesupholstery.com

HAGERSTOWN 1680 Wesel Blvd. 301-393-3755

FINALISTS CNB BANK cnb.bank

MIDDLETOWN VALLEY BANK mvbbank.com

SHOPPING PLACE TO HOST A WORK EVENT

ANTIQUE/ COINS & COLLECTIBLES STORE

BOUTIQUE

BUTCHER/ SEAFOOD SHOP

FARMERS MARKET

JOSIE’S ON MAIN HAGERSTOWN FLYING BOXCARS HAGERSTOWN 50 W Baltimore St, 240-215-6050 flyingboxcars.com

FINALISTS ANTIETAM BREWERY antietambrewery.com

ELMWOOD FARM BED & BREAKFAST elmwoodfarmbandb.com

PLACE TO WORK

ROUTE 11 ANTIQUE MALL HAGERSTOWN 13625 Pennsylvania Ave. 240-896-3600 Find Us on Facebook

FINALISTS LEHMANS MILL ANTIQUES & UNIQUES

Find Us on Facebook

WEAVER TREASURES ANTIQUE MALL

weavertreasures.com

BOONSBORO 4 North Main St. 240-285-0383 josiesonmain.com

FINALISTS BLACK & BLUSH BOUTIQUE

shopblackblushboutique. myshopify.com

THE LOCKED DOOR Find Us on Facebook

PENN AVE MEATS HAGERSTOWN 13142 Pennsylvania Ave. 301-739-7989 pennavemeat.com

FINALISTS ERNST MARKET ernstmarket.com

THE BUTCHER SHOPPE

mybutchershoppe.com

BRIDAL/ FORMALWEAR BOUTIQUE

CONSIGNMENT STORE

J & B BRIDALS & FORMALS

ACT II CONSIGNMENT SHOP

APPLIANCE STORE

CHICK-FIL-A HAGERSTOWN 1680 Wesel Blvd. 301-393-3755 chick-fil-a.com

FINALISTS CNB BANK cnb.bank

MERITUS HEALTH meritushealth.com

SPICHERS APPLIANCES & SECURITY HAGERSTOWN, CHAMBERSBURG & MARTINSBURG 301-637-2267 spichers.com

FINALISTS LOWES lowes.com

SPRING VIEW APPLIANCE & MATTRESS LLC

CHAMBERSBURG 136 S. Main St. 717-263-0138 jbbridals.com

FINALISTS DAVID’S BRIDAL davidsbridal.com

INGRAM’S MENS SHOP

ingramsmensshop.com

HAGERSTOWN 13331 Pennsylvania Ave. 301-739-0552 facebook.com/ActIINXT

FINALISTS FINDERS KEEPERS FINE CONSIGNMENTS

facebook.com/fkfconsignments

LEHMANS MILL ANTIQUES & UNIQUES

Find us on Facebook

PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH MARKET HAGERSTOWN 1583 Potomac Ave. 240-420-8555 padutchmarket.com

FINALISTS BOONSBORO FARMERS MARKET

facebook.com/ BoonsboroFarmerMarket

JIM’S FARMERS MARKET

Find us on Facebook

FIREARMS STORE

HAFER’S GUNSMITHING HAGERSTOWN 15411 National Pike 240-347-4906 hafersguns.com

FINALISTS CLEARSPRING GUN SHOP

clearspringgunshop.com

FARRAR’S FIREARMS

farrarsfirearms.com

springviewapp.com AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 43

THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY’S CHOICE AWARDS • TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026

SHOPPING FLOORING STORE

RED BARRON FLOORING HAGERSTOWN 1340 Wesel Blvd. 301-582-2258 redbarronflooring.com

FINALISTS BURKHOLDER’S FLOORING AMERICA burkholdersflooring america.com

CARPET GALLERY

carpetgalleryfloors.com

GARDEN CENTER/ NURSERY

SUNNY MEADOWS GARDEN CENTER BOONSBORO 7437 Sharpsburg Pike 301-302-0740 marylandsbest.maryland. gov

FINALISTS KLENZING’S GARDEN CENTER klenzingsgarden.com

LOVELL’S NURSERY

JEWELRY STORE

R BRUCE CARSON JEWELERS

R. BRUCE CARSON JEWELERS

HAGERSTOWN 12814-G Shank Farm Way 301-739-0830 carsonjewelers.com

FINALISTS BELLE JEWELERS

FINALISTS REEDS JEWELERS

THE JEWELRY SHOP

(FRANKLIN COUNTY)

belle-jewelers.com thejewelryshop.biz

(WASHINGTON COUNTY)

reeds.com

thejewelryshop.biz

lovellsnursery.com

FURNITURE STORE

LABER’S OFFICE FURNITURE HAGERSTOWN 1344 Wesel Blvd. 240-347-4941 labersfurniture.com

FINALISTS COLONY HOUSE FURNITURE

colonyhousefurniture.us

LEHMANS MILL ANTIQUES & UNIQUES

GROCERY STORE

HARDWARE/ HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE

FINALISTS ERNST MARKET ernstmarket.com

GORDON’S GROCERY

gordonsgrocery.com

Find us on Facebook

44 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

LAWN EQUIPMENT STORE

HOME GOODS

MARTIN’S MULTIPLE LOCATIONS martinsfoods.com

HOME GOODS/ DÉCOR

LOWE’S MULTIPLE LOCATIONS lowes.com

HAGERSTOWN 17656 Garland Groh Blvd. 301-766-9205 homegoods.com

FINALISTS BOONSBORO ACE HARDWARE

FINALISTS LEHMANS MILL ANTIQUES & UNIQUES

SUNNYCREST FARM & HOME CENTER

MUDDY PAWS DESIGN CO.

acehardware.com

sunnycrestfhc.com

Find us on Facebook

muddypawsdesignco. com

EBY’S LAWN & GARDEN HAGERSTOWN 16409 Fairview Road 301-733-4158 ebyslawnandgarden.com

FINALISTS LOWE’S lowes.com

SHANK’S LAWN EQUIPMENT shankslawn.com

TRI-STATE’S BEST 2026 2025

SHOE STORE

SPECIALTY SHOP

ELM SHOES

GORDON’S GROCERY

GREENCASTLE 3 Center Square 717-597-9475 elmshoes.com

HAGERSTOWN 101 Cypress St. 301-739-2957 gordonsgrocery.com

FINALISTS DSW

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OUT & ABOUT

continued from page 12 selling the land at some point to the Rawlings family, who then sold the land to Robert Snodgrass in 1779. The Snodgrass name became associated with the tavern. Historical accounts say the first section built was a 1+1⁄2-story square log structure, followed about fifteen years later by a separate two-story log structure to the west of the first structure. Eventually these separate structures were connected, and the first section was increased to a full two stories. Around 1813, the last addition to the tavern was added along the entire length of the northern side of the structure and was constructed from sandstone. The building has twin 32-foot chimneys on both ends, which is considered an unusual feature in the area. A veranda spans the full length of the building’s front side. The tavern lasted until 1847, when the property was sold as a private residence. 50 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

The structure is one of the oldest standing structures in West Virginia, and it and the surrounding property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “For some reason, it was sold at auction or in foreclosure in 1868 from what I have been told,” says Gonano. “My greatgrandmother’s grandfather purchased the old tavern with a few hundred acres. My kids are the seventh generation.” The former tavern was the Fuss (and later Gonano) family home for a long time.

His great-grandmother Mary Fuss (later Mary Gonano) and her sister Neva Fuss, both school teachers, lived there for many years. The families operated it as a farm ever since 1868, raising cows, sheep, chickens, and pigs. They also operated a sawmill and timber business for many years. Mary Fuss Gonano taught to help make ends meet while the farm wasn’t a big operation. They would sell beef or chickens over the years. Dan Gonano and his wife Jessica run the day-to-day operations of Back Creek Bend Farm, and his Uncle John Gonano handles administrative duties. Back Creek Bend Farm offers farm-raised healthy meats and eggs for sale. In 2006, the family began selling bulk beef (whole or half) and chicken to the public. A few years ago, the business switched to cut portions of chicken, pork and beef. “We noticed people didn’t always have the space or money for whole or half

OUT & ABOUT

Above, Dan Gonano and his wife Jessica of Back Creek Bend Farm in Hedgesville.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BACK CREEK BEND FARM

At left, a testament to centuries-old farm property is a 400-year-old black walnut tree that was named the winner in the 15th John Overington Big Tree Contest in 2023.

beef,” he says. “Now with higher prices, a whole or half would be a lot of money. And people aren’t cooking the way they used to. We have regular customers who buy for the week or the month at a time.” Back Creek Bend Farm sells beef that’s raised on the farm, without antibiotics or hormones. They’re fed grass and hay. They have a herd of about 75 cows. Gonano says they work with Mennonite farmers to provide an ample supply of pork and chicken. Eggs are also available.

BACK CREEK BEND FARM is located at 6274 Hedgesville Road, Hedgesville, W. Va..

For more information, call (304) 867-4368 or visit grassfedbeefwv.com. Follow on Facebook at Back Creek Bend Farm.

Chickens are pasture-raised in mobile coops to shield them from the threat of prey. There are no set business hours for the store, so customers can simply call and set up a shopping time by appointment. Back Creek Bend Farm sells mulch, firewood, and gravel in addition to the food products. Dan Gonano said they have plans for expansion in the next couple years. In 2024, the farm was classified in farmland protection.

AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 51

SENIOR LIVING

avigating life with diabetes is no small task. While millions of people across the globe living with diabetes enjoy full lives, such individuals recognize they must remain vigilant in regard to the foods they eat to protect their short- and long-term health. While food might be a focal point of life for people with diabetes, it’s just as important that such individuals monitor the beverages they consume. That’s particularly important regarding alcohol. The American Diabetes Association urges individuals with diabetes to discuss alcohol consumption with their physicians. While the ADA notes there’s no universal rule regarding diabetes and alcohol consumption, the National Library of Medicine reports there are risks involved when individuals with diabetes consume alcohol.

Alcohol and blood sugar levels Consuming alcohol can lower blood sugar. The liver is a vital organ that releases glucose into the blood stream as necessary to ensure blood sugar levels remain normal. But the liver also is responsible for breaking down alcohol, and during that process it ceases releasing glucose. That can cause blood sugar levels to drop quickly, leaving people at risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Individuals who are taking certain diabetes medicines or insulin can be in danger of developing seriously low blood sugar, which the ADA notes can occur even hours after a person finishes their last drink. Drowsiness, confusion and difficulty walking are some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Alcohol and diabetes medications Alcohol can interfere with diabetes medicine. The NLM notes that alcohol can interfere with the effects of some diabetes medicines. When prescribed medications for diabetes, individuals should discuss the potential side effects of alcohol consumption while taking the drugs. Individuals who drink while taking certain diabetes medications may be at risk for hypoglycemia.

Additional risk factors Alcohol tends to be calorieheavy, which can contribute to weight gain that makes it more difficult to manage diabetes. Alcohol also tends to be high in carbohydrates, which can raise blood sugar levels. High blood sugar also is known as hyperglycemia, which is marked by insufficient insulin levels or the inability of the body to utilize insulin effectively. The dynamic between alcohol and diabetes is complicated. Individuals with diabetes are urged to discuss alcohol consumption with their physicians prior to having a drink. — METRO CREATIVE

52 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

FAQ About Diabetes Diabetes cases have risen dramatically in recent decades. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people living with diabetes has more than quadrupled since 1990, rising from 200 million that year to 830 million by 2022. The prevalence of diabetes underscores how significant a threat it poses across the globe. And recognition of that prevalence may prompt questions about the disease, including what can be done to prevent it.

Are there different types of diabetes?

Yes. The CDC notes type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, though it’s important people recognize it can be diagnosed at any age. Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that stops the body from making insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by an inability to utilize insulin well and maintain normal blood sugar levels. Though the CDC notes more and more young people are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the disease is more often diagnosed in adults and tends to develop over many years. Gestational diabetes is another form of the disease that can develop in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. Gestational diabetes typically goes away after giving birth, but the CDC notes a baby could be at elevated risk for health problems like childhood obesity or type 2 diabetes if a mother develops gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Are there risk factors for diabetes?

Risk factors vary for each type of diabetes. The risk factors for type 1 diabetes include family history, notably a first degree relative (i.e., parent or sibling) who has the disease, and age since most cases are diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. Age also is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, as the CDC notes most diagnoses of the disease are made in people age 45 and older. Risk for type 2 diabetes also is greater if a person has a firstdegree relative with the condition, but that might be because families tend to live similar lifestyles relating to diet and exercise. A poor diet can increase type 2 diabetes risk, as overweight or obesity are risk factors for the disease. A sedentary lifestyle in which people are physically active less than three times per week also is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

— METRO CREATIVE

METRO CREATIVE

What to Know About Alcohol and Diabetes

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HEALTH + WELLNESS

This Holiday Season, Give A the Gift of Better Health

Written by Catherine Sorenson s you prepare for this year’s holiday season, good health may be the furthest thing from your mind. Our brains are often filled with lists of things to do; gifts to buy, recipes to prepare, plans to make, and gatherings to attend. While that popular song calls it “the most wonderful time of the year”, it can also be stressful and busy. For this holiday season, consider giving the gift of better health! Both to yourself,

54 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

and to your friends and family. Let’s start with you! As the holiday season approaches, is there anything that would make it less stressful? Anything you could get for yourself that would make it easier to stick to your established healthy habits, even as things get busy? Maybe a good quality knife would make it easier to prepare your favorite holiday dishes. And, bonus, a quality knife is safer as well! While it can seem more dangerous to use a sharp blade, it allows us to use less pressure and makes us less likely to cut ourselves.

HEALTH + WELLNESS Or maybe you’ve established a physical activity routine and have been enjoying taking a daily walk. Physical activity has been shown to help with stress management and overall mental health, which could be very important during the busy holiday season. Would a pair of good gloves help you stay warm enough to keep that habit going during the colder winter months? Or would a reflective vest help you stay visible and feel safe in the evening when the sun starts to set earlier and earlier? As we move into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, consider whether small gifts like these could help you maintain your overall health and well-being. Before we talk about giving gifts that support the health of others, we must lay some ground rules. These kinds of gifts might not be a good fit for everyone, and we want to make sure they are things we think the person would genuinely enjoy. Imagine getting a treadmill for Christmas, despite not asking for one or anything like it. If I love exercising at home and my treadmill recently broke, I might be thrilled. But if I don’t enjoy walking or running, it might feel like a not-so-subtle message about what people think I should be doing. So, make sure you spend some time thinking about the person and what they like. Feel free to get creative, but make sure it makes sense for this particular person. Let’s think about an example: I have several family members who will say, “I have too much stuff, I want something I can do instead of something that will sit on a shelf.” There are plenty of ways to give someone an experience as a gift. It could be tickets to a show, a museum or a tour. But make sure you customize it based on that person’s interests. A few years ago, my Christmas gift from my sister was a day in DC that included a walking tour of the National Portrait Gallery. It was a great way to experience the museum as an art novice who wouldn’t have known what I was looking at if the guide hadn’t been there. It

was also a gift that allowed me to be active by walking around the museum but also keep my mind active. If I were giving an experiential gift like this to my dad, I might give him tickets for a guided tour of a local battlefield, like Antietam. In both cases the gift is a walking tour, but it’s easy to customize the topic and location to fit someone’s interests. Another option is to consider gifts that help someone develop a new skill or improve on a skill they already have. Research tells us that the process of learning something new is good for our cognitive health because it keeps our brain active. Learning new things can also help someone feel more confident or meet new people. But, depending on the skill, it could be expensive to pay for the classes or materials needed. Even if it isn’t terribly expensive, it might feel like an added, unnecessary expense that people aren’t willing to buy for themselves. For example, my husband loves learning new languages. There are free apps that he uses when he is first getting started, but he learns much better through one-on-one tutoring. I could consider getting him a gift card to cover a few tutoring sessions so he can keep learning and building this new skill. Consider things like online classes, in-person classes, apps, or subscriptions as potential gifts. For my birthday, my mom once got me a cooking class. I was able to go to a commercial kitchen and learn how to bake bread from a trained chef. The class was wonderful and I have continued to build on those skills and bake different types of bread whenever I get the chance. So, as you begin to make your lists and purchase gifts this holiday season, consider whether you might be able to give the gift of good health. With so many people looking for ways to improve their health and wellbeing, the holiday season can be a great time to support them on that journey. Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season!

GETTY IMAGES

Catherine Sorenson is the Extension Educator at the University of Maryland Extension.

AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 55

COMMUNITY

Leadership Washington County’s 40th Year Is Underway

PROVIDED BY LEADERSHIP WASHINGTON COUNTY

Written by Tara Bockstanz

eadership Washington County has officially entered its 40th year — and what better way to begin than by welcoming Class #40 and bringing our LWC community together to celebrate this milestone. For four decades, Leadership Washington County has connected people with their community and with one another, creating opportunities to learn, lead, serve, and make a difference. What began as a program designed to educate and connect local leaders has grown into a network of more than 1,000 graduates whose impact can be seen throughout Washington County. In September, Class #40 kicked off its LWC journey with the Opening Retreat, beginning the same experience that has challenged, connected, and inspired hundreds of local leaders before them. Soon after, graduates, community partners, supporters, and members of Class #40 came together for our 40th Anniversary Welcome Reception — a fitting start to a year centered on connection, celebration, and the future of LWC. Seeing new class members beginning their journey alongside graduates representing nearly four decades of LWC was a wonderful reminder of what makes this organization special. Each class builds upon the one before it, creating a ripple effect that continues long after graduation. LWC has always been about much more than a single class year or program day. It is about giving people a deeper understanding of Washington County, introducing them to the challenges and opportunities facing our community, and building relationships that encourage collaboration long after their class experience ends. Our 40th year gives us the opportunity to honor the people who 56 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

Room decor for the 40th anniversary kickoff event.

COMMUNITY

Class #40 attends the opening retreat. helped build that legacy, share the stories of graduates who continue to make a difference, and invest in the leaders who will shape Washington County for decades to come. Throughout the year, graduates and community members will have opportunities to reconnect with LWC through special anniversary programming, alumni gatherings, Behind the Scenes experiences, LWC Presents events, Impact Stories, and other opportunities designed to highlight the people, places, organizations, and industries that make Washington County unique. One of the ways the community can support that work this fall is through our annual Get Out of Town Raffle, taking place throughout October and November. The raffle combines a chance to win incredible travel experiences with an opportunity to support one of LWC’s most important priorities: making the program accessible to leaders throughout our community. Proceeds from the raffle support LWC scholarships, helping nonprofit professionals, small business owners, and other community leaders participate in the program when cost might otherwise be a barrier. Scholarships have played an important role in LWC’s impact over the years. To date, Leadership Washington County has awarded more than $226,000 in scholarships to more than 120 individuals. Each scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It creates an opportunity for another voice, perspective, organization, and part of our community to have a seat at the table. A major focus of our anniversary year is an ambitious campaign to strengthen LWC’s dedicated scholarship fund for the future. LWC is working to raise $80,000 to unlock a $40,000 matching grant from the Fletcher Foundation. Through this 2-to-1 match, every $2 donated will help secure an additional $1, creating the potential for a $120,000 investment in scholarships for future LWC participants. It is an opportunity not simply to celebrate

The Class #40 scholarship winners what Leadership Washington County has accomplished over the past four decades, but to make a tangible investment in what the organization can accomplish during the next four. Reaching that goal will take the support of the entire LWC community, graduates and community partners, who believe in the value of developing informed, connected, and engaged leaders. Every contribution, regardless of size, moves us closer to unlocking the match. Our 40th year will continue to build throughout the months ahead, culminating with an End of Year Celebration in May 2027 at Hub City Vinyl Live. The event will bring together graduates, supporters, and friends from across LWC’s four decades for an evening celebrating where we have been and where we are headed next. Our 40th anniversary is about more than a milestone on a calendar. It is about the thousands of relationships that have been formed through LWC. It is about graduates who have stepped into leadership roles, served on boards, volunteered, launched initiatives, built partnerships, and used what they learned to make Washington

County stronger. Strong communities are built by people who choose to participate. They are built by people willing to show up, listen, learn from one another, ask difficult questions, share new ideas, and work together toward something bigger than themselves. For 40 years, Leadership Washington County has worked to create those connections and inspire that kind of leadership. We are excited to celebrate the legacy that brought us here while putting just as much energy into what comes next. There is a lot to celebrate after 40 years, but there is even more to build in the next 40.

Tara Bockstanz is the director of graduate engagement at Leadership Washington County.

AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 57

COMMUNITY

Christmas in 1776 Written by Matthew Wedd

Christmas on the Frontier

Today, Christmas means decorated trees, mountains of presents, and festive music. In 1776, things looked rather different.

Christmas trees weren’t yet a widespread American tradition, and the modern image of Santa Claus was still generations away. For many 18th century families, Christmas was primarily a religious and community occasion. Anglican and Catholic congregations generally observed the holiday, while many Quakers, Presbyterians, and other Protestant groups took a different approach. In some households, December 25th was little different from any other working day. Where Christmas was celebrated, church services, visits between neighbours, music, dancing, games, and generous meals could all feature. Here on the Conococheague frontier, Welsh, Scots-Irish, German, and English influences helped shape local customs. Yet winter brought practical concerns for everyone: animals needed feeding, fires needed tending, and food stores had to last. Imagine preparing for Christmas in 1776, knowing that the future of the colonies was being decided just a few days’ journey away.

58 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

PROVIDED BY CONOCOCHEAGUE INSTITUTE

assail and warm wishes to you this festive season! From all of us at the Conococheague Institute, we wish you and yours good health and happiness as another year draws to a close. This Christmas marks 250 years since one of the most famous episodes of the American Revolution. On Christmas night, 1776, George Washington led his Continental Army across the icy Delaware River in a daring attempt to turn the tide of a struggling revolution. Here on the Pennsylvania frontier, we’re celebrating with 1776: A Colonial Christmas, exploring how people experienced the holidays during this remarkable period.

A picturesque snowfall surrounds the tavern and cabin.

Sam raises a glass to visitors.

COMMUNITY

Matthew, Seren and James sport their 1776 styles.

Washington’s Christmas Crossing

By December 1776, the American Revolution was at a precarious point. After defeats in New York and New Jersey, Washington’s army had retreated into Pennsylvania. Supplies were scarce, enlistments were expiring, and the revolutionary cause faced an uncertain future. Washington needed a victory. On Christmas night, his troops crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey and marched through bitter winter conditions towards Trenton. On the morning of December 26th, they attacked the Hessian garrison and secured a significant American victory. Further successes at Trenton and Princeton helped restore confidence in the Continental Army. Today, we remember the crossing through famous paintings and schoolbooks. But those soldiers weren’t acting out a national legend. They were enduring a freezing night, facing uncertainty, and risking their lives in the hope of keeping their cause alive. The Revolution affected far more than soldiers and battlefields. Frontier families faced uncertainty, divided loyalties, and the challenge of maintaining farms and households through wartime. History was unfolding on a grand scale, but everyday life carried on. That contrast between momentous events and ordinary human experience is what makes living history so fascinating.

Wassail to You!

No colonial Christmas would be complete without a little wassailing. The Old English greeting waes hael means “be in good health,” and the tradition has taken many forms over the centuries. In medieval England, farmers carried spiced cider or ale into orchards, singing to their apple trees and hanging offerings of bread in the

Now celebrating his 100th birthday, CI founder Dr. John C. Stauffer still visits the place he founded more than three decades ago.

branches in hopes of encouraging a good harvest. In an age when cider was an important everyday drink, keeping those apple trees happy made practical sense! In towns and villages, wassailing could also involve groups going door to door seeking food and drink, sometimes with rather more enthusiasm than their neighbours appreciated. Today’s carollers have generally adopted a more restrained approach, although we make no promises about the quality of the singing. These customs offer a glimpse into a world where seasonal celebrations, community, faith, and the rhythms of agriculture were closely intertwined.

Experience 1776: A Colonial Christmas

At the Conococheague Institute, we bring these stories to life through hands on experiences and living history. Join us to discover 18th century foodways, traditional skills, historic games, and the seasonal customs of Pennsylvania’s early communities. 1776: A Colonial Christmas Saturday, December 12th, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Conococheague Institute, 12995 Bain Road, Mercersburg, PA. Come explore our historic homestead and discover Christmas on the frontier 250 years ago. Check our website (www.cimlg.org) or social media for further event details.

natural history of the Appalachian frontier. What began with his passion for this special place has grown into a thriving museum and educational organisation, welcoming families, visitors, and thousands of school students each year. Preserving history is never a finished job. Historic buildings need care, nature trails need stewardship, and future generations need opportunities to discover the stories and skills of the past. To celebrate John’s milestone, the Stauffer family is once again offering a $50,000 matching challenge for CI’s End of Year Giving Campaign. Every contribution will be matched dollar for dollar until the goal is reached, potentially turning $50,000 in donations into $100,000 for CI’s future. Your generosity helps maintain our historic site, keep the museum free to visit each weekend, and provide hands-on educational programs for thousands of students. As we commemorate 250 years since the events that helped shape our nation, we’re grateful for the vision that brought CI into being and the community that sustains it today. Help us reach our $50,000 matching goal by December 31st, 2026, and double your impact. So waes hael to you and yours! May your holidays bring good health, good company, and a little curiosity about the past. We look forward to welcoming you to the Conococheague Institute.

Celebrating a Century of History

This winter brings another remarkable milestone. On December 23rd, CI founder Dr. John C. Stauffer celebrates his 100th birthday, and he still visits the place he founded more than three decades ago! For 32 years, CI has carried forward John’s vision of preserving and sharing the cultural and

Matthew Wedd is executive director of The Conococheague Institute in Mercersburg. AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 59

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A Holiday Journey Through the Museum Written by Bailey Rafter

here is something wonderfully unexpected about finding a Christmas pudding being carried through a snowy landscape by four rabbits while a bear offers up a bowl of cold sauce. Yet that is precisely the scene visitors encounter in Cold Sauce with Christmas Pudding, a whimsical 1894 painting by American artist Frederick Stuart Church in the collection of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. A young woman in fashionable nineteenth-century dress stands at the center of the snowy woodland, preparing to serve a Christmas treat. Beside her, a bear presents a bowl of sauce, while four rabbits balance a pudding between them. Two have already begun sampling the feast. Their mischievous expressions seem to invite the viewer into the joke—and into the celebration. Church was a prolific illustrator, known particularly for his fanciful depictions of animals. He studied animals at the Central Park Zoo and on the grounds of Barnum and Bailey’s circuses, developing a remarkable ability to give his animal subjects expressive personalities. His illustrations appeared in publications including Harper’s Weekly, Harper’s Bazaar, and Ladies’ Home Journal. Cold Sauce with Christmas Pudding was created in a style suited to reproduction, allowing its playful holiday scene to reach audiences far beyond the museum gallery. More than a century later, Church’s animals still offer a fitting introduction to the museum’s holiday season. This winter, animals take center stage throughout the galleries in American Animalier: Human and Animal Entanglements, 1751 to Present, an exhibition exploring the many ways animals have been represented in American art—and the many roles they have played in human lives. For generations, artists have turned to animals to tell stories about companionship, work, status, nature, spirituality, and even ourselves. In 60 AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026

Unknown Artist, Portrait of Woman with a Cat, c. late-1800s. Charcoal on paper. Gift of Mrs. Sylvie Grangé, 2024.1.35

American Animalier, visitors encounter horses, birds, dogs, cats, and other creatures portrayed in paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. Some are working animals; others are beloved companions. Some appear as symbols, while others simply invite us to marvel at the natural world. The exhibition also encourages visitors to consider how our relationships with animals have changed over time. A horse might be portrayed as a powerful symbol of wealth and prestige in one work and as a trusted working partner in another. A dog may be a loyal companion, while a bird might carry cultural or symbolic meaning. Even the playful animals of Church’s Cold Sauce with Christmas Pudding reflect a longstanding artistic tradition of imagining animals as characters with personalities, humor, and human-like emotions.

For families traveling to the museum this holiday season, another group of familiar animals awaits in Believe in Yourself: What We Learned from Arthur, The Art of Marc Brown. Long before Arthur became a beloved television character, he began as an idea in Marc Brown’s imagination—and eventually became one of the most recognizable characters in children’s literature. The exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that brought Arthur, D.W., Mr. Ratburn, and their friends to life. Original illustrations, preliminary drawings, character designs, and thumbnail layouts reveal how Brown transformed an idea into a finished picture. Visitors can see not only the polished artwork but also the experimentation, mistakes, and revisions that are an essential part of creating something new.

Marc Brown (American b. 1946) Arthur Promotional Art for PBS Series Launch, 1998. Pen and watercolor. Collection of the artist

PROVIDED BY WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Frederick Stuart Church (American, 1842–1924) Cold Sauce with Christmas Pudding, 1894. Oil on panel

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The exhibition is designed to be experienced together. An enlarged replica of Brown’s Believe in Yourself welcomes visitors into the gallery, while a reading nook offers a comfortable place to pause, open a book, and share a story. For parents and grandparents who grew up with Arthur, the exhibition offers a chance to revisit a familiar childhood friend. For younger visitors, it provides an opportunity to discover Arthur for the first time. In many ways, that spirit of discovery is what makes a museum visit such a natural part of the holiday season. A trip to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts can be a destination in itself—a place to step out of the ordinary holiday rush and spend time exploring something together. Best of all, admission to the museum is free, making it an easy addition to a day spent discovering Hagerstown and Washington County. The holiday experience continues after the galleries close for the day. On Friday, December 11, the museum will host Family Holiday Night: An Elwood City Holiday, a free evening inspired by Believe in Yourself: What We Learned from Arthur, The Art of Marc Brown. In collaboration with the Washington County Free Library, the event will offer special programming for all ages, along with hot cocoa and the opportunity to explore the galleries after hours. For adults looking for a different kind of holiday outing, Friday, December 18, brings Adult Holiday Night: A Merry Menagerie. Guests can enjoy light refreshments and holiday beverages before exploring American Animalier through special tours focused on the animals, stories, and artistic traditions represented in the exhibition. It is an opportunity to experience the museum after hours, gather with friends, and see the collection from a new perspective. And for those looking to bring a little of the museum home, the Museum Shop offers another stop along the holiday journey. From art-inspired gifts and books to playful items for the art lover in your life, a visit to the shop can turn a museum outing into an opportunity to find something unexpected for someone special. Perhaps that is the greatest pleasure of visiting a museum during the holidays: there is always something to discover. You might come looking for a gift and find a painting instead. You might bring children to see Arthur and find yourself remembering the books you loved as a child. You might come for an evening with friends and discover a centuries-old story about the relationship between humans and animals. And you might find yourself standing in front of a painting of a woman, a bear, and four rabbits sharing a Christmas pudding and wondering what, exactly, is happening in that snowy woodland. Cold Sauce with Christmas Pudding reminds us that holiday traditions have always had room for a little imagination and a little mischief. This season, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts invites visitors to bring that same spirit of curiosity with them. Whether it becomes a stop on a holiday shopping trip, a destination for visiting family and friends, or simply a place to spend an afternoon together, the museum offers an opportunity to slow down, look closely, and discover something new.* This holiday season, make the museum part of your journey. There may be a whole menagerie waiting to welcome you.

Bailey Rafter is the manager of marketing and publication for Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. To learn more about the museum, go to www.wcmfa.org. AT HOME PLACES MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2026 61

MIND YOUR MONEY

Shop Smart, Travel Smart

Enjoying Life While Protecting Your Financial Future Written by Jacob W. Barr

hopping and traveling are two of the most enjoyable ways to spend money. Shopping allows us to purchase things we need, upgrade our lifestyles, and occasionally reward ourselves. Travel gives us opportunities to relax, experience new places, spend time with family, and create lasting memories. Neither activity is financially irresponsible on its own. Problems arise when spending on today’s wants interferes with tomorrow’s financial needs. Being financially responsible does not mean eliminating vacations, restaurants, entertainment or shopping. Instead, it means planning ahead so that the things we enjoy fit comfortably within our financial situation. One of the most important financial habits is learning to plan before making purchases. It is easy to spend money without considering how several smaller purchases can affect an overall budget. A new outfit, dinner at a restaurant, an online order, and a weekend trip may individually seem affordable. Combined, however, they can become a significant expense. Creating a monthly budget helps put those decisions into perspective. Essential expenses such as housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, groceries, and debt payments should generally receive priority. Saving for emergencies and long-term goals should also be part of the plan. Once those responsibilities have been considered, money can intentionally be allocated toward shopping, entertainment, and travel. This approach changes the question from “Can I afford to buy this today?” to “Does buying this fit into my overall financial plan?” That is a much better question. Modern shopping makes spending incredibly convenient. With saved credit cards, online stores, mobile apps, and one-click purchasing, there is very little time between wanting something and buying it. Financial responsibility sometimes means deliberately slowing that process down.

Before making a nonessential purchase, consider asking: Do I actually need this? Is this purchase already included in my budget? Could I wait several days before deciding? Can I buy the same item for less somewhere else? Will purchasing it affect an upcoming bill or savings goal? Waiting before making a larger discretionary purchase can be especially useful. Something that feels necessary today may seem much less important after a few days. Credit cards also require discipline. They can provide convenience and benefits, but using credit should not create the illusion that something is affordable simply because payment can be postponed. If shopping regularly creates balances that cannot be comfortably repaid, the purchases may be disrupting financial well-being rather than improving quality of life. Travel deserves the same level of preparation. The true cost of a vacation extends beyond airfare or a hotel room. Transportation, meals, baggage fees, parking, entertainment, admission tickets, souvenirs, tips, and unexpected expenses can significantly increase the total cost. Before booking a trip, estimate the entire vacation cost. For example, imagine a family expects a vacation to cost $3,600 and plans to travel nine months from now. Instead of paying for the trip with debt at the last minute, they could create a dedicated travel fund and save $400 each month. By the time the vacation arrives, the money is already available. This simple strategy can completely change the experience. Rather than returning home with vacation memories followed by months of payments, the traveler returns knowing the trip was planned and funded in advance. Planning for enjoyable expenses is important, but financial responsibility also requires preparing for expenses we cannot predict. A car repair, medical expense, home repair, or temporary loss of income can happen unexpectedly. Having emergency savings creates a financial buffer between an unexpected event and high-interest debt.

This is why a vacation fund and an emergency fund should ideally serve different purposes. Money intended to protect someone’s household from an emergency should not routinely become shopping or vacation money. Financial planning becomes much easier when money has a purpose. Someone might maintain separate savings categories for emergencies, vacations, holidays, major purchases, vehicle expenses, or home projects. Even relatively small contributions made consistently can prepare someone for expenses months before they occur. Another challenge is lifestyle comparison. Social media can make it appear that everyone is constantly taking expensive vacations, buying new vehicles, remodeling homes, and purchasing the newest technology. What we usually cannot see is another person’s financial situation. Someone displaying an expensive lifestyle may have significant savings and income. They may also have significant debt. There is no reliable way to know. Financial decisions should therefore be based on your income, responsibilities, savings, and goals, not someone else’s lifestyle. Being able to afford the monthly payment is also different from being able to comfortably afford the purchase. A financially healthy decision considers what must be sacrificed elsewhere to make that payment. When shopping and travel are planned in advance, they can become enjoyable parts of a financially responsible lifestyle rather than threats to financial stability. A little preparation today can help ensure that enjoying the present does not come at the expense of tomorrow.

Jacob W. Barr, AAMS, is a financial advisor at Raymond James Financial Services, 140 Paul Smith Blvd. in Hagerstown.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Jacob Barr and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Every investor’s situation is unique, and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Ark Financial Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services

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