Issuu

A P R I L 2 02 1

STAYCATIONS

at Four Seasons Washington LI F E + C U LTU R E B EEK EEPI N G LO CAL CAR SH OWS & G EN ER AT I O NS O F EN T H USIAS T S S T Y LE + B E AU T Y B RE T T G U T ERM AN'S O T G BABY

LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

KC Cole | KC.Cole@Lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Kitty Bartell | Kitty.Bartell@lifestylepubs.com

Fresh Things are Sprouting in Potomac! SPRING IS HERE AND WE ARE READY TO GET OUT AND ABOUT! We’re planning activities and getaways to refresh our families and feed our souls. You’ll be sure to find something in this month’s issue that speaks to you. Speaking of refreshing, have you thought about taking a staycation right here in the DMV? We have discovered a gem right in our own backyard where amenities and special touches have been planned with luxury staycations in mind. I wanted to send a special thank you to all the staff at Washington DC’s Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Jess Bousa | Jess@Ordermychaos.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Delaney Wiggins | Delaney.expomedia@gmail.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lauri Gross, Marie Robey Wood CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Danielle Finney, Tony Powell, Jack Hartzman

who made our stay one of the best in a very long time. What a fabulous way to escape without really getting away. They were one of the few hotels that remained opened through the pandemic. Everything you need to map-out your getaway is found at the Four Seasons. Pampering and exceptional cuisine are just the beginning of indulgence! We also caught up with local blogger and travel writer Tykesha Burton who has supplied us with Get Me Outta Here! a guide to sharing adventures with your children locally around the DC area; especially if your staycation includes the kiddos. If you’ve been cooped-up long enough and just need a day away from the home-front, area car shows are a great cure. Driving Each Other Closer gives us a guide to several

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

area shows where enthusiasts share their rare, exotic and limited-edition vehicles.

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

You’re likely to see a Model T or even learn about orphan cars.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

You may have noticed a buzz across Montgomery County. We uncovered an exciting

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

story about local beekeeping enthusiasts who are tending to hives and supporting

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

the environment in backyards throughout the area. Check out Beekeeping and learn

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

about just how accessible this hobby has become, and the hive that local journalist and filmmaker, Phil Frank has in his kitchen! Finally, nothing excites us more than local innovation. Congratulations to college student Brett Guterman, Founder and CEO of newly launched “Fashionable Moms” OTGbaby bag, a burgeoning, local biz that is changing the diaper-changing arena.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

KC Cole , Publisher ON THE COVER Staycationing at

Proverbs 3:5-6

the Four Seasons. 2800 Pennsylvania

Potomac Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via

Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY POWELL 4

Potomac Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

the US Postal Service to some of the Potomac areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Potomac Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 08 Driving Each Other Closer Area Car Shows Attract Generations of Enthusiasts Seeking to Share the Day and Swap Stories

14 OTGBaby A New Kind of Diaper Bag Shows it’s Time For a Change

18 Beekeeping A Honey of a Pastime

24 18

24 Staycation at the Four Seasons Washington Helping to Beat the Pandemic Blues

14 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Local’s Choice

24 Travel Destination 30 Local Limelight 34 Culinary Creations

Information Center Now Open!

Our Information Center is now open and scheduling visits and tours of the community 7 days a week. Come meet our team and we will give you a glimpse of the suite layouts, beautiful decor and amenities at our new luxury, active aging community Brandywine Living at Potomac!

For private appointments, please call Matthew, Andrew or Travis at 301.417.3000 or visit www.Brandycare.com

10800 Potomac Tennis Lane | Potomac, Maryland 20854 | 301.417.3000

CITY SCENE

ARTICLE LAURI GROSS

AREA

N GE CT E D R A TH TT E S A HAR OW SH OS GT CAR K IN SEE AY

AT AN ION S D SW OF EN AP TH ST OR USIAST IE S S

ASK BILL SESSLER ABOUT HIS CARS

“As a result of my dad going into the car

AND HE’LL START HIS STORY IN THE

business, I got interested.”

1870S. In 1942 Bill’s dad came to Virginia

In 1962 the dealership acquired a 1933

from a family farm in Massachusetts with

Pontiac. “Dad liked it,” Bill recalls. “I thought

origins that date to the 1870s. “The farm is

it was cool. The company owed him money

still there,” says Bill, before he explains the

so dad took the car [as payment]. Its been in

path his dad took from farmer to business-

my family ever since. My dad and I restored it

man by way of space rented in the same

completely. We won a bunch of awards with

building as a Manassas Pontiac dealership.

it. We mostly drove it to car shows.”

“I worked with my dad in parts and service,”

While Bill’s tale is unique, similar stories

Bill says of the Pontiac dealership where his

unfold at car shows and events every-

dad had become a minority stockholder.

where, including an impressive slate of

Potomac Lifestyle | April 2021

DR I V I NG E ACH

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A pair of Packards cross a vintage bridge near Jarrettsville, Maryland during the 2014 Orphan Car tour. Photo by Ross Miller.

OTHER CLOSER

annual shows around the DMV. The year that shall not be named decimated the recent calendar of area car shows, but in 2021 there is new hope that these community events might take place once again. The Edgar Rohr Memorial Car Meet in Manassas is one that Bill Sessler regularly attends. Except for 2020, the show is held every September on the lawn of the Manassas Museum near historic Old Town Manassas. The show is sponsored by the Bull Run Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). Bill has been involved pretty much since the show’s inception nearly 50 years ago and is currently a member of the board of directors of the Bull Run Region. Each year, the event draws about 170 vehicles all built in 1995 or earlier, with antique and modified cars, trucks and street rods, as well as post-1995 rare, exotic or limited-production cars. The Edgar Rohr Memorial Car Meet also includes a flea market, Model T Ford assembly demonstrations and more. Edgar Rohr was the first president of the Bull Run Region of the AACA and prior to that was the AACA national president. For more information, please visit BullRunAACA.org. Dr. Pete Pandolfi is the current president of the Bull Run regional club. His car collection includes a 1991 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II and a 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible, and he’s owned many others over the years. His home includes a collection of more than 1,000 model cars. Of the Edgar Rohr event, he says, “Most owners are a walking encyclopedia of information on the car and they all love to talk about them.” He encourages families to attend together. “Kids should be exposed to how things used to be to get an appreciation for where they are now,” he explains. Dr. Pandolfi, a retired US Air Force officer, is a member of Crusin-4-Heroes, a group of mostly veterans that shows cars at local events to raise money for the Fisher House, which Dr. Pandolfi says is “a military version of Ronald McDonald House. All the funds we raise go to the charity.”

CONTINUED >

Every September, the Edgar Rohr Memorial Car Meet in Manassas draws about 170 vehicles. Photo courtesy the Bull Run Region, AACA.

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

CITY SCENE (CONTINUED)

Attendees at the Edgar Rohr Memorial Car Meet in Manassas check out a Mustang and Corvair. Photo courtesy of the Bull Run Region, AACA

This vintage Lincoln Touring car was a fan favorite at the Edgar Rohr Memorial Car Meet in Manassas. Photo courtesy of the Bull Run Region, AACA.

A 1912 Flanders gets ready to leave the Howard County Fairgrounds at the start of the 2015 Orphan Car Tour. Photo by Ed Lemanski

Potomac Lifestyle | April 2021

Another local event, the Orphan Car Tour is an

Each October, about 10,000 car enthusiasts flock

annual afternoon driving tour for “orphan” cars at

to the Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show

least 25 years old. “Orphans” were produced either

held at the Rockville Civic Center Park. Amanda

by now-defunct manufacturers or the discontinued

Knox of the City of Rockville Recreation and Parks

divisions of still-existing companies. The tour began

Department Special Events Division says the show

in 1990 and takes place in early June in different loca-

attracts about 550 cars, the most of any non-juried

tions around Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

mid-Atlantic show. For more information, please visit

The tour’s purpose is simply to encourage the driving

RockvilleMD.gov/Carshow.

enjoyment of antique orphan vehicles.

Thirty-two car clubs are represented during the

Attracting about 60 cars each year, the tour is 30

Rockville event, which also includes a flea market,

to 60 miles long and passes through picturesque

moon bounce, live music and more. Amanda says,

rural areas and quaint towns. There’s also a writ-

“Everybody of all ages comes. A grandfather will

ten quiz for drivers and/or navigators, plus several

come with his son and grandchildren. That’s one of

stops at historic sites, museums, etc. Correctly

my favorite parts, the camaraderie.” The owners, she

answering the quiz questions requires paying

says, “Want nothing more than for someone to come

close attention to sights along the route. The event

up to them and ask about their car. They are the heart

concludes with a buffet meal and awards for things

and soul of the show.”

like the oldest car and the driver experiencing the

Some of the many local car events include the

worst misfortune during the day.

National Capital Region Mustang Club Show,

John Battle is the tour publicity coordinator. He

the Historic Fredericksburg Region AACA Show,

explains that the Orphan Tour is a collaborative effort

the Britain on the Green Car Show in Alexandria,

by several local chapters of national “orphan” clubs,

the Sully Historic Site Antique Car Show in

including clubs representing Packards, Studebakers,

Chantilly and the Hershey Region of AACA Eastern

AMC-built cars, DeSotos and Hudsons. (More at

Fall Meet (a bit farther away but popular among

M . M A R KO G I A N NOrphanCarTour.org) AKIS

inIKO D R . DDERS .P D I NEAScar PM IN .enthusiasts A MD A MR. .KO MDAEGRS PAthe IN NG N ADMV). IAA M KN.IN SMAAKRIKO S GIANNAKIS

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A Washingtonian Top Dentist, Dr. Markogiannakis is providing new and existing patients the highest quality of comprehensive dental care with the safest environment possible during these uncertain times. She is continuously at the forefront of infection control and has incorporated the highest level of PPE, which includes: • Extra oral evacuation units in each treatment room removing aerosols to the 0.3 micron • Surgical clean air system: certified to filter over 95% of all particles in the air • Certified N95 masks will be worn by all team members at all times. Masks are also required to be worn by all patients into the office • Limited number of patients in the office at a time

• Thorough prescreening of each patient prior to and after entering our office • Single use items and disposables for our patient (everything from eyewear to pens) • Continuous and thorough disinfection of ALL surfaces in the office • Temperature checks of all patients (including staff) checked daily upon arrival

As we begin this new phase in patient care, rest assured that providing the highest quality of care in the safest setting remains our number one priority.

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O B E Y WO

AR TICLE

OT O G R A PH Y

R T ZMAN

OTGbaby

LOCAL’S CHOICE

A NEW KIND OF DIAPER BAG SHOWS IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE

Potomac Lifestyle | April 2021

September 2020, which was fully funded in one week. Right beside Brett is his mother Barbara, a successful entrepreneur in her own right. Barbara is the company’s president and COO and they work together in building their business. According to her, “I am always learning from Brett and vice versa.” IN 2018 BRETT GUTERMAN, A SENIOR AT BULLIS SCHOOL

In school Brett is studying finance as well as running his company.

IN POTOMAC, WAS PART OF A TEAM OF SIX THAT FACED

He and his mother look at designing and marketing OTGbaby diaper

A CHALLENGE IN THE SCHOOL’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP

changing backpacks as, “A great learning experience of taking an

SIGNATURE PROGRAM. The group needed to create an original

idea and turning it into a reality.” And even though the company is

design as their class project. Some of the students were babysitters

just getting started, OTGbaby, Inc. is already thinking about giving

and together they came up with the idea of designing a diaper bag

back to the community. One of their goals is to donate diapers and

to include a feature that would allow parents to change a baby’s

accessories to families and babies in need throughout the country.

diapers in any environment. Their prototype won the school’s annual Shark Tank competition with its $10,000 award, which they

Brett Guterman, Founder and CEO of OTGbaby

used as seed money to launch their design. They came up with the “Go Bag,” a changing pad in a diaper bag backpack that can hold everything necessary for easy and sanitary diaper changing. What really makes the Go Bag unique is its patented design that allows the backpack to fully unzip to reveal a 36” changing pad to fit babies from newborns to toddlers. The unique design is the result of Brett interviewing hundreds of customers who described what they look for when purchasing a diaper bag. Their concerns included finding a clean place to change their baby’s diapers. They mentioned the desire to avoid public restrooms, especially today with the coronavirus adding to their concerns. This impacted the design of the bag’s pad to make it easy to clean. It is wipeable and water-repellant so, in Brett’s words, “You’re not taking germs back home with you.” The backpack, which weighs less than two pounds, contains seven storage compartments which can hold diapers (in the top flap) and a baby pocket with four internal compartments for additional diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks and more. Also included is an insulated compartment that can hold up to two bottles. Another pocket is available for storing keys, hand sanitizers, cell phones and other items an adult would want. A large back pocket will fit a laptop, blanket and other items. Nothing is forgotten. In addition to adjustable padded backpack straps, a four-inch handle drop, a magnetic clasp to hold the top pocket down and straps to connect the bag to a stroller, are all part of the design. According to Brett, the bag gives parents the confidence to know that when leaving home they don’t have to be anxious about planning ahead to find a suitable location to change diapers, even if it’s outdoors. The design of the bag also included spending a lot of time on market research to help select the vegan leather in gender neutral colors-denim blue, blue gray and military green-remember that, men! Brett, who is 21 and now a junior at George Washington University, decided to buy out his teammates in early 2020. He was awarded a utility patent and launched a successful Kickstarter campaign in OTG’s Go Bag has compartments for all baby’s needs in any setting.

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Maureen Jais-Mick works the apiary in her backyard

BE E K E E PI NG

A family affair, (left to right) Robin, Larry, Sammi, Syd and Zach Brown.

A HONEY OF A PASTIME

Beekeeper removing a slat of honeycomb from its rack

Potomac Lifestyle | April 2021

ARTICLE MARIE ROBEY WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Phil Frank inspects his kitchen beehive

ONE OF THE SURPRISING DEVELOPMENTS OF THE

Beekeepers provide shelter (beehives), health care

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC IS THE GROWING NUM-

(pest removal), and sometimes food to their bees, but

BER OF COMMITTED BEEKEEPERS IN MONTGOMERY

the bees are free to come and go as desired. This

COUNTY. A beekeeper, or apiarist, is a person who keeps

involves lots of effort during certain times of the year,

honey bees in beehives. Their backyards become “bee-

especially in the spring. This is the season that bee-

yards,” also called apiaries. Guy Semmes of Potomac, who

keepers examine the winter losses in their apiaries and

founded Hopkins Imported Construction, relays that the

supplement the food in the hive by feeding the honey

virus has been a boon to his sales of honey because, “Now

bees sugar-water, placing new hives, replacing the

people are more interested in buying local, natural, raw and

queens if necessary, starting pest control and monitor-

unprocessed food.” He also finds that people who have

ing the production of the bees.

allergies or throat problems are buying more natural honey because, “Honey helps to ease their symptoms.”

The majority of the members of MCBA are hobbyist beekeepers who keep ten or fewer hives at their resi-

Montgomery County Beekeepers Association (MCBA)

dences. A few members have larger operations and offer

is a non-profit club that trains new beekeepers and pro-

pollination services to farms. Many members sell or give

vides continuing education for its members. They currently

honey as gifts, along with soaps, lotions, and other prod-

have 575 members, a number they say has been growing

ucts from the hives. Bill Conway, a beekeeper in Potomac,

steadily in recent years. In addition to honey bees there

who keeps his three hives in his 4-acre backyard, notes

are 434 species of native bees in Maryland, 200 of them

that rarely does he find honey in other locations that

in Montgomery County, but it is only the honey bees who

tastes as good as the honey produced in this area.

produce harvestable honey. Interesting fact, all bees collect

Beekeepers relate that one of the fascinating benefits of

nectar from flowers and most turn it into honey but only in

their hobby is that they are always learning. Maureen Jais-

tiny amounts. Only honey bee colonies produce and store

Mick of Bethesda teaches courses through the MCBA.

copious volumes of honey which is their food supply for

“Through continuing education you can learn so much,”

winter. They produce about twice as much honey as the

she says. “This is a major part of what the association

colony needs and beekeepers steal some of the excess.

does, and this winter we are going around to beekeepers

Other bee colonies die when the weather turns cold.

and taking thermal images of their hives so owners can

So who are these people in the funny-looking white hats with veils and what is it exactly that a beekeeper does?

learn if it’s necessary to add food for the honey bees to survive in the winter months.“

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

BEEKEEPING (CONTINUED)

Larry Brown of Potomac finds that beekeeping

Later, while visiting the Oxford University Museum of

requires, “One hundred-percent focus of your mind.

Natural History, he discovered their glass-walled obser-

I find it’s very therapeutic. There are so many facets

vation hive. There he was able to show his wife Vivian all

to it. I am more observant of my property, I pay more

that he had learned about the types of honey bees and

attention to my bees and hive.” He adds, “I perceive

their roles in the hive and producing honey. He pointed

being a beekeeper for the rest of my life.”

out the eggs, larvae and even the queen bee. He went

Bill Conway concurs, “I find beekeeping endlessly

home, researched how to build an observation hive,

interesting and I get much more out of beekeeping

and taught himself woodworking, cutting glass and

than I put into it.”

other skills necessary to construct the hive. The finished

Brown, who runs a real estate investment com-

product was a glass observational hive in his kitchen

pany, has made beekeeping a family affair. He admits

where more than 4,000 honey bees live. They come in

that in the beginning it took some convincing to get

and out of his house through a clear tube. His goal is,

his wife and two daughters to support his idea of

“To show other non-beekeepers what I get to see when

becoming a beekeeper. He promised that if there

I put on my bee suit.” A video of Frank’s kitchen hive can

were any issues with children, dogs or neighbors he

be viewed on his website FrankTV.net.

wouldn’t start his hobby. But not only did the family

Pre-COVID-19 Frank used his see-through beehive

members jump on board, they have sold so much

to teach local first-graders about honey bees. He

honey that they donate their earnings to a non-profit

set up 7 different stations for the children, including

called “Black Girls Code.”

a honey tasting section, a station to touch wax comb

Another bonus to the learning aspect of beekeep-

and other products from the hive, a chance to handle

ing is meeting new people. According to Semmes,

beekeeping tools and to try on a bee suit. One instruc-

“When I started out I had no idea of what type of

tional goal was to guide them in identifying a colony’s

people I’d meet but I have met so many interesting

one queen bee, camouflaged in a sea of worker bees.

beekeepers, including scientists who work at the

Pam Hepp, a Bethesda beekeeper and the pres-

National Institutes of Health and other locations.”

ident of the MCBA, had her interest in beekeeping

Brown notes, “Montgomery County has some of the

sparked when she traveled to Greece to visit her hus-

largest number of hobbyists in the country, and the

band’s family and noticed all the blue boxes by the

people here are very welcoming, knowledgeable and

side of the road. She learned that those blue boxes

always willing to help.” He adds, “It was very hum-

were where people kept their bees and used their

bling for me to realize how little I know and that there

fresh honey in many recipes, including baklava. She

is the opportunity to learn about different cultures

took the short MCBA course and was hooked. She

and different beekeeping methods around the world.”

agrees with her fellow beekeepers that she is always

Although most local beekeepers keep their hives

learning from her beekeeping pastime. One takeaway

in their yards, Phil Frank of Bethesda had a different

was her amazement that the more you learn, the

idea. A journalist and filmmaker, he produced, wrote

more easily you will see the bees’ organized structure

and directed a 60-minute program for National

and controlled system to produce honey, “They are

Geographic International about mass animal die-

so much more than just bugs,” she notes.

offs, which included bees. That led him to become

an enthusiastic beekeeper, building his first hive on

If you are interested in seeing what is involved in bee-

his back deck where he now has 15 hives. He also

keeping and don’t know the difference between a hon-

became MCBA’s webmaster, greatly expanding its

ey bee, a yellowjacket or a hornet, go to The Montgom-

offerings to become a resource for teaching, con-

ery County Beekeepers Association website to learn

necting and membership enrollment.

more. www.montgomerycountybeekeepers.com.

Potomac Lifestyle | April 2021

ROBERT COLLINS OF Bill Conway scrapes the honey from his honeycomb

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TRAVEL DESTINATION

S T AYC AT IO N AT T H E F OU R S E A S O N S BEAT THE PANDEMIC BLUES

Potomac Lifestyle | April 2021

BY NOW ALMOST ALL OF US ARE SUFFERING FROM PANDEMIC FATIGUE IN SOME FORM OR ANOTHER. There is an alternative, however, to the long distance travel that so many of us miss-the staycation! Why not stay in a nice hotel, eat delicious food and play tourist in your own city for a few days? And while you’re at it, why not enjoy being pampered at the same time? If you are thinking of this close-by getaway, consider choosing the hotel U.S. News & World Report calls “The #1 hotel in Washington, D. C. and #6 in the country”: the Four Seasons Hotel. The Four Seasons offers plenty of appealing enticements. First is the location. Residing on Pennsylvania Avenue, it straddles Georgetown on one side with its charming shops and abundant restaurants, and downtown D.C. on the other side with the national monuments, historic landmarks and iconic memorials. Because airline travel has become so restricted, the Four Seasons has been offering a road-trip friendly “Staycation” package. Included in the offer is a guaranteed upgrade to the next room category (up to the Capital Suite), a bottle of sparkling wine, a 10% discount on all spa services, overnight valet parking, and late check-out until 3:00 p.m.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

The Staycation is intended to invite guests to plan a getaway with a partner, a girls’ weekend, a bridal party get-a-way, or any combination one wishes. Families with children are also encouraged to visit. Parents of young ones who have stayed report extra touches aimed at delighting the kids, such as a kid’s meal tray replete with special candies and cookies, toys, etc. The hotel staff loves to see children and child-sized slippers and robes are included in their rooms. Kids may also enjoy surprises such as a glow-in-the dark sleeping tent. The Four Seasons will even allow you to keep your dog in your room. Since the start of the pandemic the first priority of the Four Seasons staff has been to ensure the safety and health of staff and guests and they implemented an ongoing health and safety program called Lead With Care. It includes cleaning all public areas hourly and disinfecting rooms with EPA-approved products. Each guest room will be equipped with a Lead With Care Kit, a PPE kit that includes face masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizer wipes. Anyone entering the hotel will have their temperatures taken by staff and masks are required in all public areas. The three-tiered Fitness Center and Spa at the Four Seasons has long been a destination not only

A glimpse of one of two opulent Presidential Suites at Four Seasons Washington.

for guests at the hotel but also for those living nearby who can purchase annual memberships. A guest entering the spa is warmly welcomed by a hotel team

you right up! Currently the pool is available to in-house guests who must make

member such as Jose, who will greet you as if you are

a reservation ahead of time. Pool times are offered for 45-minute increments

his long-lost best friend. After a temperature check

followed by a 15-minute cleaning for subsequent swimmers.

and filling out an informational form you are shown

The weight area in the Fitness Center is comprised of two floors loaded with

to the men or women’s locker room and then the

30 pieces of top-of-the-line, Technogym equipment. Free weights and weight

individual treatment rooms. If you happen to have

training equipment are also available in the gym.

Georgi as your masseuse, although all are reported

When it’s time for dinner, the Four Seasons doesn’t disappoint. Chef Michael

to be wonderful–don’t hesitate to ask him about his

Mina’s Bourbon Steak is well-known in the area and it is not unusual to spot

home country of Bulgaria, he has many great stories

socialites, celebrities and politicians. Reviewers usually rate the restaurant four

to share. Different massages last anywhere from 50 to

stars, and diners rave about the huge choice of cuts of American and Japanese

100 minutes and may include extras such as essential

beef as well as the flavored French fries and crispy Brussels sprouts.

oils or shea butter, but all are guaranteed to leave you feeling limp with relaxation.

The Ranch at Bourbon Steak is the outdoor section decorated in a rustic, Western style now covered and heated. The staff added fire pits and doubled

The hotel’s heated, saltwater pool is considered

the size of the courtyard, including placing plastic igloos all at safe distances.

one of the best indoor pools in Washington. It is a

According to manager Jason de Vries, “When the restrictions happened we

lap pool consisting of two lanes and children are also

had to learn to adapt. This made us stronger as an organization.”

invited to dive right in. The area is ringed with great

The Four Seasons continues to emphasize the value it places on treating

photography on the walls. If you forget something like

each guest as a star. “It’s been a hard year on everyone”, according to de Vries;

goggles or even a swimsuit, the front desk will hook

“Our team miss their guests so much.”

Potomac Lifestyle | April 2021

EFFORTLESS STEPS TO S T AYC A T I O N B L I S S

Spa treatments include specialty facials and massages

Sumptuous scallops at Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak Restaurant.

Great for family getaways in the heated salt water pool!

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT ARTICLE LAURI GROSS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

G E T M E O U T TA H E R E ! FOR FAMILIES SEEKING OUTDOOR ADVENTURES, TRAVEL WRITER TYKESHA BURTON HAS PLENTY OF IDEAS

Touring the Chesapeake Bay.

The National Arboretum.

Tykesha Burton.

Waterman's Heritage Cruise on the Chesapeake. Photo Credit Danielle Finney www.dfinneyphoto.co

Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge, Md.

The Awakening Statue at National Harbor.

Meridian Hill Park

IN THIS MOMENT, WITH THE PANDEMIC’S END IN SIGHT, FAMILIES MAY BE SEARCHING FOR ONE MORE BIT OF STRENGTH TO GET THEM OVER THE FINISH LINE. Tykesha Burton may be the expert families need right now. Tykesha, a travel writer says “It’s possible to be a bucket-list beast and a mom.” She founded Momma Wanderlust, and MommaWanderlust.com, to inspire parents to explore with their children.

Potomac Lifestyle | April 2021

Here are some of Tykesha’s favorite DC-area family-friendly trips that offer opportunities to engage with nature.

WATERMAN’S HERITAGE CRUISE ON THE CHESAPEAKE Tykesha embarked on this adventure with her husband Cedric and 6-year-old son. The Burtons decided their three-year-old daughter might be too cold on this November trip. “We got to touch and measure oysters and even had a couple to eat (raw) on the jetty,” Tykesha laughs. Aubrey also

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got to touch some eels. “It was very hands-on,” Tykesha says. For more information, please visit MDCharterFishing.com. KNOWLEDGE

PICNIC AT THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM. “In addition to its amazing agriculture, the 446acre Arboretum is the home to the 22 National

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Capitol Columns which once supported a portion of the U.S. Capitol,” Tykesha explains. “I also love to use this location for family photoshoots,” she adds. For more information, please visit USNA.USDA.gov. THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL. The 2021 festival began March 20 and runs through April 11. “There are more than 3,000 cherry blossom trees in D.C. Each spring, when they bloom it’s a beautiful sight to behold,” says Tykesha whose website includes tips for parking and navigating the crowds. For more information, please visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org. A SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY IN NORTHWEST D.C. “The campus is beautiful and features several historical landmarks such as the Andrew

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Rankin Memorial Chapel, the Fredrick Douglass Memorial Hall and the Founders Library. Spring is a wonderful time to walk around the large campus,” says Tykesha. Check Howard.edu for COVID-19 updates and info on whether the campus is currently open.

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Schaeffer’s Piano Company: Celebrating 120 Years! Over 100 Pianos & Digitals Online!

FROM OUR FAMILY, TO YOURS. We are a Potomac family owned & operated restaurant. Our mission is to serve you fresh made traditional Italian favorites, made in our own kitchens.

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Potomac Lifestyle | April 2021

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CULINARY CREATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY JACK HARTZMAN

E ASTER & PASSOVER SPECIALS FROM SOME OUR FAVORITE LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS!

L AHINCH TAVERN & GRILL RESTAURANT Enjoy mouthwatering Shrimp-Stuffed Bread topped with chili arugula. Live

MYKONOS GRILL Mykonos Grill will have a regular Menu plus a Daily Special of Lamb, Easter Bread and Eggs! 121 Congressional Ln, Rockville, MD 20852 mykonosgrill.com

music, indoor and outdoor seating, and bottomless Mimosas/Bloody Marys during weekend brunch. Located in Cabin John Village. 7747 Tuckerman Ln, Potomac, MD 20854 lahinchtavernandgrill.com

GREGORIO’ S TRAT TORIA Gregorio’s Trattoria is serving up Passover Pizza! Visit Gregorio’s in both Potomac, Cabin John and Reston. 7745 Tuckerman Lane Potomac, MD 20854 GregoriosTrattoria.com

HUNTER’ S BAR AND GRILL Hunter’s Bar and Grill will be serving up Sylvia Berman’s absolutely divine home- made Matzo Ball Soup. Get it while it’s hot!! 10123 River Rd, Potomac, MD 20854 huntersbarandgrill.com

Potomac Lifestyle | April 2021

BROOKLYN DELI Noted for the Best Corned Beef and Pastrami in town, hurry it runs out fast! 1089 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854 brooklynsdelimd.com

Image Provided

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