Eastern Home & Travel – May/June 2017

SHARING THE SALT OF THE EARTH

May/June2017

EasternHomeAndTravel.com

RUN FREE ALONG THE CRYSTAL COAST

ADVENTURES BRING HISTORY ALIVE

It’s Your Time to Celebrate with a $100 Resort Credit!

Make any occasion special with a winter getaway to our 72° resort Whether a milestone celebration or the day you ran a mile, we’ll help make your getaway extra special by offering a $100 resort credit per night.* Luxurious spa treatments, delicious dining, unique shopping and fun recreation options provide everything you need for a joyous occasion. Plus, enjoy FREE* transportation throughout National Harbor to MGM Resort Casino, Tanger Outlets and more!

Book your getaway today!

GaylordNational.com or call (301) 965-4000 (refer to promo code ZJL) OTHER LOCATIONS *Valid through October 24, 2017. Limited number of rooms available for this promotion. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. Limit One (1) $100 resort credit per night. Transportation included as part of the daily resort fee. See website for complete terms and conditions.

Gaylord Opryland® Nashville, TN (Music City)

Gaylord Texan® Grapevine, TX (Dallas / Ft. Worth area)

Gaylord Palms® Kissimmee, FL (Orlando area)

Summer Fun Starts Now!

Escape with ease at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay along Maryland’s scenic Choptank River. Float between our three pools, boating, crabbing, championship golf, Sago Spa, and delicious dining experiences. Tour Dorchester County’s fascinating historical sites. From our guestroom renovations to our welcoming resort staff, we’ve planned everything for complete joy on the Eastern Shore. Get away with it.

For reservations, call 410 901 1234 or visit chesapeakebay.regency.hyatt.com.

The trademark HYATT and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. © 2017 Hyatt Corporation.

All rights reserved.

Indulge all Senses HARFORD COUNT N I Y

Touch

Hear

From breathtaking vistas and mouth-watering local produce to the crack of a bat and a bouquet of aromas, from shores to fields, Harford County has countless ways to spoil all your senses. Visit www.visitharford.com to plan your next trip.

Taste

Smell See

L a r r y H o g a n g ov e r n o r

PRESENTS

Saturday

AUG 5 1–7 PM

Carroll Creek Park Frederick, MD Experience the most innovative wineries from across the state of Maryland as we showcase an industry that is quickly growing to include many diverse and critically acclaimed wines.

Paired with signature food selections from talented, local chefs, the festival is set to cater to the savviest of food and wine enthusiasts. If Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot make you swoon, and Albarino and Chardonnay are your go-to summer wines, join us in Historic Downtown Frederick, Maryland.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL VISIT CelebrateFrederick.com

Spires Sponsor

Find out more about Celebrate Frederick on:

Celebrate Frederick @celebratefrederick Carillon Sponsors KEY 103, 106.9 The Eagle, Sandy Spring Bank and Weis Markets Bandshell Sponsors

Frederick Magazine, The Frederick News-Post, and WHAG

@CelebrateFred

# celebratefrederick

Event Partners BGE HOME, FindIt Frederick, K.C. Company, Inc. Pella Windows & Doors & Moore Wealth

contents features 14 AMERICA’S BEGINNINGS

14

30 TAKE A WALK THROUGH HISTORY 30 58

IN ST. AUGUSTINE

42 ESCAPE TO NORTH CAROLINA’S CRYSTAL COAST

58 BEAUTIFUL ERIE: A LOVE LETTER TO MY HOMETOWN

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

7

contents departments 24 CURIOSITIES

ST. CLEMENT’S ISLAND, A MUST-VISIT

FOR MARYLAND-LOVING HISTORY BUFFS

29 GREAT READS

“THE SOUND OF A WILD SNAIL EATING”

By Elisabeth Tova Bailey

50 52

36 TASTINGS

WEST VIRGINIA—HOME

TO THE SALT OF THE EARTH

50 EAST COAST FINDS

EXPLORE AND HYDRATE

52 HOME

REFRESH AND RENEW AT HOME

8

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

HIL Eastern Home&Travel Full Pg May-Jun 17 Ad.qxp_Layout 1 4/27/17 3:01 PM Page 1

Hilto n Oc ea n C i t y Oce an fro n t S u ites

Hello Sunshine!

BOOK DIRECT FOR BEST RATE GUARANTEED www.oceancityhilton.com Only AAA 4-Diamond Resort in Ocean City, MD • Located Oceanfront on 32nd St • Direct 410-289-6444 • Toll-Free 866-729-3200 TRIPADVISOR’S TOP 25 USA BEACHES!

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS SHUAN BUTCHER An Army veteran, Shuan has spent most of his life working in the nonprofit sector on issues such as arts and culture, heritage tourism, civic engagement, and community development. He is a member of the National Press Club. He published “Inspiration to Serve: 101 Quotes about Kindness, Caring, and Giving,” co-authored “Making Change for the Better: The Importance of Youth Giving,” and contributes to a variety of local, regional, and national publications.

KELLY FRAGER is the owner of Etiquette for Everyday and is a Certified Etiquette Instructor through the International School of Protocol. Kelly truly enjoys raising awareness about how we treat each other with kindness, courtesy and respect. She loves building individual confidence by discussing courtesy and civil ways to handle situations that range from the playground to the dinner table to the boardroom. Kelly especially encourages travelers to apply these principles no matter where their adventures take them. Find her at etiquetteforeveryday.com

JOE MOTHERAL is a freelance writer who spent over 30 years traveling the world as an engineer, technical writer and corporate executive. He spent many years as an active member of the National Press Club. Retirement has given Joe and his wife the opportunity to focus on his greatest loves: writing, golf and of course traveling to historically rich locales up and down the East Coast. His latest project, “Curly the Llama,” is a children’s book now available on Amazon.

EASTERN

Volume 5, ISSUE 4

&

Donna Elbert, Publisher donna@pulsepublishing.net

EDITORIAL

Melissa Howes-Vitek, Executive Editor melissa@pulsepublishing.net

Molly Fellin Spence, Managing Editor molly@pulsepublishing.net

Hailey Sarno, Operations and Digital Manager hailey@pulsepublishing.net

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Erin Tinney, Creative Director and Graphic Designer erin@pulsepublishing.net

ADVERTISING

Kaitlyn Cane, Account Representative kaitlyn@pulsepublishing.net

PEGGY SIJSWERDA

mfa , lives in Virginia Beach and edits and publishes

two regional magazines: Tidewater Women and Tidewater Family. She’s also a freelance travel writer and covers destinations along the East Coast and beyond. Peggy often travels with her Dutch husband, Peter, and their three sons, but she loves traveling solo, too. In 2005 Peggy’s memoir was published. “Still Life with Sierra” follows her family’s journey through Europe, trying to find where they fit in after a tragic loss.

Kayleigh Montgomery, Account Representative kayleigh@pulsepublishing.net

DISTRIBUTION

distribution@pulsepublishing.net

ACCOUNTING TY UNGLEBOWER is a freelance writer, fiction author, sometime stage actor and unabashed introvert. He lives in Knoxville, Md. You can follow him on Twitter @TyUnglebower, or read his blog at TyUnglebower.com.

Joanne Baum, Accountant

bookkeeper@pulsepublishing.net

ADMINISTRATION 301-662-6050

PUBLISHING CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Barb Campbell/Studio Eleven Photography Carol Sutto

Pulse Publishing, LLC 12 South Market Street, Suite 101 Frederick, MD 21701 TEL 301-662-6050 FAX 301-662-5102

Eastern Home & Travel magazine is a bi-monthly publication of Pulse Publishing, LLC. Customer inquiries should be directed to Pulse Publishing, LLC, 12 S. Market Street, Suite 101, Frederick, MD 21701. All contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior consent of the publisher. Please direct written requests to info@easternhomeandtravel.com.

EasternHomeAndTravel.com

For advertising information, comments, or questions, please call 301-662-6050 or email Donna Elbert at donna@pulsepublishing.net.

Subscriptions: 1-year/6 issues $18.00 2-years/12 issues $29.95

WEBSITE

To subscribe, email: Subscribe@EasternHomeAndTravel.com or call 301-662-6050.

10

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

from the

editor One of the enchanting aspects of the East Coast is the manner in which our country's history weaves through nearly every state. The original thirteen colonies, in addition to Maine and Florida, tell rich tales of the life and times of those early settlers. While many seek to experience that history, many visitors flock to the shores for the sandy beaches.

In this issue, our contributors present a peek at an eclectic mix of destinations that offer up history with a side of surf. Whether it's the beautiful Erie, Pa. shoreline and bluffs that once hosted the cultures of indigenous people, the 85-mile stretch of coastline that is North Carolina's Crystal Coast, or the Spanish colonial architecture of Florida's St. Augustine, we guarantee adventure awaits.

As I do the final review just prior to sending these pages off to press, I realize that it's been way too long since my own toes have been wiggling in some soft, cool, beach sand. Perhaps I'll plan the next issue from a beach chair—somewhere breezy along the Eastern Seaboard.

On The Cover

Stay tuned!

History sets sail in Jamestown, Va. Story on page 14.

Melissa Howes-Vitek, Executive Editor SUBSCRIBE TO EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

P H OTO G R A P H Y: B A R B C A M P B E L L

1-year/6 issues subscription $18.00 2-year/12 issues subscription $29.95 Subscribe online at EasternHomeAndTravel.com or call 301-662-6050.

12

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

A SOuTHerN MAryLANd TreASure

W H e r e a r t & n at u r e M e e t !

ANNMARIE SCULPTURE GARDEN & ARTS CENTER A Smithsonian Affiliate, located in scenic Solomons, Maryland featuring:  Sculpture garden

Over 30 works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art

 WOOded patH

Through the woods, with surprises around every turn including artwork both hidden and in plain view

 tHe FaIrY lOllY

Located amidst the tall loblolly pines at Annmarie, the Fairy Lolly is a natural playspace where children can run, jump, climb and play with boundless imagination.

 tHe MurraY artS BuIldIng

Houses two galleries that showcase art exhibits from local, regional and national artists

 annMarIe gIFt SHOp

Filled with an eclectic selection of gifts for all ages, including handmade, one-of-a-kind merchandise from Southern Maryland artists, as well as “Fair Trade Gifts” from all around the globe

 FeStIValS & eVentS

Fairies in the garden; april 7-Sept. 4 Escape: Art on Vacation Exhibit; May 26-Aug. 27 Artsfest: Fine Arts Festival; Sept. 16 & 17

1 3 4 8 0 D o w E l l R o A D , D o w E l l ( S o l o M o n S ) , M A R y l A n D • w w w. A n n M A R i E g A R D E n . o R g

EHT17

2 for 1 ADMISSION WITH THIS AD!

Over a dozen events from Artsfest: Fine Arts Festival to the magical Annmarie Garden in Lights; visit www.annmariegarden for calendar of events.

AMERICA'S BEGINNINGS Students everywhere can attest that studying American History can inspire ennui or ignite a passion, it all depends on the packaging. The knowledge of why and where our country began is well documented on the pages of history books with numerous names and dates primed for memorization. However, traveling to the birthplace of our nation, becoming immersed in the environment and experiencing hands-on exhibits brings life to history like no book can.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y J A M E S TO W N - YO R K TO W N F O U N D AT I O N

The colony was sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, a group of investors who hoped to profit from the venture. Chartered in 1606 by King James I, the company also supported English national goals of counterbalancing the expansion of other European nations abroad, seeking a northwest passage to the Orient, and converting the Virginia Indians to the Anglican religion.

H I S TO R Y C O M E S A L I V E

In 1957 Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17thcentury Virginia history and culture, opened as the setting for the 350th anniversary of the founding in Virginia of America’s first permanent English

16

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

colony. Fast forward to 2007 when the museum developed new facilities, exhibits and programs in time for the 400th anniversary of this seminal event in American history. Expansive exhibition galleries, an introductory film and revitalized living-history areas present the story of 17thcentury Virginia and its Powhatan Indian, English and west central African cultural origins, drawing on a wealth of historical information revealed by late 20th- and early 21st-century archaeological and documentary research.

Just 20 miles away from where Jamestown was established in 1607, the outcome of the American Revolution was determined at the 1781 Siege of Yorktown. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is successor to the Yorktown Victory Center, originally founded in 1976 in conjunction with the 200th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence. The museum holds a “Liberty Celebration” event every July and participates in an annual townwide celebration of the momentous American victory at Yorktown in October.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y J A M E S TO W N - YO R K TO W N F O U N D AT I O N

The founding of Jamestown, America’s first permanent English colony, in Virginia in 1607— 13 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in Massachusetts—sparked a series of cultural encounters that helped shape the nation and the world. The government, language, customs, beliefs and aspirations of these early Virginians are all part of the United States’ heritage today.

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

17

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y J A M E S TO W N - YO R K TO W N F O U N D AT I O N

18

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y J A M E S TO W N - YO R K TO W N F O U N D AT I O N

H I S TO R I C A L P R O G R E S S

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y J A M E S TO W N - YO R K TO W N F O U N D AT I O N

2017 is a pivotal year at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

These two premier living-history museums in two corners of America’s Historic Triangle offer yearround experiences, compelling special exhibitions, events and programs that immerse visitors into the story of America’s beginnings.

At Jamestown Settlement, visitors can experience newly developed interactive gallery exhibits exploring the Powhatan Indian, English and west central African cultures that converged in the 1600s. As part of a phased gallery enhancement, touch-screen panels allow visitors to compare and contrast each culture’s language, religion, government, economy and family structure.

Jamestown Settlement’s expansive gallery exhibits debuted in 2006 in time for America’s 400th Anniversary commemoration in 2007, and are now being refreshed a decade later with new technology.

Four hundred years after the 1617 death of Pocahontas in England, her image and legend live

on. Using depictions of Pocahontas from across the centuries, Jamestown Settlement presents “Pocahontas Imagined,” a special exhibition opening July 15 that illuminates the reasons behind her enduring legacy as well as her impression on popular culture and art. The six-month exhibition features Pocahontas memorabilia, advertisements and interactive experiences.

Outdoors, visitors can examine artistic patterns, lines and colors in objects found in Jamestown Settlement’s re-created Powhatan Indian village, ships and fort. Public lectures in partnership with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts take place September 5, September 13 and October 3.

This spring, a Grand Opening Celebration of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown culminates in the museum’s 10-year transformation from the previously named Yorktown Victory Center. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown presents a renewed national perspective on the meaning and impact of the Revolution through introductory film, timeline, expansive gallery exhibits with nearly

500 artifacts, interactive displays, experiential theaters, and new settings for hands-on interpretive experiences in expanded re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm.

This new and improved museum features daily highlights of one of America’s 13 original states in the order that they ratified the Constitution, Patriotic festivities include gallery tours, livinghistory programs, artillery firings, flag-raising ceremonies, military musical performances, military re-enactments, lectures and children’s activities.

The museum’s inaugural special exhibition— “AfterWARd: The Revolutionary Veterans Who Built America”—debuts June 10 and follows the postwar stories of veterans of the Siege of Yorktown and how they went on after the war to shape the America we know today. A series of plays, performances and public lectures June through November feature Revolutionary War veterans James Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton, the Marquis de Lafayette and Henry Knox as well as issues facing modern-day veterans.

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

19

— Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation with Melissa Howes-Vitek

MARYLAND

95

*

95

NORTH CAROLINA

20

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

Both museums are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, until 6 p.m. from June 15 through August 15; closed Christmas and New Year’s days. Admission to special programs during museum operating hours is included with general admission.

Jamestown Settlement is located on Route 31 at the Colonial Parkway next to Historic Jamestowne, administered by the National Park Service and Jamestown Rediscovery (on behalf of Preservation Virginia). The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is located on Route 1020 in Yorktown near Yorktown Battlefield, administered by the National Park Service.

JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT & AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN historyisfun.org 888-593-4682

Richmond VIRGINIA

RESOURCES

64

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG AND BUSCH GARDENS® 101 Visitor Center Drive Williamsburg, VA colonialwilliamsburg.com 877-423-2497 THE HISTORIC POWHATAN RESORT 3601 Ironbound Road Williamsburg, VA historicpowhatanresort.com WEDMORE PLACE 5810 Wessex Hundred Williamsburg, VA williamsburgwinery.com WILLIAMSBURG PLANTATION RESORT 4870 Longhill Road Williamsburg, VA vacationvillageresorts.com P H OTO G R A P H Y: I S TO C K . C O M / P G I A M

This entire area of Virginia is steeped in American History, with Colonial Williamsburg just minutes away, visitors to the area can easily fill a week by entertaining every one of their senses! Experience history while walking in the very steps that our forefathers strode as they worked to build their lives and our nation.

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

21

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y J A M E S TO W N - YO R K TO W N F O U N D AT I O N

“When You’re Here, You’re Home” Mention This Ad For Exclusive Savings REHOBOTH BEACH, DE • THEBELLMOOR.COM • 800-425-2355

Welcome to a Season of Family Fun! TOWN HALL 8916 Chesapeake Ave 301.855.6681

North Beach American Film Festival

WELCOME CENTER/PIER 9023 Bay Ave 410.286.3799

7-BLOCK WATERFRONT 1/2-MILE BOARDWALK & BIKE PATH SUNRISE GARDEN WETLANDS OVERLOOK PARK CASUAL & FINE DINING

Check the website for a complete list of events!

PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY SHOPPING KAYAK & BICYCLE RENTALS FRIDAY NIGHT FARMERS’ MARKET PIER RENTAL FOR WEDDINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS

@NorthBeachMaryland

@north_beach_md

northbeachmd

www.northbeachmd.org

PHOTO CREDIT: ANGEL BEIL

Fun for the entire family—and the next generation of scientists and engineers.

to the PRNAM is the only museum in the United States devoted to the unique role of research, development, testing, and evaluation in the advancement of naval aviation.

NEW BUILDING NOW OPEN! New exhibits and aircraft Fully stocked aviation gift shop Visitor information center with local and state travel info

Find more to see and do at www.visitstmarysmd.com.

The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum • 22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653 301-863-1900 • www.paxmuseum.org • facebook.com/paxmuseum

ST. MARY’S COUNTY

24

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y V I S I T S T. M A R Y ' S / S T. M A R Y ' S C O U N T Y D I V I S I O N O F TO U R I S M

CURIOSITIES

ST. CLEMENT'S ISLAND, A MUST-VISIT FOR MARYLAND-LOVING HISTORY BUFFS

BY TY UNGLEBOWER

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y V I S I T S T. M A R Y ' S / S T. M A R Y ' S C O U N T Y D I V I S I O N O F TO U R I S M

March 25, 1634: About 150 settlers, many of them Roman Catholic, arrive at a small island aboard two ships. The larger of the two vessels, The Ark, and the smaller, the Dove, had undergone a trying months-long trip from the Isle of Wight in England.

Under the leadership of practicing Catholic George Calvert, First Lord Baltimore, the settlers aboard the Ark and the Dove departed King Charles I’s England for several reasons. Catholics such as Calvert undertook the journey to escape religious intolerance from fellow English citizens. Protestants also came, hoping to seize advantage of new economic opportunities offered by the New World.

Vicious storms, fever, pirate attacks, various stops and delays along the way at other ports and a separation during which the Dove was falsely believed to have sunk, all plagued the two ships for months. Nevertheless by that day in March both ships arrived at the unassuming island, having lost only two souls during the odyssey. They disembarked, and named the land St. Clement’s Island, in honor of Pope Saint Clement, the patron saint of mariners in the Catholic church.

Later that day (as is widely accepted by scholars) a Jesuit priest, Father Andrew White, led the settlers in a celebration of Mass. This was to be the first Roman Catholic Eucharist ever held in the British colonies in America.

Under the land charter granted by the English crown to George Calvert, the settlers were the first European citizens of the province of Maryland. In other words, they became the very first Marylanders, so March 25, the day they landed, is still celebrated as Maryland Day. EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

25

CURIOSITIES

The site of these historical events has since 1962 been a 62-acre Maryland state park. Located about one-half mile offshore from Colton’s Point in St. Mary’s County, the island is still only accessible by boat or by seasonal water taxi on weekends. Whatever type of vessel you use, your voyage to the island today is certain to be shorter and less treacherous than that of the Ark and the Dove four centuries ago. While lacking modern amenities (facilities are all of the port-o-john variety), there is much for visitors to enjoy on the island.

Dedicated by Maryland Gov. Albert Ritchie on Maryland’s 300th birthday in 1934, it is one of the most prominent landmarks on St. Clement’s: a white 40-foot stone cross that commemorates that first Roman Catholic Mass.

Nearby is a reconstruction of the Blackistone Lighthouse, built in 2008.

The original structure was a functioning lighthouse for nautical traffic along the Potomac River between 1851 and its decommissioning in 1932.

It remained standing until arsonists burned the vacant structure down in 1956. A preservation society known at the St. Clements One Hundred has spearheaded fundraising and information campaigns about the island, and led the way in building the replica lighthouse according to the original Blackstone Lighthouse blueprints.

26

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

The entire island itself was, for nearly two centuries, known as Blackistone Island, after the prominent Blackistone family that owned the land during that time.

By the early 1960s, the island came under ownership of the federal government, though it is leased it to the State of Maryland, which is in charge of maintenance by way of its Department of Natural Resources.

Visitors can enjoy a number of hiking trails, fishing activities, hunting and even picnicking at the covered pavilion or the several picnic tables, all of which are on a first-come, first served basis. Benches pepper the eastern shore of the island, offering vistas of the activity and natural wonders of the Potomac River. Plaques and other literature tell the story of the island from that first landing up to present day.

Overnight camping on the island is possible on occasion, but one must apply for special permits to do so. One can also visit the St. Clement’s Island museum on shore for a more in-depth look at the English history that sparked the journey of the Ark and the Dove, learn more about Calvert, and read Father White’s account of the arrival on the island. There is a $3 admission fee for adults, $1.50 for students.

Proud Marylanders, nature lovers, fishermen, hikers, hunters, maritime enthusiasts and history buffs all have reason to make St. Clement’s Island in Maryland an all-day destination. co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/stclementsisland.asp

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y V I S I T S T. M A R Y ' S / S T. M A R Y ' S C O U N T Y D I V I S I O N O F TO U R I S M

Using St. Clement’s as a base, the settlers remained on the island for about three weeks as they negotiated land rights and other issues with the native Yaocomico people on the mainland.

Not just another pretty place...

Historic St. Mary’s City

Colorful living history and intriguing archaeology on the site of Maryland’s first capital...

240-895-4990

hsmcdigshistory.org

800-SMC-1634

GREAT READS

“THE SOUND OF A WILD SNAIL EATING”

By Elisabeth Tova Bailey

That old saying, “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” seems to ring mostly false for me. Oftentimes while browsing in a bookshop or library, scanning covers and looking intently at artwork and font choices, I judge what must be inside each tome’s pages. It is with that snap judgment that I decide whether to pick up a book or leave it on the shelf.

And so, the cover of “The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating,” by Elisabeth Tova Bailey, with its tiny snail illustration leaning over the title, intrigued me. I thought the title must be a play on words, and the snail a metaphor for the narrative within. Oh, how my judgment was wrong.

This delightful little book—part natural history essay, part memoir—is the true story of the author’s yearlong observations of a wild Maine woodland snail. Bailey is no scientist; instead she came by her study in an unusual way.

Following a brief trip to Europe when she was 34 years old, Bailey was felled by what she calls “a mysterious viral or bacterial pathogen, resulting in severe neurological symptoms.” Her illness left her lying for days in bed, unable to much of

anything. One day, a visiting friend scooped up a small snail she discovered outside and dropped it in a plant near Bailey’s bed, thinking it could be a companion of sorts.

Bailey describes her first encounter with her new roommate: “I watched, transfixed, as over the course of an hour the snail meticulously ate an entire purple petal for dinner. The tiny, intimate sound of the snail’s eating gave me a distinct feeling of companionship and shared space.”

As she lay prone each day, hoping her illness would subside, Bailey said she felt deep isolation.

This isolation was sometimes tougher to deal with than the other symptoms she experienced. She credits the snail with getting her through this difficult time in her life, in helping her survive by keeping her connected.

She writes:

sleeping habits gave me a fresh perspective; I was not the only one resting away the days. The snail naturally slept by day, even on the sunniest of afternoons. Its companionship was a comfort to me and buffered my feelings of uselessness.”

Bailey believes her attachment to the snail and her fascination with its daily and nightly habits added a welcome focus to her life. Watching this small inhabitant of the natural world also gave her fresh perspective on the universal experience of being alive. And she shares that fresh perspective in an inventive way in this delightful, curious book.

Elisabeth Tova Bailey’s essays and short stories have been published in The Yale Journal for Humanities in Medicine, The Missouri Review, Northwest Review and the Sycamore Review. Bailey is on the Writers Council for the National Writing Project. She lives in Maine.

— Molly Fellin Spence

“The snail and I were both living in altered landscapes not of our choosing; I figured we shared a sense of loss and displacement. … (Its) daytime

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

29

P H OTO G R A P H Y: I S TO C K . C O M / S E A N PAV O N E P H OTO

TAKE A WALK THROUGH HISTORY IN

ST. AUGUSTINE B Y J O E M OT H E R A L

St. Augustine has the beaches, the boating and the fishing, as most coastal towns in the State of Florida do, but what distinguishes this place from all the rest is its rich history. Founded more than 450 years ago, St. Augustine was the first city in the New World—it wasn’t the United States yet.

A walking tour of the town takes about two hours and it will be time well spent. As you stroll, you will be rewarded with a journey through time interspersed with modern-day attractions.

Our tour began in Oceanside Park, where a flock of pheasants paraded near the first church in the New World and a statue of Father López, a missionary who celebrated the first Thanksgiving on the grounds. The guide announced that this was where Juan Ponce de León landed in 1513, saw flowers and thus named the landmass, La Florida. According to our guide, Ponce de León thought he had landed on an island.

We continued walking past Fort Matanzas, equipped with cannons that maintained the integrity of the New World, keeping away any unwanted ships. Firing demonstrations are made every weekend. Pirates once entered the harbor, took hostages and exchanged them for gold, according to our guide. They had kept their ship outside the range of the cannons and slipped in at night on long boats.

Before entering the city proper on St. Georges Street, we paused at the entrance to Ripley’s Believe or Not Museum with an imposing full-scale marble statue of Michelangelo’s David standing outside surrounded by bushes. The statue was carved in Italy from marble that came from the same location as that of the original.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: I S TO C K . C O M / PA U L B R

St. Augustine was founded on September 8, 1565

by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, a Spanish admiral and the first governor of Florida. The name St. Augustine came from the first sighting of the area on August 28, 1565, the feast day of St. Augustine.

We continued walking on St. Georges Street along with hundreds of tourists who were leisurely taking in sights. The street is lined with shops, restaurants, old houses, small gardens and quaint courtyards. The street, named by the Spaniards, has retained many of the homes built in the 1700s and one can recognize the Spanish influence.

We paused at the Hidalgo Restaurant and, as a primer for lunch, we piled into the crowed restaurant and each had a substantial serving of delicious gelato.

32

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

P H OTO G R A P H Y: I S TO C K . C O M / S E A N PAV O N E P H OTO

As we set foot on St. Georges Street, the guide mentioned the street’s slightly curved alignment, made that way “in case someone breached the city wall. You can curve a baseball but not a cannon ball. You can get out of the line of fire real fast.”

The curved streets also facilitated ventilation.

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

33

P H OTO G R A P H Y: I S TO C K . C O M / C Y N T H I A A N N F

34

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

P H OTO G R A P H Y: I S TO C K . C O M / S E A N PAV O N E P H OTO

P H OTO G R A P H Y: I S TO C K . C O M / B R E T TC H A R LTO N

In our wanderings we passed a lone musician on one of the cross streets, plucking away at his guitar. Likewise, when we entered the Lightner Museum’s restaurant Alcazar, a guitarist sat in the corner strumming mellow tunes that gently fit with the dining environment. The museum contains artifacts from a century ago and was converted by a Chicago business man, Otto C. Lightner, from a hotel named Alcazar built by Henry Flagler in the 1888; the museum opened in 1948. We were there for lunch, and discovered many well-priced dishes on the menu, including Spanish flavors of a variety that would satisfy most any taste.

Our tour ended at the Plaza de la Constitucion, the center of city life in St. Augustine since 1573. This is the oldest public park in the country, established

by Spanish Royal Ordinances in the 16th century.

The Government House on one side and the St. Augustine Cathedral on the other represent the very essence of the city. November through January, visitors enjoy the “Night of Lights,” when trees are filled with glowing lights.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: I S TO C K . C O M / S E A N PAV O N E P H OTO

Nearby is the Fountain of Youth, once the quest of Ponce de León; the Villa Zorayda, a castle inspired by the Moors; the oldest wooden school house; Potter’s Wax Museum; and the Oldest Store Museum. You can also drive 5 miles north to the World Golf Hall of Fame, located in the World Golf Village. The museum contains golfing regalia, movies and information on the history of golf.

While you can discern the Spanish influence on St. Augustine very easily, the timeline reveals that the English and the French had a hand in the development of city as well. The expressive nature of St. Augustine is a snapshot of this nation’s history. Even with modern influences, St. Augustine has not forgotten its past, and to experience that is both educational and entertaining.

GEORGIA

95

Jacksonville FLORIDA

*

95

P H OTO G R A P H Y: S H U A N B U TC H E R

TASTINGS

36

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

TASTINGS

WEST VIRGINIA—HOME TO THE SALT OF THE EARTH P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y J . Q. D I C K I N S O N S A LT W O R K S

B Y S H U A N B U TC H E R

In 1817, Nancy Bruns’ ancestors started drilling for brine in the Kanawha River Valley in what was then Virginia (now West Virginia). Seven generations later, she and her brother, Lewis Payne, have picked up where the salt-making family left off.

At J.Q. Dickinson Salt Works, located in Malden, W.Va., salt is once again being produced on the same land where the Dickinson family garnered it 200 years ago. In the past, the end use of the salt was primarily industrial; today it is an agricultural product. The high-quality artisanal salt seasons and finishes everything from grilled steak to salmon to popcorn.

This is not your ordinary table salt. Harvested naturally by hand, the product hails from an ancient sea under the Appalachian Mountains. Rich in minerals with no additional preservatives or artificial additives, their salt truly reminds you of the purity of the Earth. Some bestsellers are cooking salts, such as heirloom, smoked or ramp, but the salt grinders and popcorn salt are great, too.

To produce the salt, brine comes out of the ground, where it is poured into beds that are essentially located inside greenhouses. The sun then takes over the process, evaporating the water until the only thing left is a crystal-white salt.

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

37

From start to finish, a batch can take from one to three months, depending on Mother Nature. The season typically runs from April to November, contingent, again, on weather.

Spike Gjerde at Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore and James Beard Nominee Ian Boden at The Shack in Staunton, Va., or at locations such as The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.

Tours are offered at the Malden facility, providing a firsthand opportunity to see how salt is harvested. You can see the actual drilling unit and greenhouses, and you can also check out the ruins of the early equipment used long ago.

In one structure, which Nancy hopes to turn into a museum, you can view an old (and empty) built-in safe, orders, machinery and other paraphernalia. The onsite retail store at J.Q. Dickinson sells a number of other items that feature salt, including soap, body butter, peanuts and granola. And you can purchase liquid nigari, the byproduct from harvested salt.

James Beard Award Finalist Tarver King uses the salt for as many applications as possible at the Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville, Va. “Even without the cool story they have and the history behind them, the clean flavor this salt has is unique to say the least,” King said. “We use it to cure delicate fish, our breads get a crust of it sometimes, ice cream, cookies, snack nuts, a couple flakes in the coffee and all the cheese we make. To use ocean water that hasn’t seen the light of day in so long is fascinating to me…and it adds life to something that’s usually an underappreciated ingredient.”

If you aren’t traveling to Southern West Virginia anytime soon, don’t fret. J.Q. Dickinson salts can be purchased in retail outlets, boutique shops and farm stores from Maine to California. In addition, some of the best chefs in the country use the salt in their restaurants, including James Beard Award Winner

Down the road in the Piedmont region of Virginia, Executive Chef Anthony Nelson loves using J.Q. Dickinson Salt at his relatively new restaurant, Field & Main in the town of Marshall. Nelson suggests that it brings a very strong and unique salt flavor with the perfect crunch.

38

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y J . Q. D I C K I N S O N S A LT W O R K S

TASTINGS

TASTINGS

P H OTO G R A P H Y: S H U A N B U TC H E R

“It is the right finish to any dish that just needs a little extra salt crunch; beautifully sliced pork roast, elegant sunny side eggs, crispy pork belly,” he said.

“It’s a must-have ingredient that helps flavors reach their full potential.”

At The Pressroom, an American bistro located in a former hardware store in Lancaster, Pa., they use J.Q. Dickinson salt for some of their finishing needs.

According to General Manager Rob Commero, the pastry chef makes Parker House rolls for bread service and tops the rolls with a dab of the salt. The chef uses it to season some entrees, and also uses the ngari as a rennet to make ricotta used in the burrata cheese.

“This is a very high-quality finishing salt,” Commero said. “When you pair that with the family’s story and where the salt is harvested, it really seems like a simple decision to carry their product.”

Finally, at the Inn at Gristmill Square, an 18-room boutique inn with a 50-seat restaurant featuring new American farm-to-table cuisine in Warm Springs, Va., owner Kate Loeffler loves to feature small producers and local ingredients.

In their small scratch kitchen, the chef uses J.Q. Dickinson salt as a finishing salt for several dishes.

“We use not only their heirloom salt, but their smoked and ramp salts (as well),” Loeffler said. “Especially in the spring, when we go out in the woods and forage for wild West Virginia ramps for our menu. Adding a touch of ramp salt really elevates the dish and brings it full circle.”

In the mid-19th Century, the Kanawha Valley region was the salt-producing capital of the country. In fact, the “Great Kanawha Salt” was named the best salt in the world at the 1851 London World’s Fair. It’s nice to see Nancy and Lewis continue that salty tradition.

J.Q. Dickinson Salt Works 4797 Midland Drive, Charleston, W.Va. 304-925-7918 jqdsalt.com

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

39

Don’t Let This Moment

PASS YOU BY Antietam Battlefield • C&O Canal Harpers Ferry • Appalachian Trail Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Call or visit us online to get a free Visitor’s Guide!

888-257-2600 • visithagerstown.com

Vandalia Gathering State Capitol Complex, Charleston

May 26 - 28, 2017 EEO/AA Employer

8 RICH HISTORY Eclectic Architecture

DIVERSE WEST VIRGINIA CULTURE

Winding Country Roads

DISCOVER. EXPLORE.

EXPERIENCE.

The heart of the Eastern Panhandle.

Martinsburg-Berkeley County

Scenic Hiking Trails, Lakes & Streams

WORLD CLASS GUN RANGE Most Favored Geocache County

Quaint Towns Unique Shops & Restaurants

heritage farm markets

8 Arts, Entertainment & Family Fun

Easy access on I-81.

90 minutes from DC and Baltimore.

Convention & Visitors Bureau 126 E. Race St., Martinsburg, WV 25401 304.364.8801 | 801.4WVA.FUN | Travel WV.com

Photo: ©David McMasters

4 Days! 2 The Pete Stages!

Method J Wernick am Kids Acad Camp, emy, Worksho p Camping, s, Vendors, and more ! © Ellen Byrne

JUNE 2-4, 2017

Juried art from over 120 of the nation’s fine artists representing 14 different media, Live Music Pavilion, local artists’ gallery wall, children’s activities at

The Soggy Bottom Boys

The Travelin’ McCourys With Peter Rowan

Steep Canyon Rangers

The Steeldrivers

the seldom scene

RHONDA VINCENT & THE RAGE, BALSAM RANGE, DRY BRANCH FIRE SQUAD, BLUE HIGHWAY

AND MANY MORE!

the Festival Family Center, demonstrations, food and more await you along Carroll Creek Linear Park.

The gibson brothers

3340 Fairfield Road Gettysburg, PA

advanced tickets & camping packages on sale now!

1.800.642.TENT

75 th An niv festiva ersary l

save the date

GETTYSBURGBLUEGRASS.COM Aug. 17 Buy Tickets | Get Info

20

P H OTO G R A P H Y: T H E C R Y S TA L C O A S T TO U R I S M D E V E LO P M E N T A U T H O R I T Y A N D V I S I TO R C E N T E R

ESCAPE TO NORTH CAROLINA'S CRYSTAL COAST

BY PEGGY SIJSWERDA

Like a shimmering mirage, the wild horses of Shackleford Banks seem to float on the waters of Bogue Sound, their heads bent over as they graze on salty sea grass. On this, the southern-most barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore, Cape Lookout Lighthouse rises as a sentinel, guarding this peaceful kingdom, its distinctive pattern of black-and-white diamonds visible for miles.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: T H E C R Y S TA L C O A S T TO U R I S M D E V E LO P M E N T A U T H O R I T Y A N D V I S I TO R C E N T E R

THE VIEW FROM THE TOP INCLUDES THE SPARKLING ATLANTIC, THE HORSES OF

SHACKLEFORD BANKS AND THE REMOTE WINDSWEPT BEACHES, WHICH MAKES THE CLIMB WORTHWHILE.

44

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

I’m on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast in a small skiff skimming over the sound, wind whipping my hair as I admire these iconic images—symbols of this proud region. About 90 minutes north of Wilmington, miles of gorgeous sandy beaches welcome tourists attracted by the area’s serene beauty, natural landscape and affordably priced accommodations.

You won’t find crowds of people converging in one spot. In fact, the Crystal Coast stretches for 70 miles from Swansboro in the west to Cedar Island in the east and includes idyllic beach havens such as Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, and Atlantic Beach, as well as cozy towns like Morehead City and Beaufort. Its vibe is low-key, perfect for those who want to experience small-town charm and a restful escape from the hectic pace of life.

I’m here to do just that: savor the simpler pleasures —a walk on the beach, a bike ride through coastal woods, a tasty meal—plus learn about the proud culture of this place, where watermen have raised their families for generations and still fish the waters of the Atlantic for prized seafood. After a few days of immersing myself in this region, I understand why folks come here year after year.

There’s no other place like it.

WINDSWEPT BEACHES

Back on Bogue Sound, I’m headed to view the wild horses up close as they roam their uninhabited island, wading and sometimes swimming to tiny spits of land for tasty grasses. On board the skiff with me is Carolyn Mason, a local expert who shares her knowledge about the thriving band of horses whose ancestors likely came across the Atlantic on Spanish galleons 300 years ago.

Carolyn holds a list of the horses with names ranging from the literary (Homer, Zelda, Shakespeare and Penelope) to the playful (Aftermath, Tuna and Texas). A group of Princeton students led by professor D.I. Rubenstein maintains a database

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

45

of the horses, which number more than 100. We watch as a pair of horses swim from a narrow spit of land back to Shackleford Island, their heads held high, nostrils snorting. It’s a sight you’re unlikely to see anywhere else. On another small island, a new foal hides behind her mother and Carolyn adds the youngster to her list.

“They’re one of the biggest tourist attractions,” Carolyn says later as we enjoy a picnic near the lighthouse. Boats ferry folks over from the mainland to view the horses en route to Cape Lookout National Seashore, where you can spend an afternoon hiking, swimming and bird watching.

The National Park Service gives tours of the stunning lighthouse, its 207 steps not for the faint of heart. The view from the top includes the sparkling Atlantic, the horses of Shackleford Banks and the remote windswept beaches, which makes the climb worthwhile.

H I S TO R I C V I L L A G E

The Crystal Coast offers lots of options for outdoor lovers. One day I take a bike ride along a paved trail on Emerald Isle, startling a killdeer whose piercing cry startles me in return. Another afternoon I sign up for a tour with Barrier Island Kayaks. For two hours, our group paddles languidly around the sound, finally ending up at Fossil Beach, known for its abundance of fossilized shark teeth. Like excited schoolchildren, the other kayakers and I begin our treasure hunt. Soon I find one, then another, then another—shiny black teeth, barely a centimeter across, purportedly 6 million years old, according to our guide. They are amazing souvenirs I will treasure always.

Families will love the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, which takes visitors on a journey from the mountains to the sea.

Exhibits focus on fish and mammals indigenous to both the fresh and saltwater ecosystems of

46

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

North Carolina, including river otters, alligators and tropical fish. My favorite exhibit, “Living Shipwreck,” features a three-quarters size replica of a German U-Boat sunk off the North Carolina coast by a Coast Guard cutter in 1942. Three viewing windows provide plenty of opportunities for watching the variety of species that swim around the shipwreck in this 306,000-gallon exhibit. Piped-in music lends a peaceful vibe to this meditative spot.

As you may expect, the Crystal Coast’s strategic location also invited attacks over the years.

Blackbeard pirated these waters, and his ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, ran aground in Beaufort Inlet. You’ll find an exhibit featuring artifacts recovered from the shipwreck in the Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Plan to spend some time in this historic village, named to several best-of lists

by Travel + Leisure magazine. First take a trolley tour and learn about the city’s storied past, then drop in at Front Street Grill at Stillwater, to sip a cocktail on the waterfront patio and enjoy an order of signature baked oysters. Civil War buffs

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

47

P H OTO G R A P H Y: T H E C R Y S TA L C O A S T TO U R I S M D E V E LO P M E N T A U T H O R I T Y A N D V I S I TO R C E N T E R

48

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

P H OTO G R A P H Y: T H E C R Y S TA L C O A S T TO U R I S M D E V E LO P M E N T A U T H O R I T Y A N D V I S I TO R C E N T E R

VIRGINIA

95

can explore nearby Fort Macon State Park, a pentagonal fort that offers historic exhibits, as well as swimming and fishing.

I wanted to learn more about the local culture, and the perfect place is the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center.

“This is where the people tell their story,” says Karen Amspacher, director of the center, as we wander past exhibits featuring quilt making, boat building and decoy carving. Celebrating the “down-east spirit,” the center stands as a tribute to the people who make a living along North Carolina’s coast. “It’s a rich, changing culture,” Karen says. “We can’t forget what connects us.”

A passion for their coastal heritage unites this proud people—the wild horses, the stately lighthouse, the hard work required when you live on the water’s edge. After my visit to the Crystal Coast, I am beginning to share their passion for this small corner of the continent, a place that’s truly unlike anywhere else.

NORTH CAROLINA

*

95

RESOURCES ACCOMMODATIONS Options range from hotels and condos to camping and rental homes. The 5-bedroom oceanfront beach house on Emerald Isle called Breezy Cottage would be perfect for a large family. reservations.emeraldislerealty.com/properties/ Breezy-Cottage POINTS OF INTEREST CAPE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE nps.gov/calo BARRIER ISLAND KAYAKS 60 Cedar Point Blvd., Cedar Point 252-393-6457 barrierislandkayaks.com NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores 252-247-4003 ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores NORTH CAROLINA MARITIME MUSEUM 315 Front St., Beaufort 252-728-7317 ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com FORT MACON STATE PARK 303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach 252-726-3775 ncparks.gov/fort-macon-state-park CORE SOUND WATERFOWL MUSEUM AND HERITAGE CENTER 1785 Island Road, Harkers Island 252-728-1500 coresound.com FRONT STREET GRILL AT STILLWATER 300 Front St., Beaufort 252-728-3118 frontstreetgrillatstillwater.com EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

49

50

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y L I B E RT Y B OT T L E S

EAST COAST

EXPLORE AND HYDRATE Environmental stewardship is part of Liberty Bottles' DNA. From day one, the company's goal has been to create a product that served a utilitarian purpose, with an artsy flair. Liberty’s desire to become a zero-waste manufacturing facility makes this American company extra special.

Liberty Bottles does not mass produce millions of generic bottles. Instead, designers create a variety of original and clever products. Some bottles feature their own designs and others feature provides artwork for corporate, promotional and specialty retail. Custom orders are provided in manageable 72-count cases, which make them a feasible, eco-conscious option for wedding favors, family reunions or local charity events.

Each bottle is an aluminum cylinder which receives a small electrical charge, which allows for FDA-approved, food-grade, BPA-free lining powder to adhere to the inside of the bottle, giving it a smooth coat with minimal waste. Once coated, the bottle is baked at 425 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes to cure the powder into a hard, glossy, ceramic-style liner, free of cracks or leaching.

Then each bottle goes through a cylindrical, four-color printer where the art meets the science.

Some of our favorites are from Liberty's Cityscape line: public transit system maps of East Coast cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, D.C. and New York. We think they're the perfect way to say hydrated while traveling to some great cities. libertybottles.com

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

51

P H OTO G R A P H Y: S H E R W I N W I L L I A M S

HOME

REFRESH AND RENEW AT HOME

P H OTO G R A P H Y: S H E R W I N W I L L I A M S

HOME

HOME

The Pantone Color Institute is recognized the world over as the authority on color. The Pantone® name is considered the gold standard for communicating all things relating to color from designers to manufacturers, retailers, and customers.

Every year, Pantone helps influence and guide products in the fields of graphic arts, fashion, home interior, plastics, architectural, paint, industrial design and consumer markets.

This year, Pantone selected a color dubbed “Greenery” as the Pantone 2017 Color of the Year. Selected for its fresh energy and a promise of new beginnings, Greenery imparts a cheerful and whimsical effect. This bright leafy hue can evoke the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew.

Fresh off the heels of Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year announcement, home interior companies have embraced the newly favored tone by releasing a variety of products that feature it's vibrant energy.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: TAY LO R K I N G

Upholstery and occasional furniture manufacturer Taylor King recently unveiled their array of sofas and accent seating in Greenery. The zesty green color is shown in different fabrics and leathers for an eclectic look.

54

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

P H OTO G R A P H Y: TAY LO R K I N G

HOME

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

55

HOME

If you're completely sold on going green, paint manufacturers like Sherwin Williams are ready to offer an array of green options. “We’ve been watching green gain momentum in the last few seasons. In colormix 2017: the SherwinWilliams Color Forecast, several palettes boast green hues. Cascades (SW 7623) is a deep, rich and jewel toned green that is both moody and opulent. Sheraton Sage (SW 0014) is a muted, organic and loamy green and our spin on vintage avocado. Lastly, Citronella (SW 6915) is a bright, vibrant and full of energy and Saguaro (SW 6419) is a rich green that feels like the jungle floor or a living wall of moss—absolutely stunning!” – Sue Wadden, director of color marketing, Sherwin-Williams Not ready to commit to a full on Greenery interior? These select accent pieces from Layla Grayce and Zinc Door can help you add a pop of color to reinvigorate your home for seasons to come.

It comes as no surprise to design experts that Pantone’s 2017 color of the year is Greenery. Homeowners are increasingly seeking a connection with nature and looking for new ways to bring the outdoors in. Not only is green the embodiment of renewal and life, no matter how vibrant, it reads as an organic color. Greenery is a great complement to the array of wood tones typically found in home interiors from cabinets and flooring to furniture.

Whether you're looking to infuse a fun, retro vibe, highlight a classic design or embrace the colors from nature, Pantone's Greenery is a great place to start.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: S H E R W I N W I L L I A M S

— Melissa Howes-Vitek

56

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

P H OTO G R A P H Y: S H E R W I N W I L L I A M S

HOME

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

57

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y V I S I T E R I E ( FA R L E F T ), C A R O L S U T TO ( L E F T & C E N T E R )

BEAUTIFUL ERIE: A LOVE LETTER TO MY HOMETOWN

B Y K E L LY F R A G E R

58

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

name of this Northwestern Pennsylvania city. And they would be right: Erie averages more than 100 inches of the fluffy white stuff each year, with an average of 60 days of snowfall.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y V I S I T E R I E ( R I G H T & FA R R I G H T )

P H OTO G R A P H Y: I S TO C K . C O M / D R N A D I G

People unfamiliar with Erie may envision snow (lots and lots of snow) when they hear the

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

59

Full disclosure: Despite living in Maryland for the last 28 years, I call Erie my hometown. It’s where I grew up. Erie is where my parents and extended family still live, and where I love to visit each summer. The sunsets are unreal. Presque Isle State Park’s 13-plus miles of paved walking and biking paths could not be more peaceful and filled with Mother Nature's Beauty, and there's beaches. Yes. Eleven goregeous guarded beaches where you can swim, play in the sand, watch those unreal sunsets and attend a sunset concert (BYOC: Bring Your Own Chair—of course). Not to mention the chocolate in Erie. Let me say it’s amongst the best this world traveler has tasted. More on that later.

Erie sits along its namesake, Lake Erie, in good company with Cleveland, Ohio, Buffalo, N.Y., and Monroe, Mich. For those readers who have yet to visit any of the Great Lakes, they are exactly that. They’re “great,” as in humongous.

You can't wave to the family picknicking on the other side of the lake, they are not surrounded by grass; they are massive and, often, surprising for a first-time visitor.

Presque Isle State Park is where much of the summer action takes place in Erie. As you drive down Peninsula Drive, headed toward the entrance of Presque Isle, you’ll first notice Waldameer Amusement Park & Water World. It’s the 10tholdest amusement park in the country and 60

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

although they have 75 rides, slides and attractions do not make it anywhere near the largest in the country, it’s the perfect scale for a fun afternoon with the family. An added bonus is free admission, you only pay when you want to ride or play.

Before you hit the beaches, an absolute must-stop is Sara’s, an Erie favorite for fun, casual food and treats.

Make sure to order an orange sherbet cooler and if you're a fan of hot dogs, only eat Smith's while you're in Erie. They proudly serve lots of them at Sara’s.

Once on the Peninsula, roll down your windows, drive slowly and take in the view. You’ll have the bay to your right and the beaches on your left. If you prefer to park and walk, run or rollerblade your way around the Peninsula the 13.5 miles of paved multipurpose trail is for you. Bikes and surreys can also be rented at Yellow Bike Rental Co. at the Waterworks Pumphouse.

To explore the lake and her lagoons, rent a kayak, rowboat or canoe at the Canoe & Boat Livery.

Segway tours are also offered through Yellow Bike Rental Co. Once you reach the tip of the peninsula at Perry Monument, named after Oliver Hazard Perry, the Commodore of the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812, you begin to see the beaches on your right. Hunt for beach glass, relish in the site of the kites flying at Sunset Point, and watch the turtles bask in the sun at Graveyard Pond. The recently restored Presque Isle Lighthouse, near Beach 8, is another must explore and is open for tours daily in season.

There are endless possibilities for those who want to be on the water, too: boating, fishing, kayaking,

canoeing, waterskiing and paddle boarding. The best resource to discover all that Presque Isle State Park has to offer is the Presque Isle Partnership.

They make it their business to ensure that you enjoy your experience at the park and raise funds to enhance visitor’s experience while maintaining the park’s natural beauty. The partnership sponsors year-round events at the peninsula including a full and half marathon, a triathlon, the bay swim, poker paddle (gathering a poker hand as you kayak through the various designated stops), a spectacular sunset concert series every Wednesday night during June and July and their big, full-out, too-manyawesome-events-to-list-here-weekend in July, Discover Presque Isle. They are also responsible for the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and gift shop at the entrance to the park.

While you could spend days exploring Presque Isle State Park, Erie has plenty more to offer. Let’s start with one of the most important claims to Erie fame in this writer’s eyes, the chocolate. Three famous chocolatiers reside in Erie: Romolo, Stefanelli’s and Pulakos. Each has Erie chocolate roots dating back to the early 1900s. Although their products span the spectrum of deliciousness (I can attest from 40plus years of market research), if you want to try a unique chocolate specialty, you must try sponge candy, an Erie specialty. My parents never come to visit us without bringing Romolo’s chocolate and a bag of sponge candy. To balance out the chocolate, a favorite of mine is the new Juice Jar in the Colony Plaza, five minutes from the entrance to the Peninsula. I tried nearly every green juice and their hummus is delicious.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y V I S I T E R I E ( L E F T ), I S TO C K . C O M / N AY U C O ( R I G H T )

Thankfully for Erie residents, the intense, snowy winters yield to absolutely glorious summers, and summer in Erie is what I’m more than happy to discuss. Ah, summer.

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

61

P H OTO G R A P H Y: I S TO C K . C O M / D O U G L E M K E ( TO P ), I S TO C K . C O M / Z R F P H OTO ( B OT TO M )

62

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

P H OTO G R A P H Y: I S TO C K . C O M / J O S H A N O N ( L E F T ), C O U RT E S Y V I S I T E R I E ( R I G H T )

P H OTO G R A P H Y: I S TO C K . C O M / D E N I S TA N G N E YJ R

NEW YORK

* 90

79

OHIO

Although Erie is the fourth-largest city in the state, it is relatively small and you can travel easily to the various areas. Venture to State Street via the Bayfront Highway. At the foot of State Street you’ll be at Dobbins Landing and notice the Bicentennial Tower with an observation deck offering a nice view of the Peninsula over the bay. Nearby is the Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara. For a meal with a spectacular waterside view, visit the Sheraton Erie Bayfront or Marriott Courtyard Erie Bayfront.

As you travel a short distance from Erie’s Presque Isle and downtown areas, you’ll find plenty more to do. Two of our favorites include a visit to the horse races at Presque Isle Downs and Casino and the Adventure Park at Peek N’ Peak Resort, which is actually located in Clymer, N.Y., a short 40-minute drive from the Peninsula. Their Ariel Adventure Course has been a must for me and my children, each year trying to challenge ourselves further. If zip-lining is up your alley, they have that too, along with golf, miniature golf, archery, mountain biking trails and Segway tours.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y V I S I T E R I E

If you need a break from the sunshine, Erie has its own indoor waterpark, Splash Lagoon. Because families travel from all over to visit Splash Lagoon, they are connected to a hotel and offer plenty of options for eating and shopping in immediate proximity.

When you’re ready to completely relax from all you’ve enjoyed in Erie, take a day trip to the many surrounding wineries. The fertile ground along the Erie shore line makes it ripe for wineries and grape production. Your favorite grape jelly, Welch’s, obtains much of its concord grapes from this region. Starting your wine experience in Erie and continuing along the shore line into New York, 20 vineyards within a 53-mile stretch of lakeside drive are calling your name.

I’m a proud Erie girl, and believe Erie should not be known only for her record snowfall. It should be known for the immense natural beauty that Lake Erie and Presque Isle has provided and for all that there is to do once that snow finally melts…in April.

RESOURCES PRESQUE ISLE PARTNERSHIP discoverpi.com LAKE ERIE WINE COUNTRY INFORMATION lakeeriewinecountry.org/trip-planner TO VISIT PRESQUE ISLE DOWNS & CASINO 8199 Perry Highway 814-860-8999 presqueisledowns.com PEEK’N PEAK RESORT 1405 Olde Road, Clymer, NY 716-355-4141 pknpk.com WALDAMEER & WATER WORLD 3100 W. Lake Road 814-838-3591 waldameer.com

86

PENNSYLVANIA

PRESQUE ISLE LIGHTHOUSE 301 Peninsula Drive 814-833-3604 presqueislelighthouse.org TO EAT SARA’S 25 Peninsula Drive sarasandsallys.com ROMOLO CHOCOLATES 1525 W. 8th Street 814-452-1933 romolochocolates.com STEFANELLI’S CANDIES 2054 W. 8th Street 814-459-2451 stefanelliscandies.com PULAKOS CHOCOLATES 2530 Parade Street 814-452-4026 pulakoschocolates.com THE JUICE JAR Colony Plaza 2620 W. 8th Street 814-450-0074 facebook.com/ErieJuiceJar

SPLASH LAGOON INDOOR WATER PARK RESORT 8091 Peach Street 814-217-1111 splashlagoon.com

TO STAY COURTYARD ERIE BAYFRONT 2 Sassafras Pier 814-636-1005 marriott.com/hotels/travel/eridtcourtyard-erie-bayfront

PRESQUE ISLE STATE PARK 301 Peninsula Drive 814-833-7424 presqueisle.org

SHERATON ERIE BAYFRONT HOTEL 55 W. Bay Drive 814-454-2005 sheratoneriebayfront.com

CANOE & BOAT LIVERY Thompson Drive 814-838-3938 presqueisleboatrental.com EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

63

Beautiful Space to Inspire your Team Business meetings and retreats are most effective when held in an inspiring location. The Lodges provides that perfect place to energize your team and increase productivity. Offering state of the art audio visual services, high speed internet and other business amenities in our technology suite. We provide you with several meeting locations, breakout rooms, lakeside events and after meeting activities to make your vision a reality.

Fuel Creativity & Productivity The culinary team of The Carriage House will motivate your group with customized menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our highly trained, dedicated event planners work with you to create the perfect retreat generating the outcome you envisioned. The overnight rooms at The Lodges offer superior amenities combined with a serene atmosphere to ensure a great nights sleep, bringing out the best in your group.

685 Camp GeƩysburg Road, GeƩysburg, PA (717) 642-2500 or Toll Free at (877) 607-2442

www.thelodgesatgeƩysburg.com

Hampton Carousel

Virginia Air & Space Center

For details call 800.800.2202 or VisitHampton.com Miss Hampton II

Hampton History Museum