Eastern Home & Travel – September/October 2016

LEGEND AND LURE OF SLEEPY HOLLOW

September/October 2016

EasternHomeAndTravel.com

CHARLOTTE: CROWN JEWEL OF THE SOUTH

SMITHFIELD: HISTORY WITH A SIDE OF HAM

Indulge all Senses HARFORD COUNT N I Y

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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.

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

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contents features 14

THE LEGEND AND LURE OF SLEEPY HOLLOW

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26 36

2 6 IN CHARLOTTE, THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH IS THE KING OF THE TRACK

36 PIRATE CRUISES PLUNDER THE EAST COAST

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

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contents features 56 WORLD’S HAM CAPITAL, WHERE TRADITION AND PROGRESS BLEND

56

departments 2 2 EAST COAST FINDS PRACTICAL LUXURY FANCY FARMACIE A SASSY GLOW

44 HOME

NAUTICAL BY NATURE

50 GREAT READS

MODERN LOVERS BY EMMA STRAUB

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TASTINGS BLESSEDLY GOOD GOUDA

Maryland renaissance Festival Near aNNapolis, iN CrowNsville, MD

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FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

EASTERN

Volume 4, ISSUE 6

&

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.

MAUREEN DOWDELL is a freelance writer, singer and actress from New York City. A summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of West Virginia University, she holds a B.S. in journalism and a B.A. in music. In addition to travel writing, she enjoys songwriting and developing screenplays.

Donna Elbert, Publisher donna@pulsepublishing.net

EDITORIAL

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

Molly Fellin Spence, Managing Editor molly@pulsepublishing.net

DESIGN & PRODUCTION GINA GALLUCCI-WHITE is a freelance writer based in Maryland. Her

Erin Tinney, Creative Director

articles have appeared in multiple publications, including regional magazines and newspapers, along the East Coast. She also contributes monthly to USA Today's 10 Best Washington, D.C. webpage. A West Virginia University graduate, she likes to travel with her family, walk her spoiled dog and dissect episodes of "Game of Thrones."

erin@pulsepublishing.net

REED HELLMAN is a professional writer living in Alberton, Md. Visit his website at ReedHellmanWordsmith.com, or email your questions and comments to RHWay2Go@yahoo.com.

DISTRITBUTION

COMMUNICATION & SOCIAL MEDIA Maxann Keller, Coordinator maxann@pulsepublishing.net

distribution@pulsepublishing.net

ACCOUNTING

Joanne Baum, Accountant

bookkeeper@pulsepublishing.net

CHARITY BETH LONG is the domestic diva behind VintageKitty.com, a home and garden journal that celebrates a fun, hands-on approach to homemaking. Follow Charity as she chronicles her pursuit to mix up the old and the new in her Victorian home in the beautiful eastern panhandle of West Virginia. Domestic bliss isnot just wearing pearls while you vacuum!

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Barb Campbell Catherine Lane Jill Lang

ADMINISTRATION 301-662-6050

PUBLISHING

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

FAX 301-662-5102

WEBSITE

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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.

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

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from the

EDITOR It is in early July that I write this from my air-conditioned office in Maryland, where we, and several surrounding states are under an extreme heat advisory. High temperatures and humidity that rivals that of a tropical rain forest have many of us seeking indoor activities, or if we're lucky, floating in some nearby swimming hole. My garden only receives limited attention as I do my best to avoid the midday sun and angry hoards of mosquitoes, while hoping I can get the tomatoes harvested before our dog does it for us.

Many long for summer to last as long as possible, but I am a true lover of all thing autumnal.

Yes, I'll miss fresh local corn, dancing fireflies and the late-night frog chorus. But there really is nothing like the cool, crisp air on a misty autumn morning, the sun glistening through the trees as they reflect a kaleidoscope of fall color.

On The Cover

Captain Jack statue in Elizabeth Park, Charlotte, NC. See story, page 26 P H OTO G R A P H E R : J I L L L A N G

So you can imagine how delighted I am to bring you the well-timed piece, "Legend and Lure of Sleepy Hollow." What better way to spend a gorgeous fall afternoon than roaming the streets, warm cider in hand, searching for the Headless Horseman himself?

America’s East Coast provides a unique autumn experience. Northern states begin their vibrant display of color, while more southerly destinations provide an opportunity to extend that summer feeling.

Whether you find yourself carving pumpkins in upstate New York, taste-testing ham for your upcoming holiday celebrations, or feeding your need for speed while visiting the jewel of the South, do it with gusto. Each of us get only one ticket for this ride!

1-year/6 issues subscription $18 2-year/12 issues subscription $29.95 Subscribe online at www.easternhomeandtravel.com or call 301-662-6050 (ext 18).

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EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

Melissa Howes-Vitek, Executive Editor

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

SUBSCRIBE TO EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

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Finely appointed bathrooms feature a large jacuzzi tub with rainfall shower head and granite double vanity sink, complimented by a luxurious selection of Peter Thomas Roth spa cleansing products. The galley kitchen, with residential-sized appliances, makes meal preparation a breeze. Relax, take a slow, deep breath of the salt air, and let yourself go.

individual hotel contact information holiday Inn hotel & suites

Quality Inn boardwalk

Oceanfront on the Boardwalk at 17th Street 866-627-8483 | ocsuites.com

Oceanfront on the Boardwalk at 17th Street 800-837-3584 | qiboardwalk.com

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Oceanfront on 54th Street 800-837-3586 | qioceanfront.com

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holiday Inn Oceanfront

Oceanfront on 67th Street 800-837-3588 | holidayinnoceanfront.com

For reservations & further details about these oceanfront resorts

800-638-2106 | ocmdhotels.com Amenities vary at different hotels.

To book call 866-729-3200 or visit www.oceancityhilton.com

Hilton Oceanfront Suites Oceanfront & 32nd St 3200 North Baltimore Ave Ocean City, MD 21842 866-729-3200 / 410-289-6444 www.oceancityhilton.com ©2016 Hilton Hospitality, Inc.

BY MAUREEN DOWDELL

P H OTO G R A P H Y: M A U R E E N D O W D E L L

THE LEGEND AND LURE OF SLEEPY HOLLOW

I love when friends visit New York City because they are always eager to explore.

Suddenly, the destinations categorized as “I’ll get to someday,” shoot to the top of my to-do list, infused with a sense of urgency and a fresh perspective.

A college friend, who recently moved to the Big Apple, suggested a trip to Sleepy Hollow. The invitation begged the question, “Would my life be complete without a trip to the village immortalized by New York City’s favorite son Washington Irving (1783–1859)?”

P H OTO G R A P H Y: M A U R E E N D O W D E L L

It was Irving, after all, who conferred the moniker “Gotham,” the Anglo-Saxon word for “Goat’s Town,” on New York City and the nickname “Knickerbocker” on Manhattanites. The strength of his satire alone made the trip practically mandatory for me.

THE LEGEND

What better time than October to explore the haunted hamlet of Irving’s short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820)? A tale of characters the likes of Ichabod Crane, the Headless Horseman, Brom Bones and Katrina Van Tassel, who, but for the 1798 yellow fever outbreak in Manhattan that spurred Irving’s parents to send him to safety upriver in Tarrytown, N.Y., may have been lost to literature and the wanderings of a youthful imagination.

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Located 30 miles north of New York City, Sleepy Hollow derives its name from the narrow ravine carved by the Pocantico River that flows through it. Tarrytown, where Irving spent the last 25 years of his life, lies approximately a mile south of Sleepy Hollow, a village in the town of Mount Pleasant in Westchester County, N.Y. Upon his death, Irving was buried in the cemetery behind the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow.

fall air are a clarion call to tourists who jam U.S. Route 9 that winds above the village situated along the east bank of the Hudson River.

THE LURE

Sleepy Hollow, and its not-so-sleepy sisters Sunnyside and Tarrytown, offer a treasure trove of day and nighttime attractions, landmarks and fun activities that are sure to please the foodies, historians, art-seekers, nature-lovers and recreational enthusiasts of the family.

Like the specter of Washington Irving himself, Sleepy Hollow comes alive around Halloween with the panache of a place that fully embraces its mystical, magical appeal, historic significance and natural beauty. Autumn’s changing hues and crisp

Magnificent architecture, ornamental wrought iron, and quaint gas street lamps ooze old world charm. Vibrant yellow and ruby mums, giant orange pumpkins, dried cornstalks, hay bales and multi-colored leaves decorate the village landscape like a cornucopia.

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P H OTO G R A P H Y: M A U R E E N D O W D E L L

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P H OTO G R A P H Y: M A U R E E N D O W D E L L

T H I N G S TO D O

The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow, built in 1685, is the oldest church building in New York State. Open on many weekend afternoons in summer and fall; the Burying Ground (adjacent to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery) is open year-round.

Admission is free.

Historic Site Tours include Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate; Philipsburg Manor; Sunnyside; and creepy gothic Lyndhurst castle, inhabited by Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities.

Riverfront walkways, boat clubs, and kayak and canoe launches cater to water lovers.

The Old Croton Aqueduct, Rockefeller State Park Preserve and Stone Barns Centers for Food and Agriculture provide picnic areas, landmarks and estates to discover; gardens, pastures and woods to explore with scenic trails to jog, hike, bike and push strollers. Oh, and did I mention: birding, fishing, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding?

P H OTO G R A P H Y: M A U R E E N D O W D E L L

Tarrytown Music Hall features big-name artists and acts, while street festivals offer an affordable way to hear live music. A weekly farmers’ market showcases traditional craft demonstrations.

Don’t miss the Beekman Avenue block party and haunted hayride, but be prepared to wait through long lines closer to Halloween.

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P H OTO G R A P H Y: M A U R E E N D O W D E L L

EVENTS

A slate of events October through November promises to keep family members entertained and engaged, or at least frightened out of their wits.

• Irving’s “Legend” renders a dramatic performance of Washington Irving’s classic tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, as told by master storyteller Jonathan Kruk accompanied by atmospheric organ music.

• Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, whose famous residents include Elizabeth Arden, Brooke Astor, Andrew Carnegie, Walter Chrysler and Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge, offers a choice of daytime tours or by-lantern-light evening tours.

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• The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, with more than 7,000 hand-carved jack o' lanterns that illuminate the grounds of the 18th century riverside Van Cortlandt Manor. Thematic designs, music and synchronized lighting make it a not to-be-missed extravaganza.

RESOURCES OLD DUTCH CHURCH Albany Post Road (U.S. Route 9), Sleepy Hollow hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/partner-sites/ old-dutch-church

• Horseman’s Hollow recreates the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, including the Headless Horseman and other scary creatures of the night that haunt the grounds of Philipsburg Manor.

SLEEPY HOLLOW CEMETERY 540 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow 914-631-0081 hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/partner-sites/ sleepy-hollow-cemetery

Advance ticket purchases are required for most of the attractions. General public tickets go on sale Sept. 1.

Check the individual websites for times, ticket prices, age appropriateness, and accessibility of each venue.

PHILIPSBURG MANOR / KYKUIT VISITOR CENTER 381 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/ philipsburg-manor

P H OTO G R A P H Y: M A U R E E N D O W D E L L

WILL THE REAL ICHABOD CRANE P L E A S E S TA N D U P ?

VAN CORTLANDT MANOR Croton-on-Hudson hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/ van-cortlandt-manor LYNDHURST CASTLE Tarrytown hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/lyndhurst STONE BARNS CENTER FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE BLUE HILL RESTAURANT AT STONE BARNS Pocantico Hills hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/partner-sites/ stone-barns-center

NEW YORK

SLEEPY HOLLOW

NEW JERSEY

A real-life Ichabod Crane lived and was buried in Staten Island at Springville Cemetery on Richmond Avenue. A contemporary of Irving’s, Crane served along with him during the War of 1812, as an aide-de-camp for Gov. Daniel D. Tompkins. Whether Irving borrowed the name with permission or not is a matter of conjecture.

EAST COAST

PRACTICAL LUXURY LAFCO, a New York-based company founded in 1992 by Jon Bresler, creates products that change everyday tasks into fresh and luxurious experiences.

Alluring to humans with its delicious aroma of white geranium and mint leaves, it's also a natural bug repellant. The mellow, fresh floral and green scent will keep unwelcome insect guests at bay, without

the surplus odor and chemicals of citronella.

Designed to enhance the mood of a familiar, beloved space, and not overpower or interfere with it, the Patio Candle is the perfect complement to any outdoor event and a welcomed gift for any host or hostess. www.lafco.com

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y O F L A F C O

After traveling through Europe in search of the most skilled artisans and experts, Bresler embarked on a self-imposed apprenticeship with master perfumers and leading producers of natural skincare and homeopathic remedies. Bresler knew he wanted to preserve the rich histories of these disciplines and share these products at home in the United States. From there, LAFCO was born.

As LAFCO grew, so did Bresler's desire to compose his own fragrances. He wanted to take his rich knowledge of apothecary traditions and create modern, luxurious products using only the purest ingredients and the most nuanced fragrances. The Patio Candle is one of the splendid results of that passion.

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EAST COAST FINDS

FANCY FARMACIEÂ Until recently, the Soap & Paper Factory offered primarily soap and paper. Now the New York-based company has launched its new Farmacie Candle Collection.

The collection is available in three fragrances, including Marigold Calendula, a light and feminine scent that blends airy cyclamen, a delicate flower known for its elegant upswept petals, with peony; Lavender Clary Sage, which blends calming lavender with citrusy notes of bergamot and crisp clary sage, creating an earthy scent; and Red Rose Saffron, a sweet fragrance that showcases the timeless scent of red rose, accented with floral tones and hints of spicy saffron and creamy tonka bean.

Any one of them will make a delightful addition to your own little corner of the world.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y O F S OA P & PA P E R FAC TO R Y

soapandpaperfactory.com

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EAST COAST FINDS

A SASSY GLOW Having already created successful businesses on their own, Valerie Wray and Joy Fennell decided it was time to join forces and add their combined knowledge of fashion, beauty and business to another passion—lifestyle and home goods.

Valerie, originally from Kentucky, and Joy, from Maryland, each found her way to New York City years ago and separately settled on Harlem as their new home. Its eclectic rhythm, vibes and rich history spoke to both of them. In fact, their business’s name, The 125 Collection, celebrates the legendary 125th Street, located in the heart of Harlem.

The growing lifestyle brand fuses fun, style and individuality into everyday life. Constantly inspired by the city they love, The 125 Collection is meant for fashion-forward individuals who celebrate self-expression in style. the125collection.com

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y O F T H E 1 2 5 C O L L E C T I O N

T H E Q U OT E C A N D L E C O L L E C T I O N : 1 0 0 % P U R E S OY C A N D L E S , H A N D P O U R E D I N N E W YO R K .

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West Virginia State Museum Open Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CULTURE CENTER

State Capitol Complex, Charleston

Free and open to the public.

EEO/AA Employer

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

IN CHARLOTTE, THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH IS THE

KING OF THE TRACK B Y S H U A N B U TC H E R

Whether you are a fan of the sport of racecar driving or have never been to a racetrack, everyone should experience a NASCAR race at least once. The sight of dozens of cars diving in circles at 200 miles per hour paired with the sound of roaring engines and the feel of wind rushing past your face as the cars whiz by you are all part of a one-of-a-kind experience. And there is no better place P H OTO G R A P H Y: S H U A N B U TC H E R

to take in a National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing event than Charlotte, North Carolina.

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

The Charlotte area is home to many NASCAR teams, racecar drivers, employees and shops.

Charlotte Motor Speedway, located just outside the city in Concord, is one of the sport’s top tracks.

Before you even enter the grandstands, check out the Fan Zone, where there are souvenir stands, games, and giveaways. Once inside, there are a number of food stands that will temp your taste buds.

Try out What-A-Burger, a regional Carolina favorite or the Speedway Club, a sit-down upscale dining experience in a temperature-controlled restaurant that overlooks the track. (You can eat at the club year round, not just during races).

Purchase the pit road pass, which allows you to walk through the garage area as well as where the teams work. This will give you a first-hand look at what takes place behind the scenes, including car inspections and final preparations before the race.

If you are new to NASCAR, there are a few tools that you may need to bring to the track. First, earplugs are essential as the roar of the engine at full speed can be very loud; second, binoculars so you can see the full track or follow an individual driver or a crash or other event taking place. Another essential is a race scanner so you can hear communication between the driver and his or her crew.

One of the many team shops in the area is Hendrick Motorsports, which is located just one mile from Charlotte Motor Speedway. You can actually visit the museum and team store for free and see a number of the iconic and winning cars through the team’s history. A number of display cases contain trophies, helmets and pieces of equipment used in competition. Some Hollywood memorabilia, such as cars and costume pieces from the Tom Cruise movie “Days of Thunder” are also on display.

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One of the legends of the sport was Dale Earnhardt Sr., who died tragically during the 2001 Daytona 500. As a tribute to him, his hometown of Kannapolis and other surrounding communities created the Dale Trail, a 20-stop self-guided tour commemorating the life and legacy of one of NASCAR’s top drivers. Be sure to stop by the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza, which includes a 9-foot bronze statue of him and pays tribute to the man and his accomplishments.

Along the trail, plan to grab brunch at Punchy’s Diner, a family-friendly, 1950s-style American diner that serves old-fashioned, homemade classics. You won’t go hungry if you eat here with the hearty main courses, such as chopped steak or golden battered fish. Or, order Dale’s favorite, a basic tomato sandwich.

The City of Charlotte is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a major attraction that honors the history and heritage of the sport. This place is not a traditional museum, as it houses more than 50 interactive exhibits. Start your visit in the High Octane Theater, which features a 64-foot wide projection screen and surround sound and learn a bit more about the sport through a brief film. Then visit “Glory Road,” which gives you an idea of the different degrees of banking at racetracks across the country as well as showcases the make and model of cars throughout the sport’s history. You can participate in a pit crew challenge by racing against others to change a tire and fuel up a car.

The racing simulator gives you a chance to virtually drive a race car against other drivers. For my simulation, I drove the No. 88 Chevrolet against 12 other racers at Pocono Raceway: I started in the seventh position and ended sixth, one lap down.

It looks like I will need a little more practice before I make a career as a racecar driver, but it was a lot of fun.

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

There is much more to Charlotte than NASCAR, and a trip to the Crown Jewel of the South is worth it for attractions outside of racing. Try a guided Segway tour of the city to learn about the history and architecture, explore the parks and neighborhoods, and visit places such as the 7th Street Public Market, where locals and visitors alike can get fresh produce and food and locally made products. A number of North Carolina products such as Smoked Amber Triple C Beer Soap handcrafted in Charlotte, Bojangles French Fry Seasoning (famous for its Cajun fried chicken, biscuits, and southern fixins, this fast food chain started in Charlotte in 1977), Mac’s Speed Shop Red BBQ Sauce, and Cheerwine, a legendary cherry-flavored soft drink from nearby Salisbury that has been around nearly 100 years are all great items to seek out.

Check out Nan and Byron’s for lunch. Located in Charlotte’s South End, where miners once flocked in the mid-1800s during the country’s first gold rush, this restaurant focuses on new-American cuisine and specialty crafted cocktails. The name originates 32

EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

VIRGINIA

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

NORTH CAROLINA

CHARLOTTE

SOUTH CAROLINA

from Grant Wood’s well-known 1930 “American Gothic” painting of the man and woman (Nan and Byron) holding a pitchfork in front of a farm.

The menu at Nan and Byron’s isn’t overly complicated, but that shouldn't fool you. The urban comfort food experience is excellent here. Upon being seated, expect a complimentary seasoned popcorn. Then order an appetizer such as deviled eggs. As an entrée, the seared meatloaf sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayo with sriracha ketchup is a great choice. The crispy beet burger with boursin cheese, arugula, red onions and avocado, recently featured in Food Network Magazine, can be described as a summer garden on a bun.

A trip to Downtown Concord is also in order, for its unique shops and galleries. A highlight is the Cabarrus Creamery, a popular ice cream joint with too many fabulous flavors to choose from, including sliced lemon, roasted pecan and moon pie.

The Depot at Gibson Mill is an antique and designer mall with more than 600 vendor booths. Prepare

to spend hours browsing the 88,000 square-foot space. Here, you can purchase antiques, art, repurposed pieces and some unique items. They claim to have the “Best Crap in the South.”

Also part of the complex is Concord’s first full-scale craft brewery, Cabarrus Brewing Company, where you can enjoy local beer and BBQ from The Smoke Pit. Indeed, the Charlotte region has a lot to explore, and you may find you don’t have enough time to see it all, which simply means a return trip is in order.

RESOURCES

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM & TEAM STORE 4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Boulevard, Charlotte 877-467-4890 hendrickmotorsports.com ■

THE DEPOT AT GIBSON MILL 325 McGill Ave., Concord 704-787-9351 depotgibsonmill.com ■

DALE EARNHARDT TRIBUTE PLAZA Corner of South Main & West B Streets, Kannapolis daletrail.com PUNCHY’S DINER 550 Concord Parkway, Concord 704-786-2222 punchysdiner.com ■

CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY 5555 Concord Parkway South, Concord 704-455-3267 charlottemotorspeedway.com

NAN AND BYRON’S 1714 South Boulevard, Charlotte 980-224-7492 nanandbyrons.com

NASCAR HALL OF FAME 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Charlotte 704-654-4400 nascarhall.com

CABARRUS CREAMERY 21 Union Street South, Concord 704-784-1923 CabarrusCreamery.com

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SEGWAY TOUR WITH CHARLOTTE NC TOURS 101 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte 866-752-7130 charlottenctours.com ■

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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

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P H OTO G R A P H Y: D J I G G I B O D G I . C O M

PIRATE CRUISES PLUNDER THE EAST COAST

BY GINA GALLUCCI-WHITE

On a windy Sunday afternoon in Annapolis, Md., Pirate Adventures of the Chesapeake’s Captain Ruby assembles her crew in a line to look them over. These land lovers, ranging in age from 3 to 9, came a half an hour before departure to

P H OTO G R A P H Y: D M I T R I M A R U TA

get shipshape by dressing in pirate garb, getting moustaches, scars, skulls and mermaids painted on their skin.

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HOW DID THESE ADVENTURES BECOME SO POPULAR? WE CAN THANK FICTIONAL CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW

FOR THAT. there can be,” Tomasini says. “It just captures the imagination, the adventure of it.”

How did these adventures become so popular? We can thank fictional Captain Jack Sparrow for that.

The crew says, “Aye Aye!”

“We owe it all to ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ (movie franchise),” says Urban Pirates Baltimore’s general manager Kyle Dembowski. “Every year they keep coming out with a new movie or production for a new movie. It keeps us going.”

“So if I ask you if you like ice cream, what are you going to say?” Captain Ruby asks. “Aye Aye,” the crew says.

Wildwood Crest, N.J.’s Dark Star Pirate Cruises owner Tracie Cicicchitti says pirates offer allure and mystery.

“If I ask you if you want to go on a pirate ship, what are you going to say?” she asks.

“They just never go out of style, I think,” she says.

“They were popular when I was a kid. There has been a re-emergence with ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ (movies) and everybody loves a pirate.”

“What if you are a pirate and you want to say ‘Yes’?” she asks. “Do you know what to say? You say ‘Aye Aye!’ What do you say?”

“Aye Aye,” the crew says.

It’s been a pirate’s life for Captain Ruby, also known as Emily Tomasini, since 2003. She was finishing up an education degree in college when she first spotted a pirate ship. After talking to the owner, Tomasini decided to join the Pirate Adventures franchise, which has six locations along the East Coast, including Myrtle Beach, the Outer Banks and Cape Cod. Initially, Tomasini ran the Chesapeake branch by herself until her husband, Michael, joined her several years later. “For me, (the cruise) combines the fun of working with kids and the ability to be outside, on the water, not having to be in a classroom all day,” she says.

Pirate cruises have grown in popularity during the last decade. Travelers will find dozens of options stretching from Maine to Florida.

“I think a child sees sailing away in search of sunken treasure as the most exciting thing that 38

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Actor Johnny Depp didn’t get that Academy Award nomination for the first “Pirates” movie for nothing. So when pirate cruises need employees, they look for good local actors and enthusiastic high school and college students.

“We want a natural ability to work with kids and a real understanding of how to get a child to open up and experience the adventure, without needing to sit on mom and dad’s lap, to really trust us,” Tomasini says.

Urban Pirates Baltimore holds auditions every season about two months before they open in April. Between 20 to 40 people show up every year with only about 10 being chosen.

“We pretty much look for people who are in school for acting,” Dembowski says. “It’s a whole different type of person that it takes to act as a pirate, keep character and not break character even when you

P H OTO G R A P H Y: A Z A Z E L LO

They even got new names such as Emerald Ella, Jellyfish Jackson and Ahoy A.J. Captain Ruby deemed them all seaworthy upon inspection, but if they are going to help find a sunken treasure, they need to learn how to speak “pirate talk.”

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P H OTO G R A P H Y: X Y M M ( FA R R I G H T )

P H OTO G R A P H Y: PA L E K A ( FA R R I G H T )

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are on a boat with 50 other people who have no idea how you got into this and why you pursued a job as a pirate. ...I know my employees come to work every day ready to go. They are very excited and happy.”

in two years and say ‘I know this.’ ‘I know that.’

We’ve got to keep it fresh.”

Cicicchitti says they also employ pirate reenactors.

“We really have a tremendous group of actors,” she says. “They are really fantastic and they are really all in.”

“We are really excited about it,” Cicicchitti says.

“We just think it is going to be really fun. We have two really great mermaids (actresses). We are naming one Syrena and the other Stella.”

Some cruises focus solely on family outings while others also offer adult-only voyages for socializing.

Urban Pirates Baltimore’s late-night cruises are so popular they sell out at least two weeks in advance.

Tomasini’s favorite part of her job is watching the kids react when she pulls a treasure chest up out of the water for the first time. “Even (for) the fifth time, their reactions are priceless,” she says.

“It’s all ‘Bring your own alcohol,’ Dembowski says of the adult pirate cruises. “We don’t actually serve alcohol but you can bring as much as you want on the boat. Since we can’t sell or serve alcohol, we donate a bottle of rum per cruise so each person will get a least one or two shots on us and that’s the treasure that they get on the boat for the adult cruises. It’s liquid treasure.”

Aboard the Sea Gypsy VI, Tomasini, playing Captain Ruby, has made her crew work hard. They have raised the Jolly Roger flag all while yelling “Heave!

Ho!” and recovered a message in a bottle from the villainous Pirate Pete, thwarted his attack by sending him to Davy Jones’ Locker with water cannons and discovered their sunken treasure. As Ruby opens the soaked black chest, the children all run to it. It is filled with doubloons and jewels and each child is allowed to take a huge handful and place it into a booty bag.

With a majority lasting just over an hour, most pirate family cruises are action-packed, filled with games, searching for stolen treasure, defeating an evil pirate by using water canons and drinking some celebratory grog (usually Sprite or root beer).

“We try to change the script up every year,” Dembowski says. “Try to add something a little bit new and fresh just because we do have a lot of return customers. We’ve got to try to keep it fresh so that same kid doesn’t come on three times

Dark Star is adding a new pirate cruise to its line up this year called “A Siren’s Call” featuring a mermaid and her treasure captured by an evil pirate.

Back at the docks, Ruby thanks each pirate for his help with recovering the treasure. She then gets ready for the next cruise, because evil pirates are sure to return.

“It’s addicting to watch (the kids) transform from shy little kids who aren’t really sure what’s going on to telling them we are going to find treasure and actually going on and finding it,” she says. “It’s magical.”

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pirateadventures.com PIRATE ADVENTURES OF THE CHESAPEAKE 311 3rd St, Annapolis, MD 410-263-0002 chesapeakepirates.com ■

URBAN PIRATES 911 S Ann St, Baltimore, MD 410-327-8378 urbanpirates.com ■

DARK STAR 6200 Park Blvd, Wildwood Crest, NJ 609-729-3275 darkstarpiratecruises.com ■

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HOME

NAUTICAL by NATURE As the leaves begin to turn and the temperatures start to fall across most of the East Coast, why not breathe new life and a bit of whimsy into your home’s interior, with an exclusive collection of wallpapers, originating from hand-carved block prints?

A common love of art and the coast, paired with a chance meeting, led to a creative

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y O F PATC H F O R T W E N T Y 2

connection that produced this amazing original artwork that begs for a place in your home.

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HOME

 C A P TA I N

J AC K ’ S ( B U O Y S )

AVA I L A B L E I N A R G E N T, W H I S P, O L D S A LT, A B S I N T H E , C A D E T, R E E F, R E G AT TA , S L O O P, A L O F T EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

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H O DMEEP A R T M E N T

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DEPH A RO TMME E N T

 ANCHORS

AWEIGH

AVA I L A B L E I N S T E L L A R , D E W P O I N T, R E G AT TA , B A R Q U E , B R E A K E R , B I L L O W, B L U S T E R , A B E A M , C H A N T E Y, W H I S P

The collaboration between Connecticut-based design and printing studio of Kyra and Robertson Hartnett, aka twenty2, and Patch Design Studio, the Ashville, North Carolina-based design company, is a match made in design heaven. Together they have released “Patch for twenty2,” an exclusive collection of wallpapers.

Inspired by her Southern roots, Heather Mithoefer, founder of Patch Design Studio, creates unique patterns made from her own hand-carved block prints onto kitchen towels, napkins and onesies. twenty2 fell in love with Heather’s distinctive design process and decided to bring her work to life as wallpaper for the first time with Heather's exclusive patterns.

“We love working with designers that offer something fresh and different, taking their unique vision and bringing it to life with our printing expertise,” said Kyra.

“Heather’s design process is so tactile and her patterns are so charming, that

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y O F PATC H F O R T W E N T Y 2

when we saw them, we just couldn’t wait to transform them into wallpaper.”

 FLOCK

TO G E T H E R AVA I L A B L E I N S WA L L O W,

S T E R L I N G , B A R R E D, D O W N , C Y G N E T, S A N D P I P E R , P L O V E R EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

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DEPH A RO TMME E N T

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HOME

The collective design process is what makes this collaboration so distinct. Each designer plays with scale, surface and space in completely different ways: Heather begins her process by drawing in her sketchbook. When she is ready to transform a sketch into a block, she scans it into the computer to play with scale and layout. She then prints the image and transfers it onto a rubber block made for carving. Heather then hand carves each block into a 3-D figure, achieving various line weights and different details within the design. Heather takes her final block, or “stamp,” as they are generally referred to, and applies colored ink. This is then hand-stamped or screen-printed onto fabric. twenty2 had Heather create block prints on the same clay coated wallpaper ground that they would then use to print the collection. The texture of this paper is so smooth that there is nothing to distract

ABOUT TWENTY2

Kyra and Robertson printed each pattern onto their eco-friendly clay coated paper, but custom options

twenty2 is the design and printing studio of husband-and-wife team Kyra and Robertson Hartnett. Recognized as an innovator and leader in the wallpaper field since launching its first wallpaper collection in 2003, twenty2 provides boutique custom wallpaper printing services in addition to offering a curated collection of ecofriendly grasscloth and signature patterns for the contemporary interior. twenty2 is rooted in its co-founders' love of patterns and color, offering designers and consumers imaginative additions to the home.

are available on eco-friendly, sisal grasscloth and metallic coated papers. The collection includes four

twenty2.net

from the lovely texture and purposeful imperfections inherent in Heather’s hand work. twenty2 instructed Heather to only print in black on the white paper so that they had a high contrast image which helps to accentuate the “happy accidents” and imperfections found in the beauty of a handcarved block. This also allowed twenty2 to create Heather’s patterns in a variety of colors. The four prints were then scanned at a resolution that captured Heather’s original shapes and translated them into colors that accentuated her playful tones while staying true to twenty2’s understated colorways.

prints and multiple colorways.

“I am delighted to be partnering with twenty2 to give my block prints a new life on wallpaper,” Heather

All the wallpaper designs are made to order and digitally printed at twenty2’s Connecticut studio with

Since 2010, Patch has produced hand-printed textiles using organic and responsibly made fabrics.

In fall 2015, founder Heather Mithoefer took this a step further by introducing dish towels, napkin sets and onesies that are not only sustainably made, but also are made entirely in the Carolinas using 100 percent, U.S.-grown organic cotton.

Patch Design Studio was selected as a 2015 Martha Stewart American Made Design finalist.

eco-friendly, water-based inks.

patchdesignstudio.com

said. “Kyra and Robertson have a wonderful sense of style and color and it has been fascinating to see how they translate my designs. Our two processes have come together beautifully to create a collection of wall coverings that takes something familiar and asks it behave differently. It captures the creation of a shape in a different element and brings it life while maintaining sophistication.”

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C O U RT E S Y O F PATC H F O R T W E N T Y 2

A B O U T PAT C H D E S I G N S T U D I O

 A

K I D ’ L L E AT I V Y

AVA I L A B L E I N D E W P O I N T, B I R C H , A R G E N T, W OA D, L E M O N G R A S S , K E T T L E A N D A S H

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GREAT READS

MODERN LOVERS

By Emma Straub Novelist Emma Straub lives in New York City and her characters usually do, too.

In her highly praised novel “The Vacationers,” privileged Brooklynites take a vacation to Mallorca and learn about love and infidelity. Though, truthfully, not much happens by way of plot in that book, Straub’s characters are richly drawn and instantly relatable. Their observations are witty and the scenes in which they dwell are, at times, absurd. If nothing else, the novel entertains.

Straub’s latest novel, “Modern Lovers” is full of relatable Brooklyn dwellers, too, but this time, the story is set in New York as well. The story centers on a group of friends—Elizabeth, Andrew and Zoe—who met as college bandmates. Now, they’re all grown up, and still friends, struggling with what it means to be adults.

Elizabeth, a real estate agent, is married to Andrew, and has a son, Harry. They live just down the street from restaurant owners Zoe, her wife, Jane, and their daughter, Ruby. Harry and Ruby are the same ages as they were when they all first met.

All the adults are shocked when the brash Ruby starts up a relationship with the shy Harry. But perhaps the thing that shocks them more is realizing their own age and the new vantage point this gives them on their own pasts.

As summer unfolds, the couples struggle with trust issues, questions about the future and how much the past should stay in the past.

As in “The Vacationers,” nothing truly dramatic moves the plot in this novel. There’s no giant disaster or major tragedy that propels the characters to act. This book is more quiet and introspective.

The author explains that the story is about “neighbors and nosiness, ambition and pleasure, the excitement of youth, and the shock of middle age.”

“Modern Lovers” is about how we grow, and how our passions—whether they are friendships, food or music—grow along with us.

– M O L LY F E L L I N S P E N C E

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TASTINGS

BLESSEDLY GOOD GOUDA I L L U S T R AT I O N : C O U RT E S Y O F O U R L A D Y O F T H E A N G E L S

B Y C H A R I T Y B E T H LO N G

Driving through the countryside of Virginia my wheels crunch on packed dirt. The narrow road curves, leading to a wooden bridge and, not long after, a brick monastery. I’m in the town of Crozet, about 15 miles outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, where a small group of nuns make fabulous Gouda cheese.

I park amidst a construction site and two dogs greet me; first a playful Terrier mix, and then a slightly wary Golden Retriever, announce my arrival with a bark. At the mahogany door of Our Lady of the Angels, a sign reads, “Door is open. You are welcome.”

P H OTO G R A P H Y: C H A R I T Y B E T H LO N G

TASTINGS

TASTINGS

Inside, I find a simple, tile-floored chapel and ask for Sister Barbara Smickel. A friendly nun ushers me to a modest, almost grandmotherly sitting room where I learn about how this order of nuns became cheesemakers.

They also spend time exploring the woods on the property and with their pets, which includes the aforementioned Golden, Amber; Jesse James, the spirited Terrier mix; and a grey and white kitty named Juniper, all of which are rescues.

nuns, who add cultures to a large stainless steel vat of milk and stir with large paddles until curds form.

The curds are then hand cut, some of the whey removed, more water is added and the mixture is heated again.

It all started back in 1987, when six nuns moved from Massachusetts to Albemarle County, Va., to start a new Cistercian Monastery. In the hills of Virginia, these nuns would pray up to six hours per day and follow the tradition of supporting themselves through manual labor.

Although the sisters do not leave the monastery for entertainment, they do go out to run errands and to vote. On these outings, it is not unusual for strangers to approach the nuns with prayer requests. Community members also come to the monastery for Mass, which is open to the public.

The service is delivered by a resident priest and often the 20-seat chapel is standing room only. It’s easy to see why guests flock to Our Lady of the Angels; the sense of tranquility is palpable.

The curds are then ready to be hand weighed and placed into molds which get pressed, giving the cheese its characteristic wheel shape. The finished wheels are then soaked in salt brine for 14 hours, preserving the cheese and developing its flavor. The nuns wrap the final product in cloth, dip it in wax and then age it at least six weeks during which time the Gouda hardens and the flavor matures.

Sister Barbara explained that when they bought the property, it already had a small cheese-making facility and their plan was to make and sell cheese.

With a grin, she said, “we were a little naïve.” The equipment was old and the sisters knew nothing about the craft they had undertaken. Undaunted, they met with advisors and now make 20,000 pounds of Gouda per year.

Currently, 13 sisters call Our Lady of the Angels home. It’s a diverse group of women. Sister Maria hails from Spain, Sister Myriam from Haiti and Sister Sophy is originally from India but recently became a U.S. citizen. Here on 507 secluded acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains days are largely occupied by prayer and work, much of which is done in silence, according to Trappistine custom.

At first glance this may seem like a difficult, solitary life but the smiles say otherwise. In the open space of country life, these women live in close quarters, praying and working together, with unified purpose.

Even with the regimented schedule of monastic life, the sisters make time for simple pleasures such as reading, making music and gardening.

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Growth in both the monastery’s numbers and church attendance led to the construction of a new church, a project that has been under way since 2014. The expansion includes a much larger chapel, library, meeting room and a welcome center. Donations have been helpful in raising the funds for construction, but Our Lady of the Angels also earns income through cheese sales and by leasing farmland surrounding the priory.

If you visit, you are likely to see fields of corn and roaming Holstein, but they belong to the tenant farmer. The Monastery Farm Cheese is made from grass-fed, hormone-free milk purchased from the Dairy Farmers of America Co-op. Sister Barbara says that most of the milk comes from “local Mennonite farmers who are stewards of the land.”

A single batch of cheese starts with 700 gallons of milk that eventually becomes 800 pounds of cheese. It‘s handmade, a process that begins with pasteurized milk. It’s all done by the cloistered

The result is a mild, buttery cheese. Sister Barbara says the secret is “love and prayer.” And the sisters have a lot to pray about. About one-third of the cheese orders come with a prayer request, a task that the sisters take seriously. So if you’re wondering if the cheese is blessed, it is, in a manner of speaking. Sister Barbara says they “pray over it” while they work.

If you’re interested in trying this holy cheese, you can travel to Charlottesville, where it’s sold in two retail locations: Feast and Foods of All Nations.

Or go directly to Crozet for a view of the lush landscape. Visitors are welcome, but it’s best to contact the monastery in advance.

You can also purchase by mail. To download the order form or to see a virtual tour of the cheesemaking process, visit olamonastery.org.

Once you get your cheese, melt it on some toast.

That’s the way the vegetarian Sisters of Our Lady of the Angels prefer to eat it. I’m an omnivore, so I piled my buttered toast with thick cut bacon, fresh arugula and of course, Monastery Country Cheese!

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TASTINGS

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

WORLD’S HAM CAPITAL,

WHERE TRADITION AND PROGRESS BLEND

BY REED HELLMAN

In a crowded storeroom in Smithfield, Virginia’s Bon Vivant Market, a group of “Smithfield 2020” committee members discuss permitting food trucks within the town’s limits. Long P H OTO G R A P H Y: R E E D H E L L M A N

known for its signature hams, Smithfield was chartered in 1752 and has purposefully chosen to maintain the charm and graciousness traditionally regarded as “Southern.” Now, Town Manager Peter Stevenson and committee members must consider whether food trucks can fit in with that character, or if they will alter Smithfield’s “Mayberry-like” ambiance.

It’s easy to get comfortable in a town that has distilled the best parts of traditional Virginia hospitality and combined them with engaging attractions, well-managed events and an understanding of what makes a successful vacation.

Smithfield’s range of quality accommodations and unique dining opportunities caps the experience.

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Visitors find that they slow down and adopt a leisurely gait as they prowl Main Street’s shops, stare up at Church Street’s mansions or spot waterfowl along Windsor Castle Park’s walking trail. Numerous town festivals celebrate special occasions and feature regional cuisine, including the world famous Smithfield ham.

In 1779, Captain Mallory Todd shipped a quantity of hams, salt cured in his smokehouse using Native American methods, to Elliston and John Perot on St. Eustatius in the Caribbean. In return, Capt. Todd received, among other items, a 2-lb cannon and a hat.

This transaction marked the first known commercial sale of a Smithfield ham. Connoisseurs now recognize the Smithfield country ham as one of the world’s great delicacies, on a par with Spain’s Jamón serrano and Italy’s Parmas and Prosciuttos. A genuine Smithfield has a distinctive dark pink color and pungent flavor— robust, salty and rich with hardwood smoke.

Originally written into the laws of the Virginia Commonwealth, a genuine Smithfield ham required a Virginia or North Carolina-raised razorback hog, peanut-fed and traditionally cured within Smithfield city limits. Peanuts made the hams oily and a genuine Smithfield ham can remain edible indefinitely.

Following Capt. Todd’s lead, Smithfield ham producers packed thousands of hams into wooden barrels and shipped them to the Caribbean from the town’s port on the Pagan River. As curing operations grew in size, the town had to move its boundaries a time or two to encompass the new facilities.

Today’s Smithfield Foods, Inc., operates the largest ham company in the world and is the No. 1 U.S. producer of packaged pork products. Smithfield Foods has maintained a close, positive relationship with the city and operates the Smithfield Inn, opened in 1752. Spending a night at the inn is an essential Smithfield experience. Begin with drinks at the bar, then dine on traditional local fare.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: R E E D H E L L M A N

Coincidentally, the Market had scheduled Scott Horne and his Granny’s Kitchen food truck—the proximal cause of the committee’s deliberations— to park in front of the Bon Vivant that evening.

As the committee considered Horne’s application and the notion of food trucks altogether, he was selling out his dinner menu to hungry shoppers and serving up appetizers and entrees for the committee members. A local guy, Horne’s obvious commitment to preserving Smithfield’s personality reinforced his case even more than the rib eyes and ham biscuits.

The Smithfield Inn’s ham biscuits have been made for more than 50 years by Mozell Brown. Her ham biscuits are one of humankind’s perfect foods: a thin slice of country ham baked into a light yeast roll with a papery crust that collapses in the mouth.

It’s two or three bites of savory meat and slightly sweet biscuit, a pleasantly greasy feel on the lips and a smoky flavor on the palate.

Smithfield is a walking town, the right size and scale to appreciate on foot. The Smithfield & Isle of Wight Visitor Center on Main Street produces a walking tour map that covers much of the nine square block registered historic district. Nearly three dozen locally owned shops line Main Street.

More than 60 historic or significant buildings— many of them Victorian “painted ladies”—cluster along Main, Grace and South Church streets.

Smithfield Station’s Boardwalk Shops and Windsor Castle Park’s nature trails add other dimensions for pedestrian touring.

At the Visitor Center, the Arts Center @ 319 shares the storefront, hosting exhibit space for local artists, resident artist studios and a shop featuring local art. Smithfield is also home to the largest collection of George Lundeen’s life-size bronze statues, scattered throughout the town.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: R E E D H E L L M A N

Standing at the town’s apex, where Main and Church streets intersect, the Isle of Wight County Museum spreads its displays throughout the marble and tiled former Bank of Smithfield building. Under a domed Tiffany-style skylight, the well-curated collections chronicle the region’s history, from prehistoric fossils to the present. Visitors can even view the world’s oldest edible cured ham, nearly 115 years old, and once the “pet” of P.D. Gwaltney, a ham industry pioneer.

The museum building tops Wharf Hill; beyond, the steep slope leads down to the Pagan Riverfront.

Along the descent, the Wharf Hill Brewing Company stands as an homage to Smithfield’s past.

Owner Lee Duncan repurposed a formerly lowbrow commercial building, using locally salvaged materials, and created a decidedly contemporary microbrewery, bistro and live music venue with EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

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Those traditions can go as far back as the 1620s.

Since 1623, Fort Boykin has commanded a lookout over the James River. St. Luke’s Church, a National Historic landmark built in the 1630s, is America’s oldest existing church of English foundation. The Old Courthouse on Main Street, built in 1750, carries the golden eagle masthead removed from a Union gunboat during the Civil War’s Battle of Smithfield.

Country hams have provided an integral pillar supporting those traditions for almost 240 years.

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Along with Smithfield Foods, several smaller producers still salt cure, hang, and smoke hams.

The Darden Family cures about 1,000 hams each year in the smokehouse on their 600-acre farm, and sells the hams along with homemade sausage, pimento cheese, chicken salad and pot pies in Darden’s Country Store. For more than 50 years, in a nondescript shed on a back-country road, the Dardens have made some of the world’s finest hams. Aged for a full year and sliced so thin as to be translucent, the meat is dark and oily, but almost flaky. The flavor is full, lasting, and distinctive.

The Taste of Smithfield Shop on Main Street, owned by Smithfield Foods, also carries a full line of Genuine Smithfield country hams along with local peanuts, candies and novelty items. The shop offers a full menu and beer and wine. Dining on

fresh seafood and regional delicacies at Smithfield Station and freshly baked breads and desserts from the Smithfield Gourmet Bakery have also become local traditions.

Back at the Bon Vivant market, the committee members prepared their recommendations as they finished the Granny’s Kitchen desserts.

The committee was aware that its decisions held wider implications than just permitting food trucks; members were setting the tone for Smithfield’s future. And, like Mozell Brown’s sweet potato ham biscuits, the Smithfield they envision is both sophisticated yet down home, traditional yet progressive.

P H OTO G R A P H Y: R E E D H E L L M A N

a very traditional feel. Up the hill, the new Smithfield Winery also uses repurposed materials to a far different effect. Owner and winemaker Natasha Huff presents her “bubbly” sparkling wines in a tasting room that deftly blends Steampunk with traditional.

Smithfield Recipes HAM SALAD From Smithfield Station (Yields 5 pounds) 3 pounds Smithfield ham, extra lean and chopped 1 1/2 cups pickle relish 2 cups celery, chopped 2 cups mayonnaise Combine all ingredients, and mix until well blended.

Transfer to storage container, then label and date.

VIRGINIA

SMITHFIELD

NORTH CAROLINA

RESOURCES SMITHFIELD & ISLE OF WIGHT TOURISM 319 Main St 757-357-5182 genuinesmithfieldva.com ■

SMITHFIELD PACKAGED MEATS 111 Commerce St 757-357-8983 smithfield.com ■

WHARF HILL BREWING COMPANY 25 Main St 757-298-3839 wharfhillbrewing.com ■

THE SMITHFIELD INN 112 Main St 757-357-1752 smithfieldinn.com ■

SMITHFIELD STATION 415 South Church St 757-357-7700 smithfieldstation.com ■

GRANNY’S KITCHEN FOOD TRUCK Grannyskitcheniow.com SMITHFIELD GOURMET BAKERY & CAFÉ 218 Main St smithfieldgourmetbakery.com SMITHFIELD WINERY 117 North Church St 757-869-9698 smithfieldstation.com/ smithfield/winery.html ■

DARDEN’S COUNTRY STORE 16249 Bowling Green Road 757-357-6791 dardenscountrystore.com ■

H O T A RT I C H O K E A N D HAM FONDUE* 12 oz. can artichoke hearts, chopped 1/2 cup Smithfield ham, finely chopped 1 cup quality mayonnaise 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded Dash garlic powder Buttered breadcrumbs Combine all ingredients except breadcrumbs, and put in a casserole dish. Sprinkle crumbs on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Serve with raw vegetable dippers or crackers.

S M I T H F I E L D H A M PAT E * 8 oz. Smithfield ham 3 oz. cream cheese 2 T diced onion 2 T pickle relish 2 T mayonnaise 1 T Dijon mustard Place ham, cream cheese and onion in bowl of food processor. Pulse until ingredients are incorporated.

Add relish, mayonnaise and mustard and pulse just until mixed. Remove mixture, and pack in a crock or ramekin. Refrigerate. Garnish with whole grain mustard and pickle slices. Serve with crackers or slices of cocktail rye bread. This can also be formed into a ball and rolled in toasted pecans.

P E A N U T- C R U S T E D P O R K W I T H BOURBON MUSHROOM CREAM* 1lb. pork loin 2 cups salted peanuts 1/4 cup canola oil 1 1/2 cups shitake mushrooms, sliced 1 1/2 cups button mushrooms 1 T garlic, chopped 3 to 4 T sugar 1/2 cup bourbon 2 cups heavy cream Slice pork into 1/4 inch slices. In food processor, chop peanuts until fine. Be careful not to turn into peanut butter. Press pork into peanuts on one side, then place on an oiled pan and bake for about 5 minutes in 350-degree oven. Heat oil in a medium saucepan, and add mushrooms and garlic. Cook for about 4 minutes on medium heat. Add sugar and remove from heat. Add bourbon. Cook for 3 minutes,

then add heavy cream and reduce heat until sauce thickens. Spoon sauce over peanut side of pork.

CHICKEN SMITHFIELD* (Serves 6) 3 whole large boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried 3 slices Smithfield ham, halved 8 oz. fresh mushrooms, washed and thinly sliced 2 T olive oil 3/4 cup dry white wine 3/4 cup chicken stock or canned, low sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup heavy cream Cut breasts in half, crosswise. With mallet or back of knife, pound meat ¼-inch thick. Set aside in refrigerator. Sauté mushrooms in oil for 2 minutes.

Add spinach to pan until wilted, about 3 minutes.

Divide into 6 portions.

Remove chicken from refrigerator, and place a half slice of ham onto each chicken breast. Top with mushroom and spinach mixture. Fold chicken over mixture, and secure with toothpicks. Brown chicken in oil over medium heat on both sides in a large ovenproof skillet, about 2 minutes on each side. Add wine, cream and broth to skillet; bring to a boil, and cover with lid or buttered parchment paper.

Bake chicken at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Don’t overcook! Remove chicken from skillet; skim fat from liquid, and discard.

Use the reserve broth in the Madeira sauce (recipe below). Chicken can be prepared up to this point and refrigerated overnight. Serve with Madeira sauce.

MADEIRA SAUCE* 6 T butter 6 T all-purpose flour 6 T dry Madeira wine 3 cups reserved broth, add enough chicken broth to make quantity 2 T tomato paste 1 cup sour cream 1 cup chopped chives or green onion tops Salt and white pepper to taste In a saucepan melt butter. Add flour and cook until mixture is golden. Remove from heat and whisk in Madeira and reserved broth. Return to heat and cook, stirring until mix boils and thickens. In a small bowl, mix tomato paste and sour cream.

Slowly add a little of the hot mixture and mix well. Add both mixtures together and return to saucepan. Stir in chopped chives, salt and pepper, and reheat. May be refrigerated overnight. Reheat slowly, and thin with cream if necessary.

* From Smithfield Inn EASTERN HOME & TRAVEL

61

VISIT CREATIVITY WHERE IT LIVES, in Berkeley County, West Virginia

16 ARTISTS

11

STUDIOS

NOVEMBER

5 & 6 | 2016

TrailsAndTrees.org

Celebrating Ten Years in Lancaster County.

Here’s to the next 10!

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300 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603 |

Phone: 717.299.3000

|

www.lancasterartshotel.com

Genuine Smitheld exudes the charm and graciousness of bygone eras. Long known for its hams, the town also boasts a rich history, picturesque Main Street, and a vibrant arts scene.

Historic Downtown Smithfield

Eastern Home & Travel Magazine Due July 2106 8”w x 4.75”h

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where history meets luxury

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