FiND iT FREDERiCK - Winter 2024

WINTER

2024

If it’s urgent, don’t wait.

Frederick Health Urgent Care treats patients with non-emergency medical conditions with no appointment or referral required.

Brunswick 1194 Dutchmans Creek Dr 240-566-7710

Toll House 501 W 7th St 301-698-8374

Emmitsburg 16403 Old Emmitsburg Rd 240-566-7310

Urbana 3430 Worthington Blvd 240-566-7300

Learn more | frederickhealth.org/UrgentCare

trust your

JOURNEY

DISTINCTIVE STYLE, FABULOUS GIFTS! 17 N. MARKET STREET FREDERICK, MARYLAND

301.668.8075 MollysMeanderings.com Monday–Saturday, 10:30-6 Sunday, 12–5

Est.

1974

Celebrating

Years of Cooperation Frederick, MD

Shop both Frederick Locations

927 W 7th St | 5728 Buckeystown Pike www.commonmarket.coop | 301-663-3416 No Membership Required

Studio 24E Individual Style...

Boutique and Custom Framing

21 E. Main St. • Thurmont, MD 21778 Call/Text 443-679-7916 • www.studio24e.com

SEEK&FIND 26

GET COZIER

18

HER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN

6 | FINDIT WINTER 24

46

THE SWEET SPOTS

62

OVER THE EDGE: SKI eSCAPES

FOUND iT 12 CREATIVE SPACES • 42 RECORD EXCHANGE • 54 WIDESPREAD COUNTRY MARKET FINDIT WINTER 24 | 7

Surprisingly great rates that fit any budget.

Get great rates and a good neighbor. Call me today.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ®

Individual premiums and budgets will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting requirements. ®

Danielle Leonard, Agent 1090 West Patrick Street, Suite C Frederick, MD 21703 Bus: 301-695-5244 www.danielleleonard.com State Farm Bloomington, IL 2101554

MUSINGS

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Happy New Year, Frederick!

Well, it’s hard to believe but another year has passed and a new one is ahead of us.

We’ve made it to 2024!

In this issue we have a few ideas on how to start off the first months of the new year on the right foot.

No matter how much you like winter, it can be a cold, dark and bitter season.

How to make it brighter? Well, what about a road trip to a local ski resort?

Frederick County is situated very close to several great skiing destinations, and our writer has spelled out all the information you need to know. So, pull out those ski pants and get planning.

More of a homebody than a winter adventurer? We’ve got you covered with three ideas to make the season cozier. From learning to knit to learning which shops in Downtown Frederick stock the warmest, coziest accessories, our story has got you covered. Literally.

Spend some time scanning through the pages of this edition and you’re sure to find some inspiration on how to make Winter in Frederick just a little bit brighter.

Here’s to a great 2024!

Molly Fellin Spence, Executive Editor

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 9

WINTER 2024

published by PULSE PUBLISHING, LLC

VOLUME 17

12 S. MARKET STREET, SUITE 101

ISSUE 3

F R E D E R I C K , M A RY L A N D 2 1 7 0 1

O 301.662.6050 d 301.662.5102

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w PULSEPUBLISHING.NET PUBLISHER Donna Elbert publisher@pulsepublishing.net EXECUTIVE EDITOR Molly Fellin Spence molly@pulsepublishing.net OPERATIONS MANAGER Gabby Mongeau gabby@pulsepublishing.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Melissa Howes-Vitek melissa@pulsepublishing.net MARKETING DIRECTOR Susan O'Connor susan@pulsepublishing.net SALES AND MARKETING Michele Delgadillo michele@pulsepublishing.net BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Ronald Cramer ronald@pulsepublishing.net GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ana Lazo Eastep CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Slattery, Ellyn Wexler, Ty Unglebower

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sean Reel, Spence Photographics

ACCOUNTING/BILLING bookkeeper@pulsepublishing.net DISTRIBUTION distribution@pulsepublishing.net

10 | FINDIT WINTER 2024

FiND iT Frederick is a free quarterly 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.

For information about advertising in an upcoming issue of FiND iT Frederick, please contact Donna Elbert at 301-6626050, ext. 11, email donna@pulsepublishing.net or visit FindItFrederick.com.

If you have questions or comments regarding FiND iT Frederick, you may contact the editor, Molly Fellin Spence at molly@ pulsepublishing.net.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of FiND iT Frederick or Pulse Publishing, LLC

Many thanks to the numerous individuals and businesses that provided information and their time for our articles­

and features. We wish to thank

o u r a d ve r tis e rs fo r t h e i r continued support.

12 | FINDIT WINTER 24

Tucked away on a small side street in Urbana is a unique boutique where you can find a mix of original creations from local artists and h a n d - s e l e ct e d g i f t s and home décor.

Creative Spaces Boutique & Design in Urbana is a great place to visit to find a treasure for yourself or for someone you love.

Though the space isn’t huge, it’s packed with so many lovely items, you’ll want to take your time exploring.

Photos by Molly Fellin Spence

Shelves are piled with beaded wristlets, earrings and rings. You’ll also find a DIY bracelet bar and collections of monogram necklaces and bracelets. Fragrant soaps, perfumes and bath salts abound. Turn a corner and find soft, luxurious scarves, cute shirts and hats. Turn another and revel at a lovely selection of wooden charcuterie boards, bowls and baskets.

And did we mention that the charcuterie/ cutting boards, and many other items can be personalized? Customization can be done via laser engraving, wood burning, stamping and more. Just find your favorite item and ask!

We dare you to enter and not find at least three things you want to gift to your favorite friend or keep for yourself. But, if you’re a

bit stumped on how to put together the perfect gift, the team at Creative Spaces can help create a unique g i f t b a s ket f o r a n y occasion, at any price point. Pick your own vessel and fill it with goodies from around the shop or talk to the staff about your needs and budget to see what fun ideas they come up with.

Creative Spaces Boutique & Design is woman- and veteran-owned. Owner Rachele Lowery says the boutique’s concept is “there are opportunities to curate creative spaces anywhere and everywhere in your life, big or small… From a seasonal vignette on a coffee table or a small, but beautiful, vase of local flowers to a special gift basket for a friend, these are all ‘spaces’ that can be filled with creativity and love.”

The boutique carries items from well-known lines such as Ink & Alloy as well as local artists, such as Sunny Hess Pottery and Chalk, Pray, Love designs.

Stop in to the shop to find your next treasure for yourself or the perfect gift for your favorite friend.

Creative Spaces Boutique & Design 8995A Urbana Church Road, Frederick 240.341.0640 creativespacesboutique.com d @creativespacesurbana

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 13

DOOR PRIZES, GREAT MUSIC, AND LIGHT REFRESHMENTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND 7:30 - 9:30 PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD 4:00 - 6:00 PM | 7:30 - 9:30 PM

THE NULL BUILDING AT THE FREDERICK FAIRGROUNDS 797 E. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21704 4-12 YEARS OLD • $70 PER COUPLE $35 for each additional child

SPACE IS LIMITED

Advanced registration is required.

301-600-2936 • recreater.com/events

This winter, warm up at

Catoctin Furnace Blacksmith Shop Open for events or by appointment

Iron Trail African American Cemetery Trail Museum of the Ironworker Sat.-Sun., 10 am-2 pm or by appointment

The Maryland Iron Festival May 18 & 19, 2024

Stay the night in the historic Forgeman’s Cottage catoctinfurnace.org/forgeman/

12610 Catoctin Furnace Rd | Thurmont, MD 21788 catoctinfurnace.org

111 East Patrick St. (301) 624-1052 www.cucinamassi.com

“Inspired Living is a collaborative journey, an inquiry within the adventure of living real life. Together, we’ll find a deeper connection to your authentic self and an aligned community.”

Dr. Kimberlyn Cahill, dmol Inspired Living Coach & Yoga Therapist Request your FREE Inspiration Check-up. Let’s explore how I can support you to breathe deeply, move freely, labor lovingly, and live vibrantly.

A PLACE YOUR SMILE CAN CALL HOME

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Dr. Brian Motz and his friendly, knowledgable dental team offer compassionate, leading-edge dental care that’s tailored to you.

GENERAL DENTISTRY • COSMETIC DENTISTRY DENTAL IMPLANTS • DENTAL THERAPY DOG

We accept most Dental Insurances and offer Dental Savings Plans 161 Thomas Johnson Drive • Suite 195 Frederick, MD 21702 • 301.698.0044

240-447-4435 • www.lifesworkyoga.com

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MONOCACYVALLEYDENTAL.COM

• Free “get started” session with a personal trainer when you join • 24 hour member access • Friendly knowledgeable staff • Personal training/ Fitness coaches • One-on-one training • Small group training • Nutrition advice • Weight loss program • Welcoming environment Come in to receive

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THURMONT

Hiking at one of our parks

3 covered bridges

3 orchards

Enjoy a walk on a winters day on the Thurmont Trolley Trail

WINERIES | ARTS | LOCAL DINING | ORCHARDS

No matter your age or interest Thurmont has something for every season.

EXPLORE. ENJOY. EXPERIENCE. No matter your age or interest, Thurmont has something for every season. The scenic beauty of the Catoctin Mountains surrounds our historic Main Street where you will find our Murals on Main, trolley car, & entrance to the Thurmont Trolley Trail. Thurmont is home to Cunningham Falls State Park, Catoctin Mountain Park (home to Camp David), 3 wineries, 3 orchards, & 3 covered bridges. Be sure to dine in one of our locally owned restaurants! The perfect getaway so close to home. Only 60 miles from D.C. and Baltimore, 15 minutes south of Gettysburg.

visit us at

ThurmontMainStreet.com

18 | FINDIT WINTER 24

Her Side

of the Mountain Frederick author, artist, actor and activist Elayne Bond Hyman is approaching the summit of her life with a literary love letter to her ancestors

Photos courtesy of Elayne Bond Hyman

by Chris Slattery

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 19

“I’m here as an Indigenous woman of color because our story is too precious to let you tell it.”

This is how Elayne Bond Hyman, a warm, yet wary, 79-year-old, begins our interview.

Hyman is a poet and author now, but she has been a mother, a model and a minister as well as an actor, activist and public speaker. She grew up during the Jim Crow era, survived the tumult of the 1960s, graduated from Howard University cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, and successfully battled breast cancer.

Now she has a story to tell, a story about her ancestors and the life they forged right here in Frederick.

After 20 years as a Presbyterian minister, Hyman answered a calling of a different kind. Retired, with her children graduated and fully launched and her grandchildren approaching their teens, she moved to Frederick feeling ready to “fade into the sunset.

“But like a lot of grandparents, I wanted my little grandchildren to know who I was.” So she turned to ancestry.com. The online find-your-roots platform was a great jumping off point. Soon, however, it became more.

“I felt I had had a ‘good enough life,’” she explains.

“But this little voice in the back of my brain said, ‘You can have a great life — you need a great life.’

20 | FINDIT WINTER 24

“And that great life began in Frederick, of all places, because I discovered that I am the great-great granddaughter of people who were survivors of the holocaust of hatred that is white supremacy.”

Love Story Hyman’s great-great-grandparents could neither read nor write, but they were property owners who moved across South Mountain, free people of color, in 1847 and survived on the canal on a little piece of land between the Potomac River and the C&O Canal.

Her great-great grandmother, Caroline Virginia Hall, bought the plot from Anne Hilleary on Sept. 7, 1849.

Hall, to whom Hyman’s book is dedicated, is referred to as “colored.” Hilleary was white.

Photos courtesy of Elayne Bond Hyman

“I am here because 400 years of enslavement does not define me,” she says. “I am here because 500 years of stolen land did not erase me. I’m standing on the backs of people who survived, and I choose to write because my ancestors could neither read nor write — but I can. That’s the one thing I can do for them. That’s what I was born to do.”

to learn the untold stories of the enslaved and Indigenous people of Frederick and beyond.

“It’s a love story,” she says. “There is some suffering, yes, there is disappointment. But it’s held together by this family, three generations of people of color who migrated from Cumberland, Maryland to Washington County to Frederick to parts beyond. Who survived by the strength of their love and their commitment to one another — and because the Creator wanted them to be alive.”

For Hyman, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister father and an African Methodist Episcopal mother who died when the author was just 17, religion was a way of life.

“I was born with an awareness of the divine,” she explains. Despite her deep spiritual grounding, Hyman understood that writing a work of historical fiction takes more than divine inspiration.

Photos courtesy of Elayne Bond Hyman

“The women’s names were on the deed,” Hyman notes, “But the men had to approve of the sale.”

Hyman has seen Levi and Caroline Virginia Hall’s freedom papers, and the deed for the property, which she was able to visit, and the 1873 Titus Map of Frederick County that bears her greatgreat-grandmother’s name. She believes that after long years of displacement and enslavement, her ancestors’ stories are ready to see the light.

“I know their stories now, and you can’t take it from me,” she says. “It tells me who I am, and where I am in the world —and why.”

Hyman’s newly discovered raison d’etre is the book she is working on self-publishing. “They Came Across South Mountain” will be a limited-edition art piece, and the plan is to get it into museums and libraries as well as the hands of readers eager

“I did the research for seven years,” she says.

“Collecting the documents, having my a-ha moments.” Some of those moments were negative, such as the microaggression of an overly concerned librarian watching her a little too closely as she pored over historical tomes. Others were positive, such as hearing author James H. Johnston speak about his book, “From Slavery to Harvard: The Story of an African American Family,” which chronicles six generations of the Yarrow family. Patriarch Yarrow Mahmout was abducted from Guinea in West Africa, survived the Middle Passage, was a skilled craftsman and figure of note in Georgetown who earned freedom for himself and his son, whose wife became the namesake for Yarrowsburg, Maryland.

As an actor, poet and public speaker, Hyman has explored the difficult themes of slavery, attempted genocide, exploitation and abuse. Confronting history that way “took me to a dark place,” she says.

“When I came to write, ‘They Came Across South Mountain,’ I chose to tell it as a love story,” she explains. “Looking at the goodness rather than the evil, the light rather than the darkness, the hope rather than the despair.”

She smiles. “And that’s the spiritual journey I’ve been on since I retired from being a Presbyterian minister!”

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 21

“I don’t know what God has; I know that my ancestors are pushing me: ‘Go on! Do it! We’ve got your back!’

Work of Art That spiritual journey is centered on getting the book made and getting it into the hands of the public.

“Right now, I’m in a partnership with a book artist named Sarah Matthews,” she adds. “She and I are creating a piece of art that happens to be a book, and the book is ‘They Came Across South Mountain.’”

Because Matthews, a printmaker and exhibiting artist with a master of arts from the Corcoran College of Arts and Design at George Washington University, will literally make the book with Hyman, its original run, at least, will be limited.

“We’re making it in 30 copies,” Hyman explains.

“Ten of which I’m going to donate to libraries and museums in the state of Maryland, in honor of those ancestors who could neither read nor write.

And 20 of which we’re going to sell, to make up for the 10 we gave away!”

Last year Hyman created a Go Fund Me account, hoping to raise $10,000. The results fell short, but “the offering plate is still there.

“My goal is to have it in the hands of librarians in my 80th year,” she says, noting that she could see beyond that to an e-book, or an audiobook read by its actor-minister-public-speaker-author.

“Who knows?” Hyman says. “I don’t know what God has; I know that my ancestors are pushing me: ‘Go on! Do it! We’ve got your back!’

“I’m having to quiet the voices of disbelief, insecurity, self-doubt — all that — because I write for my grandchildren, my nephews and my nieces, my sisters and my brother,” she adds.

“They are valued and cherished.”

For more information on Elayne Bond Hyman: elaynebond.com For more information on Sarah Matthews: iamsarahmatthews.com For more information the GoFundMe for “They Came Across South Mountain: gofund.me/60df1681

22 | FINDIT WINTER 24

Photos courtesy of Elayne Bond Hyman

“Giving witness to my ancestors, who need to know that they, too, have had a life of historical significance, that they, too are important — that they matter.

Compassionate, state-of-the-art emergency and specialty care for pet families is now available in Frederick, MD!

Scan to learn more about Partner Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center

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Meaningful Learning Opportunities At Creative Children’s Center, we treat children as if they were our own. With quality care through enthusiastic, optimistic, gentle, and respectful teachers and staff, we provide a nurturing, fun and safe learning environment for all to flourish.

We offer the following programs: • Infants: 6 weeks-18 months • Toddlers: 18 Months - 24 months • Young Learners: 2-3 • Early Learning: 2-3 Years old • Transitional: 3-4 Years old • Kindergarten Readiness: 4-5 Years old

- School-age before and after school care - Comprehensive Summer Enrichment program - Camp Creative: (Kindergarten - 5th Grade)

We offer transportation services daily (during the academic school year) from Myersville, Wolfsville, Brunswick and Valley Elementary Schools.

CREATIVE CHILDREN’S CENTER www.cccmaryland.com

CCC Myersville: 603 Main Street, Myersville, MD 21773 • 301-293-4373 www.cccmyersville.com CCC Jefferson: 2538 Jefferson Pike, Jefferson, MD 21755 • 301-834-9007 www.cccjefferson.com

FREDERICK (TJ) OFFICE 87 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 101, Frederick, MD 21702 HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm; Walk-Ins 8-8:30am Saturday, 9am–noon (by appointment only) PHONE: 301-694-0606 TEXT MESSAGES ARE PREFERRED TO: 301-205-5112 BALLENGER CREEK OFFICE 6550 Mercantile Drive, Suite 106, Frederick, MD 21703 HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm PHONE: 301-668-6347 MOUNT AIRY OFFICE 1311 South Main Street, Suite 304, Mount Airy, MD 21771 HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm PHONE: 301-829-6146 URBANA OFFICE 3500 Campus Drive, Suite 101, Urbana, MD 21704 HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm PHONE: 301-874-6107

www.FrederickPeds.com Quality, compassionate, patient-centered medical care for children from birth to age 21.

High Quality Pediatric Care in a Respectful Friendly Environment Five locations to better serve you Convenient office hours including nights & Saturdays Virtual visits available Telephone advice from our nurses during office hours Committed to patient service & satisfaction

Call us today 301-662-0133 1475 Taney Ave, Frederick | 610 Solarex Ct, Frederick 3020B Ventrie Ct, Myersville | 504 E. Ridgeville Blvd, Mt. Airy 3430 Worthington Blvd, Urbana

Visit us online at www.thepedcenter.com

follow us on:

SIBTE A. KAZMI, MD LLC Dr. Sibte A. Kazmi, MD is a health care provider primarily located in Frederick, MD. He has 32 years of experience.

His specialties include Internal Medicine and General Practice.

• Compassionate and dedicated to his profession • Offers telemedicine • All insurances accepted except Kaiser Permanente • Currently accepting MEDICARE

Sibte A. Kazmi, MD LLC 814 Toll House Ave. Frederick, MD 21701

301-662-8310

Warm iT up

3 Ideas to

GetthisCozier Winter Have you ever heard of the word “hygge”?

Pronounced “HOO-ga” it’s a Danish term that basically means taking time away from the daily rush to be together with the people you care about or to just spend time with yourself, relaxing and enjoying life’s quieter pleasures.

Here’s some places we’ve discovered in Downtown Frederick that will help you get a little more hygge in your life this season.

istockphoto.com/ Serhii Ivashchuk

What better time to explore hygge than winter?

And what better place than Frederick?

Winter is definitely upon us, with its short, dark days and long, cold nights. It’s the perfect time of year to snuggle up under a warm blanket, grab a mug of tea and, if you’re lucky enough to have one, fire up the fireplace.

26 | FINDIT WINTER 24

1 Photos by Molly Fellin spence Inset: istockphoto.com/LightFieldStudios

Create a cozy environment.

One of the best ways to get closer to hygge is to create a warm, cozy environment. The best way to do that? Seek out some big, fluffy pillows, some warm blankets and an interesting throw rug. A great place to find all of the above?

Vintage MC (vintage-mc.com) on West Patrick Street. The MC stands for mid-century, and this place is chock full of amazing finds from the 1950s and 1960s. Among them, some of the coolest furniture, most colorful rugs and coziest afghans, blankets and pillows. Who says cozy has to mean boring?

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 27

2

28 | FINDIT WINTER 24

Photos by Molly Fellin spence

getting cozy means putting on some sweats and huddling up indoors. For others, bundling up in stylish duds is a better fit. Luckily, there are plenty of places that can help. Start with a stop at Zebop (facebook.com/zebopfrederick) at 9 S. Market St. At this longstanding Frederick shop, you’ll find long wool cardigan sweater coats with belts and fringe, patterned pullovers, and one of the most fun selections of winter hats and gloves. If color and variety are your thing, this is the place for you. For those looking for more “serious” gear, just down the street from Zebop is The Trail House (trailhouse. com), another longtime downtown business. From the moment you walk in the shop at 17 S. Market St., you will be surrounded by cozy options for your feet and hands. From cozy slippers meant to transition from the indoors to the outdoors to a wide variety of wool socks, we challenge you to walk out without warmer feet. Keep walking, and they’ve got the rest of your body covered, too. Literally! High-end outdoors brands are well represented, with vests, jackets, sweaters and more. Further back in the store you’ll find a wall of packable puffy blankets, too. Amazingly, they even sell the cutest little puffy jackets for your drinks. Cozy drinkwear? Yep, you read that right!

Inset: istockphoto.com/lutavia

Wear your cozy. For some folks,

3

Make your own cozy.

Photos by Molly Fellin spence

If you’re the crafty kind, perhaps you’d like to try and create your own cozy items. Luckily, Magpie Fibers (magpiefibers.com) at 154 N. Market St., carries everything you need to make a beautiful sweater, scarf, hat, socks or anything else you can dream up. Samples on display will give you inspiration. And knowledgeable staff can guide you to the right yarn, patterns and other materials you’ll need to make your hygge dreams a reality.

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 29

Y

6 COMING SOON 6 XGolf KPot Korean BBQ and Hotpot Ugly Dumpling

DINING

WHERE YOU WANT TO

Chatime Tea • Chipotle Mexican Gril l• Firebirds Wood Fired Grill IHOP • Kulfi Ice Cream & Italian Ice • Matsutake Sushi & Steak McDonald’s • MOD Superfast Pizza • Noodles & Company Panda Express • Poke Bowl •Starbucks • TGI Friday’s • Thai Table

AND

FASHION

Chico’s • Comfort One Shoes • Francesca’s Jos. A. Bank • LOFT • Soma Intimates White House | Black Market

SERVICES & SHOPPING

Bank of America ATM • Lenscrafters • F45 Training Hallmark • MOM’s • Nail Trix • Olive & Basket • PNC Bank Evolve Med Spa • Sola Salon Studios • Strive Martial Arts The UPS Store

ENTERTAINMENT

Regal Cinemas Stadium 16 4DX & IMAX

TPHC_Fredrick Locations_Half Page_Ad_6.25x4.67.pdf

1

3/3/23

Buckeystown Pike & Crestwood Boulevard, Frederick Exit 31B off I-270 • www.ShopWestview.com • F d

9:18 AM

We've got your Pet Healthcare Needs Covered!

From broken toes, to puppy teeth, to senior care, we're here to serve the veterinary care needs of your pet with primary, emergency, and specialty care.

General Practice •

•

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General Practice, Boarding, Daycare, Grooming, and Training •

Thrive Pet Healthcare Germantown 19728 Germantown Road Germantown, Maryland 20874 (240) 221-7914

Greenbriar Veterinary Hospital & Luxury Pet Resort 3051 Thurston Road Frederick, Maryland 21704 (240) 220-9687

Emergency/Specialty •

CARE Veterinary Center 1080 W Patrick St Frederick, Maryland 21703 (443) 247-0482

Contact one of our locations today

grab a latte walk the Towpath take a bike ride shop vintage drink a local beer spend the night in a quaint Airbnb or comfy hotel

UNWIND CLOSE TO HOME BRUNSWICK, MD

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Resale Clothing for Young Adults We buy and sell gently used clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories for guys and girls in their teens and twenties.

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weddings + events

premier vintage inspired disc jockey service 301.304.9792 | thedapperdjs.com | beesknees@thedapperdjs.com

At The Beauty Company we strive for all of our guests to feel relaxed and pampered while enhancing your beauty, unlike any other salon and spa in our area. With our team of experienced, licensed professionals we guarantee the highest level of service.

EST. 2017 • OFFERING: HAIR/SPA/NAIL SERVICES

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LIVE THE LIFE YOU IMAGINE

SUBSCRIBE

to receive our digital magazine at

www.frederickbusiness.com to stay up to date and get all the latest information.

Bloom Health NP is a luxury medical spa and wellness center in

Frederick, Maryland. Board-certified nurse practitioner and medical director Sheila K. Rohe, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, founded the clinic to provide Wellness Care, Concierge Primary Care, and Aesthetic Services with each patient’s needs in mind.

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Mention this ad and receive 10% off any service and $9.99 per unit of Botox! (must purchase 40 units up to 100 units, must use at same appointment)

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Art Beauty The

of

We offer a variety of luxurious and rejuvenating facials and body services • European Facials & Customized Skin Care Treatments • Therapeutic Massage • Face & Body Waxing • Eyebrow & Eyelash Coloring • NovaLash Eyelash Extensions • Nail Services • Airbrush Tanning We Carry Dermalogica and Dr. Temt Skin Care and Jane Iredale Make-Up

Call 240-629-8905 or visit

TheArtOfBeautySkincareAssociates.com for a full listing of services and pricing

Conveniently located close to Rt.15 on Rosemont Avenue

WINTER WITH THE

ARTS live theatre

Nearby in Loudoun County, VA Ride the Cyclone

Musical Theatre Jan 20, 26, 27, Feb 3, 9 & 19 at 7:00pm Jan 21, 28, Feb 4 & 19 at 2:00pm

Abra Cadaver

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Feb - March at VA venues in Ashburn, Leesburg, Berryville, Round Hill, and more , and

A Don’t Hug Me County Fair

Musical Comedy March 2 -3, 9-10, 16-17, 22-24 at 7:00pm

Something Different

Fairytales and Folklore for All Ages March 16, 23 & 30 at 11:00am and 2:00pm

I Shot the Sheriff

Reserve your Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre seats today! March - May at VA venues in Leesburg, Chantilly, Nokesville, and more The Insanity of Mary Girard

Psychological Thriller April 13, 14, 20, 21, 26 & 27 at 7:00pm April 14 & 21 at 2:00pm

Performances are held at StageCoach Theatre in Ashburn, VA unless otherwise noted. + Monthly Magic, Improv, and Variety Shows

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For more information contact:

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Your Ticket to Broadway in Mid-Maryland!

Jan. 19 - Mar. 2

Mar. 22 - May 18

June 14 - Aug. 24

Sept. 13 - Nov. 2

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

DON’T MISS A SINGLE SHOW IN 2024 5 WILLOWDALE DRIVE | FREDERICK, MARYLAND 21702 BOX OFFICE: 301.662.6600 | www.WAYOFFBROADWAY.com

The PEABODY PREPARATORY is Frederick’s new premier community music school.

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THE WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS, located at the heart of the City’s theater district, is a showcase for the performing arts housed in a historic 1926 silent movie palace.

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SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW ALL UPCOMING SHOWS

DON’T MISS THESE GREAT ACTS! The Man in Black Friday, January 26

Extreme + Living Colour Friday, February 2

Testament

Friday, February 16

Flogging Molly

with special guests Amigo the Devil and Gen and the Degenerates

Friday, February 23

Trey Kennedy: Grow Up Kenny Wayne Shepherd Friday, March 15

Saturday, March 16

Ginger Billy Friday, March 1

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Josh Turner

The Steel Woods

Saturday, April 13

Saturday, March 2

Chippendales

Los Lobos

Saturday, March 23

Friday, April 12

Hannah Berner

Mammoth WVH The Mammoth II Tour

Friday, March 8

Saturday, March 9

Friday, April 26

Must be 21. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net

42 | FINDIT WINTER 24

Photos by Ty Unglebower

On Aug. 24, 2022, a devastating fire ripped through several buildings in Downtown Frederick, consuming tens of thousands of dollars in property on and near the corner of North Market Street and West Second Street. Several people were left homeless and without their businesses.

The Record Exchange, at the time housed in 151 N. Market, suffered little in the way of burning. It was the water used to extinguish the flames above it that brought about the destruction of thousands of vinyl records, vintage posters and other items part of the music, movie and videogame shop. Despite thoughtful efforts of firefighters, very little was salvageable from the first floor of the more than 100-year-old building.

Record Exchange owner Sam Luck was resigned to finding employment elsewhere until a near-overnight GoFundMe campaign brought in $15,000 from loyal customers and members of the community. Plans to reopen in another location began almost right away.

Luck used the funds to lease and to decorate a space a short walk from the original home of The Record Exchange, at 410 N. Market St. The new facility, open since last February,, is smaller than the first by 400 square feet. Nonetheless it’s wider, allowing for more open movement, and a greater number of visitors at one time.

The collection of vinyl, which Luck had to restart almost from the bottom up, nears the previous number of 6,000 to 7,000.

Efforts have been made to recreate the visual vibe of the original store, though other than some shelves, very few items from before the fire are present in the new location.

A much-talked about feature among locals is the floor, which instead of wood, consists of vinyl records encased in epoxy.

Longtime fans of the original store, as well as new record enthusiasts will find much to love about The Record Exchange once again on South Market Street.

Photo credits to come

by Ty Unglebower The Record Exchange 410 N. Market St., Frederick recordexchangeofmd.com F facebook.com/recordexchangeofmd d @recordexchange__frederick_md FINDIT WINTER 24 | 43

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3401 Urbana Pike, Frederick MD 21702 (next to Royal Farms + Papa Johns) | 240-341-2710 WWW.SAGECAKERY.COM || @SAGECAKERY

46 | FINDIT WINTER 24

Photo courtesy of Perfect Truffle

THE SWEET SPOTS Frederick’s chocolatiers dip, swirl and mold confections for crowds

by Ellyn Wexler

H

owever picturesque, Willy Wonka’s

To be clear, chocolatiers are not chocolate

world of knee-high orange Oompa-

makers. Instead, they buy the finest chocolate,

Loompas laboring to create chocolate

then use it to create beautiful and delicious

treats, is not what happens in the real world.

Instead of that fantastical scenario, Frederick County’s flesh-and-blood human chocolatiers

bonbons, truffles and fudge. In Frederick we are lucky to have several primo purveyors of treats to delight every palate.

work hard behind the scenes to create a vast array of delicious handmade confections.

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 47

48 | FINDIT WINTER 24

Photo courtesy of Perfect Truffle

C

ody Marwine purchased Perfect Truffle, the specialty chocolate shop chef Randy Olmstead founded 18 years ago, in 2021. Marwine, a Frederick native, had worked alongside Olmstead on and off through the years after he graduated from Linganore High School and The Culinary Institute of America.

When the trendy Manhattan restaurant where Marwine served as pastry sous chef closed, he returned home, eventually arranging to buy Perfect Truffle. He recognized that owning the store allowed him more creative freedom and a better work-life balance than the restaurant business.

“I grew up here, and I like that this small town, with rich history, is able to support a shop like this,” Marwine said.

Every Perfect Truffle creation is handmade on-site using the highest-quality chocolate.

“Anything off would be visually discernible, but to be certain, I taste everything,” he said, noting that he also uses a meter to monitor water activity, which affects the chocolate’s shelf life and texture.

Marwine’s culinary and travel experiences inspire new flavors.

“I have a good set of recipes I use as a reference,” he said. “I draw on what I have had in the past, what I enjoy, mostly simple classic flavors with a twist – perhaps the addition of a bit of spice like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, chilis, or berries that gives it a unique chocolate complexion.” For example, he may pair milk chocolate with apricot then enhance it with Sichuan peppercorns for a “citrusy, floral taste.”

For last February’s Fire in Ice celebration, Marwine made spicy Korean chili flake and lime jelly chocolate bonbons, and for April Fool’s Day, he created garlic caramel and caramelized onion white chocolate truffles.

“They may sound weird,” he acknowledged, “but they’re tasty and pretty sweet.”

The fillings of most Perfect Truffle’s bonbons typically are reflected in the mold shapes or the colors used to paint them.

It takes two to three days to create each truffle’s designs, complex flavors and textures.

“We are not just chocolate and bonbons,” he emphasized. “During the summer, we make ice cream and snow cones.” And for vegans, “we try to have two to five flavors at all times, as well as dark chocolate bars and other craft chocolates.”

“They are made to be as beautiful as they are delicious,” the chocolatier said.

25 N. Market St., Frederick | 301.620.2448 | perfecttruffle.com

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 49

After growing up in the chocolate business, “helping our dad, a master chocolatier, and our mom,” recalled Zoë, the siblings proceeded to college and their own unrelated professions, but “missed what was once commonplace in our lives: the smell of melting chocolate, the creation of bonbons, the rush from holiday excitement, working as a family, and most of all, making everyone in our town happy.”

Thus, she said, “the idea began to grow for a chocolate business of our own, a place for our

50 | FINDIT WINTER 24

generation to bring modern concepts to our timehonored tradition.”

Along with their late father, they opened a small artisan chocolate shop in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, in 2007. They called it Zoë’s because the name means “giving life, which is exactly what it did for us,” she said.

Their retail shop in Frederick opened the following year. All confections are made in Waynesboro, then delivered to Frederick up to three times per week.

The siblings divide the work: Pantelis oversees the finances, Petros is head chef, and Zoë

Photos courtesy of Zoë’s Chocolate Co.

P

antelis, Zoë and Petros Tsoukatos realized they could go home again, via Zoë’s Chocolate Co.

is responsible for marketing, operations and business development.

“have a rigorous quality control” to make certain everything is “perfect.”

“The three of us typically have a ‘flavor’ meeting with a 'wish list.’ Then, chef Petros prepares samples for us for us to try, and then we tweak them until perfection,” Zoë explained.

Inspired by their Greek heritage, Zoë said, “we have created some unique flavors like our baklava, pomegranate, and sesame chocolates.”

Zoë’s uses “the best possible ingredients,” and its Waynesboro location, “among lush farms, allows us to source many of our fresh ingredients locally, and whatever is not available locally, we scour the globe for the very best,” she said. “The companies we work with work hard to ensure that the beans are sourced ethically.” They

Most unique, she said, are the baklava and sesame crunch. Salted caramels are bestsellers, but “it depends on the season. People love a little nostalgia for the holidays; our gingerbread cookie is one of the favorites.”

121 N. Market St., Frederick | 301.694.5882 | zoeschocolate.com

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 51

“I enjoy coming up with new flavors,” she said.

Trapaso described the process: “Using real cream and butter, a large kettle is heated, and the fudge is made right inside the shop. We make large batches of vanilla or chocolate, up to 36 pounds at a time, then we flavor it and add ‘mix-ins’ to customize the many flavors we offer.”

“Our most popular flavors are anything with peanut butter, but the No. 1 seller is old-fashioned chocolate,” Trapaso said.

Frederick Fudge’s more than 25 flavors “rotate and change. In the fall, we have pumpkin options and during the holiday, we carry eggnog, gingerbread, and peppermint flavors,” Trapaso noted. “Fudge is great at the holidays for parties or gift-giving, and it freezes well, too!

The shop offers “buy 1 pound, get a half-pound free, giving customers the opportunity to mix and match and try up to six different flavors,” she added. In addition to fudge, there’s ice cream, homemade waffle cones, and Abdallah fine chocolates.

253 E. Church St., Frederick | 301.631.5333 | fredicecream.com

52 | FINDIT WINTER 24

Photos courtesy of Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream. Co.

W

ally, a third-generation bear, stands at the front door of Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream. Co., where Mike and Terry Smiley have been making Frederick sweeter for more than 20 years. For most of that time, they made the fudge themselves, but Mandy Trapaso took the fudge-making reins about three years ago.

Need more chocolate options?

Try these!

Sage Cakery 3401 Urbana Pike, Urbana | 240.341.2710 | SageCakery.com In addition to creating beautiful cakes, Sage Cakery owner Nikkie Byrd uses chocolate to mold, drizzle and dip products such as chocolate-covered Oreos, cake pops, drizzled crispies, cookies and cocoa bombs, available regularly in the shop’s glass cases.

Despina Leos Candy Kitchen 52 N. Market St., Frederick | 301.698.0442 Since 1902, Michael and Tammy Smiley’s family-owned and operated Candy Kitchen has been hand-making saltwater taffy, fudge and hand-dipped chocolates the old-fashioned way. They use time-honored recipes to stir, hand-dip, pour, shape, roll, cut, decorate and pack each piece in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, then deliver to their downtown Frederick storefront once a week.

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 53

54 | FINDIT WINTER 24

Photos by Molly Fellin Spence

For folks in the Libertytown area, finding a market with fresh foods and snacks used to mean a drive into the City of Frederick. Now, folks can find a “wide spread” of fresh meats, hot foods, hand-dipped ice cream and more while staying in a more rural setting.

Widespread Country Market opened in the fall, just a few miles from both Libertytown and Frederick, on Route 26, also known as Liberty Road.

The market offers fresh meats from a Pennsylvania butcher, deli meats and sandwiches, and smoked meats, and dairy products from South Mountain Creamery. Shelves and shelves are stocked with chocolates and candy, as well as spices, packaged mixes, jarred jams and jellies and baked goods from Amish producers. On the other side of the store you’ll find a variety of home goods, such as candles, indoor and outdoor decor, and attractive Western-style clothing and jewelry, offered by Route 26 Threads.

The market was opened by Lisa Williams and Jimmy Summers, both lifelong Frederick County residents, and is run by them and members of their family. Their niece, Sierra Howell, runs Route 26 Threads, inside the shop, with an assortment of jewelry and curated outfits.

The space, located next door to TJ’s Roadhouse, used to be a house. Williams and Summers began renovating it in 2020, adding 3,000 square feet and connecting the building to the restaurant.

They held a grand opening at the end of September.

Whether you’re headed to Widespread Country Market to grab a breakfast sandwich, or stock up on some cheese, milk or eggs, you’ll probably leave with bags full of tons of other treasures that you may not need, but you will definitely want.

Widespread Country Market 11037 Liberty Road, Frederick 301.304.0026 widespreadcountrymarket.com d @Widespread_Country_Market

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 55

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Ready to shred at Whitetail.

Courtesy of Whitetail Resort

62 | FINDIT WINTER 24

Ski eScapes The slopes are dope, the hills are chill, and the drive is highly survivable. Meet a few favorite, not-too-far-away-from-Frederick, ski spots.

by Chris Slattery

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 63

B

aby, it’s cold outside! And while there’s

Cooper, a Pennsylvania native who learned to ski

a lot to be said for hibernation, or at

at Roundtop as a kid, manages communications

least for sitting by a roaring fire with a

for Vail Resorts, the company that owns and

hot chocolate until April, it is officially

operates the three Pocono Mountain resorts

ski season, and the mountains are not far away from home.

closest to Frederick.

“All of our resorts really do have their own

“Liberty is the closest, under 45 minutes,” offers

personalities – that’s what makes them so fun,”

Kendra Cooper. “Roundtop is about an hour, same

says Cooper, who brought her own kids to Liberty

as Whitetail. You can do any of them in a day.

for lessons a few years ago and hasn’t looked

They’re nice and convenient — easy rides, too.”

back. “When you go to each resort, you’re getting a unique experience.”

Background: Snowboarding at Virginia’s Bryce Ski Resort Andrew DeVier-Scott

64 | FINDIT WINTER 24

Inset: Skier at Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort Courtesy of Liberty Mountain Resort

Roundtop, she says, is a great place for families,

including two terrain parks and a half pipe. “People

with its winter carnivals and pocket bacon (that’s

who really love skiing want to hit up Whitetail.”

just bacon that skiers carry in their pocket to munch throughout the day).

Less secluded is Liberty, which offers more of a winter vacation vibe to people who come to ski.

Cooper said she’d describe Whitetail as “the peaceful retreat.”

“Liberty is the winter getaway destination for our area,” she adds. “Because it has onsite lodging

“It’s really secluded out there, away from everything,” she says. “It’s just beautiful.”

and restaurants.”

It’s also close to historic Gettysburg, which is

Some folks call Whitetail the skier’s mountain,

beautifully decorated in winter and offers a variety

because it has such long, steep trails – 25 trails,

of dining and entertainment options, as well as the

Inset: Tubing, the winter sport for all abilities, is available at Bryce.

Andrew DeVier-Scott

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 65

National Military Park, site of the eponymous Civil War battle.

Liberty, Cooper says, “is a really nice, close place to get away to and it doesn’t require plane tickets: you drive up for the weekend and get back in time for dinner Sunday night.”

Not as close, but still favorites for Frederick-area powder hounds and jerries (that’s experts and amateurs, in case you don’t speak ski) are Wisp Ski Resort in Western Maryland and Bryce Resort in Virginia.

Like Liberty, Wisp is a great ski vacation destination with a lodge on site and close proximity to an attractive town with its own dining, shopping, accommodations, and entertainment options.

Visitors to Wisp get to enjoy 34 slopes and trails on 132 acres here at Maryland’s only ski resort, as well as the scenic beauty of Deep Creek Lake.

Further south in the town of Basye, in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, is Bryce Resort. Rated one of North America’s top-25 family-friendly ski resorts

by Yelp! In 2020, it’s a spot with something for everyone – especially beginners.

“Bryce is a perfect place for someone who is just getting into the sport,” says Andrew DeVier-Scott, Bryce’s marketing director. “We have a lot of people who learn here and go elsewhere and go on with their skiing journey.”

DeVier-Scott actually did the opposite: a mountain biking enthusiast, he grew up shredding Bryce’s off-season bike park before heading West to pick up skiing and work in the Rockies and then eventually heading back to Virginia.

Family fun at Bryce. Andrew DeVier-Scott

66 | FINDIT WINTER 24

fuN FACTS • The word “ski” comes from Old Norse and means a split piece of wood.

Skiing was a mode of transport in Scandinavia (and possibly China!) for centuries before it became a sport in the late 19th century.

Sidebar braphic: istockphoto.com / Niko

• British author Sir Arthur Conan Doye, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, brought skiing from Norway to Switzerland when he moved to Davos for his wife’s health. His enthusiasm about the new sport spread; now 80 countries have some kind of ski area and about 125 million people ski and snowboard worldwide.

• The snowboard is an American invention, created in 1965 by Michigander Sherman Poppen who bound two skis together for his daughter Wendy and called the result “the snurfer.”

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 67

“We offer lessons for adults who are new to the

The idea of tubing has been around since the

sport with great PSIA instructors,” he says. “A

invention of the tire, but it’s only become a staple

great lesson program for kids, a renowned snow

of ski resorts in the last 30 years or so. The concept

sports school, private lessons, and snow tubing,

of après-ski, however, is as old as the sport itself.

which is a great activity for any skill level.”

Cooper says that Liberty, Roundtop and Whitetail

Tubing – sliding down a slope on a large inner tube –

all offer bars, restaurants and outdoor fire pits,

is something that’s offered not just at Bryce Resort

as well as special events such as winter carnivals

but also at Wisp, Liberty, Roundtop, and Whitetail,

and holiday celebrations. DeVier-Scott says that

too. Cooper calls it “a great group activity.”

in addition to its restaurant and cafeteria Bryce

“People will come and ski until they get tired, then walk over and do snow tubing.”

Resort boasts an open-air bar and grill dating back to the hang-out-outdoors days of COVID.

Skiers at Virginia’s Bryce Ski Resort. Andrew DeVier-Scott

68 | FINDIT WINTER 24

if you go...

Bryce Resort 1982 Fairway Drive, Basye, VA 540.856.2121 bryceresort.com

“On Saturdays we put in a DJ or a live band,” he adds. “We have fun events: fireworks on New Year’s Eve, holiday celebrations, and special hours when there’s a winter four-day weekend.”

So maybe this is the year to rule out winter hibernation and choose some “sticks,” a board, or even a tube for some outdoor fun. Back away from the fire, put down the remote, hop into the car, and head for the mountains – they’re not far away at all.

Liberty Mountain Resort 78 Country Club Trail, Fairfield, PA 717.642.8282 libertymountainresort.com Roundtop Mountain Resort 925 Roundtop Road, Lewisberry, PA 717.432.9631 skiroundtop.com Whitetail 13805 Blairs Valley Road Mercersburg, PA 717.328.9400 skiwhitetail.com Wisp Ski Resort 296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry, MD 800.462.9477 wispresort.com

FINDIT WINTER 24 | 69

The City of Frederick PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The City of Frederick Parks and Recreation Department has provided citizens in the area with quality and affordable programs for over 80 years. Year-round activities include sports, fitness, and leisure for all ages, challenging and educational children’s activities, the William Talley Fitness Center, and an abundance of unique programming.

121 N. Bentz Street, Frederick • 301-600-1492/1450 www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/webtrac

MARYLAND GOLF

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