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Kameron Marlowe Friday, November 13
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SEEK&FIND 18
STITCHING A NEW CHAPTER
32
MDCC: A HOME OF ITS OWN
6 | FINDIT FALL 26
46
HOLIDAY SEASON BUCKET LIST
56
OVER THE EDGE: DELAWARE BEACHES– YES, IN THE FALL
FOUND iT 12 CRYBABY TOY CAFE • 28 GARDENBELLE 40 WEINBERG 100TH • 52 PERIWINKLE & PROSE • 64 THE UMBRELLA PROJECT FINDIT FALL 26 | 7
PRESENTS
A YEAR OF EVENTS 2026
HOLIDAYS IN HISTORIC FREDERICK SCENTS & SWEETS COMPETITON & AUCTION
Tuesday, December 1, 5:30 PM New Spire Arts Stages, 15 W. Patrick Street
HOLIDAY ART COMPETITION
Presented in partnership with The Delaplaine Arts Center Wednesday, December 2, 5:30 PM The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S Carroll Street
CANDLELIGHT HOUSE TOUR
Sponsored by Visit Frederick Saturday, December 5, 5 - 9 PM & Sunday, December 6, Noon - 4 PM Downtown Frederick | $
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MUSINGS
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
There's something about fall in Frederick that feels like the county exhales. The humidity finally breaks, the trees turn gold and amber, and the streets fill with the kind of unhurried energy that makes you want to linger over a coffee instead of rushing past the shops and restaurants. Then the holidays arrive, and Frederick does what it does best: string lights go up, the shops smell like cinnamon and pine, and neighbors turn into regulars at their new favorite spots. This issue is our love letter to the season. We're excited to introduce you to three new businesses making their mark in the county. Over in Middletown, Crybaby Toy Cafe has become the go-to hangout for parents who want a good cup of coffee while their kids test-drive new toys. In Downtown Frederick GardenBelle has opened, hoping to outfit the county in style with its eco-friendly clothing, and Periwinkle & Prose is Frederick's first romance-focused bookstore, giving readers a cozy new corner to fall in love with their next favorite novel. We're also marking a milestone with the community at large. The Weinberg Center for the Arts turns 100 this year, and we take a look back at a century of performances, premieres and packed houses that have shaped Frederick's cultural identity. And we're proud to share the story behind the new Maryland Deaf Community Center, a long-awaited space that will give Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents across the region a true home of their own. However you spend this season — apple picking, tree lighting, or simply savoring a slower Saturday — we hope this issue makes you fall even more in love with Frederick.
Molly Fellin Spence, Executive Editor
FINDIT FALL 26 | 9
FALL 2026 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 2
published by PULSE PUBLISHING, LLC
12 S. MARKET STREET, SUITE 101 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 MARKETING AND DIGITAL MANAGER Crystal DeTemple McNeel crystal@pulsepublishing.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Melissa Howes-Vitek melissa@pulsepublishing.net GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ana Lazo Eastep CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Shuan Butcher, Naomi Pearson, Ellyn Wexler
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shuan Butcher, Michael DeMattia, Naomi Pearson, Russell C. Poole, Molly Fellin Spence
ACCOUNTING/BILLING bookkeeper@pulsepublishing.net DISTRIBUTION distribution@pulsepublishing.net
10 | FINDIT FALL 26
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 tise rs fo r th e i r continued support.
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12 | FINDIT FALL 26
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U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Tues, Nov 17th 11:00a.m. | The Maryland Theatre
Holly Fest
Fri, Nov 20th 7:00p.m. | The Maryland Theatre
Holiday Market
Sat, Nov 21st 2:00p.m. | 26 S. Potomac Street
Downtown Tree Lighting
Sat, Nov 21st 5:00p.m. | Public Square
Small Business Saturday
Sat, Nov 28th 11:00a.m. | Downtown Hagerstown
City Park Tree Lighting
Fri, Dec 4th 6:00p.m. | Hagerstown City Park
Tinsel & Twinkle Parade
Thurs, Dec 10th 6:30p.m. | Hagerstown City Park
Christkindl Markt
Fri & Sat, Dec 11th & 12th | University Plaza
Merry & Bright Bus Tour Fri, Dec 11th 6:00p.m. | Hatters Plaza
Holiday Cookie Crawl
Sat, Dec 12th 11a.m.-4p.m. | Downtown Hagerstown
Historic Houses of Worship Tour Sat, Dec 26th 3:00p.m. | Downtown Hagerstown
Krumpe’s Donut Drop
Thurs, Dec 31st 5:00p.m. | Meritus Park
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When Charlotte's Quilt Shop announced its closing, one customer saw a beginning instead of an end Words and Photos by Naomi Pearson
Photo by
Inset photo courtesy of The Cottage Quilt Shop
Stitching a New Chapter FINDIT FALL 26 | 19
F
or nearly 20 years, the exposed brick walls of a Frederick storefront were lined floor to rafters with fabric bolts, fat quarters, and the quiet hum of sewing machines — the domain of Susan "Sue" Richter, whose Charlotte's Cottage Quilt Shop became a pilgrimage site for quilters across four states. So when Sue announced her retirement this past March, the local fiber arts community braced for an ending.
Photos by
Instead, they got a beginning.
20 | FINDIT FALL 26
Aidan Schneider had been coming to the shop for years, quietly nursing a dream of opening a quilt shop of her own. When she heard Sue was closing up for good, she didn't just come to say goodbye — she came with a proposal. Weeks later, after a four-week transformation, the doors reopened under a new name: The Cottage Quilt Shop. Whether you are a longtime customer or new visitor, a seasoned quilter, quilt-curious, or a fabric crafter of any kind, there’s something for you at The Cottage Quilt Shop. Even if you don’t work and play with fabric, you can find something useful to add to your arts and craft supplies, and perhaps make a new fiber arts friend! The shop carries quality 100% cotton fabrics in traditional and designer prints and solids on two floors – three rooms downstairs and the upstairs loft; no cheap, flimsy textiles found here! Cotton and wool batting are also available – added to the inventory after the closing of JoAnn Fabric and Crafts left a gap in places to get those materials. You’ll also find a variety of patterns and kits for quilt projects and accessories such as bags and pouches, plus pillow inserts, as well as tools of the trade: various quilting notions, rulers, scissors, rotary cutters, cutting mats, and more! Upstairs, there’s a workspace available to rent with tables, ironing boards, and assorted sewing tools to work on projects (you can bring your own sewing machine); the area also doubles as space for small sewing classes. Adjacent, is a small room
Photos by
with a couple of comfy wingback chairs perfect for getting out of the house to do handwork with a friend.
FINDIT FALL 26 | 21
Regulars will immediately notice changes, although much remains the same – the familiar exposed brick walls, . . .
. . . vibrant bolts of fabric lined up by color on shelves stacked to the rafters, even the carpet runner on the stairs.
22 | FINDIT FALL 26
During the retirement clearance sale, as customers
have elbow room, which customers may find less
came to pay their respects, to say goodbye to Sue
intimidating and overwhelming than the previous
and the staff, and to snap up deals, Schneider
cozy, but maximal presentation.
reached out to ask if Sue would consider selling the business to her. They came to an agreement and Sue introduced Aidan as the new owner on the last clearance sale day. Sue began her retirement, providing valuable advice and guidance upon request, while Aidan dove head-first into reopening the shop.
“I want it to have approachable vibes,” Schneider says. But the shop is still evolving and there are more shelves and carts to be filled. As Sue says, “Her story is still unfolding.” The vibe may be different, but Schneider’s aim is for The Cottage Quilt Shop to continue the legacy
After a four-week closure, the shop reopened on
of the community that Sue nurtured and to be “a
May 14 with a new look and Schneider at its head.
space for quilters, makers, crafters and anyone
Regulars will immediately notice changes, although
who finds joy in textile arts.”
much remains the same – the familiar exposed
“Anybody can do anything,” Schneider says, “with
brick walls, vibrant bolts of fabric lined up by color
a little curiosity to try new things, courage to
on shelves stacked to the rafters, even the carpet
allow yourself to be bad at it at first. Come for the
runner on the stairs.
creativity and the joy in creating!”
The current incarnation is more spare. The upstairs work area has more space for navigation, the shelved fabric bolts have breathing room, making them easier to examine, and customers
The Cottage Quilt Shop 120 N. East St., Frederick thecottagequiltshop.com F facebook.com/ TheCottageQuiltShop
FINDIT FALL 26 | 23
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Discover Frederick's Home for Sports & Recreation Indoor Pickleball Golf Simulator & Sports Martial Arts Programs Youth & Adult Sports Leagues Facility & Court Rentals For more information and rentals, please contact Hannah Davis at hdavis@frederickymca.org Y Sports Warehouse 26 E. 9th Street, Frederick frederickymca.org
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.
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Celebrate the Season! Sip award-winning Maryland wines, browse festive wine bundles, and make memories with friends and family. From cozy tastings to bottles ready for every holiday table, discover why Linganore has been a local tradition for 0 50 years.
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From a School Bus to
Every shop has an origin story, but few start with two people quitting their jobs, moving into a converted school bus, and hitting the road with zero followers and even less of a plan. That's exactly how Gardenbelle Shop began — and now, after years of thrifting, road-tripping and building something real, it's officially got a home in Downtown Frederick (plus a sister location in Hagerstown). Founders Lauren and Joe Gardenbelle — a former art teacher and a former sous chef — ditched conventional careers in 2020 for life on the road. What started as an Instagram side hustle selling vintage clothing sourced from thrift stores across the country quickly evolved into something bigger: their own handmade clothing line, built from the ground up with sustainability in mind. And "sustainability" isn't just a buzzword slapped on the window here. Gardenbelle's garments are made from certified organic cotton, hemp blends, wood-pulp fiber sourced from trees rejected by the furniture industry, and hand-selected vintage fabrics gathered during their travels to India. Everything is third-party tested and comes back clean of PFAS and heavy metals. Even the clothing tags are plastic-free, made from recycled paper and cotton cord instead. The ethics run deeper than materials, too. The team conducts unannounced audits of their partner sew houses in India, and rather than setting a flat wage for their overseas artisans, they let the artisans themselves determine fair pay based on skill and time invested. So what does all that add up to for shoppers? A closet full of hand tie-dyed pieces, block-printed cottons, and one-of-a-kind finds with an actual story behind them. No fast fashion guilt required. Gardenbelle Shop 14 N. Market St., Frederick Landline: 240.877.0168 | Text Only: 240.394.0174 gardenbelleshop.com d @gardenbelleshop
28 | FINDIT FALL 26
Inset photos by Molly Fellin Spence; all other photos courtesy of Gardenbelle
Downtown Frederick
FINDIT FALL 26 | 29
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Photos courtesy of Photo by the Maryland Deaf Community Center
Deaf community builds
32 | FINDIT FALL 26
a home of its own By Ellyn Wexler
FINDIT FALL 26 | 33
For seven years, the Maryland Deaf Community
“It’s a place where we can get full access to
C e nt e r h e l d m e et i n g s a n d eve nt s at t h e
communication, a very rare thing for the Deaf
Maryland School for the Deaf. Its American
community,” he added.
Market. Other activities required finding still more temporary space. Now, the organization has a permanent home. The 11,000-square-foot center officially
The center grew from an idea among Frederick County Deaf residents in 2018. The organization fo r m e d a s a n o n p rof i t i n 2 0 1 9 , re c e i ve d nonprofit status in 2020 and purchased the East Street property in 2022.
o p e n e d i n A u g u st , w i t h a r i b b o n - c u t t i n g
“Our goal was to create a true home for the
Aug. 21. It offers classes, recreation, social
community, a welcoming place where people
activities and referral services for Deaf, Hard
can communicate freely, build relationships,
of Hearing and DeafBlind people, as well as
access resources and participate fully,” said
hearing people.
Linda Stolz, board president.
“The actual center coming to life is a
It took years of planning and fundraising to create
magnificent milestone,” said board member
the center. The nine-member volunteer board has
and corresponding secretary Joshua Finkle. “It
worked on the project from the beginning. Some
makes a huge difference to us.”
members began working together in 2019, while others joined in 2021 and 2022. All the board
34 | FINDIT FALL 26
Photos courtesy of the Maryland Deaf Community Center
Sign Language (ASL) classes met at Common
members are Deaf, and more than half either
ASL classes, taught by Deaf instructors, are
work for the Maryland School for the Deaf or are
offered in six-week sessions. Finkle said
retired from working there.
spaces filled up in the first week, and the
“We started from scratch,” Finkle said. The project received $500,000 in federal Community Project Funding and $500,000 in state
Photos courtesy of the Maryland Deaf Community Center
bond funding. The Ausherman Family Foundation provided $25,000 for board training and fundraising, and individual donors also contributed. The center’s gym, classrooms and multipurpose s pa c es now host cl a s s es , a ct i v i t i es a nd events that previously had to fit into borrowed facilities. The building also includes offices, a kitchen and social areas. “The center brings these services together in one permanent, welcoming location where Deaf culture, visual communication and accessibility
organization plans to offer more. Small nonprofit organizations without their own facilities also use the building, including Frederick Deaf Seniors and other groups. Basketball and pickleball open play bring Deaf and hearing people together for recreation. The organization collaborates with the Maryland School for the Deaf Parent Staff Association on events such as Halloween Trunk or Treat and other holiday festivals. Finkle said the center is receiving numerous requests for referrals. Planned additions include case management, senior meals, arts, sports and expanded educational programs.
are built into the environment,” Stolz said. FINDIT FALL 26 | 35
The board plans to generate rental revenue
Department of Aging and Independence is
and seek donations and pledges. Within one
expected to bring a full-time senior supervisor
to two years, members hope to hire a full-time
to the center to provide ASL access for Deaf
executive director to handle administrative
and Hard of Hearing seniors. The department
duties and allow the volunteers to focus on
operates six other senior centers, but none
programs and long-term planning.
specifically serves Deaf seniors.
“We have just begun,” Finkle said.
The center also hopes to give Maryland School for the Deaf students opportunities to gain work experience. Beyond Frederick County, the center aims to serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing Marylanders. Hearing people are welcome to participate in its classes, recreation and events.
36 | FINDIT FALL 26
Maryland Deaf Community Center 720 N. East St., Frederick deafmdcc.org 240.560.5028 F facebook.com/deafMDCC d @deafMDCC
Photos courtesy of the Maryland Deaf Community Center
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A Hundred Years of Curtain Calls There are birthdays, and then there's turning 100 in a city that still remembers your first act. This fall, the Weinberg Center for the Arts marks a full century inside the walls of the historic Tivoli Theatre, and Frederick is invited to the party. The celebration begins Oct. 3, with a free, allages open house running from noon to 4 p.m. — no ticket required. Through sold-out silent films, a horse race that landed the city its first air conditioning, two catastrophic floods, and an organ that somehow
of the audience. It was, at the time, one of the
keeps surviving all of it, the Weinberg has seen
grandest buildings ever built in Frederick — the
it all.
kind of place a hometown newspaper editorial
The theater first opened its doors in December
practically gushed over on opening night.
1926 as the Tivoli, a lavish, 1,500-seat movie
The theater's hundred years haven't all been
palace with crystal chandeliers, silk-covered
glamorous. By the 1950s, television had lured
walls, and ushers dressed sharper than most
audiences away, and the once-dazzling Tivoli slid
40 | FINDIT FALL 26
into disrepair — its marble walls painted black, its ornate woodwork buried under soundproofing. It took local businessman Dan Weinberg, who bought the building in 1959, to begin coaxing it back to life. The Tivoli was also a segregated venue well into the 1960s, until Frederick's Black community pushed — and eventually won — the fight to integrate it, a chapter of the building's history staff are still working to fully document ahead of the centennial. Then came the floods. Twice, floodwaters from Carroll Creek and, later, Hurricane Agnes swamped the theater basement, at one point literally lifting the beloved Mighty Wurlitzer organ off its perch and floating it onto the stage. Both times, Frederick showed up to save it, and both times, the show went on. Renamed the Weinberg Center for the Arts in 1978, the theater has since hosted everyone from George Carlin to the Temptations, all while that same 1926 Wurlitzer — the only theater organ in Maryland still in its original home — keeps right on playing. This fall, the Weinberg officially turns 100, kicking off a season of programming built to honor that unlikely, occasionally soggy, thoroughly beloved history. Whatever else changes downtown, the Jewel of Frederick isn't going anywhere. The Weinberg Center for the Arts 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick weinbergcenter.org 301.600.2828 F facebook.com/ WeinbergCenterfortheArts
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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
of
CreativeCommunity
The Frederick Arts Council advaces and invests in a vibrant and diverse arts community for the people of Frederick County and its visitors. The organization fosters an environment where the arts flourish in the community through grants and scholarships, arts advocacy, and links to essential resources. FAC is responsible for large-scale programming such as the Frederick Festival of the Arts, Sky Stage, Frederick Public Art Initiative, Art in the Park, Community Arts Development grants and Arts in Education grants.
frederickar tscouncil.org | 301-662-4190 | info@frederickar tscouncil.org Ticket link for 50th Anniversary gala: givebutter.com/fac-50th-anniversary-gala
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. You’ll find all the name brands and styles you love at up to 70% less than regular retail prices. 301.644.1190 • 5100 Buckeystown Pk, #162, Frederick www.platosclosetfrederick.com • d @platosclosetfrederick
Helping Children, Helping Families, Helping Each Other
301-662-0133
thepedcenter.com
Care When You Need It
Whole-Child Support
Virtual Visits Nurse Line Advice During Office Hours
Behavioral Health Lactation Services
Convenient Access 5 Locations Extended Hours & Saturdays (Main Office)
Comprehensive Pediatric Care Across Frederick County Frederick - Ballenger Creek - Myersville - Mounty Airy - Urbana
FREDERICK (TJ) OFFICE 87 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 101, Frederick, MD 21702 HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm Saturday, 9am–11am (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.
halfway. Between the corn mazes, the ghost tours, the beer tents, and enough twinkle lights to be visible from
orbit, this county turns the September-to-December stretch into a full-contact sport. Here's your countywide bucket list of events to attend and places to see during Frederick County’s favorite season.
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Background photo courtesy of visitfrederick.org
L
et's be honest: Frederick doesn't do fall and winter
s ' k c i r e d Fre t
s i L t e Buck
istockphoto.com/notebook: Taphouse_Studios; cornucopia/Katlim
: n o s a e S
s e z a m n r o 4C t h g i l e l d n a C 4 and y a d i l o 4H s t h g i del FINDIT FALL 26 | 47
For the Famil
y
Fall Fest at Ro se
historical agric
Hill Manor Pa rk —
ulture demonst
Think rations, handson cr af ts , an d the alwaysdal Pull, plus an Agriculture Oly newly impresse mpics that will make you d by whoever wins. chaotic Kids' Pe
Trail of Jack-O Meadows Pettin-Lanterns at Green g Farm
— Out in Urbana, e: a walking pa this one goes th lin ed w ith hundreds of pumpkins, fire hand-carved pits, and anim al barns for an yone who need to a goat. s to say hello full spooky-cut
Gaver Farm Fa ll Fun Festival this county is — No fa co
mplete without ll season in a pilgrimage to corn maze, gian th is M ou nt Airy staple: t slides, jumpi ng pillows and a pumpkin patc to make a real h big enough afternoon of it .
The Kris Krin gle
Procession
Museums by
Candlelight
— Historic sites row open thei r doors with fr ee admission, hands-on acti live music and vities for kids — a good excu se to finally vi you keep mea sit that museu ning to check m out. countywide th
48 | FINDIT FALL 26
Notebook: istockphoto.com/Taphouse_Studios
flips toward th — Once the cale e holidays, Dow ndar ntown Frederic charming para k puts on this de full of storyb genuinely ook characters and local march ending with th e lighting of th ing bands, e City Tree in B aker Park.
FINDIT FALL 26 | 49
Background photo by Michael DeMattia Inset pumpkin photo courtesy of Gaver Farm. Inset TRAIL photo courtesy of Green Meadow Petting Farm. All other inset photos courtesy of visitfrederick.org
nda e g A p U n w o r The G berfest — Held at
to Frederick's Ok
is is exactly Fairgrounds, th k ic er ed Fr e th atwurstpolka-band, br the beer-tent, it earns picturing, and re u' yo t en ev fueled tation. late-night repu s it of t bi y er ev
Spirits of the
Furnace — A
h the historic ng tour throug lantern-lit walki ont, where Village in Thurm e ac rn Fu n ti Catoc nuinely eerie rpreters spin ge te in ed um st co nt date-night les. An excelle 18th-century ta te is into suming your da alternative, as ory. d industrial hist slightly haunte
tillery Crawl
is A Brewery & D
erick's season for Fred roll through the Car op H e. en sc ge bevera onal porters strict for seas di g in ew br ek Cre the area’s head to any of r O . ts ou st d an ntain views. stings with mou wineries for ta
a Show at Ghost Tour + enter — Pair a the Weinberg C r of Historic
ost Tou candlelight Gh the a show under Frederick with r for einberg Cente W e th at e e u marq eater or ay film, live th lid o h : s rt A e th ing on phony, depend seasonal sym . what's playing
ouse Tour —
Candlelight H
erick, Celebrate Fred Sponsored by a rare ent gives you this ticketed ev rated autifully deco peek inside be ntown. ic homes dow private histor est friend. Bring your nosi
50 | FINDIT FALL 26
Notebook: istockphoto.com/Taphouse_Studios. All inset photos courtesy of visitfrederick.org; Spirits of the Furnace by Russell C. Poole
— Fall is peak
For Everyone Sailing Through the W inter Solstice — An utterly uniqu e stroll
along Carroll Creek Park to see custombuilt, illuminated boats floating along the water, surrounded by all the dining and shopping downtow n has to offer.
Peak Foliage at Catoctin Mountain Park — Delive rs peak
fall color with minimal eff ort. Hike out to Chimney Rock for the view, or take the easier stroll to Cunn ingham Falls, Maryland's largest casc ading waterfall.
The Maryland Christm as Show — A sprawling, two-w ee
kend marketplace at the fairgr ounds featuring fine art, wood working, jewelry and specialty foods tha t makes "I'll just look around" a lie you tel l yourself every single year.
Candlelight Tour of His toric Houses of Worship — A fre e self-
Background photo by Michael DeMattia
guided evening tour thr ough Frederick's Clustered Spires, comp lete with live choirs and nativity displa ys: a quiet, beautiful way to close out the season.
Ho we ve r yo u sp lit yo ur tim e am on g ha yr id es , ha un te d fu rn ac es , an d flo at in g bo at s, on e th in g' s ce rt ai n: nobody does a fall-int o-winter run quite like Fred er ic k Co un ty. Ge t ou t th ere before the season ge ts away from you.
FINDIT FALL 26 | 51
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Photo by Molly Fellin Spence
Frederick Just Got a Little More
Swoon-Worthy If your TBR pile has been looking a little... beige
readers can find love stories featuring people
lately, Periwinkle & Prose has the fix. Frederick's
and experiences that mirror their own — happy
new queer, woman-owned romance bookstore has
endings included.
officially set up shop at 106 N. Market St. — and it's exactly the kind of cozy, curl-up-with-a-cup-of-tea spot romance readers have been manifesting.
out for book clubs, craft nights and other in-person gatherings designed to pull readers away from their
Founded by longtime friends Sara Belasco and
screens and into conversation with fellow romance
Amber Trinkle, the shop carries a little bit of
obsessives.
everything in the romance book genre: enemies-tolovers, fake dating, small-town sweethearts, spicy paranormal romps, slow-burn historical drama — if it makes your heart race or your cheeks flush, there's a good chance it's on the shelf. Photos by Molly Fellin Spence
The shop's ambitions go beyond bookselling. Look
Belasco and Trinkle built the store around the idea that romance readers deserve a shared home base
The doors are already open — wander in next time you're downtown to browse the shelves, sink into a cozy corner, and see who catches your eye. Grab a friend and go find your next book boyfriend, girlfriend, or throuple. No spoilers — but the shelves are waiting.
— somewhere to browse, swap recommendations, and geek out with people who get it. That mission comes with real intention behind the shelves, too: the founders are prioritizing diverse authors so
Periwinkle & Prose 106 N. Market St., Frederick d @periwinkle.and.prose.books
FINDIT FALL 26 | 53
Welcome to Thurmont
No matter the season...
We are waiting for you!
EXPLORE. ENJOY. EXPERIENCE.
Thurmo nt E
xplore the hiking trails at Catoctin Mountain Park, enjoy Cunningham Falls State Park where you will find the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland, experience Covered Bridge History, take a stroll down Main Street, take a walk down the Trolley Trail, unwind at one of our scenic wineries/breweries, savor the freshness of our farmers markets, and orchards; enjoy local flavors at our restaurants.
WINERIES | ARTS | LOCAL DINING | HIKING Fall Colors of Thurmont
Shopping on Main Street
visit us at
Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve
ThurmontMainStreet.com
OVER TH In Southern Delaware, the Beaches are 56 | FINDIT FALL 26
HE EDGE Just the Beginning Words and Photos By Shuan Butcher
FINDIT FALL 26 | 57
S
outhern Delaware is known for its beaches,
made a place for us." It was this sense of place
particularly Bethany, Dewey, Lewes and
that encouraged the Methodist Episcopal Church
Rehoboth. Each beach and beach town has
to found the Rehoboth Beach Camp Meeting
its own personality. Some consider Bethany sleepy, while Dewey has surfers and trends younger. Lewes has more of a New England seaside-town vibe, while Rehoboth
Association in the early 1870s. Today, Rehoboth is still a destination to find peace. It is a great place to unwind and relax, and to escape from everything going on around us.
gives you a traditional feel, complete with a
For your home base, choose the Boardwalk Plaza
boardwalk and shops.
Hotel, where Victorian elegance meets the sea.
But the beaches are just the beginning.
The hotel sits right on the beach and boardwalk, just a short walk from Rehoboth Avenue and its
The name Rehoboth references a Bible passage,
many shops and restaurants. Antique furnishings
Genesis 26:22, in which Isaac finds a well in a
set the tone, offering timeless elegance with
place called Rehoboth and declares, "The Lord has
modern convenience.
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Grab a drink at The Plaza Pub located inside the hotel, where there is live music and entertainment throughout the week. A fitness center in the basement-level parking garage is open 24 hours, and the heated indoor-outdoor spa pool is open 23 hours a day, closing for one hour in the morning for cleaning. After 8 p.m., it is open to adults only and you can run the spa jets. The service is part of the charm. Nightly turndown service includes a complimentary bottle of water and chocolates, with a newspaper waiting outside your door in the morning. Look for other small touches, too: the sign at the front desk with the day’s weather forecast, and another that provides a word of the day. Booking a Concierge Level room brings a lot of perks, including a free beach umbrella rental for each day of your stay. Downtown Rehoboth Beach shopping comes with some must-visits, such as Fisher's Popcorn, Dolle's Candyland for saltwater taffy and Thrasher's for french fries. Ice cream options are too numerous to mention. Browseabout Books is a beloved indie bookstore and gift shop that hosts regular author events. And Penny Lane Mall is a truly unique, boutique-lined alley with a number of shops that will make you feel like you could be in a European city. There are plenty of meal options, too. Start your morning at Robin Hood Restaurant, which opened in 1968, with the original owners still involved. Food here is not only a great value, but also delicious. When it's time for lunch, 302 Social Eatery and Barroom is an upper-level restaurant overlooking the street and shops below. Try the short ribs sammy or the tequila chicken sandwich.
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Dogfish Head Brewing and Eats is a great place for dinner and a libation. If it is tough to choose what you want to drink, consider ordering a flight of beer to try several. Yes, they are known for their beer but they offer way more than that. There are some innovative cocktails, including one that changes colors, plus Delaware’s official state drink, the Orange Crush. The menu is an homage to literature, with wood-fired pizzas named after Hemingway’s short stories and burgers named after song titles. Zelky's Beach Arcade is Delmarva's largest arcade experience, providing year-round indoor fun. You can place a round of miniature golf on its rooftop terrace. Located right on the boardwalk, it also offers great ocean views, complete with viewfinders. Be sure to also visit the Rehoboth Beach Museum, right along the canal, next to the town’s visitor center. The museum is easy to spot, as the iconic Dolle's sign was relocated here. Inside you'll find a wonderful array of historical artifacts and exhibits centered on the town's amusement attractions, hotels, lifeguard service, and a collection of signs. Just north of Rehoboth Beach, take a hike on the Gordon's Pond Trail at Cape Henlopen State Park. The level, crushed-stone surface makes for easy and accessible walking or biking. Here, you can check out both a salt marsh as well as Whiskey Beach, where you can see World War II observation towers still standing. It's part of a statewide trail system that includes converted rails-to-trails and a great spot for birding.
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South of Rehoboth, at Delaware Seashore State Park, is the historic Indian River Life-Saving Station. The museum tells the story of the surfmen who once guarded this coast. The U.S. Life-Saving Service was founded in 1871, with stations placed every 5 miles. The Indian River station was built just five years later, in 1876. Here you'll learn what the surfmen went through and how they lived, and you'll see the only gun that was created to save lives. For dinner in Dewey Beach, head to the Starboard Claw Restaurant. There are lots of classic seafood entrées, such as the Delmarva steam pot and shellfish penne pasta. But don't overlook the honeyhoisin grilled pork flat iron, served with jasmine rice, asparagus and mango salsa. It is truly delightful. After dinner, end the night with a bonfire, complete with snacks, refreshments and s'mores. Lynam’s Beach Bonfires offers a great activity for all ages and occasions. You get all the fun without any of the work. From quiet beaches and historic lifesaving stations to rooftop mini golf and wood-fired pizzas, Southern Delaware is a great place to unwind. To check out other things to do, go to visitsoutherndelaware.com.
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NONPROFITS POTLIGHT
The Umbrella Project:
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A path through grief, guided by nature For people experiencing grief, nature can offer a place to reflect, remember and connect with others who understand. The Umbrella Project offers a way to do that. The program combines time outdoors with grief education, movement, reflection and connection. Adults grieving the death of a loved one can join a monthly grief support group and optional hike, attend a Basecamp Grief Retreat or take part in a multiday backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail.
Photos courtesy of The Umbrella Project
“Being outdoors can naturally bring us into a more mindful state and make us a little more open to emotional exploration and expression,” says Kaili van Waveren, ThorpeWood’s executive director. “We often find that group sharing in an outdoor setting goes surprisingly deep, surprisingly quickly.” Nature itself is part of the approach. Participants use their senses to stay grounded, while the steady rhythm of walking can help with processing loss. Changes in the landscape, from fallen trees to new growth, can prompt conversations about grief, change and renewal. Wendelyn joined one of the Appalachian Trail backpacking trips after her father died suddenly, van Waveren said. Hiking brought back memories of the time they had spent hiking, biking and sitting around campfires. She described the group
as “a soft landing for both the beauty and pain of remembering.” On the final night, Wendelyn watched the group laughing and telling stories in the darkness of the woods and felt “a deep sense of gratitude and calm,” van Waveren said. “I connected to my dad through connecting to others who just get it,” Wendelyn said. The Umbrella Project grew out of a Frederick family’s experience of unexpected loss in 2015. Van Waveren says nature is not intended to replace mental health care, but can offer another way to approach grief. “Meaningful, impactful experiences in nature don’t have to be extraordinary,” she says. “It might be a walk through a park, sitting under a tree, gardening, noticing birds, or simply spending ten quiet minutes outside.” Healing from grief, she says, does not necessarily mean getting over it. It can mean learning to live with what happened and continuing to find connection, meaning and joy. Thorpewood, The Umbrella Project 301.271.2823 thorpewood.org/programs/umbrellaproject/
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Rustic Elegance & Historic Charm Perched atop one of the highest ridgelines in Gettysburg, framed by historic wood and stone architecture and stunning views of historic Gettysburg battlefields and Hunter Lake, The Lodges at Gettysburg is a destination unlike any other in the area. It’s peaceful here with a timeless tranquility and rustic elegance that settle you into a relaxed state of mind. Beautifully maintained grounds and lodging are surrounded by 63 acres of rolling Gettysburg countryside, the perfect backdrop for family vacations, outside-the-box meetings and romantic weddings with a dash of historic charm.
685 Camp Gettysburg Road Gettysburg, PA 17325 717-642-2500 www.thelodgesatgettysburg.com
MARYLAND GOLF
at its finest
With a county population of 300,000 and 13 golf courses, Clustered Spires has earned “Best of Frederick Golf Course”! Golf Digest awards Clustered Spires a HHHH rating. Clustered Spires reputation is a great conditioned golf course with wonderful greens and considered the best value golf course in central Maryland.
CLUSTERED SPIRES GOLF CLUB NON-SENIORS RATE Monday–Thursday ................. $62 Friday ..................................... $67 Saturday/Sunday/Holidays ... $82 SENIORS/60+ RATE Monday–Friday ...................... $49
8415 Gas House Pike | Frederick, MD 21701 | 301-600-1295 | ClusteredSpiresGolf.com
WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ART S