FiND iT FREDERiCK - Summer 2026

SUMMER

2026

BB RR UU NN SS WW II CC KK r er me mm um Su e S re er he Wh W come co mes s ou out t to to

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Richard Marx

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Friday, July 10

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Gabby Barrett Friday, August 7

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Martina McBride

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Friday, September 11

Friday, September 18

Saturday, September 5

Trace Adkins 30th Anniversary Tour

Saturday, September 19

SEEK&FIND 18

SUMMER GEMS

34

EKIBEN COMES TO FREDERICK

6 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

48

SIPPING WITH THE KIDS

62

OVER THE EDGE: POTTER TIOGA, PA

FOUND iT 12 ALL SAINTS MURAL • 30 ZEST CLOTHING CO. 40 THE BANYAN • 58 WONDER FOOD • 72 PLATOON 22 FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 7

MUSINGS

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Summer in Frederick County has a way of filling up fast. The trails get busier, restaurants' outdoor seating fills early and the calendar of festivals, markets and outdoor events starts to look less like a list of options and more like a series of happy obligations. It is, by almost any measure, the best time of year to be here — and this edition of Find iT Frederick is built around making the most of it.

This edition of is our attempt to keep pace with it.

We've got the news that Frederick food lovers have been waiting for: Ekiben, the beloved Baltimore restaurant known for its inventive, globally inspired sandwiches and devoted following, has arrived in Frederick. If you've made the drive to Baltimore or caught their food truck in town, you already know why this is a big deal. If you haven't — consider this your introduction.

We also went looking for the summer experiences that don't always make the obvious list. Frederick County is full of them — the kind of places and moments that reward the curious and the unhurried. Our hidden gems guide is a good place to start.

And for families navigating the particular challenge of wanting a glass of wine while also keeping small children entertained, we found some answers. Our guide to kid-friendly wineries in the region proves that a great afternoon doesn't require a babysitter.

However you spend your summer, we hope some of it happens here, in Frederick.

Molly Fellin Spence, Executive Editor

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 9

SUMMER 2026 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1

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

TEAMPULSE

w PULSEPUBLISHING.NET PUBLISHER Donna Elbert publisher@pulsepublishing.net EXECUTIVE EDITOR Molly Fellin Spence molly@pulsepublishing.net OPERATIONS MANAGER Gabby Mongeau gabby@pulsepublishing.net

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.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Melissa Howes-Vitek melissa@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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ana Lazo Eastep

Many thanks to the numerous

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

individuals and businesses

Shuan Butcher, Naomi Pearson, Melissa Howes-Vitek, Ellyn Wexler

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shuan Butcher, Jackie Davis, Chris Martin/Convoy Creatives, Naomi Pearson, Molly Fellin Spence

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

10 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

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.

Where

community

and history ride THURMONT

A moving tribute to the people, stories, and history that shape our community.

EMMITSBURG

Discover AMERICA 250

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Honoring where we’ve been, and where we’re heading next.

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Events

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The City of Frederick dedicated a new mural at 168 W. All Saints St. on June 19 — Juneteenth — honoring the trailblazers behind Frederick County's first high school for Black students. The timing was intentional, and so is every brushstroke.

Created by artist Rafael Blanco, the mural brings to life three people who changed what education looked like in Frederick: John Bruner, who petitioned the Board of Education to create

12 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Photo by Molly Fellin Spence

Next time you're walking down West All Saints Street in Downtown Frederick, look up. There's a new face on the block — actually, three of them — and they've got a story worth stopping for.

the school in the first place; Maurice Reid, who became its first principal and — its only teacher when it opened; and Esther E. Grinage, who went on to champion early childhood education for Black students across the county.

The school itself opened Sept. 5, 1920, welcoming its first class of 28 students into a renovated onestory stone building on West All Saints Street. By the second year, enrollment had already jumped to 50. The school eventually moved to Madison Street, where it became Lincoln High School and served as the county's only high school for Black students for decades.

The mural project was initiated by Mountain City Elks Lodge #382 and has been years in the making — a labor of love that wound its way through historic preservation reviews, design revisions and the usual gauntlet of city approvals before finally landing on that brick wall in all its glory.

"Frederick's story is bigger, richer, and more complete when we tell all of it," Mayor Michael O'Connor said in a city news release about the mural.

Hard to argue with that. Go see it for yourself.

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 13

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3 Gems to Visit Before Under-the-Radar

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18 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Summer in Frederick County offers a longer to-do list than most people realize — and it stretches from the South Mountain ridgeline to the riverbanks of the Monocacy to the galleries of Downtown Frederick. The county has more going on than the average resident or day-tripper ever discovers. If you're ready to get off the beaten path this summer, here are three genuine hidden gems worth your time...

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 19

1

Paddle the Monocacy Scenic Water Trail

Most Frederick County residents drive over the Monocacy River regularly without ever getting on it — which is a genuine shame. The Monocacy Scenic Water Trail spans 41.8 miles along the Monocacy River in eastern Frederick County, divided into three segments that allow visitors to make trips shorter or longer, depending on time and ability. The river is considered a Maryland Wild and Scenic River, and more than 41 miles have been designated as a water trail through historic Civil War landscapes and American Indian settlements. It's accessible for beginners, gloriously unhurried, and almost entirely free once you have a kayak or canoe. Multiple launch sites make it easy to pick the stretch that fits your afternoon.

Photo courtesy of visitfrederick.org Photos by

Monocacy Scenic Water Trail — Multiple access points throughout Frederick County | visitfrederick.org/listing/monocacy-scenic-water-trail/6576/

20 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Photos by Photo courtesy of Gathland State Park

2

Hike to the arch that nobody knows about

About 45 minutes southwest of the City of Frederick, tucked onto a South Mountain ridgeline where the Appalachian Trail runs right past the base, stands a unique, moving monument. The War Correspondents Memorial Arch, completed in 1896, was the first monument in the world dedicated to journalists killed in combat. It's 50 feet tall, covered in symbolism, and almost nobody goes there. Gathland State Park occupies the former estate of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War correspondent who wrote under the pen name "Gath." Visitors can also see the remnants of a mausoleum Townsend built for himself in 1895, but never used, with the words "Good Night Gath" inscribed on the marble lintel. It is strange and poignant in equal measure — exactly what a summer afternoon detour should be. The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset daily, and the onsite museum is open weekends from April through October, noon to 5 p.m. Gathland State Park / National War Correspondents Memorial Arch — 900 Arnoldstown Road, Jefferson | dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ pages/western/gathland.aspx FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 21

If you've strolled Carroll Creek in Frederick and never stopped at the Delaplaine, you've been leaving free art on the table. The Delaplaine Arts Center offers more than 50 exhibitions in seven galleries each year, with free admission daily. Exhibitions rotate every four to six weeks, featuring local, regional and national artists, with many works available for purchase. The gift gallery is worth a browse on its own — locally made ceramics, jewelry, prints and textiles, none of it mass-produced. Summer art camps for kids and teens run from mid-June through mid-August for ages 6 to 14. It is, as one visitor put it, "a hidden gem worth finding" — and it's been sitting right there on South Carroll Street the whole time.

The Delaplaine Arts Center — 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick | delaplaine.org

22 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Photo courtesy of visitfrederick.org

3

Walk into the arts center you've been walking past

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Adding some Zest to Downtown Frederick

Zest’s Market Street store front.

30 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Zest’s Director of Sales Jill Mikols in front of the store.

Co-owner Ben Wegdam and store associates in front of the store on opening day.

At Zest Clothing & Co., in Downtown Frederick, shopping is designed to feel upbeat, approachable and inspiring. It’s the kind of place where customers can discover something special while feeling instantly at ease.

blend comfort with style, from versatile wardrobe staples and statement accessories to gifts and home décor.

The boutique, which opened in 2025, is the newest chapter in a family retail story led by co-owners Tara and Ben Wegdam. What began more than 26 years ago as a single storefront has grown into a business with 26 locations offering women's and men's clothing, accessories and home goods, while still maintaining the warm, personal feel of a neighborhood boutique.

All photos by Jackie Davis

Tara Wegdam grew up surrounded by boutique retail.

Her grandmother owned a boutique, as did by her parents, making Zest a natural continuation of the family tradition.

"At its heart, Zest came from a genuine love of helping women feel confident, comfortable and puttogether in their everyday lives," Wegdam said. "We wanted to create a space where getting dressed feels joyful, not overwhelming."

The name Zest reflects that philosophy: fresh energy, optimism and a sense of fun. Inside the store, shoppers will find carefully curated collections that

Frederick proved a natural fit for the brand. Wegdam describes the city as vibrant, creative and deeply supportive of local businesses. Her family's other Frederick shops, Crème de la Crème, Brick & Mortar Mercantile and Lou Lou Boutique, have helped strengthen those community connections.

What sets Zest apart, she said, is the experience itself. Staff members focus on creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where customers feel genuinely cared for, rather than pressured.

"We want people to leave feeling more confident than when they walked in," Wegdam said. "Whether someone is shopping for a special event or just looking for everyday pieces they love, we want them to feel like the best version of themselves."

— Ellyn Wexler Zest Clothing & Co. 100 N. Market St., Frederick 240.391.0032 zestclothingandco.com d @zestclothingandco

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 31

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MOVE OVER, BORING LUNCH: THE NEIGHBORHOOD BIRD JUST TOUCHED DOWN IN FREDERICK

By Melissa Howes-Vitek

What have you and your besties from college done lately?

Well, if it’s 2014 and you’re Ephrem Abebe, Steve Chu, and Nikhil Yesupriya, you’ve made a plan to start selling your Asian/Ethiopian fusion cuisine out of a hotdog cart in Photo of Ekiben Photo courtesy by

Baltimore’s Fells Point Farmers Market. Seems reasonable.

34 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 35

Fast forward a dozen years and the trio, now duo (Yesupriya left in 2019 for a less “restaurant-y” career) owns four brick-and-mortar locations selling their now-famous food, as well as a highly sought-after catering service, under the name Ekiben.

Locations include three in Baltimore – Fells Point, Hampden, South Baltimore – and, as of April 30, Ekiben’s first foray outside the city, Downtown

Add a spot on the Yelp 2021 list of top 100 restaurants in the U.S., recognition as a 2023 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef, MidAtlantic for Steve Chu, and the ultimate award

36 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Top leftbyphotos courtesy of Ekiben Photo

Frederick!

… i n c l u s i o n o n t h e c o n c e s s i o n ro st e r at Camden Yards … it’s safe to say these guys are on to something!

But, what does Ekiben even mean? Ekiben (pronounced EH’-KEY-BIN) are bento box meals, sold on trains and at train stations in Japan.

Ask anyone who has sampled anything at Ekiben… and you’ll hear: “It’s stupid good.”

Noodle photo courtesy of Ekiben Top photo by Molly Fellin Spence

Photo by

“Woooooooweeeee!”

“My lunch life has changed forever.”

“Dreaming that you ate your pillow? Nah…that was just an Ekiben Bao.”

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 37

38 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Photo by Molly Fellin Spence

So it’s no surprise that the Frederick location has

There is a joyous energy from the staff and added

been greeted with incredible enthusiasm. The line

energy is conveyed in the design of the space.

on opening day was literally hours long!

While the dining area is small, the large windows

Consistent fan-favorites are the Neighborhood Bird Bao – a juicy and generous portion of fried chicken dressed with pickles and sambal mayo

Inset photo courtesy of Ekiben

nestled in a giant, pillowy dream of a steamed

create a light-filled environment that eases any feeling of being packed in a sardine can. The orange floor and metal and black accents create visual contrast.

bun; as well as the Tempura Broccoli and the Crab

Layer in their choice of music and a selfie-worthy

Rangoon Egg Rolls.

restroom – the place has quite a vibe!

There isn’t an item on the menu that should be

The best part, there is no need to board a train in

skipped. But pace yourself. Portions are generous!

Japan to enjoy Ekiben.

The crew at Ekiben has built a reputation beyond their award-winning food. They have committed to focusing on community and providing a welcoming and inclusive culture for staff and customers.

Ekiben 500 N. Market St., Frederick ekibenbaltimore.com d @ekibenbaltimore

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 39

Photos courtesy of The Banyan

The Banyan

40 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Known for its stately appearance, unusual root growth habit, an ability to provide large areas of shade, and its tropical climate preference, the Banyan tree has inspired the likes of Thomas Edison, Amelia Earhart and Cecil B. Demille – now add local husband-and-wife restaurateur duo Dan and Staci Caiola.

The Caiolas are both trained chefs with years of restaurant experience, and this married team has created not just a restaurant but also an experiential destination at The Banyan in Downtown Frederick.

Part dark/moody industrialism meets 1920s Speakeasy on the inside, and part bright, colorful beach-side vacation on its rooftop … the vibe at The Banyan just hits different.

Has Taken Root in Frederick

Looking for a sophisticated evening? Sip a custom cocktail and enjoy a butter board at the bar, savor a filet or the classic "Airline Chicken" in the dining room.

Feeling a little more free spirited? Head to the roof and grab an adult beverage and a munch from the rooftop food truck dubbed "The Hangry Rooster."

The Banyan also hosts one-of-a-kind weddings and events, as well as offering a full calendar of eclectic live performances. They’ve got curated themed evenings, too, such as the recent singles mingle, called Cupid's Pitch and the upcoming EMO night.

No matter what you're up for, The Banyan is sure to pass the vibe check.

— Melissa Howes-Vitek The Banyan 216 E. Patrick St., Frederick thebanyanmd.com d @thebanyanmd

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 41

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Enjoy a full calendar of live music, vibrant summer festivals, local food trucks, and exceptional estate-grown wines crafted right in our backyard.

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48 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Background photo by Naomi Pearson; inset photo courtesy of Black Ankle Vineyard

Sipping

with the Kids:

A Guide to Local Wineries That Welcome Families

By Naomi Pearson

Inset photo courtesy of Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine

F

inding a sitter shouldn’t be the price of admission for a relaxing afternoon at a local vineyard. While some wineries cater strictly to adults, many local spots have embraced a family-friendly approach, offering everything from spacious lawns for kite-flying to activity-filled tasting rooms.

Of course, enjoying these vineyards responsibly is key; always ensure you have a designated driver and keep a close eye on your children so everyone stays safe while you sip.

Family-friendly is a tiered description in practice; at its most basic, it means children are allowed on

the premises, such as at Elk Run Vineyard and Winery in Mount Airy.

"We don't turn kids away, but we don't encourage a lot of kids," says owner and founder Fred Wilson.

Children can enjoy weekend live music with their parents. But be warned – you may also get sniffed by the winery’s three large and friendly dogs, too!

Note: No food or snacks are for sale here, so you will have to pack some for yourself and the kiddos.

Other places fit under the "we accept kids” tier, and offer books and games, as well as space where kids can enjoy the outdoors with their parents.

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 49

“We love that people come here to gather with their friends and families,” says Lori Rice, who co-owns the space with her husband, Eric.

Rice says they designed the tasting room, deck and garden for guests to visit, linger and even bring a picnic. A few toys and a varied selection of board games, puzzles and books for all ages are available in the tasting room for those not mesmerized by the views through the windows or from the deck.

50 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

They also offer house-made lemonades: “Blueberry-basil is a favorite,” says Rice. And snacks: “Everything is celiac friendly,” says Danielle Boulin, farm manager.

At Links Bridge Vineyards in Thurmont, coowner Joan Cartier says they are both kid friendly and dogs-on-leash friendly.

A downhill trail from the vineyard to the Monocacy River is a favorite activity for older kids and their watchful parents. A grassy area around the remains of the Old Links Bridge is perfect for picnics and lawn games. Links Bridge also hosts

Top two inset photos by Naomi Pearson; center inset photo courtesy of Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine

Such is the case at Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine in Middletown.

Background photo by Naomi Pearson; top right inset photos courtesy of Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery; inset left photos courtesy of Links Bridge Vineyards

summer art exhibits that artistic older children may enjoy alongside their parents.

At Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery in Middletown, there’s “a lot of room for kids to run and explore,” says Karolina Wilk, communications and outreach manager. “We also have kids, so our kids are often running around during events.”

Most people with kids sit outside, taking them to see the nearby chicken coop and the vineyard fenceline for a glimpse of the four babydoll sheep grazing. Families can enjoy the firepit or shaded seating.

Orchard Cellar also offers light snacks (including s'mores kits for kids) and non-alcoholic drinks, including their own honey soda. Visitors may bring their own food and alcohol-free beverages, too.

Some local vineyards take the attitude of both expecting and welcoming kids to visit alongside their adults.

At Linganore Winecellars in Mount Airy, wellsupervised children are welcome in the tasting room with their parents and families can bring their own lawn games to play in a safe and clear part of the winery’s expansive lawn (with respect FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 51

(then young) children in mind, explains Emma Pope, communications manager.

“We welcome outside food, so picnics are always very popular!” says Dena Purvis, the winecellar’s marketing engagement specialist. Children accompanied by their parents are also welcome during food-truck-and-music weekends and summer music festivals.

Black Ankle has a vast lawn with a playful atmosphere, and balls, frisbees and kites are welcome. Books, coloring pages and toys also abound, Pope says.

Black Ankle Vineyards in Mount Airy may be the most child-friendly in the area. “It’s where adults can be adults, and kids can be kids,” according to Melissa Schulte, general manager.

The owners, Ed Boyce and Sarah O’Herron, originally designed Black Ankle with their own

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Parents (at their own discretion) may also allow their kids to climb the huge boulders on the lawn.

The rest of the grounds are full of surprises, ripe for discovery.

Black Ankle’s upscale weekend food truck, The Terrace Kitchen, offers a full menu with sophisticated and appealing options for all ages. They also welcome children on their complimentary weekend tours.

Top left three inset photos courtesy of Linganore Winecellars; above inset photo by Naomi Pearson

for other guests). The covered porch and barrel lounge are 21+ only.

Top inset photo by Naomi Pearson; Background photo and center inset courtesy of Black Ankle Vineuards.

Elk Run Vineyard and Winery 15113 Liberty Road, Mount Airy 410.775.2513 elkrun.com F facebook.com/ElkRunVineyards d @elkrunvineyards

Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery 8546 Pete Wiles Road, Middletown 301.473.3568 orchidcellar.com F facebook.com/orchidcellar d @orchidcellar

Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine 6219 Harley Road, Middletown 301.371.4814 willowoakscraftcider.com F facebook.com/willowoakscraftcider d @willowoakscider

Linganore Winecellars 13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mt Airy 301.831.5889 linganorewines.com F facebook.com/linganorewinecellars d @linganorewinecellars

Links Bridge Vineyards 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont 301.466.2413 linksbridgevineyards.com

Black Ankle Vineyards 14463 Black Ankle Road, Mount Airy 301.829.3338 blackankle.com F facebook.com/blackankle?mibextid=LQQJ4d d @blackanklevineyards

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 53

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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS of

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Preorder a Black-eyed Susan here: givebutter.com/black-eyed-susans-in-bloom | frederickartscouncil.org

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

58 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Photos courtesy of Wonder

The

ultimate dinner debate has been solved

Picture this: It’s Friday night. You’re craving a juicy, upscale filet mignon with rosemary-parmesan fries from Bobby Flay Steak. Your partner wants a fiery, soul-warming spicy fried chicken sandwich from Marcus Samuelsson’s Streetbird. The kids? They’re demanding tacos.

In the past, this meant four different delivery fees, cold food, and a headache. But hold onto your tastebuds, because Wonder has come to Riverview Plaza in Frederick to save dinner!

Setting up shop at 5473 Urbana Pike (right next to the Starbucks, in front of Target), Wonder is a tech-driven "virtual food hall" that is about to revolutionize how we eat. It’s not your average food court; Wonder doesn’t lease out booths. Instead, this culinary wizard cooks up menus from 20 to 30 of the nation's most celebrated, award-winning chefs all fresh to order under one single roof.

Founded by billionaire entrepreneur Marc Lore, Wonder uses cutting-edge kitchen robotics to ensure your multi-restaurant order arrives lightning-fast, piping hot, and with flawless consistency. Whether you want to dine in, grab takeout after a Target run, or get ultra-fast delivery straight to your couch, you can mix and match cuisines in a single order.

From New York to Baltimore, Wonder has been taking the Northeast by storm. Now, it’s our turn. Get ready, Frederick — world-class, chef-driven dining is officially dropping right onto Route 355. Flavor freedom is served!

Wonder 5473 Urbana Pike, Frederick 855.818.5755 wonder.com F facebook.com/Wonder d @wonder

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 59

PUT YOUR

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Reserve your space in Frederick Faces today! For details or to secure your spot, contact info@pulsepublishing.net

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Frederick County Guide Mid-Atlantic Home & Travel FiND iT Frederick Frederick Faces

Resources for living, working and thriving in Frederick County, Maryland Brunswick | Emmitsburg | Frederick | Middletown | Mount Airy | New Market | Thurmont | Urbana | Walkersville

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Frederick Business Quarterly The Map and Services: Full Spectrum Marketing & Consulting Services 12 S Market St. #101 | 301-662-6050 | info@pulsepublishing.net | pulsepublishing.net

MARYLAND GOLF

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With a county population of 300,000 and 13 golf courses, Clustered Spires has earned “Best of Frederick Golf Course”!

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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

VER TH O Driving Along

62 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

HE EDGE Pennsylvania’s Scenic Route 6 Words and Photos

By Shuan Butcher There's a particular kind of magic in a road that refuses to be rushed.

Pennsylvania's Scenic Route 6, which stretches some 400 miles along the state's northern border, is often considered one of the best road trips in the U.S. While it would take days to see all of it properly, a single weekend tracing through the towns of Wellsboro, Coudersport, and Towanda, offers a satisfying taste of why travelers keep coming back.

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 63

64 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Wellsboro

settlement's founders, the town still lights its

Begin your trip in Wellsboro, the gateway to Pine

ringed by Victorian architecture, is anchored by the

Creek Gorge, better known as Pennsylvania's

beloved Wynken, Blynken and Nod Fountain.

Grand Canyon. The gorge runs about 50 miles alongside Pine Creek, and there are several ways to explore this wonder. One option is with an Ole Covered Wagon Tour. This old-fashioned, horsedrawn tour is unhurried and the kind of ride that makes the 19th century feel close enough to touch.

main street with gas lamps, and the central green,

A factory tour at Highland Chocolates is worth the visit. The factory, which started in 1994 and is managed by the nonprofit Partners in Progress, employs 16 people with disabilities who craft chocolates almost entirely by hand. Four tanks worth of white, dark, milk, and sugar-free

For something faster, e-bikes are available through

chocolate keep the molds busy, machines slowly

Tioga Wilds, with trail access just a half-mile away

rotating each piece to ensure even coverage. A

at the Marsh Creek and Ansonia entry point. The

retail shop onsite means visitors don't have to

Pine Creek Rail Trail runs more than 60 miles with

wait until the tour's end to taste the results. They

a gentle 2% grade, easy enough for most riders.

also operate another retail outlet in the heart of

A 9-mile round trip rewards your efforts with a

downtown Wellsboro.

waterfall, a glimpse of the old Darling Run CCC Camp, and plenty of wildlife along the way.

History runs deeper still at the Wellsboro Glass Historical Museum, which tells the story of why

Back in town, Wellsboro itself slows things

Wellsboro has been called “The town that saved

down. Named for Mary Wells, wife of one of the

Christmas.” From World War II through the 1980s, FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 65

Wellsboro was the world's leading producer of glass Christmas ornaments. Prior to the war, Germany was where most of those ornaments were made, so they picked up the slack here in the U.S. once the two countries were at war. The museum also credits the town with an early breakthrough in automating lightbulb manufacturing, a detail easy to overlook but central to how thoroughly Wellsboro-made products once filled American homes.

Downtown still holds a department store dating to 1905, and travelers looking for something playful can duck into Pop's Culture Shoppe for board games and game nights. Dinner at the Mary Wells Room inside the historic Penn Wells Hotel rounds out the day, with a Brandy Alexander, a Prohibition-era favorite of brandy, dark crème de cacao, and cream, paired well with the restaurant's Santorini pasta.

For your overnight stay, the 37 Oak Ridge House offers an escape in a charming 1925 house that makes you feel like you are out in the country. With nearly panoramic views of hillside and farmland, owners Ann and Paul Kurtz provide a made-to-order breakfast menu, a coffee bar, a lovely fireplacewarmed patio, and a new spa. Be sure to say hello to their mini donkeys, goats and chickens while you are there.

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Coudersport F ro m We l l sb o ro , t h e ro u t e b e n d s t owa r d Coudersport, but not before a stop at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum in Ulysses Township. The state is one of the country's largest producers of hardwood lumber. But the museum resists the idea that logging history is simply about cutting trees. Instead, it explores the relationship between people and forest. Within the confines of its walls, you will explore Native American history, the evolution of forestry from rough trade to formal profession, including the conservation movement championed by Wellsboro's own George "Nessmuk" Sears, an early advocate for recreational camping. A recreated early 20thcentury logging camp anchors the exhibits, complete with a 70-ton Shay locomotive. Since Pennsylvania once had 153 Civilian Conservation Corps camps, second only to California, it is fitting the museum also has a CCC cabin on the property.

Across the street, Denton Hill State Park offers a change of pace through Denton Go, which rents Polaris UTVs for guided or self-directed runs across 8 miles of trail. In Coudersport itself, be sure to grab lunch at Cream n Sugar, a local fixture. You can’t go wrong with the chicken salad on an asiago bagel and an Italian cream soda in flavors such as brown sugar cinnamon. They are known for artisanal coffee, ice cream from Penn State’s Creamery, and an array of sweet treats and baked goods made by locals.

The town's most unexpected story belongs to the Eliot Ness Museum. Ness moved to Coudersport in 1956 to start a business and would live out the last of his days there, having already taken down Al Capone and reduced crime in Cleveland. It was here in Coudersport where the story of “The FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 67

Untouchables” was written. It was here, where Ness’s story and fame was created. His career in law enforcement began in 1926, so this year marks its centennial. He was a model of law enforcement and even served as the inspiration for comic strip detective Dick Tracy. The museum is housed in a former Ford dealership, so its wonderful historic automobile collection is very appropriate. But the museum is not just about the history, it is also about celebrating law enforcement.

Towanda The final stretch of Route 6 leads to Towanda.

Just outside town, the French Azilum historic site tells one of the route's more unusual stories and one that most have not heard. Founded in 1793 by Robert Morris, a financier of the American Revolution, the 1,600-acre colony once held 50 buildings and served as a refuge for French aristocrats fleeing their Revolution, with rumors that Marie Antoinette herself was meant to take shelter there.

68 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Ole Covered Wagon Tour olecoveredwagon.com F facebook.com/ OleCoveredWagonTours Tioga Wilds tiogawilds.com F facebook.com/TiogaWilds d @tiogawilds

Stay the night in The Hatch House Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful Victorian home located in the heart of town and enjoy a stroll through the neighborhood, where you will walk past churches, a library, the courthouse, and a former jail, each marked with historic plaques. Grab a bite at Oliver’s and stop at Shores Sisters Farm Market to round out the visit.

Before heading home, Grovedale Winery in Wyalusing makes a fitting last stop. In addition to taking part in a wine tasting, there are plenty of other things to do, such as yard games, outdoor swings and a petting zoo. The pink moscato and blackberry sangria are worth lingering over.

A weekend is enough to taste these three towns along Route 6, but it leaves plenty undiscovered.

For more, VisitPotterTioga.com is the place to start planning your next trip.

Highland Chocolates Factory Tour highlandchocolates.org F facebook.com/highlandchocolates d @highlandchocolates Pennsylvania Lumber Museum lumbermuseum.org Denton Go dentongo.com Cream ‘n Sugar creamnsugar.net F facebook.com/creamnsugar2016 Eliot Ness Museum eliotnessmuseum.org 37 Oak Ridge House 37oakridgehouse.com d @37oakridgehouse French Azilum thefrenchazilum.com Hatch House Bed & Breakfast hatchhousebb.com Grovedale Winery grovedalewinery.com F facebook.com/grovedale.winery d @grovedale.winery

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 69

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

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

trust your

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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

72 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

Platoon 22

Builds Connection and Hope for Veterans and First Responders NONPROFITS POTLIGHT

For veterans and first responders struggling after their service, healing often begins with one simple message: “You are not alone.”

That belief is at the heart of Platoon 22, a nonprofit founded in 2014 to help prevent veteran suicide through connection, peer support and practical assistance. Executive Director Niki Falzone said the organization was created after the Frederick County community lost two veterans to suicide, exposing an urgent need for better mental health support and suicide prevention efforts.

“The name reflects the statistic that, at the time, 22 veterans a day were dying by suicide,” Falzone said.

“But for us, it’s more than a number. It represents a team. A platoon. No one fights alone.”

Photos by Chris Martin/Convoy Creatives

Platoon 22 works to bridge what Falzone describes as “the gap between crisis and care,” offering longterm, relationship-based support rather than only emergency intervention. The organization provides case management, transportation assistance, affordable housing, peer support, wellness activities, equine programming and access to mental health services. It also serves as case manager for District 11 Veterans Treatment Court.

Inset: Congresswoman April McClain Delaney visits Mulberry House, Platoon 22’s downtown Hagerstown independent housing complex, which provides affordable housing and support services for veterans. Accompanying her are Platoon 22 Executive Director Niki Falzone and Kelly Hartzell, director of veteran services.

Background: Horses at Platoon Pastures are part of Platoon 22’s nature-focused wellness program, which includes equine experiences designed to support veterans and first responders through connection and healing.

Isolation remains one of the biggest struggles facing veterans and first responders today, according to Falzone. Many also deal with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use and loss of identity after service.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that struggling is a sign of weakness,” she said. “These are normal responses to abnormal experiences.”

FINDIT SUMMER 26 | 73

Participants gather for Platoon 22’s free Friday wellness group at Orangetheory Fitness, one of several community programs focused on physical and mental well-being.

Frank and Sue Hardy stand beside a portrait of their son, U.S. Marines veteran Jake Hardy, who died by suicide. The portrait, created by Frederick artist Yemi, is part of an initiative led by state Del. Mike Griffith and other officials to honor Jake’s life and service with a memorial in the Maryland State House.

“At first, our focus was simply building trust and stabilizing the immediate crisis,” Falzone said. “Their journey wasn’t quick or easy, but it’s a powerful reminder that with the right support, consistency and compassion, real change is possible.”

Community partnerships and volunteers play a major role in the organization’s success. Platoon 22 is expanding its reach through a new office in Washington County and expanded equine

74 | FINDIT SUMMER 26

programming at Platoon Pastures, featuring Clydesdale horses.

“The people we serve keep us motivated,” Falzone said. “Seeing someone go from a place of isolation to connection and hope is life changing.”

— Ellyn Wexler

Platoon 22 5350 Spectrum Drive, Frederick 301.507.2502 Platoon22.org F facebook.com/ TriumphThroughTransitionP22 d @platoon22

Photos by Chris Martin/Convoy Creatives

Falzone shared the story of a young Marine Corps veteran and his wife who came to Platoon 22 while experiencing homelessness, trauma and separation from their daughter. Over months of support, the couple secured stable housing, employment and benefits and eventually reunited with their child.

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.playfrederick.com

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