Photo Credit above: Cove Point Lighthouse by Beth Graeme Photography; photo credits below: Calvert Cliffs by Calvert Cliffs State Park, Jake’s Market photo courtesy of Jake’s Market. By Bob Tagert For those frequent readers of the Old Town Crier, you are aware that each month we take a road trip. Most times the destination determines the subject matter of this column but we decided to feature some things to do on the way. Most of you faithful readers know that Solomons Island is one of our favorite destinations in Southern Maryland and we have featured it in this space several times over the years. We decided, however, to take a couple of side trips off of Route 4 this month. We visited some of the interesting places along the way. The easiest and quickest way to get there is to pick up aforementioned Route 4 off of the Beltway and head South. After you get through the first group of traffic lights you will encounter open roads meandering through the Maryland countryside. The only large town that you will encounter is Prince Frederick which is also the County Seat of Calvert County. About a mile down the road, you will come to a small strip mall. The biggest landmark is the Mr. Tire sign but the gem in this this space in right next door – Jerry’s Place. Jerry’s is one of the best seafood restaurants in the state and home to the famous Crab Bomb – 10 ounces lump crab, a touch of Old Bay and baked to perfection. Jerry’s is closed Monday through Wednesday. Check their website for hours. http://www.Jerrys-place.com About another mile down Route 4 is Broomes Island Road (there is a traffic light at the turn). For the last 25 years we have made this turn…
Photo credits: Hair photo by Christopher Mueller; Magic Flute photo by Liz Lauren; Funny Girl national tour photo by Matthew Murphy. Metamorphoses photo by Brittany Diliberto By Mark Edelman Now that summer’s here, why not enjoy these DMV plays and musicals in air-conditioned comfort (except for Wolf Trap, of course, which offers its own natural pleasures): Thru June 8th IS HE DEAD? Alexandria Little Theatre In this comedy by Mark Twain, adapted by Tony® Award-winning playwright David Ives, a young painter in debt discovers—to his chagrin—that only dead artists achieve fame and fortune. Not surprisingly, mischief ensues. Tickets at http://www.thelittletheatre.com Through June 15th MEXODUS Mosaic Theatre History meets hip-hop in this musical about Southern slaves who sought freedom in Mexico instead of heading North—a different and surprising route on the Underground Railroad. Tickets at http://www.mosaictheater.org Through June 16th METAMORPHOSES Folger Theater Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of Ovid’s mythological tales of joy and heartbreak gets a colorful rendition from busy director Psalmayene 24, choreographer Tony Thomas and a talented cast of actors and designers. Mike Eubanks’ costumes dazzle and Nick Hernandez’s tasty new compositions place the piece squarely in the African diaspora, from reggae to R&B with hints of juju, mbaqanga and other musical tropes thrown in for good measure. There’s no swimming pool this time, but you won’t be disappointed with this Metamorphoses. Tickets at http://www.folger.edu. Through June 16th PROBLEMS BETWEEN SISTERS Studio Theatre Two pregnant sisters—one a visual artist, the other an artist of the con variety—converge on a remote family cabin in Vermont. Trouble ensues. Tickets at http://www.studiotheatre.org Through June 16th THE MATCHBOX MAGIC FLUTE Shakespeare Theatre Adapted from Mozart’s comic opera, Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina consort with dragons, a man who is a bird, trials by fire and water and a battle between…
By Bendure Communications From boating to Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor promises a lot of options for fun this summer! National Harbor has become a top waterfront destination in the Washington, D.C. region. This summer is no exception with a wide array of new activities and experiences along with some continuing favorites. In addition to Movies on the Potomac (outdoor, waterfront date night movies every Thursday at 7 p.m. and family movies every Sunday at 6 p.m.), Salute the Sunset military concerts on Saturdays on the waterfront stage (150 National Plaza) at National Harbor, there are a lot of choices for summertime fun. Here are some additional highlights: Enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding. REIhas one-four person paddleboards, pedal boats, and single and tandem kayaks. REI also offers a variety of boating experiences including a “Learn to Kayak” class. Use your wits and team skills to get out of a locked room. Escapology at National Harboroffers an immersive experience that challenges players to work together to solve puzzles and riddles. What separates Escapology from others, is that the rooms feature Hollywood-quality build outs and sets that one might find at a major amusement park attraction. Challenges are available for all skill levels including a Kids Mode. There are also outdoor escape games that take players around National Harbor to uncover secret clues only visible through a special tablet! (230 American Way) Improve your golf swing in living-room comfort at Topgolf. No matter your skill level, Topgolf National Harborpromises a highly entertaining experience. Whether or not you’re a seasoned golfer or have never picked up a club, this low-pressure atmosphere will turn you into a golfer within your own climate-controlled hitting bay along with a sports bar and restaurant. Using your complimentary clubs or your own, take aim at the giant outfield targets using Topgolf’s high-tech balls that electronically…
Photo Caption – from left to right: Heather, Nancy, Bruce, Estella and Stephanie Former co-workers and longtime friends Nancy D’Agostino and Stephanie Jones and their pal Heather McGee took the OTC “on the road” with them on their annual trek to see former Alexandrian’s Bruce Wood and Estella Laguna at their home in San Antonio, TX. These ladies always get up to big adventures on these trips. This year Bruce was kind enough to escort them to a few wineries near Fredericksburg, TX. They chose some good ones – Becker Vineyards, the Texas Wine Collective and Fat Ass Ranch and Winery. We think we would really have some fun at the last one and it appears that they did.
By Steve Chaconas Dude don’t get dad another tie! He might wear it…only when you’re in town or when you mention it. He really dreads having to tie one on for you! It’s Father’s Day, put a bit of thought into gifts for the guy who was always thinking of you! Show dad he’s legendary. Socks keep dad on his toes. Nothing more comfortable than odor-absorbing merino wool, for long days in or outdoors. Italian made Meindl socks wick away moisture with temperature-regulating technology ensuring dad’s feet stay warm in cold climates and cool in warm ones. Unless dad has two left feet, he needs socks anatomically designed for left or right feet, ensuring comfort and wear. Socks won’t bunch up to make shoes uncomfortable. Meindl cushions and reinforces where needed for comfort and durability in heels and toes! Ideal stretch keeps Meindl socks in place. Different weights and heights for any activity. meindlusa.com It may be light in weight, but the Davis Jacket from FlyLow is heavy on features. The Davis is smartly constructed to be durable and breathable for many outdoor activities: hiking, biking, golfing, fishing and more. A roomy and adjustable windbreaker with durable water repellent, the Davis jacket doubles as a lightweight travel companion for work or social events without taking up space as it rolls into the chest storage pocket. A drop tail and low profile hood provide full coverage to keep wind off dad’s back and neck. Fit combines with function with lightweight elastic in cuffs to secure around the wrist and a hem cinch for performance and keeping elements at bay. Worn with a tee shirt, or a hoodie the FlyLow Davis jacket goes wherever dad goes, keeping him comfortable and looking good. flylowgear.com If ancient Greek Gods harnessed electricity and loaded it…
By The Gastronomes Last month, long time restauranteur Ralph Davis decided to open a new restaurant at 220 N. Lee Street with his son Matt. Ralph has had a long history in Old Town which I will not go into here, but you can Google Ralph Davis Alexandria, Va. and read the article I wrote in 2017. This is a new chapter and it begins with Matt. It seemed that the timing was right. As Ralph was getting bored with retirement, Matt indicated his desire to open his own restaurant. What better mentor than Ralph Davis. They settled on the property at 220 North Lee Street. This location had been home to successful restaurants in the past. When I came to Old Town in 1977 it was Cafe Biarritz and had a grand piano in the back room. Later the location was home to the popular Ecco Cafe, then Overwood’s and finally Myron Mixon’s BBQ. While not located on King Street, the block and a half walk to 220 N. Lee Street is a breeze. The name of the new restaurant does not tell the whole story. While Myron Mixon is an American Celebrity chef and competitor on the competitive barbecue circuit, his legacy is not the only one at Mystic BBQ and Grill. Over the years of working at and then owning several Old Town restaurants, Ralph developed his own special recipes that are also featured at The Mystic. In fact, the choices of their BBQ plates and their Creole influenced dishes makes for a unique dining experience. This is a restaurant you can visit four nights a week and have four different dining experiences. The physical layout of the restaurant is pretty straight forward. There are three distinct dining areas all located on different sides of the bar…
By Doug Fabbioli I am well into my fifth decade of farming and I find myself regularly trying to find ways to encourage the next generation to join this industry. We always need more farmers, but we tend to have a hard time selling this job opportunity to young folks. I remember many years ago, applying to a job that advertised, “Hard work, low pay, long hours. Learn the wine business from the ground up.” Why in our modern age of 2024 would anyone want to do this work? Maybe instead of complaining about the weather, the dirt, the broken equipment and the long days we need to pitch this opportunity with the highlights. How about this: get plenty of sunshine and exercise while making a living and feeling productive! Sell your farm grown products at an urban farmers market, meet interesting folks wanting to try your products grown with love and commitment. Welcome folks from the city and show them your farm operation. Expose them to the taste of fresh asparagus from the ground or the sweetness of a peach right off the tree. Better? Every culture on the planet has a foundation in agriculture, or they never would have survived. Farming is naturally diverse in its history. It is just a matter of growing what works on your land and climate along with what people want to eat, or wear. Kids love to get out on the farm no matter where it is located. In NOVA for example we have Cox Farms and Great Country Farms among many others leading the way with agritainment opportunities for young folks and families. It might be feeding a baby goat, playing on old farm equipment, going through a corn maze or learning the science of germinating a seed. Many farms find…
Pictured Above – “Portrait of Alice Neel” by Lida Moser, in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery. By F. Lennox Campello I’m starting this month’s column with one of the most common questions that I get: “Lenster, how do art scams work?” To start, once a week or so I get an email from an artist somewhere on the planet like this one below: Hello, I’m a German artist and found your “Art Scam Alert” from July 15, 2018 about this Donald Hugh mail. Now at January 21, 2024 I got the same mail from him online in German. He ordered two pictures from me. My question is, how he is trying to rip off artist? He wants me to send pictures and doesn’t pay? Thank you for an answer. This is how: They will most likely give you (a) International Bank Draft/Postal Money Order or (b) Credit Card Your bank will accept them and they will show almost immediately as available in your account, which is the “normal” way to show that the deposit has cleared Artists then usually ship the work A few days later the bank gets a note from that overseas bank… bad news – the draft is fake and/or cc has just been reported as stolen They withdraw the funds from your account You’re hosed. One would think that in 2024, the banking system would be more reactive to the above scenario… but nope! If you an email out of nowhere, about someone who admires your work, or who noticed his wife looking at your artwork on your website, etc. and wants to buy your art, be suspicious and immediately do a search for the email address and you’re likely to find warnings all over Al Gore’s Internets about the scam. Be aware and be…
By Timothy Long I visit Aslin Brewing Company’s Alexandria location every Spring. It’s a great brewery. And their lagers are always extraordinary. The brewery has a cool tasting room. Unlike most breweries, their tasting room is large and organized, with a very modern look. They have several big screen televisions, so sports watching is a big part of the experience. The menu features pizzas, smash burgers, and chicken sandwiches. It’s very Americana, as a brewery menu should be. But the reason to visit is the beer. This is a brewery. Beer is the star. I met in the tasting room with Tim Parrott, Aslin’s Director of Marketing. I almost always meet with brewers and owners. So, meeting a marketing person is quite a treat. I have an undergraduate degree in marketing. And I’ve done marketing consulting work for a number of companies. This is going to be a fun conversation. Aslin has a huge variety of beers. But I’m there to taste the lagers. So, Tim immediately brought out draft tastings of six lagers. He also provided me with a tasting sheet describing each beer, which impressed me. I usually take copious notes. Tim also put some packaged beer on the table. The beers are the same lagers that we are going to taste. All are in twelve-ounce cans. I’m surprised. The trend in the craft beer industry right now is four packs of sixteen-ounce cans. He explains that they switched the lagers to twelve-ounce cans for a couple of reasons. It creates uniformity in that line of beer. The smaller cans also do not get warm as quickly, and store easier in a cooler. We’re headed into picnic and beach season, cold beer during this area’s hot and humid summers is a must. All the lagers are in six…
By Melinda Myers Summer means time spent gardening and relaxing with friends. And just like the kitchen in winter, the patio or deck tends to be the gathering spot when the weather turns warm. Get the most from this space with a bit of preseason planning and decorating. Select functional and beautiful furnishings to create a special spot for you, family and friends to enjoy whenever the weather allows. First, sketch out the space and measure the dimensions of all furnishings you are considering, making sure they will fit. Allow extra space for people to pull chairs in and out from the table and navigate around furnishings, preferably 3 to 4 feet. Next, select a table that fits the space and provides ample serving space. An extension table allows you to expand your surface if a few more folks drop by. A round folding table provides space for guests, and it can be stashed against the wall when workspace is needed. Small and large-space gardeners will enjoy the benefits of elevated gardens with built-in trellises. These maximize growing space even on a small deck or patio and bring the garden to the party. Look for self-watering planters and especially those with wheels so you can easily move them out of the way of a family gathering or closer to the kitchen for easy harvesting. Include a multifunctional piece like a potting bench. Look for a versatile and well-built, furniture-quality piece like that complements other furnishings and can be used as a serving surface when entertaining. Consider features like a faucet for washing and watering that drains into a bucket or the ground, as well as hooks for hanging tools and baskets and space for storage. Bring nature to your door and mask unwanted background noise with the soothing sound of…
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