Look who found the photo op spot at the Cape May Ferry Dock!
As I write my notes for this issue the weather today is a very pleasant mid 60’s. A few weeks ago we had temps in the high 70s and low 80s. I guess that was Mother Nature finding her summer footing.
May is widely known as the peak spring month in the northern hemisphere, characterized by blooming flowers, warmer weather, and the start of the summer vacation season. It is heavily recognized for honoring mothers (Mother’s Day), military service (Memorial Day), and labor (May Day), while also serving as a major month for health awareness. We also celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5th. Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration held to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. We continue to support our Mexican friends by doing our share of consuming tacos with a few margarita’s on the side. Putting together our plan for Cinco de Mayo 2026 now!
On Memorial Day (May 25), we pay tribute to America’s heroes and celebrate the start of summer with many events during Memorial Day Weekend throughout America. In the D.C. area we have the Memorial Day parade and National Memorial Day Concert. This is a great time to visit the many National Memorials throughout the area. Check out the feature on the history of this day in this issue.
We want to say congratulations to Don and Jenny Restrepo of Old Town Shoe & Luggage fame on 30 years of repairing shoes and luggage here in Old Town. We have known them from the beginning. See the Business Profile for some more insight to their success.
In A Bit of History this month, Sarah Becker reminds us of the struggles of America that still continue with her take on the “No Kings” protests recently while King Charles addressed a joint session of Congress and mentioned that even Kings have limited powers.
In Gallery Beat, Lenny Campello not only writes about the Art by Planet Earth Citizens, but also reveals himself to the reader. Very interesting read.
Miriam Kramer reviews three books under the heading of “Me and My Mama” in Last Word. Exceptional reading and experience.
In On Stage Old Town, Mark Edelman showcases the best shows for this month and beyond.
In today’s world along the Chesapeake Bay there are many Oyster farmers, but in the late 1800’s to mid-1950’s oyster farming was unheard of. All of the oysters came from the natural oyster beds along the Chesapeake Bay, but only the state owned these shoals, but harvested by Maryland and Virginia oystermen, this started the Chesapeake Oyster Wars. Read about them in Adam Tremper’s contribution to From the Bay.
In To the Blue Ridge Julie Reardon gives us the lowdown on Virginia’s classic…The Virginia Gold Cup! This is Virginia’s premier spring event. The Old Town Crier hosted a double tent party on the south rail for 15 years. It was an excellent chance to invite our advertisers and friends as our guests. It is quite the spring event of style! You will have plenty of time to get organized for next year since the event takes place on the first Saturday of May aka Kentucky Derby Day each year!
Our Road Trip took us on our annual pre-season sojourn to Rehoboth and Southern Delaware where we added another dimension with a side trip to Cape May, New Jersey on the Lewes/Cape May Ferry. We definitely need more time on the Cape.
Lani Gering just got her renewed passport in the mail last week. I still don’t have mine. No worries. We can still get away to the islands. St. Thomas, St. John & St. Croix are mentioned in this month’s Caribbean Connection…No Passport Needed!
Dining Out took us a block down the street from where we live to check out the fairly new Eclairons on the corner of South Washington and Wilkes Streets. Many of you will remember as far back as when this space was occupied by the iconic Schuman’s Bakery and followed by Firehook.
Crab season is upon us…Charles Oppman explains, “The South’s greatest contribution to American Cuisine” with his recipe for softshell crabs in Let’s Eat.
Let’s Get Crafty’s Tim long writes about the ‘Loveliness of Louisville’ and continues Part 2 of his “Thieving Wine” experience there last month when he and his wife Leigh recently traveled there for the Bourbon Classic, “the best bourbon event in the world!”
Moving on to wines, Matt Fitzsimmons gives us the low down on some wine deals in Grapevine: Summer Stock Up: 12 Virginia Wines Under $30!
We learn more about the growing Virginia Wine industry in Exploring VA Wines from Doug Fabbioli. He is shifting his focus from Zinfandel to Tannat…read about it to find out why.
In Fitness, Nicole writes about “Running and drinking beer” the dos and don’ts. If you can’t hit the outdoors, Ryan Unverzagt has a great exercise at home for your core in From the Trainer.
In Urban Garden Melinda Myers waxes poetic on the beauty and value of Caladiums.
Rounding out the issue in Go Fish this month, Steve Chonas goes “Tech” on us and Lori Welch Brown writes about her take on a ‘Mother’s Love’ in Open Space.
Last, but not least, there is a very impressive new sculpture gracing the shore of Smoots Bay in National Harbor. Directly behind the carousel near Spirit Park, the 36-foot-long Wildlife Wonder Boat has been installed. This piece is dedicated to the preservation of endangered species and will remain in place for the next year. We are hoping it becomes a permanent fixture. Read about it in the Harbor column.
We hope that you enjoy this month’s issue. It is certainly a labor of love for all of us and as long as it keeps bringing some joy into our readers, we will keep publishing.
While we should celebrate our mothers and honor our deceased Veterans every day, do something special for them on the 10th on the 25th!