Pictured above: Juliet Taylor and Allie By Julie Reardon Though it was cowboy songwriter Tom T. Hall that first sang about older whiskey, younger women and faster horses, Kentucky and Virginia surely hold the monopolies on the first Saturday in May. Kentucky’s famous horse race was first run in 1875, and is probably the nation’s best-known equestrian event. Here in suburban Northern Virginia however, the Kentucky Derby is held on Gold Cup day, where it shares top billing with the Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase race meet, held at Great Meadow in The Plains, Va. Faster Horses With crowds of up to 60,000 in attendance, the Gold Cup is to Washington D.C. what the Derby is to Kentucky: a premiere social and sporting events. Arrangements and tailgating parties are planned months, even years, in advance; with prime tailgating and parking spaces usually sold out long before race day. You can, however, still get general admission tickets starting at $65 up until race day by contacting www.VAGOLDCUP.com or calling 540-347-2612. The Virginia Gold Cup is where steeplechasing in Virginia reaches its zenith. Unlike the dirt oval track at Churchill Downs, the Virginia Gold Cup racetrack places unique demands on its horses and riders, given that it spans a long and varied terrain with a range of fences. Even though this issue will have only been on the streets for a couple of days, Gold Cup 2026 takes place on the 2nd, you may just get in under the wire for the 101st year the race has been held. Otherwise, you have a whole year to make a plan. Here’s your guide to all things “Virginia Gold Cup”, including its history, what to expect, how to purchase tickets, the iconic hat contest, and a how-to guide for placing a wager. History Despite drawing annual crowds of more than 60,000 today,…
By Lani Gering Things like this are what made living at National Harbor such a treat. The artwork that is scattered throughout the property from the time you pass The Beckoning sculpture as you enter the Gaylord resort side – an impressive start – with the sculpture of the bison family on the fringe of Spirit Park rounding out the many other amazing pieces along American Way and The Awakening at the foot of the Plaza. Enter the Wildlife Wonder Boat interactive bronze sculpture on World Art Day, April 15th. Good to know that the15th is more than just the dreaded tax day deadline. Designed to raise awareness for endangered species, National Harbor partnered with Australian based artists Gillie and Marc to bring their interactive bronze, Wildlife Wonder Boat, to the Harbor. Standing 10-feet high by 36-feet long and 14-feet wide, the sculpture is located on waterfront near the Spirit Park Carousel (137 National Plaza, National Harbor.) This monumental sculpture featuring Rabbitwoman, Dogman and a collection of endangered and exotic animals was designed to be interactive while promoting wildlife conservation. It is a captivating ensemble of 24 bronze animal figures and highlights species including an emperor penguin, rhino, chimp, kangaroo, mountain gorilla, Galapagos turtle, Bengal tiger, addax, brown bear, giraffe, hippo, arctic fox, zebra, amur leopard, lion, elephant, panda, orangutan, giant octopus, wombat, spider monkey, pangolin and cheetah creating environmental awareness and encouraging taking a stand against extinction. Rabbitwoman and Dogman who symbolize hope, love and guardianship, proudly display the plaque accompanying the sculpture. For 30 years, Gillie and Marc have worked side-by-side on their art. They share a deep spiritual bond with wildlife despite their different backgrounds. While Gillie is from England and Catholic; Marc is from Australia and Jewish, they have each spent time in Africa interacting with wildlife. At one point,…
By Adam Tremper The Chesapeake Oyster Wars were a series of violent conflicts that took place across the Chesapeake Bay from the mid-1800s into the 1950s. Some might say even later. Rather than a single war, they were ongoing clashes between local watermen, illegal dredgers often called “oyster pirates,” and Maryland’s enforcement force, the Oyster Police, sometimes nicknamed the “Oyster Navy.” Armed confrontations were not uncommon. Boats were fired upon, seized, and in some cases sunk, all over access to the Bay’s lucrative oyster beds. The reason for the violence was simple, oysters were incredibly valuable. They were one of the most important industries in the region, feeding a growing national demand and supporting entire communities along the water. But as harvesting intensified, especially with the rise of dredging after the Civil War, oyster bars began to decline. Disputes broke out over who had the right to harvest, whether dredging should be allowed, and whether out of state crews were illegally working the Chesapeake waters. New and changing laws, tensions over unclear boundaries in the Bay between Maryland and Virginia, illegal harvesters from as far away as New England and a dwindling resource across the eastern seaboard all drove this chaos. And at times, it truly was chaos. These were not just arguments between watermen, they were armed standoffs. Oyster police vessels patrolled the Bay with authority to arrest, seize gear, and destroy illegal dredges. Watermen who felt pushed out or targeted sometimes fought back. Shots were exchanged. Boats rammed. Watermen would attempt to flee enforcement, cutting across shallow bars and hidden channels only locals knew. Others were caught, boarded, and stripped of their catch and equipment. There are accounts of nighttime raids, warning shots turning into real gunfire, and vessels riddled with bullets. In some cases, men were wounded…
By Karen Udler We are so happy to feature these three islands this month. We are particularly fond of St. John and are hoping to get back to the islands this year. Caribbean Connection’s Karen Udler fills you in on what awaits you when you arrive at these island paradises. – Lani Gering The white sands of Lindquist Beach. The shimmering turquoise of Sandy Point. The green hills above Magens Bay. The sound of a steel pan carrying across an open shoreline. This is what travelers are finding when they arrive in the U.S. Virgin Islands right now — places that feel unmistakably Caribbean, with deep-rooted culture, local rhythms, and beaches that haven’t been overbuilt. At the same time, getting here stays simple, familiar, and direct for U.S. travelers. In 2026, that combination of authenticity and ease is translating into record demand across the territory. What’s Driving the Demand Right Now The entry point stays simple. No passport required for U.S. travelers, the U.S. dollar in circulation, and frequent flights from mainland cities keep the process straightforward from the start. You land, collect your bags, and leave the airport without another checkpoint. That ease continues once you’re on the ground. Roads connect easily across each island, taxis are readily available, and ferries between St. Thomas and St. John run consistently throughout the day. You can stay in one place or divide your time between islands. What travelers find is comfort: clear water, beaches that remain accessible, and towns where restaurants and bars sit within short distances of each other. It’s easy, and it’s exactly what you want. St. Thomas: Harbor Activity and Immediate Access The harbor in Charlotte Amalie fills early, with cruise ships docked along the waterfront and foot traffic moving through the streets. A short drive changes the setting. On the Northside, Magens Bay stretches in a wide arc with calm water and a long shoreline that…
By Guy Britton. Last month we published a piece about a very luxurious and very pricey slice of Caribbean heaven so we thought it a good idea to let you in on a more laid-back piece of paradise in Barbados. While I have never been, this island has been on my bucket list for quite some time. I would definitely stay where the action is but after reading Guy’s piece below, Foul Bay just might be a good place to spend a day away from it all. – Lani Gering, OTC The first time I drove out to Foul Bay, I thought I’d taken a wrong turn. The road narrowed, the houses thinned out, and then there was only wind coming off the Atlantic and a strip of coastline that didn’t look arranged for anyone in particular. You park on the edge of the bluff, step out of the car, and the island changes in a single instant. And no — while you do encounter myriad roosters walking around here, it’s not that kind of fowl. It’s Foul, as in the bottom of a ship. Down below, the beach runs in a long, uninterrupted line, white sand meeting a restless Atlantic that never settles. The water carries a deeper blue here, streaked with white as waves break in steady sets. There are no umbrellas, no beach bars, no one directing where you should go or how long you should stay. You walk down the worn path in the cliff, the sound of the surf getting louder with every step, and by the time your feet hit the sand, you understand exactly why this place stays with you. Maybe you stop at a picnic table. Maybe you just find a corner of shade under an almond tree. It’s a place for slow travel….
Courtesy of CMM It has been quite some time since we have featured information about one of our favorite places in Solomons, Maryland. I have had a love affair with the otters at the CMM for many years. They bring so much joy to the experience every time we visit and if I lived in Solomons, I would definitely attempt the Otter Trot. – Lani Gering, Old Town Crier. The Calvert Marine Museum (CMM) invites the public to take part in a dynamic lineup of programs, performances, and exhibitions honoring Maryland’s 250th commemoration. Through immersive storytelling, live music, community events, and public art, the museum will explore the region’s rich and complex history while celebrating the people and traditions that have shaped Calvert County. New Exhibit Now Open: Farmers, Patriots & Traitors: Southern Maryland and the War of 1812 Now open at CMM, this compelling exhibit examines the difficult choices faced by Southern Maryland residents in the years following the American Revolution. Visitors are invited to consider: Were local citizens defending their homes and families, standing firm as patriots, or risking accusations of treason to protect their livelihoods? This exhibit was created by Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum and adapted by CMM. The exhibit features interactive elements and locally significant artifacts that bring these stories vividly to life. Maritime Performance Series: Music of the American Revolution Friday, April 17 | 7–9 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.) Celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s War for Independence with a special musical performance by renowned historians David and Ginger Hildebrand. Performing in period attire, the Hildebrand’s will present patriotic songs, ballads, dance tunes, and theatrical pieces known by figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. The performance will feature a variety of historical instruments, including hammered dulcimer, violin, and Spanish…
By Lani Gering I was way behind the Eight-ball during deadline for this issue and was almost ready to tear my hair out when I received a very informative press release from our friend Havila at Maven PR. We published some of the Cherry Blossom events in the March column but didn’t include what is happening at the Gaylord. Looks like this is a great one stop shop for most things Blossom related. See below: Each spring, travelers and locals alike flock to the Washington, D.C. region in search of peak cherry blossom moments. In 2026, Gaylord National Resort redefines the experience, pairing its coveted waterfront location with immersive spring programming, culinary artistry, and—for the first time ever—cherry trees in bloom inside its iconic Garden Atrium. New this season, the resort’s, glass‑enclosed Garden Atrium hosts indoor cherry blossom garden, offering guests a weather‑proof, crowd‑free way to experience the beauty of spring. Located at the heart of National Harbor—an official participant in the National Cherry Blossom Festival—Gaylord National places guest’s steps from waterfront events, early‑blooming trees, and seasonal celebrations: Walk Through a Blooming Cherry Blossom Garden—Indoors For the first time ever, cherry trees are blooming inside Gaylord National’s Garden Atrium. Guests can view blossoms and capture iconic photos—no weather worries required. Immerse Yourself with the Cherry Blossom Escape Package & Seasonal Cherry Blossom Suite Experience cherry blossom season at its fullest with a stay at Gaylord National. The Cherry Blossom Escape Package includes overnight accommodation, a $50 nightly food and beverage credit, welcome drinks, morning yoga sessions, and complimentary rides on the National Harbor Circulator Bus. Packages begin at $259 per night. For an even more luxurious retreat, the Cherry Blossom Suite offers a romantic, luxurious escape with soft pink tones, floral accents, and sweeping views of National Harbor and the D.C. skyline….
Publishers Note: This month’s column is brought to you courtesy of AI. Our contributing writer was unable to submit a column but we were unaware of that right up until deadline day and there wasn’t time to go to a Plan B. While our opinion of the merits of AI are on the fence, I did find enough information to give you all an idea of what there is to do in this pretty part of the Commonwealth this month. I have no idea how to give credit to the AI Gurus sources but I am guessing it consists of a major google search of sorts. For what it’s worth: Hunt County is the region surrounding Middleburg, Upperville, and Delaplane. This area awakens with its most iconic equestrian traditions and garden tours. The month is headlined by world-class steeplechase racing and the bloom of spring gardens. Signature Equestrian Events These events are the heartbeat of Hunt Country in April, featuring high-speed racing, elaborate tailgates, and traditional spring attire. Middleburg Spring Races: Saturday, April 18, 2026. This is Virginia’s oldest steeplechase tradition, held at Glenwood Park. It features world-class thoroughbreds competing over hedges and timber, drawing thousands for its competitive racing and festive tailgating scene. Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point: Sunday, April 26, 2026. Also held at Glenwood Park, this event offers a more community-focused atmosphere with heart-pounding races and lively social circles. Gates typically open at 10:00 AM, with the first race at 1:00 PM. Garden & Estate Tours April marks the peak of spring blooms, celebrated through exclusive access to private historic estates. Historic Garden Week takes place throughout the Commonwealth April 18–25th. This statewide event includes specific tours in the Middleburg, Upperville, and Fauquier/Loudoun areas. The Hunt Country Tour is scheduled for April 26th, featuring historic properties near Middleburg. Oak Spring Garden Foundation offers…
By Karen Udler When I was reading this piece, I was totally enamored with the whole concept and was all set to see if I could schedule a time to check this place out in person until…I got to the price tag info. At this point in my life, however, I would have to win the lottery to be able to spend a weekend here. However, the more I thought about it the more I realized that there are several people in the Old Town Crier’s distribution realm that could easily afford to splurge on this adventure. In fact, I have a few close friends who fall into this category. Maybe they would take me along just because. For now, enjoy the authors description of what you can expect to experience at the Mayakoba. – Lani Gering These Overwater Suites at Rosewood Mayakoba Have Emerald Lagoon Views, Butler Service, and Heated Private Plunge Pools
The Boys from left to right – Andy Fegley, Michael Lange, Tommy Guay and Kevin Brooks. By Lani Gering It is hard to believe that our absolute favorite Chesapeake based musical group, the Eastport Oyster Boys are embarking on their 30th year. We were introduced to them in January of 1998 at the inauguration of the Maritime Republic of Eastport when it seceded from Annapolis in one of the best marketing schemes to keep business flowing while the Spa Creek Bridge was repaired. Being part of that coup as Ambassadors to the Commonwealth, we were flattered to be in the thick of it. Aptly appointed the Musical Goodwill Ambassadors by the City of Annapolis and the Maritime Republic of Eastport, the Eastport Oyster Boys love to share their musical celebration and stories of life on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Over these last 30 years, the Eastport Oyster Boys have educated, amused, and delighted thousands with their wit, wisdom, and special message of stewardship and appreciation for the Bay and its unique maritime culture and history. The Oyster Boys’ simple philosophy is wrapped up in the three basic necessities of life: “a good hat, a good dog and a good boat.” These words comprise the lyrics of one of my favorite songs of theirs – obviously – Good Hat, Good Dog, Good Boat. The Eastport Oyster Boys are known for their engaging and interactive presence with audiences. Along with their original music and songs of the area, The Boys often engage in an abbreviated and sometimes ever so slightly modified history of the Bay, its unique culture and characters and allude to some inside anecdotes that oft times inspire The Oyster Boys’ material. Most of all, audiences remember the good fun they had and go home with a bit…
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