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SHOP TALK

BY JULIA BECK

AWAY WE GO

Summer is a long, lingering day by the lake, a new city to explore, or a breathtaking sunset close to home yet miles of mood from your same-old. Here are some pieces to help you get away from it all in style.

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1. THAT LAYERED LOOK

Summer requires a layer or two. Nights get cool, airplanes and restaurants can be plain old chilly. The Binx, this V-neck cardigan by Kule, helps keep the chill away—-and it’s anything but plain. The subtle vertical stripe pattern on the cream-colored cotton and rayon blend sweater brings your look to life, with accenting in eggplant, forest, cream, ice blue and navy. Extra points for easy to pack versatility.

$278 at Wylie Grey, Bethesda Row, 301-3028997, wyliegrey.com 2. YOUR TICKET TO SHINE

TSA-friendly (leave it on) and full of twinkle, Dana Rebecca’s Lulu Jack Mini Bezel Bar Necklace in 14-karat gold with a row of diamonds is an impossible-to-part-with accessory that speaks volumes in the language of understated elegance. The chain comes in two sizes and the gold in three color choices (yellow, pink or white), so you can make this your personal summer staple.

$425 at Nordstrom, Westfield Montgomery mall, Bethesda, 301-365-4111, nordstrom.com 3. HATS OFF

Hot summer sun requires some personal shade. The Johnny Was Dreamer Braided Raffia Fringe Hat is a summer essential with its 5-inch-wide brim. The natural rattan flop with a colorful floral accent is one size fits all, providing on-point protection and a perfect finishing touch for any summer look.

$137 at Johnny Was, Bethesda Row, 301-2632505, johnnywas.com

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4. GOOD TO GO

Getting ready for the road is no easy task. L.L. Bean’s Waxed-Canvas Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag in size medium offers classic form and contemporary functionality. Shown in timeless navy, the bag is available in a range of colors. It is 9¾ inches tall, 9 inches wide and 3½ inches deep, and includes multiple pockets, zipped compartments and a hook for hanging. The trusty travel companion can be monogrammed for an additional fee.

$89 at L.L. Bean, Pike & Rose, North Bethesda, 888-660-1570, llbean.com 5. ONE STEP AT A TIME

Summer travel calls for cooling, easy footwear with day to night comfort and color. Allbirds, which is slated to open a store at Bethesda Row, is focused on environmentally friendly and seriously comfortable shoes. Tree Runners come in several colors, including Mist, a subtle yet rich gray with a white sole. Allbirds, made of eco-friendly materials, have that walking-on-air feel, but with full foot and ankle support.

$105 from Allbirds, available online and in the upcoming Allbirds store at Bethesda Row, allbirds.com 6. IN THE BAG

One of the most elusive travel accessories is the just-right bag. Too big or poorly proportioned will leave you sore and achy, while too small means some essentials are left behind. This slouchy purse is made of vegan-certified materials and includes two strap options—one for the shoulder that makes the bag waist-length, the other to be worn crossbody—to meet the mood and moment. The Luna comes in khaki, ivory, black, chocolate and brown.

SHOP TALK

Sydney Rosenberg at her Bethesda shop Flex All Day

COMFORT ZONE

A new store in Bethesda raises the bar on athleisure wear

WHEN YOU WALK INTO Flex All Day, a

new store at Bethesda’s Wildwood Shopping Center, you are quickly immersed in a sensory wonderland. A neon pink Flex All Day sign hangs on one wall, the sweet scent of a candle fills the air, and a spectrum of colors and patterns pops from cozy sweats, workout gear, bags, shoes and even a disco ball. You’ll find pink gumballs and pink Hershey’s Kisses for the taking, pink smiley-face slippers, uplifting lotions and an equally happy soundtrack.

The store is filled with easy styles designed for girls and women of all ages and stages. On a recent afternoon, customers include a trio of middle school girls in the market for the perfect friendship bracelets, an animated group of young women deciding between butterfly and tie-dye for their new workout look, and two friends already in workout gear—one exploring bags while the other makes her way to the dressing room with a store associate, arms full of finds.

Owner Sydney Rosenberg, 40, an Upper Northwest D.C. entrepreneur

with two school-age kids, is buzzing around the store, engaging with her customers, offering water, finding different sizes and placing special orders. “This is what I always wanted—a store of my own where I would not only be able to focus on women but also emphasize goods made by women,” she says. Items for sale include Year of Ours ribbed capri leggings in black ($97), a black-and-white houndstooth bra by Terez ($65), and Goldsheep’s acid-washed windbreaker ($160). “I am committed to local vendors, as well,” Rosenberg says as she points out handbags by Washington, D.C.-based The Lilley Line, which supports basic living needs for people in El Salvador.

After working as an elementary school arts educator for seven years, Rosenberg grew interested in opening a store to sell fitness apparel along with items that are ultra comfy. For eight months starting in November 2019, she sold items from a corner in Bethesda’s PureRyde Cycling + Pilates. In early 2021, she set up shop in a co-op space in Georgetown and stayed there through December. Flex All Day opened in a 727-square-foot space in Wildwood in February. The timing of the pandemic worked in Rosenberg’s favor. “People want to be comfortable. That is what we sell: comfort and support with a little luxury and whimsy thrown in for good measure. I have customers who come in to see what we have that is new nearly every day,” Rosenberg says. “This is exactly what I had imagined: a store that creates fun and offers all forms of comfort.” Her customers seem to be embracing the concept. “I may never wear another zipper again,” says Paula Simon of Bethesda as she takes her full reusable bag from Rosenberg, who smiles and offers a hug as Simon leaves the store.

Flex All Day, 10231 Old Georgetown Road (Wildwood Shopping Center), Bethesda, 202-760-0876, flexallday.com n

WE CARE

ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S ACADEMIC SUCCESS

AS MUCH AS YOU DO

Success in school requires children to use Executive Functioning skills to stay organized, study effectively and manage their time. These skills enable students to improve their academics, emotional well-being, and independence. Illuminos coaches work one-on-one with students to help them “learn how to learn.”

Learn more about Academic Coaching for your child:

www.illuminos.co (571) 313-5163 hello@illuminos.co

GET AWAY

FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD

IN THE FOOTHILLS OF Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, equidistant from acclaimed dining destinations in Sperryville and Little Washington, Blue Rock features an inn, a restaurant and a tasting room. Opened in October 2021, the restaurant is helmed by Bin Lu, the former head chef at Washington, D.C.’s awardwinning Pineapple & Pearls. Blue Rock’s menu changes often as local products come into season. Guest favorites have included the sourdough cavatelli “bouillabaisse” with saffron and lobster cream, and the warm chocolate soufflé cake with brown-butter-and-sourdough ice cream. Each of the inn’s five guest rooms is individually designed. The secondfloor “Covington” is decorated in blackand-white damask wallpaper and funky mountain-chic accent pieces. Also on the second floor, cozy “Walden” has whimsical owl-themed wall coverings, custom wood shelves and a catwalk among the treetops. All rooms feature Molton Brown bath amenities, Parachute linen bedding and lovely vantage points on the 80-acre property, which includes a vineyard, a pond and horses that often roam

Blue Rock in Virginia features an inn, a restaurant and a tasting room (above). Fare includes caviar and sourdough doughnuts.

the pasture. A newly built five-bedroom farmhouse is also available for booking.

Guest room rates begin at $399 and include a breakfast of honey yogurt and granola parfait, a warm cinnamon bun, and coddled farm eggs with black truffles.

Blue Rock, 12567 Lee Highway, Washington, Virginia, 540-987-3388, bluerockva.com

NEW SUITES AT THE BEACH

HYATT HOUSE LEWES/REHOBOTH BEACH is ideally situated near all that the Delaware shore has to offer, including multiple beaches, Cape Henlopen State Park and eateries ranging from seafood restaurants to ice cream shops. Opened this spring, the hotel’s 105 guest rooms and suites range in size from a 375-square-foot “den” with two queen beds, a mini fridge and coffee maker, to a 1,000-square-foot suite featuring a fully equipped kitchen, two queen beds, a comfortable living room with a sleeper sofa and an accessible bathroom.

The property has relaxing indoor and outdoor spaces, firepits, gas grills, a 24-hour gym and Delaware’s largest indoor lap pool. Complimentary breakfast includes a made-to-order omelet bar, fresh fruit, yogurt and more. H BAR serves up soups and sandwiches along with premium beers and wine. The 24-hour H Market offers grab-and-go snacks and freshly prepared salads and sandwiches. Bonus: The property is petfriendly. Rates begin at $299 per night.

Hyatt House Lewes/Rehoboth Beach, 17254 Five Points Square, Lewes, Delaware, 302-783-1000, hyatt.com

BUILDING BLOCKS FOR FAMILY FUN

LOCATED IN NEW YORK’S Hudson Valley Region, Legoland New York Resort opened in phases last summer and launched its first full season this April. The park features multiple entertainment stages (home to its first annual July 4 Red, White & Boom! celebration), a water park (opening later this summer) and seven Lego-themed lands. Kids can transform into a mini-figure on the Lego Factory Adventure Ride, master the art of Spinjitzu on Lego Ninjago the Ride, explore Lego-built cities in Miniland— and of course, shop all things Lego in the “Big Shop,” the largest in North America. Open year-round, the park’s 250room Legoland Hotel offers themed rooms—Kingdom, Ninjago, Friends or Pirates—each with a separate sleeping area for the kids, two flat-panel TVs and a mini-fridge and Keurig coffee maker. Added perks include a free breakfast buffet, an in-room treasure hunt with a complimentary Lego souvenir and nightly entertainment, plus opportunities to meet huggable-sized Lego characters and build with a master Lego builder. Vacation package rates begin at $167 per person. One-day theme park tickets begin at $67.99. Check website for specials and daily pricing.

Legoland New York Resort, One Legoland Way, Goshen, New York, 845-4100290, legoland.com/new-york n

DRIVING RANGE

UNCROWDED SHORES

Discover four beaches where you can have fun in the sand and water away from the masses

CAPE CHARLES,

Virginia

PERHAPS CAPE CHARLES doesn’t typically get large crowds because of its location at the southernmost tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. It’s a bit of a trek from the Washington, D.C., metro area—238 miles from Bethesda—but it can be worth the drive.

The beach sits on the Chesapeake Bay, rather than the Atlantic Ocean, which means calm and shallow waters and the gentlest waves. You likely won’t find any surfers but may see families with small children splashing in the pool-like waters. The conditions are also ideal for some water sports; you can rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks from SouthEast Expeditions. Or you can fish from the pier.

An art display near the fishing pier that spells out the word “love” is a popular place for photos. A Virginia tourism site points out how the sign, which sits on pallets in the sand, is reflective of the town. The “L” is made of sea glass and seashells in an ode to the bayside community, while the “O” is a tractor tire to celebrate agriculture. The “V,” made of kayaks, represents outdoor adventure activities, and the “E,” made of crab pots, reflects aquaculture.

Cape Charles, with a population of about 1,000, is just 2,817 acres, meaning everything is nearby. Some visitors park their cars and rent golf carts for their stay.

Walk a few minutes to town to take in the historic architecture. You’ll find one of the largest concentrations of turn-ofthe-century buildings on the East Coast, a feature that got the Cape Charles Historic District listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Expansive porches front many of the homes, where residents sit to watch the sunsets.

Some of the houses have been transformed into quaint bedand-breakfasts with a Southern charm, but there are also plenty of inns and hotels. The Northampton Hotel on Mason Avenue was renovated recently and boasts that it combines the historic with a modern flair. Hotel Cape Charles, also on Mason Avenue, features private balconies with harbor views.

Cape Charles is near nature and eco excursions, such as hiking at the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge or kayaking at Kiptopeke State Park.

capecharlesvirginiascape.com

MATOAKA BEACH,

Maryland

SOUTHERN MARYLAND IS where you’ll find Matoaka Beach and its picturesque views of the Chesapeake Bay. Located in St. Leonard, about 70 miles from Bethesda, this is truly an off-the-beatenpath beach—you have to walk down a small trail from the parking lot to get to the water. There is no commercial development, and there are no restaurants. The only lodging is camping at rental cabins on the beach. The privately owned beach that once operated as a Girl Scouts camp is open to the public every day for a small fee—$5 during the week and $10 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

This is a beach for true nature lovers and outdoors people who want to spend the day kayaking (bring your own), fishing and swimming. Much like better known and nearby Calvert Cliffs, it is also where people come to collect shark teeth that fall from the nearby cliffs. How these fossils, which are millions of years old, came to be is a lesson in Maryland history. They were preserved in the cliffs from a time when the state was under water.

This beach is ideal for a day trip, but the more adventurous and those who prefer the feel of a private island might choose to stay longer.

You walk down a small trail from the parking lot to get to the water at Matoaka Beach in Southern Maryland.

DRIVING RANGE

On the Delaware Bay, Bowers Beach has calm waters. The town isn’t commercially developed, so there are no hotels, but visitors can rent bungalows.

BOWERS BEACH,

Delaware

LOOKING FOR A “sleepy beach town” to visit?

Bowers Beach is it, says Nancy Bradley, who works at JP’s Wharf seafood restaurant in town (technically it is in Frederica, but it’s considered a part of Bowers Beach).

“You come here for a quiet experience,” Bradley says of Bowers, located about 105 miles from Bethesda on the Delaware Bay between the St. Jones and Murderkill rivers.

With its motto “The Way Life Used to Be,” the town clearly shuns the commercialization of the more popular beaches. Visitors can rent bungalows in town, but there are no hotels.

A drive through Bowers is like entering a time warp. Much of the town consists of small homes reminiscent of its once-bustling fishing community. Though the local fishing industry isn’t as prosperous these days, many townspeople still make their living off the waters beyond their backyards. JP’s prides itself on serving fresh local catch, from oysters to rockfish and trout.

The Delaware Bay’s calm waters offer great conditions for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Bowers is also ideal for those who prefer lounging and quiet strolling on the beach.

There are three parks within the town where visitors can play bocce or shuffleboard, go for a picnic or find a quiet spot to read or meditate. The Bowers Beach Maritime Museum on Main Street, open weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, chronicles the history of the town, waterman culture and coastal history. Bowers Beach is just 205 acres, putting all attractions within a short walk or drive.

Bowers Beach also has activities for nature lovers, including birdwatching and experiencing the horseshoe crab spawning season. Each May and June, millions of Atlantic horseshoe crabs descend on the shores of the East Coast to spawn. Delaware Bay is at the center of it all, including at Bowers Beach, where the crabs cover the sands like a blanket.

It’s the one time of year that the beach is crowded.

BETTERTON BEACH,

Maryland

IN 1976, KENT COUNTY bought the land that makes up what is now Betterton Beach and turned it into a waterfront public park. The beach is nestled at the end of a residential community and feels like an extension of that neighborhood—like a local park that happens to have a beach.

The 5-acre bayside beach, located at the mouth of the Sassafras River and about 99 miles from Bethesda, is particularly popular among locals but can also be a good spot for out-of-towners who want a day of quiet on the water. The drive to Betterton Beach takes less than an hour after crossing the Bay Bridge—faster than the traffic-heavy drive to Ocean City.

Betterton is a good place to watch the water and just relax. There is a bathhouse and a pavilion for picnics and grilling. On the boardwalk, which isn’t commercially developed, you can go for walks or watch the sunset from one of the benches. Betterton is a nice fit for families with kids who are looking for smaller crowds and calmer waters for swimming. Those who want to stay overnight won’t find hotels in Betterton but can look for Airbnb options. There are hotels in nearby towns, such as Chestertown.

While the beach doesn’t offer many tourist attractions, the nearby Betterton Heritage Museum provides an overview of the town’s history as a fishing village. It features decoys carved by Charlie “Speed” Joiner and a collection of postcards dating back to the 1880s, according to the museum’s website. It is also home to one of the few existing arks once used as overnight housing for watermen.

kentcounty.com/betterton n

Andrea K. McDaniels is the managing editor of The Baltimore Banner, a digital startup that was slated to launch in June. She looks forward to a beach vacation this summer.

PHOTO BY SAM SHOGE

The 5-acre Betterton Beach is a public park and a good spot for out-of-towners who want a day of quiet on the water.

OUTTAKES

For our story on pets that are fixtures in shops in the Bethesda area (“Frisky Business,” page 62), photographer Hannele Lahti snapped cats, dogs—even a parrot. Lahti says Ecker’s Clock and Watch Shop owner Edward Compton and his bird, Dr Pepper, were very bonded. “Edward, the shopkeeper, held Pepper up to his nose to show me that Pepper was very gentle and would not bite if I held him,” Lahti says. “That did not quell my nerves, but I did end up having Pepper stand on my hand for a minute, and it was pretty cool. And yes, he was gentle.” n