Travis Tritt Friday, October 4
Charley Crockett: $10 Cowboy Tour
Friday, October 18
Easton Corbin
Friday, October 11
Dirty Honey & The Band Feel: Can’t Find The Brakes Tour
Saturday, October 12
Jessica Kirson
Saturday, October 19
Old Crow Medicine Show: Jubilee Tour
Saturday, November 9
Friday, November 1
Aaron Lewis: American Patriot Tour
Friday, December 6 & Saturday, December 7
Must be 21. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
FIVE REASONS TO SHOP LOCAL 20
PUMPKIN PICKIN' TIPS
HOLIDAY ART COMPETITION
Presented in partnership with The Delaplaine Arts Center
Wednesday, December 4, 5:30 PM The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S Carroll Street
SCENTS & SWEETS COMPETITON & AUCTION
Thursday, December 5, 5:30 PM
New Spire Arts Stages, 15 W. Patrick Street
CANDLELIGHT HOUSE TOUR
Saturday, December 7, 5 - 9 PM & Sunday, December 8, Noon - 4 PM
Sponsored by Visit Frederick Downtown Frederick | $
OF LIGHTS
Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 PM City Hall Courtyard, 101 N. Court Street
Sponsored by Wawa
Friday, December 13, 6:30 PM
Downtown Frederick & Baker Park Bandshell
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Union Mills Public House, 340 E. Patrick Street | $
As cooler temperatures become the norm and leaves start to change colors all around us there’s no question that fall is here! In Frederick, we are blessed every year with a beautiful autumn. And as a result, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. The calendar is full of festivals and pop-up shops and farmers markets and more to celebrate this wonderful season.
In this issue, as always, we celebrate some of the many interesting things we’ve found around Frederick County lately, for you to enjoy during this fall and holiday season.
To start, speaking about all that autumn has to offer, we’ve got everything you need to know about picking the perfect pumpkin! Want to cook with it? Carve it? Decorate with it? We’ve got you covered, with local experts lending their advice on how to get the best gourd and what to do with it once you bring it home.
Fall can be a challenging time of year to figure out what to wear. A light jacket? A sweater? What kind of shoes? To help you transition and choose the best outfit for the season, we’ve got a tour of three fashionable stores in Downtown Frederick whose mission it is to make you look your best, no matter the season.
And as fall begins to fade, we slide into the holiday season, when your gift list is long and your ideas may come up short. Never fear! We’ve got you covered with all the reasons shopping local, right here in Frederick County, makes the most sense for your holiday gift-giving
Once the holidays are officially in full swing, we’ve also got suggestions for where to witness some of the coolest, brightest light shows the season has to offer. Take a day trip and explore, with our guide to some of the best holiday light displays that are just over the edge.
No matter how you choose to spend the fall and holiday seasons this year, we’re glad you’re spending them in Frederick. Dive in and enjoy what we think is Frederick’s most wonderful time of the year!
Molly Fellin Spence, Executive Editor
FALL 2024
VOLUME 18 ISSUE 2
PUBLISHER
Donna Elbert publisher@pulsepublishing.net
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Molly Fellin Spence molly@pulsepublishing.net
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Gabby Mongeau gabby@pulsepublishing.net
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Melissa Howes-Vitek melissa@pulsepublishing.net
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Susan O'Connor susan@pulsepublishing.net
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Ronald Cramer ronald@pulsepublishing.net
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Ana Lazo Eastep
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Shuan Butcher, Chris Slattery, Melissa Howes-Vitek, Ellyn Wexler, Shea Winpigler
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Susan O'Connor, Molly Fellin Spence, Spence Photographics, Melissa Howes-Vitek, Shea Winpigler
ACCOUNTING/BILLING bookkeeper@pulsepublishing.net
DISTRIBUTION distribution@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.
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
Many thanks to the numerous individuals and businesses that provided information and their time for our articles and features. We wish to thank our advertisers for their continued support.
A lifelong dream has become reality for Lisa Tumbarello, with the opening of her brick-andmortar home store called Potomac River Interiors earlier this year in downtown Brunswick.
The shop is filled with handmade treasures and vintage finds, all collected and curated by Tumbarello, whose eye for fashion and design were honed over decades in the industry, including a stint at Anthropologie.
Walking inside her beautiful store feels like walking into your best friend’s gorgeously decorated home. You are at once inspired and delighted by a feast of home decor items, such as throw pillows in a variety of textures and colors, vintage quilts, and throws. Pottery of every kind, from vases to bowls to teapots are thoughtfully displayed among baskets of dried flowers, vintage lamps and classic wooden furniture.
This is the kind of store where you have to walk slowly among the shelves, allowing your eyes to scan and catch all of the little beautiful things that will surely make it into your basket.
Beautiful etched glassware sits next to a collection of cookbooks featuring cocktail recipes, which stand beside bottles of homemade shrub to use in those recipes. And a collection of glass straws are also at the ready, to use in mixing and drinking your final creation.
Artwork hangs from walls on unique hooks made from vintage pipe or an old doorknob instead of a standard hook.
With Tumbarello at the helm, no lovely little detail is too small.
She even created a signature scent candle for Potomac River Interiors with local business LiveYoung Candle Company, in Frederick.
She describes the scent as “a bright, fresh, joyful mix of orange blossom, sweet chili, and fresh-cut grass.”
Each candle label includes a QR Code that takes you to a specially curated music playlist.
“It’s a whole vibe,” Tumbarello says.
Alongside her brick-and-mortar, Tumbarello also offers interior design services, including home styling and refresh, virtual consults, e-design and full-service design, combining the old with the new to tell your personal story in your home.
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
Amazing experiences and hundreds of exciting new exotic animal friends await you in this 50-acre park!
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve welcomes you with natural ponds, lush landscaping, and wandering Ambass-zoo-dors, eager to indulge inquisitive guests. Get curious about everything from bears to boas, macaws to monkeys, panthers to pythons, and alligators to zebra.
These amazing animals are our extended family and vital ambassadors for their species. Through our personal style of exhibits and education, we know that they will be your extended family too.
Together, we can make sure all the wild animals enjoy the future they deserve.
American Folk with David Wilcox | Oct. 25 From China to Appalachia with Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer & Chao Tian | Nov. 2
Christmas with John Doyle & Mick McAuley | Dec. 11
By now, we’ve all heard the many reasons why it makes sense to shop local. It makes sense on so many levels. But we asked Frederick locals why it makes sense here, especially around the busy holiday shopping season.
Words
and Photos
by Shea Winpigler
“We have everything you need.”
When you shop local, you’re directly contributing to your neighbors' livelihoods and preserving the unique character and diversity of your community.
Juliet Kaufman, owner of Juliet’s Italian Market & Café , at 9 E. Church St., in Frederick, has been in business for more than 18 years, offering a range of homemade Italian food.
When asked about catering for holiday parties, Juliet excitedly declared: “Yes! We can make fresh and homemade charcuterie boards, subs, mozzarella, special order burrata cheese, lasagna, quiche, cannolis, tiramisu, sauces… We also offer a selection of grocery items and products from Italy, including pizza dough, so if you want to make holiday pizzas, we have everything you need!”
Juliet’s business is deeply connected to the local community. She sources fresh bread daily from Frederick's Stone Hearth Bakery and was a loyal customer at the Italian market before taking over the business.
“If there’s something you like, you can call in and see if we can make it! I’m Filipino, not Italian, but I love to cook. I only serve what I would eat myself. I know what is good and I know what is not.”
“You’re not just getting products; you’re getting an experience.”
At The Curious Iguana in Downtown Frederick, booksellers are eager to guide you through your gift shopping, creating a meaningful experience for both you and the store.
"In this day and age, you can get items anywhere, but here, you’re getting the help of people who are passionate and knowledgeable about what they sell. You can’t get that anywhere else," manager Lauren Nopenz explains.
Personalized shopping provides something that online stores can’t: a unique interaction and expert guidance.
"A lot of times, our customers will email us lists of their kids’ or grandkids’ ages, and we’ll pick out a selection of books that we think their children or grandchildren will like as a gift for the holidays. It’s a personalized shopping experience you won’t find online, at the mall, or in a big-box store. We have a friendly staff of booksellers, and, honestly, downtown is the best place to be during the holidays.”
“ You’re investing in your community. What better gift to give than that during the holidays?”
Downtown Frederick Partnership has an exciting lineup this holiday season, including the return of the Downtown Light Walk, Frosty Friday and December Saturdays. Plus, two new events to encourage you to shop local this holiday season with Downtown @ Night and a Love Locals Tour!
In September, join your neighbors downtown for Fall Fest @ Everedy Square & Shab Row and Uptown Salsa Night in October.
Marketing Manager Brittany Himber describes Downtown Frederick Partnership’s commitment to “making Downtown Frederick a thriving, inclusive and culturally rich place to live, work and play.
“With more than 250 small, locally owned businesses to explore in Downtown Frederick, there really is something for everyone on your list this holiday season!”
You can start your day with a meal at a local spot, shop at nearby stores, catch a show by local artists or an event by Downtown Frederick Partnership, and finish with a nightcap at a local bar. Not only are you treating yourself to a great day, but “you’re investing in your community. What better gift to give than that during the holidays?” says Himber.
Plus, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, all meters and parking garages are free of charge every weekend (from 8 a.m., Saturday until 6 a.m., Monday).
"When you shop locally, the money stays in the community."
Mindy Cawley, owner of Vintage MC, reminds us that shopping locally is like sprinkling a little love back into your community.
“When you spend money here, we take it home and re-invest it in the community,” Cawley said. “Our employees are your neighbors, and we give back to people who are your friends and family."
Vintage MC embodies this commitment by sponsoring a boat for Color on the Creek’s Sailing through the Winter Solstice. Their boat, “Dancing Queen,” helps raise money and awareness for a local animal rescue.
This annual event, which begins in November, transforms Carroll Creek into a festive fleet, and in 2023, 30 small businesses participated, raising funds and awareness for various causes.
This same dedication to the community is reflected in the care Cawley puts into her services. For those hosting holiday gatherings or shopping for new homeowners, Cawley suggests exploring their refinished vintage furniture, which can be picked up or delivered.
“'We offer white glove delivery within 40 miles, including the DMV, Baltimore metro area, and Frederick County. We also provide personal shopping services—just call or message us, and we’ll create the perfect gift package for your recipient.'"
Whether it’s a handmade ornament, a unique piece of art, a delicious treat or a custom piece of furniture, shopping locally ensures you’re giving your recipient something truly unique.
Among the spots in Downtown Frederick where you can find homemade items by local artisans is Perfect Truffle, at 25 N. Market St.
We spoke with Perfect Truffle’s Cody Marwine about why locally made products should make it onto your shopping list.
“Quality,” he said matter-of-factly. “In the production of our bonbons and our confections, you see in my shop, there is more chocolate in them, compared to those that are more mass-produced. You don't need to eat multiple pieces to get that fulfillment.”
Authenticity, passion, and small-scale production is what makes local shop owners and artists so special. Products are made with love in small batches, and once they're gone, they're gone!
When you stop at Perfect Truffle, you'll likely see Marwine there. Like most small business owners, he runs the show with a small staff of dedicated employees.
It's a valuable experience for a patron and community member, to know you're supporting your local chefs, bibliophiles, event hosts, craftsmen, and chocolatiers to continue living, supporting, educating, creating, innovating and giving to your city.
By choosing small businesses, you’re helping to sustain the vibrant culture that makes where you live special while also investing in the people who live and work there with you.
This year, make your holiday shopping a celebration of community by keeping it local — you’ll be giving more than just a gift.
At Set the Table, we believe that every occasion, no matter how big or small, deserves to be celebrated in
Are you tired of spending endless hours planning meals, grocery shopping, and preparing dinner after a long day of work? Looking to create a memorable dining experience that will leave a lasting impression on your guests? Look no further than Set the Table for all your culinary needs, from weeknight meals to unforgettable celebrations.
October 11-12 10 am-4 pm FREE
October 19, 6:30 pm -9 pm
$15.00 adults/$10.00 12 and under www.eventbrite.com/e/2024spirits-of-the-furnace-tickets -995625230867?aff=oddtdtcreator Traditional Village Christmas December 7 10 am-4 pm FREE
Business is, uh, blooming, for one of Market Street’s newest businesses, The Frederick Floral Bar , helmed by California native Stacey Rayburn.
Rayburn is a multi-hyphenate: shopkeeper, event planner, designer and floral artist. And she offers up a fresh and colorful creative outlet for visitors to Downtown Frederick.
“Our Build-Your-Own-Bouquet Bar has really been a huge hit,” says Rayburn, who took over the space at 27 S. Market in February and opened the Floral Bar in April. “We do take walk-ins, it’s called a ‘flight’ of flowers, like you’d have a flight of wine or beer (at a vineyard or brewery). Just come in and B.Y.O.B. at any given time.
The Floral Bar also takes reservations and does private parties for a company event, a private party or a bridal shower.
A mobile bouquet bar is also set to launch soon, ready to come to your book club, holiday party, girlsnight-in, whatever.
“We provide an atmosphere for people to have that creative freedom — with some instruction, of course — and learn different techniques in designing bouquets.”
Rayburn learned these techniques during her career in the special events industry. The Southern California native grew up in the business, learning on-the-job in a family-owned wedding venue and studying design before striking out on her own with Story Book Weddings and Events (which she still owns and operates).
Now she’s supplemented the big-day vibe with a venue that’s perfect for a party of one.
“You can definitely walk in any time and build your own stems,” she says, noting that The Frederick Photos by Susan
Floral Bar requests a reservation for four or more flower fanciers. “We do hand-held and vase arrangements; it just depends on how much you want to spend and how you want your bouquet to be.”
There are scheduled events, too, like a Mom & Me flower arranging session; Flower & Friends empowerment workshops offering postarrangement photo sessions; and the perennially popular Bouquets and Bubbly, which Rayburn says, “has really taken off.
“That one always sells out,” she exclaims. “It’s definitely our most popular.”
Rayburn says in today’s fast-paced world, the stress of work, family, and other responsibilities can be overwhelming. “Sometimes we just need a couple of hours with our friends, to get away,” she says, adding that The Frederick Floral Bar has even become a popular spot for day dates.
“It gives couples something to do other than going to a bar, or ‘dinner-and-a-movie.’”
And something to take home afterwards. Not only can Floral Bar customers leave the shop with a sense of accomplishment and a gorgeous bouquet, Rayburn offers a selection of carefully curated gifts as well as dried florals, particularly in demand right now because of their beauty and sustainability.
The Frederick Floral Bar: definitely worth a visit, whether you go alone or with a bud.
-by Chris Slattery
At Hood College, we believe every next step, breakthrough and challenge is worth the work. We’re committed to giving our students the tools they need to succeed for today and tomorrow.
At Creative Children’s Center, we treat children as if they were our own. With quality care through enthusiastic, optimistic, gentle, and respectful teachers and staff, we provide a nurturing, fun and safe learning environment for all to flourish.
• Infants: 6 weeks-18 months
• Toddlers: 18 Months - 24 months
• Young Learners: 2-3
• Early Learning: 2-3 Years old
• Transitional: 3-4 Years old
• Kindergarten Readiness: 4-5 Years old
We offer transportation services daily (during the academic school year) from Myersville, Wolfsville, Brunswick and Valley Elementary Schools. We offer the following programs:
- School-age before and after school care
- Comprehensive Summer Enrichment program
- Camp Creative: (Kindergarten - 5th Grade)
No matter how you plan to use it, we asked local experts how to choose it
by Shea Winpigler
We asked a local chef, a farmer, and an interior designer for advice on how to choose pumpkins this fall for cooking, carving and decorating.
Here are their expert tips!
16 oz bag mini marshmallows
4 tbsp butter
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Chris Spear, owner of Perfect Little Bites, a personal chef service specializing in in-home dinners, offers his advice on the culinary use of pumpkins.
"The general consensus among chefs is that fresh field pumpkins aren't great for cooking. If you're making a pumpkin pie, you'll want to use canned pumpkin — it makes for a more flavorful pie. Instead of using a typical pumpkin, which has a higher water content, opt for a sugar pumpkin. Sugar pumpkins have a lower water content, giving you a more concentrated flavor, and you definitely want that rich, authentic pumpkin flavor."
Spear suggests using fresh pumpkin for stews or other dishes where texture is important.
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
Popped popcorn for garnish (if desired)
Prepare a 9×9 baking dish by rubbing the inside lightly with 1 tablespoon of butter. Set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat.
Add the marshmallows and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until completely melted.
Remove from heat then stir in the cereal until it’s completely coated.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared dish, and using a rubber spatula, press the mixture into the dish.
While the treats are cooling, melt the white chocolate chips, either over a double boiler on the stove, or in 15 second bursts in the microwave. When melted, stir in a tablespoon pumpkin puree.
Cut the treats into squares and transfer to a plate. Spread the white chocolate/ pumpkin frosting on top while still warm.
Garnish with a swipe of pumpkin puree and a kernel of popped popcorn.
You can typically find sugar pumpkins at specialty markets and orchards, while farms such as Farmer Chuckbone’s Farm in Frederick, owned and operated by the Crone brothers, offer a variety of carving and decorative pumpkins.
including white, green, orange and orange-with-white stripes. These are a hit with customers, especially kids, and come in various shapes and sizes.
Don Crone, the farm's Chief Pumpkin Officer, explains the farm's unique name: "My oldest brother is Chuck. When my kids were young, they started calling him Chuckbone,” he laughed, “because he’s skinny, bony and a farmer. The name stuck, and I’ve been calling him Chuckbone ever since.”
Now in its third year of business, Farmer Chuckbone‘s offers an array of pumpkin varieties. Larger pumpkins ranging from 10 to 30lbs, such as Kratos and Gladiators, are perfect for carving, while smaller ones such as Field Trips are ideal for craft decorating.
Don notes that Moonstackers and Mini Warts are popular for outdoor displays.
"If you're creating a decorative display, mixing different varieties and sizes adds a nice touch," he says.
Among the farm’s offerings are what they call “Crunchkins,” small pumpkins in a variety of colors,
“At our farm, we love to give back to the community,” Don shares. "We have a trail and a scavenger hunt for kids, and when they complete the hunt, they're rewarded with a Crunchkin as a prize."
At the end of the season, Farmer Chuckbone’s donates leftover pumpkins to local animal farms, as pumpkins are great for deworming animals such as pigs and goats.
“We have a wonderful relationship with Farm Sweet Farm, a farm animal rescue, and we donate half of the proceeds we collect from our petting zoo food sales to support their efforts.”
Don also offers practical advice for postseason pumpkin disposal: Instead of tossing your pumpkins in the landfill, find a farm to donate them to, or if you have some land, toss them into the woods for the deer — but make sure to break them open first. Who knows, you might have pumpkins sprouting next year!
Beth Starrs, principal of Studio Starrs Interiors and a seasoned interior designer with more than 20 years of experience (and a former Army nurse), shares her insights on how to incorporate pumpkins into your home decor.
"The first thing to consider is the front of the house," Beth advises. "I always recommend using a cluster of pumpkins rather than just a single one outside. A big pumpkin with a few smaller ones around it works beautifully. You can also stack them for added visual interest — just use a large, medium and small pumpkin. Cut off the stems of the bottom two, add some glue for stability, and keep the stem on the top one. This creates a lovely display on both sides of the door."
To complete the look, Beth suggests adding two cornstalk bundles on each side and a themed mat, preferably in black.
"Black and orange look so pretty together," she adds.
For interior decor, Beth has a few simple yet striking craft ideas. "One of my favorite things to do in the fall is to create planters out of pumpkins.
I take a fresh, medium-sized pumpkin, clean it out, and line it with a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, pinning the edges inside with straight pins to support the flowers and water. You can add a beautiful floral display or place a potted plant inside. If you use a fresh pumpkin from a farm, it should last a good month or more."
Beth also has a tip for elevating your dinner table during the fall season: "If I'm hosting a fancy dinner, I use mini pumpkins to create personalized name card holders. I wrap copper wire around the stem, creating two loops at the end, and place a name card between the two loops. It’s a small detail, but it adds a special touch."
To bring some autumn color indoors, Beth suggests adding a few orange pillows around your living space. "This way, your eye catches the orange throughout the house, carrying the color through the space."
When it comes to fall color pairings, Beth's favorites include golds and browns. "Costco has beautiful greenery that works well when interspersing gourds and pumpkins with candles as a centerpiece down a long table. It is a simple yet elegant way to create a festive table scape."
party with you and your friends. Instead of going out to a restaurant, my services are for people who’d rather just do it at home," Chef Spear adds. And we all know cozy nights in are what fall is all about.
Beth Starrs has won Best of Frederick three times and has offices in Virginia and Frederick. While she and her team do some commercial work — like medical offices — they primarily focus on residential projects. They even designed the Anchor Bar in Frederick. Find them at studiostarrs.com.
Chuckbone Farms opens for pumpkin season on Sept. 21, and they still have sunflowers available for picking or photo opportunities as the flower season winds down. Learn more about their farm and schedule of events at farmerchuckbone.com.
A culinary transition took place over the summer at Downtown Frederick’s historic Houck Mansion.
Celebrated chef Bryan Voltaggio passed a figurative torch to Bradley Butts, a familiar face to Voltaggio fans, having worked at several of his local restaurants.
Restaurants helmed by Voltaggio have graced the space since 2008 (think Volt and Thacher & Rye). Now, the historic 19th Century brownstone is home to The Ordinary Hen, helmed by Butts.
Hailing from Martinsburg, West Virginia, Butts was inspired to become a chef after growing up watching Julia Child and other legendary chefs on PBS. By the age of 5, he was mastering the art of cooking eggs.
He officially got his start in the business at age 24, which he acknowledged is “a late start for a chef.” His education and training has come from working with some of the best chefs in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Voltaggio. Butts worked at every
food station at Family Meal, Voltaggio’s modern take on the family diner, that served comfort foods such as fried chicken, duck fat fries and chicken pot pie fritters until closing in 2020.
When Butts wanted to learn the elements of fine dining, he spent time at some of renowned restaurants in D.C., including Pineapple and Pearls and The Dabney. He helped Voltaggio open Estuary in D.C., and Thacher & Rye in Frederick. Butts served as chef de cuisine there for nearly two years.
With The Ordinary Hen, Butts focuses on an approachable style of food inspired by Appalachian cuisine. The restaurant features predominantly regional menu items including the Mountain State native’s own take on the pepperoni roll.
“You have to be authentic to yourself,” he says. “It is making food based on what you have available and utilizing everything in the best way. It is what I grew up on.”
He’s focused on sourcing ingredients from local producers, such as breads from Twin Bears Bakery in Frederick.
The Ordinary Hen is open for lunch, brunch and supper, Thursdays through Sundays. The restaurant has a lovely outdoor courtyard and patio affectionately called The Coop.
On some Thursdays this fall, free movies will be shown outside at The Coop, accompanied by food and drink specials. And live music can frequently be enjoyed on Friday nights.
“We will continue to grow together and push the boundaries,” Butts says.
-by Shuan Butcher
With a county population of 300,000 and 13 golf courses, Clustered Spires has earned “Best of Frederick Golf Course”! Golf Digest awards Clustered Spires a HHHH rating. Clustered Spires reputation is a great conditioned golf course with wonderful greens and considered the best value golf course in central Maryland.
NON-SENIORS RATE Monday–Thursday $54 Friday $59 Saturday & Sunday ....... $74
SENIORS/60+ RATE Monday–Friday $42
TWILIGHT RATE 5 pm–Dusk $45
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 .
• Thrive Pet Healthcare Frederick 7820 Wormans Mill Road Frederick, Maryland 21701 (240) 332-1147
• Thrive Pet Healthcare Germantown 19728 Germantown Road Germantown, Maryland 20874 (240) 221-7914
Johns Hopkins Medicine interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons are now seeing patients in your area. Our specialists have expertise in treating a wide range of complex cardiovascular conditions.
Gwenie’s Pastries in Frederick will undoubtedly leave you saying, “Oooooh.”
Or maybe “Ooooooh - beh.”
That is ube, the featured ingredient in many of Gwenie’s delicious, unique offerings. What is ube? It’s a purple yam, native to Southeast Asia, and popularly found in traditional Filipino sweets.
And what does ube taste like? It’s mildly sweet and a bit nutty. Many people say it has flavors of vanilla or coconut. It’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants. But its most distinctive attribute is its vibrant purple color.
Many of Gwenie’s inventive pastries feature ube — cake, cookies, cupcakes, pie. It fills up brioche doughnuts and mooncakes, flavors hot or iced lattes, and gives a rich, gorgeous cheesecake its bright, vibrant purple hue that is amazing to look at and even more wonderful to eat.
But ube is not all Gwenie’s has to offer.
Filipino sweets, such as cassava cake, hopia, kutsinta, and buko pandan are on the menu
alongside savory delights such as baked siopao (pan de sal bread with pork asado filling and a slice of hard boiled egg).
In the mood for fun frozen confection? You’ve got to order halo-halo — Gwenie's housemade shaved snow ice in milk and ube flavor topped with jelly, palm fruit, leche flan, ube halaya, red bean, and corn flakes. It’s one of the prettiest desserts you’ll ever eat!
Baker and co-founder Stella Fernandez started her pastry shop, named for her mother, Gwendolyn, two decades ago in Rockville. That location remains, while her Frederick spot opened earlier this year.
Stop in for a few treats or order ahead for your next special occasion to impress a crowd. Full cakes, pies, cheesecakes and platters are available, too.
•
•
•
FREDERICK (TJ) OFFICE
87 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 101, Frederick, MD 21702
HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm Saturday, 9am–11am (by appointment only) PHONE: 301-694-0606
TEXT MESSAGES ARE PREFERRED TO: 301-205-5112
BALLENGER CREEK OFFICE
6550 Mercantile Drive, Suite 106, Frederick, MD 21703
HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm PHONE: 301-668-6347
MOUNT AIRY OFFICE
1311 South Main Street, Suite 304, Mount Airy, MD 21771
HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm PHONE: 301-829-6146
URBANA OFFICE
3500 Campus Drive, Suite 101, Urbana, MD 21704
HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm PHONE: 301-874-6107
Spruce up your wardrobe or kick off your holiday shopping with these tips from Frederick’s chicest shopkeepers.
By Chris Slattery
Photos by Susan O'Connor
Want to look good this autumn? Shop local! Head to Downtown Frederick — named of one of Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live 2024 for its superb location, awesome career opportunities, and a “rich local identity that extends far beyond its economic pull” — and you’ll find a dozen boutiques full of gifts, garb, and unique fashions and accessories that can update your wardrobe in a flash.
Like Molly’s Meanderings , where owner Leslie Atanasoff, a Frederick native with an eye for fashion and a heart for antiques, has been keeping shop for nearly a quarter of a century.
“It turns out the store has changed from what I initially thought it would be,” admits Atanasoff, who grew up behind the old Frederick Shopping Center and shopped downtown with her relentlessly stylish mother, Mary. “A lot of it comes from my passion for finding new things, and from the people I have working for me, who are wonderful, and the customers who come in and love the store.
I reinvent to keep it interesting — you can’t stay stagnant because customers are always looking for something new. Always.”
Right now, that means biker-inspired moto jackets — Atanasoff adores them — as well as bubble silhouettes, billowy skirts, embellished jeans, and
unique accessories that finish a look. Atanasoff notes that the post-pandemic rebound from sweatsand-pajamas to fashion is pretty much complete.
“Finally!” she laughs. “We’ve always offered nice, high-quality comfort wear, but in general women have just swung right back.”
She says the uptick started when weddings cranked back into gear, and customers came in, once again, for special occasion looks.
“I don’t do as much with basics as I used to,” the store owner says. “We have a lot of visitors from out of town looking for special items that they can’t get at home.”
Even the regulars, from Frederick and the surrounding tri-state area, come to Molly’s Meanderings (named for the family’s favorite cat) looking for something unique.
Her clientele, explains Atanasoff, “are very eclectic. That’s why my store is eclectic: I don’t have just one type of woman that walks through those front doors.”
Arecent addition to the Downtown Frederick fashion scene brings men’s clothing to the forefront. The Terra Moda held its ribbon-cutting in early September and began welcoming customers into their Market Street shop a few days earlier.
Owned by the Dulany family, the boutique specializes in high-end men’s fashion, putting an
emphasis on elevated comfort with a sustainable edge. High-end sweatshirts and button-downs for men and babies made with natural and recycled fibers are on display throughout the store. Fall colors and textures abound, with knit polos and classic zip-ups from Donato, cozy cardigans from Pepper Place Designs of California, made with organic cotton and wool, and modern leather and suede high-top sneakers from American Rhino, featuring a clean, modern silhouette. Accessories in stock include traditional yet funky belts, designer sunglasses, watches and hats, all set up to get the men of Frederick styled for every autumn excursion.
Owner of Alicia L. , Pat Latkovski, has been on Market Street for nearly 43 years, selling classic women’s apparel with an edge. When she opened, “there were 19 boarded-up storefronts,” she recalls.
“Buildings that were vacant, because all the major stores that had been downtown left because, on the Golden Mile, the mall had just opened. That was the new thing.”
Latkovski isn’t from Frederick originally, and when she and her late husband left their home in Connecticut so he could take a professorship in the history
sophisticated New York-Boston metro vibe to what was, back then, a somewhat sleepy town.
“Nothing was going to be long term,” she laughs. “I wasn’t too interested in Frederick!”
But things, of course, change — especially in the fashion world, which Latkovski entered after studying political science. She was a fan of the original Ann Taylor store on Chapel Street in New Haven, Connecticut, “where a belt cost as much as a dress.
“But I just fell in love with fashion.”
And with Frederick. Today Latkovski is a huge fan of the city, which she is proud to say has evolved through her decades here into a place with its own inimitable style. And she’s grown her original New England fashion sense “seedy, tweedy, corduroy, dockers — you know what I mean? — and turtlenecks!” into Alicia L.’s signature looks. Back when the boutique started, she was known for bridging the gap, as a 23-year-old faculty wife, between elegant sophistication and youthful exuberance, and Latkovski still toes that line today. She opened up the shop after years of bringing back New England turtlenecks to sell to pals at Hood; now Alicia L. (named for the Latkovski’s eldest daughter) specializes in the “classic, edgy” fashion its owner loves as well as the “young and restless” vibe now inspired by her granddaughters, who are between 18 and 23.
“A lot of these kind of blend back and forth, Latkovski says. “It’s so much fun to watch my granddaughters pick out things I pick out — they give me great ideas, and I really embrace them.”
This season, she adds, there’s a bit of an ‘anything goes’ sensibility from designers, with jeans in a variety of shapes and fall colors all over the map, although greens and naturals lead the way.
“The traditional blazer is coming back,” says Latkovski. “It’s been missing for years — I’ve been missing it! And the pencil skirt never went out of style’ people should have at least one of those.”
Accessory wise, she recommends “Pearls with everything!” and says that Alicia L. offers a variety of modern and traditional pearl styles at different price points from everyday basics to the super-luxe designs of Mona Assemi, whose sculptural pieces are regularly worn by Serena Willims, Katie Holmes, and, most famously, Beyonce. Assemi’s celebrityfave creations may come from New York City, but the artist herself is from Middletown in Frederick County, and Latkovski has sold her work for years.
Exciting, sure, but at the end of the day, it’s just part of the Frederick fashion scene.
“I love people,” Latkovski says. “Old people, young people. I love keeping them happy.”
Alicia
Welcome to Alicia L, a walk-in closet filled with a unique selection of prêt-a-porter and exquisite accessories from the top contemporary European and North American fashion designers.
Renowned for our personalized service, let us help you find key wardrobe essentials, a new statement piece, or simply the perfect accessory. Whether you need one piece or a new wardrobe, we are ready to help find a style that is unique to you!
Our philosophy: In person shopping beats online shopping. We also believe you don’t need to sacrifice comfort for style.
At The Beauty Company we strive for all of our guests to feel relaxed and pampered while enhancing your beauty, unlike any other salon and spa in our area. With our team of experienced, licensed professionals we guarantee the highest level of service.
EST. 2017 • OFFERING:
Advance ticket purchase required. Tickets only valid on date selected.No on-site sales.
by StevenSmith1/flickr
By Melissa Howes-Vitek
To quote the song first made famous by Andy Williams in 1963, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Whether you sing it with a touch of sarcasm as you fight your way through a holiday to-do list the length of your arm, or hum it whimsically everywhere you go, there is no escaping holiday festivities this time of year.
And there is nothing that says “festive” more than a spectacular holiday light display.
Years ago, Mom and Dad loaded my sisters and me into the family station wagon and drove us around to find glowing neighborhoods. And now, my husband surprises me with a car loaded full of hot cocoa, warm blankets and holiday tunes, ready for our own light-finding adventure.
I’m a lifelong sucker for a good holiday light display!
Walking paths, drive-thrus, horse and carriage rides, open trains with the crisp air blowing … sign me up!
You can explore local neighborhoods around Frederick County and the not-to-be missed Sailing Through the Winter Solstice along Carroll Creek Linear Park in Downtown Frederick this holiday season, and still rest your head on your own pillow the same evening.
But if you’re feeling like taking things up a notch, here are a couple of magical light festivals that require a short drive, and might be just the ticket to up your holiday light-viewing game!
First up is Oglebay Park in Wheeling, West Virginia. An easy, 3.5-hour drive northwest from Frederick. It’s really worth the travel any time of year, but especially during the holidays. The Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights is next level! The display began in 1985 and has grown into one of the nation’s largest holiday light shows. More than 1 million visitors each year flock to the festival to enjoy more than 300 acres of lights over a 6-mile drive through the park. But what takes this one up a notch? All the extra holiday cheer! The park includes the Good Zoo — the only institution in West Virginia accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums — that is also adorned with lights, as well as various restaurants. The beautifully renovated onsite Wilson Lodge is also festooned
with holiday cheer. Some of the experiences are free, while others have a fee associated. Oglebay offers some sweet holiday packages that make it a great family getaway to help ignite your holiday spirit! https://oglebay.com
Next is Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center , just two hours southeast of Frederick in Solomons, Maryland. The Annmarie Garden in Lights event is really quite magical! You’ll want to bundle up and wear comfy shoes, as most of this light show is outside. Nearly 35,000 visitors seek holiday cheer at this festival each year. The selfpaced walking tour leads visitors along marked pathways throughout the garden, which are artfully lined with creative holiday light sculptures
depicting everything from traditional holiday tableaus to whimsical underwater scenes! Each year the staff adds new and unusual displays, so no year is ever the same! Along with the light show, the event includes holiday pop-up shops, food & drink service as well as additional holiday exhibits, shopping and restrooms in The Arts Building.
Garden in Lights opens Friday, Nov. 29, and continues through Monday, Jan. 1. Advance timedentry tickets are required for all guests. From Dec. 4-18, your Garden in Lights event ticket will include admission to a charming ode to Christmases past with a delightful O-scale train display that invites guests of all ages to linger and explore a miniature landscape featuring a winter village, an animal park, princesses and more. Come Dec. 21, the Lego Holiday Village Display moves in, featuring festive
houses and architecture as well as winter trees, caves, and other natural elements. Guests will be delighted by the exceptional creativity of the Lego builders! The exhibits will be on display during the day and evenings, but to enter the garden after 5 p.m., you’ll need to purchase tickets to the light show. Ticket prices vary for members and nonmembers, and as proud members of the Museums for All program, they have specialty pricing for SNAP card holders. https://www.annmariegarden.org
No matter which direction you decide to aim your transportation vehicle of choice, (I still love me a good 1980s wood-paneled station wagon … I call dibs on the rear-facing way-back seat!) there are lots of holiday adventures to be had and warm memories to be made!
L'Arche Frederick stands as a powerful testament to what can happen when people come together with a shared vision of respect, dignity and mutual support. This vibrant intentional community and human services provider fosters an environment where adults — with or without intellectual or developmental disabilities — live, work and grow together as equals.
Part of the L'Arche network, which began in France in 1964, L’Arche Frederick challenges societal norms around disability. Founder Jean Vanier believed that everyone, regardless of abilities, has something valuable to contribute. The movement has blossomed into a network of 156 communities across 38 countries.
At the heart of L’Arche Frederick are core members — adults with disabilities who have chosen to make this community their home. The term “core” comes from the French word
coeur, meaning "heart," reflecting that these individuals are at the heart of L’Arche’s mission.
Supporting them are assistants — some of whom live alongside the core members — who share life’s daily moments and responsibilities. They assist with home maintenance, meal preparation, finances, medical care and more. Their role is not to do things for the core members, but to do things with them, fostering a spirit of collaboration and equality.
After dedicating 13 years to various roles within L’Arche’s thriving Greater Washington, D.C. community, Megan Guzman took the helm as L’Arche Frederick’s founding community leader/executive director in March 2020.
L’Arche Frederick’s story began about 13 years ago when a group of local volunteers started meeting in Emmitsburg. They were part of a growing movement to create alternatives to
care institutions, which were closing due to their troubling history of abuse and neglect.
“These pioneers understood the need for living as peers to nurture authentic relationships and friendships,” Guzman said.
Guzman relocated to Frederick for her new role, excited at the opportunity to witness how a community forms from the ground up. However, just as things were taking off, the unexpected challenge of the pandemic struck. “Getting to know my new community on Zoom was tough,” she admitted.
Once the pandemic restrictions eased, L’Arche Frederick purchased its first home. “We made some renovations, and navigated the licensing and certification process to ensure compliance and quality,” Guzman said.
Now, the first two core members are moving into the six-bedroom house. Three assistants, who will help cultivate the home’s unique culture, will join them. Plans are under way for a second fully ADAcompliant home.
The community has been “incredibly gracious and welcoming,” Guzman noted. “We want to be good neighbors, and help change public perceptions of people with disabilities and the stigma surrounding group homes.”
Beyond residential life, L’Arche Frederick holds nearly 40 inclusive social events each year, including suppers, picnics, art activities, and group outings to the Baker Park Band Shell Summer Concert Series.
Nearby Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church opens its doors for a monthly Friday night social gathering. And to raise funds, the muchanticipated eighth annual Let it Shine Extravaganza variety show is scheduled for Oct. 19 at Frederick Community College’s JBK Theatre.
-by Ellyn Wexler
L'Arche Frederick 240.698.0424 larchefrederick.org
