FiND iT FREDERiCK - Summer 2023

SUMMER 2023

JoJo’s offers a unique new-american style dining experience with both a casual dining room and cozy tap house. Our menu features 26 rotating beers on tap, and a full bar with an excellent selection of wine, whiskey, and craft cocktails. A private dining area is also available for those looking to host special events such as rehearsal dinners and business luncheons. Varying menu specials are presented daily, and with a little something for everyone, we invite you to stop by anytime!

Please check out our Daily, Weekly and Monthly Specials and News on our website https://jojosrestauranttaphouse.com/ • and check us out on

ENTERTAINMENT

HOMEGROWN FREDERICK CRAFT

BEVERAGE EXPERIENCE STAGE

Carroll Creek Urban Park | Entrance at S. Market Street

Noon to 5:00 PM | $5 Cover Charge

Valid I.D. required.

Under 21 admitted with parents or guardians

99 9 WFRE FREE COUNTRY

2ND STREET STAGE

Intersection of E. 2nd & N. Market Streets

MARYLAND PHYSICIANS CARE

3RD STREET STAGE

Intersection of W. 3rd & N. Market Streets

BLOCK BY BLOCK MARKET STREET | 11 AM - 5 PM

PIVOT PHYSICAL THERAPY SPORTS BLOCK

Patrick to Church Street

Featuring the H Mart Art Block Dance Floor!

HOMEGROWN FREDERICK CRAFT BEVERAGE EXPERIENCE

in partnership with 106.9 The Eagle

S. side of Carroll Creek Urban Park | Entrance at S. Market Street

Valid ID required. Under 21 admitted with parents or guardians.

7TH STREET KIDS CIRCUS ZONE in partnership with Theatricks Intersection of W. 7th & N. Market Streets

Visit CelebrateFrederick.com or call 301-600-2841 for more details!

SEEK& FIND

MUSINGS

EDITOR

Hello, Frederick!

Welcome to this special edition of Find iT Frederick magazine, in which we celebrate more than 15 years of showing you all the best that Frederick County has to offer!

Though I didn’t have the pleasure of helping to launch this great publication 15 years ago, I’ve been here a while.

I joined the team a few years later, right around the time the photo on this page was taken by our dear friend, MK, of Mary Kate McKenna Photography. You see those kids? Well, they don’t look like that anymore… as they say, time flies!

As I write this, the cutie in the headband is getting ready to start her first year of high school and that little blondie in the striped sweater is about to earn his driver’s license and begin his senior year. My husband Dave and I started our family in Frederick more than 20 years ago. And we and our kids have been fortunate to live and grow up in Frederick and bask in all its amazing shops, eateries, parks, theaters, and PEOPLE.

We love this place. And I love helping to tell its stories.

One of my favorite things to do is to explore all the corners of Frederick County and find awesome places and spaces that very few people know about. To talk to all the interesting people who make their lives here and hear about their passions and projects. And to write about it all, so you can learn about it all, too.

Being the editor of this fun magazine has given me the opportunity to know and love Frederick even more deeply, and for that I am eternally grateful. So, enjoy this special edition of Find iT Frederick, and as always, please reach out and tell me about a person or a place or an event that we should highlight on these pages. You can email me at molly@pulsepublishing.net.

Molly Fellin Spence, Executive Editor

TEAM PULSE

SUMMER 2023

VOLUME 17

ISSUE 1

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ana Lazo Eastep

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shuan Butcher, Chris Slattery, Ty Unglebower, Ellyn Wexler

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sean Reel, Spence Photographics

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.

Walking into Nutrition 4 Ur Mind, a healthy-beverage bar in Frederick, right away you will find the walls and décor as bold and colorful as the wide range of healthy drinks available on their menu.

Vibrant greens and lush purples welcome you on your way to the counter to place your order for cold fruit smoothies, hot energy-boosting teas, creamy shakes and tangy juices.

There is something available to enhance any mood at this shop, located on Ballenger Creek Pike next to Urban-Air Adventure Park.

You could, of course, take your drinks to go, as many do. But the comfortable chairs and warm lighting invite anyone to stick around a while, socialize, do a little writing, or just relax and sip away in front of the Frederick-themed mural wall. With business hours seven days a week, there is plenty of time in any schedule for a visit.

Classes and talks, mostly oriented to health issues and open to the public, also take place in the intimate space.

Education’s not your thing? Plenty of purely social organized events take place in Nutrition 4 Ur Mind as well.

Nutrition 4 Ur Mind

5828 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick d @nutrition_4_ur_mind_llc

Photos by Ty Unglebower

Spice,Spice, BABY!

Frederick-based personal chef Chris Spear has tips on how to turn up the heat and add spice to your summer menus

by Chris Slattery

Summer called, and she wants her recipes back.

The blah burgers, boring beans, seasonless salads — why can’t summer food have more zing?

Frederick-based personal chef Chris Spear has been peppering palates since he started his business, Perfect Little Bites, in 2010. Classically trained at Providence, Rhode Island’s Johnson & Wales University, Spear turned his lifelong obsession with food and its preparation into a career without ever having owned — or even worked in — a restaurant.

More on that later.

And he’s eager to change the way we cook and eat, one perfect little bite at a time.

“I think people should take risks and be more adventurous,” he says. “I see people all the time who have never had, say, Korean food, or authentic Mexican food. They’re not open to trying new things, but what’s the worst that’s going to happen?”

He speaks from experience. Born in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Spear’s stay-at-home mom put

a family dinner on the table every night.

“I grew up with that,” he remembers.

When he was 12, his mother’s disc surgery left her bed-bound for a while, and Spear found himself planning menus with his mom, going grocery shopping with his dad, and heading into the kitchen, solo, to execute. He loved cooking and eating, and his parents loved entertaining, but Chez Spear was far from the culinary cutting edge.

“We ate pretty well, but we definitely had a lot of casseroles; kind of ‘hamburger helper’ stuff, but all made from scratch,” he says, describing a family favorite that involved ground beef and a can of creamed corn.

Chefs! They’re just like us!

The New England rooted family didn’t have what Spear calls “fancy food”— their signature dish was a top-secret baked bean recipe that goes back five generations and may or may not have arrived on the Mayflower.

“I remember, in the ’80s, the first time we had tacos,” says Spear. “That was so weird.”

While the idea of Mexican cuisine is no longer weird to Spear, he understands that not all palates are equally adventurous. And while he loves whipping up kimchi puttanesca and avocado tartar for clients, he recommends that summertime chefs embrace the art of keeping it simple.

“Any time there’s an opportunity to customize I think it’s good,” he says. “Sauce is one of those areas: you can grill a steak, or a piece of chicken or fish, with nothing on it and serve one or two really interesting things — chimichurri sauce — on the side.”

The chef points out that when entertaining guests in a “mixed company scenario” it’s hard to know everyone’s preferences.

“Maybe your entrée is crazy-experimental, but you’ve got a soup, a salad, or side dishes that are not.” A baked potato, he adds, is the perfect accompaniment to a spicy new dish. And plain fare can get a boost from exotic oils and unusual vinegars.

“I’m not a ‘truffle-and-caviar kind of guy,” says Spear. “I’ll get a nice soy sauce, and I’m a fan of good dairy — grass-fed butter, or I’ll spend a couple extra dollars on a nice cheese.

“And I’d rather spend more money on produce. Or buy that $12 loaf of bread from the farmers market, and save money on some other thing, because every slice is amazing, and I’d much rather support a local business and have something that’s top notch.”

A visit to the farmers market, in fact, is top of the list when Spear is asked for his summer cooking tips.

“I think seasonality is huge,” he says. “We’re just coming into farmers’ market season, and I don’t think there’s anything better than what you’re going to find there. I let that be my guide as much as I can, just go and pick out some produce — even if you have to do some googling, ‘what do I do with kohlrabi?’ — and start there.

“If you’re cooking what’s fresh, local and seasonal, that’s a good baseline.”

Spear doesn’t think a great chef has to be someone who’s been to culinary school, especially in a post-pandemic world where many home cooks dove in deep during quarantine.

“The home chefs out there — there are people who are better at things than I am!”

Better than a professional chef?

“Well, I have to be a generalist,” he explains. “But there are people who really latched onto baking bread or making cookies or doing fermented stuff, and they know way more than me.

“I have a friend who works in accounting, and he makes better pizza than I could ever imagine making. He’s just gotten very deep into that niche topic.”

Spear has been a generalist for some time now. He took cooking classes in middle school and high school, then applied only to Johnson & Wales for college.

Background photo: istockphoto.com/metapompa

Inset photos courtesy of Chris Spear

Apple, Fennel & Celery Salad

Time 20 minutes

Servings 8

2 granny smith apples (large, quartered and thinly sliced)

1 fennel bulb (thinly sliced; reserve fronds for garnish)

3 stalks celery (thinly sliced; reserve leaves for garnish)

4 oz ricotta salata or parmesan cheese

Chili flakes (for garnish, if desired)

1 cup Apple Cider Vinaigrette (recipe below)

Mix together apples, fennel and celery. Toss with vinaigrette.

Put the vegetables on plates. Shave ricotta salata/parmesan on a microplane over the salad and garnish with reserved fennel fronds, celery leaves and chili flakes (if using).

Apple Cider Vinaigrette makes about 1 cup

1 tablespoon dijon or whole-grain mustard

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1-2 tablespoons raw honey or brown sugar, to taste

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 tsp kosher salt

Directions:

Blend all of ingredients in a blender or whisk thoroughly.

“I thought I’d become a chef and own a restaurant,” he says.

Instead, his career took him to kitchens in everything but a restaurant: hotels, retirement homes, even the prototype kitchen for IKEA.

Perfect Little Bites started when he decided to create a catering company and cook for dinner parties, birthday celebrations, even bachelorettes at AirBnBs.

“I’m now a personal chef and I actually have a podcast (Chefs Without Restaurants) where I talk to other chefs who don’t have restaurants. The

landscape has evolved so much in the 25 years since I graduated!”

Spear says that as a personal chef he tries to make Perfect Little Bites a business that gives people “food that you can’t get anywhere else.”

But he sees nothing wrong with spicing up summer dinner parties with food you can get at farmers’ markets. And Frederick, he points out, has an abundance of markets, open just about every day of the week.

“At the Sunday market I got a loaf of sourdough bread, and a bottle of olive oil; I got veggies and picked up some meat,” he explains. “My wife got flowers, and we got some cookies. I think that’s a pretty good deal!”

Also in Frederick: Olive & Basket, one of Spear’s go-to spice shops.

“They have a wide variety of olive oils and spices,” he says. “I usually go see Sharon there — she has a Meyer lemon olive oil that I love as a finishing oil. It goes great on dips; I put it on a hummus-type dish. They’ve got oil, vinegar, and spices there, great for both home use and as gifts.”

And whether you gift it, serve it, or hoard it in your fridge, Spear believes that a big bowl of fresh pickled vegetables is summer’s ultimate spicy treat.

“When in doubt, pickle,” he advises. “Whatever you have, I’m a big fan of pickling. I’ve got some pickled jalapeños I’m in the process of making right now. I always have a good garden at home, and if I have a lot of something growing, more than I can use, I’m turning it into pickles.

“It’s super easy. I’m not doing natural fermentation, I’m not doing canning, just six jalapeños, one onion — I will just recreationally use them in our house in a week or two — vinegar, salt, sugar, add fresh herbs if you want.”

Healthy, refreshing, with plenty of zing.

It sounds like the perfect little bite.

Spice photo: istockphoto.com/Alina555

SPICY SPOTS

Here’s where to find ingredients to spice up your cooking, in Frederick!

Olive & Basket Fine Foods and Gifts

5231 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick 240.439.4447 oliveandbasket.com

Frederick Spice & Tea Exchange

8 E. Patrick St., Frederick 301.732.5707 spiceandtea.com/frederick

The Frederick Basket Company

12 N. East St., Frederick 301.696.9345 frederickgiftbasket.com

Downtown Thursday

Farmers Market

Thursdays, 3-6:30 p.m.

April to September

331 N. Market St., Frederick

FSK Mall Farmers Market

Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

April to November

FSK Mall, outside Sears Automotive Center

5500 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick 301.695.5321

IG: @fskfarmersmarket

Farmers Market at NCI-Frederick

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

NCI at Frederick – Fort Detrick

549 Sultan St., Frederick (in front of Building 549) ncifrederick.cancer.gov/programs/ general/farmersmarket

Field Fresh Farmers Market

Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

April to November

The Great Frederick Fair grounds 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick fieldfreshfarmersmarket.com

Frederick City Market

Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

May to November

331 N. Market St., Frederick frederickcitymarket.com

Frederick Farmers Market

Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

April to November

1215 W. Patrick St., Frederick frederickfarmersmarket.com

Key City Food & Farm Market

Fridays, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

May to September

Talley Center at Baker Park

121 N. Bentz St., Frederick FB: facebook.com/ keycityfoodfarm

Urbana Library Farmers’ Market Sundays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

May to October

Urbana Regional Library 9020 Amelung St., Urbana marylandsbest.maryland.gov/ item/urbana-farmers-market

YMCA of Frederick County

Farmers’ Market Tuesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

May to October

YMCA of Frederick County 1000 N. Market St., Frederick frederickymca.org

Background illustrations: istockphoto.com/rangepuppies Sprinkling hand illustration: istockphoto.com/juanmagarcia

Background illustration: istockphoto.com/credit to come

The City of Frederick PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

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

HOURS:

Email:

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POSTERN | ROSEDALE ICE | MINUTEMAN PRESS

The Surprising Allure of

by Melissa Howes-Vitek

Hungry and looking for adventure? Head out on the byways. You never know what delightful treats may be waiting, hidden in the most unlikely of places.

Take the Citgo in Little Orleans, Maryland as an example. On a knoll just above Interstate 68, that same gas station where you can fuel up for your travels is also home to the Oak Barrel Café (OakBarrelCafe.com).

Upon entering the main doors, you're met with a cacophony of cake! A nearly floor to ceiling display case stocked with cream-filled, sprinkle-covered, and iced delights. And that is just the beginning. So much selection!

The cozy layout invites you to head left toward an impressive candy aisle where you'll also find chips, beverages (both soft and hard), or to the right where the friendly staff is happy to take your counter order from a surprisingly diverse menu. The selection includes everything from grain bowls and salads to burgers and subs. Once an order has been placed, if you’re eating in, the staff provides a table number and you head into the charming and well-maintained dining area.

On your way to your table you'll be beckoned by even more displays of fun bottled sodas, jellies, jams and small gift items. Not to mention the ice cream and milkshake counter. The cheerful young lady behind the counter affirmed how she liked having a job that put a smile on so many faces. Her favorite thing by far — sprinkles, on everything!

From the highway, all that can be seen is the solitary Citgo sign, but the shop below greets travelers with a surprisingly charming and welcoming experience. So even if you don’t need to top off the tank, it’s well worth a stop.

Photos by Melissa Howes-Vitek

A Yearn for Yaiyia

Now if you find yourself dreaming of the baklava Yiayia used to make, then plan your next fueling stop at the Exxon in Middletown, located along Old National Pike. Aleko’s Village Cafe (AlekosVillageCafe.com) is tucked inside the station where Greek food aficionados come from near and far to enjoy the offerings of this unassuming eatery.

With fabulous options for both meat eaters and vegetarians, Aleko’s menu is chock full of everyone’s favorites. From the souvlaki to the spanakopita, gyros to baklava, it’s always authentic and consistently fresh and delicious.

Platter prices are reasonable and the portions are generous, so rest assured you won’t leave hungry.

Once you scope out the menu, find your way to the counter and place your order, you’ll notice there isn’t interior seating. There is, however, an outdoor covered patio area where you can claim a table and wait for your order number to be called over the loudspeaker.

You will most likely have enough leftovers for a late-night snack, and you may want to take home an extra side of their tzatziki and pita, because it’s a personal favorite and it’s been well argued that their tzatziki is bar none!

Whether you enjoy your meal on the patio or do take-out to enjoy later with your favorite binge show, the meal will not disappoint.

They’ve Parked the Truck

With several restaurants and food trucks between here and Annapolis, Taqueria Los Primos is a new addition to the Circle K in Walkersville. When you enter the store portion of the station, follow the amazing aroma past the cashier and all the gas station standards back to the restaurant’s counter.

The staff is welcoming and amazingly patient, as it can take a while to absorb everything that is available. A list of daily Mexican soda waters sits on one side, while a case full of Mexican desserts and fruit flank the other. The menu includes the expected burritos, tostadas and fajitas but also offers Lengua (cow tongue) and Tripa (beef stomach) street tacos for the more adventurous diner as well as the not-often-seenlocally authentic gorditas. This walk-up restaurant definitely offers authentic fare that is quick, easy, and very reasonably priced!

Once a selection has been made and paid for, a table number goes with you to your choice of about six or seven tables that sit nestled among the gas station shelving. While this doesn’t signal a highend dining experience, it’s charming in its own way. Fresh flowers on the tables, friendly and attentive staff, and food so reminiscent of trips to Mexico that you just might forget you’re in a gas station in Walkersville.

Photos by Melissa Howes-Vitek

Rustic Elegance & Historic Charm

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.

301-271-4922

13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd. Thurmont, MD 21788

catoctinwildlifepreserve.com

Follow us on social media for park hours and the latest updates. F d

THURMONT

EXPLORE. ENJOY. EXPERIENCE.

No matter your age or interests, Thurmont has something to offer everyone for every season! The scenic beauty of the Catoctin Mountains surrounds our historic Main Street where you will find our Murals on Main, trolley car, & entrance to the Thurmont Trolley Trail. Thurmont is home to Cunningham Falls State Park, Catoctin Mountain Park (home to Camp David), 3 wineries, 3 orchards, & 3 covered bridges. Be sure to dine in one of our locally owned restaurants! The perfect getaway so close to home. Only 60 miles from D.C. and Baltimore, 15 minutes south of Gettysburg.

WINERIES | ARTS | LOCAL DINING | ORCHARDS

Thurmont is ranked as the 2023

Top 10 Most Charming Small Towns in Maryland by World Atlas.

Experience Tacos and Tequila in the heart of downtown Frederick at Agave 137! We’ve got a place perfect for family, friends, co-workers, and sports fans. Our tacos capture flavors from all over and make for the perfect bite every time, but we couldn’t stop there. You can also try sipping through one of the 70+ tequilas and mezcal used in our vibrant cocktail menu. We have you covered with a weekly events line-up filled with specials, live music, and lively weekend nightlife. To put it simply, Agave 137 brings together people, culture, and food.

Happy Hour

Monday-Friday | 3pm-6pm: $3 Select Tacos

OPEN: Sunday-Thursday: 11 AM- 12 AM

Friday & Saturday: 11 AM-1:30 AM

Eats & Entertainment

Cellar Door Restaurant is known for their seasonal cocktail menu, a wide selection of beer and wine, triple-cooked wings and slow roasted brisket.

Nightly entertainment ranges from karaoke, open-mic nights and even comedy shows. Cellar Door also specializes in accommodating private events for all occasions and offers Sunday Brunch from 11:30- 3pm.

The Great Adventure

by Melissa Howes-Vitek

High on a hill, just five minutes from the bustling communities of Urbana and Ijamsville, sits a beautiful 50-acre property now dubbed Hilltop Blooms & Beef.

This family-run farm is the home and business of suburban transplants Lauren and Paul Rohwer. The adventurous duo stepped out in faith to build a life rich in all the wonders of farm life where their young family can grow and thrive.

Background photo courtesy of Hilltop Blooms & Beef

Lauren, who honestly admits that her suburban history left her with a larger learning curve than she expected, has overcome the timidness of a farming newbie and has embraced and absolutely loves her family's new life. But after mucking chicken coops, chasing stray sheep and learning her way around the local farm supply store, Lauren has found that her real calling is in growing, arranging and sharing the unique joy of local, seasonal flowers. She loves serving the community through her arrangements, various off-site workshops and flower subscriptions.

If you've dined at Monocacy Crossing (her favorite local dinner spot), you may have seen her weekly fresh florals gracing their tables. Other Frederick restaurant tables boast her blooms, including Pumpernickel & Rye, which also serves as a pickup location for some of her subscribers.

Background photo istockphoto.com/tirc83

Inset photos courtesy of Hilltop Blooms & Beef

As for the beef, that's Paul's department. While spending the summers of his suburbs-adjacent youth working the hay fields, Paul was a tad more prepared for his family's new undertaking. His exposure to farming led him to a true appreciation for Red Devons. Known for their ruby red coat, Red Devons were one of the earliest breeds of cattle present in North America, arriving on the pilgrim ship Charity in 1623. Their adaptability and toughness make them one of the best breeds for changing climates and makes them the perfect choice for grass-centered production. The Rohwer family raise the animals from birth and Paul works hard to maintain healthy, robust fields to rotate their happy, grass-fed cows.

The Rohwers admit to many bumps, detours and uh-oh moments, but are quick to acknowledge all of the blessings as well! This family's great

adventure in growing flowers and raising cattle has resulted not only in an enriching life for their family but also in the opportunity for others to share in the quality of their products.

Lauren sells her cut flowers through special order direct to customers, floral designers and through a flower subscription. She is happy to discuss custom arrangements and bouquets for special events as well.

Processed and packaged at a trusted USDA facility, the beef is available in 15-, 25- and 30-pound boxes as well as a popular 20-pound specialty box cheekily called "I'd Smoke That!"

Orders for both the blooms and the beef can be placed via their website. Flower subscriptions and beef orders are available for delivery or at various pickup locations, arranged with customers once an order is placed.

hilltopbloomsandbeef.com

F facebook.com/Hilltopbloomsandbeef

d @hilltopbloomsandbeef

Background photo istockphoto.com/brandtbolding Inset photo courtesy of Hilltop Blooms & Beef

Photo by Sean Reel

Some people practice yoga to deal with anger and stress. Some turn to exercise, start meditating, dive into comfort food, toss back a glass or two of Cabernet. Not Crystal Williams-Palmer. She has a different philosophy.

“Throwing dishes at a wall is so cathartic,” the Frederick small-business owner says. “It’s a wonderful coping mechanism.”

It’s pretty on the nose that “Crystal” is WilliamsPalmer’s real name — and it’s no coincidence that she is the owner of Crash & Catharsis Rage Factory on West Patrick Street.

Photo courtesy of C&C Rage Factory

“We provide the weapons, we provide the breakables, and every room has music,” explains Williams-Palmer, who’s been smashing stuff long before she opened C&C Rage Factory in early 2023.

“My best friend since high school called me up one day and said, ‘Let’s break a bell in a bag,’ and it sounded fascinating to me,” she recalls, noting that the friend had been going through a rough patch and that a porcelain bell, a bag, and a hammer (and presumably closed-toed footwear) were a perfect foil to “anger, stress, and rage.”

And now she’s found a way to monetize that.

Because C&C Rage Factory is a place to go and feel better, to shake off the drama and pain with a bit of healthy, harmless destruction, to smash and break things without having to clean up. Singles, couples, and groups show up (walk-ins are accepted if there’s space, but reservations take priority) and one smasher at a time goes into the rage room while the others watch on a live feed.

“We get a lot of friends-supporting-friends,” notes Williams-Palmer. “Through breakups, through hardships. Date nights — always fun to watch — and I’ve had a couple of bachelorette parties, birthday parties, team builders for companies.

“Haven’t had a divorce party yet, but I’m definitely ready!”

Ready with everything from a “rage playlist” to a padded “scream-into-the-abyss room” to “BYOB” sessions — that stands for Bring Your Own Breakables, of course. (One satisfied C&Cer brought the tablescape décor from the wedding reception to smash once the divorce went through.)

“People are so grateful to do this and walk away,” according to Williams-Palmer, whose clientele must be older than 14 (14- to 17-year-olds need to have a parent onsite), sensibly shod (no sandals or Crocs, boots recommended) and wear C&Cprovided safety gear.

“We have such an amazing customer base — it’s been absolutely lovely.”

Sounds smashing.

— by Chris Slattery

Crash & Catharsis Rage Factory 14 W. Patrick Street, Frederick 240-741-2847

F facebook.com/CCRageFactory

d @ccragefactory

The Frederick Arts Council is offering

AFFORDABLE ARTIST STUDIOS for rent in downtown Frederick!

7 N Market St • Frederick, MD 21701

(Formerly BB&T Bank Office Complex)

The Studios Space will house over 30 artists in individual, privately accessible studios. The Space features an elevator for convenient supplies loading and transport, a shared utility sink on each floor, and communal gathering spaces for networking and small classes/activities.

Studios are spacious (over 100 square feet) and many feature beautiful Market & Patrick Street views. Studio artists are invited to show in FAC’s 1 N Market Street Gallery next door.

Currently available units are priced between $300-$400/month.

For more information or to schedule a walkthrough: Emily Holland, FAC Public Art Program Manager emily@frederickartscouncil.org

From broken toes, to puppy teeth, to senior care, we're here to serve the veterinary care needs of your pet with primary, emergency, and specialty care.

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FUN FUN

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What We Offer

Photo courtesy of Gwendolyn Ottinger

ARTIST PROFILE:

wen Ottinger creates functional, oneof-a-kind planters, dinnerware and home décor using her own two hands, some clay and a potter’s wheel.

Ottinger, who lives in Ijamsville, has gained quite a following in Frederick, Baltimore and beyond for her beautifully crafted pottery, particularly her planters.

“As a potter, I relish the challenge of making the most functional object also a thing of beauty and longevity,” she says. “My hope is that my pieces will live in the owner’s home and life as a daily reminder of our connection to each other and nature. I want the user to feel the mark of my hand in the work as a way to connect to their own humanity and our shared history.”

As many of us became slightly obsessed with houseplants during the pandemic, Ottinger capitalized on the opportunity to provide fun, colorful, creative and functional pots to contain those plants. Selling her wares on Instagram and Facebook, and delivering purchases to people’s porches, helped the lifelong artist share her work during a time when in-person craft fairs were nonexistent.

“Pottery is an artform that lasts for hundreds, even thousands, of years and is passed down in families and through friends to mark milestones and celebrations,” she says. “I want my work to compel the user to consider moments they take to use and enjoy my handmade work to be a small celebration of their life and the world they are creating for themselves.”

Born and raised in the City of Frederick, Ottinger attended the Frederick County Public Schools Academy of Fine Arts for high school and took her first ceramics class at Frederick Community College.

She went on to earn a bachelor of fine arts degree, with a concentration in ceramics, from East. Carolina University and apprenticed with Rebecca Moy at Greenbridge Pottery and completed an artist residency at Hood College under Joyce Michaud.

“One of the gratifying aspects of working in a functional art form is the connection with people and hearing their stories about your work being a part of their daily life,” she says. “After college I worked at Tammy’s Garden, a nursery in Walkersville. This is where I started designing my

own planters and falling in love with the process of creating planters for houseplants. I love finding a beautiful combination of the planter, the plant and the place for them to exist as a work of art.”

In 1998, Ottinger relocated to Asheville, North Carolina and set up a home studio in the mountains and spent her time teaching and creating pottery as well as raising a family. Sixteen years later, she moved home to Frederick County, setting up a new studio at her home in Ijamsville, where she continues to create.

“Like many potters, I am inspired by the material itself, nature and the place where form and function meet,” she says. “I am lucky to live and work surrounded by the woods, in a place where I can look around and be inspired by the shape of a leaf, texture of tree bark, or the clouds racing across the sky.

Ottinger is currently working full-time in her home studio while also raising her two daughters, three stepchildren and a multitude of pets. She and her husband, Rick, enjoy visiting art galleries, traveling, hiking, gardening and cooking together.

You can find her work online or locally at Take Root Plants on East Street or The Muse on Market Street in Frederick.

“The best thing about selling locally is hearing from customers about picking up a mug at the Muse as a gift for a friend or when they find the perfect planter for their plant addiction at Take Root,” she says. “I have been fortunate to be included at many popups in the area, where I get to meet customers in person. Several new customers from online sales during the pandemic have become my in-person friends, and I am truly grateful for that connection and the support of the community.”

Gwen Ottinger Studio Pottery gwenottingerpottery.com

Photo courtesy of Gwendolyn Ottinger

ALFRESCO DINING

FREDERICK SOCIAL

50 Citizens Way, Frederick, 240-6298525; frederick-social.com

Downtown Frederick's first self-pour taphouse and eatery is outfitted with garage doors opening to an expansive patio on Carroll Creek. Experience 50 craft beers, wine and cocktails on tap, bite into a variety of healthy food options, play board games with friends or just sit back and enjoy the view.

LA PAZ

51 S. Market St., Frederick, 301-694-8980; lapazmex.com

La Paz has served Downtown Frederick for more than 45 years! Relax and have a delicious meal on La Paz's beautiful, spacious patio with one of their famous margaritas, chips and salsa or other Mexican dishes.

Photos courtesy of La Paz

Photos courtesy of Frederick Social

Basil: istockphoto.com/Bozena_Fulawka

TRUTH AND BEAUTY

50 Carroll Creek Way, Suite 110, Frederick 301-682-2480; truthandbeautymd.com info@truthandbeautymd.com

Check out Truth and Beauty's updated patio, where they grow their own herbs and vegetables to include in their delicious dishes.

111 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 301-624-1052; Cucina Massi is a true classic Italian restaurant with three dining rooms, an upstairs bar and event space, and patio seating. Located in the heart of downtown Frederick, Cucina Massi serves up meals and memories that transport guests to Italy.

Bottom right and inset photos courtesy of Cucina Massi

Top right photo courtesy of Truth & Beauty

ALFRESCO DINING

RIVER BAR AND GRILL

129 N. Market St., Frederick, 240-575-9318; riverbargrill.com

Discover River Bar and Grill on North Market Street in Downtown Frederick. Indulge in authentic Mexican and Salvadoran cuisine, while enjoying their inviting patio seating and delightful selection of cocktails.

CUGINO FORNO

1705 N. Market St., Suite 100 Frederick, 240-575-9903

cuginoforno.com

Cugino Forno offers a true Neapolitanstyle pizzeria experience, with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy summer days. Bring your furry friend to join you. We have plenty of drink options including Italian wines and local draft beers. Dessert selections include the best gelato in Frederick.

Bottom and inset photos courtesy of River Bar and Grill

Top and inset photos courtesy of Cugina Forno

FREDERICK (TJ) OFFICE

87 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 101, Frederick, MD 21702

HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm; Walk-Ins 8-8:30am

Saturday, 9am–noon (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

SIBTE A. KAZMI, MD LLC

Dr. Sibte A. Kazmi, MD is a health care provider primarily located in Frederick, MD. He has 32 years of experience. His specialties include Internal Medicine and General Practice.

• Compassionate and dedicated to his profession

• Offers telemedicine

• All insurances accepted except Kaiser Permanente

• Currently accepting MEDICARE

Sibte

Photo by Molly Fellin Spence

Downtown Frederick has a new, chic vintage marketplace that you could lose yourself in for hours.

Sweet Clover, one of our favorite shops-in-a-barn that started out selling mostly antiques a few weekends each year in the outskirts of the city, now has a downtown location anyone can visit every weekend.

Whether you’re searching for a bright, punchy decorative pillow to add that pop of color to your bedroom or living room, or are in the market for a unique pair of earrings (beaded mini bottle of gin for your ears, anyone?), this is the place to visit.

From the moment you walk into Sweet Clover, it is easy to become slightly overwhelmed. The colors! The textures! The options!

Vintage finds are mixed with modern-day treasures and the store is loosely organized by theme. Wander through an array of cocktail-related items and find vintage antique bottle toppers next to a huge variety of cocktail mix-ins, gorgeous glassware and recipe books that inspire your next great drink.

I promise you’ll find at least a dozen things you need, and a dozen more you’ll want to give as gifts. And you’ll be inspired by their elaborate home furnishing displays to redo your dining room or living room using a fabulous antique hutch or stunning sofa for sale on the floor.

Toward the rear of the shop peruse a selection of gourmet honey, and enjoy a sample while you’re at it. Keep going down a short hallway and find some of the funniest wallpaper around (a bubble-gumblowing Ben Franklin? Why not!).

Kantha blankets, Turkish towels, colorful caftans, and cute socks will all call to you, “buy me!”

So, grab your wallet and make sure to budget enough time to browse all that Sweet Clover’s new downtown location has to offer.

OVER

Photo courtesy of Visit Loudoun

VIRGINIA

THE EDGE Leesburg

A visit to hip and historic Leesburg

by Ellyn Wexler

Hip and historic

Leesburg, Virginia, is about a 35-minute drive from Frederick. It’s an easy day trip, at about 25 miles one way, but a long weekend stay may be best for taking in all that Loudoun County’s county seat offers.

Founded in 1758 at the crossroads of two Native American trails near the Potomac River, Leesburg is flanked to the north by Morven Park’s grand mansions and landscaped and to the south by Oatlands Historic House & Gardens. Its downtown features 18th- and 19th- century buildings that have been repurposed as cocktail bars, craft breweries, artisanal coffee shops, art galleries, and chic boutiques. King Street is known as “restaurant row.”

Bisecting the town is the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail, a 45-mile paved walking, running, biking and skating trail built on the former railroad’s roadbed.

HistoricSites & Museums

Dodona Manor (312 E. Market St., georgecmarshall.org/dodona) is the restored home of Gen. George C. Marshall, the Nobel Peace Prize winner who served variously as Army Chief of Staff, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and architect of the Marshall Plan that helped Europe recover after WWII.

The historic house is a National Historic Landmark. Docent-led tours of the interior are offered on weekends.

Known as Loudoun’s Central Park, the 1,000-acre Morven Park (17195 Southern Planter Lane, morvenpark.org) features the early 20th century Greek Revival mansion where Virginia Gov. Westmoreland Davis lived from 1903 to 1942. Original furnishings and décor include 16th century Belgian tapestries, Spanish cassones (marriage chests), hundreds of silver pieces, Hudson River Valley paintings, and Asian treasures. The Museum of Hounds & Hunting occupies three rooms. Guided tours of the mansion are offered on weekends. The grounds have formal boxwood gardens, hiking trails, and the premier competition venue International Equestrian Center.

Photos courtesy of Visit Loudoun

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens (20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, oatlands.org), a 1798 estate and National Trust Historic Site, has a Greek Revival mansion that was home to two prominent families. George Carter, a descendant of one of Virginia’s first families, inherited 3,408 acres of prime farmland, and used the plantation mostly for wheat production based on a slave economy. Corcoran and Edith Eustis restored the mansion, and gave it to the public. The 400 acres of terraced gardens and grounds — including the 4.5-acre walled formal gardens and 20 original structures — are open daily. A $10 pass allows a full day of self-guided exploration. Picnics are encouraged.

Available by appointment, are guided tours of the gardens, the mansion, and enslavement at Oatlands. Oatlands hosts horse races and history talks, as well as teas and dinner theatre productions in The Carriage House.

The Loudoun Museum (16 Loudoun St., SW, loudounmuseum.org), the official repository for Loudoun County’s history, offers changing exhibits and children's programs. On display are “Caught in the Maelstrom of Civil War: Loudoun County Divided,” “A Fragile Republic 1800-1825,” “Vintage Pursuits Cultivating A Virginia Wine Industry,” the Yardley Taylor Interactive Map 1853 story map, and the Lucas-Heaton Letters and Story Map.

Two miles northeast of Leesburg is Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park (novaparks.com/parks/balls-bluff-battlefield), the site of one of Loudoun’s largest Civil War engagements. It has the country’s thirdsmallest national cemetery, an interpretive trail, signage, and an amazing view of the bluff overlooking the Potomac River. Guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, April through November; a free brochure outlines a self-guided walking tour of the park.

Wine and Beer

Wine Trail: Leesburg’s 13 wineries are known for producing excellent wines and spectacular Catoctin Mountain and Potomac River views. The top five are: Bluemont Vineyard, Fabbioli Cellars; Quattro Goomba’s, The Barns of Hamilton Station, and Stone Tower Winery

Beer Crawl: Six downtown breweries are within walking distance of each other: Loudoun Brewing Company, Black Hoof Brewing Company, Crooked Run Fermentation, Black Walnut, Dynasty Brewing Company and Delirium Belgian Beer Café

Photos courtesy of Visit Loudoun

Special Events

TASTE Leesburg: Local restaurants, food trucks, farm markets and area breweries and wineries offer tastes of their best fare on Saturday, Aug. 12, 5-10 p.m. Stop at food tents in the marketplace or food trucks at the drive-in; then take a table in the Eatery while listening to live music on two stages. Buy directly from vendors or prepay for an unlimited tastings wristband. leesburgva.gov/departments/ parks-recreation/events/taste-leesburg

The Leesburg Airshow is set for Sept. 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Leesburg Executive Airport. Tarmac attractions include antique planes and helicopters, and demonstrations and talks on aeronautics, space exploration and the universe from Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Explainers Program members. Aerial performances begin at 1 p.m. Free shuttle buses run from primary parking locations. leesburgva.gov/departments/parks-recreation/ events/leesburg-airshow

Walking Tours

Five free tours — African American History; Highlights of Historic Leesburg; Leesburg Public Art; Loudoun County War Memorials; Women’s History — are available at https://townleesburg. stqry.app/.

Photos courtesy of Visit Loudoun

At

OFFERING:

MARYLAND GOLF at its finest

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.

CLUSTERED SPIRES

........ $43

Most people know this indisputable fact — beer and burgers are a classic combo. They go together like peas and carrots (shout out, Forrest Gump!).

Lucky for Frederick, the classic combo of burgers and beers is now a little bit easier to come by, all in one place, on North Market Street.

Famed burger truck Fifty Fifty now has a permanent location at the back of Olde Mother Brewing Co., a brilliant move for both.

Grab a fresh pour from Olde Mother’s selection of IPAs, lagers, pilsners or ciders, then head to the rear of the building, where burger chefs and tons of German-style picnic tables await.

Place your order on one of Fifty Fifty’s touchscreen menus, and in minutes you’ll be chowing down on burgers and fries while tossing back your beer.

Fifty Fifty and Olde Mother definitely go together like peanut butter and jelly.

And speaking of peanut butter, have you ever had it on a burger? Well, we have, and it is, shockingly, absolutely crazy delicious!

The oddly named PBPBB&B (that’s peanut butter, pickles, beef & bacon burger) sort of sounds like a risky choice, but your risk will pay off. All the flavors — spicy, a little bit sweet, crunchy, salty and a teeny bit greasy — marry together into a five-napkin feast.

Fifty Fifty makes all their burgers with a mix of both beef and bacon, and you can top any of them with lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, pickles,

Photos by Molly Fellin-Spence

candied jalapeño peppers, Fifty Fifty sauce, bourbon molasses, ketchup, mayo, mustard, or BBQ sauce at no additional charge.

Impossible burgers, kid-size burgers and chicken burgers are all on the menu as well.

And don’t forget the fries!

Sweet potato wedges are coated with cinnamon sugar and served with housemade blueberry ketchup. Wild! But yummy!

Traditional fries come with Old Bay (of course! This is Maryland!) and Fifty Fifty Sauce.

No matter what you order, expect it to be hot, fresh and delicious. And paired beautifully with a brew.

Fifty Fifty

Inside Olde Mother Brewing Co.

526 N. Market St., Frederick fiftyfiftyburger.com

d @fiftyfiftyburger

TheArtof Beauty

We offer a variety of luxurious and rejuvenating facials and body services

• European Facials & Customized Skin Care Treatments

• Therapeutic Massage

• Face & Body Waxing

• Eyebrow & Eyelash Coloring

• NovaLash Eyelash Extensions

• Nail Services

• Airbrush Tanning

We Carry Dermalogica and Dr. Temt Skin Care and Jane Iredale Make-Up

Call 240-629-8905 or visit TheArtOfBeautySkincareAssociates.com for a full listing of services and pricing

During Covid -19 and always the health, wellness and safety of our guests and that of our staff are our top priority. Please be assured that we will always follow state required standards for cleanliness. For our specific protocol and guidelines please call us at 240-629-8905.

Conveniently located close to Rt.15 on Rosemont Avenue

the Pulse Publishing team was ready to launch the very first issue of FiND iT FREDERiCK magazine. Created to be an easy to carry guide meant to highlight Frederick County’s small business and help shine a light on the creative energy that was really percolating.

Launch day was July 7, 2007 and piggybacked on First Saturday’s festivities. What would readers think about this unusually sized, vibrantly designed magazine that occasionally served information with a side of snark?

We vividly remember the weeks leading up to the moment the public would get their first glance of this new, artsy take on Frederick County. We lined up prizes for giveaways, printed special T-shirts, stuffed goody bags…oh did we stuff goody bags! The office building stairs nearly glowed with the rows and rows of bright teal blue and lime green gift bags. Launch day was a proud day that was only trumped by seeing actual visitor’s carrying our fun sized magazine around town months AND years later!

This issue not only marks our journey through the past 15 years, a retrospective if you will, but it also serves as a great chance to freshen things as we head into our 16th year of publication.

We would be terribly remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the many hands that make this milestone possible. The brave advertisers who jumped on board during the very first issue with just the promise of “It’s gonna be so cool, we promise!” Many of those advertisers STILL stand with us today! Thank you to all the advertisers, nonprofits and contributors who, without you, this couldn’t have happened.

While the staff and contributors have changed throughout the years, the goal remains the same…to invite visitors and residents to go explore this great county of ours and, well…FiND iT!

Signed,

Melissa Howes-Vitek (Founding Editor) and The Grateful Staff of Pulse

Join us as we do a ReWiND and go back to visit a few of the places that were highlighted in the very first issue and see how they’ve changed and thrived through the last 15 years!

After months of editing copy, approving photography and tweaking the design,

Photo by Ty Unglebower

“Functional art at its finest,” is how the first issue of this magazine described the eclectic, locally produced merchandise for sale in a popular downtown store that opened in 2003, a store that remains open, in the exact same spot, as I write this in 2023.

WiNDRe THE MUSE

by Ty Unglebower

Situated in Downtown Frederick between The Perfect Truffle and Molly’s Meanderings is The Muse

The front window of the shop looking out onto Market Street reads:

“Handmade. Local. Functional.”

This refers to both the art sold and the community served by the business and its staff of three, all women. Ownership may have changed in the last several years, but the commitment to these three fundamental principles has not.

My conversation with longtime Muse employee and vendor, Kellie Ketron, only confirmed this commitment.

Photos

c ourtesy of The Muse

Top raven

photo by Ty Ungelbower

“It’s great to be one of the first local shops to do things this way,” Kellie told me.

The business model and community connection have remained the heartbeat of The Muse from its first days, but some of the shop’s focus has shifted since Sumner Crenshaw took over ownership in 2020.

“We’re moving toward younger artists and consumers,” Kellie said.

Those artists, Kellie among them, provide The Muse with quality, niche and customized items of home décor, clothing and accessories, selected stationery, jewelry and a diversity of other products.

A couple of customers at the shop during my visit deemed their mission to find as many locally made items as possible with a vanilla fragrance. They deemed their experience a great success upon their departure.

Diversity is the operative word for not just the products, but also the artists themselves. Today the shop strives to connect with and particularly promote artisans that are people of color, as well as those that identify as queer in some way. Qualified artisans that fall into both categories are especially embraced by The Muse, their work moved into the brightest spotlight.

Pride flags and other symbols are indeed a common element to much of the merchandise. Kellie was quick to emphasize that the queer-friendly atmosphere was not merely a product of the current owner. Previous ownership was just as accepting of the queer community.

That being said, the shop embraces a more activist, “in your face,” stance now than during its earlier days just starting out.

“The pandemic made a lot of people more willing to say more of what they thought of everyone,” Kellie said. By her own description, some of the art sold at the Muse now is perhaps a bit more “vulgar” in the sense of righteous indignation that one might have found on the shelves 15 years ago.

“More swear words,” Kellie says.

To put it another way, the COVID-19 pandemic in some ways emboldened ownership and staff. This pivot may help explain why the business still thrives despite Crenshaw taking over literally days before a worldwide pandemic lockdown.

During a visit to The Muse customers can note boldness. Humor. A certain gentleness. A playful persona without being flippant. Quality without snobbery.

The presence of a place like The Muse no doubt would improve any city or town wishing to couple community and creativity with their commerce.

It was true in 2008, and equally if not even more true today.

Photos by Molly Fellin Spence

ReViSiT

Venus on the Half Shell

The bold, vibrant displays in the windows and outside Venus on the Half Shell have stopped traffic on Frederick’s West Patrick Street for three decades.

In business since 1996, the vibrant vintage shop continues to delight with its offerings of distinct, one-of-a-kind vintage and antique jewelry, housewares, shoes, accessories and clothing.

Owner Jennifer Stillrich recently celebrated 27 years in business, first opening the shop as a fun project with a friend, but finding the idea evolving and taking shape over the years.

Stepping inside her roomy, unique, lovingly curated vintage shop on the corner of Maxwell Alley is like stepping back in time.

Beautiful beaded handbags hang together looking much like a museum display. But you don’t have to just look! You can buy!

Each item is tagged with a handwritten, quirky description, imagining the person who may have once owned each item, or prodding perusers to imagine themselves as the item’s new owner.

Colorful costume jewelry draws you in.

Giant colorful floral brooches. Pearl-studded pins. Silver cowboy boot-shaped earrings with a rhinestone rainbow accent.

Photos by Molly Fellin Spence

Pass by a gorgeous vintage sofa surrounded by dangling plants and interesting lamps and walk into the long rows packed with an array of men’s and women’s clothing.

Vintage ringer tees harken from Frederick mainstays such as St. John the Evangelist Church, or proclaim “I’m a relic of the 60s.”

Here you can find the perfect Halloween costume, a chic outfit for a formal event, or the best buttery leather jacket or boots you’ve been searching for all your life.

Beaded gowns? Check.

Silky chemise nightgowns? Yep.

Rows and rows of perfectly worn-in denim? They’ve got it.

Ugly-yet-cool wool or beaded blazers? Uh huh.

It’s a pleasure to spend an hour or more moving through the racks at Venus on the Half Shell, finding something you never knew you wanted, and spending some cash to bring a few treasures home.

Venus on the Half Shell

101 E. Patrick St., Frederick 301.662.6213

Photos by Molly Fellin Spence

ReViSiT

F rederick W ineT rail has EVOLVED

to Include Craft Breweries and Distilleries

By Shuan Butcher

Background photo: istockphoto.com/Grafikactiva

Overlayed photos: istockphoto.com/Floortje

EVOLVED

With its similarities in terrain, landscape and climate, to the Rhine River region of Germany, it is no surprise that Frederick County has also become a mecca for viniculture.

When German settlers started to place roots in Frederick about 275 years ago, the rolling hills and rich soil in the area must have reminded them of their native land, including the wine-growing villages of the Palatinate wine region.

Some of the first grapes were planted here back in the 1970s and vineyards and wineries have continued to open in the decades since.

In 2007, three local wineries – Elk Run, Loew, and Linganore – came together to form the Frederick Wine Trail, the first in the state.

Louis Loew, of Loew Vineyards , credits Carol Wilson of Elk Run Winery as the catalyst.

“It was her idea,” Loew said. Carol’s passing and the pandemic stifled the activities of the wine trail

Inset top photo by Shuan Butcher, middle photo by Cindy Butcher, bottom photo courtesy of Loew's Vineyard, background: istockphoto

For starters, the next generation of Frederick winemakers are making an imprint in the industry. Rachel Lipman now works alongside her grandmother, Lois Loew, in operating Loew Vineyards in the Mount Airy area. She is a fifthgeneration winemaker and a third generation Maryland vintner. She has fond memories of growing up at the winery. “I loved spending time with my grandpa and one way to do that was to make wine.”

Lipman, who has been full-time at the vineyard since 2018, wants to provide guests with a great product and experience, and also to showcase her family’s history.

In 2021, Loew Vineyards underwent a massive remodeling of their production facility which included new tanks and chillers. “This expansion allows us to make more wine,” Lipman said. “It will help improve quantity as well as quality.” They hope to remodel the tasting room in the future as well.

Last year, 2,500 cases of wine were produced at Loew Vineyards, including several varieties and blends. The European influenced wines have received awards at the state, national, and international level. “We were recently recognized as the best chardonnay in the state.”

As for the wine trail, the concept hasn’t changed much. There is a close relationship among all the wineries.

“It is a very collaborative environment. There is a sense of camaraderie. There is a fellowship in knowing that others know what you are going through,” Lipman said. Competition isn’t really a factor, because each winery has a different business model. “We want to see each other do well… if one does well it helps us all.”

What has changed is that several wineries have been added to the mix. There are 14 wineries in Frederick County, with an estimated 100 acres of grapes planted here.

Background photo by Shuan Butcher, inset photo courtesy of Loew's Vineyard

And the wine trail has grown to include more than vineyards. Visit Frederick promotes an equal number of craft breweries plus a half dozen craft distilleries that offer whiskey, gin, rum and vodka products. In addition, Distillery Lane Ciderworks was the first licensed cidery in Maryland.

McClintock Distilling , located in Downtown Frederick, has been in operation for seven years, and is well known for its gins, according to co-founder Braeden Bumpers. The Forager Gin is still the spirit maker’s biggest seller. McClintock is the first and still the only certified organic distillery in the state.

“Our mission is focused on restoring the heritage of distilling,” Bumpers said. “Maryland rye was once considered the best in the nation. But now, most are genetically modified.” So they use heirloom varietals and work with farms that use no pesticides.

The landscape of craft distilleries in Maryland has exploded. McClintock was one of 12 founding members of the Maryland Distillers Guild and now there are about 50 members.

Inset photos courtesy of McClintock Distilling

Background photo: istockphoto.com/IakovKalinin

offers several unique flavored spirits. This family venture pays homage to their native customs and traditions. “In Puerto Rico, every family has their own blend,” said co-owner Albita Rivera. “When there is a party, instead of bringing a bottle of wine you bring your

Rivera owns the business with her husband, Angel, who is retired military, and daughter Crystal, who is the distiller. The idea first came after the 2107 hurricane that devastated their native island. They made the big jump and were ready to open up, then the pandemic hit. “Our first product ended up

To perfect their product, the Rivera family learned the distilling process with a traditional moonshiner based in the Puerto Rico mountains. The Rivera family uses some of that company’s rum to supplement their own. The process is not done in a barrel. Instead, they either use a glass container or stainless steel. The spirit is filtered before it goes into a bottle and is clear and pretty.

When Puerto Rico Distillery started, they began with just one flavor. “The tradition is to have multiple flavors,” Rivera said. Their original, and traditional flavor, includes a mix of raisins, plums, and cranberries. Now, they have 12 flavors, including almond, coffee and coconut.

Frederick County’s wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries are quintessentially local. They are family-owned and each one is unique. You can see how the hands have created and crafted the products and also support a local business. In many cases, you can enjoy the bucolic countryside vistas or the repurposed historic structures while enjoying libations for yourself.

Find out more visitfrederick.org/frederick-wine-trail