Feb 2014 recreation news

Page 1

Recreation THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RECGOV.ORG & GOVEMPLOYEE.COM February 2014

Volume 32/Number 2

www.recreationnews.com

News

Romantic escapes... What’s not to love?

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A Getaway for Two to Berks County Jazz Festival or the Poconos’ Cove Haven Resort

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Talbot County’s romantic inns • Virginia Wine Expo • Cruise corner Winter at Blackwater Falls • Harriet Tubman Byway • Florida sampler


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2 recreation news I february 2014 I recreationnews.com


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editor’s note I marvin bond

Who said there’s nothing to do this winter?

Increasingly, cities, towns, and resorts strive to reach beyond the shoulder seasons to attract visitors. Previously, a month like February offered limited opportunities for travel unless you headed to a ski resort or took a major jaunt to warmer climes like Florida or the Caribbean. We offer some ideas on Florida destinations this month (the picture is from Truman’s Little White House in Key West), but there are lots of alternatives. Today, you don’t have to travel quite so far for mid-winter fun. The ski slopes still call to skiers, of course, but there are plenty of other things to do in the Mid-Atlantic to ward off the mid-winter blues. Resorts offer pampering packages that include spas and heated pools. Cities and towns throughout the region celebrate the season with

imaginative events like the Fire and Ice celebration in Frederick, Md., and Pennsylvania’s largest ice festival in Chambersburg. But winter is also an ideal time to take in any of the countless museums you never seem to get to when the warmer weather lures you outdoors. Even if you’re not a fine art fan, we live in a region rich with museums of every stripe. You can peruse the “nation’s attic” at the Smithsonian’s various museums, challenge yourself to solve a crime at the Museum of Crime and Punishment, bring out your James Bond at the International Spy Museum, or enthrall the little ones at the National Children’s Museum in National Harbor or Port Discovery in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. For sports fans, there’s the Sports Legends Museum and the Babe Ruth Museum near Baltimore’s Camden Yards stadium. The list goes on and on. And if romance is in the air, there are romantic getaways galore throughout the region. From high end resorts to bed and breakfast inns to mountain cabins, you can choose from luxury to very basic accommodations. So get off of the sofa and find an experience that will take your mind off the weather. Spring isn’t that far away!

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4 recreation news I february 2014 I recreationnews.com

Travelers’ toolbox u The mailbox fills with interesting travel catalogs this time of year and one that’s always imaginative is “National Geographic Expeditions,” which is full of practical trips to special destinations in this country and fanciful expeditions to places scattered across the globe. It always triggers the imagination. (nationalgeographicexpeditions.com) u The folks at mykeyport.com offer an alternative to the traditional keychain. The small rectangular box will hold special keys (they tell you what blanks a locksmith can use) as well as a bottle opener, mini light, and USB flash drive. u Q Knot reusable ties are made of rubber, not plastic, and can be easily removed and re-used. They come in a variety of sizes for different uses and offer a more permanent solution than rubber bands or twist ties. They’re great for bundling wires, storing holiday lighting, and a host of other organizing functions. (ut-wire.com)

Coming next month u Civil War section u Mid-Atlantic fishing u Fort Frederick


publisher’s note I karl teel

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Love is in the air in February

Don’t you love it? Love, that is. It’s one of most universally desired emotions. It seems if we have it, we love it. If we don’t have it, we want it. Money, power, health, and a variety of material possessions all vie for a spot on the “desirable� list, as well as other intangibles such as wit, charm, intelligence, and talent in a host of fields. But love seems to have a pretty solid hold on first place on the list. It defines much of life in its deepest sense. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, the apostle Paul writes: “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.� Indeed all major religions seem to have love as their bedrock or hallmark philosophy. Similarly, most atheists will also concur about the value of love in life. February is well known for Valentine’s Day. While it exists on the 14th, smack in the middle of the month, many make February the month of love. For many of us, we feel driven to show our love with a gift or token. Love is one of those things

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you have to give to receive, so if you want it, you have to give it. And February is a time to focus on it. So, what will you give? Jewelry is often a go-to item on the list, but we have some other sources right here in Recreation News. What about a special night out? Dinner followed by one of the hundreds of events in our Calendar of Events pages, perhaps? Why just a single night out? Why not a weekend away or longer? We have some ideas for that in these pages, as well. Some of them are quite economical, while others are more extravagant — something for every budget and taste. Why not combine the two? During dinner, give a card with a future itinerary so you can begin enjoying the getaway with the anticipation phase. Whatever your choice, I hope you find something just right to celebrate the season. I hope you either find love, or magnify the love you already have. But remember, you have to give it to get it, and I hope we can assist in providing some resources for you to use in sharing it. February, the month of love — enjoy!

8 ~ Travel Line 10 ~ Key West 11 ~ Sanibel 12 ~ Family travel 13 ~ Cruise corner 14 ~ Harriet Tubman Byway 16 ~ Talbot County inns 17 ~ Calendar of events 21 ~ Northern Neck WinterFest 22 ~ Virginia Wine Expo 24 ~ ValenWine’s weekends 25 ~ Culture 26 ~ Adventures in taste 27 ~ Wine Doctor 27 ~ Style 28 ~ Music festivals 31 ~ Classified

On our cover February is the month for romance, whether you love snow sports or cozying up in front of a fire.

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west virginia I su clauson-wicker

Sledding, skiing, and winter fun found at Blackwater Falls West Virginia’s Blackwater Falls State Park is a place of quiet beauty where the annual winter serving of the white stuff averages a delicious 160 inches, making it a snow lover’s paradise. Cross-country skiing here is as sweet as you’ll find in the region. On a cold, clear day, when snow squeaks underfoot and shadows fall blue beneath the spruce, clamp on your skis and glide on the park’s 10 miles of groomed trails. Canaan Valley Resort State Park lodge is only 8.5 miles away over the Allegheny Trail, a beginner-to-intermediate ski trip with a gentle 400-foot climb in the middle. The trail levels out at an elevation of about 3,800 feet not long after it diverges from the amber wa-

Steve Shaluta

Blackwater Falls is the centerpiece of Blackwater Falls State Park,even when frozen in winter.

ters of Engine Run. The descent zigzags through hardwood forests laced with deer trails. The hot tub is waiting. In fact, the park’s Cross-Country Ski, Stay, and Play Package, offered through March 17, gives visitors 20 percent off regular lodge rates Sundays through Thursdays while they enjoy cross-country skiing and pool activities for two days. Rentals, lessons, and maps are available from the onsite Blackwater Falls Ski Touring Center. Members of the armed services are eligible for a 10 percent R&R lodging discount seven days a week, yearround. Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the falls of the Blackwater River, where tea-colored waters plunge five stories before tumbling through an 8-mile long gorge. And yes, the water really is dark, the result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. Insider tip: Diners can view the spectacular falls from the park’s main lodge, and two other cascading falls can be reached by a short hike. Blackwater Falls State Park’s lodge, cabins, and restaurant are open year-round and welcome sledders, cross-country skiers, hikers, and visitors who just want to relax amid nature’s winter splendor. Two downhill ski resorts are located minutes away. Blackwater Falls’ indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness

center make for popular evening pastimes for guests. For those who want to venture out, restaurants, low-key night life, and genuine hospitality can be found in the nearby Canaan Valley area, including the towns of Davis, and Thomas.

Create a sled On Feb. 22, sleds will be dashing through the snow at the park’s sled run, and spectators will hear plenty of laughter. But don’t look for horses to pull any sleighs; the folks competing in this sled race must rely on their own ingenuity — with cardboard and duct tape. The competition in scenic Tucker County is open to children and adults who put together sleds made only of corrugated cardboard and duct tape. They compete on the natural snow of Blackwater Falls’ 1,500-foot-long sled run for awards recognizing the most visually appealing sled, the person or team demonstrating the most fun, and the sled racking up the best downhill time. One dollar is all you need to register. Forms are available in the Events section of the park’s website. Blackwater Falls State Park’s spring attractions include discounted cabin rentals in March, April, and the first three weeks of May. The 53rd annual continued on page 9

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travel line I carol timblin

Stopping in Florida’s St. Augustine Visit to 450-year-old treasure yields historic delights Traveling to Florida at year’s end, we joined the endless stream of northern “snowbirds� on their way to sun and fun — a straight shot down I-95 — through Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia into the Sunshine State. We passed cars and trucks from every northeastern state and

camper after camper, many of them fancy rigs with bicycles, canoes, and other vacation items strapped to the sides and backs, oftentimes a matching car or truck in tow. License plates from Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Carol Timblin

Spanish soldiers perform a cannon firing demonstration at Castillo de San Marcos.

c h e s a p e a ke b e ac h r e s o rt & s pa

and West Virginia connected each vehicle to its home state. Some campers bore interesting tags such as “Fun R US� (West Virginia), “Fishin’� (South Carolina), or “Retired� (North Carolina). The highway was crowded and traffic moved slowly. It seemed everyone was traveling to Florida for some rest and recreation. Our first stop, after crossing the Georgia line, was the Florida Welcome Center, where we picked up maps and brochures and sampled some real Florida orange juice. Many travelers were heading to Daytona, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, Sarasota, and other parts of the state, but we were happy to stop in St. Augustine. The historic city welcomed its first tourist several centuries ago and has the distinction of being the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America. Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, in search of the Fountain of Youth, met the Native Timucuans and staked a claim here in 1513. Pedro Menendez, arriving with 700 Spanish soldiers and African slaves, founded St. Augustine in 1565. A little more than a hundred years later, the remarkable Castillo de San Marcos was built to defend the Florida coast and today is a national park. We arrived in time for the Spanish soldiers’ last cannon firing demonstration of the day. French, Spanish, English, and American flags have flown over the city during its 450-year history, each leaving their mark on this place, a melting pot of races and cultures.

Railroad tycoon Henry Flagler put his imprint on the city, too, with the building of the grand Ponce de Leon Hotel (today the home of Flagler College) and Hotel Alcazar (the Lightner Museum). You could spend days exploring this charming city, eating in its fine restaurants, checking out the galleries and shops. However, if time is limited, you may want to concentrate on a few attractions. Take a tour to get an overall view of the city — a daytime walking tour or ghost tour at night, by trolley or train or boat. The Castillo topped our list of attractions, and we could not pass up the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, where a buccaneer in fancy attire regaled us with stories, legends, and poems about the golden age of piracy. We also visited the Fountain of Youth Archaelogical Park, which includes the legendary fountain associated with Ponce de Leon and the Native American Timucua Indian Village. The city’s rich history is also the focus of two current exhibits — the “Discover First America� program at Flagler College, through March 12, and “Journey: 450 Years of the African-American Experience� at the St. Augustine Visitor Center through July 15. St. Augustine is home to some outstanding museums, including the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, the Lightner Museum (art), the Oldest Wooden School House, and the Old Jail. We wrapped up our visit with St. Augustine’s annual New Year’s Eve Beach Blast Off. The spectacular fireworks show set to music was a great way to begin 2014! (floridahistorycoast.com)

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With so many special days to celebrate this month — Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day, Mardi Gras, Black History, and more — we should not miss special events occurring in the Mid-Atlantic. A number of Mardi Gras celebrations are planned around D.C., including a masquerade at the Washington Club on Feb. 9 and Smithsonian Mardi Gras Family Day at the Anacostia Community Museum on Feb. 16. For Valentine’s Day, D.C. restaurants are of-


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Two area ice festivals take the spotlight

Two Mid-Atlantic ice festivals provide family friendly relief from the winter blahs, but you’ll have to act quickly to see them. The 12th annual IceFest in downtown Chambersburg, Pa., Jan. 31 Feb. 1, has evolved into one of the state’s largest outdoor ice festivals. Skilled ice carvers will create glistening sculptures on Thursday and Friday nights. While at the festival you can sit on the giant ice throne, sample chili from the Chili Cook-off, watch dunkers complete the Polar Dunk Plunge (Saturday at noon), slip and slide down a 40-foot ice slide, and join in a Main Street scavenger hunt (icefestpa.com). Frederick, Md., hosts its Fire and Ice Festival Feb. 1 from 3:00pm to 9:00pm with live ice sculpting and completed sculptures placed throughout the downtown area. There will be an ice playground, hot cocoa and s’mores stations, and a fire dance performance, too. (downtownfrederick.org) — theresa gawlas medoff

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Another place to find romance and history this month is Colonial Williamsburg. Historical re-enactors portray Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison on Feb. 16 in two programs — “A Salute to the Presidents� at Market Square South and “An Evening with the Presidents� at Kimball Theatre. Couples may take advantage of the Winter Package at the Williamsburg Lodge, available through Apr. 10 and starting at $115 per person, per night (double occupancy), with a minimum stay of three days and two nights. The package includes accommodations, daily breakfasts, carriage ride tickets, admission tickets, and a getaway surprise (888-965-7254 or colonialwilliamsburg.com).

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fering fixed price dinners with romance in mind. Voted “One of the Most Romantic Cities in the U.S.� by amazon.com and “Best Place for a First Date� by Washingtonian Magazine, Alexandria, Va., just may be the best place to spend Valentine’s Day this year. The Washington International Food & Wine Festival (foodandwinedc.com) is a big item at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Feb. 13–14. It features tastings, dinners, seminars, and encounters with winemakers and chefs. The festival’s International Tasting Day offers wines from more than 200 wineries. Sustainable Saturday showcases dishes from the “Washington DC Chef’s Table� cookbook. The Wine Tasting Room is free and open to the public. There are many places to celebrate Presidents Day in the D.C. area, starting with the White House, the Smithsonian museums, and the presidential memorials, not to mention Historic Mount Vernon, where special events are planned Feb. 16–18. Old Town Alexandria’s annual 1799 Birthnight Banquet and Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern on Feb. 16 features 18th-century food, English country dancing, and portrayals of George and Martha Washington by historical re-enactors. The city’s annual parade honoring the first President is Feb. 18. On the same day, Ford’s Theatre Center in Washington offers ranger talks and performances of “One Destiny� in memory of President Abraham Lincoln. Black History celebrations include talks at the Martin Luther King Memorial and special programs at the DC Public Library and the National Archives, plus performances of “Harriet Tubman: The Chosen One� at THEARC Theater on Feb. 14.

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Enjoy a romantic cabin stay in WV New River Gorge Area

Hot Tubs Included!

West Virginia continued from page 6 WV Wildflower Pilgrimage weekend, May 8-11, offers expeditions to flowery glades, birding trails, and natural wonders, led by experts from across the region. Blackwater Falls State Park is located 170 miles west of Washington.

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For more information Blackwater Falls State Park: blackwaterfalls.com West Virginia State Parks: wvstateparks.com

recreationnews.com I february 2014 I recreation news 9


florida I jane and marvin bond

A first-timer’s guide to Key West

Marvin Bond

A sunset cruise is just one way to enjoy the fabled Key West sunsets. US Military & Government Employees

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Historical attractions Key West is proud of its history as part of the sponge trade, cigarmaking industry, and as the terminus of the Flagler Railroad that first connected the Keys to mainland Florida in 1912. But two pieces of presidential and literary history caught our attention. Once part of the Key West Naval Station, the Little White House was made famous by President Harry Truman who spent a total of 117 days there, but the accommodation began attracting presidents as early as Ulysses S. Grant’s visit in 1880. The house is decorated with Truman’s furnishings, including his poker table and the desk from which he called Gen. MacArthur to set up their historic meeting during the Korean War. Bruce Woodard, our retired Secret Service tour guide, offered lots of fascinating background, including the fact that Truman’s famous “The Buck Stops Here” desk plaque had a reverse side that said “I’m a Missourian.” Another famous one-time resident of Key West was Ernest Hemingway, who lived in what is known as the Hemingway House with his second wife during the 1930s and wrote many of his works there. He often wrote standing up because of pain from shrapnel wounds he received as an ambulance driver in WWI. The famous six-toed cats still have the run of the house which stands on the second-highest point in the city, continued on page 11

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Anyone who’s been to Key West will say the sunsets are a highlight. While most people head to the Mallory Pier area for the end-of-day show in the sky and the carnival-like atmosphere on the ground, there are other ways to enjoy the spectacular view of the sun disappearing to the west. During our visit we took a beautiful sunset cruise aboard “America 2.0,” a rake-sailed schooner, where we enjoyed nature’s colorful show with wine and hors d’oeuvres while we passed other sailing vessels and yachts. We even viewed the Mallory Pier celebration from the water. Insiders also know that the rooftop bar at the La Concha Hotel on Duval Street offers still another view of both the sunset and continental America’s southernmost settlement. Key West veterans also rightly credit the city’s food and drink scene as a big draw. Head east on Duval Street away from its touristy end (or along most any street in Old Town) and you’ll find a sidewalk café, fine dining restaurant, or open air bar waiting to serve local favorites. Part of Key West’s charm is the laidback vibe that encourages you to stop, have a beverage, and watch the world go by for awhile. From breakfast at Blue Heaven, where the pancakes are huge, to dinner at Antonia’s, where chef-owner Christopher Rounds introduced his grandmother’s recipes to the local restaurant institution he bought in 2003, we found each meal is meant to be enjoyed. After dinner, music lures you into establishments large and small.

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Speed up and save! Call Advantage Direct™ at 1-866-464-8662 and use promo code TMOFAV1234 15327TMOFAV Discount on lines applies to up to 5 lines. Discount on lines applies to up to 5 lines. Capable device and qualifying service required for LTE. Limited-time offer; subject to change. Taxes and fees additional. Not all Capable device and qualifying service required for LTE. Limited-time offer; subject to change. Taxes and fees additional. Not all features available on all devices. Unlimited talk and text features for direct U.S. communications between features available all devices. Unlimited talk and text features communications between two General two people. General Terms: At on participating locations. Domestic only. Credit approval, deposit, and $10 SIM starter kit for may bedirect required. IfU.S. you switch plans you may be bound by existing term (including earlypeople. termination provisions) and/ or charged up to a $200 fee. Regulatory Programs Fee of $1.61 per line/month applies. Taxes approx. 6–28% of bill. Partial megabytes rounded up. Full speeds available up to monthly allotment, then slowed to up to 2G speeds for rest of Terms: At participating locations. Credit approval, and $10NotSIM starter be required. youwhile switch billing cycle. Roaming and on-network data allotments differ;Domestic see your selectedonly. service for details. Monthly Discount:deposit, Discount subject to change. available in Puertokit Rico.may Discount applied to recurring If charges customerplans remains eligible may and doesbe not apply to overage, long distance, roaming, taxes and fees, or other charges.termination Equipment Installment Plan: Availability and amountcharged of EIP financing subject to credit approval. Down payment and unfinanced portion you bound by existing terms (including early provisions) and/or up to a $200 fee. Regulatory Programs required at purchase. Balance paid in monthly installments. Must remain on qualifying service in good standing for duration of EIP agreement. If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on phone/device becomes due. Taxes and late/ non-payment fees may apply. locations; not availableTaxes in Wash., D.C. Example(s)6-28% shown reflects downPartial payment and monthly payments of our most creditworthy customers; amountsavailable for others will vary. applicable to Fee of $1.61 per Participating line/month applies. approx. ofthebill. megabytes rounded up. Full speeds upPricing to monthly single device purchase. Device and screen images simulated. Simple Choice International Service: Additional charges apply in excluded destinations; www.t-mobile.com for included destinations (subject to change at T-Mobile’s discretion). allotment, slowed tocapable up to 2Grequired. speeds for rest oftaxed billing Roaming andforon-network data allotments differ; see your selected Qualifying postpaidthen Simple Choice plan and device Taxes additional; usage in somecycle. countries. Voice and text features direct communications between 2 people. Communications with premium-rate (e.g., 900, entertainment, high-rate helpline) numbers not included and may incur additional charges. Calls over Wi-Fi are $.20/min; texts over Wi-Fi are $.20 each (no charge for Wi-Fi calls or texts to U.S.). Coverage not available in some areas; we are not service for details. Monthly Discount: Discount subject to change. Not available in Puerto Rico. Discount applied to recurring responsible for the performance of our roaming partners’ networks. 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If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on phone/device becomes due. Taxes and late/non-payment fees may apply. Participating locations; not available in Wash., D.C. Example(s) shown reflects the down payment and monthly payments of our most creditworthy customers; amounts for others will vary. Pricing applicable to single device purchase. Device and screen images simulated. Simple Choice International Service: Additional charges apply in excluded destinations; www.t-mobile.com for included destinations (subject to change at T-Mobile’s discretion). Qualifying postpaid Simple Choice plan and capable device required. Taxes additional; usage taxed in some countries. Voice and text features for direct communications between 2 people. Communications with premium-rate (e.g. 900, entertainment, high-rate helpline) numbers not included and may incur additional charges. Calls over Wi-Fi are $.20/min; texts over Wi-Fi are $.20 each (no charge for Wi-Fi calls or texts to U.S.). Coverage not available in some areas; we are not responsible for the performance of our roaming partners’ networks. Standard speeds approx. 128 Kbps. No tethering. Not for extended international use; you must reside in the U.S. and primary usage must occur on our U.S. network. Device must register on our U.S. network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming or misuse. JUMP!: Qualifying service plan with financed device required. Upgrades available six months after enrollment and up to two times in a 12-month period, beginning on the date of the first upgrade. Trade-in of an eligible device required. Eligible device must be in good working order. Offer may not be available in all locations. Device pricing may vary based on approved credit. NY residents must use JUMP benefits prior to completing 2 insurance claims in 12/mos. JUMP Upgrades from T-Mobile; trade-in benefits through CWork Solutions, LP. Program fees paid to CWork. No separate insurance fees, except in NY. Coverage not available in some areas. Network Management: Service may be slowed, suspended, terminated, or restricted for misuse, abnormal use, interference with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users, or significant roaming. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.t-mobile.com for additional information. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Samsung and Galaxy S are both trademarks of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and/or its related entities. Advantage is a trademark of T-Mobile USA, Inc. T-Mobile and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. © 2014 T-Mobile USA, Inc.

10 recreation news I february 2014 I recreationnews.com

Marvin Bond

The off-street accommodations at the Heron House Inn are quiet, surrounded by gardens, and encircle a pool.


florida I jane and marvin bond

Sanibel Island not just for shellers Gulf of Mexico getaway perfect for a variety of outdoor activities “There are bands of shells along the shoreline,” said Mike Kelbaugh of Parkton, Md., after returning from his first visit to Sanibel Island, Fla. “It’s really unbelievable.” Sanibel Island and neighboring Captiva Island deserve their reputation as a mecca for shellers. The islands are actually made out of shells, but they rank tops in the world for shelling because of geography. According to experts, the east-west torque of Sanibel’s south end acts like a shovel scooping up seashells from the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors from throughout the world search for shells along the beaches from the iconic lighthouse to North Captiva, doubled over in a stance known as the “Sanibel stoop.” March 6-8, serious shellers gather to compare and appreciate shell collections and shell art at the annual Sanibel Shell Fair & Show.

More than shelling With the slow pace of shelling as a prominent activity, it’s no wonder that Sanibel boasts that it has no stoplights. “There are also no fast food joints,” said Kelbaugh, adding, “That just adds to the getaway feel because everything is so quaint.” As important as shelling is to Sanibel, there is a lot more to do. With the Gulf at your front door, there are plenty of water sports to enjoy, along

Key West continued from page 10 just 16 feet above sea level. The second floor balcony gained a footnote in movie history when actor Timothy Dalton jumped from it during the James Bond thriller “License to Kill.”

On the water Water surrounds Key West and there are multiple ways to enjoy it. Marylanders Tom Boddicker and Kathleen Hart chose a morning snorkeling cruise to explore a reef. “It was a great snorkeling school that also taught you about the fragility of the reef,” Hart said. “And the crew was very good about safety and signals.” If you don’t want to get wet, take the glass-bottom catamaran Pride of Key West six miles out to the third largest reef in the world where the naturalist on board explains the different kinds of coral and the reef fish that skitter about beneath the boat.

with boating and fishing. Turn away from the beach and you find 20 miles of biking trails as well as outfitters offering hands-on nature encounters and tours. The 6,300-acre J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is home to 220 species of birds and features plenty of bird watching spots along with bike and walking paths, canoe trails, and a 4-mile scenic drive. The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village tells the island’s story dating back to its earliest inhabitants. It features seven historic buildings (including a Sears/Roebuck catalog home, tea room, and general store) that were moved from their original sites to the village.

tions. That’s a benefit for visitors who elect to stay in accommodations like Sanibel Moorings, which offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom vacation condo rentals. The luxury resort on the Gulf is just steps away from a private beach with great shelling. The condos are surrounded by botanical gardens tended by a master gardener. “Our entire six acres is designated a botanical garden, the only one on Sanibel,” said general man-

ager Laura Monsrud. “About 85 percent of our guests are repeat visitors who enjoy the shelling, the gardens, and the boating.” “We’ve gone to the east coast of Florida for years and love it there,” said Kelbaugh. “But Sanibel is like stepping out of time and we’ll definitely go back.”

Learn more Sanibel Tourism: sanibel-captiva.org Sanibel Moorings: sanibelmoorings.com

Grand Affair Photography

As important as shelling is to Sanibel, there is a lot more to do.”

Sanibel Moorings Old Town Sanibel at the east end of the island near the Sanibel Lighthouse is a great place to stroll or follow the walking and biking tour among the inns, restaurants, and quaint shops. Many restaurants offer their menu items as take-out op-

Getting there First-time visitors to the Florida Keys should fly to Ft. Lauderdale and rent a car to drive down the island chain. Stop at Robie’s along Route 1 in Islamorada and feed the tarpon. You’ll marvel at the engineering and labor required to build the Flagler Railroad, the rusting remains of which parallel your route. Flights are available from the delightful Key West Airport to get you home. Insider tip: Take time for lunch in the airport’s Conch Flyer Restaurant, which received kudos from the Food Network for some of its specialties.

Where to stay Bed and breakfast establishments, inns, motels, and resorts dot the island, but to take advantage of Key West’s walkability we chose to stay a couple of blocks off Duval Street at The Heron House Inn, a pleasing complex of rooms in a tropical garden setting surrounding a pool.

Bands of shells accumulate on the beaches of Sanibel Island, Fla., thanks to the island’s geography.

on Sanibel Island, Fla.

Island Playground and unsurpassed tropical landscapes and botanical gardens.

845 E Gulf Dr. Sanibel, FL 33957 1-800-237-5144 info@sanibelmoorings.com http://sanibelmoorings.com/

Learn more Florida Keys Tourism: fla-keys.com

recreationnews.com I february 2014 I recreation news 11


family travel I theresa gawlas medoff

Get to know the presidents at their many Mid-Atlantic homes formances on the bowling green. A Washington impersonator will be on the grounds the entire day to greet his guests. (mountvernon.org) “At [Thomas Jefferson’s] Monticello, Presidents Day weekend is a big celebration,” said spokeswoman Amy Atticks. This year there will be two children’s book launches on Feb. 15, both free and open to the public. Monticello’s Taste of Chocolate event, also Feb. 15, focuses on the history of chocolate as well as tasting and making chocolate. Grown-ups can also pair chocolate with Virginia wines. (monticello.org) Monticello may be the best-known abode of Jefferson, but his retreat,

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You can observe Black History Month with visits to the Frederick Douglass House (npw.gov/frdo) and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (npw.gov/ mlkm) . . . Celebrate the Chinese New Year on Feb. 2 from 2:00pm to 4:30pm in Washington’s Chinatown with a colorful parade and festival . . . Find out what it means to be “cool” in the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition, “American Cool,” opening Feb. 7. (npg.si.edu) — gwen woolf

Home of James and Dolley Madison Kids-Sized Archaeology | Hands-On Exhibits Nature Trails | Family Friendly Tours

on some aspect of Buchanan’s presidency, according to the home’s Pat Clarke. This year, the living history will introduce visitors to the presidential campaign of 1856, when Buchanan won the presidency. “Buchanan ran a front porch campaign in which people came to him to find out what his opinions were on issues of the day,” Clarke said. In 1856, that meant questions about slavery and the idea of the transatlantic railroad. “The fun part is that visitors get a chance to meet these historical characters face to face, and the visitors play the role of a neighbor to Wheatland farm, or maybe a newspaper reporter coming to visit Buchanan.” (lancasterhistory.org) At the Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, a President Woodrow Wilson impersonator will be at the house the entire day on Presidents Day to meet and talk with visitors. Kelsey Clark, communications coordinator at the house, said that one big draw for kids is the set of Samurai swords from Japan, which are on display in the library. Make sure your musically inclined kids have a go on the home’s Steinway piano, which guides let guests play. The museum is normally closed on Mondays, but it will be open 10:00am4:00pm on Presidents Day. (woodrowwilsonhouse.org) Among other notable presidential sites in the area are George Washington’s birthplace at Ferry Farm near Fredericksburg, Va.; James Monroe’s home, Ash Lawn-Highland, near Charlottesville, Va.; Monroe’s Museum and Memorial Library in Fredericksburg, Va.; and Woodrow Wilson’s Birthplace, Library, and Museum in Staunton, Va.

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Poplar Forest in Forest, Va., is where he would go “two to three times a year to get away from the hubbub and the public clamoring to get a piece of Jefferson,” said Wayne Gannaway, director of institutional advancement. Frequently, Jefferson would bring his granddaughters with him, and stories about these girls are “great to share with the kids,” says Gannaway. Poplar Forest is open on Saturdays and Sundays through March 9. (poplarforest.org) James Madison’s Montpelier in Orange, Va., celebrates Presidents Day with the formal opening of Madison’s library, the last of the mansion’s rooms to be refurbished and opened to the public. The library is where Madison, father of the Constitution and architect of the Bill of Rights, did his research and writing for two of our country’s most vital documents. Two of Montpelier’s rooms are specifically outfitted to appeal to children: Dolley’s Cellar, where kids can engage in hands-on food preparation activities, and the archaeology lab, where “kid-sized archaeology” exhibits allow children to dig in the sand and learn about excavation and archaeological research. Montpelier hosts a Civil War encampment Feb. 8-9 with lots of interactive exhibits. More than 100 costumed re-enactors will be demonstrating how soldiers and camp followers cooked, took care of their horses, and prepared for battle. There will also be a skirmish re-enactment. At Wheatland, the James Buchanan House near Lancaster, Pa., Presidents Day is the annual kick-off for regular visitation as well as an opportunity to present a “living history” that focuses

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Take a journey into our presidential past during the “presidential” month of February. The Mid-Atlantic is rich in presidential history, especially at the homes and birthplaces of so many presidents. Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Va., hosts George Washington’s 282nd Birthday Celebration Feb. 15-16, 9:00am-4:00pm. Sample his favorite breakfast, “hoecakes swimming in butter and honey,” before noon, then mingle with costumed characters from the first president’s world. Enjoy free admission on Feb. 17, from 8:00am to 4:00pm, with a wreath laying ceremony at his tomb and then patriotic music and military per-

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9000 Wisconsin Avenue, Building 31/B1-W30, Bethesda, MD 20892 Phone: 301-221-3977 Email: RSragner@RecGov.org 2013 RECGOV President: Randy Schools Advisory Panel: Renee Bolden, Clement Jackson Web Master: Ruth Sragner Publisher - Recreation News: Karl Teel

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12 recreation news I february 2014 I recreationnews.com


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One ship, two ship, red ship, blue ship! Carnival partners with Dr. Seuss for imaginative family cruises Bigger is the trend we’ve all seen in cruise ships as one cruise line tries to trump the next. One of the new battlegrounds to emerge in the cruise industry is partnering with the biggies in the children’s industry. Royal Caribbean partners with Dreamworks (think “Shrek� and “Kung Fu Panda�), Crayola, and Fisher-Price. Norwegian partners with Nickelodeon (think “SpongeBob SquarePants�). Disney, well, it partners with Disney. And now, Carnival is partnering with those beloved classics, the childrens’ books of Dr. Seuss. This partnership brings the beloved Dr. Seuss brand and all its favorite characters to the line’s fleet of 24 “Fun Ships.� “It is fun to have fun but you have to know how,� claims Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat character. And, the fun begins as you join the Cat in the Hat and friends in the main dining room during he “Green Eggs and Ham� Breakfast, as Carnival’s wait staff sets the tone with Dr. Seuss-inspired uniforms, and Dr. Seuss characters join guests at their tables for silliness and photos. This special breakfast will be available for $5 per guest on the first day at sea. Each ship will have several of Dr. Seuss’ classic books, toys, themed activities, and special showings of movies (sometimes poolside on the Lido Deck’s giant screen) including “How the Grinch Stole Christmas� and “The Cat in the Hat.� Archi-

tectural integration will occur on new construction, and includes a Dr. Seuss Bookville facility on the upcoming major refurbishment of the Freedom in May, and on the Vista, scheduled to debut in 2016. The Vista will also have a dedicated Seuss-themed play space complete with iconic dĂŠcor, colors, shapes, and funky furniture inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss.

Enjoy the Seuss fun What better place can there be to read a Dr. Seuss book, participate in one of the family-fun, imagination-building arts and crafts activities, play with Dr. Seuss-inspired games and toys, or enjoy story time at sea? The Seuss-a-Palooza Story Time is a rhyming good time! It’s an interactive reading event held each sea day in Bookville that brings to life the colorful world of Dr. Seuss for kids of all ages. Throughout the voyage, children and families also will have the chance to meet and interact with favorite Dr. Seuss characters and participate in special photo opportunities with all the colorful and zany Dr. Seuss-inspired artwork. They’ll also be able to view the Seuss-a-Palooza Character Parade with favorite Dr. Seuss characters dancing in a conga line along the promenade. Of course, there will be a ton of Dr. Seuss souvenirs available

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recreationnews.com I february 2014 I recreation news 13


black history I eleanor hendricks mcdaniel

Underground Railroad Byway lets visitors trace Freedom Path Learn about slaves’ journeys through Delaware and Maryland Known as the “Black Moses,� Harriet Tubman, who herself escaped from bondage in Maryland, returned there 13 times to liberate others and escort them north to freedom. With the help of brave, ordinary people, she was able to lead fugitives along a clandestine Underground Railroad route that modern day travelers can trace by auto. You can get tour maps and guides and an entertaining and informative audio guide at the Dorchester County Visitor Center in Maryland. The audio guide can also be downloaded from harriettubmanbyway.com. For a true understanding of the 125-mile journey, it’s recommended to head north from Maryland.

motes conservation and restoration of Maryland’s Eastern Shore region. A visit there offers a peek into the physical harshness of the freedom trail. For instance, imagine trying to creep quietly over a woodland floor sprinkled with prickly pods from the sweet gum tree — while barefoot. At the arboretum, you’ll follow a path in the forest which only hints at the difficulties of a hostile terrain. You’re directed by a free audio tour guide to numbered stops where voices from the past describe the dangerous trip. Tour the Museum of Rural Life to better understand antebellum Maryland. The historic building contains exhibits, artifacts, furnishings, vehicles, houses, and photographs. One galCaroline County, Md. lery showcases the paintings of Mark In Ridgely, Adkins Arboretum Priest who artistically rendered sprawls over 400 acres and prosome of the Dorchester Co. Tourism dramatic events in Harriet Tubman’s life. Call ahead for a guided tour. The home owned by James Webb, a free black farmer, is believed to have served as a station along the path to freeGuide signs and historical markers, like this one at dom. Brodess Farm where Tubman lived, help you understand The food sites and events along the Byway.

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pit found beneath the floor was able to hide “passengers� along the Underground Railroad. Wander through the Linchester Mill in Church Creek, and imagine the once daily cacophony and frenetic activity. They were a perfect cover for conspirators. Whites, free blacks, and those in bondage worked together, and surreptitiously passed along the latest abolitionist plans and information.

Dorchester County, Md. Talk to Bill Jarman or other docents at the Harriet Tubman Museum to hear anecdotes of her exploits. Located in the heart of Cambridge, this grassroots museum was established in the 1980s by the community to celebrate the achievements of a local hero and to preserve her legacy. The Bucktown village store was the scene of an almost catastrophic event in Harriet’s life while a slave. While attempting to purchase items for her master, she was unintentionally assaulted by a local overseer. He had hurled a 2-pound weight at a male slave, but it hit Harriet instead, almost killing her. Enter the restored building, and speak with the knowledgeable owners who will fill in the details. Some sites require only a quick stop where you’ll find Byway markers: Brodess Farm, where Tubman lived; Dorchester County Courthouse, the site of the slave auction where Tubman’s niece escaped being sold; and Long Wharf, where slaves either arrived or departed on ships.

Kent County, Del. View a video for an introduction to Delaware’s role in the Underground Railroad at the plantation of John Dickinson who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as well as a slaveholder. Then tour Dickinson’s mansion and grounds. Quaker John Hunn served as Delaware’s chief engineer on the invisible railroad. He successfully orchestrated the escape of thousands of freedom seekers and is buried in the graveyard of the Camden Friends Meeting House.

New Castle County, Del. Thomas Garrett, a Quaker and close friend of Tubman, aided more than 2,700 black escapees on their perilous journey north. As Delaware’s greatest stationmaster, he arranged financial support, concealment, clothing, and food. Learn about him at the Wilmington Friends Meeting House he attended, and visit his grave in its cemetery. While in Wilmington, stop at the Tubman-Garrett Park at the Riverfront to admire the dramatic monument, “Unwavering Courage in the Pursuit of Freedom,� which is a tribute to heroes Tubman and Garrett.

For more information Harriet Tubman Byway: harrietubmanbyway.com Caroline Co. Tourism: tourcaroline.com Dorchester Co. Tourism: tourdorchester.org Kent Co. Tourism: visitdover.com Wilmington Tourism: visitwilmingtonde.com

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14 recreation news I february 2014 I recreationnews.com

March 8, 9, & 15, 16 • 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Cunningham Falls State Park – Houck Area Welcome spring at Cunningham Falls State Park by learning how Maple Syrup is made from the sap of trees in the park. A pancake breakfast is available. The event supports Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks. Follow signs from MD 77 west of US 15 at Thurmont, Md. For more information, call 301-271-7574. For more to see and do in Frederick County, call 800-999-3613 or visit www.VisitFrederick.org


CRUISE CORNER continued from page 13 industry, it’s no surprise to see this partnership. “Our youth and family programming continues to be highly rated and extremely popular with the millions of families who sail with Carnival, but we’re constantly challenging ourselves to uncover unique and interesting ways to further enhance our guest experience,” said Mark Tamis, Carnival’s senior vice president of guest operations. “We are thrilled to bring the fun, whimsical, and wonderful world of Dr. Seuss to life for our guests of all ages to create even more fun and memorable moments during our cruise vacations.” “Dr. Seuss inspires imaginations across generations and encourages a playfulness and whimsy that is often lost in today’s ‘always on’ society,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. “We’re excited to be working with Carnival Cruise Lines to bring some of the timeless magic of Dr. Seuss to the families that sail each year. Seuss at Sea will let kids and parents alike explore their imaginations through the memorable onboard experiences we’re building together.”

The program begins this month starting with the Carnival Splendor and should be completed throughout the fleet in 2015, and additionally be part of Carnival Vista when it launches in early 2016. Speak to a travel agent, especially one of the trusted agents on the pages of Recreation News, to set up your cruise. Soon, your children will be uttering things like “I like to cruise, I do, I do, Carnival’s the line for me and you!”

For more information Carnival Cruise Line: carnival.com. Carnival Cruise Line

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for Two

TOUR

Tour B&O Railroad

All Carnival ships will welcome Dr. Seuss characters and activities by sometime in 2015.

Tickets

Baywood Greens

Museum

recreation news WAntS tO LEARn A LittLE mORE AbOut yOu SO WE CAn GivE yOu mORE OF WHAt yOu’RE LOOkinG FOR WitHin OuR pAGES EACH mOntH. tAkE A mOmEnt... tAkE OuR SuRvEy... And yOu mAy Win yOuR CHOiCE OF OnE OF tHESE FOuR GREAt pRiZES! juSt LikE OuR COntEnt, WE WAnt tO GivE yOu mORE CHOiCES tO Fit tHE WAy yOu live, play & Do!

Tell Recreation News a bit about you.

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7. How many days off do you have annually in each of the following categories? ______ Sick days ______ Paid holidays ______ Personal days ______ Vacation days

2. How much total combined money did all members of your household earn last year?  $0 to $49,999  $50,000 to $74,999  $75,000 to $99,999  $100,000 to $149,999  $150,000 and up  Prefer not to answer 3. Are you male or female?  Male  Female 4. Which of the following best describes your current relationship status?  Single  Single parent  Widowed  Couple 5. Are you White, Black or African-American, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, or some other race?  White  Black or African-American  American Indian or Alaskan Native  Asian  Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander  From multiple races  Some other race (please specify) __________________________________ 6. What is the highest level of school you have completed or the highest degree you have received?  Less than high school degree  High school degree or equivalent (e.g., GED)  Some college but no degree  Associate degree  Bachelor degree  Graduate degree

8. How many trips per year do you take in each of the following categories? ______ Day trips ______ Overnight or weekend trips ______ Full week trips ______ Trips lasting more than 1 week Now tell us about us! 9. How often to you read Recreation News?  Every month  Most months  A few times a year  Rarely 10. What features in Recreation News interest you? (Check all that apply)  Food & wine features  Active lifestyle features  Historical features  Romantic features  Family features  Adventure features  Cultural features  Features about neighboring states  Features about states further away 11. What is your email address? ______________________________________ (So that we can notify you if you are our winner)

THANKS FOR YOUR FEEDBACK! • Mail completed survey to RecNews Survey, 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221 OR enter online at RecreationNews.com OR fax this form to 410-638-6902. • Only surveys received by February 10, 2015 will qualify for drawing. If the winner does not respond within seven days, another winner will be selected. • Limit one survey per household. Certain restrictions apply. Winner will be drawn at random from the pool of all surveys received on time and will be notified via email by 2/15/2014. Winner must respond by 2/22/2014 to receive his/her choice of one of the prizes listed above, or prize forfeits to a runner up. Prizes requiring reservations are based on availability.

recreationnews.com I february 2014 I recreation news 15


maryland I michelle and karl teel

Consider Talbot County for an alluring and romantic escape Maryland Tourism

The Inn at Perry Cabin provides luxury accommodations, expansive grounds, and beautiful water views.

16 recreation news I february 2014 I recreationnews.com

A certain peacefulness settles in as you cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. What is it about Maryland’s Eastern Shore that drains away stress? The answer isn’t as important as the reality of the assertion. It’s tempting to catalogue the idea for a future getaway, but what better time to consider than February, the month for romantic escapes! On the shore, Talbot County has too much to offer to be overlooked. Easton, the county seat, is located right off Route 50. Chock full of history, art galleries, fine dining, and entertainment, the town serves as a hub of commerce and social activities. But there are countless hideaway options throughout the county. Here are a few to consider. The Inn at 202 Dover in Easton originated as the grandest residence in town and was built around 1874. Today, it serves as a boutique inn where quality service and attention to detail makes it special. Whether it’s the elegant luxury suites, the personalized service, or the ironed sheets, the thoughtful touches guarantee your stay will be special and memorable. If you don’t stay the night, at least enjoy a romantic dinner at The Peacock Restaurant and Lounge. Start out with a flight of three or four vodkas from the extensive list. For dinner, our recommendations are the filet and lobster dishes, although there are many other choices which rival the best you can find at any DC urban chic venue. Whatever you select, be sure to ask for a wine recommendation — the staff’s expertise in pairings is noteworthy! (innat202dover.com) The Robert Morris Inn dates to about 1710 and is perhaps the most notable landmark in Oxford. The inn is directly across from the Oxford Bellevue Ferry, which has been hauling passengers since 1683. Once the home of Robert Morris, financier of the American Revolution, the inn is steeped in history and charm. It’s a great place to stay and relax; you won’t have a TV in your room to distract you. This is a place to truly unwind and disconnect. It’s also a place to have delicious meals created by chef-partner Mark Salter and to explore new culinary experiences. Salter’s cooking classes, Tuscan Food and Wine Pairings, New Zealand Food and Wine Pairings, or Bouchaune Food and Wine Pairings, tantalize the taste buds and educate you for future culinary delights. (robertmorrisinn.com) The Inn at Perry Cabin captivated movie-goers after the main wedding reception scene from “The Wedding Crashers” was filmed there.


While the grounds and rooms are as impressive as one can expect from any of the exclusive Orient Express properties, the restaurant, Sherwood’s Landing, is a destination in its own right, where an enormous fireplace adds to winter ambience and spectacular water views compliment summer dining. Located in historic St. Michaels, the inn should be on the short list for couples seeking an unforgettable romantic getaway or celebrating a hallmark occasion. Find out for yourself why world-famous celebrities and VIPs have stayed and dined there. (perrycabin.com) While Talbot County is filled with the charms of many historic towns, it is a water-oriented location and we’d be remiss not to mention Tilghman Island and the Phillips Wharf Environmental Center. This nonprofit organization truly does a lot to help educate the public and build appreciation for the Chesapeake Bay and how it functions as an ecosystem. Join the conservation group on March 1 for a Mardi Gras, casino-themed fundraiser at Harbourtowne Resort in St. Michaels. (pwec.org) Whether or not you attend the fundraiser for PWEC, Harbourtowne Resort is a noteworthy destination. In addition to a world-class golf course, restaurant, and all the expected amenities, we are most impressed with the rooms boasting views that words can’t adequately describe. Built on a peninsula, the resort’s rooms sport a brief view of manicured grounds followed by breathtaking, sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay. Located in St. Michaels, it is close enough for all the sights, but set back enough to relax from the hustle and bustle. (harbourtowne.com) These are just a few of the romantic hideaways Talbot County has to offer. You can find more at tourtalbot.org.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

ICEFEST 2014 Through Feb. 2. Ice carving demonstrations, sculptures, a 40-foot ice slide, and lots of other activities at Pennsylvania’s largest ice festival. Chambersburg, PA explorefranklincountypa.com

February 2014 Feb. 17Washington’s Birthday

HOLIDAYS

VALENTINE’S DINNER SHOW Feb. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22. A dazzling variety show featuring live performances of romantic classics, and a three-course Italian feast. 9745 Garis Shop Rd., Hagerstown, MD 301-797-7999, antietamrecreation.com BLACK HISTORY PRESENTATION Feb. 8, 10:00am-2:00pm. Celebrating African-American achievements in aviation, science, and technology. Virginia Air and Space Center, 600 Settlers Landing Rd., Hampton, VA 757-727-0900, vasc.org SAILORS’ VALENTINES Feb. 10, 10:00-11:30am. Discover these sentimental gifts that sailors made while at sea. The Mariners’ Museum and Park, 100 Museum Dr., Newport News, VA 757-596-2222 BLACK HISTORY LUNCHEON Feb. 22, 10:00am-12:15pm. This year’s Black History Month theme is Civil Rights in America. Authors whose titles adhere to the 2014 theme are encouraged to participate. Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Rd., NW, Washington, DC 202-238-5910 AFRICAN-AMERICAN PIONEERS IN AVIATION Feb. 22, 10:00am-3:00pm. Through presentations, hands-on activities, and stories, discover the significant contributions African-Americans have made to flight and space exploration, and the overwhelming obstacles they overcame. 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, VA 703-572-4118, airandspace.si.edu

OYSTER AND BEER FESTIVAL Feb. 1, noon-4:00pm. Fine brews, oysters and lots of fun. Heavy Seas Brewery, 4615 Hollins Ferry Rd., Baltimore, MD 410-878-9900, drinkeatrelax.com FIRE IN ICE Feb. 1. Marvel not only at the beautiful sculptures and fire dance presentations, but also enjoy live ice carving demonstration, and let your kids play fun games in the ice playground. Frederick, MD downtownfrederick.org WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL Feb. 7-8. Local, regional, and national blues performers at multiple venues and participating hotels. Moose Exchange, 203 W. Main St., Bloomsburg, PA 570-317-2596, mooseexchange.org WATER FOWL FESTIVAL Feb. 9, noon-4:00pm. Activities include decoy carving, creating bird bonnets, guided birding, excursions, and informational sessions about wood duck nest box and other Citizen Science initiatives. Black Hill Visitor Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Dr., Boyds, MD parkpass.org WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL Feb. 13-15. Three days of signature events, master classes, and wine dinners. Guests can look forward to opportunities to sample highly rated wines, artisanal cocktails, and craft beer while sharing in the art, culture, and fun of food and wine. 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC wineandfooddc.com OAKLAND WINTERFEST Feb. 14-15. Celebrate winter with ice art, food, games, and kids activities. Throughout downtown Oakland, MD 888-387-5237, agreatsmalltown.com CRAFTS AND ANTIQUES IN WINTER Feb. 15, 10:00am-4:00pm. The show features an array of handmade items, unique gifts, country antiques, glassware, silver, and furniture. Cape May Convention Hall, Beach Ave. at Stockton Place, Cape May, NJ 609-884-5404, capemaymac.org MAPLE MAGIC Feb. 15-16. Journey out to the nature walk to identify trees, observe tapped maple trees, and collect some sap, before learning how to boil down the sap into delicious, amber syrup. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pk., Monkton, MD 410-557-9570, ladewgardens.com

recreationnews.com I february 2014 I recreation news 17


MAPLE SUGARING WEEKENDS Feb. 15-16, 22-23. Hikes on the hour. Sugar on the snow demos at 12:30pm and 3:45pm. Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville, MD 410-887-1815, oregonridgenaturecenter.org NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL Feb. 16, 7:00-9:00pm. Hear great jazz from Louis, Duke, and Miles to Latin and Brazilian. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln., North Bethesda, MD 301-581-5100, strathmore.org VIRGINIA WINE EXPO Feb. 18-23. Meet the chefs behind Richmond’s emergence as a foodie destination and enjoy dozens of events, including the legendary WalkAround Grand Tastings, where you can taste and buy Virginia wine. 403 North Third St., Richmond, VA 804-349-6909, richmondcenter.com WINE TASTING AND BONFIRE Feb. 21, 6:00-10:00pm. Wine tasting and bonfire to benefit Special Olympics Maryland. Uno Chicago Grill, Oakland, MD 301-387-4200, dunkmd.com CHOCOLATE AND WINE TOUR Feb. 22, noon-4:00pm. Tastings of handmade gourmet truffles and chocolate and wine pairings at Parfactions, followed by a trip to Millstone Cellars or Basignani Winery for a wine tasting and tour. Cockeysville, MD 301-807-2683, vino301.com MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL Feb. 23, 11:00am-4:00pm. Watch the whole maple sugaring process from start to finish and enjoy maple-themed crafts, food, games, music, activitiesm and displays. Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD parkpass.org MID-ATLANTIC QUILT FESTIVAL Feb. 27-March 2. Features a Merchants Mall (with more than 250 vendor booths) showcasing quilting supplies, textiles, antique quilts, books, sewing related craft items, kits, sewing machines, and clothing. Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, VA 757315-1610, quiltfest.com

NOW SHOWING MONSTER TRUCK THRILL SHOW Feb. 1, 3:30pm and 7:30pm. Adrenaline pumping events including the Monster Trucks wheelie contests, side-by-side racing, and a car crushing contest. Wicomico Civic Center, Salisbury, MD 410-548-4900, ext. 140, wicomicociviccenter.org MCLEAN JEWELRY SHOWCASE Feb. 1, 11:00am-5:00pm. This fabulous showcase will feature a variety of quality, handmade jewelry collections and designs by exhibitors from around the region. McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA mcleancenter.org GREAT SCALE MODEL TRAIN SHOW Feb. 1-2, Sat. 9:00am-4:00pm, Sun. 10:00am-4:00pm. Look at great train layouts and buy everything you need. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium, MD 410-730-1036, gsmts.com CRYSTAL COUTURE SHOW AND SALE Feb. 4-8, 6:00-10:00pm. Fun fashion shows, makeovers, and shopping until you drop. 11th floor of 251 18th St. S, Arlington, VA crystalcity.org INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Feb. 6-9. Hundreds of the latest cars, trucks, and crossovers. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 410-649-7000, motortrendautoshows.com TIMONIUM MOTORCYCLE SHOW Feb. 7-9, 10:00am. Shop for motorcycles and motorcycle accessories and get information at this event; meet bike celebrities. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium, MD 410-561-7323, cycleshow.net

HOME AND GARDEN SHOW Feb. 7-9. Refresh and renew the inside and outside of your home with ideas and inspiration from more than 200 exhibitors offering everything from flooring to roofing to everything in between — plus ways to save energy and improve your indoor air quality. 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, VA 757-315-1610, thehrcc.com

WORLD MUSIC Feb 23, 4:00pm. The husband and wife team of percussionist N. Scott Robinson and vocalist K.S. Resmi are going to take you on a world tour — first stop, India. Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Rd., Sandy Spring, MD 301-774-0022, sandyspringmuseum.org

Jazz/Blues/Country

MONSTER JAM Feb. 14-15. The 12-feet-tall, 10,000-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over – or smash through. Roanoke Coliseum, 710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke, VA 540-853-5483

GRACE KELLY QUINTET Feb. 8, 8:00pm. Jazz saxophone wonderkind Grace Kelly will appear with an ensemble of trumpet, guitar, bass, and drums. Historic Dumbarton Church, 3133 Dumbarton St., NW, Washington D.C. dumbartonconcerts.org

SEASIDE BOAT SHOW Feb. 14-16. Eastern Shore’s largest boat show, with boats, accessories, clothing, arts, crafts, and a children’s charity event. Ocean City Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, MD 800-626-2326, ocboatshow.com

JOSHUA REDMOND QUARTET Feb. 9, 7:30pm. Charismatic jazz saxophonist leads a contemporary all-star quartet that excels at lyrical interplay and cool experimentation. The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA 703-255-1900, wolftrap.org

WORLD OF PETS EXPO Feb. 15-16, 10:00am. Some of the country’s foremost authorities in the pet industry will present seminars and demonstrations covering practically every aspect of pet care and training. Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, VA 757-315-1610 AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL SHOW Feb. 21-23. Features more than 650 of the country’s top contemporary craft artists presenting their latest handmade creations in jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home dĂŠcor. Baltimore Convention Center, One West Pratt St., Baltimore, MD craftcouncil.org/baltimore

Popular/Other SCHOONER FARE Feb. 1, 7:30pm. This Maine-based band has been heralded as “the premier performing group of original and traditional [folk] songs.� The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA 703-255-1900, wolftrap.org YO MAMA’S BIG FAT BOOTY BAND Feb. 7, 8:30-11:00pm. A mix of deep funk, high-energy rock, plus a little old school rap and soul thrown in for good measure. The Hamilton Live, 600 14th St., NW, Washington, DC 202-787-1000, thehamiltondc.com

HORSE WORLD EXPO Feb. 27-March 3. Hundreds of vendors, mounted demonstrations, and educational activities. Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, PA horseworldexpo.com

CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS Feb. 8, 11:00am. A musical carnival complete with lions, fish, a dancing turtle, and a beautiful swan. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore, MD 410-783-8000, bsomusic.org

BALTIMORE BOAT SHOW Feb. 28-March 3. The Progressive Insurance Baltimore Boat Show brings the newest boats and accessories as well as fun and educational activities to get you thinking about warmer weather. Baltimore Convention Center, One W. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD baltimoreboatshow.com

CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS Feb. 9, 2:00 and 3:30pm. Designed for the entire family, the concert features live, professionally performed symphonic music paired with a compelling story line and the comedic entertainment of puppeteers. Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St., Annapolis, MD 410-269-1132, annapolissymphony.org

DASH AND SPLASH Feb. 23-24. Participants can choose their own start times each morning, with up to five people in each time bracket. Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, 355 Martins Ln., Rockville, MD 240-314-8620, rockvillemd.gov

MUSIC

JOHN EATON Feb. 15, 7:30pm. Renowned piano player, vocalist, musicologist, and humorist with a reverent and inventive take on the Great American Songbook. The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA 703-2551900, wolftrap.org KAMEL ZENNIA AND BAND Feb. 22, 7:30pm. Inspired by the rich and different ethnic groups that exist throughout the region. ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 South Maple Ave., Falls Church, VA 703-436-9948

Orchestra/Band/Classical/Choral GLENVIEW MANSION FREE CONCERT Feb. 2, 1:30-3:30pm. Ensemble Gaudior performs masterpieces of chamber music from the Baroque and Classical eras using period instruments. 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, MD 240-314-8620, rockvillemd.gov HAIFA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF ISRAEL Feb. 9, 4:00-6:00pm. Young award-winning Israeli pianist Roman Rabinovich joins the orchestra to tackle one of the most difficult works in the piano literature, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 703-9937759, hyltoncenter.org ST. PETERSBURG PHILHARMONIC Feb. 12, 8:00pm. Yuri Temirkanov, conductor, and Vilde Frang, violin. The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln., North Bethesda, MD 202-785-9727, wpas.org

Carroll County offers an experience at every turn

VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Feb. 23, 2:30-5:30pm. The Virginia Symphony performs Rachmaninoff’s second piano concerto with pianist Martina Filjak under the baton of JoAnn Falletta. 201 Market St., Virginia Beach, VA 757892-6366, virginiasymphony.org

Theater HENRY V Through March 3. See Shakespeare’s stirring battlefield drama. Folger Theatre, 201 E. Capitol St SE, Washington, DC folger.edu/theatre CRIMES OF THE HEART Through Feb. 2. Everyman Theatre, 315 West Fayette St., Baltimore, MD 410-752-2208, everymantheatre.org HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES Feb. 1-2. Couples share their husbands’ common workplace and comedy results, as the experience becomes complicated. 103 Walnut St., Church Hill, MD 410-758-1331, churchhilltheatre.org STOMP Feb. 4-9. Directed and created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC thenationaldc.org THE YOUNG LADY FROM TACNA Feb. 6-March 9. A tale of how tales are born from Peru’s Nobel Prize winner, Mario Vargas Llosa. In Spanish, with English subtitles. GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, Washington, DC galatheatre.org THE LIFE OF FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS Feb. 7-Mar. 2. The sweet and inspiring, and hilarious, portrait of a passionate music lover who believes that “what matters most is the music you hear in your head.â€? 1st Stage Theatre, 1524 Spring Hill Rd., McLean, VA 703-854-1856, 1ststagetysons.org

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Maple Sugarin’ Festival Hashawah Environmental Center, Westminster March 2nd • 10:30 am-4:00 pm

800-272-1933 | www.CarrollCountyTourism.org

18 recreation news I february 2014 I recreationnews.com

STOP, SWAP AND SAVE Bike Fest Ag Center, Westminster February 9th • 9:00 am-2:00 pm

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MASTERS OF ILLUSION Feb. 11, 7:30pm. Performers range from daring escapologists, eye-popping illusionists and amazing quick-change artists to exotic wild animals and beautiful dancers. Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, 140 West Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore, MD 410-900-1150, lyricoperahouse. com

Exhibits Featured Exhibitions

WORKT BY HAND Through April 27. An exhibition that explores the presentation, contextualization, and interpretation of historical quilts. The National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC 202783-5000, nmwa.org

VIRGINIA OPERA: ARIADNE AUF NAXOS Feb. 14, 16. One of Strauss’s finest works, this new Virginia Opera production is a seriously funny opera with seriously beautiful music. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA 888-945-2468, cfa.gmu.edu

ARCHITECTURAL BOOKS Feb. 15-Aug. 17. Some books survey a variety of architectural works, while others focus on a specific building. National Gallery of Art, National Mall between Third and Seventh Sts. at Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 202-737-4215, nga.gov

BOOK BINDINGS FROM THE GILDED AGE Through May 18. This focus show of approximately 20 rarely seen examples from the Walters’ rare book collection will explore techniques and materials that were employed to showcase the book binder’s craft. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 410-5479000, thewalters.org

TOP SHELF COMEDY TOUR Feb. 15, 8:00pm. Bruce Bruce and Earthquake are back. 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 410-347-2020, baltimorearena.com

YOUNG ARTISTS EXHIBITION Feb. 18-Mar. 24. An exhibition showcasing art by preschool through 8th grade students from our partner school Takoma Education Campus. The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St., NW, Washington, DC 202-387-2151, phillipscollection.org

THE BUSINESS OF ILLUSTRATED CALENDARS Through May 18. This exhibition introduces visitors to the once-thriving, lucrative business of illustrated calendars. Brandywine River Museum, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, PA 610-388-2700, brandywinemuseum.org

NEW OIL PAINTINGS BY EDWARD BEAR MILLER Through Feb. 2. His latest batch of oil paintings contains more of his staple realist renderings of Key Bridge and the Long Railroad Bridge. Foundry Gallery, 1314 18th St., NW, Washington, DC 202-4630203, foundrygallery.org

PRO SPORTS

COMEDIAN JIM NORTON Feb. 6-8. A two-time NY Times bestselling author who sells out theaters nationwide as a standup comedian. DC Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant, 1140 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 202-296-7008, dcimprov.com THE DRESSER Feb. 26-Mar. 23. Both hilarious and heartbreaking, this is a backstage tale of life upon the wicked stage and the power that theatre has to lift the human spirit in times of great strife. Everyman Theatre, 315 West Fayette St., Baltimore, MD 410-752-2208, everymantheatre.org

Films RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Feb. 27-March 2, 10:00am-9:00pm. Offers a vast array of film screenings, educational panels, Q&As, live musical performances, and entertainment events. Byrd Theater, 2908 W Cary St., Richmond, VA 804-2190675, richmondfilmfestival.com

Dance LINE DANCE Wednesdays, Feb. 12-Mar. 15. Seniors ages 60 and over. Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Rd., Landover, MD 301-5832400 MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP Feb. 22-23. His work is well known for its musicality, epitomized by performances that always feature live music. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA 888-945-2468, cfa. gmu.edu DANCE PROGRAMS Weekends, 7:30-11:30pm. Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD fridaynightdance.org

BLACK BOX: GERARD BYRNE Through Feb. 16. Gerard Byrne uses film, video, and photography to explore the way that we develop this collective fantasy in selections from his on-going project “Case Study: Loch Ness.� The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, MD 443-573-1700, artbma.org HOLLYWOOD COSTUME Through Feb. 17. Organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, this show explores the central role costume design plays in cinematic storytelling with costumes from major Hollywood hits, most of which are in private collections. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, VA 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum MIA FEUER: AN UNKINDNESS Through Feb. 23. A haunting vision of nature consumed, transformed, and twisted by human need. The Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 202-639-1700, corcoran.org FROM AFRICA TO VIRGINIA Through Feb. 28. Gallery exhibits, outdoor tours, and lectures highlight the culture of the first known Africans in Virginia. Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center. historyisfun.org ALEX PRAGER: FACE IN THE CROWD Through March 9. Presents Prager’s latest body of work by the same title, elaborately staged crowd scenes, both poignant and revelatory, alongside earlier photographs and video works. The Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 202-639-1700, corcoran. org

THE WASHINGTON BALLET Call for performances and times. 3515 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 202-362-3606, washingtonballet.org

WASHINGTON WIZARDS AT HOME Sat., Feb. 1 vs. Oklahoma City, 7:00pm Mon., Feb. 3 vs. Portland, 7:00pm Wed., Feb. 5 vs. San Antonio, 7:00pm Fri., Feb. 7 vs. Cleveland, 7:00pm Sun., Feb. 9 vs. Sacramento, 6:00pm Tue., Feb. 18 vs. Toronto, 7:00pm Sat., Feb. 22 vs. New Orleans, 7:00pm Tue., Feb 25 vs. Orlando, 7:00pm

The Wizards play home games at the Verizon Center, 601 F St., NW, Washington, DC 20004. (202-661-5050, nba.com/wizards)

WASHINGTON CAPITALS AT HOME Sun., Feb. 2 vs. Red Wings, 12:30pm Tue., Feb. 4 vs. Islanders, 7:30pm Thu., Feb. 6 vs. Jets, 7:00pm Sat., Feb. 8 vs. Devils, 8:00pm

The Capitals play home games at the Verizon Center, 601 F St., NW, Washington, DC 20004. (202-397-SEAT, washingtoncaps.com)

BALTIMORE BLAST AT HOME Fri., Feb. 21 vs. Pennsylvania, 7:05pm Sat., Feb. 22 vs. Syracuse, 6:05pm

The Blast play home games at the Baltimore Arena, 201 West Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201. (410-347-2020, baltimoreblast.com)

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recreationnews.com I february 2014 I recreation news 19


virginia I jane and marvin bond

V I R G I N I A

A R T S

F E S T I VA L

VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO APRIL 24-27

A grateful nation thanks and honors our Vietnam veterans and their families. SCOPE ARENA, NORFOLK

JOSHUA BELL, violin JOANN FALLETTA, conductor

Northern Neck offers February WinterFest events Virginia’s Northern Neck is celebrating the combination Valentine’sPresidents Day weekend Feb. 14-17 with events at the region’s wineries, historic sites, and natural attractions. Wineries along the Chesapeake

Virginia Symphony Orchestra

MAY 2-4

“As close to perfection as anything on Earth.” SANDLER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, VIRGINIA BEACH CHRYSLER HALL, NORFOLK FERGUSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS, NEWPORT NEWS

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM Virginia Symphony Orchestra Virginia Chorale

MAY 17-18 A jubilant return to the dance world! CHRYSLER HALL, NORFOLK

FESTIVAL WILLIAMSBURG MAY 22-25

RICHARD BÉLA FLECK AND BIG BAD ALSTON DANCE ABIGAIL VOODOO COMPANY MAY 23 WASHBURN MAY 24 DADDY MAY 25

SPRING 2014

“Amazing speed... explosive power...and linear grace...”

When they get together on stage, it’s truly an event.

Leave your cares behind for this swinging soireé!

Full Festival schedule at vafest.org or call 1-877-741-2787. Plan your 2014 Festival trip to historic, beautiful Coastal Virginia.

JAMES CITY COUNTY • NEWPORT NEWS • NORFOLK PORTSMOUTH • VIRGINIA BEACH • WILLIAMSBURG

20 recreation news I february 2014 I recreationnews.com

Wine & Cherries Weekend Fri. Feb.14 thru Mon., Feb 17, 12-5pm Join the wineries of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail for WinterFest & Presidents Day Weekend. Enjoy delicious cherry desserts paired with our wines. (Please contact individual wineries for offerings.) chesapeakebaywinetrail.com facebook.com/ChesapeakeBayWineTrail Voted #1 “Best Wine Trail in Eastern Virginia” by the readers of Virginia Living Magazine in 2013

Bay Wine Trail will offer tastings with cherry-themed delicacies in honor of the George Washington tale. Visitors can greet the full moon on an illuminated moonlit stroll of the grounds at Menokin Feb. 14 and hike or fossil hunt at Stratford Hall or learn about Virginia Indians at Belle Isle State Park both on Feb. 15. Eagle walks are available at Caledon Natural Area Feb. 15 and 16. “There’s an art walk in Colonial Beach, artisans at Rice’s Hotel/ Hughlett’s Tavern, lots of activities at our three state parks, and even a big birthday celebration at George Washington’s Birthplace National Monument,” said Lisa Hull, who promotes the region. Find out about all the WinterFest events at northernneck.org.

Celebrate Northern Neck Winterfest, February 14-17, 2014 Raise a glass to the Presidents along the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail ... fossil-hunt on the Potomac River at Stratford Hall ... go for a moonlit walk at Menokin ... run the Dahlgren Half-Marathon ... relax at a B&B ...

relax. explore. enjoy.

Find our history, and make your own ... Northernneck.org 804.333.1919


A REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT Through Oct. More than 30 vivid paintings, drawings, prints, watercolors, and sculpture present an overview of the revolutionary art movement that flourished in Germany. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, MD 443-573-1700, artbma.org

ANITA STECKEL’S FIGHT AGAINST CENSORSHIP Feb. 5. Director of the Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center, Heather Slania discusses selections from the special exhibition. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC 202-783-5000, nwa.org

RYAN MCGINNESS: STUDIO VISIT Through Oct. 19. The exhibit will explore this contemporary artist’s creative process for his 2009 painting “Art History Is Not Linear.” The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, VA 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum

GARDENING WITH ROSES Feb. 7, 1:30-2:30pm. Master gardeners show you common-sense approaches and precautions to help ensure successful growing. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA 703-642-5173, greenspring.org

History

SPRING LECTURE SERIES Feb. 18, 7:00pm. Michael Tougias presents his latest book, “A Storm Too Soon: A True Story of Disaster, Survival and an Incredible Rescue.” The Mariners’ Museum and Park, 100 Museum Dr., Newport News, VA 757596-2222

A PRESIDENTIAL TEA Feb. 1-3. The repast includes historic teas paired with some of Washington’s favorite dishes in the Victorian Dower House, and a guided tour through heirloom-filled rooms echoing with voices of presidents, politicians, and soldiers. Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, 1644 31st St., NW, Washington, DC 202-965-0400, tudorplace.org JIM CROW ON STREETCARS Weekends, Feb. 1-23, noon-5:00pm. This exhibit sets the stage with antebellum practices in New York City and then focuses on the conditions in the nation’s capital and Birmingham, Ala. National Capital Trolley Museum, 1313 Bonifant Rd., Colesville, MD 301-384-6352, dctrolley.org CULTURE AND COCKTAILS Feb. 13, 6:00-8:00pm. Director Christopher Uebelhor will be showing Civil War firearms from the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center’s collections’ storage, and a few new pieces as well. Light fare and open bar are included as part of the evening. 1001 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA 540-371-3037 GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHDAY Feb. 14-17. Alexandria celebrates its favorite son with a city-wide celebration, including a 10K race and Birthnight Banquet and Ball. King and Fairfax Sts., Alexandria, VA 703-991-4474, washingtonbirthday.net WORLD FAIR FILM SCREENING Feb. 16, 2:00-4:00pm. A short documentary that explores personal memory and amateur cinematography through a singular, spectacular event: the 1939 New York World’s Fair. 224 Washington St., Fredericksburg, VA 540-654-1851, garimelchers.umw.edu

Lectures/Workshops/Classes STREAM RESTORATION Feb. 5, 7:30pm. Davidsonville Family Recreation Center, Queen Anne Bridge Rd., Davidsonville, MD 301-249-6399

O THER DOG WALKS WITH THE DOCTOR Feb. 2, 11:00am-noon. Hike on the grounds of our animal shelter’s forested wildlife sanctuary in Reisterstown, led by Dr. Mary Zink, Baltimore Humane Society veterinary medical director. 1601 Nicodemus Rd., Reisterstown, MD 410-833-8848, bmorehumane.org SUPER BOWL SCRAMBLE Feb. 2. Enjoy a fun and competitive round of golf prior to one of the greatest sporting events of the year, the Super Bowl. Eagle’s Landing Golf Course, 12367 Eagle’s Nest Rd., Ocean City, MD 800-283-3846, eagleslandinggolf.com

FUSED GLASS OPEN STUDIO Feb. 19, 5:30-8:30pm. Teaching staff will assist with ideas, motivation, suggestions, and techniques. The Artisan Center, 54 West Church St., Martinsville, VA 276-656-5461, theartisancenter.org

GENEAOLOGICAL SOCIETY Feb. 5, 7:00pm. The Prince George’s Geneaological Society meeting will include Tom Shawker’s presentation on “Death and Disease at the Birth of Our Country.” 6016 Princess Garden Pkwy., New Carrollton, MD 301262-2063

THE POWER AND PASSION OF BEETHOVEN Feb. 22, 8:00-10:00pm. A thrilling program featuring some of Beethoven’s most beloved works. Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 703-993-7759, hyltoncenter.org

WARRIOR FOUNDATION POLAR BEAR PLUNGE Feb. 8, 9:00am-noon. Along with the plunge, there will also be a very popular and entertaining costume contest with awards. 207 Sophia St., Fredericksburg, VA eodwarriorfoundation.donorpages.com

BEATRIX POTTER’S GARDENING LIFE Feb. 23, 1:30-3:00pm. Author Marta McDowell leads you through the origins of Beatrix Potter’s love of gardening and plants, and how this passion came to be reflected in her work. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA 703-642-5173, greenspring.org

PLANETARIUM PROGRAM Feb. 8, 7:00pm. Explore African traditions and the astronomy of various African cultures. Howard B. Owens Planetarium, 9601 Greenbelt Rd., Lanham, MD pgps.org/howardbowens

STAINED-GLASS CLASS Ongoing. Mat About You Gallery, 3774 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, MD 410-313-8860, mataboutyou.com

TOURS

GREAT BALTIMORE FIRE TOUR Feb. 10, 1:00-4:15pm. Motor coach tour of the scenes of the third worst fire in U.S. history, where 1,500 buildings were destroyed. Fire Museum of Maryland, 1301 York Rd., Lutherville, MD firemuseummd.org AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE TOURS Feb. 16, 1:00-3:00pm. Trace the rich and authentic journey of AfricanAmericans in Annapolis. Key historical sites include the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial and the Thurgood Marshall Memorial. Tours depart from the information booth at Annapolis City Dock, MD 410-268-7601, watermarkcruises.com

ABSOLUTELY FEBULOUS Feb. 14-23. Baltimore combines its popular Restaurant Week, Hotel Week, and Museum Week to offer savings for ten winter days. Baltimore, MD absolutelyfebulous.com DEEP CREEK DUNK Feb. 22, registration at noon, dunk at 2:00pm. Thousands of Maryland dunkers dare to bare it all each year for the inspirational athletes who represent Special Olympics Maryland. 19746 Garrett Hwy., Oakland, MD 888-387-5237, dunkmd.com ANNAPOLIS RESTAURANT WEEK Feb. 25-Mar. 3. Nearly 40 establishments are expected to participate in this annual culinary event that provides the perfect opportunity to sample new restaurants and enjoy old favorites. Check website for participating restaurants in Annapolis, MD annapolisrestaurantweek.com BERKS JAZZ FEST March 28-April 6. A major East Coast jazz festival with major stars in intimate venues in and around Reading, Pa. Advance tickets and information: berksjazzfest.com

recreationnews.com I february 2014 I recreation news 21


virginia I martha steger

Virginia Wine Expo ages well as it enters seventh year Mid-Atlantic road trip event in Richmond, Feb. 18-23 If you’re a wine lover — or just want to learn more about wine — a road trip to the Feb. 18-23 Virginia Wine Expo at the Greater Richmond Convention Center and nearby venues may just bring you out of the winter doldrums. The seventh year of the festive event celebrates Virginia’s extraordinary wines and the Richmond region’s outstanding cuisine and history. It will also be the biggest to date, with 400-500 wines available for sampling and purchasing. Saturday and Sunday walk-around Grand Tastings are the Expo’s marquee events, along with the dine-around events in the city and the wine excursions. In a departure from the wine theme, Friday night’s popular Burger Blast showcases beer from Virginia’s craft breweries. An extensive menu of wine and food events — including many meals, comparative tastings, tours, excursions, seminars, and food-and-wine pairings — gives travelers plenty of reasons for extending their stays in the state’s capital. A Grand Tour of Virginia will pair indigenous wines with indigenous foods. Sunday’s Love Rox Half Marathon and 10K is another big attraction for staying in the lively city; about 2,000 people ran last year and celebrated with free admission to the afternoon’s Grand Tasting. According to executive director Alex Papajohn, visitors can do more than sample wines during the walk-around events, known as Grand Tastings. “Under Virginia law, you can purchase bottles and cases to take away,” Papajohn emphasized. You can also buy full bottles, open them, and enjoy them in the convention center’s designated foodand-wine areas. Another option is having bottles or cases held in the wine-check area for claim at the end of the day. Some events sold out early last year, so start planning by checking the schedule on VWE’s

website, virginiawineexpo.com. You’ll also find excursions that include culinary walking tours, guided central Virginia wine tours, a Richmond craft-brewery tour, and a Williamsburg Winery trip. Advance tickets are available only on the website.

New features this year More than 20 events have been added to this year’s schedule, bringing the total to 35, double the number of 2013 events at Expo. This is in response to visitors’ preferences, with a new hall opening this year to accommodate the busier schedule. Almost 10,000 people took part in each of last year’s Grand Tastings, and Papajohn said he works to balance the number of participating wineries with the number of attendees. “Out-of-towners are looking for premium dining and wine-touring events,” he said. “At the Virginia Wine Expo the primary focus is Virginia wine, but the Richmond region’s food is also a focus.” There’s also a “guest region” for wine — and this year it’s France. In keeping with a spotlight on French wines, a Grand Cru Preview Party kicks off Expo on Feb. 18, at The Wine Loft, Richmond’s premier wine bar. Chef Chris Savage will present sumptuous small-plate menus paired with top Virginia and Grand Cru French wines. Frenchman Matthieu Finot — the talented winemaker at King Family Vineyards, Stinson Vineyards, and other Virginia wineries — will talk about each wine served and Savage will present each course with a detailed explanation of the ingredients used and method of preparation for each dish. Other food-and-wine-pairing events include Wednesday night’s eight-course Founders’ Dinner at Peter Chang Café, with most of the dishes served not available on the regular menu. Chang,

Virginia Wine Expo

Grand Tastings take place both Saturday and Sunday, but are just part of the activity at the Virginia Wine Expo in Richmond, Va.

22 recreation news I february 2014 I recreationnews.com

a master chef from China and former head chef at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, lives and works in Richmond.

Expo as anchor event for Virginia Wine Industry Annette Boyd, director of the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office, called the Virginia Wine Expo an “anchor event for Virginia’s wine industry.” With more than 250 wineries across the state, a lot of wine festivals take place all year, “but many of them are rather small and serve a very specific demographic,” she said. “The eat-local movement has grown into a drink-local trend, where people want to see the land and meet local vintners and winemakers. The different personalities involved in the industry are captivating.” She said travelers have grown more adventurous and sophisticated. “You can go to a winery and love it and go to a completely different one and love it, too, for different reasons. At one time people just wanted chardonnay, which grew well in Virginia. Then Virginia became known for viognier. Listen, and you’ll hear people talking about our cabernet franc vs. our cabernet sauvignon as well as our petite Bordeaux.”

d GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR VIRGINIA WINE EXPO VISIT u Read the online schedule of events at virginiawineexpo.com along with information on six Richmond hotels closest to the convention center. u Keep in mind the busiest tasting session is the walk-around Grand Tasting on Saturday. The Saturday tasting is perfect if you enjoy moderate crowds and have some patience when you walk up to a winery to taste the wine. Sunday’s walk-around Grand Tasting has lighter attendance. u Buy tickets online for your preferred events, as tickets went on sale last fall, and the remainder will go quickly. u After purchasing tickets in advance, print them out and keep them in a secure place. They must be brought to the event, where they will be scanned at the entrance by volunteers. You must have a valid ID for admission. u Food vendors will offer samplings of their products, but no full meals will be served as part of the tasting. Meals will be available for purchase at the Wine Garden on site; you can also sit, relax, eat, and sip wine at other locations on the Exhibit Hall floor. u Parking is easy: a deck is directly connected to the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Surface parking lots and street parking are within a few blocks. u Smoking will be permitted in a special outdoor designated area located adjacent to the Exhibition Hall.


Mid-Atlantic’s Premier Wine Event 35+ events, 500+ wines, 30+ premier chefs, 1 extraordinary week

February 18-23

2014 Richmond, Virginia

Greater Richmond Convention Center and nearby venues

BURGER BLAST presented by

Fr id ay , Feb r u ar y 2 1 5:30 - 10:00pm G r e at e r R i ch m o n d C o n v e n t i o n C e n t e r 15 Special Sliders

25 Virginia Craft Beers

25 Virginia Wines

Live Music

VirginiaWineExpo.com for more info and tickets

recreationnews.com I february 2014 I recreation news 23


pennsylvania I jane and marvin bond

ValenWine’s weekends celebrate wine and chocolate Head for the Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country to try delicious combos Wine and chocolate have become Valentine’s celebration standbys and a dozen wineries in the Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country have institutionalized the pairing with ValenWine’s weekends Feb. 8-9 and 15-16, from noon5:00pm each day. It’s a four-day wine and chocolate experience that allows you to explore many of the wineries of the Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country.

ValenWine’s Weekends Feb. 8-9 & 15-16 Noon-5:00pm each day Explore up to a dozen wineries during our wine and chocolate experience. Visit five or more wineries to be eligible to win a Wine Country Basket. $10 individual, $15 couple ticket valid all four days and entitles you to 10% wine discount

As part of the tastings you enjoy handcrafted, award-winning wines paired with chocolates from around the world. When you find a vintage you like, your ticket also provides a 10 percent discount on wine purchases. Guests who visit five or more wineries during the VineWine’s weekends will be entered into a drawing for a Wine Country basket. Tickets for the ValenWine’s weekends are $10 for individuals and $15 for couples. Designated drivers are free, and while they can’t taste the wines, they can still enjoy the chocolate. The HersheyHarrisburg WineCountry.com site allows you to create customized itineraries based on the wineries you’d like to visit and even provides dining and lodging suggestions along the way.

tastings and a souvenir glass. “The breweries are as diverse as the handcrafted beer they produce,” said organizer Jason Reimer. JoBoy’s Brew Pub in Manheim focuses on preProhibition beer styles, while Saint Boniface Craft Brewing Co. in Ephrata produces English style ales, and Pizza Boy Brewing Co. in Enola pairs its beer with — what else — pizza! The original Appalachian Brewing Co. in Harrisburg is in a historic structure in the Pennsylvania capital. The trail leads from Lancaster on the south to Lebanon on the north and from Carlisle on the west to Ephrata on the east. Most offer food prepared onsite. The HersheyHarrisburgBeer.com site also offers plenty of area information.

March craft beer event

The sweet month of May brings Sweet Sensations weekends May 3-18, noon-5:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays in the Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country. Participating wineries offer special pairings of wine, desserts, and chocolates with tastings where the winemakers describe the marriage of wine and desserts. The ticket ($15 for individuals and $25 for couples) also includes a 10 percent discount on wine purchases.

A dozen craft breweries joined together last year as the Hershey Harrisburg Craft Beer Country and present a March Craftness event March 22-23 and 29-30, from noon-5:00pm each day. Brewers will hold fun “craft classes” at each of the participating breweries that include special

Customize your itinerary at www.hersheyharrisburgwinecountry.com

Wine and desserts in May

For more information

America’s #2 Resort for Families TripAdvisor.com 2013

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Hershey Harrisburg Craft Beer Country: hersheyharrisburg beer.com Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country: hersheyharrisburg winecountry.com

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WOODLOCH.COM | 800.WOODLOCH Nestled in the picturesque Pocono Mountains 24 recreation news I february 2014 I recreationnews.com

What’s not to like?


culture I gwen woolf

Iconic outfits make movie magic in Costume exhibition Who can forget that saucy movie scene in “The Seven Year Itch” when Marilyn Monroe’s white dress flies up in a blast of air from the subway grate? Or the trademark fedora, leather jacket, and bullwhip used by Harrison Ford in his Indiana Jones’ adventures? Or that stylish green hat brought from Paris by Rhett Butler that Scarlett teasingly puts on backwards in “Gone With the Wind”? You can enjoy these items and much more at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ enchanting exhibition, “Hollywood Costume,” on view through Feb. 17. The Richmond, Va., museum is the only East Coast venue for the exhibit, which was organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It’s been called a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to see the outfits, most of which are from private or archival collections and have never been on display before. There are more than 100 costumes from a century’s worth of films ranging from the silent era to today’s blockbusters. Among the films represented are the Claudette Colbert version of “Cleopatra,” “My Fair Lady,” “Ben-Hur,” “The Birds,” “Funny Girl,” “The Last Emperor,” “Brokeback Mountain,” “Casino Royale,” and “The Dark Knight Rises.” You never know which character’s clothes you’ll see next. There’s Superman, hanging from the ceiling! There’s John Wayne’s red shirt, suspenders, and jeans from “The Searchers.” There’s

We learn, for example, that Marilyn Monroe didn’t care what she wore — so long as it wasn’t much.”

Guinevere’s wedding dress from “Camelot.” There’s Kate Winslet’s white suit, big hat, and umbrella from “Titanic.”

Stylish to provocative An entire gallery is devoted to elaborate, Elizabethan-style gowns worn by such stars as Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, and Gwyneth Paltrow. A section on femme fatales includes that slinky, underwear-free dress worn by Sharon Stone in “Basic Instinct,” arranged in an eye-catching, provocative pose. A more pure delight comes from Dorothy’s gingham pinafore and ruby slippers (a replica from the original design) from “The Wizard of Oz.” A little girl visiting the exhibit excitedly said, “I want those shoes real bad! My friend has some shoes like that!” Viewers walk through “soundstages” to see the costumes, most of which are arranged on man-

nequins. Movie theme songs provide background music, and posters, photographs, and film clips add to the atmosphere. Brief text on each costume gives tidbits on materials or quotes from the designers or actors. We learn, for example, that Marilyn Monroe didn’t care what she wore — so long as it wasn’t much. Videotaped conversations illustrate the collaboration of directors and actors with costume designers. For example, you can look at an assortment of costumes worn by Robert De Niro (“Taxi Driver”) and Meryl Streep (“Mamma Mia!”) while hearing the actors talk on video. Most people probably give little thought to the costumes worn in movies, but they are as much a part of the film as the words and the scenery, the exhibition shows. We learn that every costume is a deliberate, choice. The outfit establishes a time period, sets a mood, and helps the actor get into character to tell the story. A visitor says he understands that concept, having portrayed Santa Claus. “Once you put on the costume, you are that character,” he said. Some admire the costumes for their craftsmanship. A visiting seamstress, who especially liked the pink suit from “Legally Blonde 2,” said she appreciated the talent of those making the clothes. continued on page 29

BWB

Gregory Porter Boney James

Spyro Gyra Keiko Matsui

Terell Stafford

Madeleine Peyroux

Brian Culbertson gregory porter • madeleine peyroux • brian bromberg and eldar featuRing chris farr • terell stafford quintet candy dulfer • boney james • spyro gyra • raul midÓn • brian culbertson • chieli minucci & special efx featuRing special guests

steve oliver , vincent ingala • jessy j & elan trotman • bob dorough featuRing tom whaley, pat o’leary, steve

berger • keiko matsui and the reading pops orchestra • jeff lorber fusion featuRing eric marienthal, jimmy haslip, lionel cordew and special guest randy brecker • alexis p. suter band • lalah hathaway featuRing special guest rahsaan patterson smokin’ joe kubek & bnois king • shemekia copeland • albert cummings • chuck loeb & friends: phil perry, everette harp, bobby lyle, andy snitzer, carmen cuesta, lizzy loeb • wdas/jjz celebration: peabo bryson, gerald albright, mindi abair, richard elliot and brian simpson • nick colionne • the sax pack featuRing jeff kashiwa, steve cole, marcus anderson ana popovic • steve guyger & the excellos • bwb featuRing rick braun, kirk whalum, norman brown • john németh sly reimagined: the music of sly & the family stone featuRing jason miles, nona hendryx, maysa, karen briggs, andy snitzer, alex bugnon, falu, maya azucena, jay rodriguez, will bernard, amanda ruzza, jt lewis • larry marshall quartet featuRing steve meashey, bob meashey, jimmy wood • generation next featuRing julian vaughn, nicholas cole, lin rountree, lebron;

spend 10 jazz and blues-filled days and nights in the greater Reading area! over 120 scheduled events, plus great shopping and dining in one area, make the 24th annual boscov’s berks jazz fest your perfect spring getaway. for tickets, call ticketmaster toll free at 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com to order online.

hosted by gerald veasley

gospel according to jazz celebration: kirk whalum, oleta adams, kevin whalum, john stoddart

and the doxa gospel ensemble

• project 222: dean brown, schuyler deale featuRing paula atherton, gerry etkins, emedin

rivera, rocky bryant and the berks horns • dance hall docs with special guest vocalists tom bowes and brent carter • ringgold band • hesse’s hot 3 • the original groovemasters • craig thatcher & mike dugan: a tribute to the allman brothers the royal scam • berks all-star blues jam featuRing blues factor & friends • u.s. air force men of note

and moRe!*

*lineup as of 1/13/14 subject to change

recreationnews.com I february 2014 I recreation news 25


adventures in taste I reed hellman

Nobody knows the truffles I’ve seen; fine chocolate is a delight Eating chocolate in Belgium is akin to taking tea in China, Champagne in France, curry in India, or a kosher hot dog in Brooklyn. For me, it wasn’t the truffles or filled bonbons that drew my attention in the chocolatiere’s shop on the town square in Brugge. Not the milk chocolates or the oxymoronic white chocolate. Rather, it was the dark chocolate in key bricks, each labeled with the percentage of cocoa butter used to make them and the beans’ country of origin. Each brick was a different shade of brown, and so hard to break that I needed a hammer to bash off bits small enough to stuff into my greedy mouth. Bitter, bittersweet, aromatic with rich cocoa, erotic, and exotic — and completely delicious. Only careful hoarding enabled me to save some for my return to the states. Craving chocolate is nothing I invented. Since the Olmec civilization, precursors of the Maya in Mexico and Central America, people have processed, prepared, and relished chocolate. Those ancient Americans drank a beverage made from crushed seeds of Theobroma cacao — the cacao tree — mixed with chili peppers and other spices. Christopher Columbus tried it and liked it, and Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortez brought home three chests full of cacao beans as treasure stolen from the conquered Aztecs. Europe simply fell in love with chocolate. Cacao

beans, long used as currency in the New World, eventually found there way into Colonial politics, actually causing wars. Spain initially monopolized the traffic in cacao beans. France, England, and Holland began cultivation in their own colonies in the Equatorial latitudes. Other nations such as Switzerland and Germany developed traditions for fine chocolate. Today, cacao trees are still cultivated commercially in the former Spanish America as well as the Caribbean, Africa, South-East Asia, and even in the South Pacific Islands of Samoa and New Guinea.

Cacao varieties There are three main varieties of cacao trees. Forastero accounts for 90 percent of the world’s cacao beans. Criollo is the rarest and most prized by the world’s best chocolate makers; it once was the only bean used, but now accounts for just a fraction of the world’s production. Trinitario is a cross between Forastero and Criollo. Some quality chocolates use a dozen different varieties of beans from all over the world. Although our region has many fine craft chocolatiers, give some consideration to making your own. Begin with simple candies from molds before you move to the more difficult filled truffles. Amateur chocolatiers can purchase a variety of molds — occupations, baby and bridal shower, religious, adult, sports, nature, shapes, wedding, specific holidays — along with paints, accessories, boxes, and wrappers. Choose the best quality chocolate that you can find, either in chips or solid blocks. Fine chocolate has a bright luster and a sharp snap when broken. The more time taken refining the product, the silkier the taste and smoother the texture. Good chocolate is extremely hard and contains in excess of 50 percent cocoa butter. You can melt the chocolate in a double boiler,

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but a microwave also works. You have to experiment with the melting times. Microwave the chips for 10 to 15 seconds and stir. Put it back in the microwave for five seconds longer and try it again until you can stir the chocolate smoothly. Chocolate melts at between 86 and 90 F, just below body temperature. (That’s why it melts in your mouth, but not in your hands.) Microwave the chocolate in a thick-sided bowl because it holds the heat and you won’t have to reheat as often. Work with modest amounts of chocolate and absolutely avoid scorching or burning the chocolate. Pour the liquid chocolate into a mold. Shake the mold to settle and level the chocolate, then refrigerate the mold. You can paint the molds with special food colors that will adhere to the chocolate. You must refrigerate the mold after each individual color painted, then fill the mold with liquid chocolate. For filled candies, coat the molds with a layer of chocolate and refrigerate. Add the filling and refrigerate again. Pour in the remainder of the chocolate and refrigerate one more time.

Albert Kirchmayr’s Brandy Truffles Courtesy of Albert Kirchmayr, owner of A. Kirchmayr, Chocolatier, Timonium, Md., (fineeuropeanchocolate.com) 1 pint heavy cream 1/2 stick unsalted butter 2 pounds bittersweet chocolate chips or shreds plus 1/2 pound 2 tablespoons brandy 1/2 pound sifted cocoa powder. Bring the cream and butter to a boil and stir it into the two pounds of chocolate, stirring until it dissolves. Add the brandy and chill in a covered bowl in the refrigerator overnight. Use a melon baller or small ice cream scoop to make balls of chocolate. Refrigerate until firm. Melt the half pound of chocolate at 95 F. Coat the palm of your hand with some of the melted chocolate and roll the refrigerated chocolate balls in your hand until the balls are coated. Immediately drop them into sifted cocoa powder. Remove, cool, and serve. Reed Hellman is a professional writer living in Alberton, Md. Visit his website at reedhellmanword smith.com, or e-mail your questions and comments to rhway2go@yahoo.com. Getty Images

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wine doctor I edward finstein

Argentinean Malbec: Intense red is hot in today’s world of wines What’s more popular today than movies about hobbits? In the world of wine, that would be Malbec from Argentina. This intense red wine is hot, hot, hot. In case you didn’t know, it’s one of the grape varieties that goes into Bordeaux blends in France. There, its purpose is to add volume to the blend, as opposed to shining as a solo varietal. In Argentina, however, it is made into an univarietal wine with amazing success. Why does it work so well in Argentina, deserving of a starring role compared to France where it plays a supporting part? Several reasons, actually. One of the key issues is the altitude. Almost all the vineyards in places such as Mendoza, the largest and best-known region right up against the Andes Mountains in the west of the country, have some of the highest vineyards on the planet. This provides more intense sunlight and heat units (closer to the sun) and the grapes get to hang on the vine longer because of the general warmer climate. The resulting berries have thicker, darker skins. These skins develop their tannic structure (dry, drawing, puckery feeling on the gums) much more quickly and are riper and sweeter than those grown in France. Ultimately, the wines are better extracted and intensely colored, with much more concentration. They possess gobs of dark fruit, violet nuances, more alcohol, and a longer life span. This simply cannot happen in France. It’s much too cool.

What food pairs with Malbec? As for food matches for this big, bold red, there are plenty. When one considers that there are a lot of cattle ranches in the center of Argentina and beef is a well-known commodity, it is the ideal partner. Whether grilled, roasted, braised, stewed, or in the famous, little samosa-like “empanadas” usually baked in brick ovens, it works perfectly. With a big juicy steak, it’s fabulous. Check it out with prime rib or beef tenderloin for some great flavor combos. It’s no slouch in beef stew either. Lamb also works great with Malbec. One of my faves is lamb shank done in a crock-pot. Adding some Malbec to the pot during cooking really melds the favors when you sip it alongside. Give it a go with slow-cooked pulled pork for a real treat. For something slightly different, match it up to Thai barbecue grilled chicken. Add some to chili for a wow factor and enjoy a glass with it. With cheddar bacon burgers on the grill, it’s heaven. Infinitely enjoyable with beef tacos, too! You have to try it with grilled, country-style ribs, especially if you mix up a marinade reduction of Malbec, fresh garlic, olive oil, and a good BBQ sauce to brush over them while cooking. Absolutely yummy-doodles! Malbec even works great with Tandoori chicken and turkey burritos, and is an admirable accompaniment to mature hard cheeses. So who are the best producers of Argentinean Malbec? It’s hard to say because there are differ-

ent price brackets depending on the effort put into its creation. Some of the pioneers of Malbec in Argentina include Luigi Bosca, Wienert, and Cantena Zapata. You can’t go wrong with any from these folks. Great examples — and probably pricier — come from Clos de los Siete, Colomé, Catena Alta, Cheval des Andes, Versado, and Terrazas de los Andes. Good value Malbecs can be had from such producers as Altos Las Hormigas, Bodegas Y Vinedos O. Fournier, Vina Dona Paula, Bodega Septima, Familia Zuccardi, Bodega Renacer, Kaiken, Argento, Finca Sophenia, and Bodegas Escorihuela, to name a few. One thing is certain — Argentinean Malbec is a divine wine worth enjoying. “The Wine Doctor” is Edward Finstein, awardwinning author, TV/radio host, renowned wine journalist, international wine judge, professor of wine, and consultant. Website: winedoctor.ca. Twitter: twitter.com/drwineknow. Blogspot: thewinedoctor. blogspot.com. Doc’s Grapevine: winedoctor.ca/ docs-grapevine.html. Facebook: facebook.com/ EdwardDocFinstein?fref=ts.

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style I wendy hellman

Valentine’s Day 101: Tips for what to wear; how to celebrate Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Celebrations range from all-day marathons including an expensive dinner to spending the night alone together at home. If we choose to go out, how should we dress? Articles on this topic show a plethora of red and pink dresses, shoes, and accessories. I’ve even noticed dresses and tops with cutout hearts in the material that form a heart-shaped peek of skin. Of course, there are the quirky tops with heart designs all over them, too. Short dresses are always adorable. What about after the party or club? Pink and red bras, panties, and lingerie dominate the stores and online sites. Do we have to wear red and pink? Of course not! What you wear depends on where you go. A fancy restaurant or club may require a cute dress and high heels with matching accessories. But a gathering of friends at someone’s house allows you to dress any way you choose. But what do you wear under your clothes and

to bed at night? That, too, depends. You and your significant other already know your preferences. If you want to surprise, there is no end to the lingerie shops online with a variety of sexy-to-outrageous outfits. You go, girl! Are you afraid your significant other is going to make the same mistakes this Valentine’s Day as last year? Don’t let him take you to a restaurant you hate. Tell your partner ahead of time what you would like. Surprise your significant other by doing something you know he or she loves. Compliment freely, smile, and hold hands. Don’t buy an everyday gift. No kitchen appliances for women or gardening tools for men. Make it personal. Take a warm bath together. You don’t have a significant other? It happens. You are between relationships. Take care of yourself today. Buy yourself a present. Love will come. Valentine’s Day can be very romantic. It’s up to you!

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music festivals I gwen woolf

The route to bluegrass and mountain music in Virginia Crooked Road Festival debuts in Blacksburg The Seldom Scene, a popular bluegrass group for more than 40 years, will be among the top performers at the Crooked Road Festival, March 2022, as part of the inaugural season of the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. The center, which opened last fall at the corner of Main Street and Alumni Mall, includes space for the performing and visual arts as well as the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology. PerforCrooked Road Festival

Seldom Scene, a popular bluegrass group for four decades, will headline the Crooked Road Festival in Blacksburg, Va.

mances take place in the Moss Arts Center, named for artist and philanthropist P. Buckley Moss. Officials hope the center will not only enhance learning, but will serve as a bridge to the local community and as a regional arts destination. Plans call for national and international touring artists to perform. The festival will be held in collaboration with The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, a 300-mile driving trail that links music venues in Southwest Virginia and celebrates old-time bluegrass and mountain music. Instrument makers and players will be featured opening night, March 20, with pre-performance demonstrations and displays. Wayne Henderson and the Four Luthiers will perform; Henderson is well known for making guitars, mandolins, violins, ukuleles, and banjos. Mac and Jenny Traynham and Mountain Fling also will entertain with country music in the Carter Family tradition. Bluegrass traditions and transformations will be the theme on March 21. Featured will be The Seldom Scene, a group that has had enduring success since it formed in 1971. Current members are Ben Eldridge, Dudley Connell, Ronnie Simpkins, Fred

28 recreation news I february 2014 I recreationnews.com

Travers, and Lou Reid. Also featured will be No Strings Attached, a traditional string band. Closing out the festival on March 22 will be a celebration of old-time music and dance featuring the Rickie Simpkins Quartet. Simpkins, a fiddler, was inducted into the Virginia Folk Music Hall of Fame in 2008. The Indian Run String Band, Hoorah Cloggers, and Jen Barton also will entertain. Prior to the show there will be a demonstration of “crankies,” scrolling illustrations made of cloth or paper that depict a story that’s sung or spoken. For those with leftover energy, the Indian Run String Band will highlight a square dance on March 23 at Homestead Farm in Riner, Va. Two hotels, The Oaks Victorian Inn and Clay Corner Inn, will be offering special packages for the festival.

Festival at a glance What: Crooked Road Festival When: March 20-22 Where: Center for the Arts, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Tickets/info: 540-231-5300, artscenter.vt.edu.


CULTURE continued from page 25 Another visitor said the exhibition “makes me want to go back to Netflix and see the old movies.� An accompanying exhibition, “Made in Hollywood: Photographs from the John Kobal Foundation� (through March 10), features more than 90 original vintage prints of some of the great stars such as Jean Harlow, Vivien Leigh, Rita Hayworth, Greta Garbo, Humphrey Bogart, and Charlie Chaplin. A woman encountering one photo exclaimed, “It’s Fred Astaire and Ginger!� and she couldn’t help but tap dance a few steps. That’s the overall feeling you get from this museum experience: It puts a smile on your face, and makes you nostalgic about your favorite movies and beloved screen characters.

All about Virginia If you’re planning to visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, it’s easy to include a stop at the Virginia Historical Society right next door. This museum has more than 8 mil-

lion items in its possession and tells you everything you always wanted to know about Virginia, from prehistoric days to the present. There are books, documents, newspapers, sheet music, paintings, murals, prints, maps, furniture, silver, weaponry, and assorted objects on display. Some of the items include George Washington’s diary, Patrick Henry’s eyeglasses, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s love letters, a 17th-century dugout canoe, a 19thcentury hearse, an early electric streetcar, and vintage appliances. One section is devoted to Virginians on the national stage, including Ella Fitzgerald, Pearl Bailey, Shirley MacLaine, Arthur Ashe Jr., and even Triple Crown winner Secretariat. The permanent displays are supplemented by changing exhibitions and special programs. You can search the museum’s inventory online, and there is also a database of slave names.

Learn more Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: 804-340-1400, vmha.museum Virginia Historical Society: 804-358-4901, vahistorical.org

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THE RECREATION NEWS MEDIA GROUP www.RecreationNews.com Recreation News Weekend Update E-mail The Travel Radio Show and Podcast Visit us on Facebook! E-mail: Publisher@RecreationNews.com 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221 • Phone: 410-638-6901 • Fax: 410-638-6902 Š 2013, Indiana Printing and Publishing Co., Inc. Recreation News (ISSN 1056-9294) is the official publication of GovEmployee.com and RecGov. org, and is published monthly by the Indiana Printing and Publishing Co., Inc. Subscriptions by mail are $15 per year (12 issues). Corporate and bulk employee subscriptions are free. Contact the publisher at the address or telephone number listed above. Items in Recreation News may not be reproduced without the publisher’s written consent.

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Moses — Witness the Burning Bush, the Plagues, the Ten Commandments and other epic events of the Old Testament. Live at the Sight & Sound Theatre, March 19, 2014. Package includes shopping, dinner and more. Very limited space. Australia — October 29-Nov. 11, 2014. We’ll return to the land Downunder and visit Sidney, Melbourne, Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef and learn about Aboriginal history and culture. Plan to join us on this amazing adventure to the island/country/continent of Australia. An optional trip to Fiji is also offered. LAST CALL, CONTACT US NOW. Bahamas/Florida Cruise from Baltimore — August 22-29, 2014. This is a great vacation for families, couples or singles. Ship board amenities include all meals, spa, swimming, casino, nightly entertainment, rest and relaxation. Optional shore excursions In ports include Holy Land Experience, Universal Studios, Duty Free Shopping, Casino, Private Island Beach Party and more. Call for brochure. GREAT ESCAPES TRAVEL & TOURS Call Barbara 301-567-6464 for info. and brochure or email: FrankieTVL2@AOL.com We Create Rocking Chair Memories. Essence Travel is a full service Travel Agency. Don’t see anything you like? Let us create a unique itinerary for your next vacation, destination wedding, cruise or weekend getaway! Scheduled Trips: March 15 — Day Trip Shopping in the Big Apple NY (Aqueduct Flea Market, Canal & Broadway) $65pp May 24-25 — Play “ A Raisin in the Sun� Staring Denzel Washington - Overnight Trip $310pp May 2014 — St. Lucia Jazz Fest details coming soon! May 2014 — Gulla Festival South Carolina October 11 — Sight and Sound Play “Moses.� Check website for details. For additional information visit us on the web www.EssenceEntertains.com or call 703-861-0982

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