Washington the Magazine

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Downtown Washington Visitors and residents drawn to water's edge

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Delicious recipes from some of Washington's good cooks

MARCH/APRIL 2015 Washington, North Carolina

THIS IS HOME.

THIS IS HOME. .

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURES & DEPARTMENTS 20

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24 32 36

What's in store OPEN DOORS 16 A piece of 28 Destination Washington: Downtown: Something for everyone

Keep Washington close to heart with these gifts

OUR HISTORY

LET'S Eat

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Changing Promenade: Evolution from center of commerce to tourist destination

ART & CULTURE 24

Food Folks: A place where Southern tradition and international flair collide

AT HOME 36

IN EVERY ISSUE

FOR YOUR HEALTH 60

Cycling Beaufort: Chronicling the rise of a county’s biking culture

Food Narative: Washington is rich in history, good cooks NGTON

Y Modeled after the old Pamlico M FOR Pointe at the mouth E TEALighthouse R A C CANCER of theE Pamlico River, the M RST TI THE FIlighthouse at the Washington waterfront serves as a dock station for visiting boaters.

Publisher’s Note The Scene Advertiser Index Cast a Line Dining Guide Word on Wine Calendar Why I Love Washington

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wn Downtnogton Washanid residents Visitors water's edge to drawn

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GAZINE

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ON THE COVER WHEN

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Urban Living: Living downtown a matter of convience and community

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Arts Abound: Geography draws artists to Washington

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MOSS LANDING

H A R B O R

H O M E S

NOTE FROM ASHLEY

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You can always go, downtown

or the better part of two centuries, the core of the American community has been downtown.

As in the Petula Clark song, it’s there the lights are brighter, troubles and cares disappear and everything’s waiting for you.

Washington’s Main Street and waterfront area embody Downtown America in so many ways.

The city’s center offers top-notch retail stores, great restaurants, historic buildings and charming waterfront views. If the American Downtown declined in the second half of the twentieth century, it is now making a lively comeback.

Locally, longtime businesses have led the way, reinvigorating downtown by reinvesting in the area, all the while preserving those traditions that helped them thrive.

Then there was the resurrection of a downtown centerpiece with the reopening of the Turnage Theater thanks to the hard work of the Beaufort County Arts Council.

Recent years have seen new shops and restaurants and an encouraging twist on conventional use of urban space with the growing popularity of downtown living.

The future promises even more exciting developments, with new attractions already in the works.

Washington’s waterfront is steeped in history. The city’s location on the banks of the Pamlico River have

positioned well for many roles through the years, from a hub of commerce to urban renewal, tourism and recreation. Take a trip through the years along a changing promenade on page 20.

The lights, music and lifestyle draw artists to Washington. Arts abound here like few other places.

Read more about the “foundation on which culture is built” on page 25.

Washington’s varied attractions and events draw visitors and tourists throughout the year. The city’s downtown and harbor district play key roles in the local economy. Downtown is your destination on page 28.

The culinary offerings of Washington are diverse and delectable. The food along the Pamlico River ranges from Southern traditional to international flair. Downtown restaurants shuck local oysters and garnish upscale cocktails on page 35.

Considering downtown is the civic, commercial and cultural center of our community, it’s no wonder downtown living continues to grow in appeal. Go for an inside look at urban living with a few locals enjoying a unique experience of convenience and community on page 36.

Until next issue, see you downtown.

Ashley Vansant, Publisher

would love to hear what you think about Washington the Magazine. Email us at news@ Write We thewashingtondailynews.com or write to P.O. Box 1788, Washington, NC 27889. Letters chosen for publication to us may be edited for length and clarity. All submissions become the property of Washington the Magazine.

6 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

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Publisher Ashley Vansant

Editorial David Cucchiara Jonathan Rowe Vail Stewart Rumley Contributors Blount Rumley Kevin Scott Cutler Will Preslar Advertising Director Kathryn Powell Marketing & Sales German Llodrat Cecilia Prokos Distribution Sylvester Rogers Art Direction Ryan Webb Contact information Washington the Magazine P.O. Box 1788 Washington, NC 27889 Advertising inquiries 252-946-2144 Ext. 221 Subscriptions & change of address 252-946-2144 Washington the Magazine is published six times a year by Washington Newsmedia, LLC. Copyright 2015, Washington Newsmedia, LLC

OUT AND ABOUT

East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival Reception

THE SCENE

The opening reception of the East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival, held Feb. 5 at the Turnage Theater, brought artists, representatives from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and members of the community together to unveil the winners of one of North Carolina’s most prestigious art competitions — the N.C. Waterfowl Conservation Stamp Competition.

Dee and Hal Mathieson, Ricky Peed

Nick Nicholson, John Fowle, Maria Wilson

Gloristine Brown, Melanie Crittenden

Joann Sullivan, Mary Paulson, Jennifer and Jay Sullivan

Melanie Crittenden, David Cobb, Tommy Kirby, Guy Crittenden

Robert Pfeiffer, Susie and William Taylor

David Gossett, Michelle and Broderick Crawford

Lewis Jones, Kim Heath, Reade Allen

Matt Rauschenbach, Cheryl Scott

THE SCENE

OUT AND ABOUT

Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet Each year, Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce members get together to celebrate the Chamber’s good work at the annual banquet. Held Jan. 30 at the Washington Civic Center, Chamber standouts — among them entrepreneurs, nonprofits, ambassadors, new businesses — were recognized by their peers for their contributions to the community.

Harvey and Dawn Case

German Llodrat, Alyssa Reynolds and Josh Carter

Joan Meyland and Katie Paul

Walt and Laura Gerard

Lou and Mac Hodges

Russell and Denyce Smith

Stuart and Allison O'Neal

Roger and Joan Meyland

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 9

THE SCENE

OUT AND ABOUT

Phantom of the Opera Masquerade Ball

Phantom of the Opera fans and Beaufort County Arts Council supporters were decked out in formalwear — plus masks — at a masquerade ball at the Turnage Theater on Jan. 31. The event was a fundraiser for the Arts Council and an opportunity for patrons to explore the early 20th century theater. Dinner was served onstage, while dancing was reserved for the gallery. A special element was the performance of a few selections from the musical by students from The ECU School of Music.

Glen and Kathy Simpson

Ellen Lubin, Jan Silverthorn and Sadie Fowle

Hodges and Marsha Hackney

Jeffery Phipps and Alan Mobley

10 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Joey Toler, Rebecca Clark, Virginia Finnerty and Jeffery Phipps

David Carraway and Lisa Hodges

Jeff and Rima Jakub

Joan Meyland, Ranee Singleton and Liz Partrick

THE SCENE

OUT AND ABOUT

Trish and Bill Litchfield

Laura and Walt Gerard

Marcus Jones and Jimmy Leach

Louise and Bob Doe

Kirk and Alexis Davis

Rod and Gina Cantrell

Judy and Jim Chesnutt

Ned Irvine, Vail Rumley and Joey Toler

Tim and Lori Melton

Chad and Amy Feyer

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 11

THE SCENE

OUT AND ABOUT

Hodges Hackney’s retirement party Friends, family and co-workers gathered at the Washington Yacht & Country Club to give a memorable send off to Hodges Hackney, who retired Jan. 28 from VT Hackney, the company his father and grandfather started in Washington in the 1940s. Hackney was instrumental in taking a small company — Hackney and Sons — first national, then international, putting the Hackney nameplate on truck bodies and emergency trucks across the world.

Judy Baggett, Carolyn Stowe, Stewart Everett, Toni Edwards and Beth Peacos

Ericka Lozano and Pam Griffin

Yeimy Lara and Frank Schnalde

Leandro Rodrigeuz and Ed Smith

International Team

Yancey Warren, Yeimy Lara and Frank Schnalde

12 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Beth Tulloss, Kathy Godley and Sandy Tankard

Hodges Hackney and Bob Norman

THE SCENE

OUT AND ABOUT

Yancey Warren, Yeimy Lara, Frank Schnalde and Pablo Borgos

Carolyn Stowe and Kathy Godley

Mike Tucker and Hodges Hackney

Marsha and Hodges Hackney

Pam Griffin, Sherry Woolard and Martha Gamboa

John Thompson and Julius Brauer

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 13

OUT AND ABOUT

NCSU annual oyster roast

THE SCENE

The North Carolina State University Alumni oyster roast brought out the red and white, and Beaufort County residents, on Jan. 30. Held at the home of Forrest Sidbury, alumni from across the county gathered for what has become a signature event. The Beaufort County NCSU alumni organization has been called one of the strongest in the country, resulting in Chancellor Randy Woodson’s continuing guest appearance at the annual event.

Gil Alligood, Tomp Litchfield and Braxton Younts

Stuart and Allison O'Neal

Susan Woodson and Vera Vaughn

Deb and Neil Craven

Jack Piland and Harry Wetmore

Bettie Bonner and Derris Bradshaw

NCSU Chancellor Randy Woodson and Archie Griffin

14 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Susan and Randy Woodson

Beaufort County Art Council/Turnage Theatre Calendar for March-April 2015 Thursday March 12 7:30PM

Mike Wiley in Powerful Documentary Theatre followed by Q&A

ECU School of Theatre & Dance Story Book Theatre

$8.00

Includes short workshop after the production!

$5.00

Play-reading of Robert Harlingʼs

Steel Magnolias

Thursday April 2 8:00PM Registration Fee:

Saturday ECU School of Theatre & Dance Story Book Theatre April 11 Theatre for Youth Workshop 9AM-12:30P Over 3 hours of creativity and imagination at work!

Check website for details.

Focused on environmental stewardship

All Tickets:

Treasure Island

Suggested Donation:

Friday April 24 8:00PM

SUSTAINABILITY

Saturday March 28 8:00PM

Tickets: $23.50-$25.00

Tickets: $12.50-$15.00

ENVIRONMENTAL

FREE to students grade 8 and up w/ valid student ID

DAR HE: The Story Of Emmett Till

Sunday March 29 3:00PM

SOCIAL, ECONOMIC and

Tickets: $10

$8.00 Saturday April 11 9AM-12:30P

ECU School of Theatre & Dance Concert Version of Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty’s Musical Farce

Lucky Stiff

Tar River Swing Band

Tickets: $12.50$15.00

7th Annual

BoCO Music Festival Saturday April 25

We’re more than a mining company. At PotashCorp-Aurora, we’re dedicated to reclaiming previously mined land and restoring it to productive use at an annual cost of more than $20 million.

Visit us online or call 252.946.2504 for tickets or more information. www.beaufortcountyartscouncil.org

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WHAT’S IN STORE

A piece of Washington

Written by JONATHAN ROWE PhotographY By WILL PRESLAR

From The Air This fabric collage, hand-crafted by local artist Debby McCullough, replicates an aerial view of Washington. Find it at Riverwalk Gallery in downtown Washington. Collage, $75.

Representing Washington A good way to keep Washington close to your heart and mind is this hat with logo custom-created by local artist Braxton O’Neal.. Find at Little Shoppes in downtown Washington. Hat, $14. T-shirt, $15.

On The Pamlico Printed by a company out of Raleigh, this map of Washington board is a perfect item to hang in your home to remind you of the quaint little town on the Pamlico River. Find it at South Market Antiques in downtown Washington. Board, $50.

16 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Spring Fashion Add a touch of style to your Spring 2015 wardrobe with these two items — one by Jade, one by BCBG. A perfect gift for a female family member or that special someone, find both at Bloom in downtown Washington. Check with Bloom for prices on both these items.

Gimme Shelter With spring quickly approaching, rain could get in the way of your daily or extracurricular activities. This jacket from Charles River can offer the necessary shelter from the elements, as well as style. Also available, this beach hat can offer protection from the sun. Find both at The Blue Crab Monograms and Gifts. Jacket, $49.99. Hat, $14.99. Add custom monogram to an item for $5.

A Popular Getaway Hand-painted by local artist Debby McCullough, this watercolor print titled, “Misty Harbor,” highlights life in Ocracoke, a popular vacation destination for Washington locals. Find it at Riverwalk Gallery. Unframed, $35. Framed, $120.

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 17

WHAT’S IN STORE

Washington Souvenirs For the out-of-town guest or even a local, what better way to remember Washington and represent what it has to offer than apparel? The NC Estuarium plays an instrumental role in educating its visitors about the area’s ecology and, in part, its maritime history. Find visors, T-shirts and tote bags, all of which have been monogrammed with Washington’s unofficial mascot, the crab, at the NC Estuarium on the Washington waterfront.

Visor, $13. T-shirt, $16. Tote, $12.

Landmarks Whether you’re a local or a guest of Washington, this custom-painted sign by local artist Braxton O’Neal is the perfect reminder of what the little town on the Pamlico River has to offer. Find the sign at Little Shoppes in downtown Washington. Sign, $80.

Reminders Of Washington Add a touch of Washington and North Carolina living to your car, living room or morning schedule with a personalized license plate, “Sunset over the trestle bridge in Washington,” Neoprene coaster and mug. License plate, $16.

Coaster, $3.25. N.C. mug, $15. Find them all at Little Shoppes in downtown Washington.

18 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Photo by Larry Boyd

Wa s h i n g t o n Harbor District

by Larry Boyd MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTONPhoto THE MAGAZINE • 19

OUR HISTORY

Local artist Douglas Alvord’s mural depicts a Washington waterfront melding its cityscape from 1880 to 1920 — the height of its maritime activity.

Changing Promenade 20 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Pictured is Washington’s waterfront over 100 years ago. Known in the African-American community as the “Bird’s Nest,” this was the old Government Buoy Tender Yard located right off the Pamlico-Tar River Bridge and Main Street.

From a hub of commerce to urban renewal, tourism and recreation

W

Written by Jonathan rowe | PHOTOGRAPHy CONTRIBUTED

ashington’s waterfront has long been a center for commerce thanks to the beautiful natural resource that is the Pamlico River. The town has grown and expanded over the centuries and seen a decline until its urban renewal in the 1960s, transforming the district into one of the most popular tourism and recreational destinations in eastern North Carolina.

In the mid-1700s, the first families to settle what would become Washington began to develop trade

and built shipyards and warehouses along the waterfront that stored cotton, grain and other goods, according to local resident and historian Douglas Alvord. As a result of this development, it began to trade with other parts of the world, and, at one time, Washington was the second largest port in the state.

With Washington and Beaufort County being hugely agricultural and an excess of pine and hardwoods native to the area, lumber became a large industry, Alvord says. This, paired with the natural fishing industry, provided by the brackish

waters of the Pamlico River, Washington’s harbor district grew into an economic goldmine.

By the early 1900s, the founding trades of the area had evolved into over 100 spin-off trades and businesses, many of which made their home on the waterfront, and from that, the wealth of the town began to develop, Alvord says.

At the dawn of the industrial revolution, industry began to kick-off and Washington transitioned from its declining water trade to trade through railroads and other means.

Though the lumber industry stayed MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 21

Today, Washington’s waterfront is a center for tourism, recreation, events, shops and restaurants.

active through the early- to mid-20th century, light industry began to take off and waterfront business declined, leading many of its waterfront structures to be abandoned and dilapidated.

“That is when the people of Washington began to recognize they needed to upgrade and update their own town,” Alvord said. “(The town) lost a lot of very worthwhile historic buildings. Many of the building were difficult to convert for repurpose.”

With Washington’s waterfront in decline and the future of the city at stake, officials, including Mayor Tom Stewart and the City Council, came 22 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

up with an urban renewal proposal in 1962 that would, in part, call for the revitalization of the waterfront, says Bill Cochran, who was executive director of the city’s Redevelopment Commission at the time. Professional planners were hired to revitalize the city’s newly acquired land. The area was cleared up and delineated, several buildings were torn down and sand was pumped in to aid in the construction of a bulkhead was established from the location of the present-day dock station to the NC Estuarium. In 1969, that stretch was dedicated to Stewart.

“The whole thrust was to

rejuvenate the downtown area,” Cochran said. “(The waterfront) has really been the focal point of Washington to this very day — people like to go down and meander along the waterfront, the city has improved things with the boat docks. It was really an exciting project. It went pretty much off without a hitch, something that would probably be difficult to do this day and time.”

“If they hadn’t taken the steps they took in the ‘60s, which evolved into Stewart Parkway and the redoing of the waterfront and the filling in of that land, the town would have had a serious problem and declined,” Alvord

Circa 1932, the Washington waterfront was visited by a three-mast schooner, thought to have come from Norfolk, Va. This picture was taken by Henry Rumley at the foot of Respess Street at Fowle’s Wharf.

said. “The thing that really is key to this is it was the modern evolution of the contemporary waterfront that is now making possible the restoration and preservation of historic Washington.”

According to Cochran, the city implemented as much of its urban renewal proposal that its budget would allow, and the waterfront would not begin to see the payoffs from the proposal until the 1990s, when the City implemented its Renaissance Plan. This involved a storm water management plan and the construction of Moss Landing on the east side of the waterfront, says John Rodman, director of Community and Cultural Services with the City of Washington Office of Planning and Development.

In 2007, the City hired a firm to implement a reinvestment strategy, which concentrated, mainly, on three sections — parks and open space on the east end, economic development in the mid-section and a maritime quarter on the west end, Rodman says. Today, the vision of the reinvestment strategy is being fulfilled. The City has implemented several recreational and economic-

related attractions in all of the reinvestment plan’s three-section vision, Rodman says.

The maritime quarter features a new dock station/lighthouse, built to replicate features of the old Pamlico Pointe Lighthouse, once located where the Pamlico Sound and Pamlico River meet. The City has received funding to construct a municipal pier for public access to the river, and also plans to build a kayak launch on the far west end of the promenade, according to Rodman.

The park sector has seen the creation of Festival Park, which includes a band shell and gazebo for events, as well as a children’s

playground, Rodman says. The economic development sector of the waterfront, a topic of particular focus for the City, has seen several new businesses, mainly restaurants and specialty shops. Rodman says the main focus now is repurposing some of the harbor district’s buildings to add to the overall appeal and draw to the waterfront and downtown areas.

“A couple of the buildings are being rehabbed, but we have some wonderful building stock, and we’re trying to get some more activities in those buildings,” Rodman said.

“We are working hard to get a hotel, as well as making some of the businesses facing Main Street have back entrances for better access to downtown from the waterfront. Right now, our biggest push is to develop economic activities.”

Over the centuries, Washington’s waterfront evolved from a center of commerce and industry, seeing a decline upon the arrival of light industry and alternate transportation, and culminating into what is now a destination for tourism and recreation, which serves as an engine for the area’s present-day economy.

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 23

ART & CULTURE

24 24 •• WASHINGTON WASHINGTON THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || MARCH/APRIL MARCH/APRIL 2015 2015

Constructed in the early 20th century, the Turnage Theater has seen its ups and downs. After decades of sitting empty, a complete restoration gave new life to the downtown landmark, now the home of the Beaufort County Arts Council.

Beaufort County Traditional Music Association musicians set up outside Lone Leaf Gallery and Custom Framing at a 2013 Art Walk in downtown Washington.

Arts abound Light, music, lifestyle draw artists to Washington STORY AND PHOToS by VAIL STEWART RUMLEY

“

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home” Dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp said the words to which so many can relate — art is an escape, a way to explore the exterior world of others’ experience, a way to explore the inner world of others’ thoughts and feelings. It allows people to engage in that exploration at their own pace,

through their own prisms. And it’s why art creates the foundation on which culture is built.

“Art takes you out of your ordinary life, that’s for sure,” said Joey Toler, executive director of the Beaufort County Arts Council. “That is one thing I’ve always loved about my job, is that you can be doing paperwork, doing all types of menial things, but then you look up and you’re surround

by wonderful art, by wonderful artists.”

Washington is known for its thriving arts community. It’s had major successes — like the arts council’s Fine Arts Show that draws entries from all over the North Carolina and the greater southeast every year — as well as setbacks — like the recent closure of the Inner Banks Artisans’ Center, an emporium MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 25

It’s not just for musicians: Raleigh artist Dan Nelson paints the street scene of people touring the Main Street music at a past Music in the Streets.

of local art and artists, featuring studios and class space. But since the arts council’s inception in 1972, Washington has experienced a growing population of artists and art lovers.

“The geography draws the artist,” Toler said. “Number one, people like being on the water, and because there are other artists here. They like the light and they like the people.”

Fall sunsets are a photographer’s dream. Misty sunrises paint the Coastal Plains landscape in pastels.

But behind the brushes capturing rural eastern North Carolina lives and land, it’s the people who keep the arts agenda moving steadily forward.

Downtown gallery owners banded together several years ago to host Art Walk, a quarterly open invitation to launch new exhibits with a simultaneous, multi-venued 26 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

reception. On a given Friday night, arts supporters fill downtown sidewalks for this visually stimulating version of a pub crawl. For 17 years, the artists of Riverwalk Gallery and Arts Center have hosted readings by local authors, exhibits by painters, jewelry makers and photographers.

On a musical note, every third Friday evening of the warmer months, Main and Market streets become the site of an open-air music festival, Music in the Streets. Downtown comes alive with the sound of music: rock, country, jazz, blues and gospel played by amateurs and professionals, by old hands and children just finding their grooves. The Beaufort County Traditional Music Association was founded in 2008, pulling together musicians from across the county and beyond. Its ranks are made up of those who grew up with a family

musical tradition, along with new players picking for the first time.

Their traditional tunes — bluegrass, new grass, old-time, folk, gospel — can be heard on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings at the Turnage Theater.

Arts supporters are paramount to the cause, and a lot of that support comes from a unique group that has adopted eastern North Carolina as their home. Hailing from larger cities and backgrounds steeped in arts, the growing number of retirees drawn by the water and the region’s lower cost of living have breathed even more life into the continuing arts movement.

“I see this more and more, especially in towns that have the influx of retirees: New Bern, Morehead,” said Pat Holscher, an American Watercolor Society signature artist who lives in

The Beaufort County Arts Council recently hosted performing arts of different sort — dinner and dancing — at the Turnage Theater. The Phantom of the Opera masquerade ball held Jan. 31 was the Arts Council’s first foray into formal-event fundraising and was a major success.

Washington and whose paintings are exhibited internationally. “They are higher-educated people, and they have exposure to art. … A lot of them are artists — now is their opportunity to pursue their interests.”

The larger community’s exposure to art has become one of the new missions. With the 2013 acquisition of the early 20th century Turnage Theater, the nonprofit is now shifting its focus to the performing arts, starting with the revival of community theater and the introduction of children’s theater.

“We’re really going to be creating more local arts programming and trying to build that.

That’s when you get more people involved, because people get to be creative, get to act, to sing, to play a musical instrument, to make a costume, to build a set. It also makes good business sense. Because the more you get your community involved onsite — it extends to family, it extends to friends,” Toler said. “Our patrons, our supporters, are capable of being a lot more than just an audience.”

The East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival is another downtown Washington arts mainstay. Held in early February each year, the festival draws decoy carvers and other artists from across the southeast.

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 27

OPEN DOOR

The Summer Festival, one of Washington’s premiere events features vendors, arts and crafts, musical entertainment and carnival rides, like the one pictured here.

Destination downtown 28 28 •• WASHINGTON WASHINGTON THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || MARCH/APRIL MARCH/APRIL 2015 2015

Dragon Boat Races, pictured here, are now a popular activity at the Washington Summer Festival, bringing teams from all over eastern North Carolina.

Washington’s events draw in tourism dollars

T

Written by JONATHAN ROWE | PHOTOGRAPHS By VAIL STEWART RUMLEY

he revitalization of Washington’s downtown and harbor district has acted as a vessel for its local economy, and through a lineup of annual events, as well as recreational attractions, the city gains much-needed tourism dollars to bridge the gap.

With a full season of events — over 16 — the Washington Harbor District Alliance sponsors many of them and partners with many local organizations to host others, according to Beth Byrd, WHDA director. While some events target the local community, others are designed to bring in visitors from surrounding communities, who spend

money eating at local restaurants and shopping in local businesses, and with 14 eateries and a variety of shops, it can be an attraction within itself. But over the course of the year, one thing is certain — Washington has something that will appeal to audiences of all ages and interests.

Among the events scheduled each year in Washington, there are those that appeal to anyone interested in art, music, food, history, culture and much more.

Events sponsored by other organizations also add to the draw of guests and, essentially, the influx of tourism dollars, including Summer Festival, sponsored by the Washington-Beaufort County

Chamber of Commerce and Smoke on the Water, sponsored by the Washington Noon Rotary Club — just a few of the main events that put Washington on the map.

“We do the events because it does draw people to downtown,” Byrd said. “That’s why we try to do a full lineup of events each year — to create excitement downtown, to give you another reason to come downtown, to show off our beautiful areas that we have. It’s just to create a buzz downtown.

“It’s proven that these events bring money from outside into the community from money spent with local businesses,” Byrd said. “Pleasing people for an afternoon or a day MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 29

Modeled after the old Pamlico Pointe Lighthouse at the mouth of the Pamlico River, the lighthouse at the Washington waterfront serves as a dock station, as well as housing amenities for boaters coming off the Intracoastal Waterway to visit Washington.

New dock station welcomes boaters Since the revitalization of Washington’s waterfront and the most recent addition of the dock station and lighthouse, replicated to resemble the old Pamlico Pointe Lighthouse near the mouth of the Pamlico River, Washington has become a popular destination among boaters navigating the Intracoastal Waterway.

The new facilities provide state-of-the-art amenities — public restrooms, bathrooms and showers and laundry facilities — that are invaluable to boaters, especially those from out-of-town. Manned by the city’s dock attendants, who act as hosts, of sorts, boaters have easy access to information about restaurants, shopping, parts and supplies, boat repairs, attractions, entertainment and docking accommodations, says Dockmaster Rick Brass. Attendants also give visiting boaters a gift bag, containing information about the area, as well as menus, local publications, event schedules and other literature that serves as a guide to draw boaters back to the area. With boaters having to stick to a strict travel itinerary due to weather conditions and other reasons, the facility, its amenities and the hospitality of the dock attendants could be the difference between a visiting boater staying a day or two or staying for weeks or more, Brass says.

“My guys and I are all trying to be good hosts and tour guides, if you will,” Brass said. “The waterfront is part of the charm of the city — the views, the water, the boating, the lifestyle we have out here on the water. It’s a central part of Washington — for the people who live here and for tourism.”

30 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

is simple, but it has the potential to bring new businesses and new residents to town — all that builds on our community. It’s more than just having an event.”

Going hand in hand with local events are recreational opportunities in Washington’s downtown and harbor district. According to Rick Brass, City of Washington dockmaster, Washington has much to offer recreationally, especially in the spring and summer months.

In recent years, the waterfront and downtown areas have become more recreationally attractive to prospective guests, especially those coming in off the Intracoastal Waterway, Brass says. Not only does the waterfront feature Festival Park, which has a gazebo for live events and a children’s playground, but it also has the N.C. Estuarium and a wildlife refuge, giving locals and guests a means to become one with nature, as it is home to turtles, waterfowl, fish and other native creatures.

The newly constructed dock station and lighthouse on the west end of the waterfront is equipped to give boaters using the docks access to amenities, including showers and bathrooms and laundry facilities, Brass says. Many boaters anchor out in the middle of the Pamlico River and dock when necessary to get much-needed supplies and provisions, which means money is being spent locally. One attraction that dock attendants have noticed boaters enjoying is Castle Island, which provides a sunny river beach on its north side.

People beach their boats on the sandbank and have informal beach parties that happen right off the Washington waterfront, Brass says.

The City of Washington will soon construct a public pier that will jut out into the river and serve as an observation pier, and it also has plans to implement a kayak launch on the far west end of the waterfront, Brass says.

Events and recreational attractions in Washington serve as engines for the local economy, drawing in visitors and essential tourism dollars that have become a vital piece of the puzzle for Washington’s future.

Smoke on the Water

Smoke on the Water, one of Washington’s premiere events, brings barbecue cookers from all over the state to compete in the N.C. State Barbecue Championship. Pictured are judges examining a cooker’s finished product.

One of Washington’s premiere annual events, Smoke on the Water, is sponsored by the Washington Noon Rotary Club and features a lineup of activities in downtown Washington, including the annual Smoke on the Water BBQ and Chili contests. In its 18th year, the October event is a major fundraiser and service project for the Noon Rotary and all proceeds are given to local nonprofit groups, from the Boys and Girls Club and afterschool programs offered by Purpose of God Annex, to the local domestic violence shelter Ruth’s House and the food pantry Eagle’s Wings, says Pam Anderson, chairperson for SOTW. Also featured during the weekend-long event are the annual Pig Parade, which kicks off the event, Dragon Boat races sponsored by the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation, live music, toy duck races (a fundraiser for Eagle’s Wings) a classic car show, arts and crafts, vendors and more. Starting on Friday night, the event pairs with the Washington Harbor District Alliance’s monthly Music in the Streets, as well as the Beaufort County Arts Council’s Fine Arts Show, making the entire weekend in Washington eventful for residents and guests alike.

“The main thing it brings to town is that tourism increases by a lot,” Anderson said. “Pig cookers and people come from all over the state. There is so much to do in town that weekend, you would definitely want to come here. It’s a huge boost for the local economy.”

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 31

LET'S EAT

Food folks This stacked turkey sandwich is just one of the many tasty items offered at the popular downtown eatery The Meeting Place.

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The Meeting Place chefs strive to use natural and healthy ingredients. Here Chef Deb Griffee displays a variety of the menu’s offerings.

Left top: The Meeting Place’s take on traditional bruschetta is something that would have been absent from the downtown scene 20 years ago. It’s plates like these that introduce the area to different tastes and cultures. Right top: The Meeting Place offers everything from their signature lemon poppyseed muffins, to different quiches to these beautiful Belgian waffles.

A place where Southern tradition and international flair collide

L

Written by JONATHAN ROWE | PHOTOGRAPHS By Will preslar

ike the City of Washington itself, the culinary experience parallel to the Pamlico River blends new and old, local and international, “mom and pop” and white glove. In an area where tradition reigns, the waterfront in downtown Washington offers a spread of fresh new takes on Southern favorites, while providing patrons with fresh ingredients from around the area. Above all else, the experience is personal, the food hearty and the atmosphere robust.

“We have a good combination of restaurants that can fill anybody’s wants,” said Beth Byrd, executive director of the Washington Harbor District Alliance.

“The thing I would stress that you may not see on the surface is that these are all independently owned and operated, so I think that’s a very cool aspect of dining. You can actually meet the chef or owner. It’s not one of those canned experiences.”

Take a walk down Main Street and you won’t find the conventional chain restaurants or fast food joints.

Each building, each restaurant, each menu has its own distinct personality, filling seemingly every niche. Whether you’re seeking something quick or an elaborate culinary masterpiece, Washington’s downtown likely has what you’re looking for.

And like the river, the waterfront eateries are in a constant state of change. With the recession in 2008, stores and restaurants closed, but some staple institutions persevered. Now, with the improving economy, those looking to make a culinary statement are filling the once empty storefronts in one of eastern North Carolina’s most scenic locations.

“Every restaurant down here has completely different clientele,” said Anne Martin, owner of The Meeting Place, a soup and sandwich eatery that’s thrived for more than two decades. “I have people MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 33

Oysters have been a staple on the dinner plates of patrons in downtown Washington for centuries. At On the Waterfront, chefs char-grill their oysters with cheese and spices, a unique take on a southern tradition.

here that don’t go to certain places and vice versa, but that’s OK because that’s what we’re all here for — a good mix. If everyone served the same thing, we’d all be closed. When we have somebody new comes in, it’s usually different than us and always welcomed.”

The focus is always building a symbiotic relationship between the owner, the dish and the patron, making for a unique experience like none other.

It’s one of the few places on the East Coast where a hungry person can go in blind, allowing the street to tickle their fancy. Within just a couple blocks, an individual has the option of seafood, Greek, American, Italian, traditional Southern and much more. All that can be broken into a variety of other subcategories — new or old, inexpensive or refined, quick or sit-down.

And above all else, the water offers fresh foods that change with the seasons.

“Washington, you have this downtown renaissance almost coming about,”

34 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

said Ross Dunn, co-owner and manager of On the Waterfront. “Something new is coming to Washington every time I turn around. That’s not happening in Greenville anymore … it’s happening here.”

Downtown has a little bit of everything for anyone looking to enjoy a great meal and the selection is only growing.

Origin of the oyster On the Waterfront owner Ross Dunn shucks an oyster in his oyster bar.

Slingin’ drinks at The Bank

Ever wonder how the oysters at your favorite downtown seafood restaurants make the journey from the bottom of the ocean to your plate? Well, fortunately, the process is hardly complicated and delectably short.

On the Waterfront co-owner Ross Dunn considers picking the best oysters to be a science and he’s got the map to prove it.

On the Waterfront’s oysters come from Mac Jones Seafood, a local seafood supplier, located on Mimosa Shores Drive in Washington. Each shipment of oysters comes tagged with a specific code, signifying where in eastern North Carolina they were harvested and shipped from that morning.

“It’s really about what the oysters feed on,” Dunn said. “The water is fairly clean here and you have a good environment where the fresh water and salt water mix, but they’re still coming out good and salty. You have such a great variety of oysters in eastern North Carolina.

Each location has its own unique taste.”

Occasionally, oysters from the Pamlico River find their way into Dunn’s restaurant, as Mac Jones Seafood either gets its products from the Wanchese Fish Company, where fishermen from all over eastern N.C. meet to sell their catch, or from local Beaufort County fishermen. For tax and quality assurance reasons, all fresh oysters and seafood must go through local suppliers like Mac Jones.

The Bank bartender Sean Batts has been mixing drinks in downtown Washington for years. Now, he’s bringing top shelf liquor and fresh ingredients to the table.

Certified bartender Sean Batts is known for bringing high-quality, elaborate and fun cocktails to downtown.

As bartender of The Bank, one of the Washington’s most upscale, yet affordable culinary institutions, Batts only uses quality, top-shelf liquor, fresh garnishes and ingredients you wouldn’t normally find in an area where well-known, traditional drinks like a Jack and coke or whiskey sour have been staples.

“You’re trying to bring a little bit of style to your drinks and give people a taste of what’s out there.

There’s never really been a lot of that here,” Batts said. “The big thing is farm to table. It’s the same

kind of thing with our drinks. We try to get fresh herbs and fuse that with our drinks. We make sure that everything looks right. The drinks aren’t what a house highball would be at a regular bar, but they aren’t what a drink would cost you in a place you’d normally find it.”

The Bank’s drink menu is diverse, featuring a series of drinks named after international currency — a concept Batts created to reflect to the miscellany of the drinks themselves. Everything from the Indian “Bombay Rupee” to the Italian “Lemon Basil Lira” is covered, making for an experience that’s much more than simply ordering a drink.

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 35

AT HOME

The front porch of Bill and Rebecca Clark’s Moss Landing townhome is an ideal place to watch the sunset.

URBAN LIVING 36 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Light pours into the Clarks’ living room at Moss Landing. Below: The back porch is where Rebecca Clark loves to sip coffee in the mornings, looking out over the Pamlico River and the train trestle spanning it.

Living downtown a matter of convenience and community STory and photos by VAIL STEWART RUMLEY

R

arely does one look up when strolling the streets of downtown Washington. The place breathes history, from the Greek Revival columns of the Bank of Washington building, to the Victorian brick delight of the Old City Hall on Market Street. Coupled with a spectacular waterfront, shopping and dining, all on the ground floor, there’s little reason to look skyward.

But on the second and third floors across downtown Washington, there is life.

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 37

Bill and Rebecca Clark were some of the first Moss Landing residents and were able to customize their townhome on the waterfront. This cozy den shares space with an open kitchen.

There are homes. There is an entire community that prefers to walk to work, to events, to restaurants. The waterfront and the historic buildings of downtown are their front yards.

It’s a particularly urban way of life: businesses on the first floor, living quarters above. While a fraction of buildings in Washington take advantage of the urban living possibilities, those that do exist are often in high demand and have waiting lists for the next available space.

One thing unites all these downtown dwellers: they love it. They love the convenience, they love the access to all downtown has to offer 38 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

and they especially love a community that’s grown from the newest, oldest neighborhood around.

A visit to Jack’s place Walk into Jack Long’s apartment above Grub Brothers Eatery on Main Street, and it feels like you’ve stepped into a tropical island bar.

The walls are painted vibrant yellows, blues and greens; the artwork, as colorful and festive.

“I just like bright colors. When I first moved in, everything was black and grey. I said, ‘I’ve got to do something about that,’” Long said.

So he did. He made his living

space vibrant with color, things he’s collected over many years of travel, along with the requisite pieces of an active, bachelor’s lifestyle: a full-sized pool table is planted in living room, scuba gear takes up one corner while weights for his at-home workouts bolster another wall. The spacious bathroom is a sight to behold with its sunken Jacuzzi tub ensconced in a tiled nook beneath a skylight and a walk-in shower with six showerheads.

“The first time you use it, you feel like you’re drowning for 30 seconds,” Long laughed.

The bones of the building are apparent in the exposed steel beam

Long’s shoe collection is no match for his tropical shirt collection, but plenty of storage lines the hallway from bedroom to bathroom.

MARCH/APRIL2015 2015||WASHINGTON WASHINGTONTHE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••39 39 MARCH/APRIL

Jack Long’s apartment above the West Main Street eatery Grub Brothers comes with its own entertainment: a pool table.

Tucked into a nook in the bathroom, a sunken Jacuzzi tub beneath a skylight is definitely one of this living space’s perks.

Workout gear is part of the décor at Jack Long’s West Main Street apartment.

40 40 •• WASHINGTON WASHINGTON THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || MARCH/APRIL MARCH/APRIL 2015 2015

and column providing structural roof support, while at the same time make for a loft-like space existing on two levels: a few steps down from the living/kitchen area lead to a bedroom enclosed on one side by a half wall. Two other sides framed by the building’s exterior brick walls are studded with tall windows to the north and glass brick to east.

Long moved to downtown Washington from Blounts Creek about nine years ago; before that, he was based in Raleigh. His job as a construction project manager takes him all over the U.S., so he can live anywhere, but he chose downtown Washington.

“I can walk to about anything I need,” Long said.

“There are a lot of nice people who live downtown. We’ve got a nice inner circle of people down here.”

Rolling stones Bill and Rebecca Clark moved to Washington from Greenville; before that the couple lived in many places across the world. But when they settled into their Moss Landing townhome, just east of the North Carolina Estuarium, their moving days came to an end.

“We’re rolling stones — but it kind of caught us,” Rebecca said.

“This was the nicest community around,” Bill added.

“Now, this is the place I’ve lived longer than any other place in my life.”

In their travels, the Clarks said they’ve seen big cities try to capture Washington’s natural charm with planned communities, with varying success, but the downtown area has so much to offer that can’t be recreated in other places.

“You never have to get in your car,” Rebecca said. “You have all the amenities of a big town, but it’s a small town.

We have restaurants, theater, art, shopping. We have the water right outside our door.”

Indeed, the Clarks’ back porches — one on each level of the townhome’s two floors — offer a sweeping view of the Pamlico River and the picturesque railroad trestle spanning its width. Their front porch view encompasses other townhomes, a slice of river and a gazebo for Moss Landing residents’ use. They have sunrises to east and sunsets to the west and in between, a custom-designed home: a living room, dining room and open kitchen/den on the first floor; bedrooms upstairs. But what resonates the most is the activity they see on a daily basis, whether it’s watching a train rumble across the trestle, the boat

Industrial-grade barstools make a subtly colorful stand at the bar in Long’s apartment.

traffic come and go, or the people spending their leisure time on the river.

“It’s just vibrant because of the waterfront. It gives you sense of a really lively place. There’re kids and there’s people walking their dogs. It’s not a sleepy little town,” Rebecca said.

According to the Clarks, the eclectic community of downtown dwellers, their friends and neighbors, far outweighs the only potential drawback: the lack of fullscale grocery store nearby. But that’s actually turned shopping into an adventure.

“When we go to the grocery store now, it feels like we’re making a trip to suburbs,” Bill laughed.

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 41

A matter of perspective: Taken from the loft office, Geist is pictured in her Fire Station Lofts kitchen on North Market Street.

Tall ceilings, an open floor plan and windows with wide granite sills define Pamela Geist’s Fire Station Lofts apartment.

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Renaissance man For seven years, David Carraway has called the apartment at the end of Market Street home. For three years before that, he was on a waiting list to get into it.

“I looked at all the apartments in Washington and I decided I wanted to be downtown,” Carraway said. “I can walk to work, walk to restaurants and walk the river. … This is centrally located for everything I need, and my interests.”

Carraway is network administrator for the City of Washington — work is a quick jaunt up to the corner of East Second and Market streets.

He’ll tell you the door to one popular downtown eatery is 25 yards away from his front door in one direction; the river is 45 yards away in the other. In another era, the river was only 10 feet from the southern wall of the building, speaking to its past as a waterfront warehouse. He’s seen the pictures.

It’s a nice sized, one-bedroom apartment that features a galley kitchen and sunset views over the waterfront. The building’s past can be seen in tall one-over-one original windows that, come afternoon, let in plenty of light. It can be found in the brick walls in the living room and bedroom, and a set of sealed double doors that once had a purpose but now “lead to nowhere,” Carraway laughed.

While the downtown community has remained a rather small one over the years, Carraway believes that’s changing — more and more property owners are converting empty space upstairs into housing: the apartments over Apollo’s Restaurant are occupied, as are those above Grub Brothers; there’s still a waiting list

David Carraway, outside his Market Street apartment. Behind him, the downtown waterfront is just yards away.

to get into the four apartments in Carraway’s complex; and renovation projects are underway in several other buildings.

Before too long, he believes the urban dwelling population will be booming, bringing even more life to downtown and all it has to offer: “I really feel like there’s a Renaissance coming.”

Lofty ideals Pamela Geist was looking for a change when she moved east from her Denver home. It was a transitional time in her life and her daughter was enrolling at East Carolina University on a soccer scholarship. Geist knew she wanted to be close, to support Jenna, so she looked at several towns, some close to ECU, some not so close. But when she saw the apartment at the corner of Market and Third streets, she knew she’d found her home away from home.

“I didn’t even look at any other building in Washington,” Geist laughed.

The first of Bill Sykes’ and Scott Campbell’s Fire Station Lofts, the condominium that shares the second floor above the Washington Daily News reminded Geist of the place she’d left behind. Its open floor plan, lofty ceilings and plenty of light made Geist’s transition from a 6,400 square foot home in Denver to urban living on a small scale that much easier.

“Coming from where I came, I feel like this unit in particular gives me that feeling of living in a larger space.

The space feels large, it’s open — it’s really cool. It makes me feel like the home I came from, really, just on a smaller scale. I can’t say enough about it,” Geist said. “They created this high-end living space downtown — there’s nothing like it.”

The more difficult transition was downsizing, a process that wasn’t without its glitches when the moving MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 43

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T H E S E E V E N T S A N D M O R E B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y:

trucks arrived and boxes upon boxes began to fill the loft and hallway.

“I realized I had not downsized enough, so then I had to do it again after I got here,” Geist laughed.

Though a first for her — she’s always lived in homes with yards, with children, with dogs — Geist has found many things to love about downtown living: the safe neighborhood and having entertainment and restaurants just a few blocks away. As a runner, she takes advantage of the scenery regularly — in two minutes, she can be running along the waterfront.

“My favorite thing is not driving anywhere, but walking.

Not spending any time in the car or minimal time in the car — I love that,” she said. “I love being able to walk downtown and seeing all these people I know, to stop and talk to them.”

Three Questions to Ask Yourself While House Hunting.

If you’re thinking about a move or want to pick that perfect vacation spot on the waterfront, the spring is a great time to start looking for a new house. Here are some key questions to consider before you begin your hunt.

1. hoW lonG Will i live here?

How long are you planning on staying in this home? What about your life may change during this time frame? How many bedrooms will you need? Is a puppy in your near future? If so, a yard would be beneficial.

As you shop, be sure to include any features that you may need during the time you plan to live in the home, even if they aren’t things that you need now.

2. WhaT am i lookinG for in an ideal neiGhBorhood?

While the features of your home are important, they can be updated or replaced. A neighborhood is much harder to change. A good Realtor will be an expert on your local area. Work with him or her to find a neighborhood that meets your needs.

Be sure to also consider how close the home is to your job, your significant other’s job, and your children’s schools.

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Additionally, amenities are important to your quality of life. Do some research to find the grocery stores, shopping centers, restaurants, movie theaters, and parks that are near any home you’re interested in.

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3. hoW much Will i pay each monTh for my home?

You need to find a good balance between what you are spending each month and the features, size, and location of your new place. Don’t forget that in addition to your mortgage payment, you will have to pay taxes, and in some cases, private mortgage insurance or homeowners association dues.

Come in and talk with me and my team of skilled mortgage bankers to determine a monthly budget that will work for your situation.

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CAST A LINE

Spring into Pamlico River fishing

M

Written by CAPT. RICHARD ANDREWS

arch is one of best fishing months of the year. As the red maples put a fiery glow to the banks, the white flowers of the dogwoods remind us of winter's last snowfall and the bald cypresses and bottomland hardwoods species along the riverbanks turn a bright, glowing green, the American and hickory shad migration is in full swing up the Tar River. The pre-spawn stripers are gathering in the upper reaches of the Pamlico near Washington and feeding heavily in preparation for their annual spring spawning run up the Tar River. The speckled trout are emerging from the winter and are feeding much more actively.

Anglers can catch striped bass, speckled trout, puppy drum and flounder, although the striper and speckled trout fishing is most consistent this time of year. The stripers are full of roe and milt and therefore much larger than they would be during the late spring and summer. On the Pamlico, anglers consistently encounter stripers in the 2530-inch class, which may range in weight during the pre-spawn from 7-15 pounds. These are no small fish on light tackle. Witnessing a 30-inch, 15-pound striper attack bait on the water's surface is truly remarkable and one of my favorite types of light tackle fishing.

We are very fortunate to have such a bountiful and consistent striper fishery in our estuary.

Anglers on the Pamlico can catch them year-round, and they give anglers a quality moving target at times when the speckled trout, puppy drum and flounder fishing is slower. March and April are also excellent months for speckled trout fishing.

Although specs can be caught in the winter months, the fishing really fires off during March when water temperatures become warmer and more stable. Although fall can yield some really good spec fishing, the spring has hosted some of the best speckled trout fishing I've seen on the Pamlico. The fish will be really active in the tributaries of the river by the late spring, many of the fish will have excited the creeks and entered the river for their

late spring/early summer spawning migration to the lower Pamlico River and sound.

Spring is a wonderful time to be a fisherman.

It's a season of transition, which yields great weather, great fun and adventures, which make lasting memories on the beautiful waters of our Pamlico River.

Capt. Richard Andrews is a resident of Washington and the owner of a local year-round guide service offering fishing excursions on the Pamlico and nearby rivers. He can be reached at 252945-9715 or richard@tarpamguide.com MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 47

DINING GUIDE

48 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 49

WORD ON WINE

Reading the labels

T

Written by Virginia Finnerty

he label on wine bottles contains a wealth of information. If you make it a habit of reading them, taking note of the ones you like, the label of wines you haven’t tasted can provide enough details to allow you to open a bottle with a comfortable degree of confidence that at least you will like its contents. Sometimes the amount of information can be overwhelming, but don’t let it intimidate you; it can help you make an intelligent choice among the great variety of wines available.

Having said that, wine drinkers need to keep in mind that: • The governments of wine producing countries regulate what is on wine bottle labels for similar reasons they regulate what is on food labels, an attempt to ensure consumers know what they are buying.

• Unfortunately, the mandatory information requirements vary by ruling entity as well as wine quality.

New world wines label requirements (those from USA, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa) are much looser than those for European wines.

• Labeling requirements are also much more stringent for the higher end wines than they are for the less expensive wines.

Most wines have two labels, on the front and back of the bottle. Government authorities require certain information to be listed on the front label. What may surprise you is that the label facing out on the shelf, the larger, often very colorful and certainly eye-catching label may not necessarily be the “front” label. Legally, the front label is whatever label the producers put the government required information; sometimes the smaller, plainer of the two.

USA Federal government labeling requirements: • Brand Name • Class or Type (red, white, sparkling, etc.)

• Name and address of Bottler • Alcohol % by Volume • Size – net contents • The phrase: Contains Sulphites • Government Health Warning • Imported by – when wine is made outside the US The European Union (EU) also requires the label to list

50 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

the Country & Region of Origin, Quality Classification, and Vintage (if any, except for table wine) The Regions of Origin are designated in the following two ways: PDO: Protected Designation of Origin – these wines come from places where production is highly regulated, defining the territory, grape varieties, growing methods as well as winemaking techniques.

PGI: Protected Geographic Indication – less regulated wines from registered regions that have more freedom in grape varieties and productions methods.

All European wines, except for the most inexpensive ones, are supposed to have one of these phrases or its acronym on their label. However, the truth of the matter is that it’s just not that simple. In the first place it’s only been 2-3 years since the EU set the designations in place therefore many labels still have the old phrases used by

each country. In addition, each country can allow wineries to continue using the old terms. Finally, each country usually translates the term to their own language.

In some European countries the more important wine regions have their own classifications. For example Premier Cru, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Cru Classé and Grand Cru are the highest ratings for wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy.

FYI: AVA – American Viticultural Area is the phrase used in the U.S. to refer to a registered wine producing area. However, the phrase does not have to appear on the label and often it does not. Usually no such phrase appears on the labels of wines from Australia or South America either.

In addition to the governmentrequired information you may also find other terms and phrases. These words can be totally meaningless and specifically used to mislead and get you to believe the wine is something that it’s not or they can be very helpful in letting you know about the qualities of the contents of the bottle.

The problem is that some words and terms are strictly regulated by some governments and not at all by others.

So you have to tread with caution.

Additional optional terms also found on labels: Classico, Estate Bottled, Reserve, Supérieure or Superiore, Vieilles Vigne, Vineyard name and Vintage.

Classico: You’ll find this word only on Italian PDO wines coming from the center, the core of the place of origin.

Estate Bottled: This term lets you know the grapes were grown, made into wine and bottled by the same company. There are many who believe this to be essential to making good wine. However, there are many wineries that don’t grow their own grapes yet produce excellent wines such as Ravenswood, Meiomi and Honor.

On French labels you might see the terms domaine bottled, chateau bottled or in French: mis en bouteille au chateau/au domaine.

Reserve: An important and meaningful term if you are looking at Italian or Spanish wines where the term is regulated and used only for wines that have had extra aging. Spain goes even further; they have three degrees of aging terms: • Crianza red wines aged for 2 years with at least 6 months in oak.

Crianza whites and rosés must be aged for at least 1 year with at least 6 months in oak.

• Reserva red wines aged for at least 3 years with at least 1 year in oak. Reserva whites and rosés must be aged for at least 2 years with at least 6 months in oak.

• Gran Reserva wines typically appear in above average vintages with the red wines requiring at least 5 years aging, 18 months of which are in oak and a minimum of 36 months in the bottle. Gran Reserva whites and rosés must be aged for at least 4 years with at least 6 months in oak.

Although France does not regulate the term, they use it in a typically dependable and appropriate manner on wines that are considered better in quality than the producer’s standard.

The term is not regulated in the U.S. Unfortunately, even though the term Reserve was originally used

appropriately, currently it has become meaningless, just a sneaky way used to trick you into thinking the wine is better than it actually is.

Supérieure or Superiore: Not terribly significant, usually found as part of the PDO place name. This term has historically referred to the alcohol content of a wine being higher than the same wines not labeled as such.

However, in Italy it has also been used to distinguish one wine from another because of its winemaking, location, etc.

Vieilles Vignes: French for “old vines." Because older vines yield smaller amounts of grapes of greater quality, the wines made of these grapes are considered to be of especially good quality. A word of caution . . . this term is not regulated, therefore anybody can say their vines are old and use the term on the label.

Vintage: One of the most common optional details listed on the label. It simply refers to the year the grapes were harvested. Honestly, unless you are a collector and/or are buying top – quality wines, vintage is not something to be overly concerned with.

There is so much to remember, my brain simply cannot retain it all!

I find keeping a journal of the wines I like is very helpful. If you are not a journal-keeping type, you can get apps for your tablet or smart phone that will make it a breeze to easily keep a record of your favorite vinos.

Sources: McCarthy, Ed & Mary EwingMulligan. Wine for Dummies, 5th Edition; John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2012; Carroll & Brown; Limited. Le Cordon Bleu Wine Essentials; John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2001; "Spanish Wine."

Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 22 July 2004. Web. 9 Feb. 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_wine.

Virginia Finnerty owns Pamlico House Bed & Breakfast and its inhouse wine shop.

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 51

LET’S EAT

Food narrative

Carrot Ginger Soup Prep

52 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Buttermilk Pecan Chicken

Washington is rich in history, good cooks Written by KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER

T

Food PREPARATION By JANE OLSEN | PHOTOS by VAIL STEWART RUMLEY

here's no denying that Washington, especially the downtown area, is rich in history. Everywhere one looks there are reminders of the city's colorful past.

Local residents, both born and bred here and those who chose to make Washington their home, celebrate the past ... just as they celebrate good food, from country "vittles" to more uptown fare.

In this issue of Washington the Magazine we pay homage to some of the city's fine cooks and their contributions to local fundraising cookbooks. On a regular basis, the Washington Daily News shares some of these mouthwatering recipes in its Pamlico Pantry column, all the while promoting the sales of cookbooks published by area churches, schools and nonprofit organizations.

So let's welcome spring with Terry Knott's Carrot Soup with Orange and Ginger, or dig into a light lunch featuring Sandy Johnson's Easy Apple Salad.

But be sure to save room for Charlene Alligood's Oatmeal Pie.

Carrot Soup with Orange and Ginger Terry Knott Saint Peter's Episcopal Church 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 leeks, whites thinly sliced; 6 carrots (1 pound), peeled and thinly sliced; 1 red potato, peeled and diced; 1 1/2 teaspoons peeled and minced ginger; 5 cups chicken stock; 1/2 cup orange juice; 2 teaspoons grated orange zest; salt and pepper, to taste; thin orange slices and mint sprigs for garnish.

Saute leeks in olive oil three minutes. Add carrots, potato and ginger. Saute until softened, about five minutes longer.

Add stock, cover partially and simmer until vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Puree in blender in batches until desired consistency. Return soup to medium heat and stir in orange juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with orange slice and a sprig of mint.

Yield: four to six servings.

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 53

Buttermilk Pecan Chicken Prep

Easy Apple Salad

Minute Steak Parmesan

Sandy Johnson Washington Pediatrics

Lisa Waters Ware's Chapel United Methodist Church

6 cups cubed unpeeled Red Delicious apples; 1/2 cup raisins; 1/3 cup chopped walnuts; 1/2 cup low fat vanilla yogurt; 2 tablespoons honey.

1 egg; 1 tablespoon water; dash of pepper; 1/4 cup saltines (6 or 7), finely crushed; 5 beef cube steaks, 4 ounces each; 1/4 cup cooking oil; 1 (8 ounce) can pizza sauce; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated.

Combine first three ingredients in bowl; toss gently. Combine yogurt and honey in bowl; stir well. Add to apple mixture. Toss gently to coat.

Cover and chill for one hour.

Beat together egg, water and pepper. Combine cracker crumbs and one half of the cheese. Dip steaks into egg mixture, then coat with crumb mixture. Heat oil in a skillet; brown steaks and drain. Arrange steaks in a baking dish; cover with pizza sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Yield: five servings.

Marinated Vidalia Onions Peg Gerritsen First Presbyterian Church 2-3 medium Vidalia onions; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup white vinegar; 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon celery seeds; lettuce leaves.

Slice onions and separate into rings. Combine water, sugar and vinegar; stir until sugar dissolves. Pour over onion rings. Cover and chill at least three to four hours, then drain. Stir in mayonnaise and celery seeds. Serve on lettuce leaves or as a side dish. Yield: approximately four servings.

54 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Pineapple Cake Sandy Crisp Church of God of Prophecy 2 cups sugar; 2 cups self-rising flour; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 eggs; 1 can crushed pineapple.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix and bake in a 10 x 13 pan at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.

Icing: 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese; 1/4 cup butter or margarine; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed.

Soften cream cheese and butter. Add sugar and mix well. Frost cooled cake.

Buttermilk Pecan Chicken Ruth Hopkins Plate & Palette, Beaufort County Arts Council Carrot Soup with Orange and Ginger

1/3 cup butter; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup ground pecans; 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup buttermilk; 8 chicken breasts; 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans.

Melt butter in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Set aside. Combine next six ingredients to make seasoned flour mixture. Combine egg and buttermilk. Dip chicken in egg mixture and dredge in flour mixture, coating well. Place chicken in baking dish, turning once to coat in butter. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until done.

Mayonnaise Biscuits Louise Woolard First Free Will Baptist Church 1 cup self-rising flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1/2 cup milk.

Blend ingredients until smooth. Add more flour if needed. Spoon on greased baking pan, leaving enough room for biscuits to rise. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 10 biscuits.

Hester Anne's Pasta and Veggie Bonnie

Easy Apple Salad

Hester Anne Kidd Plated Palette, Beaufort County Arts Council Assorted garden vegetables (or whatever you have in your refrigerator); angel hair pasta, cooked; olive oil; Italian dressing.

Stir fry in small amount of olive oil whatever vegetables you have, for example, celery, snow peas, carrots, red and green bell peppers and yellow squash. Cook angel hair pasta. Drain and stir in small amount of Italian dressing. Mix vegetables and pasta together. Yield: four servings.

Note: This recipe was made from things I had in my refrigerator when Hurricane Bonnie came through. Bonnie blew in a good dish!

Oatmeal Pie Charlene Alligood First Presbyterian Church 2 (9-inch) pie crusts; 6 eggs; 1 stick margarine, melted; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 2 cups light corn syrup; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups quick cooking oats.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, slightly beat eggs. Add margarine and sugar; beat well. Add corn syrup, vanilla and salt.

Beat until smooth. Stir in oatmeal. Divide equally into both pie crusts. Place pies on a cookie sheet to prevent runover. Bake 45 minutes to one hour, until top is golden brown and firm to touch. Cool at least one hour before serving.

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 55

CALENDAR

OUT AND ABOUT

the Beaufort County Arts Council, in association with East Carolina University’s School of Theatre and Dance. At the end of this hour-long performance, audience members can meet and the cast and children/youth may take part in a short after-the-play workshop writing their own original play.

Tickets are $8. Call 252-9462504 for more information.

Every Thursday Night and Saturday Morning BCTMA Jam Session • Turnage Theater • Open jam Thursday night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Musicians and fans are encouraged to attend and play.

There is no admission fee. http:// uac.bctma.org/welcome.html

Wednesdays-Saturdays Starting in April River Roving Educational Tours

March 12 and April 9 Senior Dance •Washington Civic Center • 7 p.m. Singles and Couples over 50 are welcome to come and dance the night away. Admission is $7. 50/50 drawing. Door prizes. No Alcohol/No Smoking/ No Children.

March 14 Dar He: The Story of Emmett Till •Turnage Theater • 7:30 p.m. The Beaufort County Arts Council will present awardwinning actor Mike Wiley in a one-man, multiple character production based on the true story of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old boy murdered in the racially charged Mississippi Delta of 1955. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 252-946-2504.

March 17 Taste the Good Life in Little Washington •Washington Civic Center • 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce and Washington Harbor District Alliance as we host an array of restaurants, breweries, wine distributors and local shops at the third annual Taste the Good Life in Little Washington. Purchase your ticket to join in the fun and sample the best of our area's culinary talent and creative flair.

March 26 Good Company in concert

March 27 Annual Rotary Reverse Raffle

•Washington High School

•Washington Civic Center • 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For information call Steven Wood, 252-946-7151.

Performing Arts Center • 7:30 p.m. The definitive sounds of NYC-Nashville-Detroit-LA; vintage hits performed seamlessly alongside fresh, original material.

Americana music upstarts present “Under the influence of Great American Music. Kaleidoscope of R&B, Rock, Gospel and Bluegrass.”

March 27 and April 24 ArtWalk •Downtown Washington • 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This free-to-thepublic showcase of local visual art takes place on Main, Water and Gladden streets on the last Friday of every month. The quarterly happening features art in galleries open to browsers, collectors or the plain curious, with refreshments and live entertainment thrown in for good measure. Call 252-9463969 for more information.

56 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

March 28 The Malpass Brothers •Turnage Theater • 8 p.m. The Beaufort County Arts Council presents these throwback, country musicians. “These guys don’t just sound retro. They are retro.” Tickets are $23.50 – $25.

Call 252-946-2504 for more information and to purchase tickets.

March 29 “Treasure Island” Theatre for Young •Turnage Theater • “Treasure Island” Theatre for Young Performance Showcase and Workshop, sponsored by

•NC Estuarium • Learn about the history and habitats of the Washington waterfront. These boat tours cruise the Pamlico River Wednesday through Friday at 10:30 and 1:30, and Saturdays at 10:30.

No admission fee or other cost is involved for the tour, but advance reservations are required. Riders should check in 15 minutes in advance. Children must be at least 6 years old to ride; a responsible adult must accompany children under 16. Call 252-948-0000 for reservations.

April 6 City of Washington Easter Egg Hunt •Havens Gardens • 2 p.m.

Every Saturday starting April 19 Saturday Market

•Downtown Washington • 8am to Noon. The Market begins on April 20th and runs thru October. Our market features local growers of fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers. You will also want to try some delicious, fresh baked goods. You never know what you might find; the products are always changing! Call 252946-3969 for more information.

OUT AND ABOUT

April 17 Music in the Streets •Downtown Washington • 6:30pm. Enjoy a wonderful evening with your friends and neighbors in Historic Downtown Washington. No matter what your musical taste, you will find entertainers to delight you in this monthly musical event. Downtown Washington comes to life, shops stay open late and the restaurants are glad to see you. Call 252946-3969 for information

April 17-19 Cycle NC Coastal Ride •Washington • The fun-filled weekend will offer three days of cycling and feature

some great Coastal Carolina food, music and festivities. The CNC Coastal Ride will also include many off-the-bike recreational activities in the Washington area. Historic walking tours, kayaking, boat cruises, great local restaurants and live entertainment will fill time away from the bike and provide a taste of spring in Coastal North Carolina. Call 919-361-1133 for more information.

April 18 Gullfest •Beaufort County Community College • 9 a.m. Local vendors, community yard sale, live music, car show, trucks and farm equipment, dunking booth, little gulls zone, and more.

April 25 BoCo Music Festival

April 18 The Virginia/ South Carolina Border Band •North Carolina Estuarium Auditorium • The Virginia/South Carolina Border Band, presented by the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association. 8 p.m. Tickets are $5.

This foot stomping good time band plays a variety of traditional music; Bluegrass, Old Time Mountain music and Gospel songs.

•Downtown Washington • Annual Music Festival in downtown Washington. Stay tuned for details about this everexpanding event. Presented by the Beaufort County Arts Council in association with the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association. Call 252-946-2504 for information.

April 25 Washington Marine Market •Downtown Washington • If it is nautical, you’ll find it here. Buy, sell and trade in this waterfront. Call 252-946-3969.

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 57

1311005

5

REASONS

to “Learn Local”

At Beaufort County Community College

1

Cost

2

Courses

At BCCC, your college education will cost about a tenth of the cost of most public colleges and universities in the state! The savings are even greater when compared to many of the state’s private colleges and universities. The annual cost for a full-time, in-state student at BCCC is $2,368 compared to $22,092 at a fouryear school!

BCCC offers courses and programs that prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university or give you the skills you need to enter the workforce. At BCCC, our classrooms offer the latest in technology and advanced training to all of our students. Enroll in day and evening classes, traditional seated classes, online classes, classes that combine online and seated opportunities, or a combination of all of these. And you can come to college full-time or part-time, whatever schedule best meets your needs.

5

3

Class Size

4

Convenience

Class size at BCCC averages about 14 students per class.

This means our award-winning faculty can give you the individual attention that you deserve. If you are new to college, why spend your time in lectures of 100 or more students where your teacher doesn’t even know your name? Studies show that class size is important in raising student achievement and improved test results, particularly among minority and low-income students.

At BCCC, your instructors are eager to address your concerns and help you succeed. And, if you need individual attention beyond the classroom, the BCCC Writing Center and Academic Support Center are here to help!

Located just five miles east of Washington, BCCC is close to home and a quick commute for most people living in Beaufort County and the Inner Banks. Why fight large city traffic and the parking restrictions prevalent on most college campuses when you can be at your BCCC class in a matter of minutes and have convenient, free parking?

Continuous and Life-long Learning

Learning doesn’t end just because you’ve graduated from college. Whether you need to upgrade your job skills, find a new hobby or just want to make new friends, our Division of Continuing Education at BCCC offers short-term courses to enhance your life. There are classes as diverse as truck driving, nurse aide, English as a Second Language, computer basics and knitting. In addition, BCCC’s Small Business Center offers one-on-one counseling and frequent seminars for current and prospective business owners.

Need more information about any of our classes or programs?

Visit our website at www.beaufortccc.edu or call Admissions at 252-940-6237.

Find us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Beaufort County Community College 5337 US Hwy. 264 East, Washington, NC 27889 252-946-6194 • www.beaufortccc.edu

FOR YOUR HEALTH

After their ride, bikers traditionally stop at one of downtown Washington’s eateries for a cup of coffee, a beer or a meal.

This time, they chose Coffee Caboose to wind down.

Cycling Beaufort 60 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Local riders pose for a pic on the Washington Park bridge during an afternoon ride. Pictured are Liane Harsh, Alvin Maxwell, Lonnie Brooks and Connie Cipriano.

Chronicling the rise of a county’s biking culture

W

STORY by DAVID CUCCHIARA | PHOTOGRAPHS by WILL PRESLAR

inding country roads give way to striking landscapes full of color and life, settings that inspire, support the journey and motivate the rider to keep pushing on. This is every cyclist’s ideal ride, professional or amateur. And it’s why Beaufort County is quickly becoming one of the most attractive riding destinations in the state.

From Washington to Belhaven, the panorama changes with the seasons, so while the rider may enjoy a certain route, it’s never the same trip twice.

“Going through a tobacco field right before they pick it, it’s incredible,” said Liane Harsh, owner of Inner Banks Outfitters. “In the places where there’s cornfields,

you can see the next road you’re going to turn on and a couple months later, you can’t see anything. Because of the different fields we go through, it changes your ride.”

Geographically, the erratic and nearly unpredictable weather patterns can make planning a ride weeks, even days, ahead of time difficult, but it’s the county’s specific location that entices distance riders. There are few places on the east coast as flat as eastern North Carolina with an 8-9 month riding season. The lack of incline offers a smooth ride, one that any biker at any level can enjoy comfortably. Wind rippling across fields is the only form of resistance a cyclist has to deal with on an average day.

Safety always being the No. 1 priority for cyclists, the roads themselves are rider-friendly, marked with very MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 61

Triathletes park their bikes and prepare to finish the race on foot during last year’s triathlon held in downtown Washington.

little traffic, allowing the rider to concentrate on the task at hand.

The fusion of safe and comfortable, scenic and flat has led to an increased interest in cycling. Over the last decade, Washington’s cycling culture has transformed from the occasional solo ride to organized group rides hosted by Inner Banks Outfitters to massive races that draw hundreds of people from all over the world.

“These are really nice roads that go off River Road,” said Jill Paxton, who has been biking in Beaufort County for nearly a decade. “Bikers usually don’t do a direct route. Sometimes I go north of 264 towards Plymouth. There are some really nice routes and a lot of them are marked. The more you ride 62 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

the more you know the routes.”

Paxton, like many others, regularly joins Harsh and a collection of other riders on group rides across the county a couple times each week during the riding season, which stretches from late-March to the end of October. The group is hardly exclusive and all those who have a passion for or desire to bike are encouraged to join.

It also happens to be one of the best and healthiest forms of exercise — positive results with minimal stress on key joints. On Thursdays during the summer, “It’s a little subculture I guess you can say,” said Alvin Maxwell, a Washington resident, avid cyclist and organizer of Washington’s largest yearly

competitions, the Ultra-Marathan Cycling Association 100-mile and 24hour races. “There’s at least a couple of guys who wake up a 7 a.m. and ride.

“For this type of long distance racing, the flat course offers a pretty level playing field for everybody. When guys are looking at these events, they look here because it’s flat and they can get high mileage.”

As the local cycling culture has grown, so has interest in the larger, organized races. Maxwell has seen his competition transform from a couple dozen to well over 100 participants since the inaugural race four years ago, growing by about 30 percent each year, Maxwell said.

The 100-mile and 24-hour races

Two riders prepare to dismount and start running during last year’s triathlon.

MARCH/APRIL 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 63

became RAM, or Race Across America, qualifiers in 2012 and are taking an even bigger step in 2015. The 100-mile race in Beaufort County, which will be held on Aug. 22, will be the UltraMarathon Cycling Association National Championship, a testament to the success of previous races and the area’s rising cycling culture.

“It’s kind of just a way,” Harsh said.

“I love this town for so many reasons, but the cycling community is one of my favorite things. I enjoy the community and the people. You talk a lot during the rides, so you end up socializing with whoever you end up riding beside.

“It’s a really unique group of people.

My favorite part about it is that it’s mostly people I would have never even known if not for cycling because we’re from all different walks of life.”

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Y’ALL COME BACK

Why I love Washington

Learning by listening

D

owntown Washington captured a large piece of my heart 45 years ago. At the age of 14, I landed my first job on Main Street and, at 59 years old, I still get excited about being able to "go downtown" every day.

It's true, old habits die hard. I am a creature of habit in the respect that I like familiar places as well as familiar faces.

Downtown has been my comfort zone for most of my life. I headed there every day after school, hoping to make enough money to take a certain young lady out on Friday night. I still head there every day hoping to make enough to support that same lady with whom I now share a grandchild. I proudly tell people that I am a product of the local community college.

In fact, however, I also earned a "higher education" on Main Street. I was trained and mentored by some of the best businessmen Washington had to offer. Men like Arthur Beales, James Franklin Buckman, Fred Arthur, Guy T. Swindell, Albert Jowdy and Hilton Sawyer. These men were very successful in their chosen fields and eager to help a young man like me learn about the world of business.

Working in a men's store, I found myself in constant contact with men of this caliber. It's amazing what you can learn by just listening. When I opened my

66 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Written by Russell Smith

RUSSELL SMITH

store in 1983, the community support was overwhelming and that continues to this day. I long ago realized how important it is to give back when one has been so blessed. Over the years, I've had many young men work in my store and I have tried to pass on to them what was offered to me.

Today they serve as teachers, bankers, salesmen, ministers, lawyers and physicians. Most still visit me often, appreciative of their time on Main Street. Being downtown for so long has given me the opportunity to build many valuable relationships. Not only local, but from all across the country.

Washington has so many great events such as Summer Festival,

Smoke on the Water, The Wildlife Arts Festival plus many great golf tournaments during the year. These events bring thousands to our wonderful city and allow merchants to meet new customers and make new friends.

I love Washington because it's home. I was born here and have been fortunate enough to raise my family here. I love Washington because my family, my church, my business and many friends thrive here.

Traveling is always fun and refreshing, but, for me, returning home to Washington and Main Street is always the best part.

Dorothy couldn't have said it any better, “There's no place like home.

There's no place like home....”

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12/15/14 9:55:21 AM

WHEN I MET MY CANCER CARE TEAM FOR THE FIRST TIME

THAT’S A MOMENT I’ll NEvER FORgET. Because the journey to beat breast cancer is so tough, every patient at Vidant Health is cared for by a team of experts – including a Cancer Care Navigator – to create and coordinate an individual plan of treatment.

To learn more about our team approach and our comprehensive breast cancer program, call 1-800-472-8500.

VidantHealth.com/Cancer