Local News

For somebody who feels compelled (thank you, dear readers) to share experiences, piling up those experiences sort of prevents the sharing of those experiences so now I have “backed up” the rest of the Ireland journey.  And what’s more we just returned from a lovely weekend in “horse country” up in Middleburg, Virginia, at the historic Red Fox Inn:

We’ll give the weekend with its dining and shopping ($$$) opportunities, it’s due, but there are also some “local interest” things piling up, starting with a notice of a of unique event tomorrow which would be worth your time and attention:

 Special Event

Wine tastings abound, but here is something different and unique:  Tomorrow at 4pm, in our newly upgraded Elements (Eatery and Mixology) you will have a chance to try some truly unique spirits, some of the only “single malt” products made in the US.  The Copper FoxDistillery in Sperryville, Virginia (more horse country) produces a Single Malt Whisky, and also a Rye Whisky which is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.  Rick Wasmund is the distiller, and will be there to explain his products, and guide you through enjoying them.  I visited the distillery years ago, and Rick gave a lovely tour (as well as some samples).  

On the other hand

On that happy note, other ‘local” stuff is not so happy. And ISadly, I have to continue with notification of yet more places disappearing from the local scene.  We awoke the other morning to some flashing lights seen over on the Solomons, and a quick peek in the scope revealed some heavy equipment near the old Bowen’s Inn which has sat idle for many years.  Later in the morning, a Facebook Posting appeared put up by a friend over there that revealed what the activity was (photo used by permission)

Euphemistically the “wrecking ball” was in the process of taking it down.  What was kind of interesting to me was that all of the “comments” below the picture were to the effect of “About time!”;  “Finally!”; and “at last....”.  Which I fully understand are justified because of the condition of the place, being in the middle of “tourist” attractions (shops, the “new” lighthouse, etc.).  

I suppose it did count as an “eyesore” and with nobody apparently interested in rehabbing the place, down it comes.  I did remark about it on another listserve that I subscribe to, and there I got many return comments recounting the good times that were had there,  memories of friends enjoying themselves, and so forth.   So while some cheered the destruction of the material things, others remembered what other things it represented that can't be destroyed.   I’m not sure what is replacing it, but I hope there is some respect shown.

And then somebody told me that the off again, on again closing of Solomon’s Pier is apparently definitely on again.  The rectifying of the disrepair and other material issues apparently has a price tag that the Stoney’s Empire is not willing to afford, so it will be shuttered sometime this month.  Although I have not been kind to them (I still don’t like the crab cakes) it is yet another semi-local restaurant that is going to close.  Maybe they figure the opening of the Clarke’s Landing location will not offset keeping it open.  Who knows?  I would think if the renovation could be accomplished and the right management in place, the location could be attractive.  The unique really “on the water” is not duplicated here.  I would, however like to get my hands on the bird carvings which decorate their locations.

And then, we hear that after sixty some years, Lenny’s is going to call it quits.   As much as I tend to romanticize restaurants, I have to always bear in mind that it IS a business afterall.  Of course there are many reasons places close other than financial issues, people get burned out, fluctuation in labor force, etc., things like that can drive people away.  Danny Rebarchick and Lenny's has been a stalwart in the food service scene around here for longer than….. whatever.  He is always willing to help out by volunteering his time and talents, teaching “classes”, supporting “buy local” causes, helping with “restaurant week” efforts and so forth.  I just hope that venerable Green Tree sign out in front can be preserved.  It is part of St. Mary’s County History.

And as kind of a corollary, most folks know his daughter Dana has taken over the reins of Blue Wind Gourmet.   I got a thing the other day that they are expanding their operation to include ordering on line and picking up quite quickly.  Plus I heard that they are going to (or are) featuring Pete’s Coffee.  That’s a good thing.  Hopefully you can check out this link.  If not, go to their web page and click the “order on line” line.  Great idea, good food fast.... not....

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DFD