Archive for the 'Entertainment' Category
Celebrating Americana on the Half Shell
November 15th, 2009 categories: Entertainment, Real Estate News
“The first man gets the oyster, the second man gets the shell”
Andrew Carnegie
Fortunately, during last weekend’s 52nd Urbanna Oyster Festival, there were plenty of oysters to be had, even for those in the back of the line. Everyone had loads. And, most of us, way too many! If you’ve not had the chance to venture to Urbanna, Virginia, for the annual oyster celebration, you’re not only missing great food, but also a special glimpse of small town America.
Urbanna is located in Virginia’s Northern Neck, which is situated North of Williamsburg, and Southeast of Fredericksburg, hugging the Chesapeake Bay.
It’s been called a “historic town”, and, in many ways, it is. It’s among the places you’ll see on the National Register of Historic Places. But, each year, on November 6th & 7th, you’ll find some 75,ooo folks headed to this “sleepy” coastal town for oysters, fritters and other assorted dishes, and loads more fun. I can tell you, it’s likely on the “must see” list for those who enjoy touring the country in their RV’s, because there were plenty of those big boys parked in and around the festival.
The two day festival has an assortment of activities, from an oyster shucking contest to the crowning of the festival’s Oyster Queen, among others.
Any number of booths selling food, jewelry, art work, intricate wood design (well, you get the picture, like you’d see at the County Fair), and assorted items dot the town’s landscape. Parking is available, but plan on paying a minumum of $10 or Friday, and $20 on Saturday to park.
And, for those visiting for the first time, it doesn’t matter where you park, the prices are the same. So, for convenience sake upon leaving, use the lots before you come into town.
Enjoying the sights and sounds of Urbanna, and the Oyster Festival, the kids having fun, the adults enjoying each other’s company, the interaction with the booth workers, reminded me of the abundance our Commonwealth has to offer. While most of us relish the time away from work on the weekends, and the relaxation it provides, you might mark the calendar and set aside this early November date next year. It is a piece of Americana that you don’t want to miss.
You’ll meet some very nice people, view a beautiful part of the state, and enjoy some appetizing food dishes. But you might do yourself a favor. In case your eyes are too big for your stomach, don’t forget to bring the Tums!
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Twice As Much Pleasure
August 17th, 2009 categories: Entertainment, Relocating
I can’t say I enjoy food as much as many of my friends. But, I do enjoy an enjoyable night of dining.
This weekend I was treated to a couple of evenings of dining at two of the area’s finest establishments. And, while I enjoy good barbeque, or a visit to Chipolte with my sons, on Friday, I had another opportunity to spend the evening at one of Fredericksburg’s finest restaurants, Claiborne’s. It may be the best in fine dining to be had in the area.
Located in one of the orginal Old Town Fredericksburg’s train station buildings, the restaurant’s rooms allow for small parties as well as larger groups numbering more than fifty. Whether your dining pleasure is filet mignon, chicken, fish, or something a bit more exotic, the menu won’t disappoint you. Neither will the service. The wait staff is polite, punctual, and knowledgeable. While Friday night’s was a treat, Saturday night’s outing may have been better. It was certainly a different setting.
The Inn at Kelly’s Ford, is a site that should be a “mandatory formation” for visitors to the Commonwealth. It’s simply an exceptional example of what the state has to offer; a joy for the palette, and the eyes.
In Remington, Virginia, the Inn is situated on the historical site of the Kelly´s Ford Civil War Battlefield, on 150 acres, which is part of a larger 500-acre estate. As its website claims, there truly is a “casual elegance” that’s unmistakable upon arrival at the facility.
While the occasion for Saturday’s visit was a wedding, I’d been there a couple of times previously. The setting and view from the dining area is truly picturesque. In the middle of the Commonwealth’s horse country, the countryside’s rolling hills, and green pastures, provide the ideal setting for a quiet evening of exquisite dining.
Similar to Claiborne’s, the menu at the Inn is full of dinner delights. The Entree list includes:
While the cost of the entree selections is a bit more than one might expect at your routine “in town” restaurant, the Inn is anything but the usual, and you won’t find anything quite like it in the city. Additionally, the menu features are some you won’t soon forget. Not only are the dishes delicious, but their presentation is very impressive as well.
The Fredericksburg and Stafford, Viriginia region has much to offer. Whether on vacation, or an area homeowner enjoying a night out, Claiborne’s and the Inn at Kelly’s Ford are two fine dining choices you’ll enjoy immensely.
Before making your reservation, make sure your night out is one during which you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere and appreciate the experience. Each of the establishments leaves you wanting to remain a bit longer, to enjoy the experience even more. In these cases, it’s an urge worth indulging.
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When You Know You’ve Made the “Big Time”
June 24th, 2009 categories: Entertainment, Relocating
Life is full of events that flag certain milestones in life. These milestones come in different forms, be they job related, academic, social, emotional, or another. Significant achievements often designate what we might call a ”rite of passage“. A sort of coming into our own. Well, many who found themselves in Fredericksburg this past weekend, may have witnessed just such an event in the life of our City. What was the big event? The opening of Fredericksburg’s very own Wegmans supermarket. But, as anyone whose been inside a Wegmans can tell you, it is anything but your father’s neighborhood grocery store.
While Wegmans has some seventy stores, they’re exclusively in the Northeastern U.S. Many shoppers outside of this area have never heard of Wegmans, much less stepped inside their doors. From its birthplace of Rochester, N.Y., it’s stores have spread to neighboring states New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. Store features include:
1. Cheese Shop
2. Bakery
3. Coffee bar
4. Patisserie
5. Sushi Station
6. Seafood Bar (with wine & beer by the glass)
7. Burrito and Panini bar
8. Crab Cake Counter
9. Thai & Indian Buffet
10. Kosher Deli
And much more, to include the two levels of seating for diners, who would rather sit down to enjoy their food. This includes the upstairs balcony, where those who enjoy the touch of fresh air feel right at home.
For those of us who avoided the 20,000 or so shoppers who were brave enough to wade into Wegman’s on opening day, there’s plenty left to be had. I happened to stop in earlier today, and the shelves have been fully re-stocked, while the aisles are still quite busy. Its something new, and not your ordinary “shopping” experience. As a matter of fact, the kids I witnessed in the store, seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as their parents.
Many have chosen to call Fredericksburg home because of its location, or history, or family in the area, or for its culture, or lifestyle reasons, among others. And, availability of shopping is an important consideration for many. With Wegmans moving into the neighborhood, we’re beginning to look a bit more like the “Big Time.” Now, if we can just convince Trader Joe’s that Fredericksburg is big enough for them too, we might be on to something!
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When Anywhere Just Won’t Do
May 6th, 2009 categories: Entertainment, Relocating
Do you ever find it difficult to find a good place to unwind? Especially, after a long day at the office? Or at home? More and more folks, having seen the eye catching facade, are stopping into to The Fredericksburg Pub.
Opened at the first of the year, the Pub has gotten rave reviews. One of its first published reviews was noted in the Fredericksburg blog, InTheBurg:
“Today Gail took me out to “The Fredericksburg Pub” for lunch. She had the pub burger, I had the bronzed fish sandwich. Both came with fries. I also added a Boddingtons (on tap) to the meal. This place is going to give other area restaurants a run for their money for the following reasons
a) Good pub fare
b) Fast service, I mean fast for everything, from getting our order, to bringing our drinks, to having the food in front of us.
c) Nice sized proportions and good prices
d) A Variety of flat screens showing football (American football) and football (soccer)
e) THEY ARE SMOKE FREE
f) Attractive and unique uniforms”
Having enjoyed the Pub a time or two already, I’d have to echo the reviewer’s comments. While the novelty of the design and woodwork might impress you during your initial visit, the quality of food and service will beg you to return.
For those interest in a pint or two, you’ve found the mother lode. There are more beer types, bottled and on tap, than one can imagine. Whether it’s a dark brown Irish ale, a Double Chocolat Stout, or a plain old domestic brew, there’s plenty to choose from.
The menu’s wide array of choices not only features unique dishes like the Cotswold Chicken Sandwich and Guiness Brownie Sunday, the normal British fare of Shepherd’s Pie or Bangers & Mash, but also many other favorites to pick from.
The Fredericksburg Pub isn’t your normal night out. The character of the place is one you’ll remember. The ceiling is a bit higher than your traditional British Pub, but just about everything else you’ll find will leave you coming back for more.
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Shakin’ Up the Commonwealth
February 12th, 2009 categories: Entertainment, Relocating
One of the many pleasures of life in Northern Virginia is the opportunity to enjoy the well kept history of the Commonwealth. For U.S. Colonial history buffs, there are more historic sights, sounds, and treats than one could possibly enjoy in a single lifetime. Fortunately for me, my hometown of Fredericksburg offers a multitude of historic must see venues, some of which are worth stopping in more than just a couple of times a year.
Goolrick’s Pharmacy is a combination of drug store and Soda Shop. While the convenience of a corner pharmacy isn’t lost on its clientele, the front half of the store and its old fashioned soda shop is what draws the tourists and keeps many visitors coming back.
The assorted sandwiches (on toast if you’d like) include an assortment of the salad (egg, chicken & tuna) type, and favorites like the BLT and grilled cheese. Each also includes a side of potato chips and a dill slice. And, while these and the history are reason enough to drop by, many of us can’t wait for the supersized milkshakes which are about as good as you’ll find. Not only are they twice the size you’ll find at your normal malt shop, but are thick and leave you wanting to return again and again to enjoy the flavor.
As a military brat growing up on Air Force bases, much of my free time was spent at Youth Centers, playing basketball, playing ping pong, or shooting pool. One the refreshments that each of the Youth Centers had was the mikshake. So, my addiction to that particular drink came at a very early age, and remains with me to this day. So, as you might imagine, a visit to Goolrick’s is never too far out of the way.
But, Goolrick’s pharmacy has much more going for it than the the food and friendly service. Not only does it serve as one of Old Town Fredericksburg’s most popular places for a bite to eat, it also is rich with history.
Goolrick’s Pharmacy was originally established in the late 1800’s by William Barber Goolrick. That store was moved to its current location on Caroline Street in the late 1890’s. William’s son, Keating Nelson Goolrick, installed the store’s Soda Fountain in 1912, and serves as the oldest continuously running fountain in the United States. It was also the first to serve this nation’s favorite soft drink, Coca Cola, in Fredericksburg.
The Commonwealth of Virginia offers its residents and visitors historical, cultural, and community activities and sites that few other states can rival. So, whether you’re visiting or just out enjoying the area’s beauty, and you’re in the Fredericksburg area, take a few minutes to drive into Old Town and spend a few minutes in Goolrick’s. The inviting atmosphere, enjoyable and engaging staff, and the tasty menu won’t disappoint you. And, if you love a great milkshake, you may end up spending more time in Old Town than you planned for!
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What’s Happening in Your Neighborhood?
September 30th, 2008 categories: Entertainment, Relocating
Sitting in front of your High Definition (HD) big screen television, watching somebody else live their life can be awfully tempting at times. I mean, you’re in that controlled environment. Better yet, YOUR controlled environment! But, most of us, sooner or later, hopefully, wake up from watching other’s lives, and decide to get out and experience the many activities our communities have to offer for ourselves.
But, once we decide to get out and find out what’s happening, where do we go to discover what’s taking place in our cities or neighborhoods? For many of us, we depend on that weekly newspaper insert. In this area, the local newspaper, the Free Lance Star, has its weekely Weekender section that does a splendid job of providing a rundown of local things that are happening. But for us online types, there may be an easier solution.
A few months back, sitting in front of the computer, I ran across AmericanTowns.com. Talk about community information! When you have a moment, take a look. It offers the latest in Community News. Some of the items covered are:
School Activities, Classified Ads, Church Activities, Community Events (like the Pumpkin Patch, Guide To Apple Picking Orchards, Movie Guides, Volunteer Opportunities, etc.), Best Local Gas Prices, Classified Ads, Recreational Activity Sign Up, Arts & Entertainment News, Local Traffic Videos, Area Maps…in other words, Just about Everything!
White Water Thrill
American Towns has about all you’d want to know about your local area. As a matter of fact, it covers the entire U.S. Make sure you take advantage of this wonderful online tool. You’ve got all you want to know at your fingertips. So, do yourself a favor, stop playing the couch potato (not just on weekends) and start enjoying all that your local area has to offer!
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