In Country

Wally Greeves • April 25, 2013

The clicketty-clack of ?rubber tires hitting? highway cement ?separations is the only thing ?that I was really thinking? about when, after hurtling ?through a couple of still-?confusing, identical looking roadway roundabouts, ?the charming and mystical ?town of Pinehurst, North ?Carolina, appeared from? the clouds out of nowhere.?“Field of Dreams,” “Bagger ?Vance,” and the two golfers? (I mean hunters) that found ?Brigadoon came to mind. Far away-sounding French horns tapered off as we drove into the charming golf village that is busy readying itself for back-to-back men and women U.S. Opens in 2014. Non-chain bookshops, clothing boutiques and eateries line the streets of the small village business district, surrounded by stunning Carolina homes that busy local realtors rent for as much as $75,000 a week during the Open. On our visit, the Holly was our resort home away from home.
Christened in 1895, with dark oak passages and suck-you-in cute creaky hallways that cause women to grab you by the arm, the Holly was consummate in its décor down to its two restaurants that offer collar-only steak at night and mouth-melting banana strawberry smoothies in early a.m. pre-golf or spa attire.

Boasting nine golf courses, the Donald Ross designed Pinehurst #2 is, by far, the most infamous and will host the Open in 2014. Teeing off at 8:40a.m. in 39-degree rain weather may make it hard for me to recognize the audience-flocked fairways come Open time, but I will know that’s where they are by watching the momentarily grief-stricken amazed looks on the faces of pro-golfers as they watch their balls roll off perfectly groomed, innocent-looking, turtle-backed greens. Showering after my humbling round, the thought occurred to me that I had more of a chance of standing at the back of the tub and successfully tossing a wet bar of soap onto the elevated bathtub corner than I did of hitting any kind of iron shot that the #2 greens would hold. Fortunate to play my round with a member of the 106-year-old, Pinehurst-based golfing fraternity, the Tin Whistles (think well-dressed, philanthropic Hell’s Angels of golf), I was treated to warm and funny stories in the history-laden clubhouse, complete with walls sporting action pictures of every who’s-who and who has been in the game of golf.

Creamy crab and sweet corn bisque with lightly toasted fritters floating in it, and the cheerful one-liner-offering staff at the resort’s anchor facility, Carolina Dining Room, helped me feel better about the damage #2 did to my permanent record and my golf-battered ego. Bellboys, shuttle drivers, caddies and other good time co- conspirators can play Pinehurst courses at their leisure with few restrictions, which says a lot to me about a golf resort. It serves as a reminder to me that whatever multi-starred and architecturally crisp resort you may wander into, it will be the people that dictate carefree afternoon naps or the cause of unsettling heartburn.

Encouraged by the staff at the clubhouse the next morning and heartily welcomed by the threesome and caddie I was paired with, my wife rode with us as we teed off at 8:27 a.m. on Pinehurst #4. The threesome we were golfing with was at Pinehurst celebrating one brother’s victorious bout with leukemia from the other brother’s marrow donation, and the son’s recovery from a double hip operation. This inspirational dynamic, our scratch-shooting caddie Bradley’s witty repartee, my wife’s presence and the sunny day all made up for the amount of time I spent in the course’s legendary Fazio-created 180 sand traps. This winter was a long one in Pinehurst, and I just missed seeing the blooming azaleas and dogwoods that #4 usually boasts at this time of year. Nevertheless, the appealing monochromatic-magic created by pine needle boughs every- where satiated my aesthetic appetite and made it easier to find wayward tee shots.

Manufacturing empathy and sensitivity for the non- golfer are wasted efforts at Pinehurst because of the number of other activities avail- able to engage in as well as the interesting historical nature of the resort. My wife is still showing off a pedicure she received from a choice of more than 50 treatments at the spa, and there are sinful amounts of money-spending opportunities that include clothes, tennis, food, real estate, antiques, alcohol, pottery and any item you ever thought of with the putter boy logo spawned the weekend long laughable request for “more putter butter, please.” Just the fact that you find yourself requesting extra butter is relaxation recognition. The front porch of the Carolina in the early evening is a loafer wearing, cigar-smoking, pre-dinner drink eruption of laughter experience dotted with expert bag pipe tunes, proffered by kilt-wearing musicians. In the early 1900s, Annie Oakley lived at Pinehurst for almost 10 years, gave shooting exhibitions at the Carolina and taught shooting to more than 125,000 persons. The Town of Southern Pines is five miles away, has a railroad track right through the middle of it, quaint cafes, antiques stores, many latte places, and little benches in the middle of town with non-stressed-looking people sitting at them and smiling at each other’s stories.

Pinehurst #8 is a full seven minutes away from the main clubhouse by pleasant shuttle and lays out where the Pinehurst Gun Club once did. Even in all its regalia and splendor, with en- trance roads to Pinehurst nearby and abundant housing, the proximity of courses 1 through 5 can be overwhelming. Views of the adjacent fairways from the clubhouse showcase meticulously groomed areas of green expanse dot- ted with golfers swinging their clubs like bees beating their wings, expeditiously being herded toward green pollination by white-uniformed “bee-keeping” caddies. I had the first tee time of the day at #8 on Sunday, and I enjoyed all 420 acres of it. Paired up with the resort requisite cigar smoking, beer drinking, long-ball hitting, loud Texan and his equally enjoyable Coloradan brother-in-law, we made shots that would have made Annie Oakley proud. The Natural wet- lands combined with rolling hills through expansive pines and positively alone feel to this tract made it the favorite for me of the three courses I played in my weekend at Pinehurst.

Thanks to a certain colonel and his wife hailing from Pinehurst #7, we had a genuine Carolina barbecue open house to stop by after showering and checking out of the Holly. What a pleasurable way to end a great trip. I overheard the host say to my wife “Look at Wally, he is perfectly happy and doesn’t want to leave,” and at that moment he was right. I was truly lost in too much of a good thing.

For more information, visit Pinehurst.com. Pinehurst Resort, 80 Carolina Vista Drive, Pinehurst, N.C. 28374 — (855)-235-8507

Wandergolf will be a frequently appearing golf column in The Georgetowner that will be reporting on the golf interests of Washingtonians. If you have suggestions for columns or comments please email them to wally@wandergolf.com
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Sara Gilgore • March 28, 2013

We have all heard about the Eastern Shore. Area natives, especially, know it as a conglomeration of vacation destinations along the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay. Tourist spots. Fishing villages. Colonial towns. Communities that thrive in the summer months but are deserted for the rest of the year. While there might be truth to some of these notions, there is infinitely more to say about the diverse areas of Maryland and Virginia that constitute this collective waterfront region.

The Eastern Shore is composed of distinct locales, which house residents and host visitors with their inimitable personalities. They are undoubtedly recognized for their summer appeal but should not be completely discounted leading up to the heat. Many of these towns are celebrated for their historical significance, tranquil quality and distinguishing identity – you should consider exploring some of them in the coming months.

Featured towns: Eastern Shore, Md.

CHESTERTOWN, KENT COUNTY, MD.
This colonial town on the Chester River entices travelers to experience its historic homes, shops, arts scene and restaurants. As part of Kent County, it is surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay’s estuaries and farmland, and holds annual events and holiday functions throughout the year.
Chestertown is also home base to the Schooner Sultana, “a replica of a Boston-built merchant vessel that served four years as the smallest schooner ever in the British Royal Navy,” according to its website. The ship is known as the “Schoolship of the Chesapeake,” as it offers educational programming through sailing tours.
The Chestertown website offers additional suggestions for visitors, including self-guided tours, museums, theaters, scenic views and recreational activities. There are more than 40 lodging options in the vicinity, though it is known for its bed and breakfasts. www.chestertown.com.

ST. MICHAELS, TALBOT COUNTY, MD.
You are likely familiar with St. Michaels, as its Bay presence has become less subtle over time, and it is now better known for its tourist draw. Its marina and boating opportunities contribute to its charm, but St. Michaels is equally beloved for its memorable attractions, dining, spas and special events.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the St. Michaels Winery, War of 1812 reenactments, the St. Michaels Fresh Farm Market, various cruise lines and fresh seafood meals are among the services that continue to bring visitors to the area. Vacation rentals and quaint hotels provide an array of lodging alternatives, and the website’s suggested itineraries aid with planning the ideal vacation. www.stmichaelsmd.org.

EASTON, TALBOT COUNTY, MD.
This seaside village invites people to discover its character year-round. In addition to crabbing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing, Easton is a relaxing town with outlets for exploration and enjoyment – despite the weather. Its buildings represent a fusion of Colonial and Victorian architecture, and the town is renowned for its displayed appreciation of art and music. The Avalon Theatre presents comedy, art shows, theatrical performances and assorted concerts that make it a staple venue for both vacationers and locals.
Antiquing in downtown Easton, stargazing in the countryside and watching wildlife are just some of the many activities highlighted on the website. Other components of a visit might involve walking tours, community coffee shops, public golf courses, annual festivals and Victorian bed and breakfasts. An events calendar, which consistently outlines a plethora of activities for tourists, can be found on the website. www.eastonmd.org

CAMBRIDGE, DORCHESTER COUNTY, MD.
Situated on the Choptank River is Cambridge: it was settled in 1684, and is now one of the Eastern Shore’s prime destinations. The historic downtown, centered around Cambridge’s Main Street, is more than “beautiful buildings” and “one-of-a-kind shops,” as the downtown touts itself. Rather, it has a powerful presence that stems from its rich history and is apparent to any visitor.
Quirky celebrations add another dimension to the pulse: “Zip Code Day,” “Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off” and “Summer Send-Off: Blues, Brews & BBQ,” to name a few.
Cambridge is home to several noteworthy attractions – the Brannock Maritime Museum, the Richardson Maritime Museum and La Grange Plantation – and other galleries, boutiques and art districts. Great Marsh Park, Sailwinds Park and the Choptank River Fishing Pier are other area favorites. www.choosecambridge.com.

Featured Towns: Eastern Shore, Va.

ACCOMAC, ACCOMACK COUNTY, VA.
As the County Seat of Accomack County, this small but significant town attracts people with its history and charm. It was originally established as the Town of Drummond in 1786 and, subsequently, Drummondtown. It did not receive its present name until 1893.
One of Accomac’s strongest tourist draws is perhaps its walking tour, during which people can gain understanding of the town’s evolution, through architectural changes in churches, cottages and houses. The Eastern Shore Public Library, Debtor’s Prison, Bloodworth Cottage and St. James Episcopal Church are among the notable points on the downtown tour. People live in the private residences, illustrating the community’s intimate nature and appreciation for historic preservation. www.co.accomack.va.us.

ONANCOCK, ACCOMACK COUNTY, VA.
Originally serving as a port town, Onancock aided transportation for steamboats between Baltimore, Md., and Norfolk, Va., with the Onancock Creek leading to the Bay. It is now one of the Eastern Shore’s more heavily populated towns, with more than 1,500 residents.
Onancock has substantial marine- and wild- life populations and water travel opportunities. Whether you bring your own boat, take a guided trip or just want to get a full taste of Onancock, the Town Wharf is a must-see. And, the Ferry to Tangier Island, a nearby fishing village, lets visitors venture beyond the town.
As a self-described “rural waterfront village,” Onancock’s visitor-friendly atmosphere and easily navigated downtown make it a desirable spot for tourists who enjoy biking and strolling. More information is listed on its website. www.onancock.com.

WACHAPREAGUE, ACCOMACK COUNTY, VA.
Wachapreague is an appropriately named seaside town – its website defines “Wachapreague” as “Little City by the Sea.” Bird watching and biking keep people coming throughout the year, as do the fishing and seafood.
The Hotel Wachapreague, the town’s first hotel and one of the largest on the Eastern Shore, was constructed in 1902 and remains open today. A marine railroad and commercial fishing are some of the many draws to this charming fishing community. (www.wachapreague.org)[http://www.wachapreague.org].

CAPE CHARLES, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, VA.
Cape Charles has a history that dates back to the 1880s. Following its colonization, it was predominantly comprised of farmlands and wetlands, but as stated on its website, it developed into a railroad region when the Bay Coast Railroad was constructed. It is the largest town in Northampton County with 1,000 residents and under 3,000 acres of land.
The Historic District of Cape Charles displays a variety of architecture, including Colonial Revival, Neoclassical and Victorian style homes. Golf clubs, horseback riding stables, wildlife refuges, state parks – plus the water, beaches and fishing – make this town a great place to investigate. [www.capecharles.org](http://www.capecharles.org).
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Ari Post • March 13, 2013

John Rhett moved from Houston, Texas, to Charlottesville, Va., in 1981. He had a double degree in architecture and fine arts from Rice University and, having worked in the world of corporate architecture, was searching for a back-to-basics approach to his life and work. Fate, however, was playing a larger role in his relocation to Charlottesville than he could ever have realized.

Rhett had already studied solar architecture in New Mexico in the 1970s, and had constructed some major projects with the surrounding Pueblo community. These projects combined elements of contemporary architectural innovation with ancient cultural building techniques, creating sustainable adobe structures that became a part of the land they were built upon. Shortly after moving to Charlottesville, Rhett started working for one of the city’s only modern architectural firms. Creating modern structures amidst Charlottesville’s lush forests and rolling, fertile landscapes, he found a synthesis between nature and structure that suited his contemporary architectural ideals and deep-rooted pursuits. It was here that Rhett saw a foundation for what would become his life’s work.

He began working for the renowned garden designer François Goffinet, who taught him a multidisciplinary approach of incorporating architecture into natural environments. “Goffinet would work with a team of architects, botanists, carpenters, and even historians of garden design,” says Rhett. “And his projects—parks, gardens, houses and corporate campuses—have such a harmony that resulted from this orchestration of disciplines. His spaces are like musical compositions of physical structures.”
Rhett began working on projects around the world, from Portugal, Oxfordshire, Bel Air and Carmel, to the San Juan Islands just north of Seattle. Each structure, he came to understand, was inextricably linked to its surrounding environment.

“It occurred to me,” he says, “that whether you are building adobe pueblos or Georgian mansions, the incorporation of the surrounding landscape and harmony with the character of the environment are core values that I had been unconsciously pursuing since day one.”

Meanwhile, Rhett had fallen in love with the character and environment of Charlottesville. “Between the history, the beauty, the innovation, and the shear lifestyle, there was something timeless about this place that drew me in and didn’t let me go. I think Thomas Jefferson got it right when he chose Charlottesville as the place to build his home at legacies.”

Jefferson became a strong influence on Rhett and his work, for Jefferson shared with him a fierce love for the land as well as notions on the historical responsibilities of architecture. Upon writing to the politician George Gilmer in 1787, Jefferson remarked: “I am as happy no where else and in no other society, and all my wishes end, where I hope my days will end, at Monticello.”

Rhett brings this philosophy into his work, designing and building country houses that are part of the land they are built upon, and drawing upon its surroundings to shape the gardens and parks he creates to suit them. “I’ve always loved natural surroundings. So, landscape design is a perfect and natural companion to the architecture.”

Building homes also allows Rhett to work with individuals to help others realize their dreams. Much of the satisfaction, he explains, comes from turning a shared vision into a reality. “I want to give my clients the tools to create the home they can only imagine, to take something from theory into reality. In the process, we both discover things. I had one client who at first did not have any confidence in her choices. And while we worked together, she had a real growth experience designing her house, and became rightfully confident in her own decisions. It turned out beautifully.”

Rhett Architects has been operating since 1995, and Rhett’s firm has managed more than 300 projects, focused primarily on residential and landscape work in the Piedmont region. “I design homes and landscapes,” says Rhett, “but I spent quite a while working in construction management, and I enjoy working with the entire project team, from contractors to clients, to bring projects to fruition.”

Among his more public works, Rhett has remodeled several areas inside University of Virginia’s School of Law, and restored Staunton, Va.’s oldest public schoolhouse.

As diverse and unique as his projects are, there is at least one common thread that strings Rhett’s work together. “I like to make places that are alive, that vibrate,” he says. “I use all the tools possible, from proportions, to color and light, to make any space I design the most balanced and beautiful it can be.”

A Conversation With John Rhett

From the genius of Thomas Jefferson and sustainable energy, to Finnish modernism and ranching in Jackson Hole, Wyo., the Georgetowner sat down with architect John Rhett to discuss his influences, inspirations, and what makes a house worth living in.

Georgetowner: How did you get into the field of landscape-influenced and countryside residential architecture?

John Rhett: I’ve always loved landscapes, and it became clear that this was a perfect area for me to be working in architecturally. A country house is part of a landscape, confluent with the surrounding gardens, vistas, and topography. Those are the ideas that interested me from the beginning. I was lucky enough to take a landscape architecture course with Carlisle Becker when I was at Rice University. He really emphasized looking at landscape from a critical point of view, which opened the doors to many concepts embodied in nature.

Architecture is one of those fields where you have to know a lot about a lot of different things, technically, philosophically, historically and artistically. It demands a lot, and I’ve always loved that. It seems natural that landscapes and environmental awareness play an equally integral part in the process. Nature is a good place for an architect to be.

GT: What is it like working with a client and bringing them into your design process?

JR: I always start with the client. That’s why I have so many different styles of projects in my portfolio. I don’t design the same house over and over again. I want to learn what the client wants and find the best thing for them. The process really begins with asking and listening.

When the client and I visit the property before the house is built, we are foremost looking for a site for the house. I like to think that there are different forces out there, and when you walk around a piece of property, you’ll find a special spot, like a tuning fork, and everything starts to syncronize. You find that on most properties there is a perfect spot. Sometimes it is a certain view it offers, but even something as simple and elegant as an old tree can influence where you put a house.

It’s often tied into where the clients come from—some family history about what they love in houses. Some people might want a glass house spanning across a river, others want one on top of a hill. So I balance it out with each property. It is a conversation with clients, the landscape, and ideas of architecture we all have, and it gets shifted around until it all feels right.
I want to work for clients to design their house. I don’t want them to come to me to get a house that they’ve seen somewhere else. I want someone interested in building their house in a particular place, and I’ll help them with it. When you take on a client, you’re really taking on a relationship. But that’s how the best houses get done. To make magic there has got to be a spark between all parties. I want to help people realize their own vision for their home.

GT: That must yield some unique results.

JR: Absolutely. I have one client who is renovating an old barn to be quite modern; it has all these beautiful horizontal lines, an open floor plan and beautiful materials. Another client is building a federal style home near the University of Virginia campus—very traditional, beautiful moldings—the proportion of the rooms is important to him. I’ve got it both ways, which is a wonderful thing. But what my clients all really appreciate is an attention to materials and the way that they are put together. Even with different styles of architecture, when things are done correctly and put together beautifully, that success.

GT: Do you seen any trends in what clients today looking for in country homes?

JR: I think that trends these days are toward a sustainable philosophy about how to live on the land. A lot of people are more interested in energy efficient, solar design, and connecting to a relaxed way of life. They want meadows and low maintenance, native plantings around them, which is really interesting.

GT: Charlottesville is a great place for this type of lifestyle.

JR: It’s the best. It is either a small city or a large town—it can’t seem to make up its mind, and it’s all the better for it. There have always been interesting people and interesting projects here. In Charlottesville, you can have this nice country life, surrounded by gardens and wildlife, and then go into town and see a show. The richness of the land is such a draw—Thomas Jefferson recognized it 200 years ago, when he described it as the Eden of America.

GT: Has Thomas Jefferson had an influence on you since you came to Charlottesville?

JR: Jefferson has had a huge influence on me. He believed that architecture embodies the whole of creation. When he was proportioning columns, he would take his calculations to the fourth decimal point, which says to me that he believed proportions are sacred—if it is off by one thousandth, then it is wrong. That sort of rigor of thought and belief in architecture sustains me, even when I’m sitting there working with a developer to maximize his parking spaces.
If you think about Monticello, his estate here in Charlottesville, on one side is a man-made garden, and on the other side is a house that thrusts out into a landscape of raw nature. Jefferson made art out of the ordinary. Somebody thinking along those lines is a kindred spirit.

GT: Who else has influenced your architectural work?

JR: The list is long. Alvar Aalto was a Finnish modernist who created a modern architecture that connects to nature. Frank Lloyd Wright, I loved his attitude towards the land, how architecture needs to build out of it. He had a great sense of proportion that I often turn back to. But the real reason I got into architecture was my uncle, who was a building designer in Jackson Hole, Wyo., when I was growing up. I thought, Wow! I’ll become an architect and live on a ranch in Jackson Hole!
It didn’t quite work out that way, but I’m not complaining.
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Georgetowner • December 10, 2012

Middleburg, Va., is revered and down Washington Street. Treading on the beloved as the heart of hunt and coattails of the hunt, floats, bands and horse country, and the area’s burgeoning wine market only furthers the rustic, pastoral charm of this historic Virginia town. From world class dining to unparal- leled antiquing, and surrounded by award- winning resorts, the Middleburg area has quietly become one of the premier travel destinations on the East Coast.

Each December, more and more travel- ers find themselves fancying the holidays in country, during Middleburg’s unparal- leled annual Christmas celebration. Last weekend, on Dec. 1, 12,000 guests made it out for the most moving Christmas in Middleburg yet.

As always, residents and guests flocked to Middleburg Elementary School for Breakfast with Santa and a silent auc- tion to kick off the festivities. Throughout the day, the craft fair at the Middleburg Community Center offered audiences of all ages a chance to experience traditional and contemporary craft traditions, and the Middleburg Garden Club hosted a success- ful sale of Christmas greens and wintry flowers at its Christmas Green Sale.

Of course, nothing compared to the annual Hunt Review, Middleburg’s celebra- tory Christmas Parade, with the longstand- ing tradition of horses and hounds parading down Washington Street. Treading on the coattails of the hunt, floats, bands, and troops passed by, with plenty of animals and the signature antique fire trucks– and, of course, Santa, who closed the procession as he rode in on an ornate horse-drawn coach. Guests stayed warm while waiting for the parade to ride by thanks to hot choc- olate and baked goods from the Middleburg Methodist Church.

After the parade, children were offered the chance to take hayrides towed by local draught horses, which took them around town in unique fashion and with great excitement. For parents and other adults, the Wine Crawl was a special treat, where local wineries set up in town from end to end, providing tasting flights as you go.

At the day’s end, the Piedmont Singers rung in the holiday season at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, spreading song and merriment throughout the town to close the ceremonies. It was a day of community, laughter, merriment and joy, perfect to welcome in the 2012 Christmas season. The holidays have not yet even arrived, but already we cannot wait for next year’s Middleburg Christmas celebration.

Georgetowner • December 6, 2012

Seeing the joy in a person’s face when receiving a gift is one of the many pleasures of the holiday season. With these Georgetowner picks, all for sale in Georgetown, you are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face! [gallery ids="101087,137693,137652,137688,137659,137683,137664,137678,137672" nav="thumbs"]

Gary Tischler •

We live in the age of the short, the small, the quick and fast, the compact, the time-saving, the quickie, the: Mini.

Mini-cars—of course. Mini-me, of movie fame. Mini-ice cream portions from HaagenDazs.

The idea is to make life compact, like living in a Manhattan apartment. The idea is that a mini of anything can be as satisfying, as economical, as fulfilling, as a full portion of anything. In keeping with this train of thought and the cover photo of a mini-car, we offer a suggestion: Why not mini-vacations and mini-trips?

Really, isn’t it annoying to have to pack for two weeks and a lifetime, just to go to Paris or Mexico City for a couple of weeks?

Do you have to rack your brains about where to go, how much to take in and what to skip. Gosh, 14 nights in a hotel and a Broadway show are really going to get expensive.

Why not, instead, keep it short, direct and focused? Yes, you can.

Speaking of Mexico City (or elsewhere, like Dublin or Las Vegas), yes, you can keep it short and sweet. Pick your hotel, get picked up at the airport, and choose to do or see not 20 things but, say, only three things starting from your hotel in Mexico City. We live in the age of direct flights, and yes, you can get there fast, directly and come back just as fast, all in a matter of days, instead of weeks.
A mini-vacation in Mexico City just for two of you, can be focused, direct and surely romantic. Focus.
But then, you might be thinking that even with direct flights, there’s the frisking, the long lines, the food, getting in and out.

Why not haves a mini-vacation by car, like seeing the USA in your Chevrolet, or your high-mileage Mini or Mini Cooper, depending on how many people are coming.

Speaking of New York, you can drive there, or take a train and actually see one or two plays. Check out to see if “Spider Man” is really that bad or great and see the Disneyfied Broadway. Find Stage Deli, one block east of the Ed Sullivan Theater, or settle for Hello Deli, well know to Letterman watchers. Go to MOMA and all the great museums in New York, but remember that in D.C., they’re free.

You don’t have to go that far by car—quick trips for specific occasions are all around. We live after all in an area that’s inter-connected from D.C. to Baltimore to Northern Virginia and every town, village, city or neighborhood worthy of the name will have a party, a celebration, a commemoration, an anniversary or a festival at some point.

That includes the upcoming commemoration of the War of 1812, the Star-Spangled Banner and Francis Scott Key in Baltimore, a music festival in the Shenondoahs in July, a special arts and crafts festival in Reston, a yearly festival in Herndon, just to name a few. More than that, while Washington may have the upper hand in culture, the country side lacks in nothing for finding your way to the rich history of the area—from Colonial to Revolutionary to Federal days in Williamsburg (complete with nearby theme park), to the endless battlefield sites, or the joys of sailing near Maryland’s capital, Annapolis, home also to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Just go out into the country by car—stop overnight and discover the joys not of big city hotels but small town bed-and-breakfasts, where you can capture the flavor of a particular town, or area with an a one or two night stay. That’s why God made Mini-cars and local crab apples or crafts.

If the Nats are out of town, catch a ballgame or go to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. The Orioles this year are hot for as yet unexplained reasons, and the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are vying for last place for as yet unexplained reasons.

If you want to get really basic, go for a walk. That’s as mini as you can get.

In Washington, D.C., you can go for a walk—or take a bus, or run, or ride the Metro, and end up going around the world. This is a city in the middle of the month-long Passport D.C., still in progress, showcasing the world’s embassies which are a special feature for the city’s residents.

If you want to pretend to be traveling while staying at home—take the wife, husband, significant other, partner, to a downtown hotel and stay for a couple of days and explore your immediate surroundings.
Something’s always going on at the National Mall. The Folklife Festival is coming soon, for instance, and every museum has not only what’s good to know and seek but also special events, concerts, movies and lectures.

In Washington, it doesn’t hurt to act like a tourist, and then explore other neighborhoods in the city—the rising downtown, Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan, the H Street Corridor and the revitalized 14th Street.

That’s a whole new concept of mini-travel: take a hike, as they say, and visit Georgetown and if you live in other parts of town. Walk there by way of Rock Creek Park, and then have a magnificent dinner or stroll along the canal.

Another quick mini—ride a boat to ports of call along the Potomac River—Old Town Alexandria, the Gaylord National and National Harbor.

In this town, you can get there from here. By direct flights, by train (I love New York if not Newark), by car beyond the Beltway, and by foot as far as they’ll take you.

Ari Post •

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a city was founded along a Virginia trade route that led from Richmond ?to the Great Appalachian Valley. Named after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, it was established as an intersection of industry and natural resources, urbanity and wilderness. As the country evolved, through the throws of war and the expansion of the West, Charlottesville stood as a geographic and philosophical step- pingstone, gently nestled in the eaves of the Blue Ridge Mountains and standing at the forefront of economic, cultural and academic achievement.

Today, Charlottesville continues its legacy, having become a premier destination in the Mid- Atlantic Region. Renowned for its innovation in winemaking, regionally inspired culinary artist- ry, rustic local culture and top-end, often quirky and unique retail, Charlottesville brings its cul- tural and geographic heritage into its daily life.

Only two hours from Washington, the winter months are the perfect time to settle in for a cozy Charlottesville weekend, sitting fireside at a rural inn, dining at one of their classic or contemporary restaurants, or warming up from a wintry vineyard tour in a rustic tasting room. Here is a primer for Charlottesville’s restaurants and vineyards, all perfect places around which to frame a weekend getaway and take the edge off the winter months ahead.

Wine

As we stand on the doorstep of winter vineyards may seem low on the list of worthy city was founded along a Virginia discussion topics. Now of course is the time trade route that led from Richmond where vines begin to go barren and production comes to a standstill until the spring thaw. While everyone else with the winter wonderland bug is waiting in line at the ski slopes, Charlottesville’s wineries offer intimate afternoon getaways off the beaten path. With the last of the fall wine festivals and vineyard weddings behind us, tours are down and crowds have dwindled, leaving true wine enthusiasts with a selection of world- class vineyards to explore without the fuss of traffic. With over 20 vineyards to choose from, it is just a matter of knowing where to start.

Early Mountain Vineyards is a great place to begin your Charlottesville wine tour. Relatively new to the community, they are not only produc- ing impressive wines but maintaining their his- toric property with a commitment to biodiversity and sustainable farming. Having learned from wine pioneers in Virginia and around the world, we know that practical organic and biodynamic methods, such as limiting our use of sprays and pesticides, help preserve the natural balance of the vineyards’ ecosystem and yield healthy and expressive grapes. Not that you need to know this to enjoy their delicious wine.

Their tasting room is among the most impressive in Virginia, ranked second out of 220 wineries by Virginia Wine Lover online. Visitors to Early Mountain Vineyards can warm by the fire and enjoy the views after lunch with fare from the tasting room’s ‘eat local’ marketplace featuring cheeses, charcuterie and products from Virginia purveyors. They keep a selection of the best Virginia wines from other vineyards in house along with rotating featured selections. Learn why Virginia is a growing destination for wine enthusiasts.

www.EarlyMountain.com

King Family Vineyards is a family-owned and operated boutique winery located in Crozet, just fifteen minutes from Charlottesville at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The winery specializes in small productions of ultra- premium wine that showcase the remarkable qualities of nearly 100% estate grown fruit. Founded in 1998, the winery’s first vintage was only 500 cases. Today, the winery produces approximately 5,000 cases of wine per year, and according to owner David King, King Family sells everything they make. During the winter, the winery’s tasting room is home to a warm stone fireplace and rich, family-friendly seating areas. Bring your own goodies or pick from the tasting room’s gourmet assortments of chocolates, cheeses, salamis, spreads, and hot French bread.

www.KingFamilyVineyards.com

Pollak Vineyards, a favorite of this author, was founded by David and Margo Pollak, who first made wine in Napa Valley in the 1970s. With their new viticultural venture, they wanted to explore a new terrain in the winemaking world. Virginia, they decided, was the Napa of the East Coast. They found their current Charlottesville plot in 2001 and started planting fruit in 2003.

“We don’t buy or outsource any fruit for our wine,” says Dovel. “We grow all our own grapes, and even sell to some of our neighbors, which we’re very proud of. It’s rare to find a winery that does all estate grown wines. What you taste in our wines is our true terroir—what Mother Nature has to offer our specific property.”

Today, Pollak is well known for their Viogniers and Petit Verdots. Their red wines are unfined and unfiltered, with a lot of finesse but a still-present power. “If you put France and California together,” says Dovel, “that’s where we sit: big fruit with great structure—and the character of Virginia’s unique climate makes it awesome.”

www.PollakVineyards.com

Dining

As hinted at by the wineries, local and region- al produce plays a large part in Charlottesville’s culinary scene. A handful of restaurants are spearheading this movement, delivering innova- tive but comforting American fare, inspired with international flavors and rooted in the surrounding farmland.

Mas was conceived by chef Tomas Rahal as an opportunity to feature slow, organic, artisanal food and wines, inspired by Spain and emphasizing simple, well-handled ingredients served in a casual neighborhood setting.

Featuring a contemporary, tapas-style menu, Mas specializes in bite-sized dishes eaten between larger meals. These snacks are often eaten in groups, sharing dishes communally and without any pretense or formality. Among their mouth-watering menu options this season, try their Medulla, a rich beef marrow blended with Alba truffles, sweet butter, parsley, garlic and bread crumbs, and toasted with Manchego. Los Dos is a pairing of wild King Salmon and Yellowfin tuna tartares with thyme flowers, grey sea salt and garlic crisps. They also have an outstanding selection of Spanish wines for unforgettable pairings.

www.MasTapas.com

Judging by its name alone, you can probably guess where The Local cultivates its culinary inspiration and resources. Since it opened in March 2008, The Local has provided a venue to showcase the abundant supply of small farmers, artisan cheese makers, breweries, distilleries and award wining vineyards in the Charlottesville
area. They even support local craftsman and artisans, and much of what you see in the restau- rant is fabricated locally. Start your meal with a local Caromont Goat Cheese salad, with roasted local beets and poached local apples, on a bed of mixed greens, which, believe it or not, are sourced locally. For the main event, choose from local trout stuffed with pimento cheese over corn grits and local braised greens, or a (local) local half chicken in a blackberry glaze with poppy seed slaw and potatoes.

www.TheLocal-Cville.com

Jennifer Merino • November 28, 2012

The slogan, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” evokes images of late- night gambling, debauchery and escapades straight out of “The Hangover.” For many people, this type of experience is exactly what is attractive about Las Vegas, but there is more than one reason to travel to Sin City, which has become an entertainment and foodie capital in the U.S. Las Vegas, Nevada, now offers a wide range of shows, activities and restaurants that of- fer entertainment options for Las Vegas rookies and veterans alike.

Walking down Las Vegas Boulevard, or “the strip,” is a must for any first-time visitor. If you’re travelling on a budget, it can be a great inexpensive activity in its own right, as you take in the sights and sounds of the city. Each hotel along the strip caters to a different theme, and stopping in each can provide plenty of enter- tainment, from riding the roller coaster in New York-New York, watching and reviewing CBS television pilots at MGM, to viewing a copy of Michelangelo’s statue of David in Caesar’s Palace. While walking the strip, make sure to stop at the Bellagio for the fountain show, take a gondola ride at the Venetian and stop at Treasure Island for the pirate show.

While the strip seems to be the iconic desti- nation for Las Vegas, many gems off Las Vegas Boulevard offer a variety of activities that cannot be found on the strip — or anywhere else for that matter.

Entertainment

Las Vegas offers a wide variety of shows that cater to all interests, from comedies, to musi- cals, to the risqué. For example, the Amazing Johnathan has become a Las Vegas staple. The entertainer, now performing at Bally’s, combines magic and comedy, along with crowd interac- tion, to provide an unforgettable show.

Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas is at the Imperial Palace nightly, except for Friday, at 10 p.m. As the city’s leading “female imper- sonator,” Marino’s drag show is the longest continuously running show in Las Vegas. Marino has been performing in Las Vegas since 1985 and became famous for his impersonation of television personality Joan Rivers. His act now includes impersonations of Bette Midler, Britney Spears, Madonna and many others.

Activities

You’ve seen Cirque du Soleil’s talented artists mesmerize crowds live on stage, and now for the time ever, you, too, can experience for yourself what it’s like to be an actual performer. Shine Alternative Fitness brings the unique “cir- cus” workout to the general public, under the instruction of past and present Cirque du Soleil performers and top industry champions. Not even a VIP backstage pass can get you as up close and personal to the mesmerizing world of Cirque like Shine Fitness can.

A recent recipient of the Las Vegas Weekly’s “Best Off-the-Wall Workout” award and noted by BizBash.com as a top 10 teambuilding workout in Las Vegas, Shine offers stimulating, fun and rewarding workouts with an array of exclusive specialty classes, including “Antigravity Yoga,” which suspends participants in the air to achieve challenging yoga poses and total relaxation, pole fitness, aerial, stretch and tone, Xtreme Boxing, Gyrotronic, similar to swimming and dancing on a unique pulley tower and more.

For guests looking for a beauty transforma- tion, Amp Blo Bar & Salon located in Palms Casino Resort is a hidden gem for anyone taking on Vegas in style. The salon recently announced a special partnership with Minx, the elite nail fashion designer that extends fashion to the fin- gertips. Worn by the most fashionable names in entertainment, Minx is essential for the glitz and glamour of the Strip nightlife scene. With skilled Minx specialists on-hand, Amp is one of few locations in Las Vegas to secure hot nail fashion.

As for gambling, yes, I tried it. I even learned how to play craps, but I was too timid to try it out in the “real world.” I stuck to the penny slots while I was at the Flamingo. I won $126 off one of the slots after only a few tries. Was it beginner’s luck? I guess I will find out next time.

Nico Dodd • November 6, 2012

It’s hard to believe that summer is really winding down. One of the best things about summer dining is pairing a seasonal beer with seafood or barbecue. With fall and Oktoberfest just around the corner, take a look at these breweries and gastropubs in northern Virginia. Interested in making our own homebrew? You’ll find everything you need and more.

Beach Brewing Company, Virginia Beach
This microbrewery and tap room is open six days a week for hopheads to taste and shop their selection. The husband-and-wife team of Justin and Kristin McDonald have operated the brewery and tasting room. The Hammerhead IPA and Hoptopus Double IPA should provide the hoppy flavor enthusiasts vie for. The SeaDevil Stout is a darker beer to enjoy moving into the fall. Summer is coming to a close, but there are plenty of reasons to get back to Virginia Beach. Beach Brewing Company is located at 2585 Horse Pasture Rd. #204, Virginia Beach, Va. 23453. For more information, call 757-563-BEER or go to www.beachbrewingcompany.com

Blue Lab Brewing Company, Lexington
Blue Lab Brewing Company is a brewery and tasting room that has the ultimate small town feel. The brewery periodically hosts live musicians and is deeply rooted in its community. Both founders are affiliated with Washington and Lee University. Tom Lovell is the assistant director of alumni affairs and Bill Hamilton is an associate professor of biology. The two are quick to discourage anyone under 21 years old from even thinking of drinking their beer, as they mention on their website. Blue Lab’s chocolate coffee stout uses local coffee beans, chocolate and hops to create a delicious dark beer. Blue Lab Brewing Company is located at 123 South Randolph St., Lexington Va. 24450. For more information, call 540-548-0146 or visit www.bluelabbrewing.com

Holy Brew Brewing Company, Leesburg
Holy Brewing Company is a rock-and-roll branded brewing company located in Leesburg. Its Honey Blonde Ale, Brown Ale and “Liquid Confession” are distributed around Virginia. Check them out at www.holybrew.com

Beer Run, Charlottesville
This gastrobpub in Charlottesville is about as full-service as you can get. Serving lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and a gourmet brunch on Sunday, the restaurant carries hundreds of beers from around the world. The gastropub even sells kegs. Weekly events include Pint Night on Tuesdays, free beer tastings on Wednesdays, free wine tastings on Fridays, and Belgian beer night every Sunday. Beer Run is located at 156 Carlton Rd. Suite 203, Charlottesville, Va. 22902. You can reach the pub at 434-984-BEER or at www.beerun.com

Horse & Hound Gastropub, Charlottesville
Horse & Hound Gastropub features a gourmet dinner and brunch menu that pairs craft beers with fine dining. The pub offers customers the option of ordering beers in six-ounce glasses to maximize the number of tastings during their meal. Chefs Luther and Brooke Fedora are the founders of the Horse and Hound. Both chefs trained at the Culinary Institute of America. Executive chef Luther Fedora worked for several years in London as a chef, and has served as a sommelier at classic London spots such as the Savoy and Drones. Brooke worked as a pastry chef in Manhattan before the couple moved to Charlottesville in 2003.

Fermentation Trap, Barboursville
Many of the brewers here began their businesses when curiosity pushed them to brew their own beer at home. With some basic equipment and knowhow, you too can begin crafting your own signature beer. The Fermentation Trap sells starter kits, ingredients and more advanced equipment for making beer and wine. Everything in the store is also available online for those interested in browsing their selection. The website also hosts the GHRUB club—Grapes and Hops Unedited Banter. The club’s website hosts forums, newsletters and podcasts all devoted to the making of beer and wine at home. The Fermentation Trap is located at 6420 Seminole Trail #12, Seminole Place Plaza, Barboursville, Va. 22923. For more information, call 434-985-2192 or visit www.fermentationtrap.com
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Alexis Williams •

As the summer winds down, there is still time for one last, luxurious vacation. Whether you are looking for a secluded, romantic getaway or a good, old-fashioned family trip, these lavish hotels are sure to suit your needs.

The Lodge at Woodloch
If it is relaxation that you seek, sneak away to The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spa resort in Hawley, Pa. Treat yourself to the Lodge’s Restorative Herbal massage at the spa, strike a pose during group yoga class, or go on an outdoor adventure through the Pocono Mountains.

That’s only the beginning. Director of public relations for the Lodge, Brooke Jennings, said the serenity of the resort’s location, the multitude of activities and the emphasis on the great outdoors coincide with the Lodge’s mission of “personal awakening and bringing nature in.”

“Sometimes, you get so caught up in life,” she said. “So, it’s nice to go up to the Lodge and realize who you are, find your passions again and get energized and excited about life.”

In its 58 rooms, guests are free to lounge on a private veranda and gaze at the beauty of nature that surrounds them. With three on-site gardens, which produce fresh herbs, the Lodge aims to promote a healthier lifestyle to its guests.

“One of our most popular programs is our Herbal Workshop,” Jennings said. “Our herbalist teaches people how to balance their bodies with nature.”

However, Jennings said, a key element to the Lodge is choice. Guests have an infinite amount of options to choose from to help them clear their minds. Such choices include a game of golf at the Country Club at Woodloch Springs’s 18-hole championship course, a dip in the Lodge’s Aqua Garden with Hydrotherapy WaterWalls or a group or one-on-one training session in the CardioWeight Studio.

“Some people are going to [the Lodge] to relax and some are going to do a lot of activities,” Jennings said. “We cultivate choice of how much or how little a guest wants to do.”

From Aug. 16 to 18, the Lodge will host an artistically invigorating series of workshops, “Nurture Your Creativity,” at no cost to guests. Activities will include sketching, painting, creative writing, baking, and more. For more information, visit thelodgeatwoodloch.com or call 866-953-8500 to make a reservation.

The Goodstone Inn and Estate

Coziness and comfort are merely an hour away at the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant. Sprawling over 265 acres, this historic and pristinely private estate is nestled in the heart of Middleburg, Va. Equipped with a renovated barn that houses a spa and an award-winning restaurant serving Modern American-French country cuisine, the Goodstone is perfect for a weekend escape.

Guests are welcome to partake in the Goodstone’s Goose Creek Picnics where they can enjoy snacking on an assortment of food prepared by executive chef William Walden. For more adventurous guests, hiking, walking and canoeing are also popular activities.

Marketing head Jane Rader said the traditional style of the Goodstone adds to its appeal.
“It’s so old world,” she said. “But it’s got every amenity.”

The 18 guest rooms of the more-than 200-year-old establishment have dramatic views of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, and each are decorated in a French country style. Rader said the Goodstone’s peaceful atmosphere is what captures guests’ hearts.

“It has a beautiful feel,” she said. “It’s a little bit of heaven on earth.”

She added that top-of-the-line clientele, including celebrities and politicians, have been known to flee to the Goodstone for a relaxing stay. Moreover, the estate has become a premiere wedding location.

Until Aug. 31, the Goodstone is featuring a “Summer Indulgence Getaway” package for those looking for a weekend of peace and quiet. Featuring a one or two-night stay, two passes to a local vineyard for wine tasting, and a Goodstone Spa gift, this is one soothing stay you won’t want to get away. To learn more about this historic haven of relaxation, explore goodstone.com, or call 570-687-3333 for a reservation.

The Manor on Golden Pond

Fall in love all over again at the Manor on Gold Pond. Owners Brian and Mary Ellen Shields know how to treat guests to a weekend of romance at the luxurious New Hampshire resort.

As the inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film, “On Golden Pond,” starring Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda, the Manor’s dreamy allure and 12-acre stretch are bound to entrance guests. Brian said the quietness and quality service are what give the Manor top marks.

“It is targeted as a romantic getaway,” he said. “It has a nice sense of space.”

The 24-room property features real wood-burning fireplaces and two exquisite restaurants. At Van Horn Dining Room, guests are offered season dishes and more than 200 wines to choose from, while M Bistro includes organic French food options. For those in need of pampering, Brian suggests one of the many spa packages.

“All of the spa packages include the spa lunch,” he said. “The ‘Thirst Quencher’ has become very popular.”

Lose your troubles in 100 minutes of ecstasy. Enjoy an herbal body butter wrap, a facial, aromatherapy hand and foot treatments, and a spa lunch served with the house wine. If sports are more your speed, grab a tennis racquet for a game on the Manor’s clay court or slip into a bathing suit for a swim in the oversized, outdoor, heated pool. At the end of the day, delight in the English décor of the guest rooms of this lovely bed and breakfast. If you and your love would like a holiday away, visit manorongoldenpond.com or call 603-968-3348.

Other Resting Retreats

The Inn at Irving Place (New York) — Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Greenwich Village and Soho, this nurturing nook nestled in two refurbished townhouses treats guests like Victorian socialites. If seclusion is your style, then this very private hotel will suit you perfectly. Without a sign in front to denote its location, the hustle and bustle of New York City is the least of your worries. Revel in the large, European-style guest rooms or enjoy an afternoon five-course tea and delectable finger foods at Lady Mendel’s Tea Salon. Seek out serenity at 212-533-4600, or visit innatirving.com.

The Inn at Montchanin Village (Delaware) – At this timeless estate, guests are welcome to experience a long, relaxing weekend in one of the 11 restored houses dating from 1799 to 1910. Snuggle up to an inviting fire, enjoy the solitude of a private, landscaped courtyard, or take in the amenities of the modern age at the Spa at Montchanin Village. Call 302-888-2133 or visit montchanin.com to find out more.
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