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Shenandoah
Friday, July 3
Dusty Slay
The Neighborhood Guy Tour
Saturday, July 11
Gabby Barrett
Friday, August 7
Martina McBride
Friday, September 11
The Oak Ridge Boys
Celebrating Route 66
Saturday, July 4
Rick Springfield
Saturday, July 18
Richard Marx
Saturday, August 8
DL Hughley
Friday, September 18
Bow Wow
Featuring Twista & Bubba Sparxxx
Friday, July 10
Buddy Guy 90
Saturday, August 1
Ben Bankas
Saturday, September 5
Trace Adkins
30th Anniversary Tour
Saturday, September 19
SEEK& FIND
SUMMER GEMS
MUSINGS
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Summer in Frederick County has a way of filling up fast. The trails get busier, restaurants' outdoor seating fills early and the calendar of festivals, markets and outdoor events starts to look less like a list of options and more like a series of happy obligations. It is, by almost any measure, the best time of year to be here — and this edition of Find iT Frederick is built around making the most of it.
This edition of is our attempt to keep pace with it.
We've got the news that Frederick food lovers have been waiting for: Ekiben, the beloved Baltimore restaurant known for its inventive, globally inspired sandwiches and devoted following, has arrived in Frederick. If you've made the drive to Baltimore or caught their food truck in town, you already know why this is a big deal. If you haven't — consider this your introduction.
We also went looking for the summer experiences that don't always make the obvious list. Frederick County is full of them — the kind of places and moments that reward the curious and the unhurried. Our hidden gems guide is a good place to start. And for families navigating the particular challenge of wanting a glass of wine while also keeping small children entertained, we found some answers. Our guide to kid-friendly wineries in the region proves that a great afternoon doesn't require a babysitter.
However you spend your summer, we hope some of it happens here, in Frederick.
FiND iT Frederick is a free quarterly publication of Pulse Publishing, LLC. Customer inquiries should be directed to Pulse Publishing, LLC, 12 S. Market Street, Suite 101, Frederick, MD 21701. All contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior consent of the publisher.
For information about advertising in an upcoming issue of FiND iT Frederick, please contact Donna Elbert at 301-6626050, ext. 11, email donna@pulsepublishing.net or visit FindItFrederick.com.
If you have questions or comments regarding FiND iT Frederick, you may contact the editor, Molly Fellin Spence at molly@ pulsepublishing.net.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of FiND iT Frederick or Pulse Publishing, LLC
Next time you're walking down West All Saints Street in Downtown Frederick, look up. There's a new face on the block — actually, three of them — and they've got a story worth stopping for.
The City of Frederick dedicated a new mural at 168 W. All Saints St. on June 19 — Juneteenth — honoring the trailblazers behind Frederick County's first high school for Black students. The timing was intentional, and so is every brushstroke.
Created by artist Rafael Blanco , the mural brings to life three people who changed what education looked like in Frederick: John Bruner , who petitioned the Board of Education to create
Photo by Molly Fellin Spence
the school in the first place; Maurice Reid , who became its first principal and — its only teacher when it opened; and Esther E. Grinage, who went on to champion early childhood education for Black students across the county.
The school itself opened Sept. 5, 1920, welcoming its first class of 28 students into a renovated onestory stone building on West All Saints Street. By the second year, enrollment had already jumped to 50. The school eventually moved to Madison Street, where it became Lincoln High School and served as the county's only high school for Black students for decades.
The mural project was initiated by Mountain City Elks Lodge #382 and has been years in the making — a labor of love that wound its way through historic preservation reviews, design revisions and the usual gauntlet of city approvals before finally landing on that brick wall in all its glory.
"Frederick's story is bigger, richer, and more complete when we tell all of it," Mayor Michael O'Connor said in a city news release about the mural.
Hard to argue with that. Go see it for yourself.
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3 Under-the-Radar Gems to Visit Before Labor Day
Summer in
Frederick County offers a longer to-do list than most people realize — and it stretches from the South Mountain ridgeline to the riverbanks of the Monocacy to the galleries of Downtown Frederick. The county has more going on than the average resident or day-tripper ever discovers. If you're ready to get off the beaten path this summer, here are three genuine hidden gems worth your time...
Paddle the Monocacy Scenic Water Trail 1
Most Frederick County residents drive over the Monocacy River regularly without ever getting on it — which is a genuine shame. The Monocacy Scenic Water Trail spans 41.8 miles along the Monocacy River in eastern Frederick County, divided into three segments that allow visitors to make trips shorter or longer, depending on time and ability. The river is considered a Maryland Wild and Scenic River, and more than 41 miles have been designated as a water trail through historic Civil War landscapes and American Indian settlements. It's accessible for beginners, gloriously unhurried, and almost entirely free once you have a kayak or canoe. Multiple launch sites make it easy to pick the stretch that fits your afternoon.
Monocacy Scenic Water Trail — Multiple access points throughout Frederick County | visitfrederick.org/listing/monocacy-scenic-water-trail/6576/
Photo courtesy
Hike
About 45 minutes southwest of the City of Frederick, tucked onto a South Mountain ridgeline where the Appalachian Trail runs right past the base, stands a unique, moving monument. The War Correspondents Memorial Arch, completed in 1896, was the first monument in the world dedicated to journalists killed in combat. It's 50 feet tall, covered in symbolism, and almost nobody goes there. Gathland State Park occupies the former estate of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War correspondent who wrote under the pen name "Gath." Visitors can also see the remnants of a mausoleum Townsend built for himself in 1895, but never used, with the words "Good Night Gath" inscribed on the marble lintel. It is strange and poignant in equal measure — exactly what a summer afternoon detour should be. The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset daily, and the onsite museum is open weekends from April through October, noon to 5 p.m. Gathland State Park / National War Correspondents Memorial Arch — 900 Arnoldstown Road, Jefferson | dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ pages/western/gathland.aspx
Photo courtesy of Gathland State Park
Walk into the arts center you've been walking past 3
If you've strolled Carroll Creek in Frederick and never stopped at the Delaplaine, you've been leaving free art on the table. The Delaplaine Arts Center offers more than 50 exhibitions in seven galleries each year, with free admission daily. Exhibitions rotate every four to six weeks, featuring local, regional and national artists, with many works available for purchase. The gift gallery is worth a browse on its own — locally made ceramics, jewelry, prints and textiles, none of it mass-produced. Summer art camps for kids and teens run from mid-June through mid-August for ages 6 to 14. It is, as one visitor put it, "a hidden gem worth finding" — and it's been sitting right there on South Carroll Street the whole time. The Delaplaine Arts Center — 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick | delaplaine.org
Photo
EXPLORE. ENJOY. EXPERIENCE.
Thurmont
Explore the hiking trails at Catoctin Mountain Park, enjoy Cunningham Falls State Park where you will find the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland, experience Covered Bridge History, take a stroll down Main Street, take a walk down the Trolley Trail, unwind at one of our scenic wineries/breweries, savor the freshness of our farmers markets, and orchards; enjoy local flavors at our restaurants.
WINERIES | ARTS | LOCAL DINING | HIKING
Murals on Main
Art & Wine Strolls Always a smile on Main Street
Zest’s Market Street store front.
At Zest Clothing & Co. , in Downtown Frederick, shopping is designed to feel upbeat, approachable and inspiring. It’s the kind of place where customers can discover something special while feeling instantly at ease.
The boutique, which opened in 2025, is the newest chapter in a family retail story led by co-owners Tara and Ben Wegdam. What began more than 26 years ago as a single storefront has grown into a business with 26 locations offering women's and men's clothing, accessories and home goods, while still maintaining the warm, personal feel of a neighborhood boutique.
Tara Wegdam grew up surrounded by boutique retail. Her grandmother owned a boutique, as did by her parents, making Zest a natural continuation of the family tradition.
"At its heart, Zest came from a genuine love of helping women feel confident, comfortable and puttogether in their everyday lives," Wegdam said. "We wanted to create a space where getting dressed feels joyful, not overwhelming."
The name Zest reflects that philosophy: fresh energy, optimism and a sense of fun. Inside the store, shoppers will find carefully curated collections that
blend comfort with style, from versatile wardrobe staples and statement accessories to gifts and home décor.
Frederick proved a natural fit for the brand. Wegdam describes the city as vibrant, creative and deeply supportive of local businesses. Her family's other Frederick shops, Crème de la Crème, Brick & Mortar Mercantile and Lou Lou Boutique, have helped strengthen those community connections.
What sets Zest apart, she said, is the experience itself. Staff members focus on creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where customers feel genuinely cared for, rather than pressured.
"We want people to leave feeling more confident than when they walked in," Wegdam said. "Whether someone is shopping for a special event or just looking for everyday pieces they love, we want them to feel like the best version of themselves."
— Ellyn Wexler
Zest’s Director of Sales Jill Mikols in front of the store.
Co-owner Ben Wegdam and store associates in front of the store on opening day.
photos by Jackie Davis
MOVE OVER, BORING LUNCH:
THE NEIGHBORHOOD BIRD JUST TOUCHED DOWN IN
FREDERICK
By Melissa Howes-Vitek
What have you and your besties from college done lately?
Well, if it’s 2014 and you’re Ephrem Abebe, Steve Chu, and Nikhil Yesupriya, you’ve made a plan to start selling your Asian/Ethiopian fusion cuisine out of a hotdog cart in Baltimore’s Fells Point Farmers Market. Seems reasonable.
by
Photo
Photo courtesy of Ekiben
Fast forward a dozen years and the trio, now duo (Yesupriya left in 2019 for a less “restaurant-y” career) owns four brick-and-mortar locations selling their now-famous food, as well as a highly sought-after catering service, under the name Ekiben.
Locations include three in Baltimore – Fells Point, Hampden, South Baltimore – and, as of April 30, Ekiben’s first foray outside the city, Downtown Frederick!
Add a spot on the Yelp 2021 list of top 100 restaurants in the U.S., recognition as a 2023 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef, MidAtlantic for Steve Chu, and the ultimate award
Top left photos courtesy of Ekiben
… inclusion on the concession roster at Camden Yards … it’s safe to say these guys are on to something!
But, what does Ekiben even mean? Ekiben (pronounced EH’-KEY-BIN) are bento box meals, sold on trains and at train stations in Japan.
Ask anyone who has sampled anything at Ekiben… and you’ll hear:
“It’s stupid good.”
“Woooooooweeeee!”
“My lunch life has changed forever.”
“Dreaming that you ate your pillow? Nah…that was just an Ekiben Bao.”
Noodle photo courtesy of Ekiben
Top photo by Molly Fellin Spence
Photo by Molly Fellin Spence
So it’s no surprise that the Frederick location has been greeted with incredible enthusiasm. The line on opening day was literally hours long!
Consistent fan-favorites are the Neighborhood Bird Bao – a juicy and generous portion of fried chicken dressed with pickles and sambal mayo nestled in a giant, pillowy dream of a steamed bun; as well as the Tempura Broccoli and the Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls.
There isn’t an item on the menu that should be skipped. But pace yourself. Portions are generous!
The crew at Ekiben has built a reputation beyond their award-winning food. They have committed to focusing on community and providing a welcoming and inclusive culture for staff and customers.
There is a joyous energy from the staff and added energy is conveyed in the design of the space. While the dining area is small, the large windows create a light-filled environment that eases any feeling of being packed in a sardine can. The orange floor and metal and black accents create visual contrast.
Layer in their choice of music and a selfie-worthy restroom – the place has quite a vibe!
The best part, there is no need to board a train in Japan to enjoy Ekiben.
500 N. Market St., Frederick ekibenbaltimore.com d @ekibenbaltimore
Ekiben
The Banyan
Photos courtesy of The Banyan
Has Taken Root in Frederick
Known for its stately appearance, unusual root growth habit, an ability to provide large areas of shade, and its tropical climate preference, the Banyan tree has inspired the likes of Thomas Edison, Amelia Earhart and Cecil B. Demille – now add local husband-and-wife restaurateur duo Dan and Staci Caiola.
The Caiolas are both trained chefs with years of restaurant experience, and this married team has created not just a restaurant but also an experiential destination at The Banyan in Downtown Frederick.
Part dark/moody industrialism meets 1920s Speakeasy on the inside, and part bright, colorful beach-side vacation on its rooftop … the vibe at The Banyan just hits different.
Looking for a sophisticated evening? Sip a custom cocktail and enjoy a butter board at the bar, savor a filet or the classic "Airline Chicken" in the dining room.
Feeling a little more free spirited? Head to the roof and grab an adult beverage and a munch from the rooftop food truck dubbed "The Hangry Rooster."
The Banyan also hosts one-of-a-kind weddings and events, as well as offering a full calendar of eclectic live performances. They’ve got curated themed evenings, too, such as the recent singles mingle, called Cupid's Pitch and the upcoming EMO night.
No matter what you're up for, The Banyan is sure to pass the vibe check.
— Melissa Howes-Vitek
FREDERICK
(TJ) OFFICE
87 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 101, Frederick, MD 21702
6550 Mercantile Drive, Suite 106, Frederick, MD 21703
HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm PHONE: 301-668-6347
MOUNT AIRY OFFICE
1311 South Main Street, Suite 304, Mount Airy, MD 21771
HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm PHONE: 301-829-6146
URBANA OFFICE
3500 Campus Drive, Suite 101, Urbana, MD 21704
HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm PHONE: 301-874-6107
Where Passion Where Passion Grows
•
Background photo by Naomi Pearson; inset photo courtesy of Black Ankle Vineyard
Sippingwith the Kids:
A Guide to Local Wineries That Welcome Families
By Naomi Pearson
Finding a sitter shouldn’t be the price of admission for a relaxing afternoon at a local vineyard. While some wineries cater strictly to adults, many local spots have embraced a family-friendly approach, offering everything from spacious lawns for kite-flying to activity-filled tasting rooms.
Of course, enjoying these vineyards responsibly is key; always ensure you have a designated driver and keep a close eye on your children so everyone stays safe while you sip.
Family-friendly is a tiered description in practice; at its most basic, it means children are allowed on
the premises, such as at Elk Run Vineyard and Winery in Mount Airy.
"We don't turn kids away, but we don't encourage a lot of kids," says owner and founder Fred Wilson. Children can enjoy weekend live music with their parents. But be warned – you may also get sniffed by the winery’s three large and friendly dogs, too!
Note: No food or snacks are for sale here, so you will have to pack some for yourself and the kiddos.
Other places fit under the "we accept kids” tier, and offer books and games, as well as space where kids can enjoy the outdoors with their parents.
Such is the case at Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine in Middletown.
“We love that people come here to gather with their friends and families,” says Lori Rice, who co-owns the space with her husband, Eric.
Rice says they designed the tasting room, deck and garden for guests to visit, linger and even bring a picnic. A few toys and a varied selection of board games, puzzles and books for all ages are available in the tasting room for those not mesmerized by the views through the windows or from the deck.
They also offer house-made lemonades: “Blueberry-basil is a favorite,” says Rice. And snacks: “Everything is celiac friendly,” says Danielle Boulin, farm manager.
At Links Bridge Vineyards in Thurmont, coowner Joan Cartier says they are both kid friendly and dogs-on-leash friendly.
A downhill trail from the vineyard to the Monocacy River is a favorite activity for older kids and their watchful parents. A grassy area around the remains of the Old Links Bridge is perfect for picnics and lawn games. Links Bridge also hosts
Top two inset
photos by Naomi Pearson; center inset photo
courtesy of Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine
summer art exhibits that artistic older children may enjoy alongside their parents.
At Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery in Middletown, there’s “a lot of room for kids to run and explore,” says Karolina Wilk, communications and outreach manager. “We also have kids, so our kids are often running around during events.”
Most people with kids sit outside, taking them to see the nearby chicken coop and the vineyard fenceline for a glimpse of the four babydoll sheep grazing. Families can enjoy the firepit or shaded seating.
Orchard Cellar also offers light snacks (including s'mores kits for kids) and non-alcoholic drinks, including their own honey soda. Visitors may bring their own food and alcohol-free beverages, too.
Some local vineyards take the attitude of both expecting and welcoming kids to visit alongside their adults.
At Linganore Winecellars in Mount Airy, wellsupervised children are welcome in the tasting room with their parents and families can bring their own lawn games to play in a safe and clear part of the winery’s expansive lawn (with respect
for other guests). The covered porch and barrel lounge are 21+ only.
“We welcome outside food, so picnics are always very popular!” says Dena Purvis, the winecellar’s marketing engagement specialist. Children accompanied by their parents are also welcome during food-truck-and-music weekends and summer music festivals.
Black Ankle Vineyards in Mount Airy may be the most child-friendly in the area. “It’s where adults can be adults, and kids can be kids,” according to Melissa Schulte, general manager.
The owners, Ed Boyce and Sarah O’Herron, originally designed Black Ankle with their own
(then young) children in mind, explains Emma Pope, communications manager.
Black Ankle has a vast lawn with a playful atmosphere, and balls, frisbees and kites are welcome. Books, coloring pages and toys also abound, Pope says.
Parents (at their own discretion) may also allow their kids to climb the huge boulders on the lawn. The rest of the grounds are full of surprises, ripe for discovery.
Black Ankle’s upscale weekend food truck, The Terrace Kitchen, offers a full menu with sophisticated and appealing options for all ages. They also welcome children on their complimentary weekend tours.
Top left three inset photos courtesy of Linganore Winecellars; above inset
Picture this: It’s Friday night. You’re craving a juicy, upscale filet mignon with rosemary-parmesan fries from Bobby Flay Steak. Your partner wants a fiery, soul-warming spicy fried chicken sandwich from Marcus Samuelsson’s Streetbird. The kids? They’re demanding tacos.
In the past, this meant four different delivery fees, cold food, and a headache. But hold onto your tastebuds, because Wonder has come to Riverview Plaza in Frederick to save dinner!
Setting up shop at 5473 Urbana Pike (right next to the Starbucks, in front of Target), Wonder is a tech-driven "virtual food hall" that is about to revolutionize how we eat. It’s not your average food court; Wonder doesn’t lease out booths. Instead, this culinary wizard cooks up menus from 20 to 30 of the nation's most celebrated, award-winning chefs all fresh to order under one single roof.
Founded by billionaire entrepreneur Marc Lore, Wonder uses cutting-edge kitchen robotics to ensure your multi-restaurant order arrives lightning-fast, piping hot, and with flawless consistency. Whether you want to dine in, grab takeout after a Target run, or get ultra-fast delivery straight to your couch, you can mix and match cuisines in a single order.
From New York to Baltimore, Wonder has been taking the Northeast by storm. Now, it’s our turn. Get ready, Frederick — world-class, chef-driven dining is officially dropping right onto Route 355. Flavor freedom is served!
Wonder 5473 Urbana Pike, Frederick 855.818.5755 wonder.com F facebook.com/Wonder d @wonder
MARYLAND GOLF at its finest
With a county population of 300,000 and 13 golf courses, Clustered Spires has earned “Best of Frederick Golf Course”! Golf Digest awards Clustered Spires a HHHH rating. Clustered Spires reputation is a great conditioned golf course with wonderful greens and considered the best value golf course in central Maryland.
CLUSTERED SPIRES GOLF CLUB
OVER TH
Driving Along
THE EDGE
Pennsylvania’s Scenic Route 6
Words and Photos
By Shuan Butcher
There's a particular kind of magic in a road that refuses to be rushed. Pennsylvania's Scenic Route 6 , which stretches some 400 miles along the state's northern border, is often considered one of the best road trips in the U.S. While it would take days to see all of it properly, a single weekend tracing through the towns of Wellsboro, Coudersport, and Towanda, offers a satisfying taste of why travelers keep coming back.
Wellsboro
Begin your trip in Wellsboro, the gateway to Pine Creek Gorge, better known as Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon . The gorge runs about 50 miles alongside Pine Creek, and there are several ways to explore this wonder. One option is with an Ole Covered Wagon Tour. This old-fashioned, horsedrawn tour is unhurried and the kind of ride that makes the 19th century feel close enough to touch.
For something faster, e-bikes are available through Tioga Wilds, with trail access just a half-mile away at the Marsh Creek and Ansonia entry point. The Pine Creek Rail Trail runs more than 60 miles with a gentle 2% grade, easy enough for most riders. A 9-mile round trip rewards your efforts with a waterfall, a glimpse of the old Darling Run CCC Camp, and plenty of wildlife along the way.
Back in town, Wellsboro itself slows things down. Named for Mary Wells, wife of one of the
settlement's founders, the town still lights its main street with gas lamps, and the central green, ringed by Victorian architecture, is anchored by the beloved Wynken, Blynken and Nod Fountain
A factory tour at Highland Chocolates is worth the visit. The factory, which started in 1994 and is managed by the nonprofit Partners in Progress, employs 16 people with disabilities who craft chocolates almost entirely by hand. Four tanks worth of white, dark, milk, and sugar-free chocolate keep the molds busy, machines slowly rotating each piece to ensure even coverage. A retail shop onsite means visitors don't have to wait until the tour's end to taste the results. They also operate another retail outlet in the heart of downtown Wellsboro.
History runs deeper still at the Wellsboro Glass Historical Museum, which tells the story of why Wellsboro has been called “The town that saved Christmas.” From World War II through the 1980s,
Wellsboro was the world's leading producer of glass Christmas ornaments. Prior to the war, Germany was where most of those ornaments were made, so they picked up the slack here in the U.S. once the two countries were at war. The museum also credits the town with an early breakthrough in automating lightbulb manufacturing, a detail easy to overlook but central to how thoroughly Wellsboro-made products once filled American homes.
Downtown still holds a department store dating to 1905, and travelers looking for something playful can duck into Pop's Culture Shoppe for board games and game nights. Dinner at the Mary Wells Room inside the historic Penn Wells Hotel rounds out the day, with a Brandy Alexander, a Prohibition-era favorite of brandy, dark crème de cacao, and cream, paired well with the restaurant's Santorini pasta.
For your overnight stay, the 37 Oak Ridge House offers an escape in a charming 1925 house that makes you feel like you are out in the country. With nearly panoramic views of hillside and farmland, owners Ann and Paul Kurtz provide a made-to-order breakfast menu, a coffee bar, a lovely fireplacewarmed patio, and a new spa. Be sure to say hello to their mini donkeys, goats and chickens while you are there.
Coudersport
From Wellsboro, the route bends toward Coudersport, but not before a stop at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum in Ulysses Township. The state is one of the country's largest producers of hardwood lumber. But the museum resists the idea that logging history is simply about cutting trees. Instead, it explores the relationship between people and forest. Within the confines of its walls, you will explore Native American history, the evolution of forestry from rough trade to formal profession, including the conservation movement championed by Wellsboro's own George "Nessmuk" Sears, an early advocate for recreational camping. A recreated early 20thcentury logging camp anchors the exhibits, complete with a 70-ton Shay locomotive. Since Pennsylvania once had 153 Civilian Conservation Corps camps, second only to California, it is fitting the museum also has a CCC cabin on the property.
Across the street, Denton Hill State Park offers a change of pace through Denton Go , which rents Polaris UTVs for guided or self-directed runs across 8 miles of trail. In Coudersport itself, be sure to grab lunch at Cream n Sugar , a local fixture. You can’t go wrong with the chicken salad on an asiago bagel and an Italian cream soda in flavors such as brown sugar cinnamon. They are known for artisanal coffee, ice cream from Penn State’s Creamery, and an array of sweet treats and baked goods made by locals.
The town's most unexpected story belongs to the Eliot Ness Museum. Ness moved to Coudersport in 1956 to start a business and would live out the last of his days there, having already taken down Al Capone and reduced crime in Cleveland. It was here in Coudersport where the story of “The
Untouchables” was written. It was here, where Ness’s story and fame was created. His career in law enforcement began in 1926, so this year marks its centennial. He was a model of law enforcement and even served as the inspiration for comic strip detective Dick Tracy. The museum is housed in a former Ford dealership, so its wonderful historic automobile collection is very appropriate. But the museum is not just about the history, it is also about celebrating law enforcement.
Towanda
The final stretch of Route 6 leads to Towanda. Just outside town, the French Azilum historic site tells one of the route's more unusual stories and one that most have not heard. Founded in 1793 by Robert Morris, a financier of the American Revolution, the 1,600-acre colony once held 50 buildings and served as a refuge for French aristocrats fleeing their Revolution, with rumors that Marie Antoinette herself was meant to take shelter there.
Stay the night in The Hatch House Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful Victorian home located in the heart of town and enjoy a stroll through the neighborhood, where you will walk past churches, a library, the courthouse, and a former jail, each marked with historic plaques. Grab a bite at Oliver’s and stop at Shores Sisters Farm Market to round out the visit.
Before heading home, Grovedale Winery in Wyalusing makes a fitting last stop. In addition to taking part in a wine tasting, there are plenty of other things to do, such as yard games, outdoor swings and a petting zoo. The pink moscato and blackberry sangria are worth lingering over.
A weekend is enough to taste these three towns along Route 6, but it leaves plenty undiscovered. For more, VisitPotterTioga.com is the place to start planning your next trip.
Ole Covered Wagon Tour olecoveredwagon.com F facebook.com/ OleCoveredWagonTours
Tioga Wilds tiogawilds.com F facebook.com/TiogaWilds d @tiogawilds
Highland Chocolates Factory Tour highlandchocolates.org F facebook.com/highlandchocolates d @highlandchocolates
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum lumbermuseum.org
Denton Go dentongo.com
Cream ‘n Sugar creamnsugar.net F facebook.com/creamnsugar2016
Eliot Ness Museum eliotnessmuseum.org
37 Oak Ridge House 37oakridgehouse.com d @37oakridgehouse
French Azilum thefrenchazilum.com
Hatch House Bed & Breakfast hatchhousebb.com
Grovedale Winery grovedalewinery.com F facebook.com/grovedale.winery d @grovedale.winery
Rustic
Perched atop one of the highest ridgelines in Gettysburg, framed by historic wood and stone architecture and stunning views of historic Gettysburg battlefields and Hunter Lake, The Lodges at Gettysburg is a destination unlike any other in the area.
It’s peaceful here with a timeless tranquility and rustic elegance that settle you into a relaxed state of mind. Beautifully maintained grounds and lodging are surrounded by 63 acres of rolling Gettysburg countryside, the perfect backdrop for family vacations, outside-the-box meetings and romantic weddings with a dash of historic charm.
685 Camp Gettysburg Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325 717-642-2500
www.thelodgesatgettysburg.com
Platoon 22 Builds Connection and Hope for Veterans and First Responders
Background: Horses at Platoon Pastures are part of Platoon 22’s nature-focused wellness program, which includes equine experiences designed to support veterans and first responders through connection and healing.
For veterans and first responders struggling after their service, healing often begins with one simple message: “You are not alone.”
That belief is at the heart of Platoon 22, a nonprofit founded in 2014 to help prevent veteran suicide through connection, peer support and practical assistance. Executive Director Niki Falzone said the organization was created after the Frederick County community lost two veterans to suicide, exposing an urgent need for better mental health support and suicide prevention efforts.
“The name reflects the statistic that, at the time, 22 veterans a day were dying by suicide,” Falzone said. “But for us, it’s more than a number. It represents a team. A platoon. No one fights alone.”
Platoon 22 works to bridge what Falzone describes as “the gap between crisis and care,” offering longterm, relationship-based support rather than only emergency intervention. The organization provides case management, transportation assistance, affordable housing, peer support, wellness activities, equine programming and access to mental health services. It also serves as case manager for District 11 Veterans Treatment Court.
Isolation remains one of the biggest struggles facing veterans and first responders today, according to Falzone. Many also deal with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use and loss of identity after service.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that struggling is a sign of weakness,” she said. “These are normal responses to abnormal experiences.”
Inset: Congresswoman April McClain Delaney visits Mulberry House, Platoon 22’s downtown Hagerstown independent housing complex, which provides affordable housing and support services for veterans. Accompanying her are Platoon 22 Executive Director Niki Falzone and Kelly Hartzell, director of veteran services.
Falzone shared the story of a young Marine Corps veteran and his wife who came to Platoon 22 while experiencing homelessness, trauma and separation from their daughter. Over months of support, the couple secured stable housing, employment and benefits and eventually reunited with their child.
“At first, our focus was simply building trust and stabilizing the immediate crisis,” Falzone said. “Their journey wasn’t quick or easy, but it’s a powerful reminder that with the right support, consistency and compassion, real change is possible.”
Community partnerships and volunteers play a major role in the organization’s success. Platoon 22 is expanding its reach through a new office in Washington County and expanded equine
programming at Platoon Pastures, featuring Clydesdale horses.
“The people we serve keep us motivated,” Falzone said. “Seeing someone go from a place of isolation to connection and hope is life changing.”
— Ellyn Wexler
Photos by Chris Martin/Convoy Creatives
Participants gather for Platoon 22’s free Friday wellness group at Orangetheory Fitness, one of several community programs focused on physical and mental well-being.
Frank and Sue Hardy stand beside a portrait of their son, U.S. Marines veteran Jake Hardy, who died by suicide. The portrait, created by Frederick artist Yemi, is part of an initiative led by state Del. Mike Griffith and other officials to honor Jake’s life and service with a memorial in the Maryland State House.
PARKS AND RECREATION
The City of Frederick Parks and Recreation Department has provided citizens in the area with quality and affordable programs for over 80 years. Year-round activities include sports, fitness, and leisure for all ages, challenging and educational children’s activities, the William Talley Fitness Center, and an abundance of unique programming .
