Holiday Events

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is next week. The shopping list is long and I pick up the heritage turkey ordered in September this weekend, so I know the holidays are upon us! The day after Thanksgiving we begin the process of decorating The Beechmont, which takes almost a week and is one of my most favorite activities of the year. It's the annual uptick in energy and pace to get it all done.

If you haven't been to Gettysburg, Hanover, New Oxford or other neighboring towns in our area, consider a weekend away to enjoy some old-fashioned fun. Santa arrives in Hanover the day after Thanksgiving with a parade that starts at 9:00 am, and he visits with children of all ages throughout December in his cabin on the Square. Santa arrives in New Oxford on November 28 with a tree lighting ceremony at 5:00 pm, throwing his magic dust on the lights. There will be caroling, hot cocoa and cookies, too! And don't forget that Christmas Haus is just down the block.

Beginning Thanksgiving evening and continuing through December 19, experience a Candlelight Christmas Tour of the Shriver House in Gettysburg. The home will be decorated in period decor as you learn how the Shrivers celebrated the holidays in the 1860s.

The Eisenhower National Historic Site and the David Wills House will both be decorated for the holidays. The home of Dwight and Mamie will be decked out as the Eisenhowers had it decades ago.

If you haven't enjoyed the New Oxford Holiday House Tour, make a date this year to see a special group of private homes open to the public from noon to 5:00pm on Sunday, December 13. It's a treat to see these wonderful old structures that are so lovingly cared for, and for at least an afternoon, shared with all of us.

So, the projects and wrappings are strewn about the kitchen counter and dining room table. You're getting there, but you want some time to yourself. So, why aren't you here? We've got a room for you, we're ready with suggestions for dinner, and there are quaint shops and small towns to explore. Give us a call. We're waiting for you!

Until next time,
Kathryn

Eating out in Westminster, Maryland

Every now and then you have one of those dining experiences that transport you. This is one of those.

Now, mind you, we have some great restaurants nearby. Just down the street a few blocks is the Sheppard Mansion. Truly a magnificent setting. And up the street, okay, ten miles up the street, is Restaurant Sidney. Neil Annis is a gifted chef with few to challenge his talents. I mean it...he's wonderful.

But I also think Ken Lurie, owner and chef at Bud's at Silver Run is remarkable. Last Thursday friend and innkeeper extraordinaire Deb Mosimann from Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast (and one of my eight broads in the kitchen colleagues) spent a delightful evening enjoying conversation with Ken while imbibing delicious food.

We started with fried goat cheese on a bed of sun-dried tomatoes. Now, admittedly, goat cheese is a favorite of mine...just ask any guest who's been served an asparagus goat cheese quiche at The Beechmont. Don't think greasy, because it's anything but. Then, rock fish (fresh from the Chesapeake Bay) with a vanilla vodka sauce. At this point Ken brought out the bottle stuffed with vanilla beans...the fragrance of vanilla was sublime. And to top it all off, a bison steak with green beans and fingerling potatoes. Ooops, shouldn't forget to mention the miniature tarts filled with lemon curd to perfectly end a most perfect experience.

We hope you'll think of this write-up when you next stay at The Beechmont. Whether you decide to dine at Bud's at Silver Run or one of the other fine restaurants in the Hanover and Gettysburg area, please let us know so we can reserve a spot for you. We'll share comments on other restaurants as we have the chance to enjoy their offerings.