Travel – Gary Bennett Publishing

Art of the boy’s weekend

by Gary Bennett
Special to the News-Post

Jim, Gary and Randy enjoy a dip in the Gulf of Mexico at Siesta Key Beach, June 2024. Water temp: 84 degrees.

This article appears in the January 8, 2025 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

Let’s say you’d like to put together a boy’s weekend. You’ve got the boys (sort of), an understanding partner (sure you do), and the time and money (pretty much) to pull it off. What else do you need? Plenty, I say.

As a devotee and primary organizer of an annual boy’s weekend, I can tell you that a lot can go wrong — unless you plan carefully.

Before we get started, you may be wondering: why not just take your wife or girlfriend on a nice trip? My friend, if you’re asking this question, then a boy’s weekend may not be for you. The point is to take time away from your dearly beloved to enjoy some manly pursuits — without worrying about boring her or boring yourself by doing things she wants to do. The focus should be on strengthening friendships with your guy pals through shared experiences. Along the way, you’ll create lasting memories that contribute to personal growth and make you a more well-rounded person.

And don’t downplay the cost savings of just one of you going on a trip. That may sound obvious, but if you’re the type of person who gets genuine pleasure from seeing someone else have fun, then you know exactly what I mean.

SELLING THE IDEA

The first thing you must do is get buy-in. If this idea comes out of the blue to your wife, girlfriend or partner, you’ll face an uphill battle — especially if you’re planning to go somewhere she has never been.

I was smart enough to insist my wife visit her sister in Florida right after the holidays — without me. “Yes,” I said, “you can enjoy undivided time with her without worrying about me.” A few years later, I even OK’d a trip to Europe for my wife and a girlfriend who had never been. I know — brilliant, right? Now I can plan my boy’s trips with impunity.

Jim, Gary and Randy enjoys the O’s vs. Tampa Bay Rays in June 2024.

PLANNING THE TRIP

It’s never too soon to begin planning your guy trip. These days, even retired guys have busy schedules, so I recommend giving yourself at least six months of lead time. You’ll often need that much time to secure good deals on transportation, accommodations and entertainment.

First, decide who to invite. I recommend keeping the group small — no more than four — and inviting close friends only. It may be tempting to invite that new guy you’re kind of smitten with, but resist the urge. You’ll be setting yourself up for failure. You not only need close friends on the trip, but the kind you’d be comfortable traveling and sleeping in the same room with. That’s harder than it sounds. Longtime friends who have known you at your worst — preferably since those awkward teenage years — are ideal. (This is an excellent reason to maintain friendships with high school and college chums.)

Another good tip is to choose friends your wife knows — and it’s even better if she knows their wives. This isn’t to say she’ll disapprove of people she doesn’t know, but why take a chance?

It also helps if everyone involved is a longtime, happily married husband. You never want to invite a friend who has recently married, divorced, or whose marriage is on shaky ground. (Believe me, everyone knows.) And this probably goes without saying, but you can never — I repeat, never — invite a single friend on a boy’s trip with married friends. That’s an unforced error and a recipe for disaster.

WHERE TO GO

Next, you’ll need to decide where to go and what to do. These two decisions go hand in hand. You wouldn’t head to the mountains if everyone loves the beach, but you’ll need to refine your thinking even further. Choose your destination wisely. Nothing says “boy’s holiday” like the right balance of adrenaline-fueled activities and downtime.

Plan collaboratively. Talk with your friends to find an approach everyone agrees on regarding budget and activities. Don’t over-schedule. Balance planned events with downtime, and leave room for spontaneity — some of the best moments come from it.

To drive or to fly? That depends largely on your destination and how much time you have. From the Frederick area, places like New York, New England, Florida, and even New Orleans could go either way. Choose carefully. Turning your boy’s getaway into a car trip introduces additional challenges: who drives and for how long, when to stop, where to eat, and whether the car ride is for music or conversation. My preference is to go far enough that flying is the only option. Flying offers the best combination of shared experience and personal space — and it can be just as cost-effective as driving.

Next, decide on accommodations. One big advantage of a boy’s weekend is the ability to rent a large suite — one you normally couldn’t afford — and split the cost three or four ways. But this needs to be discussed upfront. How many rooms will you need? Some friends may prefer their own modest room, while others are fine sharing. If three of you go, a large suite may be perfect. If four, two rooms might make more sense. Budget and comfort levels matter here, so don’t gloss over this decision.

Jim, Gary and Randy at Area 51 just north of Las Vegas, November 2025.

WHAT TO DO

Now comes the fun part: deciding on activities. For a three- or four-day weekend, I recommend scheduling at least two structured activities. The best guy trips strike a balance between high-energy experiences and time to relax. Naturally, whatever you choose must appeal to everyone so no one feels left out.

Classic boys’ weekend ideas include outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, fishing, rafting, or golf; attending a live sporting event or concert; or exploring a city with a focus on food, drink, nightlife, or gaming. Most of my boy’s weekends have centered around sporting events and concerts. Add some beach or pool time, good meals, and maybe a short bus or river tour, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a great getaway.

OTHER SENSIBILITIES TO WATCH OUT FOR

Be mindful of sleeping and bathroom arrangements. You don’t live with these guys, so you may not know their habits. Some shower at night, others in the morning. Some wake early; others sleep in. Some eat breakfast; some don’t. These details matter — talk about them ahead of time.

You probably already know which friends are easygoing and which are a bit more uptight. Some prefer a regimented schedule; others thrive on spontaneity. Be aware of these quirks, try to accommodate them when possible, and focus on the fun. After all, you’ll be back home before you know it.

Gary, Jim and Randy getting ready for an Eagles concert at the amazing Sphere in Las Vegas, November 2025.

MY WEEKEND TRIPS

I didn’t start organizing boy’s weekends until I retired a few years ago, but they’ve since become an annual rite of passage. We’re not golfers or thrill-seekers, but we know what we like. True to my own advice, we plan just a few activities and leave plenty of room to relax and be spontaneous.

To date, my two (and sometimes three) pals and I have taken these boy’s weekends over three or four days, and we’ve always had a great time:

2020 — Detroit: Two Orioles baseball games and a river walk.

2021 — Arlington, Texas: Two Orioles baseball games and a Texas Hill County tour.

2022 — New Orleans: Paul McCartney concert, Bourbon Street bar hopping and a bus tour.

2023 — Denver: Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game and a Red Rocks concert.

2024 — Tampa: Two Orioles baseball games and a Siesta Key Beach outing.

2025 — Las Vegas: Eagles concert at the Sphere, Area 51 tour, light gambling.

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.

Key West: Carefree in the ‘Conch Republic’

By Gary Bennett

Article appears in the November 20, 2025 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

They say Key West is for pirates, parrots and poets. I didn’t see any of those on a recent visit, but the phrase captures the island’s whimsical, creative and laid-back spirit. Like Las Vegas or New Orleans, it’s one of those places every American should experience at least once before they head off to that great overseas highway in the sky.

And speaking of highways, few routes are as memorable as the 113-mile Florida Keys Overseas Highway. Stretching from Key Largo to Key West across an astonishing 42 bridges, it hopscotches from island to island, each with its own personality. The drive delivers uninterrupted ocean views, glimpses of coral reefs, dolphins and endless boat traffic. Think dozens of Chesapeake Bay Bridges lined up end to end.

Yes, Key West has its own international airport with flights from across the U.S. and abroad, but I’m not sure why anyone uses it. Flying into Miami, renting a car, and driving the Keys offers a breezy, scenic adventure filled with quirky shops and water in every direction. It goes by quickly.

Key West is the southernmost city in the continental U.S. Surprisingly, it’s closer to Havana (90 miles) than to Miami (165 miles). Jutting far into the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, the island has a tropical climate and is regularly hit by hurricanes and tropical storms.

The writer poses at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West.

With weather similar to a Caribbean island, daytime and nighttime temperatures rarely vary by more than 15 degrees at any time of year. Prevailing easterly trade winds keep summer temperatures from climbing too high and winter temperatures from dropping too low. It’s rare for the thermometer to reach 95 degrees.

As you pull into town, you’ll notice palm-shaded streets, stately historic homes, salty air and nightly waterfront sunsets that are astonishingly beautiful. Only about 30,000 people live here full-time. Because the weather barely shifts from season to season, visitors come throughout the year, which helps disperse crowds. We’ve visited in both January and August; the weather felt almost identical, and the island never seemed like an overwhelming tourist trap — more like a homey escape.

Many early residents immigrated from the Bahamas and were known as “Conchs” (pronounced “conks”). In the 20th century, residents began embracing the term, and today it generally refers to full-time locals.

One of the island’s most beloved stories dates to 1982, when Key West symbolically declared independence as the “Conch Republic” in response to a U.S. Border Patrol blockade at the junction of U.S. Route 1 and the mainland. The blockade created major traffic delays and disrupted daily life. Although the secession was purely symbolic, the tale endures, and the Conch Republic Independence Celebration is marked annually on April 23.

Key West is compact in both population and size, but you’ll want at least three or four days to get a real feel for the place.

MUST-SEES

Start with a visit to the southernmost point in the continental U.S., marked by a giant, whimsically painted concrete buoy. Locals say the point was once indicated by a simple sign, but constant photo-seekers led to its upgrade. Here you’ll also find the “90 miles to Cuba” marking. It’s kitschy, but worth the photo (this is one of the most photographed spots in the country). The marker sits at 1400 Whitehead Street on the waterfront, and there’s no admission fee. When we visited, the line was short and we snapped our picture in minutes.

Next, grab a photo at Mile Marker 0, the literal and figurative end of the road in America. It marks the southern terminus of U.S. Route 1, the longest north-south road in the nation. For the dedicated road-tripper, its northern end is in Fort Kent, Maine, near the Canadian border. Driving it straight through would take more than 50 hours — and you’d likely hit every stoplight in every small town along the way.

Take a leisurely walk down Key West’s most iconic street, Duval Street, the island’s historical, entertainment, culinary and cultural center. It runs 14 blocks — about a mile — from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. No one rushes here; you’re on island time.

Under the category of “only in Key West,” don’t be surprised if free-roaming chickens wander across your path. They strut around as if they own the place — and perhaps they do. Early Cuban settlers brought chickens for food and cockfighting. When supermarkets took over and cockfighting was outlawed, many birds were released. Today, locals often prefer the chickens to tourists, and attempts to control their population have sparked strong resistance.

One of the most photographed places in the U.S.

Once you’ve navigated the chickens, visit two historic landmarks: the Ernest Hemingway Home and the Harry S. Truman Little White House.

Hemingway lived in Key West from 1931 to 1939. His wife’s wealthy uncle purchased the home as a wedding gift. It features an impressive swimming pool that cost the equivalent of nearly $350,000 today. Here, Hemingway was introduced to deep-sea fishing by Joe Russell (the original “Sloppy Joe”) and acquired his lifelong nickname, “Papa.”

These were his most productive years. He wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” “To Have and Have Not” and “Death in the Afternoon” in the mornings at his estate, reserving afternoons for his family. (“A Farewell to Arms” was completed before he arrived in Key West.)

President Harry S. Truman visited Key West 11 times during his presidency, spending a total of 175 days there, mostly during winter. At the Little White House, he conducted official business and worked on the Truman Doctrine, which pledged political, military and economic support to democratic nations threatened by authoritarian regimes. President Dwight Eisenhower later recuperated there after a heart attack, and Presidents John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter were also frequent visitors.

While in town, stop for a drink and a meal at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. The food and drinks themselves are nothing remarkable, but the history is. Founder Joe Russell, a rumrunner from Cuba, needed a place to sell his goods. With encouragement from Hemingway, he opened The Blind Pig, which became Hemingway’s favorite bar. Hemingway suggested renaming it “Sloppy Joe’s” in reference to the wet floors caused by melting ice used to sell seafood. The name stuck.

In one legendary episode, Russell — unhappy paying $4 a month in rent during the 1930s — moved the bar down the block, “lock, stock and barrel,” with help from his customers, who continued drinking as they carried furniture and supplies. The landlord was furious but could do little about it.

End your stay with the sunset celebration at Mallory Square, held nearly every night of the year. This waterfront event begins an hour before sunset and features artists, craftspeople, psychics, street performers, food vendors and crowds of locals and visitors who gather to watch the sun sink into the Gulf to cheers and live music.

Ocean in all directions as you navigate the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.

Love is in the air at Virginia Beach

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the July 31, 2025 issue of the Frederick News-Posts “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

If Virginia is for lovers, then Virginia Beach is like the warm, furtive glances that gets the romance started.

My (now) wife and I began visiting Virginia Beach in the 1980s to forgo the craziness of Ocean City and to enjoy slightly warmer and gentler waters. To us, it was just far enough away to be a getaway but not too far to take up all our time getting there. Plus, Virginia Beach is “down South.” There is just something special about Southern hospitality. (And make no mistake, this part of Virginia is definitely in the South.)

As a Marylander, it’s hard not to compare Virginia Beach to our Ocean City. In some ways, they are like long-lost cousins with not much in common.

A great Beatles-themed dinner and lunch spot in Virginia Beach.

VIRGINIA BEACH VS. OCEAN CITY

Virginia Beach is not glitzy and shlocky like Ocean City. It’s laid-back, less crowded, and with warm people helping you at every turn.

On the downside, Virginia Beach’s boardwalk is a utilitarian concrete, not the traditional wood of Ocean City’s. Virginia Beach’s touristy shops are set back one street from the boardwalk while Ocean City’s are right there in your face at every moment.

Virginia Beach beaches are wide, sandy and clean. Ocean City’s beaches are narrower, darker and not so clean. Virginia Beach is rugged and outdoorsy with hundreds of nearby bays, creeks and other waterways for fishing, boating, paddling and exploration. Ocean City has Assawoman Bay that is more of a lagoon and is not really used for recreation.

At Virginia Beach, you are met on the beach by an enormous statue of the mighty and heroic King Neptune. In Ocean City, you’re met by a giant Ferris wheel.

Neptune, King of the Sea, welcomes you to Virginia Beach.

What’s more, Virginia Beach is gigantic! You may not realize it, but Virginia Beach is Virginia’s most populous city, and that is year-round. Sure, Ocean City swells to about 350,000 in the summer, but the rest of the year it is not much more than a village. Virginia Beach’s year-round population of 450,000 makes it almost twice as large as Richmond, Arlington or Alexandria. There aren’t a lot of tall buildings, but the sheer size in area gives it an unmistakable cosmopolitan feel. When you combine Virginia Beach with nearby Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News and Portsmouth, you’ve got an immense urban landscape that is multicultural and exciting.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING

There’s a lot to see and do in and around Virginia Beach, and its rich history is a good starting point. When not swimming in the ocean or sun bathing, I recommend a visit to the First Landing Cross at Cape Henry in the north end of the oceanfront. The cross bears witness to the location where the Colonists first set foot in the New World in 1607 before pushing up the James River to establish Jamestown. Nearby First Landing State Park is the largest state park in Virginia and is an absolute oasis for nature lovers. Located next to Chesapeake Bay, it features 20 miles of trails, two miles of tranquil beachfront and the most pristine habitats in Virginia, maritime forests and wetlands.

No trip to this part of Virginia is complete without stops in Jamestown, Yorktown or Williamsburg. Known as America’s Historic Triangle, these significant sites represent different eras in America’s story. Jamestown is the first permanent American settlement dating back to 1607, Yorktown is the site of America’s final victory of the Revolutionary War in 1781, and Williamsburg was the first capital of Virginia in the 1600s and 1700s. All are lovingly maintained and feature outdoor re-creations.

I highly recommend taking the Jamestown Ferry across the James River from Yorktown to Jamestown to arrive in style. With the 250th anniversary of American independence coming up in 2026, there is no better place to celebrate (other than perhaps Boston or Philadelphia).

GETTING THERE

When traveling to Virginia Beach, eschew I-95 South through highly congested Northern Virginia, Richmond and the Tidewater area (unless you have an EZ Pass) in favor of traveling to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, through Salisbury and over (and through) the amazing Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Going this way may take a bit longer, but you won’t have horrendous traffic spoiling your getaway.

We have gone to Virginia Beach both ways and the time difference is negligible. Both routes are officially listed at about 4 1/2 hours from Frederick, but the mileage is a bit less traveling through Northern Virginia.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is an amazing engineering achievement. It straddles the Chesapeake Bay where it joins with the Atlantic Ocean. It totals 17 miles from Norfolk to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, which makes it about four times longer than Maryland’s own Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The marvel, though, is in the two 1-mile-long tunnels that take you below the bay and allow maritime and military ships to pass above. The views are breathtaking.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, 17 miles of amazing engineering achievement.

ENTERTAINMENT

Virginia Beach calls itself the “Event Capital of the East Coast.” This is hyperbole for sure, but there is no denying the presence of first-rate venues that attract world-class entertainment. The centerpiece of Virginia Beach’s entertainment scene is The Dome. It is a state-of-the-art concert venue that can flex from an indoor setting into an outdoor amphitheater-type setting. Think Major League Baseball stadiums with retractable roofs, but in this case, there are giant hangar doors that open. There is nothing like it up or down the East Coast. Upcoming shows at The Dome include Cody Jinks, Alison Krauss, Steve Martin and Martin Short, Ziggy Marley and Shaboozey.

For Orioles fans, Norfolk is home to their AAA minor league baseball team, the Norfolk Tides. The Tides play at Harbor Park in downtown Norfolk on the Elizabeth River and feature players just a step away from the big leagues like the Orioles best prospect, catcher Sam Basallo, who just won International League Player of the Month, proving there is hope for the Orioles yet.

LET’S EAT!

Virginia Beach and its environs are known for their “coastal cuisine,” which naturally centers around the freshest seafood available. I’m loyal to Maryland-style crab cakes, but I’ve learned that the tidewater area of Virginia has its own homegrown delicacy: Lynnhaven oysters. They are named after the deep-channel Lynnhaven River where they reside. They are served raw and on the half shell, steamed and loaded with spinach, cheese and bacon. It’s not for me, but I can see the pride in which this local favorite is served.

For breakfast, one of my favorites is Another Broken Egg, a restaurant we fell in love with in Sarasota, Florida, and it’s just as good in Virginia. They feature giant (and delicious) eggs and pancakes.

For lunch, I don’t think you can do better than Abbey Road Pub and Restaurant, located oceanfront at 22nd Street. Naturally the pub has a rock ‘n’ roll theme with plenty of live acts and musically inclined decor. But the real stars are the hand-cut steaks and fries, homemade soups and farm-to-table fruits and vegetables. Naturally there’s a “Lucy in the Sky” bar on the roof for taking in the warm ocean breezes.

One of our guilty pleasures is stopping at a local dive bar and cafe called The Raven. The Raven has the best burger I’ve had in Virginia Beach and is served with the freshest, tastiest broccoli ever. If you’re not a broccoli fan, try theirs anyway. I don’t know what they do, but it’s wonderful.

For dinner, we like The Butcher’s Son and their aged, hand-cut steaks; Aldo’s Ristorante, for casual elegant dining (it was voted best Italian restaurant at the beach) or my favorite, Rudee’s Restaurant and Cabana Bar. The Rudee Inlet views are unmatched in Virginia Beach and the food is delicious and fresh. You can watch the boats come and go during dinner for some free entertainment. The draw here is the fresh seafood, including steamed shrimp, the catch of the day (anything from grouper to yellow fin tuna and mahi mahi) and the overwhelmingly large raw bar. Even getting to the restaurant is fun. Take the Oceanfront Trolley or the 10-foot-wide Rudee Inlet Connector Walk.

Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach.

Nemacolin resort is sure to please

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the July 10, 2025 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

For a luxurious getaway close to home, you can’t do much better than the Nemacolin Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania, which is just up the road from Garrett County in far Western Maryland.

My wife and I recently visited and were enormously impressed. Be forewarned: Like most resorts, it is quite pricey, but for a special occasion, it is well worth it. They do offer frequent discounts of up to 25%, so keep your eyes peeled for those (check nemacolin.com for prices and special deals).

Nemacolin is in the beautiful Laurel Highlands region of the Allegheny Mountains that Shaun Butcher wrote so evocatively about recently in the pages of this publication. It is located just 140 miles northwest of Frederick on more than 2,200 acres of woodland bliss. It is an easy and picturesque two-and-a-half-hour drive from Frederick, mostly on Interstates 70 and 68.

Nemacolin is consistently recognized in the hospitality and travel industry as a superior destination. Its rankings include No. 1 best Pennsylvania resort, No. 3 best Pennsylvania hotel, No. 97 best resort in the U.S. and No. 221 best hotel in the U.S. Recently, Nemacolin was nominated for the Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2025 World’s Best Award. That puts it in very good company.

The resort is named after Chief Nemacolin, a native Delaware Indian who in 1740 trailblazed a route through the Laurel Highlands mountains between what is now Cumberland and Brownsville, Pennsylvania.

WELL-SEASONED

Nemacolin works well in any season. You can bring your swimsuit or your parka, and sometimes both! (We did.) Our visit was in early spring, but you can’t go wrong at any time of year.

In the summer, you can beat the heat with a visit to this elevated resort. The aptly-named Peak at Nemacolin is the go-to place for summer fun and a vibrant atmosphere. It features two spectacular pools, private cabanas, live entertainment and fantastic dining and cocktails. You can challenge yourself with the High Ropes Course or Jeep off-roading, then relax in the AC with a round of cosmic bowling or indoor axe throwing.

On a winter morning, there’s no greater luxury than sleeping in, curling up under a cozy blanket and letting your butler — that’s right, your very own butler — bring you breakfast in bed. You can enjoy that experience with Nemacolin’s bed and breakfast package. Alas, we could not afford to do that, but I’m told that waking up to the smell of nearby smokehouse bacon is the best way to start the day.

Winter fun at the Peak also includes everything from winter sports and heated pools to hot tubs and sipping cocoa by an enormous firepit.

Our springtime adventure included a day at the Woodlands Spa. The staff spoiled us with hot stones, a seaweed bath and “time-out” massage. Once your treatments are over, you can relax in the fireside lounge, spa pool, whirlpool, steam room or sauna.

WHERE TO STAY

Nemacolin’s three luxury hotels have their own distinct personalities. Most are in the $800 to $1,200 per night range (I told you: pricey).

Falling Rock is Nemacolin’s most sophisticated. It was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and features breathtaking views and unsurpassed amenities including a welcome gift, butler service and a daily happy hour with champagne.

The Chateau has a European feel including glittering chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, sitting rooms and private balconies. Visitors can choose from suites or adjoining rooms. A harpist welcomes you in the grand lobby.

The Grand Lodge is Nemacolin’s most family-friendly hotel. It has a woodsy yet luxurious charm. It is perfect for groups or extended families since an entire floor can be reserved.

For the even more well-to-do, there are private homes available for leasing.

WHAT TO DO

The Peak is only the beginning. When visiting Nemacolin, there are 2,200 acres of fun awaiting you. You can feel the thrill of whitewater rafting and horseback riding, treat the kids to a tortoise encounter or a romp in the Fun Zone, and recharge with a five-star spa experience or wine tasting.

The Bleu Room is one of Nemacolin’s most coveted spaces, well-known for its numerous accolades, one-of-a-kind decor and handcrafted details. It is valued as a setting for private events, bridal suites, wedding photoshoots and even an afternoon tea experience.

You’ll be able to get your toes tapping with live jazz or cabaret served over cocktails at Nightcap, a new onsite nightclub.

If you go at Christmastime, you can enjoy “Elves After Dark,” a humorous review featuring Santa’s elves as you’ve likely never seen them.

For an evening of high-stakes thrills, the Casino at Nemacolin is a sure bet. It includes 26 table games, 500 slot machines, keno, video poker machines and an elevated dining area above all the excitement.

Nemacolin’s family-friendly experiences include two ropes courses, fishing some of the finest streams on the East Coast, practicing Ninja skills in the Fun Zone, paintball and meeting animal friends ranging from armadillos to tigers. Other wildlife adventures include Painting with Ponies, Big Cat Encounter, Furry Farm Friends Meet & Greet, Creature Feature, Dogsledding and Miniature Horse Mingling. You can even lead your family in the thrill of soaring through the treetops with two side-by-side zip lines, reaching speeds of 30 to 45 miles per hour.

If shopping is your thing, I recommend the Nemacolin outlet beside the casino, the pro shop at the Rod & Range Club, or the boutique at “Woof-land” Pet Resort & Spa.

When you need some adult time, you can try your luck at sporting clays at the Rod and Range Club, or play one of two championship golf courses designed by Pete Dye (babysitting services and a Kid’s Club fit the bill nicely).

WHAT TO EAT

The secret to a perfect evening at Nemacolin is to start in the afternoon! First, whet your appetite with a hands-on pizza-making or Italian cooking class at Gusto!, and then go for a wine or whiskey tasting with curated food pairings and a guided tour of Nemacolin’s wine cellar, one of the largest in the country.

No evening at Nemacolin would be complete without a delightful dinner. No matter what you crave, you’ll likely find it among the 18 restaurants, lounges and eateries.

You can sample casual dishes poolside at The Peak or indulge in a steakhouse feast at Fawn & Fable. The Forbes Four-Star Aqueous specializes in fine dining inspired by the sea in a sophisticated, art-deco setting for guests 16 and older. Nemacolin’s restaurants use locally sourced ingredients to create seasonal dishes.

Finish off the evening at Nightcap, where appealing cocktails and unique flavors are served alongside live entertainment.

Are chain restaurants really so bad?

By Gary Bennett

A Bojangles restaurant opened in Frederick in 2024.

This article appears in the June 19, 2025 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

Why do we seem to hate chain restaurants? Well, hate may be too strong a word, but you must admit that when making dinner plans, you’re usually not angling for Chili’s, Olive Garden or Golden Corral.

I believe it has something to do with them being the same old, same old. Sure, they’ll do in a pinch, and some are even guilty pleasures (KFC for me), but around Frederick, there is a whole host of delicious, standalone, homegrown eateries we’d rather try.

But really, chain restaurants aren’t so bad, are they? I don’t think so. There is a good reason they became a chain in the first place. They usually provide a consistently good (if not exciting) meal at an affordable price.

Chains have economies of scale going for them, too. That means they are large enough to keep prices relatively low, have staff committed to quality control, and can survive occasional downturns because of corporate support.

According to Restaurant Business Magazine, a chain restaurant is a group of restaurants that operate under the same brand name, offering a standardized menu and customer experience. They are typically either owned by a parent company or operated by franchisees.

Ever since A&W became the first restaurant chain in 1925, these stalwarts have trained us to look for their distinctive architecture, colors and decor. We expect consistency, familiarity and comfort in their food. Other early comers like McDonald’s and Howard Johnson’s focused on speed and affordability.

Many of us feel a certain connection to chain restaurants because it was our first restaurant experience. This was especially true for a rural kid like me. I still fondly recall our family’s first forays to a new place called McDonald’s or the now defunct Burger Chef and then seeing the same restaurants when visiting relatives a state or so away.

It seemed like magic. But more than that, it seemed like we all had something in common, some shared experiences. My parents could count on the same unsurprising food and the same relatively modest prices, and that was important with a fussy, growing family.

Also, many of us grew up working in one of these chains during our teen years and sometimes beyond. One of my best memories from my formative years was being a dishwasher at Howard Johnson’s and getting a free lunch every day, usually a grilled hot dog.

Over the years, chains have had an outsized influence on American culture. When folks speak of the “golden arches,” we know exactly what they mean. Chain restaurants made foods like pizza and Chinese cuisine accessible to everyday Americans, and that wasn’t always the case.

Popular food items at many chains became well-known by their brand names. Good or bad, everyone can conjure up images of the Big Mac, Whopper, Quarter Pounder, Bloomin’ Onion, the Frosty, the Blizzard and so on.

And who can forget the lexicon and jingles? Chances are, you can match these catchphases easily with the chain restaurant it belongs to: “Where’s the beef?” (Wendy’s), “We have the meats!” (Arby’s), “Eating Good in the Neighborhood” (Applebee’s), “Pizza, pizza!” (Little Caesars), “When you’re here, you’re family” (Olive Garden), and “In here, it’s always Friday” (TGI Fridays).

Frederick has its fair share of chain restaurants. Let’s take a look by category.

Casual dining: Applebee’s, BJ’s Restaurant, Bob Evans, Bojangles, Bonefish Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cava, Café Rio, Chili’s, Chipotle, Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, Dunkin’, TGI Fridays, Golden Corral, IHOP, KFC, Krispy Kreme, Longhorn Steakhouse, Noodles & Company, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Panda Express, Panera Bread, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Rosati’s Pizza, Ruby Tuesday, Texas Roadhouse and Waffle House.

Fast Food and Sandwiches: Arby’s, Auntie Anne’s, Burger King, Checkers, Chick-fil-A, Firehouse Subs, Five Guys, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Jimmy John’s, McDonald’s, Popeyes, Potbelly, Roy Rogers, Starbucks, Subway, Sonic Drive-In, Taco Bell and Wendy’s.

Frozen Desserts and Sweets: Baskin-Robbins, Bruster’s Ice Cream, Cold Stone Creamery, Crumbl Cookies, Dairy Queen, Rita’s Italian Ice and Sweet Frog.

Pizza: CiCis Pizza, Domino’s, Ledo Pizza, Little Caesars, Marco’s Pizza, MOD Pizza, Papa John’s Pizza and Pizza Hut.

The top 10 chains that originated in the U.S. by worldwide sales are McDonald’s, Starbucks, Subway, KFC, Burger King, Wendy’s, Dunkin’, Chick-fil-A, Domino’s and Taco Bell.

As far as my guilty pleasures, I try to not eat too much food that is bad for me, but, doggone it, some of these chain staples are go good, I can’t help myself. Consider these all-stars: the cheesecake case at Cheesecake Factory (like Cookie Monster in the supermarket bakery, all I can say is “What is this wonderful place?”); Cheddar Bay Biscuits at Red Lobster (top bread item in the world for me); Bloomin’ Onion at Outback Steakhouse (“What do you mean they’re shareable?”); unlimited salad and breadsticks at Olive Garden (you can make a meal out of these); free peanuts at Texas Roadhouse (peanut shells everywhere brings a smile to my face); guacamole and chips at Chili’s (I used to love it when they made the guac at your table); and, of course, KFC’s original recipe (God help me).

While we’re at it, let’s pay our respects to the dearly departed. These restaurants are no longer with us: Beefsteak Charlie’s, Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill, Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse, Burger Chef, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Chi-Chi’s, ESPN Zone, Furr’s, Good Earth, Hamburger Hamlet, Henry’s Hamburgers, Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon, Morrison’s Cafeteria, Royal Castle, Red Barn, Sambo’s, Showbiz Pizza Place and York Steak House.

The following chain restaurants are gone specifically from Frederick but not forgotten (I ate at all these at least once during my 40 years here): Baja Fresh, Beef O’Brady’s, Boston Market, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Chicago Pizza, Famous Dave’s, Ground Round, Hardee’s, Hard Times Cafe, Long John Silver’s, Mimi’s Cafe, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Shoney’s, Smashburger and TCBY.

I got my wish recently when Potbelly came to town. But I want more! Not because I’m hung up on any of these chains, but (like most Americans) I want unlimited options.

And just to prove that we’re not all snobs in Frederick (or maybe we’re not as sophisticated as we think), I present to you some humble chain restaurants that are Best of the Best winners in Frederick. (I’ll bet you didn’t know some of these are chains!)

Best Barbecue Restaurant: Black Hog BBQ and Mission BBQ

Best Diner: Silver Diner

Best Hibachi Restaurant: Miyako

Best Mexican Restaurant: Plaza Mexico

Best Place to Eat with Kids: Cugino Forno

Best Chicken Wings: Anchor Bar

Best Cookies: Crumbl Cookies

Best Donuts: Fractured Prune

Best French Fries: McDonald’s

Best Fried Chicken: Giant Eagle

Best Pizza: Cugino Forno

Best Bagels: Zipani and Panera

Celebrating 100 years of adventure on the Appalachian Trail with ‘Grandpa Walking’

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the April 17, 2025, issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment insert.

In 2025, the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, celebrates 100 years of measuring the skills, endurance and heart of thousands of intrepid adventurers.

Over 3,000 hikers attempt to complete the entire length in any given year. Only about one in four succeed. The successful ones are forever known as “thru-hikers” and are treated on the trail with the awe and respect they deserve.

Along with these remarkable thru-hikers, the AT also welcomes and tests the more modest among us: day-hikers, section hikers and “2,000-milers.” The latter are pretty amazing, too. They are the people who hike the entire distance of the AT but not all at one time and not necessarily all in one year.

From its humble beginning at a conference of likeminded hikers and outdoorsmen in March 1925 to today, the AT has provided what was once unthinkable: a continuous, 2,200-mile footpath, skipping along the tops of the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine. The trail was ultimately completed in 1937.

To be sure, the trail tests one’s mettle at every turn. The terrain is mountainous for its entire length, with an elevation gain and loss equivalent to hiking Mt. Everest from sea level and back 16 times. Hikers of all stripes grouchily complain about the PUDs — the seemingly “pointless ups and downs.” The trail passes through some of the densest wilderness in the U.S.

Grandpa Walking

Although not a thru-hiker, Annapolis resident and divorced father of three Harvey Dennenberg is as adventurous as they come. He has been alive for almost the entirety of the AT’s existence.

The 84-year-old hiking savant is a proud 2,000-miler. He completed the entire trail in sections, beginning at age 68 in September 2009 and finishing up in 2021 at age 80. He lectures about the AT and has written a book, “Maine’s Appalachian Trail: How Seniors Made Section Hiking Easier,” which is available on Amazon and other sites and is also part of the permanent collection at the Appalachian Trail Museum in Pennsylvania.

And, no, he is not the oldest to ever complete the trail. But he’s close!

Dennenberg, known as “Grandpa Walking” (because all hikers must have a trail name) credits reading Bill Bryson’s famous book, “A Walk in the Woods,” in 2000 as his impetus for taking on the AT. There was something special about Bryson’s account of attempting but failing to complete the trail with his overweight friend Katz that piqued Dennenberg’s curiosity. Could he do it? He began to think he could.

He had some hiking experience. In 1993 he bought a second home in Boulder, Colorado, and hiked the local trails in the summer. He did his first modest AT day-hike in 2003 and then some overnight backpacking in 2005.

He retired in 2007 and moved to Maryland. Living in Lutherville, he frequented the trails around Loch Raven Reservoir and even did some camping and hiking in Frederick County at Catoctin State Park. One early AT section hike took him and a partner across Maryland from Pen Mar Park southbound to Harpers Ferry over four days.

Harvey Dennenberg in the wilds of Maine.

Dennenberg began his AT journey in earnest in 2009 by driving to Maine and attempting to scale Mount Katahdin, the infamous starting/ending point of the AT that stands over 5,700 feet high, is often snow-covered and is always rocky and treacherous for even the most seasoned hiker. He failed on this attempt “off the couch,” but he was hooked.

Over the next 12 years, he completed the AT in all 14 states, often hiking with other seniors — 33 different partners at last count, several of whom were women.

Dennenberg counts these many hiking partners and how they helped him among his fondest memories.

“Lee and Randy taught me two-car, road-to-road hiking. Fred and Greg taught me about pre-planning and using spreadsheets to plan hikes. Big Ed, aka Joker, always got water for me when I was too tired to move. Jim, aka Chill, was always calm and collected and a great influence when I got frustrated.”

The hostel owners along the way were also great and always willing to help, he said. He fondly remembers the wonderful, full-body massage he received at Woods Hole in Virginia after nine days of hiking.

And the food! Hiking the AT is a study in deprivation, according to most, so when you get the chance to eat well, you take advantage of it. He remembers a sumptuous breakfast buffet at Mountain Harbour on the Tennessee/North Carolina border and savory meatballs and lobster rolls at another stop.

Not everything, of course, was sunshine and roses.

Harvey Dennenberg completing his last state — Pennsylvania

Heat and humidity were his worst enemies, sapping strength and ending hikes. “I had planned a solo backpack [trip] for three days and two nights in July 2011. I had to quit after eight miles and call my shuttle driver to come get me. I had stopped sweating and knew I was in trouble.”

Fording streams in Maine was particularly tricky and harrowing.

“The rivers and streams have strong currents, and the smooth bottom rocks are covered with moss,” he said. “I always made sure one foot was firmly planted before moving the other foot.”

Then there are the infamous White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine. For large chunks of the trail, there are steep, almost vertical climbs and descents. In many places, you must “hike” hand over hand.

“Mahoosuc Notch in New Hampshire is the most difficult one mile on the entire AT,” Dennenberg said. “There are huge boulders to climb over and crawl under and gaps in the boulders to jump across. I spent a lot of time crawling.”

While never seriously lost, he agrees that poorly-marked or unmarked areas can be a problem, especially in wilderness areas. Being able to use a map and compass in addition to a GPS device can make the difference between staying on track and getting lost.

Dennenberg never had any run-ins with wildlife but cautions hikers to be vigilant nonetheless. Food must be hung and not kept in tents unless you want company from a hungry bear. Hikers should also watch out for moose, especially in Maine, as they tend to use the trail to get from place to place, just as we do.

But Dennenberg would do it all over again if he had the chance and recommends the AT to anyone who has the will and desire to test themselves.

Unfortunately, in 2023, Dennenberg herniated his L2/L3 discs hiking the Long Trail in Vermont and had to quit after the first day. He has not hiked since and fears his hiking days may be over.

Even if he never takes another step on the AT, Dennenberg will be forever known as a 2,000-miler and affectionately as Grandpa Walking.

A book by Harvey Dennenberg, aka Grandpa Walking, about hiking the Appalachian Trail in Maine

Get (way) out of town for Valentine’s Day

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the February 13, 2025, issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment insert.

Folks, you don’t need to surprise your honey with a romantic trip to Paris, Venice or Rome for Valentine’s Day. Oh no, that’s too expensive anyway. Believe me, you’ll feel right at home at one of these romantic destinations I’ve carefully curated for you right here in the good old U.S.A.

When you arrive in one of these dreamy destinations, your significant other will be overcome with emotion. In fact, they won’t look at you the same way again. Plus, some of these towns are so inexpensive to visit, they will actually pay you to come!

I must warn you, though, not all of these towns are large enough to have a romantic bed and breakfast (or running water, for that matter.) But I can assure you, they all have “Welcome to” signs that will be just right for that selfie.

Please note that all these places are real! Only the descriptions have been changed to protect the town leaders and, of course, the innocent. Plus, the real descriptions are lame.

Accident, Maryland

A charming burg in nearby Garrett County. You may want to skip this one, though, if you don’t wish to have one of those kinds of romantic mishaps.

Bangor, Maine

Our northernmost destination (pronounced Bang-er) is snow covered at Valentine’s Day and action-oriented (I mean skiing! C’mon, get your mind out of the gutter!).

Boody, Illinois

This restful, bootylicious heartland community will make you feel like sitting down and taking a load off.

Butternuts, New York

This tiny upstate enclave is named after the tasty squash that is plentiful here (what did you think?). Be advised, you may come away from here with a new nickname, if you play your cards right.

Climax, Georgia

You’ll burst with excitement when visiting this small but satisfying Southern town.

Cockeysville, Maryland

A close-by Maryland destination that specializes in goofy little pet names. Your honey pie will love it!

Conception, Missouri

Like Accident, this one is not for the faint of heart. Skip this one if you’re not feeling lucky.

Conquest, New York

A delightful upstate borough perfect for the goal-oriented, won’t-take-no-for-an-answer folks. (You know who you are.)

Diamond, California

Now we’re talking. This one is for the big spenders among us, or at least folks who appreciate syrupy pop songs from a ‘70s icon.

Flowers, Mississippi

If you’re not ready for Diamond (and who is?), this is your next best bet.

French Lick, Indiana

Home of NBA legend Larry Bird. Townsfolk will be glad to show you around and provide an oral history.

Fertile, Minnesota

If you’re not going to Accident or Conception, I doubt you’ll go here. But I say take a chance! What could go wrong?

Heart Butte, Montana

I can see you snickering out there, but it’s pronounced Byute. You know, like a lovely, shapely mountain.

Heartwell, Nebraska

This destination sounds nice but I’m sorry to say it’s actually full of cardiologists. I include it here for the over-70 readers.

Hell, Michigan

This is the final, frozen-over destination for those love-on-the-rocks, can’t-be-saved relationships. Heck, you can even be mayor here for a day if you pay the price.

Honeyville, Utah

Take your honey to this little hamlet in the Mormon state. Be advised: If you’re not married, a church leader might harangue you about going back home.

Hooker, Oklahoma

Maybe not the best choice for a romantic weekend, but I say give it a try. Be sure to take advantage of the welcoming committee found on most street corners. Bring cash and low expectations.

Intercourse, Pennsylvania

Finally! Slip into the most famous romantic getaway on the list. And, because it’s positioned just up the road from us in Frederick, you’ll be thrust into a great time. Trust me.

Love, Arizona

This is what’s it’s all about, right?

Lovers Leap, Cumberland

This nearby attraction beckons lovers to show how much they really care. Perfect for the nothing-to-lose folks just a step ahead of an angry, shotgun-toting father.

Pee Pee Township, Ohio

If Cockeysville is just too cutesy for you, there’s always this surprisingly tiny community in Ohio that is folded into its southern region. Blink and you could miss it.

Romance, Arkansas

Be sure to visit the world’s largest thesaurus factory in this exciting, joyful, dreamy, starry-eyed, romantic village in the Ozarks.

Roses, Pennsylvania

This burg in the Keystone State is not far from Intercourse. Everyone knows it’s hard to visit Intercourse unless you do Roses first.

Rough and Ready, California

Named after California’s proud gold-mining past (sure it was), lovers here must be open-minded and up for just about anything.

Screamer, Alabama

An obvious choice for you overachievers. But unless you’ve been here before, you’ll marvel at how noisy this town can be, especially on Saturday nights.

Sweet Lips, Tennessee

If Butternuts is not your cup of tea, I wholeheartedly recommend Sweet Lips.

Surprise, New York

There are lots of Surprises in the U.S., but the one in New York was founded by the same folks who settled Conception, Missouri. They got out of there fast.

Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

You can’t get away with anything in this well-named community, so don’t even try.

Valentine, Indiana

Finally, a town worthy of this list that has gone terribly off the tracks. Fun fact: This town was just recently renamed from Greeting Card, Indiana, to honor the handsome agent on the television show “FBI.”

Weiner, Arkansas

Last but not least, this tiny town is pronounced the way you think, and they are damn proud of it. Home to world-famous Chihuahua races and snow birds from Pee Pee Township, Ohio.

Journey out to the Outer Banks

By Gary Bennett

The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, NC.

This article appears in the January 9, 2025, issue of Frederick News-Post’s entertainment insert “72 Hours.”

My wife and I have been up and down the East Coast from Maine to Florida many times. We’ve enjoyed the Atlantic Ocean in Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport, both Ocean Cities (New Jersey and Maryland), Cape May, Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach, Jacksonville, Miami Beach and Key West.

But, somehow along the way, we missed the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

We finally made it this past fall, and I’m so glad we did.

The Outer Banks (or OBX as signs and license plates proclaim everywhere) is well-known around Frederick. Many families tell stories of renting a house on this narrow sliver of land that spans about 200 miles of coastline, inviting the entire extended family to join them. I can only imagine what fun this must be.

The Outer Banks is an interesting name. It is a barrier island (or more correctly, a series of barrier islands) sitting in the Atlantic Ocean a few miles from the North Carolina mainland. On a map, it resembles a wayward violin string or a dog’s crooked hind leg. “Barrier” means that the islands will eventually surrender to the ocean, but hopefully not for millions of years.

The islands are separated from the mainland by sounds, which we don’t have here in Maryland. With exotic names like Albemarle, Currituck and Pamlico, these large bodies of water are bigger than a bay or river but not as big as a sea. This gives the islands a secluded feel. Also, there are only a few access points, which increases the feeling of seclusion. You can reach the Outer Banks by highway, of course, but other areas to the south can only be accessed by ferry or small plane.

Sunrise over the shores of Outer Banks, NC.

We arrived at Outer Banks via North Carolina Route 158, which winds its way down the coast from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. We crossed over the Albemarle Sound and landed near the small village of Southern Shores. From there, it was just a short, pleasant ride to our hotel in Kill Devil Hills.

From Frederick, our drive totaled about 5 and a half hours, covering 320 miles. Overall, it was pleasant. It helps to leave on a Saturday morning if you can, thereby minimizing the traffic around D.C. and Richmond. Once you hang a right at Hampton Roads and head south, traffic thins out nicely.

The Outer Banks begin at Corolla, far to the north, and stretches down to Ocracoke to the south. We didn’t have time on this trip, but one can traverse the entire length of the Outer Banks on picturesque NC Highway 12 (or Beach Road, as the locals call it) and never be more than 3 miles from the ocean. At its narrowest, this spit of land is only 150 yards wide from ocean to sound.

The best-known OBX towns are mostly clustered near the center of the island and have perplexing names. Perhaps the most well-known is Nags Head. No one is certain, but one popular theory is the town got its name from pirates tying lanterns to the necks of horses, or “nags,” to trick ships loaded with booty to run aground.

Kill Devil Hills got its name, so the story goes, from rum, which had washed ashore from wrecked ships and was so strong, it could “kill” the devil.

Kitty Hawk’s name is not quite as interesting. It most likely derives from the Algonquin word “Chickahawk,” which means “a place to hunt geese.” The name first appeared on English maps in the 1700s. Kitty Hawk, of course, will be forever linked to the daring Wright Brothers and their ingenious flying contraption.

The Outer Banks is known for pristine but sometimes wild beaches, majestic sand dunes, wild horses and its many lighthouses. The central OBX beaches of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head each have their own distinctive personality but share pebbly, off-white sand, skinny shorelines, large oceanfront homes (including Millionaire’s Row), easy access, grassy barriers and numerous fishing piers.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Outer Banks, NC.

If it’s a boardwalk you’re looking for, we recommend the peaceful, winding one along Currituck Sound in the tiny village of Duck. The Duck Boardwalk encourages a leisurely pace and can be accessed from the town park and other locations throughout the village. It extends for over a mile and offers beautiful views, a variety of wildlife and some retail establishments and restaurants.

The stars of the show at OBX are, without a doubt, the rolling, majestic and seemingly never-ending sand dunes. Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head has the tallest active sand-dune system in the Eastern U.S., stretching up to 110 feet tall. The chain of dunes is protected by thick maritime forests and grasses. When we visited, families with young children were happily exploring the dunes on nearby trails.

Other must-sees when visiting OBX include the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and National Seashore, Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, Jennette’s Pier (home to an excellent science and educational center) and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

The Wright Brothers National Memorial, inexplicably in Kill Devil Hills and not Kitty Hawk, includes a full-scale reproduction of the original plane that is not much bigger or sturdier than a hang glider, numerous exhibits, educational talks by docents, the 1902-‘03 camp buildings where the brothers performed their experiments, the carefully maintained 3,000-foot airstrip, a mesmerizing sculpture of the brothers and other helpers preparing for takeoff, the “First Flight” boulder marking the takeoff point of the three experimental flights and the dominating, 60-foot memorial to their achievements at the top of a huge sand dune.

One of the last remaining Ben Franklin stores is in OBX.

For food, Miller’s Seafood and Steakhouse in Kill Devil Hills serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, specializing in fresh seafood and aged steaks. For dinner, I tried the North Carolina sea scallops, which were seared and grilled to perfection, and my wife, Ellen, had the sesame-seared bourbon tuna. Both were excellent. The Miller family also owns the “American Pie” shop right next door that offers delicious homemade pies and ice cream.

For lunch, try Cosmo’s Pizza, the local, New York-style pizza shop. It sits unassumingly in a strip mall near Corolla, but the tasty food and friendly atmosphere make it worth the trip. Their red brick, wood-burning oven gives the place a warm, homey feel and provides a crispy, slightly burnt pizza crust that is so hard to find in Frederick.

We considered trying some North Carolina-style barbecue, but after learning the Eastern-style Carolina type is made using the “whole hog,” we demurred. Using the whole hog means the entire pig is barbecued, chopped up and mixed together. It is served with a vinegar-based sauce, also not one of my favorites. The locals claim that pork served this way is the most tender with a deliciously distinct flavor. I guess I’ll never know.

For shopping, I recommend four local favorites: The Cotton Gin, Farmer’s Daughter, Gray’s and Kitty Hawk Kites.

The Cotton Gin provides high-end shopping and seems to have something for everyone. True to its name, 100% cotton clothing dominates the offerings. This local landmark has been around nearly 100 years and is the go-to place for gifts and souvenirs.

Farmers Daughter (there is no apostrophe to be found) is the quintessential beach shop with 16 OBX locations. The Kill Devil Hills location we visited specializes in what they call “fish hippie apparel.” You’ll need to check that out to see for yourself.

Gray’s Outer Banks Lifestyle Clothing Company (its long, official name) in Kitty Hawk specializes in coastal, casual resort wear. As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by local history and friendly faces.

To really get into that beach vibe and double down on the “first in flight” mojo, visit Kitty Hawk Kites in Duck. It is celebrating 50 years in business. The colorful kites and hang gliders appear ready to jump into the air at any moment.

Two locals favorites we couldn’t resist are Brew Thru, a drive through convenience store offering everything you need, including beer and wine, and one of the last remaining Ben Franklin stores left standing in the U.S.

Outer Banks, NC, is kn0wn for its huge sand dunes.

The former offers more than 100 brands of beers and wines you simply point to and pay for. That, my friends, is America at its best! The latter is a proud member of the five-and-dime retail empire that once numbered over 2,500 stores, mostly in smaller locales nationwide, but now are fewer than 250. According to the manager, the Nags Head Ben Franklin has stood the test of time by adapting to the needs of its customers. It has become an immaculately neat beach gift shop, but its proud history is front and center thanks to the gigantic, unmistakable, red Ben Franklin sign and the ocean-themed mural that adorns the facade of the building.

Driving in Frederick: It can be a jungle out there

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the January 2024 edition of Frederick News-Post’s “Prime Time” magazine.

I see lots of bad driving out there. I’m sure you do, too. It must be human nature (or maybe pride) that fools us into believing that we are great drivers while everyone else is terrible.

If only this were true.

As senior drivers whose cognitive powers and reflexes are still in working order and who have a wealth of driving experience to rely upon, we have an opportunity, perhaps a duty, to set the tone on the road and drive by example. After all, we are among the safest drivers out there.

I provide below some tips for the road and some trouble spots in Frederick to avoid. Most, but not all, are in synch with the Maryland Driving Manual. I also take into consideration the realities of driving around a bustling, growing city.

But first, my credentials.

I am a driver in my 60s who has driven all around Frederick for 35 years now. Not only that, but for the past five years, I have driven around Frederick two or three days a week for six hours at a clip. That is a lot of concentrated driving. It’s is a big part of my part-time job I do in retirement. As such, I think I’m qualified to say this: Boy, have I seen it all!

I’ve been a licensed driver for about 50 years now. I’m not perfect. I had an accident years ago that totaled my car but no one else’s. It was caused by my own impatience in poor driving conditions. I’ve also had a few tickets along the way. But I think I’ve learned from my mistakes.

The three biggest culprits I see to safely traveling on Frederick roads are aggressive driving, distracted driving and, believe it or not, timid or unsure driving. This last one may seem counterintuitive, but many of you know exactly what I mean.

The first one is self-explanatory. We see aggressive driving all the time. It includes speeding, unsafe lane changes, purposely not using turn signals, tailgating, ignoring traffic signals, not yielding the right-of-way and, of course, horn blasting and hand gesturing. This causes terror for the rest of us and leads to most accidents.

The good news is that the rest of us can manage these drivers to some extent.

Do this: Give them plenty of space. Don’t compete and never engage with them. Keep in mind that aggressive driving will save them no time in the long run (and karma will get them eventually). Just pray they hurt no one along the way.

For your own part, leave yourself plenty of time before setting out for any destination so you have no reason to compete with an aggressive driver. Keep your mind on your own driving business so you don’t commit a driving error to enrage them more. If you can safely do so, report them.

Distracted driving has been well documented with the introduction of cell phones. One-third of all fatal accidents are caused by distracted driving. But distracted driving can also include eating, applying makeup, dealing with children and changing radio stations. Try to avoid all of these. Stay focused on the task at hand — arriving safely at your destination.

When encountering a distracted driver, give them plenty of space if you can, and remove yourself from their presence if you must. It does no good to honk or exhibit any aggressive driving tactics yourself to “teach them a lesson.”

Although not mentioned at all in the Maryland Driving Manual, timid/unsure driving may be the biggest culprit to getting around Frederick in a safe, timely manner. It includes driving too slowly overall, not merging into traffic quickly enough, making unsure, last-second turns and lane-changes, waiting too long at traffic lights, and stopping suddenly for no apparent reason.

Timid drivers endanger themselves and others because they are not “going with the flow.” This is a must in a busy city. Timid driving can also enrage those with aggressive driving tendencies.

If driving has become a frightening endeavor for you, it is best to ask for help or find other means of travel. If you are a new driver and are doing your best, make sure you have the “New Driver” sticker on your car so we can give you the benefit of the doubt.

Timid drivers need to realize they are as dangerous as aggressive drivers. My advice to them is be aware of the flow of traffic. Know when you are an impediment and take steps to minimize your effect. Practice driving to your destinations during off hours to where you must go so you can confidently go with the flow when it really counts.

A special discussion on turn signals is required.

The lack of turn signal usage — whether it is aggressively done on purpose, absentmindedly forgotten, its importance never learned, or if people simply don’t care — is a major contributor to unsafe driving conditions.

We must understand and accept that turn signals are a safety device that benefits all of us. They let other drivers know what our intentions are. We should all be maniacal about their use, even when seemingly not necessary. After all, who among us has never had a car quickly pull back into the right travel lane from a left-turn only lane they didn’t mean to be in? I’ll venture not many of us. Turn signal usage lets everyone know that you have given some thought to your intentions. Disappointingly, the Maryland Driving Manual hardly mentions turn signal usage. It deserves its own chapter.

Further, reject the notion that turn signals are somehow a sign of weakness. This is twisted thinking. One young driver told me people won’t let them merge anyway, so why ask? To him it is better and easier to simply “horn in.” If this is your mindset, try to get past it. Some drivers may prevent you from merging by speeding up, but it is just as sure that some kind soul will let you in eventually. Use that signal.

GENERAL ROAD TIPS

• Drive defensively and expect the unexpected. A wise instructor once told me to always look for your escape route ahead of time in case something bad happens around you.

• Avoid left turns in heavy traffic as much as possible. Around Frederick, that is a recipe for being rear-ended. If you must turn left, use that turn signal and use it early so those behind you have a chance to get around you.

• Get up to speed quickly when merging onto highways. That is what the ramp is for. Little is more aggravating than a slow driver putting everyone behind them in a dangerous, precarious position.

• On the flip side, slow down a bit on highways to let someone merge safely. No, you don’t have to, but it is the safer thing to do.

• Space is your friend. When getting on or off a highway, adjust your speed up or down slightly to fit into the biggest space between cars you can find. That calculation is well worth the trouble but must be made well before you try to execute it.

• Consider it your civic duty to start out right away when stopped at a red light when it turns, especially if you’re first in line. If you lag for any reason, someone behind you may be forced to sit through another cycle. There’s nothing much more aggravating.

• Know what lane you want before you need to be in it. Pull into that lane as soon as you can, even miles before you need to. We all know those folks who jump to the front of the line and then nose in without a signal. It is tantamount to butting in line and would not be tolerated in any other circumstance.

• Use any driving outing as a chance to work on your patience and kindness. Most of us need to do better in those categories anyway, so why not remind yourself of that as you head out?

• Don’t drive at all if something is within walking distance. This should be a no-brainer. It’s good for you and the environment. Plus, why not eliminate one more chance for a driving mistake from you or others?

• You may disagree, but I’ve watched this play out and considered it carefully: The zipper method is always best when an unexpected merge is happening because of a lane closure, even if it is visible ahead. No one should be penalized in this case. Use all the space we have afforded to us for as long as we can. That way, we can all keep up a reasonable speed. The alternative results in jerks and stops.

FREDERICK-SPECIFIC TIPS

• Avoid Route 15 across Frederick as much as possible but especially during the two rush hours. We all know this stretch needs to be three lanes instead of two, but it’s what we’ll have for the foreseeable future. Better to leave 15 for tourists and those passing through.

• Avoid Market Street in the morning when the food and beer trucks are making their deliveries. You don’t need to run this gauntlet if you don’t have to. Better to take the alleys and Court or Ice streets.

• Avoid Rosemont Avenue as much as possible. Those lanes are outrageously narrow in many places (with on-road storm drains that rattle my bones).

• When driving north on East Street to cross East Patrick Street to head toward Shab Row, remember you need to be in the right lane to go straight.

• When turning left from South Jefferson Street onto South Street at the light, get as far left in your lane as possible so cars going straight can pass you on the right. Use that turn signal.

• When heading west on the Golden Mile near the Route 15 underpass, try to avoid turning right onto Baughman’s Lane. The jockeying for position there with cars coming down the ramp from 15 and heading west on the Golden Mile is not for the faint of heart.

• Similarly, never try to merge onto 340 West from that tiny Himes Avenue exit ramp. You’ll almost always need to come to a dangerous complete stop to allow heavy through traffic to pass.

• When traveling toward downtown on South Jefferson Street at 7-11, you need to be in the right lane to go straight. Many of you stay in that left turn-only lane and merge right at the last second. That is not a zipper method situation.

• Be wary of the two lanes on Seventh Street heading east over Bentz Street. The right lane must turn right. The left lane can go straight or turn left. This is not well marked. Get in the correct lane long before you come to Bentz.

• When merging onto Ballenger Creek Pike from the Jefferson Street ramp, keep going in the right lane; don’t stop. Cars approaching this intersection from your left must stay in the left lane. I’ll admit this is counterintuitive and can be scary, but it is what’s intended. This one is not signed at all (and should be).

• Avoid the intersections of I-70 and I-270 as much as possible. Cars are going at interstate speeds in all directions and usually jockeying for position without using turn signals. Better to get on one of these interstates at a different Frederick intersection.

It’s Festival Season in Hardy County WV

By Gary Bennett

Late 18th century historical cabin that is open during Heritage Weekend in Mathias

This article appears in the Fall 2024 edition of Day Tripper Magazine.

If you long to be “far from the madding crowd,” as Thomas Hardy famously wrote, then Hardy County is the fall and winter destination for you. With just about 15,000 residents in the entire county, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out and rediscover small-town America. And when you’re ready to mingle, check out these fall festivals.

Hardy County Heritage Weekend Festival

The Hardy County Tour & Craft Association sponsors this countywide festival, which will be held from Sept. 27 to 29. This celebration of the rich history and rural life of Hardy County showcases delectable foods, music and arts, craft shows, car shows, home tours, walking tours and Civil War encampments.

Now in its 71st year, the festival began as a way to raise funds for the public library, and Hardy County has continued that proud tradition. Each year, a historic home is chosen for immortality by placing its image on a decorative tile for display at the library. This year the honored home is the Lost River General Store.

The festival’s Americana-inspired house tour will include historic homes and buildings that represent an event in Hardy County history.

For more information on Hardy County’s Heritage Weekend Festival, visit heritageweekend.com or call 304-530-0280.

Pizza oven at Lost and Found Pizza in Mathias

Wardensville Fall Festival

Tucked away in the northeast corner of Hardy County, just 20 miles from Route 81 near Winchester, lies the charming village of Wardensville. Their fall festival will be held Oct. 11 to 13 and is set to feature more than 100 vendors, a parade, crafting demonstrations, artists painting, a car show, performances, bingo, fire truck rides, a cookout and the crowning of the parade marshalls. All proceeds benefit the Capon Valley Volunteer Fire Company.

For more information, call 304-874-3424.

Check out Visit Hardy’s website, visithardywv.com, throughout the fall for updates on other festivals that weren’t confirmed by press time, like the WV Turkey Festival & Pageant in Mathias.

Moorefield’s Holidays on Ice

In early December, you can enjoy the town of Moorefield’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Main Street, sponsored by the Moorefield Lions Club. Then, keep the fun going and strap on those ice skates at Moorefield’s Town Park for free ice skating.

Beginning around Thanksgiving, Moorefield’s “Holidays on Ice” highlights their cozy winter wonderland. Each weekend through early February, the town provides a new batch of activities to keep the holiday spirit alive. A concession stand run by a different community organization each week plies visitors with tasty hot dogs, pepperoni rolls, popcorn, desserts, and hot cocoa as patrons while away the hours on the ice.

Some skating sessions are geared toward teens with disc jockeys blasting out popular tunes, while others cater to the younger set with arts and crafts, such as make-your-own snowman or Christmas tree.

The Moorefield Town Park is at 220 Spring Ave. For more information, visit mfldparks@hardynet.com or call 304-530-6142.