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A Leisurely Friday

Yesterday, a few of us decided it was time to step away from the ordinary and venture outside our comfort zones with a day trip to Annapolis, Maryland. Situated along the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is not only Maryland’s capital but also known as America’s sailing capital. It’s maritime charm, historic landmarks, and quaint surroundings seemed the perfect destination to explore.

Our first stop was the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market, know by locals as the Amish Market. This market offers an impressive selection of farm-fresh produce, fresh meats and poultry, pantry staples, and a fantastic full-service deli featuring everything from delicious fried chicken to mouthwatering smokehouse barbecue. Naturally we couldn’t resist doing a bit of shopping and picking up a few goodies for the Halloween weekend before setting off to explore the area.

Next, we made our way to Government House, the official residence of Maryland’s governor. This beautiful Georgian-style home has a rich history, with its present appearance reflecting renovations completed in 1935.

We walked along the water’s edge, taking in the beautiful waterfront views while browsing the charming shops along the way. It was the perfect combination of leisurely exploring and a little retail therapy, all while working up an appetite for a delicious dinner at Chart House.

A little change of scenery, some shopping, and a touch of history made for a lovely day, away from the everyday routine!

Escape stylishly,
Kathleen

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Stateside Summer

At the end of August, I was supposed to be traveling to Paris with three good friends, followed by a leisurely drive down to the Côte d’Azur. I rarely use a travel agent, but since I’d never explored the south of France, I wanted someone to help us experience the very best of the French Riviera.

Then came the phone call none of us expected.

Our travel agent explained that soaring fuel costs and increases in lodging expenses had pushed the price of our trip up by nearly 40 percent. After several conversations and careful consideration, we reluctantly decided to cancel.

Of course, we were disappointed. We’d been looking forward to wandering Parisian streets, lingering over café lunches, and soaking up the beauty and glamour of the Mediterranean coast. As it turned out, summer had other adventures waiting —and much closer to home.

I’ve spent the summer traveling the East Coast, discovering that memorable experiences don’t always require a passport. At the end of June, our family headed to Pittsburgh to cheer on my niece at her very first dance recital. While there, we also enjoyed an afternoon browsing the shops and local flavor of the Strip District, one of Pittsburgh’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

By mid-July, we were off to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for a much-needed getaway along the coast. It had been a few years since my last visit to the Eastern Shore, so rediscovering all the charm of this seaside town was high on my list.

Naturally, the local restaurant scene was one of my first priorities. Fresh seafood was calling my name, and Rehoboth certainly didn’t disappoint. From casual waterfront dining to cozy neighborhood eateries, every meal was a reminder of why beach vacations and seafood go hand in hand.

As evening settled in, we’d make our way to the boardwalk enjoying the cool ocean breeze; strolling at a leisurely pace, stopping for sweet treats, browsing the charming boutiques, exploring local markets and art studios, and, of course, wandering into the irresistible candy shops that line Rehoboth Avenue. These simple evening walks became one of the highlights of the trip—proof that the best vacation are made by slowing down and taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of a classic beach town

Favorite shops

Enjoy the season stylishly,
Kathleen