A Longwood Christmas in the East Conservatory. (Photo/Becca Mathias)
In anticipation of an exciting holiday season and with plans to visit the new conservatory and fine dining restaurant at the spectacular Longwood Gardens, we motored north to Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley. Dubbed “America’s Garden Capitol”, the area’s riches boast lavish gardens on huge estates and opulent mansions filled with fine antiques, an impressive collection of Wyeth family paintings and drawings housed in a historic mill along a meandering stream, and destination dining featuring all manner of delicious mushroom dishes from the nation’s “Mushroom Capital”. Driving up from the DMV we took the scenic route past blink-and-you’ll-miss-it villages, cornfields as far as the eye can see, and horses grazing idly on lush pastures. A bucolic drive through the area’s heartland became our introduction to the valley’s hidden treasures.
Our centrally located hotel was the recently renovated Hilton Garden Inn Kennett Square. The hotel has an indoor pool, free parking, a fitness center, and a lively lobby bar. You can have a full breakfast before heading out. It’s a five-minute drive to the palatial Longwood Gardens. www.HiltonGardenInn.com
Plan Your Tours
The Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford showcases an extensive collection from the renowned Wyeth family of American artists and their contemporaries, The museum owns over 7,000 works by N. C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth and special exhibits run throughout the year. Notable local artist, Jerrell Gibbs’ “No Solace in the Shade”, exploring Black life in America, runs through March 1, 2026.
Housed in a beautifully restored mill with modern exhibit space, the galleries overlook a meandering stream – perfect for picnics and strolling. An onsite café serves casual fare in the courtyard. Opening soon is the round barn in Wilmington, DE on Jamie Wyeth’s property. It will display N. C. Wyeth’s colossal mural, “Apotheosis of the Family”. Nineteen by sixty feet long, it was created in 1932 and not seen for decades. Taking a separate tour of N. C. Wyeth’s studio and home are also worth the time invested. www.BrandywineMuseum.org
At the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair top riders go through their paces while you leisurely watch from the grandstands. Autumn marks the Devon Fall Classic and the end of the season for this tony equestrian destination while spring and summer are the height of the season. Be sure to check out the many small shops for fox hunting themed accoutrements, chic men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, and bespoke equine-related gifts. www.DevonHorseShow.net
Going through their paces at the Devon Horse Show. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
The “Reimagined” shop at Devon. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
I’ve always wanted to visit Chanticleer. Situated in nearby Wayne this 1913 home and gardens are not as grandiose as the Dupont homes and on a far smaller scale, nevertheless the house and gardens are beautifully curated and feature an abundance of both native and tropical plants in a naturalized setting. Small garden vignettes add to the charm of this Impressionist fantasy where artists gather to paint the scenery throughout a series of 14 “garden rooms”. Paths lead to surprises at every turn – water gardens, unique tropical plants, and trellises flush with flowering vines. Creative container gardens and a stone “ruin folly” interplay with wildly colorful gardens presenting a huge wow factor. Chanticleer is greatly admired for its large variety of flora among both American and British gardeners. www.ChanticleerGarden.org
Late afternoon shadows on palm trees at the entrance to Chanticleer. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
One of the 14 “Garden Rooms” at Chanticleer. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Longwood Gardens’ grandeur is breathtaking. A former Dupont estate in Kennett Square, its horticultural splendors rival the great manor house gardens of Ireland, France and Great Britain. Fashioned after formal French gardens, they conjure up the achievements of André Le Notre, designer of the gardens of Versailles and the Tuileries in Paris. The 1,000-acre estate features lakes, two glass conservatories with exotic plants, an orchid room with waterfall, hedge-lined paths (think “Bridgerton”) and more than 10,000 species of plants. View the formal dancing fountains set to classical music from benches or chairs set out in front of the conservatory. Also onsite is the beautiful 18th century Peirce-du Pont House. Featuring a small conservatory, a bowling alley and a glass-bottomed fish pond, it will also be decorated during the Christmas season.
Considered one of the world’s finest gardens, Longwood is a highlight of the holiday season, its eye-popping Christmas light display runs from November 21, 2025 through January 11, 2026. Experience a winter wonderland of hundreds of thousands of lights, glorious theme-decorated Christmas trees, the East Conservatory with its paths of snow, poinsettias galore, a mini-train railway and so much more. Book now for timed entries. www.LongwoodGardens.org
A Retro Christmas at Longwood Gardens. (Photo/Harold A Davis)
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is another grand Dupont estate.The home is certain to thrill those appreciative of the American decorative arts as the home showcases the world’s most significant collection. With over a thousand acres of gardens and farmland, take the narrated tram tour to view the palatial property’s many highlights which you can return to at your leisure. A self-paced house tour affords a more intimate study of the myriads of treasures on view. Good to know: the property offers complimentary wheelchairs, walkers and strollers.
We caught the groundbreaking exhibit “Almost Unknown, The Afric-American Picture Gallery” offering a wide range of paintings, books and sculptures inspired by a 19th century essay by free Black journalist William J. Wilson. It runs through January 4, 2026 and uses text, light and sound for a super unique experience.
Sculpture from “Almost Unknown, The Afric-American Picture Gallery” exhibit. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Shopping kicks off with the “Holiday Market”. Chock-a-block with artisanal crafts, seasonal treats and warm beverages, this one-day event is on November 22nd dovetailing with “Yuletide at Winterthur” a cornucopia of Christmas decorations, glittering outdoor lights and a candlelit mansion with a gingerbread house and 18-room dollhouse. It runs from November 18th till January 4th 2026. Check the website for tour times and evening visits and enjoy the Visitor Café – open for dinner and offering specialty cocktails and firepits on the patio. www.Winterthur.org
One of the decorated rooms for the holidays at Winterthur. (Photo/Anthony Sinagoga)
Nemours mansion and its French-inspired gardens in nearby Wilmington, DE can easily be added to your list of must-sees. Another notable Dupont estate, it affords an up-close-and-personal tour of life in a 77-room mansion from the antiques-filled main floor to below stairs where servants lived and lavish meals were made. The destination property has its own light-filled Christmas celebration “Noël at Nemours”. www.NemoursEstate.org
Nemours Estate Holidays. (Photo courtesy of Chester County’s Brandywine Valley)
A Nemours Christmas. (Photo/Will Swan)
Dining
One of my favorite destinations is Terrain at Styer’s in Glen Mills. The bespoke shop and garden center features a café housed in an expansive greenhouse. Stained glass windows tint the sunlight on hanging baskets of staghorn ferns and seasonal flowers. They’re known for their creamy mushroom soup, but there are plenty of delicious seasonal dishes to satisfy all palates. www.Styers.ShopTerrain.com
Terrain at Styer’s café. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Autumnal display in the gift shop at Terrain at Styer’s. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Will’s + Bill’s Brewery and restaurant in Berwyn is a father + son collaboration serving excellent gastropub cuisine. An inspired menu reflected seasonal fare with dishes like butternut squash soup, irresistible truffle fries, burrata + beets salad topped with pistachios, fresh oysters, curried Prince Edward Island mussels, bowls and burgers and full-on entrees. Try their ‘Shakespeare’s Pie’ a short rib and lamb-based meat pie chock-a-block with vegetables and, of course, their brews. www.Wills-Bills.com
Portobello’s – the name says it all. An intimate, chef-driven spot in the heart of Kennett Square featuring an extensive wine list, Mid-Atlantic sourced seafood and creative mushroom-inspired dishes and where I discovered two unforgettable dishes – a complimentary mushroom hummus and their Mushroom en Cocotte made with portobello mushrooms, raclette cheese, leeks, garlic, herbs and caraway crostini. In pleasant weather a wall of windows opens onto the charming street scene. www.PortobellosofKennettSquare.com
Mushroom en cocotte at Portobello’s in Kennett Square. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Portobello’s open windows on a balmy night. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Housed in the historic Chadds Ford Inn, Brandywine Prime is an upscale restaurant with a popular bar scene. Think special occasion or date night at this DiRōna-awarded spot with a wide-ranging menu from seafood to burgers to Wagyu steak and offering local Murray Farm’s chicken. Locally sourced cheeses and a raw bar sampler complement a well-curated wine list. www.BrandywinePrime.com
Charbroiled halibut with smoked olive oil poached shrimp at Brandywine Prime. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
The pièce de résistance is the newly re-imagined 1906 restaurant at Longwood Gardens. A beautiful, flower-filled restaurant bathed in sunlight and serving haute cuisine with dramatic views of the fountains, its picture- perfect dishes shimmered in the afternoon light as we feasted on lobster omelettes and caviar-topped liver mousse. Reservations far in advance are necessary to secure a table for this unique culinary experience. www.LongwoodGardens.org
The newly re-imagined 1906 restaurant at Longwood. (Photo/Albert Vecerka/Esto)
Hip and historic city sites of Lancaster, PA (Photo courtesy of Discover Lancaster www.DiscoverLancaster.com)
Founded in 1730, the city of Lancaster lies between the lush green fields of Amish farm country. Boys and bearded men sport suspenders, black trousers and straw hats in summer and black hats against cold winter days. Girls and women stroll by in long dresses with aprons – black bonnets for the single women and white for married women. It’s a striking and readily recognizable appearance. Look around and you’ll hear the sharp clip-clop of the one-horse buggys traveling country lanes.
This travelogue is about the other Lancaster, a burgeoning, hip and historic city easily accessed from Philadelphia – an hour’s train ride – or from the Washington Metro area – a 2-hour drive or 3-hour Amtrak ride into the heart of the city. The perfect weekend getaway.
My fascination with the city began with its remarkable architecture – Greek Revival, Tudor, Beaux Arts, Art Deco, Federal, Gothic, Germanic, Romanesque, Neo-Classical, Victorian, Colonial, Georgian, and Italian Renaissance. Tall multi-story structures decorated with elegant trim line the city streets. Many of these are beautifully preserved with plaques that reveal the history of the building or a notable occupant. Tucked into narrow alleyways you’ll discover log houses, carriage houses and early outhouses. A self-guided architectural walking tour can be accessed online at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9503b44fe06847b7b48a8865684ccec7.
Start your day at Lancaster Central Market in the heart of the city where you can stop for a bite and a coffee while checking out the many stalls featuring Amish cheeses, meats, farm fresh produce, Grasshopper’s Wicked Pickles (20 varieties!) and Mr. Bill’s Fresh Seafood for in-house smoked salmon. The market is a bonanza of locally canned fruit preserves. Pick up a scratch-made savory or sweet pie from Lancaster Pie & Coffee where you’ll find classic apple, peanut butter chocolate, bourbon pecan or a sour cherry latticed pie. Savory quiches are always on the menu.
Local farm-made baked goods, apple butter and more from Kauffman Orchards at the Lancaster Central Market. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Sample spirits from Lancaster Distilleries who make a variety of bourbons, whiskies, vodka and brandies. I know. It’s morning. But their booth was already busy with customers sipping and buying small batch bourbon. For nighttime fun the company runs a repertory cinema stillhouse called Zoetropolis with live music, local art and indie films.
Customers enjoy the fresh produce at the Lancaster Central Market. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Lancaster Central Market is the oldest indoor farmer’s market in the United States. In June the Strawberry Festival showcases piled-high strawberry pies topped with fluffy clouds of whipped cream, glistening strawberry shortcakes and cupcakes topped with strawberry and lemonade icing.
Once fueled up take a short stroll to the city’s art galleries. The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Store has local artists and artisans work – ceramics, carved wood objects, fine art and jewelry. Many of the galleries are close together on Prince Street. Be sure to visit the newly established Lancaster Art Vault on the corner of Orange and Queen Streets where owner Victoria Abadir presents revolving juried exhibits, workshops and live model figure drawing as well as local artists, some of whom work on site in a variety of mediums. Nearby, Redeux Vintage has stylish vintage clothing and unique accessories. Another fun stop is Spacechock-a-block with mid-century furniture, clothing, vinyl records and video games.
A recent springtime visit coincided with the annual Rhubarb Festival held at Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse. Be sure to visit Jam & Relish Kitchen where you can watch the canning process and sample some of the jams, jellies, salsas and relishes they have stocked to the rafters. Over forty shops are dotted around this charming village. Seek out locally made heirloom quilts, homemade whoopie pies, hand-thrown pottery and artisan treasures.
Rhubarb at the Rhubarb Festival in Kitchen Kettle Village. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Within the Village have lunch at the Burnley family’s Kling House Restaurant. The restaurant has just reopened after shuttering for five years. You’ll dine in an historic house choosing from salads, housemade soups and entrées. We sat on the front porch overlooking the Amish Carriages for hire. Try the Shrimp & Crab “Cake”, Pork Barbecue, or Seared Pork Loin with Carolina Gold rice and black-eyed peas. Refreshing “Mocktails” are made with herbs, spices, rose blooms and/or lavender and fresh fruits. Executive Chef, Craig Longnecker helms the kitchen and designs the drinks.
Kling House Restaurant at the Kitchen Kettle Village. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
After lunch, head off to The National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia where you’ll gaze in wonder at a fascinating collection of hundreds of antique clocks, watches and elegant timepieces from around the world. The museum houses the Engel Clock, an extraordinary timepiece with moving characters synched up to the inner pipe organ. The massive clock sits 11 feet high and 8 feet wide. It was discovered in pieces in an old barn in Connecticut, then brought to the museum and restored by clockmakers and repair experts that came from all over the country. Be sure to take the tour when the guide brings the fantastical clock to life. Fun Fact: Founded in 1895, Lancaster was the headquarters of the Hamilton Watch Company for over seven decades.
Check in at the centrally located Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square before heading up to The Exchange, a modern rooftop lounge featuring drinks, small bites and a killer view of the city. You’ll find a lively scene packed nightly. Be sure to make reservations.
Outdoor dining with the city street-scape of Lancaster, PA. (Photo courtesy of Discover Lancaster www.DiscoverLancaster.com)
A few steps from the hotel is Josephine’s Downtown, an elegant, bespoke, white linen restaurant drenched in Hollywood glamour and located in an historic building. Chandeliers and candlelight bathe the well-spaced tables. The service is superb as are the wine list and the perfectly prepared cuisine. Deep blue walls are covered with gold-framed photos of famous stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood and the Broadway stage. We had fun putting names to the iconic images as we listened to a pianist play old standards. A destination restaurant, Josephine’s is an unforgettable lavish dining experience not to be missed.
Elegant indoor dining at Josephine’s Downtown. (Photo courtesy of Josephine’s Downtown)
We slept in, savoring memories of our fabulous dining experience at Josephine’s, before heading out to the Hershey Farm Restaurant’s “Grand Smorgasbord” at the Hershey Farm Resort in Ronks where a twenty-foot Amish figure named Amos and holding a pitchfork, towers over the parking lot. Kitsch and cool at the same time.
Amos the Amish farmer statue outside the Hersey Farm Restaurant. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Suffice it to say, their buffet is epic and endless. In this newly decorated farmhouse style spot there’s something for everyone, kids and grownups alike. We checked out the lobby’s shops and found a boutique with a chic collection of affordable daywear, collectibles and accessories.
After brunch we headed over to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. I don’t claim to know a single thing about trains, so I was a bit skeptical if it would hold my interest. What we discovered was breathtaking – a vast collection of one hundred antique locomotives, cabooses and train cars, polished and restored as if brand new and housed in a massive two-level building the length of two football fields. You’ll stroll along the platforms, as if you’re about to leave the station or greet a loved one.
The long lines of antique trains at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
On Main Street you’ll discover a re-created passenger depot from the early days of train travel, a train ticket booth and telegraph office, a roomful of model trains and railroad artifacts. We tried our prowess at a hands-on experience – shoveling coal into a train’s engine went well. Then climb aboard a train to be transported back in time. Our tour guide provided a wealth of information about the mechanics of each train and the early days of train travel.
Recreated passenger depot at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. (Photo credit Jordan Wright)
Driving past dairy farms and rolling fields of early corn crops, we headed off to the Haines’ family’s Grandview Vineyard. The tasting room overlooks acres of vines in a scene evocative of a European winery. Their wines are legit as are the charcuterie boards featuring local cheeses.
View from the tasting room at Grandview Vineyard. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
We enjoyed an excellent cabernet sauvignon and a merlot that was on point and brought home a chunk of the amazing local Smoked Galen’s farmstead gouda from Clover Creek Cheese Cellar. Enjoy the free concert series on Friday and Saturday nights.
Local cheese at Grandview Vineyard. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
A quick ten-minute drive from the winery, in the tiny town of Mount Joy we found one of the most unique experiences at Bube’s Brewery – the first brewery in America to have a liquor license. Visitors come from all over the world to investigate the Old World brewing process and discover the original equipment still in use. It’s the nation’s only intact brewery from the 1800’s.
Stepping back in time with the Victorian décor and furnishings. (Photo via Bube’s Brewery)
The extensive tour takes you through a series of underground rooms housing massive brewing vats, then up and down many narrow stairways to a ballroom overlooking the town and another room with the original pre-prohibition bar, still in use for special events. The lowest underground level features the Catacombs. A large, curved ceiling room for fine dining, it’s one of four restaurants onsite. The maximalist Victorian décor, furnishings and original art can be found throughout the 19th Century brick building. I’ve toured many breweries here and abroad and never seen any place as fascinating as this.
Underground dining room at Bube’s Brewery. (Photo via Bube’s Brewery)
Bube’s is also an inn which, we were told, by law they must maintain to continue to operate as a brewery. Eight themed bedrooms accommodate guests – Moroccan, Southwestern, Asian and two Princess bedrooms to name a few. It would be fun to book a room on one of their murder mystery nights. Another area for dining is the expansive outdoor biergarten serving a selection of guest beers plus beers brewed on the property along with upscale pub food.
Outdoor dining in the garden ay Bube’s Brewery. (Photo via Bube’s Brewery)
Jordan Wright December 5, 2017
Photo credit Jordan Wright
The holidays are a time for making memories with loved ones. Agreed? But if thoughts of capturing your seasonally-imbued memories feature a well-worn sofa and boxed wine, then read no further. This adventure requires you trot out your childlike sense of wonderment.
In a city that has emerged as a world class destination with cutting-edge cuisine, art exhibitions often seen nowhere else in America and a five-star luxury hotel, Richmond provides everything a couple or family could ever dream of. Okay, no skiing. And that’s what the holidays are all about isn’t it? Making wishes come true.
The magnificent stained glass skylight in the Palm Court lobby
I admit, I get a thrill of anticipation each time I check into The Jefferson Hotel – a turn of the 20th century American classic in the tradition of the country’s grandest hotels. The more familiar I am with its pleasures the more I feel the need to revisit, if only to assure myself that all is well with the world.
Carrara marble statue of Thomas Jefferson amid Tiffany windows in the Palm Court lobby
On this trip, I planned to experience the recent room renovations. The improvements at this 2017 recipient of the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Award are not mere window dressing, they are both elegant and technologically clever with television screens built invisibly into the vanity mirrors.
New marble bathrooms at The Jefferson Hotel – Courtesy photo
Marble, marble and more marble abounds on bathroom countertops, soaking tubs, and the spacious walk-in showers.
Grand Premier Room – Courtesy photo
Luxuriate on poufy comforters and down pillows adorning beautifully tailored designer bedding. Recently the hotel’s 262 guest rooms were rebuilt into 181 spacious new rooms, including 15 suites with entry foyers and spacious dressing areas. Our suite had a kitchen with marble countertop plus a large mahogany dining table and spacious living area with a view of the city.
Jefferson Suite Living Room – Courtesy photo
Perfect for inviting guests in for cocktails before dinner, or entertaining six for dinner in your private suite. And though room service is 24-hours a day, you’ll want to get out and about.
Jefferson Hotel Holiday Tree – Courtesy Photo
But first we stare in wonder at the Christmas decorations. Hundreds of poinsettias, yards of garland and ribbon, thousands of twinkling lights and dozens of toy soldiers adorn the Palm Court Lobby and the surrounding areas. A gingerbread display made from hundreds of pounds of gingerbread, royal icing and candies dazzles even the grownups. At midday, musical ensembles play familiar carols in the Rotunda and the festive ambiance is utterly magical.
Courtesy photo
Pro tip: If you’re planning on being here on a Sunday, book ahead for the lavish ‘Champagne Brunch’, and do not miss the spoonbread. The hotel’s signature breakfast concoction with deep Southern roots, is as light and fluffy as a cloud. Ask for the recipe. No, beg! I did.
Oh, and be sure to swing by Blooms at The Jefferson, the flower and gift shop on the lower level. I always find great hostess gifts and, of course, petits bibelots pour moi.
The hotel is currently offering a Holidays at The Jefferson Package for those wishing to celebrate the season with an overnight stay. It includes a newly constructed Grand Premier Room, complimentary valet parking, and rates from $275 per room, per night.
Sally Bell’s Kitchen
There is so much to do in town that after dropping off our luggage with the bellman, we head for lunch at the iconic Sally Bell’s Kitchen, a luncheonette directly across from the Science Museum of Virginia where you can tour special holiday exhibits including Ralphie’s, A Christmas Story, and “Fruitcake Science”.
At Sally Bell’s find throwback lunch fare like pimento cheese, corned beef spread, Smithfield ham on a roll, tomato aspic (this must be a Southern thing) and more, plus thirteen different flavors of cupcakes (caramel!) and five different kinds of pies (lemon chess!) with which you can fortify yourself for the day ahead.
Black History Museum of Virginia is housed in the former Leigh Street Armory
Cross the street to visit the Science Museum or opt for the Black History Museum and Cultural Centerfeaturing art exhibitions and artifacts commemorating the accomplishments of African Americans in Virginia.
Black History Museum of Virginia
Recently relocated to a beautifully renovated location (at the Leigh Street Armory), it is an interactive and modern museum. For hours of operation visit website.
A must see is the Lewis Ginter Gardens spectacular Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights from 5 till 10pm. This annual holiday tradition glows with more than half-a-million twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, a fire pit with s’mores and hot chocolate, nightly family activities and more. For tickets and information visit website.
A restaurant I’d been hearing a lot about is L’Opossum, where chef and proprietor David Shannon has been creating masterfully complex dishes in an eclectically decorated, nondescript corner spot on China Street. I promise you’ve never seen anything like it with its Flintstones throw pillows and 50’s satellite chandeliers in a cozy, candlelit, appealingly garish room that feels like Gay Paree meets your granddad’s rec room. But don’t cast a gimlet eye on the quirky décor or the 1940’s illustration of a chic pirate on the menu – Shannon has a curatorial eye for mid-century modern – this is serious cuisine and it’s the essence of the new Richmond.
Charred and chilled Chinese five-spice slices of venison – Chasing Dragons Above the Clouds of Yuzu with Lotus Chips (Left) – Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras with Fernet-Branca soaked Apricots, Butternut Squash Puree, Cherry-brandied Apples and Brown Butter Toasted Pecans (Right)
Now I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the fab craft cocktails made with top shelf liquor and house made ingredients. Expect the unexpected. The ‘Hooty Hoo’ is a White Russian served with Yoo-Hoo, Black Lava salt and Xocolatl bitters. The ‘Honey Badger’ is a blend of Belle Isle Honey Habanero Moonshine, muddled jalapeno and orange, Ginjo Sake and St. Germain. Go on with your bad self. Have one of each.
Les Escargots a la Ham Biscuit with Sweet Garlic Beurre Blanc (Left) Old Thymey Chicken Fricassee – Port and Chardonnay Drenched Breast and Thigh Topped with Lemon Spaetzle, Escarole and Lardons in a Mustard Jus (Right)
Shannon, who was a semi-finalist for ‘Best Chef Mid-Atlantic’ by the James Beard Foundation, likes luxe ingredients – caviar, foie gras, brandied figs, absinthe mists, escargots and flambéd desserts.
La Petit Mort au Chocolat en Flambe avec une compote de la cerises noir (Left) – The Rainbow Spoonicorn – “A mythical saffron and citrus confection with hand churned blackberryice cream. “A defiant lack of inhibitions and sprinkles” (Right)
Expect a dining experience that would wow even the most sophisticated palate. Reservations are a must in this tiny, romantic spot.
Citizen restaurant
On day two we rose early and headed downtown for breakfast at the industrial-cute, Citizen. Laser-focused on the Southern thing, we order bowls of stone ground Byrd Mill grits topped with swirls of melted butter, sour dough toast with pear butter, Benton’s bacon, lentils with feta (too healthy?) and steaming hot cappuccinos.
Citizen’s bar and open kitchen
This lively spot serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu that trends hip, healthy and international.
At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The Virginia Museum of Fine Art, one of the nation’s premier museums, is currently featuring ‘The Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China’. The exhibition showcases ten majestic terracotta figures, including a cavalry horse and 130 works that tell the story of China’s birth.
The Sculpture Garden at VMFA
You’ll also see arms and armor, horse and chariot fittings, ritual bronze vessels, works in gold and silver, jade ornaments, precious jewelry, and ceramics from the First Emperor’s mausoleum complex. If that isn’t thrilling enough, there’s the reinstallation of the museum’s breathtaking Fabergé Collection. For timed tickets to The Terracotta Army exhibit visit website.
The Urban Farmhouse Market & Kitchen
You can linger at lunch at Amuse or the more casual café, or head over to Scott’s Addition to The Urban Farmhouse Market & Café, a nifty, rustic place that features local artists and farm-to-table. It’s a friendly, low-key hangout with wall-to-wall floor-to-ceiling retractable windows and, naturally, a farmhouse vibe. The daily selection of gourmet sandwiches and salads, smoothies, espresso drinks, fresh pressed juices and fair-trade teas are listed on the chalkboard menu. Browse the antique wooden cupboards for local foodstuffs to take home.
Scott’s Addition is the trendy neighborhood for millennials, with its reconverted warehouse loft apartments, hipster eateries, coffee brewers, and craft beer breweries like TheVeil Brewing Company, Strangeways Brewing, Isley Brewing Company, Väsen Brewing Company,Ardent Craft Ales and more. It’s the holy grail for brewhounds and those who like their aging done with apples. Blue Bee Cider has moved to the hood and is now firmly ensconced in a 19th century reconverted stables.
Blue Bee Ciders
While in the neighborhood, scour Class and Trash for cool retro collectibles, farmhouse tables, architectural elements and garden ornaments.
The tasting room at Buskey Hard Cider ~ Buskey Founder/Owner William Correll (Right)
Stop by for a tour and tasting at Buskey Hard Cider. You’ll probably meet Founder/Owner, William Correll, whose usually on site to explain the aging process – some ciders in steel barrels, some in old whiskey barrels from the Virginia Distillery Company.
Stocking up at The Veil Brewing Company
Nearby is The Veil Brewing Company. When we arrived, just before the 4pm opening, there was a line around the block. We were so shocked we thought they must have been having an early bird bargain sale. No such luck.
This über popular brewery has a comfy lounge area and a very efficient pick up area for take away and growler refill. You’ve probably heard of their ‘Double Espresso Hornswaggler’, an espresso chocolate milk stout that shouts “school’s out!”.
Back at the hotel we took a relaxing dip in the indoor pool before dressing for dinner at Lemaire. There’s no way to prepare you for Lemaire, except to describe it as the height of destination dining. The hotel’s lavish dining room fairly sparkles with grandeur. The capacious room is resplendent with crystal chandeliers, heavy silk draperies and exquisitely carved period architecture.
Pearl Oysters, with champagne mignonette ~ Chilled Cucumber Soup with Georgia Olive Oil, Poached Shrimp and Preserved Lemon
Place yourself in the expert hands of sommelier Shawn O’Keefe who will gently guide you toward the perfect pairings for Executive Chef Patrick Willis’ seasonal haute cuisine.
Fresh Strawberry and Beet Salad with Wildflower Honey Chèvre, Orange, Ginger and Aged Balsamic Vinegar ~ Pan Roasted Swordfish with Carolina Gold Rice, Grilled Alliums, Roasted Fennel, Pine Nuts, Red Veined Sorrel and Strawberry-Rhubarb Gastrique
Whether your preference leans toward seafood or meat, vegetarian fare or poultry, everything is sumptuously prepared and exquisitely plated. Desserts are as pretty as they are delectable and you’ll want to linger over a postprandial port or brandy till the cows come home.
Slow Braised Spring Lamb Shank with Mascarpone Cheese Grits, Baby Carrots, English Peas and Trumpet Mushrooms and Port Jus ~ Meyer Lemon Tart with Toasted Meringue and Raspberries
After a quick breakfast of muffins and coffee at the hotel’s bistro, TJ’s, shopping was on our minds and there are plenty of specialty clothing boutiques in Carytown. Bygones, the vintage clothing store for men and women, comes to mind. But my personal favorite is Helen Campbell’s La Petite Boutique on MacArthur Avenue.
La Petite Boutique
Helen has an eye for distinctive and feminine statement clothing in luxe fabrics, often with embroidery or intricate pleating. She also carries fabulous hats and accessories to complete a stunning ensemble you’ll see nowhere else.
Synetic Theater ~ MetroStage ~ The Little Theatre of Alexandria ~ ICE! at National Harbor ~ Christmas at Mount Vernon ~ Signature Theatre ~ Symphony Orchestra of Northern Virginia
Raven Wilkes (Babysitter), Justin Bell (Hansel), and Sharisse Taylor (Gretel) Photo Credit: Johnny Shryock
Hansel and Gretelat Synetic Theater – During the bustle of holiday crowds, Gretel tries to keep her brother, Hansel, out of trouble while their babysitter leaves Gretel to fend for them both. As Hansel embarks on his own wonder-filled exploration of his everyday surroundings, he and his sister fall into a magical realm that takes them far away from home. In this wordless production, the well-beloved Grimm fairy tale embraces the fantastical through the eyes of those who see the world through a different lens. Directed and choreographed by Elena Velasco and Tori Bertocci. Through December 23rd at 1800 South Bell Street, Arlington in Crystal City. For tickets visit www.synetictheater.org.
Christmas at the Old Bull and Bush
The Old Bull & Bush at MetroStage – Originally staged in the Old Vat Room at Arena Stage writer, director, and actor Catherine Flye will be transferring her 9-person troupe to a circa 1912 replica of the famed Hampstead, England pub to jolly up your holidays with food, 35 songs, jokes, dance, a sing-along and an abbreviated reenactment of Dickens’ Christmas Carol. With Christmas crackers, British beers and sausage rolls for purchase, the classic British music hall entertainment runs through December 24th at 1201 North Royal Street, Alexandria, 22314. For tickets visit www.metrostage.org.
Larry Grey as Fezziwig and Hannah Pecoraro as Mrs. Fezziwig and cast ~ Photo credit Michael DeBlois
A Christmas Carol at The Little Theatre of Alexandria – In a fresh interpretation by director Eleanor Tapscott, enjoy a return of the Christmas classic by Charles Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable Victorian humbug, travels with diaphanous ghostly guides (beautifully choreographed by Ukranian Victoria Blum) through Christmas past, present, and future to find the true meaning of the holidays. Complete with special effects, Victorian carols and Tiny Tim. Through December 16th at 600 Wolfe Street. For tickets call 703.683.0496 or visit www.thelittletheatre.com.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeerat “ICE!” at the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center – A 9-degree winter wonderland carved from over two million pounds of ice, a Christmas Village, merry-go-round, Glacier Glide ice skating rink, “JOY” – an eye-popping, Broadway-style holiday musical show, nightly snowfalls and dancing fountains at this first-class holiday destination. Additional events are a Mistletoe Mixology class, Build-A Bear Workshop, photos with Santa, Cookies with Mrs. Claus and so much more. Through January 1st at 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745. For tickets and event times visit www.GaylordNationaltickets.com.
Photo credit Melissa Wood
Christmas at Mount Vernon – Tour George and Martha Washington’s mansion by candlelight and make merry with 18th century dancing, fireside refreshments and caroling. Meet Aladdin the Camel, watch holiday fireworks on December 15th and 16th, hear period music, experience a military encampment and more. For tickets and event times visit www.MountVernon.org.
Holiday Follies at Signature Theatre – Starring jazz singer Ines Nassara, David Rowen (Signature’s Diner) and Katie Mariko Murray (Signature’s West Side Story) singing classic holiday songs. Through December 16th at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206. For tickets visit www.SigTheatre.org.
The Symphony Orchestra of Northern Virginia in collaboration with the Office of the Arts presents a “Friday Evening Chamber Concert Series”. The next concert “A Brass Christmas” is scheduled for Friday, December 15th at the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St. For online tickets visit http://bit.ly/2vSKXRd. Tickets are also available at the door.
Jordan Wright October 9, 2017
Photo credit: Jordan Wright
Historic Charleston
The beautifully preserved port city of Charleston and its neighboring countryside proved an excellent opportunity to test drive the soon-to-be-released the sporty 2018 Sonata with its minimalist design and 8-speed transmission, and the 2018 Elantra GT. Two daytime road rallies exploring this area on its cobblestone streets, highways and country lanes were no challenge for these two excellent-performing, mid-priced cars.
2018 Elantra GT
Both the 2018 Elantra GT and 2018 Sonata presented well through sudden downpours, bumpy roads, last minute turns and quick braking. Our 90-plus degree day consisted of a four-hour morning drive in the Elantra GT and the same time in the Sonata. We drove the vehicles past horse farms and golf clubs, across bridges and beside lush gardens with no stops for a refuel. Plenty of highway and two-lane roads were instrumental in testing its maneuverability, comfort level and braking system. Both dual clutch and manual are equally fuel-efficient and can be started and have the car’s temperature set by using Google. Gotta love that in both hot or frigid climates!
Hyundai’s 2018 Elantra GT at the Charleston National Golf Club
For our early morning road rally 18 Elantra GTs started out from the beautiful Belmond Charleston Place, a magnificent property in the tradition of America’s grand hotels. It was exciting to see them all lined up on the hotel’s cobblestone driveway in all their shiny new colors.
Charleston National Golf Club
Our morning drive took us down Meeting Street and across the city then on to Route 526 to Sullivan’s Island and Route 703 on the Isle of Palms. From there we drove inland to Mt. Pleasant arriving at the Charleston National Golf Coursefor snacks and cold drinks in their beautiful clubhouse set amid old Live Oaks and swaying Spanish moss.
A different route with different challenges defined our return. From sizzling hot country roads that billowed clouds of steam from the frequent bursts of rainfall, the car handled it beautifully as we headed back to the hotel for a lunch break. We had the chance to note the air conditioning and inside defroster were effective to handle such quickly changing weather conditions. As we drove east on Route 526 beside the Ashley River and across the Cooper River, two rivers that converge at the port of Charleston, we enjoyed the panoramic views of the low country marshes with their acres of sweetgrass that the Gullahs make their intricately woven baskets from. From there we passed the Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens before making our way back to the hotel for a lunch break.
Low country marshland along the route
Our afternoon drive in the Sonata took us across the Stono River on Route 700 and down through John’s Island to stopped at The Plantation at Stono Ferry and on to the Links at Stono Ferry Golf Club in Hollywood before heading back to town. It is a stunning drive, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in touring the area.
Both cars exceeded expectations. Most especially in what comes standard, though add-ons can raise the final price. They are zippier, snazzier and more comfortable than earlier models with great attention paid to overall design, mileage and performance.
For fuel economy, you can expect the Elantra to give you a ton of savings at the pump.
FUEL ECONOMY
City
Highway
Combined
2.4L (SE)
25 MPG
36 MPG
29 MPG
2.4L (SEL, Sport & Limited)
25 MPG
35 MPG
28 MPG
2.0T (Sport)
23 MPG
32 MPG
26 MPG
2.0T (Limited)
23 MPG
32 MPG
26 MPG
1.6T (Eco)
28 MPG
37 MPG
31 MPG
And as for safety, its braking system tell the story.
You can choose either the 6-speed electronic automatic with torque converter, shift lock and SHIFTRONIC™ manual shift mode on the 2.4L or the 8-speed electronic automatic with torque converter, shift lock and SHIFTRONIC™ manual shift mode on the 2.0T. And there’s also a turbo model.
Utility without sacrificing driving dynamics is one of the key benefits to hatchbacks, and the 2018 Elantra GT brings an 8 percent increase in cargo capacity versus the prior generation. It is one of only a few hatchbacks classified by the EPA as a Large Car due to total interior volume eclipsing 120 cubic feet. In fact, Elantra GT has more cargo volume than other hatchbacks such as the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Corolla iM. Elantra GT is also a sporty alternative to small CUVs. Elantra GT with the rear seats folded down has more cargo capacity than the Toyota CH-R, Mazda CX-3, Chevrolet Trax and Jeep Renegade.
Even more sophisticated safety features are standard on some Elantra models. Advanced Driver Assists are available on Elantra GT Sport through Automatic Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist and Smart Cruise Control that features stop/start capability. A Hyundai-first, Driver Attention Alert, analyzes driver inputs to determine attention level and provide both a visual and audible warning if it determines the driver’s attention level has become too low. Great for a teen’s first car.
All that utility is wrapped in an evolution of what they call the “Fluidic Sculpture” design language that features Hyundai’s new signature cascading grille, which is flanked by standard LED Daytime Running Lights. Pretty sexy! To further enhance the front light signature, available LED headlights are utilized for both the low and high beams. The side profile is strongly supported by standard 17-inch alloy wheels and 18-inch alloy wheels on the Sport. At the rear, the liftgate features wraparound glass and a rear spoiler. Available LED tail lights and split dual outlet exhaust further support Elantra GT’s fun-to-drive positioning.
Model
Engine
Transmission
MSRP
Elantra GT
2.0L 4-cylinder
6-speed Manual Transmission
$19,350
Elantra GT
2.0L 4-cylinder
6-speed Automatic Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®
$20,350
Elantra GT Sport
1.6L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder
6-speed Manual Transmission
$23,250
2.4L (SE)
25 MPG
36 MPG
29 MPG
2.4L (SEL, Sport & Limited)
25 MPG
35 MPG
28 MPG
2.0T (Sport)
23 MPG
32 MPG
26 MPG
2.0T (Limited)
23 MPG
32 MPG
26 MPG
1.6T (Eco)
28 MPG
37 MPG
31 MPG
The Sonata’s ABS braking system comes in 4-wheel, 4-channel and 4-sensor with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and ESC.
Extensive features on the Sonata include, a standard seven-inch color display audio touchscreen with both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® integration. Models equipped with Blue Link Telematics get three years of complimentary Connected Care and Remote services; including the ability to activate many of the features using the Amazon Echo and Google Home virtual assistants. The available navigation system is enhanced with a bird’s-eye-view feature and HERE HD real-time traffic flow data. Furthermore, the inconvenience of outdated map software is now a thing of the past as owners now have three years of complimentary Guidance Package services, which include downloads to maintain up-to-date navigation programming.
Keeping on-trend with today’s connected passengers, smartphones can now be charged without a plug using the available wireless charging pad (Qi standard) while a second-row USB charge port provides additional charging flexibility.
The Sonata is equally impressive. Distinctive new exterior styling transforms Sonata’s visual signature. The dramatic new appearance is highlighted by Hyundai’s bold new “cascading grille” in front and an all-new rear with more prominent branding and relocation of the license plate in the bumper in this category.
Every 2018 Sonata is equipped with Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). It’s the only mainstream mid-size car sold with this safety technology as standard equipment. And with its 18.5 gallon tank, the mileage is impressive too.
Pricing throughout the Sonata’s lineup gives consumers a compelling choice.
Model
Engine
Transmission
MSRP
SE
2.4L GDI 4-cyl
6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
$22,050
Eco
1.6L Turbo GDI 4-cyl
7-Speed EcoShift® Dual Clutch Transmission
with SHIFTRONIC®
$22,650
SEL
2.4L GDI 4-cyl
6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
$23,700
Limited
2.4L GDI 4-cyl
6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
$27,400
Sport
2.4L GDI 4-cyl
6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
$25,200
Sport 2.0T
2.0L Turbo GDI 4-cyl
8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
$27,600
Limited 2.0T
2.0L Turbo GDI 4-cyl
8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
$32,450
Whichever you choose, driving will be an awesome adventure.
Jordan Wright October 9, 2017
Special to The Alexandria Times
Photo credit: Jordan Wright
Historic Charleston
Visiting a historic destination naturally brings comparison to our own beloved port of Alexandria, and a few of those thoughts rose idly like bubbles to the surface as I arrived in another beautiful waterfront city. I was curious to see what had changed since I’d visited two decades earlier, when, during a tour of a stately Southern mansion, a tiny octogenarian docent told our group the Civil War wasn’t about slavery. It was the South’s right to keep the North out of their business affairs, she quaintly insisted. Stunned at this declaration, I’m certain my eyes rolled back into my head, but the cat had a firm grip on my tongue and I remained silent amid the small group of visitors. I still regret I didn’t lean in to challenge her version of history.
The Dock Street Theatre in Charleston’s historic French Quarter
Since then, things have shifted somewhat. South Carolina’s governor has removed the confederate flag from the State House, and local African American artists, artisans and chefs are treasured for their unique contributions. The United Daughters of the Confederacy no longer hold sway in a city whose rich cultural history is driven by some 30,000 college students and a more inclusive vision. Thankfully, the city’s charm and joie de vivre remains firmly intact.
The lobby at the Belmond Charleston Place
The Belmond Charleston Place is a magnificent property in the tradition of America’s grandest hotels. A recent $30 million renovation, affords it the distinguished cachet of a world-class property. And with its central location and the city’s ubiquitous pedicabs, sightseeing is a breeze.
Pedicabs are a convenient way to get around
To up your game, book a suite on the exclusive Club Level. Complimentary perks include hot buffet breakfasts; a recharge of afternoon tea, sandwiches and pastries; early evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres; nightcaps and sweet treats; and flutes of champagne all the live-long day. On the main concourse, amid posh shops like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, there are three restaurants to choose from. Be sure to book in advance for the full-service spa with rooftop pool.
Club Level luxury suite at the Belmond Charleston Place
Within a five-minute walk is the Charleston City Market on Meeting Street. Rebuilt from the original after a fire in 1841, this National Historic Landmark houses dozens of indoor stalls and is open from 9:30 till 6pm.
Callie’s Biscuits at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
Grab a cat’s head-sized buttermilk biscuit with all the fixins’ at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit and shop the stalls for Gullah made sweetgrass baskets, benne wafers, sacks of Carolina Rice, local art, and handmade souvenirs. Refresh at Lowcountry Lemonade where quaffs are made with seasonal muddled fruit. Mine boasted sweet local peaches.
Horse-drawn wagons take sightseers around the old city
Spanning four city blocks the market leads down to East Bay Street and Waterfront Park with its stately Southern mansions. Take in sweeping views of the harbor from White Point Gardens, a five-and-a-half-acre park that’s home to a protected Night Heron rookery set amid old oaks. From there you’re a hop, skip and a jump to the Gibbes Museum, a breathtaking Beaux Arts structure that houses an outstanding collection of American art – both old master and contemporary.
The Gibbes Museum’s magnificent Beaux Arts interior
Of all the mansions and plantations to tour (book through your concierge to tour Magnolia Gardens, Middleton Place, Boone Hall and Drayton Hall), I discovered what must be the most unusual. The Italianate-influenced Calhoun Mansion and Gardens borders on the bizarre with its eye-popping floor–to-ceiling collection of fine art, rare antiques and silver collection, and Orientalia.
Calhoun Mansion
The extraordinarily ornate 1876 mansion is currently owned by a Washington, DC lobbyist. Our docent was respectfully tight-lipped as to whom, but a bit of sleuthing uncovered DC attorney, Howard H. Stahl, who lovingly restored the once-dilapidated 35-room manor house.
(l-r) Black-eyed pea and rice salad ~ Low country shrimp topped succotash at the Belmond
In a city renowned for great Southern cooking and countless restaurants, where to eat? You really can’t go wrong with soulful barbeque, low country cooking or the exceptional local seafood. But I have a fondness for a certain chef and the particularly stylish way he approaches ingredients. Circa 1886 is situated within the gardens of the Wentworth Mansion. Chosen by prestigious Southern Living magazine this year to celebrate their 50th anniversary, it boasts an intimate, intrinsically Southern, candlelit setting that enhances fine dining. Helmed by Executive Chef Marc Collins, whose talent is playing sweet and savory elements against one another, expect to find unique combinations paired with top drawer wines.
Dishes from Executive Chef Marc Collins at Circa 1886
Our meal began with a trio of delicate crabmeat concoctions, artichoke pudding with sunflower seeds and espelette pepper, a cold soup of turnip greens with a silken peanut cream, followed by gnudi with truffles and loin of antelope with foie gras and blackberry sauce. For an unforgettable taste of the South opt for Collins’ signature dessert – honeysuckle ice cream.
An artistically designed dessert featuring honeysuckle ice cream at Circa 1886
Weekends are perfect for brunching at the Marion Square Saturday farmer’s market.
