Tony's Flea Market--Moorefield's Best Kept Secret

Whether you're en route to one of West Virginia's notable national parks, checking out the new Route 55, or just out for a Sunday drive--you'll want add Tony's Flea Market to your itinerary. Located on Main Street Moorefield, Tony's is easy to find and there's a nice turnaround spot should you drive past, see something that catches your eye, and then decide to go back to check things out (not that I speak from experience or anything).

Tony's has a little of anything and everything, with some exceptional finds in the mix. Prices are very reasonable, and owner Tony Crossland is fantastic to deal with. I spotted a couple of mid-century chairs that I desperately needed, but couldn't quite fit in the Mini (story of my life). I discussed my dilemma with Tony, who had just the plan in mind. He advised that he would be in Berryville, VA, the next day if I wanted to find a larger vehicle and fetch them there since it's just a tad closer than Moorefield. Tony's plan worked flawlessly, and I am now the proud owner of two, early Herman Miller shell chairs that I snagged for $50 a piece! Fret not, I left plenty of great finds behind including two yellow Herman Miller chairs.

Tony's Flea Market

231 South Main Street

Moorefield, WV  26836

304.5387680

Frighteningly Fabulous Finds at Flowers Unlimited

If you've ever traveled through downtown Martinsburg, WV, you've probably noticed the always eye-catching window displays at 144 N. Queen Street--home to Flowers Unlimited. Yes they have awesome flowers, lovely arrangements, wreaths, etc., but they also have lots and lots of gorgeous little things. We at Pretty in the Panhandle, LOVE gorgeous little things!

This Halloween if you're looking for decorations that are as sparkly as they are scary, Flowers Unlimited is the place to shop. From shimmering skulls and spiders to candles that are macabre, yet marvelous, you may need a nearby skeleton to lend you a hand, just to carry your purchases!

Still looking for something festive to wear, that's not made of latex? How about a Halloween headband?! Don one of these with an all-black ensemble, and you'll certainly be the chicest trick-or-treater on the block.

For more information and to learn about in-store events be sure to friend Flowers Unlimited on Facebook!

Flowers Unlimited

144 N. Queen Street

Martinsburg, WV 25401

304.260.5770

2010 Eastern Panhandle Memory Walk

Saturday, October 16, 2010, War Memorial Park in Martinsburg, WV, was the site for the Eastern Panhandle Memory Walk to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Over 200 walkers--with ages spanning over 70 years--completed the one mile walk and raised over $23,000!

Coffee, juice, and breakfast treats were provided by Eight O'Clock Coffee, Chik-Fil-A of Martinsburg, Panera Bread of Ranson, and Martin's Grocery of Martinsburg. There was also a raffle for several prizes including a quilt made from Memory Walk t-shirts from previous years.

The walk kicked off with a moving rendition of the National Anthem

sung by Natalia Eyestone, and one couldn't help but notice several walkers wiping away tears as they looked upward towards the stars and stripes: it was a moment to honor not just this country, but the loved ones we were walking for as well.

Donations for the Eastern Panhandle Memory Walk are still being accepted, but at $23,000 (and counting!) this was the most successful walk the Eastern Panhandle has had to date!

While this year's walk is over, details are already in the works for next year's event, which will  be called the "Walk to End Alzheimer's." Our local chapter is always looking for volunteers, so if you're interested in helping plan next year's event please contact Pam Shriver at pam.shriver@alz.org --perhaps I'll see you at the next meeting!

More pictures from the Eastern Panhandle Memory Walk after the jump...

Washington Street Gallery to Host Equine Art Exhibit and Reception

Ruffian by Loretta Dovell Bailey

October 15, from 4-6PM, Washington Street Gallery & Gift  in Charles Town, WV, will be kicking off their Equine Art Exhibit by hosting a reception with featured artist, Loretta Dovell Bailey. Bailey is the official artist of the West Virginia Breeder's Classic, which will be held on Saturday, October 16, at the Charles Town Race Track--post time is 7:15 PM.

Bailey's work will be on display through mid-November with prints and note cards available for purchase.

Please see below for Washington Street Gallery's official press release for further information.

Equine Art Exhibit and Reception
Coincides With West Virginia Breeders Classics XXIV

CHARLES TOWN, WV, October 4, 2010 – Loretta Dovell Bailey, who has been the official artist of the West Virginia Breeders Classics since its inception 24 years ago, is bringing her work to Washington Street Gallery & Gift in Charles Town. Her exhibit will coincide with this year’s Classics, and will run from October 14 until mid-November. An artist reception will be held Friday, October 15, 4-6 PM, at the gallery.

“We are bringing back the tradition of holding an equine art exhibit in conjunction with the Classics,” Bailey says, “and I am very excited to have my paintings in Charles Town’s new gallery.” The gallery also will carry her prints and note cards, along with equine art by others. Bailey hopes to spend time actually painting in the gallery that Saturday afternoon, October 16.

The West Virginia Breeders Classics was begun in 1987 by Washington Redskins Hall-of-Famer Sam Huff and Carol Holden. For more than 10 years, an art exhibit had been part of the event. “We are delighted to host Loretta at our gallery, which is an all-local venue, and what’s more local than horses?” says gallery owner and horse-lover Susan Ford Pritchard.

Washington Street Gallery & Gift is Jefferson County’s only all-local gallery with work by more than 50 artists, artisans and authors. Located at 235 West Washington Street in the heart of downtown Charles Town, hours during the Breeders Classics weekend are: Thursday and Friday 12-6, Saturday 11-5, and Sunday 12-4. For more information: WStreetGallery.com or 304/274-2090.

2010 Apple Butter Festival

October 9 and 10, Berkeley Springs, WV, hosted the 37th Annual Apple Butter Festival. While the bubbling vats of spiced apple butter may be the namesake for the festival, I must confess that the hog calling contest is what I'll be marking on my calendar for 2011. You may be familiar with the general hog call of "suey" but there is much more to this contest than a simple shout. This is definitely an event you have to see to believe. I had heard that the hog calling was one of the highlights of this festival, but was skeptical. I am a skeptic no longer...

A prize winning trio from Alabama took home

first place in the adult division, with a call complete with a kickline! The junior winner decided to harken his hog with demands of hunger--he really wanted some bacon. And one group of young ladies shouted suey and what do you know, but a piglet appeared!

This may have been my first hog calling contest, but it will not be my last. Who knows I may even participate next year :)

More pictures from the 2010 Apple Butter Festival (and hog calling contest) after the jump!

Girl Scout Council's 2010 Women of Distinction Luncheon

Wednesday, September 29, 2010, the annual Women of Distinction Luncheon was held at the Holiday Inn, in Martinsburg, WV. Each year the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital recognizes several women in the Shenandoah Region for their outstanding contributions to the community, and who are seen as exemplary role models for girls (and women in general for that matter). This year's recipients were Betty Lou Harmison, Sheila Hamilton, and Becky Linton: I cannot do these women justice in listing their accomplishments, but you can read their profiles on the Girl Scout's website by clicking here.

Sponsors for this year's luncheon included the Bank of Charles Town, Pennington Auto, The Meltzer Group, and HMS Technologies. The banquet room at the luncheon was trimmed in aqua and white with arrangements of white calla lilies, carnations, and stargazer lilies on the tables. Guests were served broiled salmon in a dill sauce with steamed asparagus and a couscous mélange. In addition, each attendee received a gift bag complete with a box of Girl Scout cookies.

Proceeds from the luncheon will be donated to the Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship Endowment, which will benefit local Girl Scouts who have earned the Gold Award, by helping them fund some of their college expenses.

"The Gold Award is the highest honor that can be achieved by a Girl Scout. These girls have demonstrated a commitment to community service by meeting eligibility requirements, creating a unique project and dedicating a minimum of 65 hours to accomplish the project."

Former Women of Distinction recipients look on as this year's honorees are awarded their WOD pins.

More pictures from this year's luncheon after the jump!