Taste of Two Rivers: Afternoon Tea at Claymont Mansion

Saturday, June 2, take a break from the hustle and bustle of your busy summer schedule and join Craftworks at Cool Spring for their latest Taste of Two Rivers event series: Afternoon Tea at Claymont Mansion.

     
Located on the outskirts of historic Charles Town, WV, the Claymont Mansion was once home to members of the Washington family (as in George), and is one of the Panhandle's most prized pieces of real estate. The Taste of Two Rivers Afternoon Tea presents a rare opportunity for guests to enjoy the Claymont experience, all while supporting Craftworks at Cool Spring.
   
Welcome summer as the Washington's would--sipping tea on the Claymont veranda in an airy summer frock,  taking in a lawn game or two. A rousing game of Bocce or Badminton can work up quite an appetite, but don't fret fine fellows. This event will feature a menu of local foods including spinach gougeres, pesto-manchego rugelach, smoked turkey rolls, cinnamon spirals, fresh berry barquettes, and chocolate eclairs.
     
Tickets are $25 and only a limited quantity are available, so don't hesitate to register! More details and ticket information can be found HERE.

What

Afternoon Tea at Claymont Mansion

When

Saturday, June 2

1PM - 4PM

Where

Claymont Mansion

667 Huyett Road

Charles Town, WV  25414

Cost

$25

Photo: Claymont Society

WV Wine & Arts: Spend Memorial Weekend in Martinsburg

Looking for something local to do this Memorial weekend? Drive no further than Martinsbug, my friends, for the annual West Virginia Wine & Arts Festival. Held Saturday and Sunday on the lawns of Historic Boydville,  this festival features two full days of live music, cooking demos, and an array of West Virginia wines that are sure to please even the pickiest palate.

Returning to the festival this year, is one of my favorite East Coast vintners, Vu ja de Vineyards out of Spencer, WV. The Vu Ja De wines are at the top of my tasting list, and I highly recommend snagging a glass of their sangria while you're at it!

Nothing good comes from all booze and no food, so don't forget to eat at the fest! Raleigh Street occupants Good Natured will be on site with tasty, vegetarian treats to help soak up those wine samples. They'll also be whipping up fresh fruit smoothies, so those in the sub-21 category will have something snazzy to sip on as well.

As for the tunes, both Saturday and Sunday you're in for a treat. For Saturday-sippers, don't miss Lucas & the Lovelys and for Sunday-samplers, you'll want to stick around for The Gypsy Ramblers. Seating is on the grass, so don't forget to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair!

Tickets for the event are $20 per person, $10 for the under-21 crowd, and kiddos 12 and under are FREE! The $20 tickets include, admission, tastings, and a souvenir wine glass, with all proceeds benefiting The Arts Centre in Martinsburg.

For more information visit www.wineandarts.com

What

WV Wine and Arts Festival

When

Saturday, May 26

11AM to 7PM

Sunday, May 27

1PM to 6PM

            

Where

Boydville

601 South Queen Street

Martinsburg, WV  25401

               

Cost

$20 - Ages 21 and Over

$10 - Ages 13 - 20

FREE- Ages 12 and Under

Yours Truly, Wine and Arts 2009

Mountain View Polo Spring Open House

Saturday, May 19, Mountain View Polo in Charles Town, WV, hosted their spring open house, giving Panhandle residents an opportunity to experience "The Sport of Kings."

Highlighting the open house was an exhibition polo match, followed by free 5-minute polo lessons. Co-owners Laura Goddard and Hugo Pasten headed up opposing teams for the match, giving guests a chance to see the caliber of riders and horses that make Mountain View Polo one of the Panhandle's crown jewels.

After the four chukker (polo-speak for inning) match, spectators were given the opportunity to mount up and give the mallet a swing. So how did I do? Let's just say I need quite a few polo lessons before anyone picks me for their team. Polo is a sport that must be played right-handed, so as a lefty, my polo skills are seriously lacking. But, that's what lessons are for, right?!

Speaking of lessons, Mountain View Polo offers both private and group lessons in addition to clinics and summer camps for the kiddos (more info here).

I should also mention that Mountain View Polo is located conveniently next door to Bloomery Plantation Distillery, should you need a post-polo pick-me-up ;)

For more pictures from the Mountain View Polo Open House visit Pretty in the Panhandle on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/prettyinthepanhandle

Hey Pretty Lady: A Pretty in the Panhandle Drink by Dish

Hey Pretty Lady  

In celebration of Pretty in the Panhandle's third year, Dish Bistro in Charles Town, WV, has concocted a very special cocktail for all the pretty ladies (and gents) to sip on throughout the summer:
 
This drink fits all of my requirements for the perfect summer potion. Gin-based and herb-infused, Hey Pretty Lady has a slightly vintage feel, but with a blend of flavors like nothing you've ever tasted. Jay Gatsby would be quite jealous.

Made with West Virginia's very own Smooth Ambler Gin, a dash of capers, a touch of vanilla, and a sprig of rosemary, this drink is a little salty, but just sweet enough that you'll ask for another instead of sending it off with a slap.

Hey Pretty Lady is best enjoyed on Dish's v. fabulous back patio.

Even better? Visit Dish tonight to enjoy some tunes by Chelsea McBee and The Random Assortment while you do a little cocktail tasting ;)

 

Chelsea McBee and The Random Assortment 

SUFOM Tuxedo Junction 2012: A Night in Old Havana

Friday, May 11, 2012, The Bavarian Inn, in Shepherdstown, WV, was host to the Shepherd University Friends of Music (SUFOM) 4th Annual Tuxedo Junction.

The theme for this year's fundraiser "A Night in Old Havana" drew inspiration from 1950's Havana, Cuba--a time when clubs like The Tropicana were full of stylish stars, festive food, and music that kept the crowd moving well into the wee hours of the morning. I didn't catch sight of any Hollywood heartthrobs Friday night, but I can tell you that the crowd was stylish, the food festive, and thanks to the Shepherd University Mambo Kings, the crowd was most certainly moving.

The decor for this year's event was my favorite thus far. Throughout the Bavarian's main dining rooms, big, bold flowers adorned tangerine-hued tables, tapered and tied in hot pink trim. This simple, yet stunning display brought together 1950's Havana with this year's hottest color: the aptly-named Tangerine Tango.
      

Somewhere in between the seafood sampling, decadent desserts, and conga lines, guest found time to bid on silent auction items. This year's lot included both local and exotic treasures ranging from a castle stay to local artwork. Keeping with Tuxedo Junction tradition, a number of unique dining and cocktail experiences with the area's finest hosts and hostess were also up for grabs.

So, what was it like to spend a night in Old Havana? Let's just say, from the first mojito to the last mambo, Tuxedo Junction is the only way to kick off the summer social season in style.

 

 Kerry Asam, Joy Lewis, Michele King, 

Scott Beard, & Andrea Corum

 

Carol & Erwin Asam, David & Joan Haywood,

Vicki Lanham, and Fran Phillips

 

Dolores & Robert Lowe, 

Christine Parfitt, and Terry Wills

 

Alice Barkus and Alan Gibson

 

Tom Maiden, Michele King, 

Stephen Skinner, and Jeffrey Gustafson

 

Kerry Asam and Gina Miller

For more pictures from "A Night in Old Havana" visit Pretty in the Panhandle on Facebook: www.facebook.com/prettyinthepanhandle

Pumps and Pearls 2012 -- Rhapsody in Bloom

Judges Hilary Shockey & Carrie Luebcke
of Scarpa Alta

Monday, April 30,  it was all about Swarovski, sequins, and of course stilettos, at The George Washington Hotel in Winchester, VA, for the 4th Annual Kimberly's Pumps and Pearls Party.

While guests socialized and sipped pink and green 'tinis, you couldn't help but notice that all eyes were looking  solely at toe-level. Lots of lovely door prizes were up for grabs, including a stunning strand of pearls from Cooper's Jewelers, but the most hard-earned prizes go to the ladies in the pump parade. As always, some fiercely fabulous footwear lined up for the stroll down the pink carpet, but only one would take home the prize for the most perfect pumps. Let's just say, that this year's "Bloom" was all about "bling."

One of my favorite parts of Pumps and Pearls is seeing what the ever-creative ensemble of Jean Toan, Darlene Hess, and Cheryl Green have up their sleeves, or shall we say shoes. Just like the go-go boots and flower power pumps of years past, the trio's lace-up boots for Bloom 2012 did not disappoint and won first place in their division. This year's shoes, however, were extra special as these boots were not just made for Bloomin', they also paid tribute to a dear friend who recently battled breast cancer.

Other prize-winning pumps included pink suede peeptoes of the Valley (Health) Girls, some SUPER cute puppy pumps by Posh Pets' Rebecca Miller, and these GORGEOUS crystal-coated pumps designed and handmade by Melissa Cooper and modeled by Jennifer Neff.


And, while I may not have an immediate need for some sparkly stilettos, there was some chatter about giving my camera a bit of a makeover to add some sparkle to my snapshots ;)

 

Hannah McKee, Sydney Tomblin,

Lisa McKee, & Cara Matheson

 

Erin Barker, Debbie Miles, and Christyn Everly

 

Jennifer Neff and Melissa Cooper

 

Nikki Gerhardt, Lori Bales, & Alina Dawson

For more pictures from Pumps and Pearls, visit Pretty in the Panhandle on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/prettyinthepanhandle

Spend a Night in 1950s Havana--Snag Your Tickets Now for the 5th Annual SUFOM Tuxedo Junction

                     
Polish your dancing shoes, pin a flower in your hair, and pretend you're doing the cha-cha at The Tropicana with Marlon Brando in the background. The Shepherd University Friends of Music (SUFOM) will be holding their 5th Annual Tuxedo Junction gala Friday, May 11, at the Bavarian Inn, in Shepherdstown, WV. Inspired by Cuba in the 1950s, the theme for this year's fundraiser "A Night in Old Havana"  is sure to transport attendees to not only another place, but a different era as well.  
         
Guests will enjoy sultry sounds as performed by the Shepherd University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Kurtis Adams. There will also be a silent auction with some rather unique items including a travel package to a castle in Scotland and a Top Gun experience for one person to spend the day as a fighter pilot in a military aircraft! If you care to start the bidding early online, you can do so by clicking HERE.

Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased by contacting Joanna Moomaw at 304.876.5765 or friends@sufom.org. For more details visit http://www.sufom.org/tuxedo_junction.html 

For information on past Tuxedo Junctions, follow the links below:
2010 - Stomping at the Savoy
2011 - Give My Regards to Broadway

What

5th Annual Tuxedo Junction

"A Night in Old Havana"

When

Friday, May 11, 2011

6:30PM to 11:00PM

Where

The Bavarian Inn

164 Shepherd Grade Road

Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Cost
$100

Shopping for Chapeaux

Horse races, weddings, brunches--the perfect hat is a must-have accessory for any summer outdoor outing. Whether you're shopping for a hat to keep the sun off your face or just looking to make a fashion statement, local ladies, you are in luck!

                                      

When I first started planning my ensemble for the upcoming Virginia Gold Cup Races, I had a few dresses in mind, but as I scoured my closet, I realized I was coming up short in the chapeau section. I wasn't even sure what I wanted much less where to even begin shopping. There was one point, I even pondered going hat-less. For a girl who goes gaga over vintage hats, how was this happening?! It was time to do some serious shopping err research and find a solution to the matter at head (if you will).  

Thanks to a suggestion from the ladies at Scarpa Alta in Winchester, VA, I popped into Bell's Fine Clothing to find quite the collection of chic chapeaux! These hats not only look fab, but will keep your face from freckling should you happen to be in the sun a tad too long. The price tags on these toppers, were also very budget-friendly. I snagged the black hat pictured above for less than $50!  

  

If you're looking for something jaunty, that probably won't spare you a sunburn, but may win you a first place prize, Shepherdstown, WV, is home to some terrific toppers. ReFinements consignment boutique has a great selection of vintage numbers, that are sure to make you stand out in a crowd, should you, say, drink a few too many mint juleps and get lost. ReFinements is also home to this fabulous wide-brimmed vintage number from Saks Fifth Avenue, that comes complete with its original hat box!

     
While in Shepherdstown, stroll down the street to Retropolitan for even more vintage finds. Remember, just like shoes and purses, a girl can never have too many hats!

Bell's Fine Clothing

122 North Loudon Street

Winchester, VA

ReFinements

125 West German Street

Shepherdstown, WV

Retropolitan

123 D South Duke Street

Shepherdstown, WV

Photos
Top: Pang Tubhirun, ReFinements
Right 1: Richele Cole, Bell's Fine Clothing
Right 2: Richele Cole, Bell's Fine Clothing
Right 3: Pang Tubhirun, ReFinements
Center 4: Pang Tubhirun, Refinements