Ciderworks in Frederick County

Readers,

I moved to Maryland this summer to be closer to my new job, and have been settling into life outside of DC. While it's taken some adjustment, I've been enjoying it immensely and I don't think I'd ever want to move back to the District.

Much of my exploration of the area (still technically connected to DC due to the high volume of people living out here and commuting into DC) has been the countryside. There's been nothing but awe and admiration of the beauty of the land and just how different it is out here. A friend said I've "finally moved to America." Having spent so much of my time is odd pockets of the country (Northern California and then DC), it's really not just a snarky comment, but an accurate commentary on those two regions.

This weekend, I made a second visit to a local cidery, Distillery Lane Ciderworks.

Upon my very first tasting, I first found the hard cider somewhat funky and a huge divergence from what I was used to (alcoholic candy). But with this second tasting, I had a new appreciation of traditional, "real" hard cider. Unlike the major commercial brands of cider, their versions are made from cider apples, not eating apples, so they need to add less sugar to the fermentation process. The flavor is heady, alcohol forward, earthy, and has a true apple flavor.  Some are still, some are sparkling, some have carbonation added, some are fermented in-bottle, and one or two are finished in oak bourbon casks (giving it a wonderful, oaky depth to the flavor!).
My favorite was the Kingston Black cider, both still and sparkling versions.

I also bought fresh-pressed apple cider and some apples!

I chose apple varieties I hadn't heard of, grabbed ones I couldn't find in the store and that weren't labeled as "modern" or "recent". The varieties I chose were: Spitzam berry, York, Miller's Red, Golden Russet, Splendour, Gold Rush, and Roxbury Russet. Many of these apples, especially the yellows, are dull in appearance, ugly, bumpy, and have a rough skin. If you're used to shiny, waxed, smooth apples, they might not look appealing. But their flavor is complex and delightful -- unlike any apples you can get in the store. I'll be buying my apples from this orchard from now on!

Cheers,
Miss N.

Race Season 2017

Sending Out Your Laundry

Why should you send out your laundry the next time you're at a hotel or resort? For one, the price is surprisingly worth it and there's nothing like having professionally cleaned clothes while on vacation.

When I went to The Homestead last fall, I discovered their laundry facility still stands in the same place it has stood for nearly 100 years. I took a walk into Warm Springs and visited the historic structure and inquired about some of its history. I was treated to a brief tour of the facilities and some information about their services. They offer next or same day delivery to your room, and will pick up and drop off even if you're not there, as I discovered.

Upon my next trip, as I am part of their guest loyalty program (absolutely worth signing up, but that's for another post), I decided to take advantage of their laundry and pressing services. 

I was more than delighted with the quality of their service. I chose a couple of good shirts, a wool sweater, and one of the dresses I wore to dinner. When I got back to my room, they were hanging up in the closet. They came back so nice smelling and well-presented. The photos below were taken at home, but show how well they looked even after a car ride back. I will absolutely be taking advantage of this service during every future stay at the resort. I highly recommend The Homestead laundry. If you get a chance to stay (or return), be sure to send out your laundry. 

The Homestead

Hot Springs, VA - March 2018

Welcome and Introduction

Welcome to my blog! I am an amateur historian, local traveller, lover of architecture and old buildings, collector of local lore, admirer of old traditions, and a permanent non-native to the Mid-Atlantic.

As a disclaimer, I will state that I am neither an expert photographer nor a professional writer. 

In this blog, I will document my travels and my experiences with and admiration of things regional and traditional. As the title suggests, I am an outsider, looking in. I hope you enjoy my perspective; I certainly do.