One of the things I really wanted to do with this blog is introduce people to some local places I love. This place is so high on that list, it would be hard to displace it! So I feel like I wouldn't be doing it justice if I didn't share the details.
The first Valentine's Day I lived with Left-brain, my now-husband, we came to the Buttersburg Inn, located in Union Bridge. Left-brain was a bit dubious on it at first, but I loved it, and we mark special occasions by going there. Our anniversary was last night and he knew where I'd want to go.
Upon first glance, it looks like a simple, small-town restaurant, and maybe that is why I was initially attracted to it, since I grew up in a small town and we didn't even have a fast-food place til 1990, when I was in junior high, so, going out to dinner meant a small, local restaurant, a little bit grungy, but with fantastic food! And this place is the same. Small tables sit underneath walls full of local memorabilia and seasonal decorations. It really is a delight for the senses. Regulars come in and out, and it feels very homey.
This is supported by the staff. I've never been in that one of the owners didn't come around and say hi and ask how our food was. They take an active interest in whether or not you are enjoying the time spent with them. The wait staff is always very nice; our waitress last night even went out of the way to talk to our infant daughter, VERY COOL! I can't tell you the last time that happened in any other restaurant I've been in, and it does feel like they genuinely want you there and want to forge a relationship with you as a customer.
And the food. I don't know what else to say but that it's good! I've never had a bad meal. The core menu is not fancy, mostly solid good homemade food at a reasonable price, but they always have something really interesting on special; some days, it's rabbit, other days, prime rib, their website even mentions hog maw as a special. I get their country-fried steak a lot; I have spent time in the South and I have the belly to show that I've had a few good country-fried steak, and this is the best one I've had outside of the South. I paired it with mashed potatoes and a side salad last night, such a tasty dinner! My husband had the Delmonico steak. He is normally VERY picky about his steak and really wasn't sure if the Buttersburg could make it how he liked, but he said it was great. From Left-brain, that's a huge compliment.
There is a lot of hype on their desserts, and, from personal research into the topic, it's well-deserved. You can order ice cream to pie to cake, all well-made. My personal favorite is the Jewish Apple Cake, but we had a great apple dumpling last night, and that might be my new favorite; the pastry had a pleasant flavor, not too floury, and it melded into the apple, and, topped with ice cream, it was a delicious end to a nice dinner.
The prices are very reasonable--dinner for two was $42, but Left-brain did get a steak and extra sides, and a good steak is worth its weight in gold. The Union Bridge location might be considered out of the way for suburban DC residents, but it's worth the drive, and the ride up 75 or out 140 is a pretty one, especially in the fall. They take reservations on holidays, but you can usually get a table on any other night.
I know I am new at the reviewing businesses, but PLEASE do yourself a favor and travel out to this great place!
Their website
The Buttersburg Inn is located at 9 N Main St, Union Bridge, MD 21791. Their phone is 410-775-9939. Serving Tuesday through Wednesday, 7AM-8PM, Thursday through Saturday, 7AM-830PM, Sunday 9AM-3PM.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Where have I been?
I know it has been almost a year since I updated this blog. Shortly after I set it up, a few months, we found out that we were having a baby and, so, most of my time has been spent dealing with this life change. I am on bedrest now, but am due in the next 4 weeks, so am hopeful that I can get back and actually contribute to this.
One of the things that I really miss about not being able to be so active is that I am going to miss out on the best parts of the War of 1812 commemoration. Before I was placed on bedrest, I really wanted to go to some of these activities, they look like a lot of fun, and a chance to explore Maryland history. I know, growing up, we were taught that the Star Spangled Banner was written in Maryland, and that the battle for Ft. McHenry took place here, but the rest was glossed over. It would be nice to actually learn more, and I love the idea of seeing the tall ships sail into Baltimore Harbor; to me, it reminds me that the past isn't as far away as we tell ourselves it is. I thought I would share this information, in case someone hasn't seen it on TV (it's been on on the Baltimore stations, but there seems to be a disconnect between Baltimore and DC in regards to sharing events) and might like to go.
So that is all for today. I do promise to make more of an effort, I want to share all the ways we play here in Maryland, all the yummy tastes of our states, the things that make us special. I hope you will join me.
One of the things that I really miss about not being able to be so active is that I am going to miss out on the best parts of the War of 1812 commemoration. Before I was placed on bedrest, I really wanted to go to some of these activities, they look like a lot of fun, and a chance to explore Maryland history. I know, growing up, we were taught that the Star Spangled Banner was written in Maryland, and that the battle for Ft. McHenry took place here, but the rest was glossed over. It would be nice to actually learn more, and I love the idea of seeing the tall ships sail into Baltimore Harbor; to me, it reminds me that the past isn't as far away as we tell ourselves it is. I thought I would share this information, in case someone hasn't seen it on TV (it's been on on the Baltimore stations, but there seems to be a disconnect between Baltimore and DC in regards to sharing events) and might like to go.
So that is all for today. I do promise to make more of an effort, I want to share all the ways we play here in Maryland, all the yummy tastes of our states, the things that make us special. I hope you will join me.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Baby, it's hot outside
79 degrees at 7AM when I left my home in Carroll County this morning. It's been hot for the better part of two weeks here, even more so than usual. At least we are not alone, most of the US is suffering under this horrific weather. It's times like this that I realize I never could live anywhere but here--I can't imagine the idea of going through this without access to a body of water.
I realized I had not taken the time to properly introduce myself. My name is Rachel, and I am a life-long Maryland resident. I was raised in Montgomery County, in a very small town, then, after college in Kentucky (my other home), I moved to Southern Montgomery County, quite different from the country I grew up in. I moved to Carroll County in 2008 to live with my then-boyfriend, now-husband, who I refer to in the blogosphere as Left-brain, because he is very practical and thoughtful, and I'm an artsy, messy, free spirit of a girl. We don't always see eye to eye, but, as I explained to our pre-marital counselor, he's my lobster. We live with my step-dog, a pit bull named CaesarBeazer. I have two other dogs and three cats from my single girl days, but my little guy, Robbie, does not like male dogs, and, since his mouth writes checks his body can't cash, they live with my parents. It's not ideal, but it was a choice I made so that we wouldn't have any problems with two bickering male dogs. Left-brain is allergic to the cats, but at one point, we'd discussed having one of them. But they're so bonded together that, at 12 years old, it's too late to split them up, so they stay with my parents as well.
I love Maryland. I love being from here. I want to fully embrace my home state and learn more about her. I also want to share what it's like living in the shadow of the nation's capital, but trying to maintain an unhomogenized life. I'm always willing to take suggestions of places I should see, things I should do, food I should try, festivals I can not miss. So, if you have an idea, let me know!
I realized I had not taken the time to properly introduce myself. My name is Rachel, and I am a life-long Maryland resident. I was raised in Montgomery County, in a very small town, then, after college in Kentucky (my other home), I moved to Southern Montgomery County, quite different from the country I grew up in. I moved to Carroll County in 2008 to live with my then-boyfriend, now-husband, who I refer to in the blogosphere as Left-brain, because he is very practical and thoughtful, and I'm an artsy, messy, free spirit of a girl. We don't always see eye to eye, but, as I explained to our pre-marital counselor, he's my lobster. We live with my step-dog, a pit bull named CaesarBeazer. I have two other dogs and three cats from my single girl days, but my little guy, Robbie, does not like male dogs, and, since his mouth writes checks his body can't cash, they live with my parents. It's not ideal, but it was a choice I made so that we wouldn't have any problems with two bickering male dogs. Left-brain is allergic to the cats, but at one point, we'd discussed having one of them. But they're so bonded together that, at 12 years old, it's too late to split them up, so they stay with my parents as well.
I love Maryland. I love being from here. I want to fully embrace my home state and learn more about her. I also want to share what it's like living in the shadow of the nation's capital, but trying to maintain an unhomogenized life. I'm always willing to take suggestions of places I should see, things I should do, food I should try, festivals I can not miss. So, if you have an idea, let me know!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Keeping the wild ponies . . . wild
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/at-assateague-struggles-to-keep-the-horses-wild/2011/07/07/gIQAuwgM4H_story.html
My second post and already controversy. Left-brain, my wonderful husband of 9 months, pointed this article out to me from the Washington Post.
Assateague Island is one of my favorite places on the planet. I loved it from a child, reading the Misty books, by Marguerite Henry. It's the place I think I truly fell in love with Left-brain and it is where we got engaged on the beach there in September 2009. We camp there at least once a year. It's a pleasant base camp from which to enjoy Ocean City; we get all the fun of the boardwalk and the Fisher's popcorn (and Salty Yarns, I love Salty Yarns), but there is something about Assateague that is dreamlike. We enjoy it; when I leave, I always thank the island for sharing its beauty with us, and I always cry, just a little.
There is a huge problem with people treating our wildlife (I say "our" for all the taxpayers of the state of Maryland) like housepets. For some stupid reason, we seem to have issues with feeding the ponies crap, then wonder why they tear up our campsites. We put our children on their backs to take a picture, never acknowledging these are WILD ANIMALS--I wouldn't ride a tame stallion without having some sort of device to control him, let alone a wild stallion. And we treat the area like a right, not the privilege it is; we speed through the campgrounds, endangering ponies and other wildlife. To tell you how quick an accident can happen, when we went in May, I saw the sign that said "Slow down," looked down to check the gauge, looked up and there was a band of ponies. Thank GOD I looked up, not to the right. It was dark, there aren't lights on the bridge, and I still get sick at the idea I could have hurt one of these creatures. I wouldn't have forgiven myself.
But that was an accident, I don't willfully speed or try to take away their essential wildness. We don't leave coolers out anymore--I saw a mare get our soda cooler open a few years ago while we were sitting there, enjoying their visit. We don't leave food out; food costs too much, and I've seen them trample a campsite to get to food. They're not afraid of us; how many other animals do you know that won't shy away from a fire?
So, as one who, like so many others, loves this island, loves what it engenders, I am asking everyone to take a bit of responsibility for stopping the problems. I'm not advocating to not visit the island. We're lucky to have this beautiful place to go. What I'm asking is to be mindful of our actions and how they resonate. Our approach is to treat them like we would treat a bear. They're beautiful, but would you pet a bear? Would you feed it out of your hand? Would you put your kid on a bear's back for a photo-op? Heck, would you even be in charging distance of a bear? Me, not so much, so why would I do it to a wild animal who is just as capable of ruining my vacation? Something to think about.
I promise to not be too preachy in my blog, but I can't keep quiet about this.
My second post and already controversy. Left-brain, my wonderful husband of 9 months, pointed this article out to me from the Washington Post.
Assateague Island is one of my favorite places on the planet. I loved it from a child, reading the Misty books, by Marguerite Henry. It's the place I think I truly fell in love with Left-brain and it is where we got engaged on the beach there in September 2009. We camp there at least once a year. It's a pleasant base camp from which to enjoy Ocean City; we get all the fun of the boardwalk and the Fisher's popcorn (and Salty Yarns, I love Salty Yarns), but there is something about Assateague that is dreamlike. We enjoy it; when I leave, I always thank the island for sharing its beauty with us, and I always cry, just a little.
There is a huge problem with people treating our wildlife (I say "our" for all the taxpayers of the state of Maryland) like housepets. For some stupid reason, we seem to have issues with feeding the ponies crap, then wonder why they tear up our campsites. We put our children on their backs to take a picture, never acknowledging these are WILD ANIMALS--I wouldn't ride a tame stallion without having some sort of device to control him, let alone a wild stallion. And we treat the area like a right, not the privilege it is; we speed through the campgrounds, endangering ponies and other wildlife. To tell you how quick an accident can happen, when we went in May, I saw the sign that said "Slow down," looked down to check the gauge, looked up and there was a band of ponies. Thank GOD I looked up, not to the right. It was dark, there aren't lights on the bridge, and I still get sick at the idea I could have hurt one of these creatures. I wouldn't have forgiven myself.
But that was an accident, I don't willfully speed or try to take away their essential wildness. We don't leave coolers out anymore--I saw a mare get our soda cooler open a few years ago while we were sitting there, enjoying their visit. We don't leave food out; food costs too much, and I've seen them trample a campsite to get to food. They're not afraid of us; how many other animals do you know that won't shy away from a fire?
So, as one who, like so many others, loves this island, loves what it engenders, I am asking everyone to take a bit of responsibility for stopping the problems. I'm not advocating to not visit the island. We're lucky to have this beautiful place to go. What I'm asking is to be mindful of our actions and how they resonate. Our approach is to treat them like we would treat a bear. They're beautiful, but would you pet a bear? Would you feed it out of your hand? Would you put your kid on a bear's back for a photo-op? Heck, would you even be in charging distance of a bear? Me, not so much, so why would I do it to a wild animal who is just as capable of ruining my vacation? Something to think about.
I promise to not be too preachy in my blog, but I can't keep quiet about this.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Welcome to the New blog
For a while I've been kicking around the idea of starting a blog to showcase my adventures in the great state of Maryland. I've lived here all my life, except for my college years, and over the years, have developed a great appreciation for all this state has to offer. It's the perfect state to be young, broke, and striving. I have yet to find a blog that really embraces our lifestyle.
I can't promise a post every day. I can promise that I'll try to keep the posts interesting, with a fair amount of reviews of things I think are worth sharing. Little gems that make those hours sitting in traffic on 270 worth it, because you can't find them anywhere else.
I hope you come along for the ride.
I can't promise a post every day. I can promise that I'll try to keep the posts interesting, with a fair amount of reviews of things I think are worth sharing. Little gems that make those hours sitting in traffic on 270 worth it, because you can't find them anywhere else.
I hope you come along for the ride.
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