A stroll through Downtown New Market MD

I had the luxury the other day to just take a walk through Downtown New Market. What character this little town has. The antique shops, the restaurants and the historic buildings are wonderful. I can’t believe how charming the “General Store” was!!! View the show and take a look at the extra photos for more. These cool fall days are a great time to visit downtown New Market. Finish off the evening with dinner at Mealey’s Restaurant. (Mealey’s has recently been sold to new owners)

Looking for a charming little town to hang your hat at the end of the day? New Market is that place. Conveniently located just off Interstate 70 between Frederick and Baltimore. You will have a quick commute to work…DC included. With modern day amenities close by, you can still escape the hustle and bustle of big cities here. Most building are on the historic registrar. Newer homes available down the street in communities like Lake Linganore, Westwinds, Eaglehead and more.

Looking to relocate to this area…give me a call. I’ll be glad to help you with your move.

Starbucks Coming to Middletown

While perusing through my google reader, I came across a post by Tracy at Bargainchaser.com. – Starbucks Coming to Middletown

I think its a great idea since I am an avid coffee drinker. She mentioned the idea about competing with The Main Cup in downtown Middletown. Anytime an icon in the industry opens up a store, the little mom and pops feels a little pinch (sometimes a big pinch.) The only thing I think is going to hurt the main cup is the hours, but that has been hurting them for a while in my opinion. They have a great atmosphere, the food selection is quite diverse and now they have a bar in the back.

The mornings that I drive one of my children to school, I have to make left on Alt route 40. If you haven’t seen the morning and evening rush hour on Alt 40, it almost…almost rivals I-270. I can only imagine that most of those drivers either have a cup of coffee or would be looking for a cup of coffee prior to hitting the morning grind (no pun intended.) I know at this time of morning, the Main Cup is not open. They have made adjustments to their hours since they have opened back in the spring. Even if they did open that early, I am not sure the parking arrangements are conducive to meeting the demands of a morning commuter…in and out.

All in All, I believe the community will welcome Starbucks, but the Main Cup will do quite well. For just opening up this year, I think they are doing great. I am sure that Starbucks won’t impact their daily business…I just can’t see myself sitting down and enjoying a cup of coffee in the confines of Safeway. Atmosphere has a lot to do with an enjoyable cup of coffee. The true impact will be have to be measured next year.

Thanks Tracy for bring this to our attention.

The Main Cup

14 West Main Street, Middletown, MD 21769

(301) 371-4433

Monday thru Saturday 8:00 am to 9:00 pm

Closed Sunday

Frederick Places to Watch a Steeler Game

Over the years in my travels, I have found it’s not too hard to find a place to watch a Pittsburgh Steeler game along the east coast. It’s such a popular request that the Pittsburg Post Gazette has it’s own webpage. When the game isn’t on at home, I have found a few places in Frederick to watch a Steeler game; Krug’s and Beef O Bradys. I haven’t been back to Krug’s since last year. Talk about a Die-hard Steeler bar…can’t get any more Black-n-Gold than Krug’s in this town. Unfortunately, the smoke was a little overwhelming.

My family has been heading over to Beef O Bradys more often than not with a few friends. The owner, Erik Scheidhauer, is always there to welcome the football fans. The staff is pleasant and very attentive to all your needs. The food is always good. (I recommend the Cheeseburger Wrap and some Hot Wings…chased down with a nice cold adult beverage.) Erik has all the games playing around the bar and restaurant. You can always catch your favorite team.

Here’s a funny story he shared with us the beginning of the year. The first football game of the season last year, since it is “His” bar, he was ready to have the hi-def big screen in the main dining area fired up with the Washington Redskins game. To his demise, he was bombarded with request for the Steeler game. He was now in a catch 22…Play HIS team or the favorite of the rest of the mob??? It’s my bar and restaurant…come on guys?!!? Needless to say, the Steelers were playing on the big screen. Thanks Erik… We really appreciate the compromise. (Redskins are playing in the bar area on the projection screen.)

Today’s game had about 40 Steeler Fans (and one Cleveland Browns fan) cheering on a big victory over the Seatle Seahawks. As the word gets out…I am sure that number will grow.

Here’s quick tour of my Steeler Bar

Enjoy

On Edit: I found another diamond in the rough… I spent the afternoon at Hard Times Cafe’s in Frederick.  They showed the Steeler game on the big screen in the back (need to raise the light above that one pool table) and had it on a couple TVs in the main dining room.  It was a little smoky in the back but livable.  Love the Chili.  And it wasn’t crowded.