Downtown Frederick is the place to be this summer, and not just on weekends! Each Thursday from 5 - 8 p.m. friends gather on Carroll Creek for Alive @ Five to watch some of the best local and regional musicians showcase their talents.

For your chance to win four tickets to any of this year's remaining Alive @ Five dates, comment on our Facebook post with the band you're most looking forward to seeing at this event. (Need to refresh your memory? Check out the rest of this year's lineup below.) The best part? We're selecting THREE winners this time! 

Prepare to gather your best buds for a fun-filled evening with music, food, beer, and wine! (Or take yourself four times, we don't judge.)

Three winners will be chosen randomly on Thursday, July 11 at 3 p.m.. ​

No purchase necessary. Must be 21 or older to enter. Alive @ Five is a 21+ event. 

Contest runs from Wednesday, July 10 to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 11. 

Three winners will be selected randomly at 3 p.m. Thursday 7/11 and will be notified through a tagged Facebook post and a private message. Winners may pick up tickets at Pulse Publishing between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday or choose to have the tickets mailed to their home address.  

This contest is run by Pulse Publishing; it is not endorsed, sponsored, or promoted by Facebook in any way. ​

7/11 Albino Rhino (Jazzy Funk Rock) 
7/18 Half Pint Harry (Pop / Rock / Soul)
7/25 Skyla Burell Band (Hard Drivin’ Blues) 
8/1 Sticktime (Classic Rock) 
8/8 Get Right Band (Funk Rock / Reggae) 
8/15 Stitch Early and The Populatn (Rap / Hip Hop) 
8/22 Dreadnought Brigade (Roots Rock)
8/29 Ghost Pepper (Danceable Rock) 
9/5 The Players (Ska / Reggae) 
9/12 The Voodoo Blues (New Orleans Style Blues / Funk / Cajun) 
9/19 Turtle Recall (Alternative) 
9/26 Luna & the Starless Few (Soul / R&B) 
10/3 Haley Fahey Band (Southern rock / pop / soul) ​

Not a winner this time? Don't worry! Follow our FiNDiT Frederick Facebook page and check back for more contests throughout the summer. 

What better way to kick off the most patriotic week in the country with a chance to win baseball tickets? FiNDiT Frederick is giving away one ten-pack of Frederick Keys tickets to three lucky winners this Wednesday. 

To enter the contest, comment on our Facebook post with your favorite part about going to a Keys game. Whether it's the food, the beer, the action or the quality family time, we'd love to hear your Keys memories! 

No purchase necessary. Must be 21 or older to enter contest. 

Contest begins Monday, July 1 and ends at noon Wednesday, July 3. 

One winner will be selected randomly at 12 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 and will be notified through a tagged Facebook post and a private message. Winners can pick up ticket packs at Pulse Publishing, 12 S. Market St. Suite 101, any time between 10 - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding July 4 and July 5. 
​
This contest is run by Pulse Publishing; it is not endorsed, sponsored, or promoted by Facebook in any way.

​Check out the Keys schedule to plan your next night out! 

Frederick's Fourth is quickly approaching and you may have some burning questions: Where is the best place to view fireworks in Frederick? Can I bring my own beer? Is there anything else to do other than watch the fireworks? We have answers! If you live in or around Frederick, MD and are planning on celebrating the Fourth of July locally, let us be your guide to Frederick's Fourth in Baker Park.

You've heard of facials. Perhaps you've gotten one, or it's even part of your weekly schedule. However, one of the lesser known spa treatments is detoxifying body wraps, and Emmy's Harvest proudly offers this service. But what exactly is a body wrap, and what can it do? 

The 60-minute treatment uses a blend of USA-made M'Lis Natural Therapy products that include cellulite-targeting niacin, circulation-inducing cinnamon and deeply nourishing aloe. After the products are applied, the body is wrapped in plastic and the patient is covered with a towel or sheet for approximately half an hour. 

“[The wraps] actually detoxify the body and the tissues,” said Emmy's Harvest owner Noemi "Emmy" Costlow. “You can see that it tightens the skin and hydrates it.”

After the session is complete, patients can expect to notice slimming effects as well as glowing, hydrated and firmer skin. 

​There’s a new spa in town and owner Noemi “Emmy” Costlow is ready to share her healing talents with the Frederick community.

“I love the vibe here,” she said. “I want people to know that I feel at home. I’ve finally found a place where I can not only give to the public, but it also gives me a lot of satisfaction.”  
​
Costlow owns Emmy’s Harvest, a holistic spa located on the third floor of 263 West Patrick Street. This spring, she moved to the area from San Antonio, Texas, where her healing journey began.

​
​She also offers holistic life coaching and other packages where she devotes half a day or an entire day to an individual's healing. During this time, she can do a Wheel of Life assessment or an Akashic records reading with spa services included. At the end of the session, she sends the client home with a kit of supplements to help them take care of themselves at home.  

The best part of her job is seeing the impact she’s had on the health and well-being of her clients, she says. 

“My investment is in you, and that’s what makes me feel good about what I do,” Costlow said.

Ready to make a commitment to wellness? Emmy's Harvest is here to help! Make an appointment on her website, and stay tuned to the FiNDiT Facebook page for a chance to win a free detoxifying body wrap at the end of the week. 

Business name: Emmy's Harvest 
Owner: Noemi "Emmy:" Costlow
Location: 263 W Patrick Street, Frederick MD (Third floor) 
Services offered: Skincare, healing, detox, holistic life coaching, reiki
Hours: By appointment only 
Phone: (410) 790-7475
Website: Emmysharvest.com ​

Looking for a unique way to restore balance and improve your well-being in a peaceful, local setting? Emmy's Harvest is Downtown Frederick's newest holistic spa, offering so much more than just skincare services. 

Tucked into the third floor of a bright, cozy and historic West Patrick Street building, Emmy's Harvest offers comfort and relaxation immediately upon stepping into the space. Owner and licensed esthetician Noemi "Emmy" Costlow greets clients with a warm smile and a cup of tea, taking the time to consult with clients about their expectations and goals for the pampering services they've scheduled. From reiki-infused holistic facials and beauty peels to detoxifying body wraps and even holistic life coaching, this lovely little spa takes healing to new heights. 
​

Costlow takes pride in using only all-natural and holistic products ​at Emmy's Harvest. Whether acne, hyper-pigmentation, aging, or dryness is your skincare concern, Emmy's Harvest has the products to help. The intensive and luxurious Fire and Ice facial is the spa's most popular; this Eminence Organic Skin Care treatment is designed to rapidly and safely resurface the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, all while smoothing, softening, and encouraging cellular renewal. 

Mind, body, and spirit are important to Costlow as she performs any spa service.  That's why she infuses her services with reiki, a Japanese healing and stress-relieving technique said to channel healing energy by means of touch. Often, clients leave in awe of the relaxation they feel after their session, she said. 

"Clients are looking for a place where they can come and be taken care of," Costlow added. 

Products used at Emmy's Harvest include Eminence Organic Skin Care, M'Lis nutritional supplements and body wraps and doTERRA essential oils. 

Business name: Emmy's Harvest 
Owner: Noemi "Emmy:" Costlow
Location: 263 W Patrick Street, Frederick MD (Third floor) 
Services offered: Skincare, healing, detox, holistic life coaching, reiki
Hours: By appointment only 
Phone: (410) 790-7475
Website: Emmysharvest.com 

Downtown Frederick is the place to be this summer, and not just on weekends! Each Thursday from 5 - 8 p.m. friends gather on Carroll Creek for Alive @ Five to watch some of the best local and regional musicians show off their talents.

For your chance to win four tickets to any of this year's remaining Alive @ Five dates, comment on our Facebook post with the band you're most looking forward to seeing at this event. (Need to refresh your memory? Check out the rest of this year's lineup below.) 

Prepare to gather three of your best buds for a fun-filled evening with music, food, beer, and wine! 

​A winner will be chosen randomly on Thursday, June 13 at noon. 
​

Alive @ Five has a genre for everyone. Check out the lineup and plan a date! 

6/13 Hard Swimmin’ Fish (Rock / Blues / Alternative)
6/20 Across the Pond (Celtic Folk)
6/27 The Milestones (Rock & Roll / Alternative)
(No July 4 show)
7/11 Albino Rhino (Jazzy Funk Rock)
7/18 Half Pint Harry (Pop / Rock / Soul)
7/25 Skyla Burell Band (Hard Drivin’ Blues)
8/1 Sticktime (Classic Rock)
8/8 Get Right Band (Funk Rock / Reggae)
8/15 Stitch Early and The Populatn (Rap / Hip Hop)
8/22 Dreadnought Brigade (Roots Rock)
8/29 Ghost Pepper (Danceable Rock)
9/5 The Players (Ska / Reggae)
9/12 The Voodoo Blues (New Orleans Style Blues / Funk / Cajun)
9/19 Turtle Recall (Alternative)
9/26 Luna & the Starless Few (Soul / R&B)
10/3 Haley Fahey Band (Southern rock / pop / soul)

​

This can’t-miss cultural celebration of the Thai New Year perfectly coincides with Father’s Day, so bring Dad to Carroll Creek from noon to 6 p.m. and enjoy traditional Thai performers and dancers, food, art, vendors, a beer garden, Thai boxing demonstrations, and more! ​​The best part? Admission to this lively event is FREE. 

As an added bonus: there will also be raffles throughout the day with chances to win Sumittra gift cards, water guns, and traditional Thai scarves. 

Your history-loving dad will love watching the bygone days of Frederick come alive on the Historic Frederick Walking Tour. From 1:30 to 3 this Father’s Day afternoon, knowledgeable guides share the fascinating stories that make up our beloved downtown. 

The tour starts at the Historical Society of Frederick at 24 E. Church St. Tickets can be purchased on the Heritage Frederick site or at the door. 

For the dad that appreciates theatrical comedy, the Maryland Ensemble Theatre's last performance of Pride and Prejudice is a perfect Father’s Day gift. Grab some tickets and take Dad to the 3 p.m. showing of this hilarious adaptation by playwright Kate Hamill. After the show, take advantage of MET’s downtown location and walk to Market Street for dinner. ​​

Celebrate Father's Day the Taco Daddy way, with tasty food and drink specials all day long. As a bonus, dads will receive a complimentary Taco Daddy mason jar glass as a gift. We recommend reserving a table in advance. 

If you’re on the lookout for the perfect wedding venue, The Lodges at Gettysburg needs to be on your list. With its historic and picturesque setting, The Lodges offers a variety of great amenities that make planning a wedding easy. The Lodges at Gettysburg is just a short drive from Frederick in an historic and stunning area that will help make your day even more memorable.  ​

Did you know that The Lodges at Gettysburg has a full-time wedding planner on their staff? It truly is a one-stop-shop for all your nuptial needs. From your engagement announcement to the final dance of your big night, their dedicated team will ensure your wedding is picture perfect. Thanks to their coveted reputation as a wedding destination, The Lodges works with a group of preferred vendors who ensure that you have everything you need delivered with exceptional quality. ​

One of the many advantages of The Lodges at Gettysburg is a gorgeous landscape. The Lodges sits on the crest of one of Gettysburg’s highest ridges, and the views of the surrounding countryside are stunning. Along with the rolling hills and historic battlefields, The Lodges boasts beautifully manicured grounds with plenty of spots to capture gorgeous photos. Even the building itself is stunning, and the interiors are just as photogenic as the grounds. ​

Along with perfect planning and photos, The Lodges at Gettysburg offers catering choices that will leave your guests awestruck. Whether you’re looking for plated menus, buffet style, or a themed meal, their team has something to fit your prefered cuisine and budget. We love that they offer a variety of bar packages as well, so you can customize your menu to meet your exact needs. Having your catering taken care of by The Lodges will definitely help make your event run more smoothly. ​

To make your special day even more comfortable, be sure to check out the on-site lodging. Their multi-guest suites are perfect for housing visiting family and/or your wedding party as well as offering the ideal retreat for the happy couple. With the beauty and the nearby attractions, we might even recommend extending your stay to include a mini-moon. Make sure to check out their package deals (especially the Taste of Adams County) for the perfect way to relax and connect after your big day. ​

When you’re planning the perfect holiday party you need the ideal location, right? Well, you’re in luck. Just a short drive north of Frederick, you’ll find one of the most stunning, historic sites around and some great cocktails to boot. At the Lodges at Gettysburg, you and your guests will be transported to a literal winter wonderland, AKA the perfect place to host a luxury holiday party. Away from the bustle of downtown, the stunning grounds at The Lodges allows your guests to feel like they are truly getting away from it all: from the rolling hills and landscape to the local history, down to the perfect cordial to end the night just prior to heading to your hotel room, the Lodges at Gettysburg has everything you need for a party no one will soon forget.  ​

Located in historic Gettysburg, The Lodges sits on one of the highest ridges overlooking the battlefields. If you’re a history buff, you’ll know that Gettysburg was one of the most historic and defining battles of the civil war. That history makes the Lodges at Gettysburg the perfect place to celebrate after a spooky ghost or battlefield tour of the area. With decor that blends that history with a touch of modernism, The Lodges is a no brainer for a cozy holiday gathering. ​

Perhaps the most important factor when you’re deciding on a location for your holiday party is the menu. The Lodges at Gettysburg has an extensive and decident menu for any size event. Take your guests for an intimate night at the on property, Gloryridge Tavern, or for a more extravagant night, make sure to check out their plated catering menu. For parties of 20 guests or more, a buffet style option is also available. Don’t forget libations! Not only is there a small bar on the premises with plenty of other nearby options, The Lodges also offers five different catered bar options.  ​

With such amazing accommodations, there's no need for a designated driver! Perhaps you’ll want to drop in early and spend your pre-party prep enjoying the nearby salon and spa, or taking a hike (if the weather permits) on their 35 beautiful acres. Freshen up in their gorgeous slate showers, and when it’s time to turn in for the night, you’ll have just a short walk back to your room, where a plush bed and feather duvet await a peaceful nights slumber. If you need a morning after pick-me-up, the Lodges offers a scrumptious breakfast in the Terrace Room. ​

​NUVO Salon & Spa
5211 Buckeystown Pike - Located in Westview Promenade
Frederick, MD 21704
301-682-3313

​Last Friday, the gorgeous weather insisted I go for a walk through Baker Park. The blooming park, tinged with a tease of summer, was host to the first Key City Food & Farm Market event of the year. My equally hungry co-workers and I arrived at lunchtime to witness the string of food trucks parked along 2nd Street,  already serving the leisurely moving crowd in the balmy heat. Fresh baked pizza from Pizza Llama‘s portable pizza oven sent aromatic waves through the crowd which then mingling with the smell of burgers (meat and veggie), sauerkraut and sharp pickles from The Sweet Farm, all punctuated by a medley of seasonal flowers from Penny’s Plant stand.  

Aside from hot food, lines of short sleeved, sandal wearing customers arranged themselves along the pavement to sample Sno-Belle’s ice cream along with other stands that included Beltway Merch and both Goodhope Farmstead and Deer Run Farm who were selling their barely traveled produce.

Every Friday this spring through June 29th , Baker Park’s 2nd Street will accommodate an array of local food trucks from 10 a.m-2 p.m. Featured will be reoccurring stands, like The Sweet Farm, with the addition of various other trucks to fill out the line-up each week.  

-By Mayzie Hopkins

Spring 2018 Line-up:

May 11th: Box Car Burger, The Sweet Farm, Pizza Llama, Gambrill Mt. Food Co.

May 18th: The Sweet Farm, Say Cheese!, Gambrill Mt. Food Co., Pizza Llama

May 25th: The Sweet Farm, Pizza Llama, Gambrill Mt. Food Co.,

June 1st: The Sweet Farm, Pizza Llama, Knife & A Kitchen, Gambrill Mt. Food Co.

June 8th: Box Car Burgers, Say Cheese!, Pizza Llama, Gambrill Mt. Food and Co.

June 15th: Box Car burgers, The Sweet Farm, Gambrill Mt. Food and Co., Pizza Llama

June 22nd: The Sweet Farm, Pizza Llama, Gambrill Mt. Food Co.
​
June 29th: Box Car Burgers, The Sweet Farm, Gambrill Mt. Food Co., Pizza Llama

Rohrersville

See the vibrant green rolling hills and the BIG blue skies. Hear the breeze and the laughter. Taste our award-winning wines and the mouthwatering flavors of our delicious food. Smell the fresh air and the land. Feel playful, relaxed and become a part of something bigger.

​Big Cork Vineyards is delighted to invite you and your Valentine to our 4,000 SF sunlit tasting room, where we are passionate about wine-making and creating sensational memories.

Open Thursday – Monday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
301-302-8032
www.bigcorkvineyards.com

Downtown Frederick​

SIX EAST Salon & Spa is much more than address – it’s an approach to artistry.  Within our historic building in downtown Frederick, Maryland, our team blends classic ideals of service with a contemporary take on style and beauty.  We are committed to providing an experience driven service every time!  We embrace:

• Tip-Free Service: Our price reflects the time and talent invested in your service.  Gratitude is accepted, but gratuities are not.
• Style: We create looks for real life, and help you maintain your look at home.  Our exceptional take home products for hair, skin and make-up are among the finest to help in this endeavor.
• Scholarship: Ongoing education is the fundamental upon which we can ensure the quality of the experience, keeping us on trend.
• Community Outreach: From our community service efforts to our product lines, our aim is touch the lives of as many as we can; both by fundraising and the donation of our goods and services.
• The Experience: We will…listen and understand your needs, explain using our knowledge and expertise and perform a result-driven service with added sensory touches; but above all, we will help you find a home where from beginning until next time, you’re the most beautiful self you can be.

This holiday we will be offering a “Queen for a Day” package that includes a SIX EAST Signature Facial, 30-minute Candle Touch Treatment, and 30 minute Reflexology for $250.  We would be happy to customize packages to indulge your special someone!

Surelocked In Escape Games

Downtown Frederick

Surelocked In is Frederick’s first and favorite Escape Room! Voted Best of Frederick 2018 for Entertainment Value, Surelocked In is where stories come to life! You and your team have 60 minutes to win by solving interlocking riddles and puzzles.
​
Perfect for a night out with your sleuthhound sweetheart or with a horde of double-dating detectives – do you have what it takes to escape?

​Get tickets here!

Massage Envy

Frederick

At Massage Envy, you receive professional massage or skin care services performed by licensed therapists and estheticians who care about helping you look and feel your best. Massage therapy can relax your muscles to help relieve common stress, boost overall energy, refresh your mental and emotional outlook and positively impact all aspects of your life. Professional skin care helps expose the skin to beneficial nutrients and improve the cellular regeneration process, so you’ll look and feel healthy. At Massage Envy in Frederick, you can receive a couples massage, where both you and your significant other can enjoy the relaxation together in the same room.

Throughout November, we know you’ve seen hints of the holiday experience up and down the 50-block historic district of Downtown Frederick. From the twinkling lights on the trees lining the streets, to Frosty Friday, the official kick-off for the season, this past weekend, it’s definitely time for some holiday magic.  Are you not sure where to start with your plans? Here are some weekend highlights coming up!

 

A Christmas Story at Maryland Ensemble Theater

December 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd from 8 — 10pm

December 3rd, 10th from 3 — 5pm

Traditional Village Christmas at the Catoctin Mountain Furnace

December 2nd from 10:00am — 4:00pm

Holiday Magic at Rose Hill Manor Park

December 2nd from 10:00am — 12:00pm

Santa Train at Walkersville Southern Railroad

December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th and 23rd from 11:00am — 3:00pm

Christmas in the Barn at Linganore Winecellars

December 2nd and 3rd

First Annual Proper Cocktail Holiday Ball at McClintock Distilling Company

December 8th at 7:00pm

Santa Run 5k/10k presented by the YMCA of Frederick County at Monocacy Village Park

December 9th from 10:00am — 1:00pm

Museums by Candlelight by the Historical Society of Frederick County

December 9th from 12:00 — 7:00pm

Holiday Open House at Thorpewood

December 9th from 3:00 — 8:00pm

Christmas in the County at Green Meadows Petting Farm

December 10th from 1:00 — 5:00pm

Festival of Lights presented by Celebrate Frederick in the City Hall Courtyard

December 15th from 4:00 — 9:00pm

A Christmas Carol, presented by Maryland Ensemble Theater, at The Weinberg Center

December 15th from 7:00 — 9:00pm

December 16th from 2:00 — 4:00pm & 7:30 — 9:30pm

December 17th from 2:00 — 4:00pm

Santa & Mrs. Santa at Roads and Rails Museum

December 16th from 2:30 — 5:00pm

Brunch with Santa at The Braddock Inn

December 17th from 10:00am — 2:00pm

Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship by Visit Frederick

December 26th from 4:00 — 9:00pm

 

Want to be the first one to FiND iT?

FiND iT Frederick Magazine fuses funky with functional, where practical details mix with fresh, entertaining articles and the same audacious graphic design that readers of our magazines have come to expect. Both residents and day-trippers alike are heading to our facebook & instagram accounts plus checking out our blog to see who’s who and what’s where in and around Frederick—from the newest in noshing to the area’s best bargains and most unique finds—to what’s hot in culture, arts, and nightlife.

 

A special thanks to Peter Kremers for his photo “Color on the Creek”

​Ready to get spooky?! We are too. Check these things out:

Murder and Mayhem Walking Tour Through Downtown

• What: Join us as we step through time to hear the “other side” of Frederick’s history, including some of the most scandalous, nefarious, and unbelievable moments in the city’s storied past.
• Where:  Museum of Frederick County History, 24 East Church Street in Frederick
• When: Every Friday and Saturday at 7 pm 
• Cost: Tickets are available in advance or at the door. $10 Adults, $8 Seniors (60+), and $6 Child (6-12). To reserve tickets contact Jennifer at 301-663-1188 x104 or jwinter@frederickhistory.org.
  

Ravenseye Manor

• What: Three Haunted Attractions: Haunted Hayride (Back and better than ever), Dark Corn Maze (An eerie experience in the dark), Carnival of Souls (A 3D experience you will not want to miss)
• Where: 8778 Jordan Road, Fairplay, MD
• When: Fridays and Saturdays in October 7-11 pm 
• Cost: Cursed Hayride: $10, Carnival of Souls: $10, Dark Corn Maze: $5, Combo All 3: $20

Markoff’s Haunted Forest

• What: Celebrating their 25th anniversary, Markoff’s Haunted Forest is Maryland’s original greatest Halloween Event. With 2 trails (and a town) to explore, you will be amazed by our haunts, our extreme events, and huge bonfires! Get Ready ~ Get Psyched!
• Where: 19120 Martinsburg Rd, Dickerson, MD
• When: Opens at dusk on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (and Halloween night!). Last patrons are accepted at 10:30 pm. 
• Cost: Trail Pass: $35, Town Pass: $25

Screamland Farms @ Crumland Farms

• What: Screamland Farms is bringing you five exhilarating experiences on Fridays and Saturdays this Halloween season! Two Horrifically Scarier Haunts. Enter at your own risk! A ghastly night of bone-chilling fear and unspeakable terror for those who dare.
• Where: 7612 Willow Road, Frederick, MD
• When: Fridays and Saturdays until November 4th from 7-10 pm
• Cost: Starts at $15 per haunt, All-Inclusive pass is $75

Halloween in Baker Park in Downtown

• What: Each year our Haunted Baker Park has many new twists and turns throughout the evening. We keep some of everyone’s favorites while adding new and scary characters in secret places that no one is expecting. Many different themes and surprises for all! “Trunk or Treat” will be back again this year due to popular demand. So bring your favorite empty treat bag or pumpkin and wear a costume if you like!
• Where: Baker Park, Frederick, Maryland
• When: Friday, October 20th at 6:30-8:40 pm
• Cost:  You have to pre-register and it costs $6 for in-city residents and $8 for non-city residents.

HOWL-O-WEEN
​
It’s Halloween! Leaves are changing, pumpkin spice lattes are being sipped, candy is being sold in bulk, what’s not to love? Here at FiND iT Frederick we always like to show our four-legged friends a little love (link to White Collar, Blue Collar, Dog Collar here). So we put together the best “paw”stumes that were submitted by our readers.

​





Mr. Darcy says “You’re a wizard Hairy.”
​

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS FACE?

If you went to Urbana High School, you might just recognize Jenny Leigh!

Cool thing is, this Frederick Native wrote a song, co-written with Barrett Baber (whom you may recognize from The Voice, Season 9) and Adam Wakefield (whom you may ALSO recognize from The Voice, Season 10) AND it’s going to be available for digital download and streaming everywhere starting this FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th!

Her new single, “Let It Just Happen” is “a true representation of [her] as an artist and individual. It showcases a mix of [her] influences, having grown up listening to everything from country classics to Motown to southern rock, and has a timeless feel to it.” Leigh says “I hope the song translates to the listener in a way that is timeless, and lets the listener know that it’s OK to not have everything figured out all the time. Whether you feel stuck in a job, in a relationship, or have an outcome in your life that you’re trying to force, sometimes it can be healing to take a step back and let the pieces fall where they may.”

Although she’s releasing her debut single as a country-recording artist, she’s not quite a rookie. She’s performed the main stages at CMA Fest and some local venues like Merriweather Post Pavilion, Hard Rock Cafe, Rams Head Live, and the 9:30 Club. She also released her debut single, called “Spitfire” last year, which is currently available on all digital and streaming platforms.
Wanna learn more about Jenny Leigh? Check out her website.

​

​(Photo Via PBS- www.pbs.org/mercy-street/home)
​
The return of MERCY STREET Season 2 on PBS has the NOVA area buzzing. Based out of Alexandria, the series dives into stories inspired by real events to produce an anticipated drama of Civil War Medicine around the nation’s capital in the 1800’s. The program follows the lives of two nurses on opposing sides of the renowned conflict between North and South. Sides clash when the two nurses come face to face at Mansion House, the Green family’s luxury hotel that has been transformed into a Union Army Hospital in Alexandria, VA.

Visit this historic yet revolutionary city as it hosts new and existing tours alongside interactive events highlighting the exciting return of MERCY STREET and all of the intriguing locations as seen on TV. Eight MERCY STREET- inspired tours, including interactive and walking attractions, will be offered by land and a few by water. Tours will be lead by well-known locals DC Military Tours, Alexandria Colonial Tours, the Lee-Fendall House, and The National Women’s History Museum.

With its pristine location rich with history, excellent shopping, and waterfront views, Alexandria is the perfect place to turn your MERCY STREET excursion into an unforgettable weekend getaway. Enjoy a weekend away at Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco and experience the life inside MERCY STREET with their “Have Mercy” package- details here! Or call- 703-549-6080.

Find Alexandria experiences inspired by PBS’ MERCY STREET at
www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/mercystreet

VISITOR EXPERIENCE DETAILS
TOURS:
Mercy in Alexandria Walking Tour
Public tour every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. (additional tour times coming soon)
Additional tours by appointment
Tour starts at Alexandria Visitors Center, 221 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
DC Military Tours
703-407-6663
www.dcmilitarytour.com
Experience an inside access tour of 19th century Alexandria. Inspired by the PBS mini-series “Mercy Street,” accompany a trained military historian through Civil War-era Alexandria and learn the actual history behind the TV show. Get behind-the-scenes stories of locations where “Mercy Street” characters lived, worked and played.

“The Mercy Walk” Guided Tour
March 25, 26, 27 & April 1, 2, 3, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.
Alexandria Colonial Tours
703-519-1749
www.AlexColonialTours.com
Walk the same streets as the Green family and all of your favorite characters from “Mercy Street.”
Based on the PBS series, “Mercy Street,” Alexandria’s “The Mercy Walk” tour will give visitors and locals alike a feel for Alexandria and what it was like to live in an occupied city during the Civil War. This tour includes stops at the former Marshall House, the Confederate Statue, James Green’s furniture factory and the only portion of the Mansion House Hotel still standing today. Join us to hear the true stories of Alexandria, a true microcosm of the Civil War all within one city. Space is limited!

Contrabands & Freedmen Cemetery Memorial Tour
April 2, 2016 at 10 a.m.
Admission: Free
Office of Historic Alexandria and the Alexandria Black History Museum
1001 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriava.gov/FreedmenMemorial
Join City Archaeologist Fran Bromberg and Black History Museum Director and PBS’ “Mercy Street” history consultant Audrey Davis as you learn about the history of contrabands buried in the cemetery, the fascinating archaeology behind its rediscovery, and how the site became a memorial.

Medical Heroism in Alexandria: Tour by Land and Water
April 2016 through Columbus Day; 2nd Saturday and 4th Friday of each month
Saturday tours at 2 p.m.; Friday tours at 3 p.m.
Start at the Alexandria City Marina
DC Military Tours
703-407-6663
www.dcmilitarytour.com
Explore the “Mercy Street” story by land and by water on this guided tour of Civil War Alexandria. Accompany a trained military historian from DC Military Tours by boat through Alexandria’s 19th-century seaport and then by land for an inside access look at period sites depicted on “Mercy Street,” including a Civil War hospital and other parts of the city’s Civil War landscape.

Beyond the Battlefield Walking Tour
May 14, July 9, September 10 & November 12, 2016
10 a.m.
Admission: $15
Tour starts at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
contact@leefendallhouse.org
www.leefendallhouse.org
Discover the real-life stories and locations of soldiers, citizens and former slaves that inspired the PBS drama “Mercy Street” in this walking tour of Old Town. Discover the challenges, triumphs and controversies of life behind the front lines in an occupied city during the Civil War. See the locations of hospitals, hotels, prisons and more that filled Alexandria during four years of conflict. Tour length is three hours and the route is approximately 1.75 miles. Parking is not available at The Lyceum’s lot for this program.

Women of Civil War Alexandria Tour
Presented by the National Women’s History Museum
June to October 2016
Admission: $15
Schedule TBD
703-461-1920
www.nwhm.org
Alexandria was in a unique position during the Civil War. It was a city with Southern sympathies continuously occupied by the Union Army and virtually operating as a Northern supply depot due to its proximity to Washington, DC and its transportation infrastructure. The women who remained in Alexandria and those who came during occupation experienced the War not as a battle but a day-to-day way of life. This tour will explore the stories of a diverse group of women and their experiences living in Civil War Alexandria.

Occupied City: Civil War Alexandria Self-Guided Tour
The Lyceum-Alexandria’s History Museum
201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4994
www.alexandriava.gov/Lyceum
Fans of PBS’ “Mercy Street” drama series will learn about the real history behind the show on this self-guided walking tour, which features significant Civil War Alexandria sites all within walking distance of The Lyceum, which was seized and used as a hospital during the war.

Ivy Hill Cemetery Self-Guided Tour
2823 Kings Cloister Circle, Alexandria, VA 22302
703-549-7413
www.ivyhillcemetery.net
Ivy Hill Cemetery presents a self-guided tour on the Green family and Frank Stringfellow, who are featured in the PBS drama “Mercy Street.” Chartered in 1856, Ivy Hill Cemetery is the final resting place of the Green family and Frank Stringfellow. Guided tours will be available upon request. Maps for self-guided tours are available at the Ivy Hill Cemetery office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also available for download from Ivy Hill Cemetery’s website.

EXHIBITS:
Who These Wounded Are: The Extraordinary Stories of the Mansion House Hospital
Carlyle House Historic Park
Ongoing exhibit
121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
www.carlylehouse.org
From 1861-1865, the U.S. Army used Carlyle House, then the home of Emma Green and her family, and the adjacent Mansion House Hotel as a hospital and staff quarters. The people who lived and worked at this site in Alexandria and their real life stories have inspired the PBS television show, “Mercy Street.” The owner of the house and hotel, James Green, was one of the richest men in town and made a deep historical footprint on Alexandria.
Carlyle House’s exhibit features the factual story of the history of the site and its occupants. Upstairs, a new interpretation will explore the lives of these individuals through period hospital rooms and doctor/officer housing.

Green Family Exhibit
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
January to May 2016
107 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-3852
www.alexandriava.gov/Apothecary
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary remained open and operational when Alexandria was occupied during the Civil War. The Green family and Union Quartermaster staff shopped there to purchase everything from laudanum to cologne. Today, visitors can take a guided tour and experience the historic space where occupied Alexandria came to shop. The exhibit features the purchases and stories of the Green family and the Union Quartermaster.

The Journey to be Free: Self-emancipation and Alexandria’s Contraband Heritage
Alexandria Black History Museum
Exhibit extended through May 8, 2016
902 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4356
www.alexandriava.gov/BlackHistory
During the Civil War, thousands of African Americans escaping slavery sought refuge behind Union lines in Alexandria, Virginia. The fugitives found freedom in Alexandria, but also a city under siege. The influx overwhelmed the city. Rampant disease and deprivation took their toll on the freedmen. A cemetery was created for those who had survived slavery, but did not live long in freedom. “The Journey to be Free” shows the legacy of Alexandria’s contraband community and the amazing story of their burial ground that was lost and rediscovered, now memorialized as the Contraband and Freedmen Cemetery.

Hotel vs. Hospital Exhibit
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Ongoing exhibit
134 N. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4242
www.alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern
Learn the story of the fine hotel industry in Alexandria and how it quickly changed after the Civil War began. The City Hotel (today part of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum) was the only major hotel in Alexandria to remain open during the entirety of the war. The two other fine hotels in town, Mansion House and Marshall House, had closed. Guests will discover how tavernkeeper Samuel Heflebower was able to remain in business as he catered to the new customers in town.


“Mercy Street”-Inspired: The Alexandria Back Story
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Ongoing exhibit
717 Queen St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-1703
www.alexandria.lib.va.us
The Alexandria Library’s Special Collections played an integral role in providing historically accurate research and information to the creators of PBS’ “Mercy Street.” Today, visitors can view these rare, one-of-a-kind articles, ads and other materials illustrating the particular challenges of living in Alexandria during the Civil War in a special exhibit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in Old Town.

Medical Care for the Civil War Soldier Exhibit
Fort Ward Museum
Ongoing exhibit
4301 West Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22304
703-746-4848
www.alexandriava.gov/FortWard
Fort Ward Museum has an ongoing exhibit that features original medical instruments and equipment from the Civil War period and information on Union Army hospital sites in Alexandria.

Alexandria’s Nurses & Hospitals During the Civil War
The Lyceum—Alexandria’s History Museum
Ongoing exhibit
201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4994
www.alexandriava.gov/Lyceum
The Lyceum mounts an exhibit on the life of Clarissa Jones, a nurse at The Lyceum hospital during the Civil War. It will bring home to visitors the true story of an actual nurse in Alexandria during the war, drawing parallels with characters portrayed in the PBS drama “Mercy Street.” It will include references to the experiences of other Alexandria nurses at that time, such as Anne Reading, who actually worked in the Mansion House Hospital, and Jane Woolsey, who served at the Fairfax Seminary Hospital.

Mercy Street Uncovered: Archaeology in Alexandria
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Ongoing exhibit
105 N. Union St., Studio #327, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4399
www.alexandriava.gov/Archaeology
Exhibits include dioramas and period objects found during excavations, including a musket that was still cocked and loaded. For families, “meet” a Civil War drummer boy and try to decode a letter from a Southern spy.

EVENTS:
Speak, Sister: Alexandrian Women’s Songs and Stories of the Civil War
March 10, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-0035
www.nvfaa.org
Admission: $20
Local actors will read from diaries and letters of women who lived in Alexandria during the Civil War, and award-winning bluegrass band Dead Men’s Hollow will play songs of the Civil War.

Beyond the Call of Duty: Roles and Responsibilities of Civil War Nurses Lecture
Co-sponsored by Carlyle House and The Lyceum
March 29, 2016 at 7 p.m.
The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
www.carlylehouse.org
Admission: $10; reservation required
Join Chris Foard MSN, RN (The Foard Collection of Civil War Nursing) for an in depth lecture on the diverse practices of male and female Civil War nurses. Discussion includes an important but largely neglected aspect of Civil War nursing—roles and responsibilities of nurses in relation to current practices of today. Lecture is based on historical analysis from letters, documents, books and diaries from The Foard Collection of Civil War Nursing. This event is co-sponsored by Carlyle House Historic Park (NOVA Parks) and The Lyceum (Office of Historic Alexandria) and will take place at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street. Reservations are recommended. To order tickets, visit:https://apm.activecommunities.com/novaparks/Activity_Search/464.

Civil War Medicine Living History
April 23, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rain date: April 30
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22304
703-746-4848
www.alexandriava.gov/FortWard
Admission: Free
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site will sponsor a Civil War medical living history program presented by Civil War medical historian and interpreter Von Barron, who portrays U.S. Army Regimental Surgeon Captain Turner Kitt in a field hospital setting that features a variety of medical tools and equipment of the era.

Civil War Ball
April 30, 2016 from 8-11 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4242
www.alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern
Admission: $45 in advance; reservations required
Enjoy an evening from the 1860s in the historic ballroom at the Civil War Ball. The ball will include live music, dance instruction and period desserts. Period attire, either civilian or military, is encouraged. Dance classes for the ball will be held January 7, 14 and 21 from 7:30-9:30 p.m.Cost is $12 per class or $30 for the series.

Spies & Scones – A Special “History Mystery” Tea
May 21, 2016
Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
www.leefendallhouse.org
Admission: $50
Alexandria was filled with spies and during the Civil War. Enjoy a Victorian tea, learn about real life secret agents like Frank Stringfellow (portrayed in the PBS drama “Mercy Street,” then put your own powers of detection to the test to discover the spy in the room!
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Surgeons & Citizens, Spirits & Soldiers
October 8, 2016
Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
www.leefendallhouse.org
Admission: $10
Explore how Americans dealt with the tragedy of the Civil War in this living history program. Visit a soldier facing his own death in a hospital. See a casket displayed in proper Victorian style, surrounded by the grieving family and friends of a lost loved one. Listen as a spiritualist tries to sell her services to those in need of hope and closure.




Connect with us!
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Blog:                   www.blog.visitalexandriava.com
Facebook:          www.facebook.com/VisitAlexandriaVA
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Hashtags:          #ExtraordinaryALX | #MercyStreetPBS

When asked about the upcoming 7th annual Clutch the Future Purse Auction, hosted by Women to Women Mentoring (W2WM), executive director Tonya Hatosy-Stier couldn’t hold back her excitement “It really is an incredible event that brings the women of our community together,” she said.

The event will include activities and shows such as the much-anticipated Live Auction lead by Dana Dudley, where nearly 150 new and gently used brand-name purses will be auctioned off to raise money for women mentorship opportunities throughout the city. Other grand prizes include tickets to sporting events, hotel accomodations, and more! Members of the community are invited to donate their gently used or new purses for auction at any of the local drop off spots: Smooch, Digital Bard, Sylvana Institute, FISC, SoldierFit, Frederick School of Cosmetology, and State Farm Middletown at the office of Dean Rose.

Clutch the Future will also showcase local boutiques, such as Aspire, and their best selling fashions during the fashion show from 8:00pm-9:00pm. The fashion show celebrates the women of our community and encourages those desiring mentorships as well as mentor opportunities in order to become and produce high achieving members of our society.

Clutch The Future Purse Auction will be celebrating their 7th year this year at their new venue- Cobblentz Hall on Hood College’s campus. In previous years, the event took place at FCC- the original host of the Woman to Woman Mentoring program. But as of this year, the organization became their own non-profit. “This is a huge step for us, allowing for 100% of the proceeds of this event to go towards the mentoring opportunities we strive to provide to the community,” Hatosy-Stier said.

Last year, the event raised nearly $60,000, raising their 6 year accumulated fundraising efforts to nearly $225,000. “We are truly humbled by the incredible turnout these events generate,” Hatosy-Stier said.

Doors open for General Admission at 7:00pm, VIP entry begins at 6:00pm. More details about the event and W2WM can be seen below. Registration closes on March 17th, so don’t delay and mark your calendars today for this remarkable event!

Event VIP hours 6pm-7pm for $75 a person.

VIP Experience includes exclusive bidding opportunities, live entertainment, special drink offers, & a SWAG bag with local artist’s wine glasses.

Purchase your group’s table for the event:
Full Table VIP $600, Half Table VIP $300
Gen Admin Table $400, Gen Admin Half Table $200
Event website: http://clutchthefuture.com/
Facebook: Clutch The Future: Purse Auction
Website: http://www.womantowomanmentoring.org/
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(PHOTO COURTESY OF Clutch The Future: Purse Auction FACEBOOK PAGE-KELLY HAHN PHOTOGRAPHY)

(Photo Courtesy of Antrim 1844)

With 17 hundred different selections and 17 thousand bottles lining the walls of their antique wine cellar, the staff at Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel pride themselves in their hospitality and ability to serve the best spirits to each of their beloved guests. On Wednesday, February 3rd,  treasured friend of Antrim wine masters and renowned wine maker, James Cahill, stops by to share his favorite Northern Valley Wines with you at Antrim 1844 Hotel!

The event will take place in the beautifully adorned twin drawing rooms of the Antrim’s main mansion, and will offer you the chance to meet Cahill, a 20-season veteran of North Valley Winery based out of Oregon. It is at North Valley that some of the finest Pinot Noirs and Sparkling wines are produced with help from the cooler climate and pristine attention to detail. “The team at North Valley Wines is very conscious of the earth while producing all of their wines,” said Amanda Stein, Marketing Director at The Antrim 1844. “They know exactly what they put in and take out of their products.”

Antrim’s wine master and own Richard Mollett often travel across the country in search of some of the areas greatest wineries to learn more about the trade and to add to their growing collection. “It’s in these travels that our staff is able to meet such wonderful people and form great relationships with so many great winemakers,” Stein said.

Come meet Cahill and learn more about his three tiers of exceptional wines including “Classics”, “Origins”, and “Reserves”. Event begins at 5pm on Wednesday February 3rd . $35 per person and includes meet and greet, wine tasting, and hand passed hors de’oeuvres.
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Learn about the chance to earn $100 to use at Antrim’s Smokehouse restaurant or towards accommodations on our Facebook now through Monday 2/1.

(Photo Credit: Easels in Frederick- www.easelsinfrederick.org)

A Frederick favorite returns this Spring for the 6th Annual Juried Plein Air Event presented by Easels in Frederick! Thirty of the nation’s most talented artists and their easels will fill our city and surrounding counties to bring us one-of-a-kind artwork that displays some of our area’s finest scenery.

The painters can be seen from June 13th- June 18th. Monday and Tuesday, expect to see artists scattered around Frederick County paying homage to historic buildings, landmarks, and farmland in the early morning near sunrise and late evening around dusk. This is when the light will yield the most lucent colors and pronounced shadows.

Downtown Frederick invites all participating artists to the downtown scene of their choice on Wednesday, June 14th all day. Thursday through Friday morning, assigned areas will be mapped out for each artist, who must bring their skillset to the table in order to produce the specified scene provided to them by the Juried Plein Air Event officials. Thursday night from 6:30pm-9:00pm, the Frederick Tourism Center will host a special Plein Air presentation by the Awards Judge.

See a piece of art you wish to hang in your own Frederick home? Preview the easels created throughout the week at the Grand Exhibition Collector’s Preview event on Friday night from 6:30pm-9:30pm in the William Talley Recreation Center in Downtown Frederick. Artists will also take this opportunity to earn cash prizes and numerous awards. Purchase your favorite pieces from 1pm-4pm on Saturday, as well as cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.
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All of this, including more open-art projects and a Quick Draw Competition at the Art Market, arriving to Frederick THIS SPRING! Don’t forget to mark your calendars today so you don’t miss this exciting Frederick staple in our city of steeples! For more information, please visit  http://www.easelsinfrederick.org/.