Stephanie Kalina Metzger

The Sentinel

Kayaking provides unique view of Mallows Bay history

The 14-square mile area, located in Charles County, Maryland, is well within sight of Quantico Marine Base and located in Nanjemoy.
My friends warned me that I’d get wet and cautioned against taking along a camera. For once, I wished I hadn’t listened. But for a small splash from the paddles, I emerged dry thanks to the soft launch located onsite. My seasoned kayak buddy knew better and carted his camera along to capture a few moments of the memorable trip.
From April through October, Atlanti...

The Sentinel

Discerning Diner: Carlisle Thai Cuisine satisfies customer cravings

Nothing makes taste buds dance like Thai food. The exotic cuisine known for its spicy flavors ranks high on the scale of food Americans crave the most.
Ingredients like garlic, shallots, lemongrass, chilies, galangal, basil, kaffir lime and coconut milk are pressed into service and oft-paired with protein and noodles to make fresh, bright and taste-tingling dishes.
Thankfully our area has a few options for indulging those Thai cravings, and Carlisle Thai Cuisine is one of them. Located at 141...

The Sentinel

Discerning Diner: Dolce Vita offers taste of Italy in Camp Hill

The restaurant business isn’t always easy. It’s even more difficult for independent owners who lack the luxury of moving money around during anticipated, or unexpected, downturns.
If a non-chain lasts more than a few years, it’s more than likely that they are doing something right and able to weather the storms that come their way (both literally and figuratively). Dolce Vita is one such establishment that has such staying power.
Some may remember the restaurant’s original location on South E...

theburgnews.com

Houses & Horses: Preserving history in Lower Paxton Township.

The new Lower Paxton Township Historical Commission is on the hunt for horses. Well, not just any horses, but old, handcrafted ones that some township residents may remember fondly.
There was, for instance, the old Inn 22 horse that long graced the grounds of the restaurant located five miles east of Harrisburg on Route 22.
“We’re still looking for that horse,” said Lower Paxton Township Historical Commission Chairman Joe Murphy.
Then there were the carousel horses you once could find on a fa...

cheeseplatesandroomservice.com

Not-So-Hidden Gems in Historic Lewisburg

The upside of living in Central Pennsylvania is that it's within driving distance of so many destinations. The downside is that the winters sometimes seem interminable, which leaves a six-month window to sightsee, unless you feel like contending with Mother Nature pitching a fit and stomping all over the best-laid plans. It doesn't help that most museums and other attractions are open from May through October. When you factor in the weekly obligations that often take precedence over wayfaring...

trendmag.trendoffset.com

Sea Island Life Spring/Summer 2018 : Page 16

Menu
LIBATIONS THIS AGE-OLD BEVERAGE IS GAINING A LARGE MODERN FOLLOWING. BY STEPHANIE KALINA-METZGER THE RISE OF ROSÉ r Rosé, which dates back to ancient Greece, has become especially popular in recent years. osé is having a major moment. Over the last 13 years, exports of rosé from Provence, France, to the U.S. have increased by double digits. The multifaceted drink is particularly high in demand during the spring and sum-mer months, and pairs well with nearly every-thing on the lighter sid...

theburgnews.com

Plate Class: Slice, dice and learn from some of our area’s top chefs.

In my circle of friends, I’m the one who usually does the cooking.
That’s not a complaint, as chopping, tasting and experimenting all speak to my Zen, as long as I have sufficient time, that is. Another challenge is adding new dishes to the rotation. Time and time again, I seem to revert to the same old recipe rut.
This is when I start thinking about cooking classes to help me expand my repertoire. Fortunately, several of our area’s top chefs are ready to lend a hand, taking time out from the...

salamandermagazine.com

Travel by Taste

Dive into local flavor with place-based cuisine and unique epicurean experiences.

By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Travel is all about authentic experiences, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture is through cuisine: the flavors and dining customs that are unique the area. According to a recent survey conducted by AAA, approximately 75 percent of Americans feel that food and dining are an important part of their travel experiences. Four out of five have toured wineries and d...

theburgnews.com

Family Way: As Smith Land & Improvement turns 100, a new generation takes the lead.

Family businesses are so important to the economy that Forbes Magazine has even created something it calls the “Family 500,” an index comprised of the largest family-owned businesses in the world.
You won’t find Camp Hill-based Smith Land & Improvement Corp. on that list (at least not yet), but the company has played an important role in the Harrisburg area’s economy for a century.
Founded in 1918, the company didn’t actually start out as a family venture, which came a bit later and took some...

The Sentinel

Discerning Diner: Grazery offers healthy fare in historic location

The building located next to the Bosler Memorial Library on West High Street holds a special place in the hearts of those who are familiar with its history of serving up special treats to the people of the region. A cursory search reveals an ad dating back to 1897 promising “cakes baked to order on short notice.” Homemade root beer is touted as an “H. Rhoads specialty.” Years later, a 1946 ad tempts readers with strawberry frozen custard served up at L. Kohr Frozen Custard Store. Fast forward...

cheeseplatesandroomservice.com

Omni Bedford Spring's Resort Stands the Test of Time

I visited the Omni Bedford Springs for the first time this Valentine's Day. Until then, I knew little about the property and its rich history, but soon learned more thanks to a knowledgeable guide who conducts group tours throughout the week.
Located in the Allegheny Mountains of south Pennsylvania, the Omni Bedford Springs is home to eight mineral springs which, for centuries, were used by Native Americans for drinking and bathing. The water, with its rich mineral content, was said to contai...

Susquehanna Style magazine

Something New is Springing Up at Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square is a sight to behold for both young and old. Situated on approximately 1,077 acres, the vast horticultural display includes a collection of glorious gardens, canopied woodlands, and lush meadows. The 4.5-acre conservatory alone is a photographer’s dream, with its abundant natural light and 20 indoor gardens showcasing 5,500 types of plants. To encourage budding little horticulturists, Longwood offers a space where kids can explore to their hearts’ content. T...

The Sentinel

Discerning Diner: Marcello’s in Carlisle worth the splurge

Like so many others, I’ve been making a conscientious effort to cut back on carbs these days. But if you can’t splurge on your birthday, when can you?
Last week, I made it a point to bank a few calories to indulge in a pasta feast at Marcello’s, a BYOB I’ve heard about but never tried.
Located a bit off the beaten path at 900 Cavalry Road, North Middleton Township, Marcello’s takes up the better part of a medium-sized strip mall, and its sizable lot makes finding a convenient parking spot sim...

travelgumbo.com

"American Treasure Tour"—Extensive Collection of Americana

Tucked away in a nondescript warehouse in Montgomery County not far from the Valley Forge National Historical Park is an extensive collection of Americana that has been delighting visitors since opening in 2010. The unique assemblage of antiques, kitsch and pop art housed in an old B.F. Goodrich tire plant, spans 100,000 square feet and is owned by a mysterious man who eschews the limelight. "He prefers to remain anonymous to allow the collection to take the spotlight," said Treasure Tour Dir...

theburgnews.com

The Charm of Sharon: Sometimes, romance is found in unexpected places.

Even its name is charming.

That was my thought upon visiting Sharon, Pa., a quaint town that features the Buhl Mansion Guesthouse and Spa, listed among the “Top 10” romantic inns by iloveinns.com. That was reason enough to visit for a story that would run the month of Valentine’s Day, I reasoned.

Doing research beforehand, I also found out that the mansion, an imposing structure, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But otherwise, I knew little else about the tiny city abou...