I’d like to think that I’m a writer who will bring you both sides of the story. Following my post Monday on the things I dislike about waiters and waitresses (click here to catch up), I thought it only fair to talk about the folks who patronize restaurants and diners all over the area. I’ve seen some of you out there, and believe me, you’re no picnic when it comes to serving. Trust me when I tell you that –…
I love to go out to eat. If I won the lottery tomorrow, most of my winnings would probably be spent on fine food and drink in high-end restaurants. I’ve seen (and known) a lot of waiters and waitresses in my day, and I can tell you that there are certain things I expect from them. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that the “front of the house” in a restaurant is a tough job, where people spend hours on…
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner (note to self – get a card for my wife). Although I’m convinced that it was originally conceived by the greeting card and candy industries as a way to move product in the dead of winter, it’s as good excuse as any to plan a date night with your spouse or sweetheart. I’m often asked “aren’t there any NICE places to eat around here?” The answer to that, of course, is yes –…
The cold days of winter (although our own weather this year has been a mixed bag) often make folks pine for the sun and warmth of the American south – most particularly Florida. Lots of people travel to the “Sunshine State” in the winter months to take a break from the ice and snow or to ride out the cold months until spring (aka “snowbirds”). These same folks often return from their winter repast with dreams of a permanent home…
There are 4,664 Walmarts in the United States[1]. It’s the number one retailer in America. I’m sure there are very nice locations around this great land (the one in Spring Mills comes to mind), where the shelves are fully stocked, the store is impeccably clean, and the employees seem helpful and happy to work there. That being said, if getting your shopping done is of secondary concern and for sheer entertainment value, I’d rank the Hagerstown Walmart Supercenter on Garland…
Ahhh, the weekly jaunt to the grocery store. I know it’s a necessity, but the recent busy holidays have only amplified my issues and problems with our local food warehouses. I like to think that I’m a relatively calm person, but some of these things make my blood boil – and I’ve seen some of you in the aisles as well. You’re one step away from a court date and anger management classes. I get it. To protect the innocent,…
The internet is a fascinating place. Not only can you find videos of singing cats or little people in drunken bar fights, there are actually useful sites that offer intelligent information, like good travel deals. If you’ve got that travel itch, here are several sites you should bookmark for trip planning ideas and in some cases, some great prices as well: Cloud 9 Living Website: www.cloud9living.com Similar in set-up to “Groupon”, this site offers a wide variety of travel…
I’m generally not one for New Year’s Resolutions, as they are broken more easily than a dozen eggs tossed down a basement stairwell, but for the sake of argument, here’s a short list of things I’d LIKE to see happen in the four-state world of travel and food in the coming year: Widen Interstate 81 in Maryland Come on, State and Federal governments – haven’t we waited long enough? Now is the time to take care of this mess. I…
Pounding out three blog entries a week since early July takes a toll on the old creative juices. I appreciate the discipline it has instilled in my writing, but none the less – all work and no play makes Jack a dull writer, as it were. I’ll be taking a few weeks off until the New Year to recharge my batteries. I hope each of you also has the chance to take some down time during the holidays to spend…
Living in a rural area has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, it’s hard to find fine dining options, but I could probably get you a good deal on a cord of firewood for the winter. One thing that the four-state area has an abundance of; however, is good, old-fashioned Christmas displays and celebrations. One of the best is continuing through this weekend, and you should get out and see it if you can. The Williamsport “Charlie Brown” Christmas at…