What's New?
JudyColbert.com site under reconstruction
Work is underway, as I type, on updating my site. Links are being fixed. New features, including the ability for you to purchase books through Amazon.com, and resources to help you in your personal and professional life are being added. Let me know what you think and what should be added, if you find any glitches or broken links. Just click here to send an email.
John Tegler Interview -- Sunday, August 31 6 p.m. www.v1370.com
John Tegler has to be one of the greatest Renaissance men I've ever met. He's done everything. Worked with Big Bands, been a writer and narrator, been the host of a jazz radio show, taught eagles how to fly (I made that up), and, for this particular item, is the host of Capital Conversation, streamed live at www.v1370.com and syndicated on dozens of radio stations.
The show we taped a week ago at the Hard Bean Coffee and Book Store in Annapolis, on Market Street, will air this Sunday, August 31, from 6 to 7 p.m. We talked about Virginia Off the Beaten Path, Maryland and Delaware Off the Beaten Path, Smart Shopping Baltimore and Washington (this October, I hope), Drive I-95 (by Stan and Sandra Posner), and so much more. The hour just zooooooommmmmeeeed by. John and his wife (the show's tech) are so wonderful and easy to work with that is was just a delight and I look forward to being back on the show.
Temper Tantrum Common Sense Handbook
Allergies cause tantrums?
I'm putting the finishing touches on Temper Tantrum Common Sense Handbook and I hope to have it ready to download as an e-book, by September 10. Check back for a link to purchase this valuable resource about how to deal with one of life's constant problems. Anecdotes and solid recommendations cover everything from why children have them (yes, allergies sometimes can trigger a tantrum) to how to avoid them at home, in a restaurant, on a plane, and other circumstances.
Let me know if you have a great story about your child or your childhood, what caused the tantrum, how it was resolved, and any other information you want to provide. Also let me know if you want your names mentioned.
Prince William County
This is a photo I took of the exterior of the Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, Virginia. The roof was designed to look like the flag raising at Iwo Jima. It's a fantastic museum that's way over expected attendance (1,000,000 visitor due Labor Day weekend and it's been open less than two years).
I had a marvelous dinner at the Foundation Restaurant, 9112 Center St., in old town Manassas. This could be the best restaurant in all of Prince William County! Charles Gilliam, the owner of The Foundation (and Okra's next door) offers a chef's dinner for up to 8 people, counter side, in front of the open kitchen. 703-368-3427. www.foundationmanssas.com.
Gaylord National
I spent a few days in mid-June at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center at National Harbor, Maryland. WOW!
I like the Gaylord properties (Nashville, Orlando, Dallas-Forth Worth) and I'm even more impressed with this newest hotel. Open only two months and service is next to impeccable meaning they work very hard to hire just the right people with the right attitude and then train them even more. I ate at three restaurants, the Old Hickory Steakhouse (Gaylord's signature steakhouse), Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine (seafood, shellfish, sushi, sashimi, and non-fish items), and Pienza Italian Market (down to the inhouse-made gelati). Each was superb.
A stop at the Relache spa for a massage (ask for Ryan, aka Trey) and an evening boat ride aboard the SeaDog down the Potomac just made the visit a wonderful escape. Introductory rates start at about $159, depending on day of the week and room location. Call 301 965-2000 for reservations or go to their Web site, www.GaylordNational.com.
I didn't have a chance to catch the water taxi over to Old Town Alexandria, or to Georgetown, or to Mount Vernon, but the options are available.
The best part, it's only about a 40-mile drive, perfect for a stay-cation.
Here's my article from the Howard County Times.
Dan Rodricks Midday Show
Dan Rodricks was nice enough to invite me on to his Midday show on WYPR (NPR 88.1) for two days last week! We spent an hour on Tuesday, June 10, talking about places to visit in Maryland that are within a day's drive (well, all of Maryland fits that category) and then on Wednesday, June 11, we talked about interesting things to do in Virginia and Delaware.
Lots of Dan's listeners called in with suggestions and questions and those two hours just zipped by. You can see some of the suggestions at www.wypr.org/Mid_Day_Factories.html.
Smart Shopping Baltimore Washington
May 2008 -- Want to know where to find gluten-free baked goods or someone to repair your typewriter? Check my forthcoming book, Smart Shopping Baltimore Washington, scheduled for a Fall 2008 release.
Even if you don't live in this area, it will help you find the necessary goods and services where you live.
Although there are almost 800 listings, there's sure to be a treasure I overlooked. Please let me know about your favorite shop or service by writing to Smart Shopping Baltimore Washington.
Smart Shopping Baltimore Washington is published by the Stan and Sandra Posner, the people who bring you Smart Shopping Montreal and Drive I-95.
Virginia Off the Beaten Path
The 10th edition of my Virginia Off the Beaten Path guidebook should be in your favorite store this fall. I've updated lots of my favorite places and included some wonderful new things to see and do, off the Interstate. Note to foodies, the Route 11 Potato Chip factory is moving a few miles south to Mount Jackson. The viewing room should be open later this year, so you'll once again (or for the first time) be able to watch chips being made. Also, Maj. (ret.) Rich Spooner and his wife, Gloria, have moved their famed Globe and Laurel restaurant from the Triangle location (road widening) to a Stafford location, 3987 Jefferson Davis Highway. (703) 221-5763. A grand opening reception was held on Friday, June 6.
