Reggae Night @ Boordy...

Simply put, the best that Boordy Vineyards offers all summer long. This night brings out the primal in all of us.

There is just something about Reggae that brings people of all walks of life together. From that investment banker in the lavender golf shirt (working hard at getting his wife to engage in a little girl-on-girl play right in the middle of the dance floor/patio) to the long-haired dreadlocks guy wearing a batik print skirt… from the soccer mom-of-four with the perfect cropped and highlighted ‘do’ to the unshaven armpit, no-bra-wearing hippie chick (and I do believe she actually was involved in a threesome by the end of the evening)…we ALL let our inhibitions go and danced side-by-side (sometimes closer) for the remainder of this hot and sultry August evening.

Boordy has done it again…given me another night to remember.

The extreme heat was 'No Problem, Mon'.

On Sunday we attended Linganore Winecellars' Reggae Wine Festival at Berrywine Farms. The weekend long event attracts thousands. Their lovely 230 acre estate, with 60 acres of vineyards, is 39 miles from Baltimore & DC, minutes from the tiny historic town of New Market. (There is even a bus service from College Park available.)

This festival offers something for everyone...great jerk chicken from Jamaica Caterers, breads from Breadhead, (the catfish was a favorite with my husband, who had it for the very 1st time), 2 live bands daily (this year Passion Reggae Band & Image Band), as well as vineyard tours and wine tastings. The air-conditioned tasting bar inside the barn was refreshing and I was very impressed with their recycling effort (more local vineyards should take notice). http://www.linganore-wine.com/index.html

In spite of the incredible heat (the thermometer in the sun said 120!) and limited shade - I am definitely bringing a portable canopy next year -we all had a great time. Although it was a little too hot for me to dance, it did not stop a large crown from swaying to that reggae beat. My boys were pretty lazy too, playing cards on the quilt in a little shady spot we managed to find - albeit next to the recycling center. I also did a little shopping in the upper loft of the barn: lots of ethnic inspired art, jewelry, clothing, etc.

Afterwards, we paid a quick visit to downtown New Market, although most stores and attractions were closed by 6pm (NOTE TO NEW MARKET BUSINESS OWNERS: STAY OPEN LONGER HOURS THIS WEEKEND...it would be well worth your time).

Mealey's Restaurant was opened, although after the heat and the wine, my appetite wasn't where it needed to be, so I plan to come back for their seasonal special, Duck Confit Salad. FYI: Mealey's will be opening its 'brand new' old Tavern by summer's end, so be sure to check it out after next year's festival...just be sure to book a room across the street at the Strawberry Inn!

http://www.mealeysrestaurant.com/index.shtml