I second Critter's sentiments.
Mid-Atlantic Conservatory Trip Everyone welcome.
It's just hard for people to predict what might come up. Even during the relatively (we thought) non busy time of year for the fall swap, we had a lot of changes in plan... I didn't know until the date was nearly upon us whether we'd end up with 5 people or 50 (and that's only a little bit of an exaggeration)... I'm pretty flexible, so whatever worked out was fine with me (and you know there was going to be enough to eat regardless, LOL), but I'm just saying that this group is hard to pin down in terms of an exact head count.
I know that idea is going to make Gita nuts, because she is very organized!
Gita, is there a minimum number of people they'd like in a group in order to do the tour? Or if the thing is to have a minimum donation, I'm certainly willing to donate $4 whether or not I'm able to make it to the show.
As far as I know--there is no minimum of people for a tour. However--I feel that at least 6 people would be "worth it" for an official, guided tour.
NO! It is not a matter of a minimum donation. Remember--all donations are "theoretically" voluntary. This is NOT about the money!
I have not yet been trained as an "official" Tour Guide because i cannot spare 6 consecutive Saturdays for the "classes" as I work on Saturdays.
I think I could "wing it", because of my natural interest in plants and my ability to "absorb" any information I can hear about this place. Yet--there is a lot i do not know.
I will "hang loose" for a while, but i will let them know that I would like to have them reserve a Tour Guide for thr 16th.
Gita
11 am on the 16th would be fine with me, as I don't think I have any gotta-be-at-church commitments that day... anybody else have thoughts about timing?
Looking through the thread, here's our "yes or definite maybe" headcount. (Being on this list doesn't mean you're committed, just that you've said you'd like to go and could probably make it.)
Gita
HollyAnn
Buttoneer
Wrightie
Nutmegnana & DH
Critter
Miatablu
less definite maybe's
SallyG
rcn48
List looks right Ric will come and I may have an extra or two. 11:00 would be fine for me.
I'm going to try to run the race in the park on the day before, so this would be two trips to Druid Hill in one weekend for me. Of course, it all depends on whether my feet will be ready or not. :)
11:00 is fine for us. We are about as definite as we can be -- allowing for those unplanned things that seem to happen.
Looks, like there should be about 10 of us give or take, and 11:00 seems to be a good time. After the visit we can check out the local fare. Can anyone say Maryland Crabs.......
Gita, Do you have any ideas of where to go and eat after?
Well--------------------
If we head for 34th Street in Hamden (Hampdem), there is place called "Cafe Hon". It is VERY popular, but it is not very roomy. Also--they DO NOT take reservations! Betsy has recomende this for us.
I have been there once. It is known for the "Hon" factor. Very, typically Balwerese! Wonder if ALL the waitresses have teased-up hair and wear spiky, pink eye-glasses????
I shot Betsy (at the Conservatory) an e-mail asking if there was any other place--just in case we cannot get in. We WILL be a fairly large crowd!
I have to wait an see what she will reply.
I had an e-mail from Betsy that she is arranging for us to have a "Guided Tour".. Please remember that this will be a $4 donation!!!!
It is still a bit of time for her to respond to me re other places to eat. Do we HAVE to eat????? I think just the whole experience of the trip to Hamden is going to "blow us away". Maybe having the added "stress" of finding a place to have lunch might ruin an otherwise great day. Then again--it would be great o unwind in a nice Cafe.
We can go there--and we can see if they can seat 12 people. BUT----------What if they cannot???? The "Cafe Hon" is NOT a big place! Think a Row House converted to a restaurant.
However--don't let that ruin your hopes of a social afternoon.
Whatever we find to do will be GREAT!
Gita
I'm not sure if I'll have time for a restaurant afterwards -- I'll still have to get to the barn to horse around that afternoon.
How's the food at the cafe hon? There's a Polish restaurant in Balt. that I've been wanting to try for a long time in case anyone swings that way.
Back to the pie factory...
My brother lives in Ellicott City and when he found out where we were going he said exactly what Gita has said:
(1) we don't want to eat in Druid Hill Park
(2) we want to see the Christmas decorations at Hampden and its very close to where we will be
(3) he also recommended Cafe Hon as the place to eat -- although I didn't mention how many people are in the group.
I didn't tell him anything except we were going to the conservatory and he came up with exactly the same plan as Gita!
Wrighte
What is the name of this Polish restaurant????
Gita
Ze Mean Bean - Polish & Ukrainian http://www.zemeanbean.com/ I've been wanting to go for over a year, but this is the perfect time of year to indulge. That's not to say that I'm suggesting that people go there on the 16th though.
Gita, I've forgotten where you're from??? Are you sporting some Eastern European roots?
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/baltimore/D38160.html
This message was edited Nov 21, 2007 7:40 PM
Wrightie,
I am from Latvia-----a long way from the Slavic/Russian/Ukranian roots of the "Mean Bean".
Been there once or twice. It is beyond small! It is in Fells Point , and if we go THAT far, there a re pile of other choices. That place is filled with cafes and Restaurants.
I think Fells Point is best visited in the Summertime. All the water and the boats and the srtoling along the Piers.....it just does not lend itself to doing it on a chilly, dank day.
Going to the Inner Harbor or to Fells Point this time of year would be sort of "cold". At least to Hamden it would be Christmasy and a lot to look at to get us all in the Holiday mood. Even if we have to wait to get into "Cafe Hon" it might be fun to just gawk at all the decorations while we wait.
As far as I can tell you, "Cafe Hon" is a luncheon type of s place. No serious food or dinners. Sandwiches, salads and such.
I am at a loss for any other suggestions. I do not hardly ever go out.
If we all came here to my neck of the woods, White Marsh, it would be a different story, but this would be a long way off the "beaten track" for most of the people coming in on I-70.
Lets just be "loose" and do the best we can. OK!
Gita
But what did you think of the food at Ze Mean Bean???????????????????????????? Please tell me it was yummy, because I am planning to head up there soon. I have Slavic and Polish roots on my mother's side and I still cook many of the family "delicacies."
I was wondering if we "need" to eat, too. Not everyone may be able to stay long enough to eat but would maybe see the sites and then stop on the way home for food. Setting a reservation will confine what we can do. I'd much rather poke around than sit in a restaurant. But some place warm where we can sit and talk grab some coffee or hot chocolate might be nice or needed. I also thought about a little tailgating at the Conservatory before we head out to hampden area. Nothing fancy just a little something to take the edge off our appetite. I am very flexible in this area.
Wrightie,
I have never eaten at the "Mean Bean". Just stopped in as at one time the lady that played her accordion there was an acquaintance This was long ago--in my "stomping days".
Holly, I am with you on the food thing. Not necessary. None of us will starve if we cannot grab a lunch.
The "Tailgating"....Hmmmmmmmmmmm????? I guess that would depend on the weather. I suppose there must be some pavilions in this park we could sit under, but, then again, it is not the greatest area in the World. There is still construction all around the Conservatory and there is nothing left in the Gardens.
We could bring some kind of finger food and munch as we walk around 34th street.
What do all the rest of you think???
Gita
I'm not sure if I can eat and walk at the same time LOL
Does the Conservatory have a parking lot? I remember parking -parallel- along the drive last time I was there.
No, Sally. There is NO parking lot, only a few spaces along the street just in front--which may still be under construction. I can try and find out.
There IS room to park along the "Old Promenade" that runs behind the Conservatory. It is an OLD bricked "road" where people used to stroll way back when--with their parasols and pyffy dresses. I have seen a picture. .
How do you get there?????
Well--Lets say you have arrived at the front of the Palm House--the BIG, 5 story all-glass building. If you look back, there is a road that heads back INTO the park just below the Conservatory. Do NOT go back out to Druid park Drive! Go on this road into the park.
Soon you will see a road (The Promenade) on your left that is blocked off by traffic cones, etc. NO access---BUT.............
.
Just before that, you will see a dirt "path" made by vehicles to bypass the blockade. This will take you out to the Promenade. Drive up a little bit and then you can park on either side of this road. Many people do that have ball games in the park.
Now you will be at the back side of the Conservatory. You can walk around past/through the Garden and get to the front of thee building.
I know this sounds "mysterious", but you will see. It IS there!!!
Gita
Hmmm ... I just figured I'd park near the old silver bldg and walk/run up the hill.
Thanks for the parking info, Gita. I'll be printing that out so we'll have an idea of where to park. As for eating, it doesn't sound like the parking around there lends itself to tailgating -- and even though I'm a football fan, I'm strictly a fairweather tailgater, if at all.
Let's just let it loose if we can't make a reservation anyway. Some people may need to leave from the conservatory, some may want to stroll the Hampden area -- I hear it is only a few blocks anyway -- then whoever wants to eat can and whoever wants to do something else can do that, too. Snacking is also yummy ;-))
Nana,
WHERE is Adamstown?????
I am ALL in favor of your comments!!! Lets play it by ear!
I cannot imagine "tailgating" in the cold, at a place with NO parking lot, and in a generally "bad" neighborhood!
Good thinking!
Gita
Adamstown is south of Frederick, sort of between Frederick and Point of Rocks but not in a straight line. Actually, our post office address is Adamstown but we live just south of Buckeystown, about 5 miles south of Frederick. I live just a few miles from Critter, just a bit further south.
Wrightie,,
If you mean the ....."whatever"...Silver Buiding , that is a long ways from the Conservatory. There are streets all around you could park on.
Surely, you can drive a lot closer and park anywhere.
OR---Are you into jogging and sweating and self-punishment????
Then, of course, you will have to jog back to your car and be an hour late for wherever we are gathering for the "Miracles on 34th Street"......
Please re-think this plan of yours!
Gita
That's the one, Gita. Yep, I'm into abusing myself. In fact, I registered for the five miler that takes place in Druid Hill the day before. Anyone want to meet on Saturday afternoon instead of Sunday?
Plans? What plans? I will wing it on the day; I'm not that into planning ahead. Heh heh.
Actually, I'd prefer a Saturday date. But I can probably make either the 15th or the 16th work... If we go on Saturday, we can cheer Wrightie on for her first post-surgery race!
Critter, Gita and I are both working on Saturdays right now. That's why we picked a Sunday. Gita could and would have changed her day off but I couldn't.
This message was edited Nov 24, 2007 3:08 PM
Ah, OK! I'd missed how that came about. Sorry!
Critter, Off topic, Do you have Bananas? Did you see my post about my daughters Bananas?
I'll have to look for that.... I've been hit & miss this week especially, since my internet connection has been a little wonky down here. I'm actually working this morning on arranging photos in an article I'm doing for DG on my adventures growing bananas here in MD. I'll bet your daughter gets a lot of comments on her plants!
Hey Gita, I was planning on giving this a Bump and firm up our plans.
Ok everyone this is what I have Sunday Dec 16th at 11:00AM meet at the Conservatory. Cost will be $2.00 or $4.00 per person depending on if we can get a tour guild.
After the Conservatory and depending on the weather anyone that is interested will head down to the Hampton area for some sightseeing and maybe something to eat. Here is the list I have.
Gita
HollyAnn + 2
Buttoneer
Wrightie
Nutmegnana & DH
Critter
Miatablu
Not sure about Sally yet but I think rcn48 is a no.
Anyone else that is able to come now is the time to speak up. We would love to have you. Holly
Hi Holly, as usual, I'm not a *firm* yes either ... I think you know that, but just wanted to be clear.
Sounds good to me. We're a go -- Rides available for Jill and Bobbie!
Just found out today that DH wants to go to a christmas party on his relatives from his mother's side, on Dec 16 so I am sad to say I am unable to go on this trip at this time. Maybe if another one is planned in the spring, please keep me in mind.
Sorry you'll have to miss the trip Buttoneer. I'll be looking for you in the Spring.
Wrightie, Hope you'll be able to make it. If your running the day before you might be a little sore hoofed. Make it if you can. If not we will post a few pic's for you and the others that will miss out.
Looks like I will probably be a "no" :( I had invited a friend to travel up with me but she's going to be out of town that weekend. Will look forward to everyone's pictures though!
Debbie
Yes, it would be really appreciated to see you pictures. Will you be planning a trip in the spring? Let me know & thanks, Happy Holidays to all of you & your families. Buttoneer.
Buttoneer, I was talking about the Extension Office plant swap in the spring.
With Jim on his way to Spain today and lots of family stuff (not all yet scheduled) on the holidays, I'm not sure if/when we're coming or going these days, LOL...
However, Bobbie and I are going to get together for lunch (in Frederick) on Monday, maybe also on Wednesday (why not?)... anybody else free? She's thinking Vietnamese... Nutmeg??
Ooh. Can't do Monday but I might be able to do Wednesday. Let me know if you decide to do Wednesday.