Jasmine The Invincible

Summer is just getting started - have you planned out your adventures yet? If you are short on annual leave, or even short on funds, this list will help you channel your explorer mojo into planning an exciting series of day trips in Maryland. Have a solo experience, or even bring friends and family along for the ride! Walk in Her Shoes - Harriet Tubman Byway Image from Visit Maryland Not only was Harriet Tubman the frontwoman of the Underground Railroad (a network of safe houses and individuals dedicated to helping enslaved black men and women escape and gain their freedom) but she was also a nurse employed by the Union Army during the American Civil War and later -- a spy, scout, and militia commander.  Believe it or not, much of Tubman's "railroad conductor" work happened right in Maryland. While leading others to freedom, she traveled through Dorchester and Caroline counties in Maryland before heading into Deleware, and then into Pennsylvania.  This su

  Jasmine reflects and reflects and reflects. Can you believe it's actually August ? It seems it was not that long ago that I was making plans to work from home for what appeared to be a couple of weeks or so. I remember putting on my jacket, grabbing a few things from my cubicle at the office -- only to never return again. In the time since March, the days have zoomed past at break-neck speed. My husband and I had to cancel our anniversary celebration and to add insult to injury I barely remember holidays like Easter or Memorial Day weekend. I think the pandemic quarantine or "Coronatine" (as I like to call it) has caused this phenomenon where we lose a sense of time due to the monotony of our schedules and increased time indoors. According to health professionals, this is the safest method for curbing the spread of the virus. This fact brings us to our topic at hand. Even though most states are at level 3+ of re-opening, does that mean we can go back pre-pandemic life?

Price gouging occurs when sellers (individuals) increase the cost of goods, services or commodities to a level much higher than is considered reasonable or fair. It typically occurs after a demand or supply shock and is considered exploitative and unethical. Businesses are not allowed to take advantage of the public during a national crisis or natural disaster by increasing the cost of essential items to turn a profit. This could include (but is not limited to) gas, toilet paper, surgical masks, hand sanitizer, or non-perishables. If you feel you have been a victim of price gouging, or you have witnessed a business take advantage of the public, reach out to your local attorney general. Links for DMV area attorney generals are provided below: Washington, D.C. Attorney General, Karl A. Racine Consumer Protection Consumer Protection Hotline: (202)442-9828 Mon-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm phone: (202) 727-3400 Fax: (202) 347-8922 TTY: (202) 727-3400 Email: oag@dc.gov Website

Not a Maryland crab cake I always get highly upset when I go to a restaurant and they say they have Maryland crab cakes...when they actually just have crab patties made with Maryland blue crab loaded down with tons of filler. It is an OUTRAGE and the next time it happens, I am calling the POLICE! For those who aren't aware, a real Maryland crab cake has the following qualities: Is made with LUMP Maryland blue crab meat (not backfin). Has little to no filler and usually has mostly egg binding instead of breadcrumb (or in some cases a little of both). Is served  broiled , not fried.  It is served browned . It isn't white , or light tan , it is GOLDEN BROWN  cot dangit. (If someone brings me a white crab cake, I'm flipping over the table and knocking over every water pitcher in sight!) You don't get any bites of crab shell. Only delicious, sweet crab. That being said, here is a list of restaurants where you can go and expect to have an authentic

The older I grow, the more I enjoy the great outdoors -- especially when it comes to experiences specific to the region in which I live. Maryland, DC, and Virginia offer an array of natural wonders perfect for every level of adventurer. Whether you enjoy scenic, simple walks -- or rafting through bubbling, whitewater rapids -- the sites on this list are sure to add some excitement to your summer! Assateague Island, MD Image from  Visit Worcester Assateague is a natural barrier island a few miles south of Ocean City, MD. Tourists often gather on its famous beaches for the chance to catch a glimpse of wild ponies. On your next trip, consider visiting the Assateague Lighthouse or renting a bike and pedaling around Assateague Park! Admission is $20 per vehicle. Calvert Cliffs State Park, MD  Image from  Pinterest Located in Lusby, Maryland, the Calvert Cliffs State Park is well known for its diverse ecosystem (including beaches, marshes, and woodlands), beautiful s

About a month back I purchased a "rainy day" Groupon for Blue Dyer Distilling. This is one of my favorite practices. When I get paid, I often put a few dollars toward my activity fund. I usually purchase a couple of affordable Groupons for local experiences and save them for when I feel the urge to get out and explore. In this case, my bestie and I were in need of a Sunday Funday destination. I figured it was an awesome opportunity to try out Blue Dyer. After many years of living in Southern Maryland, I was very excited to see a distillery adjacent to my hometown! Plus, my bestie loves a good whiskey so it was definitely a good fit for both of us. When we first entered the distillery, we were greeted warmly by Spike. We tasted our first spirit of the day, a surprisingly smooth and "smokey" dark rum. Afterward, we took a tour of the distillery where we learned more about the history of the business and its operation. Blue Dyer Distilli

Get ready to "get schwifty" because the creators of the "cherry blossom bar" and the Game of Thrones bar are bringing their next pop up, The Wubba Lubba Pub to DC next week! This Rick & Morty themed adventure runs from next Thursday (August 9th) through the first Thursday in October (October 6th)! That means you get two months to enjoy this experience and - hopefully - wait out the long lines. In the spirit of Rick Sanchez, guests can enjoy a number of show-inspired drinks such as  the " Existence Is Pain "  (gin, blanc vermouth, Blue Curaçao, coconut water, lemon, and absinthe) or the " Get Schwifty "  (tequila, St. Germain, watermelon, lime, and salt).  Image from Mostly Film The space will span three bars on 7th Street, each transporting you to a different iconic Rick & Morty scene - most notably Rick's laboratory and "Anatomy Park". Definitely  expect to catch a glimpse of Mr. Meeseeks behind one of the

Since my unfortunate foot injury , I've been off my diet, and since I've been off my diet I've been researching mouth-watering local treats over the last two weeks. Strictly research (of course) *wink*! While falling down the Google rabbit-hole, I discovered Maryland's Best Ice Cream trail! I had no idea such awesomeness even existed in my state! Lactose lovers, listen up! The 2018 trail is comprised of nine local dairies that produce homemade ice cream for your tasting pleasure. According to Maryland.gov, the trail stretches across 290 miles through Worcester, Baltimore, Cecil, Frederick, Hartford and Montgomery Counties. Intrigued by the thought of sampling delicious, local ice cream across the great state of Maryland? Well, you are in luck! Print your copy of the 2018 MD Ice Cream Trail passport by clicking here !  Image from Maryland Travel Stories At each dairy farm, you must answer a fun question and receive a stamp on your passport. If