Friday, March 29, 2024

Iron Hill Park: Enjoy the Delaware Outdoors

Iron Hill Park is proof that anything can be turned into a natural wonder. Located on Old Baltimore Pike, Iron Hill Park served as an iron mine for many years. Now, local volunteers have lovingly restored it as a 335 acre community jewel. This is a terrific spot to bring the family and enjoy the beauty of nature.

There’s plenty of room in the picnic area for families and friends to gather, and everyone is welcome to take a hike to get some exercise. Photography is not only allowed, it’s encouraged! There are monthly nature tours, and bring the family to the Iron Hill Park Museum. Operated by the Delaware Academy of Science, the museum is a place of fun and learning.

Visit Iron Hill Park's website to learn more!

Iron Hill Park
1355 Old Baltimore Pike
Newark, DE 19702
(302) 395-5720
www.friendsofironhill.org
www.yelp.com/biz/iron-hill-dog-park-newark

Newark Deli & Bagels: Tasty Sandwiches and More

Newark locals know that for a quick and tasty meal, Newark Deli & Bagels is a dependable choice. This award-winning deli is a local favorite for morning meals on the go. Pick up a toasted blueberry bagel with walnut cinnamon cream cheese spread on top, or pick up a dozen to share at the office. For a more substantial breakfast, try adding sausage, cheese and a fried egg to an onion bagel for a mouth-watering breakfast sandwich.

Newark Deli & Bagel is also a popular lunch destination, and it's easy to understand why once you bite into a sandwich piled high with your choice of pastrami, shaved ham, or grilled turkey. Salads, soups, and burgers are also available, so there's something to fit everyone's tastes. Free Wi-Fi makes it convenient to catch up on your email while eating in the deli, and an online ordering system makes it easy to get your food quickly when you're on the go.

Newark Deli & Bagels
36 East Main Street
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 266-7150
www.newarkdeliandbagels.com
www.yelp.com/biz/newark-deli-and-bagels-newark

Two Stones Pub: Great Pub Fare

Two Stones Pub is the place to go for the best in beer, and great pub food. Come in and enjoy the ambiance of a comfy pub. Have a seat at the bar and just try to decide between the 20 or more beers on tap along with the amazing selection of bottled beers from around the country and the world.

Grab a table for lunch, stay for happy hour, or sit down for dinner and try the 2SP soup with sweet sausage, sauerkraut, kidney beans, and beer. There are also great apps like deep fried pickles, mini corn dogs, and a mushroom, beer, and cheese dip. The lunch and dinner burger selections will keep you coming back for more, as will the big and tasty sandwiches and entrees. The bar is open until 1 a.m., so come in for a beer and a late-night snack!

Two Stones Pub
2 Chesmar Plaza
Newark, DE 19713
(302) 294-1890
www.twostonespub.com/newark.php
www.yelp.com/biz/two-stones-pub-newark

How to Shake (or Stir!) the Perfect Cocktail

If you think you need to venture to the bar to find a unique, tasty cocktail, think again. You can easily mix up your own creative cocktails and mocktails in the comfort of your own home. The most important part of a great drink is how long the flavor lingers in your mouth. You want to intrigue your taste buds and mind after the sip goes down. These tips are sure to leave a unique, lasting flavor on your tongue.

  • Choose a good quality base liquor or flavor of your cocktail.
  • Use a generous amount of the base spirit.
  • Mix in a tart or sweet ingredient such as lime juice, simple syrup, or liqueur. Remember to keep it simple and balanced, as this will make the flavors last in your mouth.
  • Add a few drops of bitters or a hydrosol, such as rosewater, to add aromatics to your drink.
  • A cocktail that contains delicate flavors or ingredients should be stirred. Be sure to shake any cocktail containing juice or egg whites.
  • To avoid diluting your drink, use larger ice cubes that will melt at a slower pace. In your glass, the ice should be visible about the alcohol line.
  • Take some time to make your cocktail look presentable. A simple lemon twist can add a touch of elegance to your drink.

From A Genius Mixologist: The Only Ratio You Need For Perfect Cocktails [Fast Company]
How to make cocktails: follow these 10 golden rules [The Guardian]
How to Make Perfect Cocktails [Williams-Sonoma Taste]

Happy Fourth of July!

Wishing you a Fourth of July filled with pride, honor, and lots of fun!

Take Your Pup to Play at Iron Hill Dog Park

Iron Hill Dog Park may have a corner on the market in Newark, but it's still considered one of the top spots in the area to take your pooch for some sun and socializing. Rumor has it that the park's regulars, both canine and human, are some of the friendliest around. So even if you're a newcomer, you can expect to find someone to chat with when you visit Iron Hill Dog Park.

While you're making new friends, your pup will be, too. The fenced-in park boasts two separate areas for small dogs and large dogs, so playmates are always equally matched. Keep an eye on your four-legged friend as he romps around with pooches his own size. You can sit comfortably on one of the many benches, perhaps in a shady spot, and enjoy the fresh air and camaraderie of fellow dog owners.

Iron Hill Dog Park
Old Baltimore Pike and Whittaker Road
Newark, DE 19702
(610) 627-9000
www.bringfido.com/attraction/2709
www.yelp.com/biz/iron-hill-dog-park-newark

La Casea Pasta: Italian Plates & Wine Pairings

There’s more than pasta at La Casea Pasta. Located right on Four Seasons Parkway, La Casea Pasta features traditional Italian specialties. Come in and enjoy the beautiful ambiance which includes a great bar and comfortable seating. The bar is a nice place to come on Friday and Saturday, when you can relax and listen to the pianist play all of your favorites.

If you’re a wine lover, you will also love the dining room's decor! Many of the walls are also wine shelves, so you can see many of the vintages first-hand. For lunch or dinner, you’ll like the selection of classic small plates and entrees. But as the name says, you’ll really like the house-made pasta! There are special rooms that can accommodate small or large parties, and catering is available. La Casea Pasta is open Monday through Saturday.

La Casea Pasta
120 Four Seasons Parkway
Newark, DE 19702
(302) 738-9935
www.lacasapasta.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-casa-pasta-newark

Happy Father’s Day!

Today is a chance for us to recognize some very important people in our lives. May this day bring you many reasons to smile!

Happy Father’s Day!

Sushi Sumo: Japanese Fare in Newark

Love sushi? Newark's Sushi Sumo might just become your go-to spot near Christiana Reserve. This Japanese restaurant serves all your favorite rolls in a comfortable setting. You can order your sushi ala carte, or get a sushi entrée with an assortment of different rolls.

Choices include the Sushi & Sashimi Combo with 13 pieces of assorted filets, one California roll, and one eel roll. The Spicy Roll Combo includes a spicy tuna toll, crunchy spicy salmon, and spicy crunchy white tuna roll. The menu also includes a selection of cooked fare like Chicken & Pork Katsu with breaded, fried filets, Chicken, Beef & Salmon Teriyaki, Shrimp Tempura and Vegetable & Tofu Tempura. Yaki Udon – stir fried noodles – is also on the menu. Entrees are served with soup, salad and white rice.

Sushi Sumo
2653 Kirkwood Highway
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 366-1188
www.welcometodelaware.biz
www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-sumo-newark

Go For the Old! Here’s What to Look For at The Local Thrift Store

Whether you're looking to add a touch of character to your home or simply trying to save some money on must-have furniture items, shopping at thrift and antique stores is a great choice. Before you set out on your thrifting journey, learn about the best items to look for on your hunt.

  • Solid wood pieces. Anything built of solid wood likely means it's built to last. Inspect tables, desks and bed frames to see if they're made of real wood instead of particle board or laminate materials.
  • Mid-century modern items. The mid-century modern movement is having a big comeback, so you can feel confident that these items will stay in style for years to come. Seek out chairs and sofas with tapered wooden legs, sleek desks and tables with metal hairpin legs, and items made of sturdy teak wood, which was popular during this era.
  • Woven or imported rugs. While purchasing a new rug can cost you a pretty penny, you'll often find trendy vintage styles for much less at the thrift store. Search for woven styles, Southwestern patterns or imported designs, like Persian or Moroccan rugs.
  • Vintage picture frames. Picture frames are also pricey when purchased new, so you should always take a look around for metal or wooden frames at the thrift store. Even if it already has a photo inside, you can take it out and start fresh with your own print.
  • Kitschy electronics. While purchasing an old TV can be a bit dangerous (many thrift chains don't even sell them anymore), you should keep your eyes peeled for antique radios, clocks, and other analog items that are now collectibles.

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