Author: stlmaryland

Elkton Fall Fest 2025 – A First-Time Experience

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This past Saturday, my daughter, her boyfriend, and I walked from my home to downtown Elkton to check out the annual Fall Fest. It was my first time attending, and while the event was smaller than I expected, it had a welcoming hometown feel.

We arrived around lunchtime, which turned out to be a quieter part of the day. The streets weren’t crowded, so it was easy to stroll along, visit the vendors, and take in the atmosphere. While it was hot outside, the lighter crowd made it more enjoyable to move around without feeling rushed.

The festival had a full lineup scheduled, including live music, a petting zoo, a rock wall, and more. Somehow, we completely missed a section of the event called Adventure Zone, which is where the animals and rock wall were located. I’ll definitely make a point to explore that area next year.

Even though we missed some activities, I still enjoyed browsing the vendor booths and came home with a couple of unique finds. My favorite purchase was a wooden and enamel crab sign that says “Maryland” across it, perfect for my dining room. Later, I also found out that chair massages were happening while we were there, which I unfortunately overlooked. Next time!

Overall, the Fall Fest was a nice community event with plenty to do. While timing (and maybe a better sense of direction) would have made our visit even better, I’m glad we went. Now that I know what to look for, I’m excited to experience even more of Elkton’s Fall Fest next year.

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Review: Gluten Free Dining at Klondike Kate’s (Newark, Delaware)

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars for:

  • Food Quality: Excellent overall, with standout dishes like the Sweet Bourbon Salmon and the Margherita Pizza. Minor notes (slightly salty bisque, slightly overcooked broccoli) don’t detract from the overall experience.
  • Gluten Free Awareness: Outstanding – Jaime McCardell, the GM, ensures the kitchen takes every precaution for gluten free diners.
  • Service: Attentive, knowledgeable, and welcoming from start to finish.
  • Atmosphere & Value: Generous portions, inviting environment, and fair pricing.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit Klondike Kate’s, a Newark landmark located right on Main Street in Downtown Newark, Delaware. I was invited to review their gluten-free offerings, so I brought Alex and Evan along to join me for lunch. We were excited to see what this iconic spot had to offer – and we weren’t disappointed.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly by Alli, our server, and Jaime McCardell, the general manager. They were both attentive, knowledgeable, and went out of their way to make sure our experience was smooth, especially when it came to gluten-free dining. That extra care immediately set the tone for the afternoon.

Crab Bisque

Cream-based, minced vegetables & fresh lump crabmeat, dusted with Old Bay

We started with the Crab Bisque, and it was a pleasant surprise. So often, cream-based soups are thickened with wheat flour, making them off-limits for gluten-free guests, but not here. The presentation was lovely, with a gentle dusting of Old Bay on top. The flavor had definite hints of Old Bay, and while it leaned a little salty, the overall taste was very enjoyable—rich, creamy, and not overly “fishy.” It felt indulgent and comforting without being heavy.

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Review: Caffe Gelato Restaurant (Newark, DE)

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Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

I visited Caffe Gelato with my kids to try their Artisan Crafted Gelato, and we were not disappointed!

We were spoiled for choice with so many delicious gluten-free flavors, including:

  • Salted Caramel
  • Stracciatella (chocolate chip)
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Raspberry Sorbetto
  • Vanilla Bean
  • Mint Chocolate Chip
  • Bacio (chocolate hazelnut)
  • Peanut Butter
  • Pistachio
  • Caramel Cashew Crunch
  • Crème Brûlée Toffee

I had the Crème Brûlée Toffee, which was really tasty. Portions are on the smaller side, but the flavor is big.

My daughter chose Salted Caramel, and my son went with Mint Chocolate Chip. We all tried each other’s flavors and agreed everyone picked the right one—though, naturally, I still thought mine was the best! When I asked, I was told all flavors are gluten-free, which was perfect for us.

The gelato is served in cones or cups; since we are gluten-free, we opted for cups. While the service was fair but not excellent, the quality of the gelato more than made up for it.

Caffe Gelato Restaurant – Newark, DE
📍 90 E Main St, Newark, DE
📞 (302) 738-5811

DIY Cat Tree Makeover with Oiled Sisal Rope

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After living with cats for almost three decades, one thing I’ve learned is that cat trees don’t last forever. With two cats for many years (and now four!), the wear and tear really starts to show. My oldest cat tree is easily 10 years old, if not older, and it was long overdue for a makeover.

Instead of buying a brand-new tree—which can be really expensive—I decided to try a DIY fix. After doing some research, I found out that sisal rope is the best choice for refurbishing scratching posts. Cats love it, and it holds up well to all the claw action.

I ordered 50 feet of ½-inch oiled all-natural sisal rope from Amazon. Looking back, I probably should have gone with 100 feet, since 50 feet turned out to be a little short. Still, I was really happy with how it came out overall.

For tools, I used:

  • Gardening loppers to cut the rope into pieces
  • #6 x 1-5/8″ screws to secure the rope
  • A Ryobi Cordless ¼ in. Impact Driver (which made the job so much easier)

My oldest son helped me, and together we gave the cat tree a fresh new life. We did run out of rope toward the end, so one section still has the original worn rope, but the rest looks great and is ready for all four cats to enjoy.

All in all, the cost of the rope was much more affordable than replacing the whole cat tree. And honestly, it felt good to refurbish something old instead of tossing it. The cats seem pretty pleased with their “new” scratching spots, which makes the project totally worth it.

☕ Support the Journey

If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele

Review: Del Pez Mexican Gastropub (Newark, DE)

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Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

I was recommended to try Del Pez Mexican Gastropub while craving Mexican food, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Having grown up in the Bay Area of California, I’m very particular about Mexican flavors, and I found their gluten-free options to be limited and lacking the authenticity I was hoping for.

However, I ordered the Street Taco Flight (pick & choose 3) and went with Grilled Steak, Carnitas with salsa verde crudo, and Shrimp with chipotle aioli. Out of the three, the Shrimp taco stood out — absolutely delicious, full of flavor, and perfectly balanced. I honestly wish I had ordered all three as shrimp because the Steak and Carnitas just didn’t hit the mark.

The staff was absolutely attentive and very accommodating with us being gluten intolerant, which made the visit much more pleasant.

Del Pez Mexican Gastropub
501 Grove Ln
Newark, DE 19711
📞 (302) 273-3788

Note: This review was written before my diverticulitis diagnosis — which now means avoiding corn, so sadly most Mexican food is off my plate (literally). Whaaa!

Review: Pat’s Select Pizza | Grill – Elkton, MD

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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Food & Staff)

We ordered gluten-free pizzas from Pat’s Select Pizza | Grill, and I’m so glad we did! They use a cauliflower crust as their gluten-free option, and it was cooked perfectly — not overdone or burnt, which can sometimes happen at other places. The pizzas came out in a timely manner, and they were delicious. My kids really enjoyed their orders, and I was happy to finally find a spot where we can all enjoy a good pizza together. Definitely a great option for families who need gluten-free!

Pat’s Select Pizza | Grill
224 S Bridge St
Elkton, MD 21921
Website

My Take on a Delicious Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb

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The other day, I had the absolute pleasure of tasting my cousin’s grilled butterflied leg of lamb, and I have to say I was completely blown away. The flavor, the tenderness, the perfect garlic and herb notes, it was incredible, and I knew I had to try making it myself.

She told me she originally purchased her lamb at Whole Foods, but the closest one to me is about an hour away in Glen Mills, PA. Luckily, she mentioned that Aldi’s also carries great butterflied legs of lamb, so I headed over, grabbed a package, and got started.

I marinated my lamb with pressed garlic, cumin, Dulse granules, Celtic Fine Salt, and Ken’s balsamic dressing, letting it soak in all those flavors overnight. The next day, I fired up my Traeger at 450°F and grilled it to perfection. The result? Juicy, flavorful, and savory goodness that made me feel like I was sitting right there at my cousin’s table all over again.

If you’ve ever had a moment where you taste something so good you just have to make it yourself, you know exactly what I’m talking about. This lamb recipe is easy to make at home and delivers that same restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle.

Check out the full recipe below, and get ready to wow your friends and family with this unforgettable grilled butterflied leg of lamb!

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🇮🇹 Maryland’s Largest Italian Festival: A Weekend of Fun for Gluten-Free Families

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My three kids (ages 14–18) and I are excited to check out the Maryland Italian Festival this year, happening for the first time at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28. We were given passes by the hosts to review the festival and share our honest thoughts, especially for families like ours who are gluten-intolerant.

🎟️ When and Where

  • Dates: Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28
  • Times: Friday 5 PM – 10 PM, Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM
  • Location: Ripken Stadium Parking Lot, Aberdeen, Maryland
  • Admission: $12 for adults, children 12 and under are free with a parent
  • Parking: Free on-site and at satellite lots with shuttle service

🍝 Gluten-Free Options

Finding gluten-free options at festivals can be tricky, but some vendors are making it easier:

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Crunchy Almond Cookies – Perfect for dessert.
  • Sausage and Peppers – Skip the bun and enjoy classic flavor.

Cross-contamination is always a risk, so planning ahead or bringing your own gluten-free snacks is smart.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun for Teens

The festival isn’t just for little kids, there’s plenty for teens too:

  • Bocce Tournament – Fun to play or watch.
  • Carnival Rides and Midway Games – Classic fair attractions that teens will enjoy.
  • Live Entertainment – Music, performances, and a lively atmosphere.

✅ Our Take

The Maryland Italian Festival at Ripken Stadium promises a weekend full of food, fun, and Italian culture. While gluten-free options are limited, with a little planning, families managing gluten intolerance can still enjoy everything the festival has to offer. I’m Italian, so I’m really looking forward to getting out and seeing the festival with my kids. I’ll be there that weekend, and I hope those in the area will be able to make it out as well to support this great cause.

Life Beside the Tracks and Finding Peace with the Trains in My Backyard

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When I first moved into my home, I knew I was making a trade-off. The house and yard were exactly what I had been searching for, spacious, welcoming, and full of potential. But just beyond my backyard fence, the Amtrak Acela speed trains and long cargo trains zip by.

The Acela is no ordinary train. It’s the fastest train in North America, reaching speeds of up to 160 mph as it travels the busy Northeast Corridor from Boston through New Haven Connecticut, New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and all the way to Washington, D.C. At first, the kind of speed right outside my yard felt overwhelming because the whistles were sharp, the vibrations were noticeable, and the thought of constant noise was a real concern.

But something surprising happened: I adapted. Some days, I forget the tracks are even there. The rumble of cargo trains has become routine, and the sleek blur of the Acela feels more like a marker of time than an intrusion. The whistles and vibrations have blended into the background of daily life, and instead of being disruptive, they’re simply part of the rhythm of my home.

In a strange way, I’ve grown to appreciate it. There’s a certain energy in watching the Acela flash by, knowing it’s carrying people to major cities in record time. It reminds me that while life moves quickly, there’s beauty in choosing a place to slow down, plant roots, and enjoy the space you’ve created for yourself.

Living near the tracks isn’t for everyone, but for me, the sacrifice was worth it. My home, my yard, and even the hum of the trains have become a life I wouldn’t trade.

☕ Support the Journey

If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele

Why I Took on DoorDash as a Temporary Job

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While I wait to hear back from the school district about a job interview, I decided to take on DoorDash as a way to keep money coming in. What I thought would just be a simple side gig has turned into a real eye-opener about the work it takes to keep food moving—and how much wear and tear it puts on both you and your vehicle.

In just over a month, I’ve put more than 1,800 miles on my car. I’ve gotten to know my area in a way I never would have otherwise. From winding through Maryland back roads to crossing into Delaware and even dipping into Pennsylvania, some nights I’ll hit all three states before my shift is over. It’s definitely not the kind of job where you just cruise around casually—on most days, I rack up 100+ miles in a single shift.

There are challenges that I didn’t expect. Parking can be a nightmare, especially in busier areas where every spot feels like it’s already claimed or requires a fee. Finding customer locations isn’t always straightforward either – addresses can be unclear, and some people don’t bother leaving their porch light on when you’re delivering late at night. On top of that, bathroom breaks can be tough to come by when you’re constantly on the move, and with all the driving, I find myself at the gas station every three to four days just to keep up.

It’s hard work, and it’s not something I plan to turn into a career. But right now, it’s serving its purpose: paying the bills and giving me a way to bridge the gap until something more permanent opens up. And for that, I’m grateful.

☕ Support the Journey

If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele