Sentimentality runs deep for me.
There are certain places that speak to my soul so deeply, that I go back to over and again because it feels good and right.
As a child, my grandparents would go on long Sunday drives. And if I had stayed at their home the night before, I got to venture right along with them. The oversized car would be filled with us singing songs from my grandparent's youth, while I bounced along the back seat thrilled to be in their company.
It always took longer than needed because Grandpop would take as many back roads as possible. We didn't mind one bit. Especially if it meant that we would end up at Baugher's in Westminster.
Baugher's is a family owned orchard, restaurant and produce market. Nearly everything on their menu is homemade, down to the ice cream.
As a child, they had a juke box in the far corner of the restaurant. Without fail, my grandfather would slide a few quarters across the table, giving me the green light to play what I wanted during our early bird dinner. It was a bold opportunity for a shy child like myself, to pick music for all diner's to hear. I was sharing a bit of my heart with them.
After our meal, we would head straight to the market next door. Grandpop always picked up a few treats and most importantly, his seckel pears. Everything about Baugher's brought out the sense of comfort and care.
And it still does today. We continue to venture out to Westminster, with the tradition now being passed down to the next generation. My children.
As a family, we enjoy a meal at the restaurant, then head straight to the market. My kids are teens now, so they go exploring on their own. We always grab a bunch of goodies, including apple sauce, honey sticks, a sweet treat, apple cider, and homemade ice cream when it's available.
I didn't realize until writing this out how impactful those little trips were. They instilled in me a way of life that evoked such peace.
Driving to the country, homemade food, hospitality. Just slowing it down; if only for a moment.
When the restaurant door at Baugher's swings open, I'm a joy-filled little girl with long blonde hair, skipping her way to a booth with her grandparents. No matter my age.
The admiration I hold for my grandparents is eternal. I'm so grateful for places that we can return back to over and again to remind us just that.
Ah yes,,, Baughers. A friend introduced me to Baughers a few years ago,,, more than a few years,,, and it is a wonderful place. The Restaurant is a gem that mirrors many road side restaurants, remembered from a childhood in Pennsylvania. It's a long ride from Ridge, Md, but we always bring back some cider, a couple pies, and lots of vegetables from the market. I hope they are weathering the current economic storm, and are able to continue for the next generation or so.