Shorebread is celebrating all things eco-friendly in the month of April. In keeping with our theme, we would like to bring additional awareness to the efforts of Grow Berlin Green and Lower Shore Land Trust as they hold the first ever Take Pride in Berlin Week, and Trail Mix 2012. Just last week, Grow Berlin Green received a green award from Worcester County. Local glassblowing artist, Jeffrey Auxer, created the award. The state of Maryland has also notified Grow Berlin Green that Berlin, MD has been designated the first community declared the most “green and sustainable” in the state.
There’s much to love about life in Berlin, MD from the quaint shops, the historic downtown, the architecture of the homes that span from the late 1700’s, to the natural beauty the surrounds in the form of skyscraping trees, sprawling lawns, and flowering plants and vines that add a touch of whimsy. Nearly everywhere you look, Berlin is a beautiful town blessed with the bounty of nature, and improved upon by the hands of local artisans.
The bi-weekly Farmer’s Market brings fruits and vegetables from the local farms, shellfish from the ocean and bays, breads, jams, and flowers all raised or created by local hands. Townspeople sell their made-by-hand treasures in local stores like Bungalow Love, the Berlin Coffee House, or Baked Dessert Café. Artwork is displayed in many local shops, and always in the Waterline Gallery.
The Atlantic Hotel holds court in the center of town much as it has for over 100 years. One any given warm spring evening, bikes lean against the steps and people spill into the courtyard, or linger over dinner outside on the porch as the sounds of a piano player add to the ambiance. Berlin is full of quintessential small town charm. People walk everywhere—in an age when modern communities are being built around a town center to recreate that sense of village life, Berlin has always had it. Yet it’s also progressive thanks to the efforts of Grow Berlin Green who makes eco-friendly options aware and accessible to all.
Hollywood has even come calling, recognizing the charm and appeal of Berlin, MD. Runaway Bride and Tuck Everlasting have chosen the town as the backdrop for their motion pictures. Also sensing that appeal, local businesses like Burley Oak Brewery who brought handcrafted brewing to this small town. Soon to follow are a wedding dress shop, a wine bar, and others.
The above are just some of the things Shorebread loves about life in Berlin, MD. What about you? Whether you are a resident or a visitor, “Like” the Take Pride in Berlin Week Facebook page, and tell them what you love about Berlin, MD. If you’re a resident, spend this week taking pride in your lawn, working on a garden, helping a neighbor do the same. Make improvements anywhere you can. Taking pride in where you live is all about appreciating the environment, the businesses that contribute to the way of life, and making your own positive contributions.
Take Pride in Berlin Week concludes with the first annual Trail Mix on Saturday, April 28th. The Trail Mix starts at Berlin Intermediate School (Franklin Avenue) at 8:30 a.m. Participants must register ($5 fee; children 12 and under are free), and will receive maps showing suitable trails all around the area for walking, biking, or running. According to Debbi Dean-Colley, Project Manager for Grow Berlin Green,
“The idea is to initially connect to trails around town, but also to eventually lead to other communities, including, but not limited to Ocean Pines, Selbyville, Bishopville, Ocean City and of course our State and National park, Assateague. We are currently working with the Federal and State parks to make this happen.”
Local establishments including Cupcakes in Bloom, Baked Dessert Café and the Berlin Coffee House will be creating their very own edible versions of Berlin Trail Mix, to be sold at the event. The edible mix will be sold in the establishments thereafter. A sign-up for a rain barrel raffle will be available, and reusable bags with resource information will be distributed to all participants from GBG.
This is a wonderful opportunity to get the family together, appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors, and celebrate good health. A ribbon cutting ceremony will begin the event, and also commemorates the “Safe Routes to School” initiative. The Berlin Trail Mix is the inaugural event opening the trail network around Berlin, MD and ultimately the whole of Worcester County; it is sponsored by Lower Shore Land Trust and Grow Berlin Green. All are welcome to attend.
For more information:
Take Pride in Berlin Week’s Facebook Page
