Monday, September 15, 2025
Home Blog Page 131

Let’s Go to the Farm: A Stay at Sugar Water Manor

Previously known as the historic Clifton estate, Sugar Water Manor encompasses 68 acres on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, about a 2.5-hour drive from Baltimore. With roots dating back to the 17th century, history surrounds you in this bucolic landscape. Located along the protected waters of the Manokin River, Sugar Water Manor provides a haven for eagles, osprey and an abundance of farm animals.

Not your ordinary bed and breakfast, Sugar Water Manor takes hospitality to a new level. The owners, David and Dana Zucker, welcome you to their pastoral paradise in Westover, Maryland as if you’re part of the family. I know because I’ve been there…twice.

The Barn at Sugar Water Manor
Welcome to the Farm!

Introducing Grandkids to the Farm

Two years ago, I took two of my grandkids for a visit. At the time, they were 13 and 11. My younger grandson, Benjamin, paid close attention to the photos of his cousins and immediately asked if I could take him to Sugar Water Manor. This year Benjamin – who is now 12 years old – and I made it to the farm.

Sugar Water Manor on Travel with Terri
New Friends on the Farm!

Every legit farm stay begins with an introduction to the locals. At Sugar Water Manor that includes 10 goats: Oscar, Willie, Otis, Chester, Magnolia, Willow, Jack, Hank, Ted and Mable! These friendly residents were an absolute joy approaching us for petting and occasional goat kisses. In addition to goats, Sugar Water Manor is home to over 30 chickens, guinea fowl, ducks, geese and roosters. Keeping an eye on all the livestock is Zoe – a gorgeous Great Pyrenees who takes her role as guardian very seriously.

A rescue dog, Zoe is deaf. Introducing Benjamin to Zoe, Dana explained the importance of letting her approach him. It didn’t take long for this loveable creature to walk up to Benjamin letting him pet her. Once she knew he was on her team, she sat up on her back legs holding her paws out waiting for a hug. She’ll take kisses too and it is absolutely priceless.

Benjamin and Zoe at Sugar Water Manor
Zoe & Benjamin

Sugar Water Manor also provides a home to three beautiful cats who stop by to visit from time to time. And at the main house, you’ll meet the family dogs, Sadie and Max – two of the most lovable furry friends you’ll ever find.

A Place Where Chores Are Fun

Like most 12-year-old boys, Benjamin detests chores at home. But at Sugar Water Manor, chores on the farm kept him happy, focused and determined. He checked in with Dana and her farm helper, Gabby, each day to see what chores they had for him. Each day he helped collect fresh eggs from the chicken and ducks. He fed the baby geese and even helped get the goats ready for a check-up with the vet.

At times, I suggested we venture out to explore nearby attractions. He declined saying, “I don’t want to be late for my chores.” Those words had never before been uttered from his mouth!

Also on the farm, gardens render fresh veggies, fruit and herbs. And the bees are busy making honey in their hives. Benjamin steered clear of the bees, but he did pick a few strawberries which happened to be a favorite of a chicken named Cinnamon.

More Fun on the Farm

Kayaks at Sugar Water Manor
Ready for the River!

From lending a helping hand as a farmer for the day to collecting your own fresh eggs each morning, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. Paddle into the sunset in complimentary kayaks or on paddleboards. The Manokin River is tidal making so it’s shallow enough during low tide to wade out into the river. Evenings are spent relaxing around the fire pit making s’mores. There are no TVs making Sugar Water Manor an ideal place to unplug and reconnect. You’ll find plenty of board games for some old-fashioned fun. Sugar Water Manor is home to the first in-ground pool in Somerset County, so diving into the pools means you’re swimming in history.

Accommodations at Sugar Water Manor

Sugar Water Manor on Travel with Terri
The Farmhouse

There are three lodging options available for booking at Sugar Water Manor: The Farmhouse, The Homestead and The Loft.

The Farmhouse boasts beautiful views of the property from each window. This three-bedroom, 1.5-bath home includes a full eat-in kitchen as well as a separate dining room. The first floor features a big cozy family room with a half bath and a screened-in porch. The second floor has 3 bedrooms, a king, queen and a double as well as a full bath with a rain-head shower.

The Homestead provides beautiful views of the river, garden, both barns and lovely sunsets. The ground floor includes a cozy family room, a full kitchen, a separate dining room, and a screened-in porch you’ll never want to leave. The second floor has 2 bedrooms, one with a queen bed and one with a double bed as well as a full bath with a rain-head shower.

Ideal for couples, the Loft is located above the apiary workshop. The Loft is an expansive king room with a spa bath. The walk-in shower has a rainforest head. From one side of The Loft, you have a view of the fields and on the other, the apiary, gardens and river.

An incredible cook and hostess, Dana delivers a tray filled with freshly baked treats and fruit each morning. Every treat is delicious but her vanilla scones were the best I’ve ever eaten!

Things to Do Nearby

Although I couldn’t convince Benjamin to explore beyond the farm, there are plenty of things to see and do within an easy drive of Sugar Water Manor. During my first visit, we ventured to nearby Deal Island. The island is home to the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area which protects 13,565 acres of tidal marsh and wetlands. Ducks, geese, swans and bald eagles are among the waterfowl that call this area home. Hiking and biking around the marsh impoundment or kayaking within it brings you closer to the waterfowl. Don’t forget to bring insect repellant! Accessible via a bridge from the mainland, Deal Island is an authentic waterman’s community known for its skipjack boats which are unique to the Chesapeake Bay area.

Another highlight of Deal Island, a walk on the sandy shores of Deal Island Beach often leads to the discovery of sea glass. Beaches on the island hold artifacts from the past including Native American pottery.

The one thing that did lure Benjamin away from the farm was Linton’s Seafood in nearby Crisfield, Maryland where he hastily devoured a seemingly unending amount of crab legs, shrimp and clams on day one. For day two, he devoured the Maryland Blue Crabs in equal measure.

Feasting on Seafood in Crisfield, Maryland
Feasting on Seafood!

Get to Know Sugar Water Manor

If my article doesn’t make you want to drop everything and head to the farm, Dana’s morning posts on Instagram will. Each day she videos the opening of the chicken coops as chickens, ducks, roosters and geese start the day squawking down a wooden ramp. She then says good morning to the goats and, of course, Zoe in the barn. Watching the day come to life and the animals start the day makes me smile every morning. I bet you’ll smile too! You’ll find her on Instagram stories at MomsGoodEats. And when you’re ready to book your farm stay, visit www.sugarwatermanor.com. Tell her Terri sent you!

Fast-Casual Sensation Talkin’ Tacos Opening First Palm Beach County Location on July 14

0

“Less Talkin-More Tacos” Mexican Concept to Host Grand Opening with First 100 Guests Receiving Free Tacos and Free Tacos for First Responders All Day

WELLINGTON, Fla. (July 3, 2023) – Talkin’ Tacos, a food truck turned fast-casual Mexican eatery based in South Florida, will open their fifth corporate restaurant in Wellington located near The Mall at Wellington Green, 10140 Forest Hills Blvd., on July 14. This is the growing Miami sensation’s first Palm Beach County location which serves scratch-made, innovative, and Instagram-worthy Mexican dishes. To celebrate, the restaurant will host a grand opening celebration from 6-10 p.m. on opening day, July 14, with the first 100 guests to receive a free order of the concept’s signature Birria Tacos and first responders to receive a free order of Birria Tacos all day.

The new 2,000 sq. foot restaurant will provide authentic halal Mexican cuisine and will feature indoor seating for 50 and outdoor seating for 38. Diners will enjoy the chef-driven menu which features an array of guest-favorites such as Birria Tacos, Birria Ramen, Southwest Chicken Tacos, Birria Pizza and Street Corn in a Cup. A hallmark of the menu is the beef birria which is braised each day for 12 hours before completing the cooking process. A Talkin’ Tacos meal is capped off with desserts like Cookies and Cream and Dulce de Leche Churros, Tajin & Chamoy gummies and homemade specialty beverages including lemonades, horchatas and mangonadas.

“We’re incredibly grateful and excited to be expanding with our fifth location, and our first in Palm Beach County,” said Mohammad Farraj, co-founder of Talkin’ Tacos.  “A Palm Beach County location has been in the works for quite some time. It’s a testament to the love and support we’ve received from our loyal customers near and far who have embraced our culinary vision. This milestone is a reflection of our team’s dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional dining experience.”

Talkin’ Tacos started out as a food truck during the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020. As the brand and food truck’s popularity quickly grew, the never-ending lines prompted the expansion into a brick-and-mortar space in Miramar in 2021, a second restaurant later that year in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, a third location which opened in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood in October 2022 and a fourth location which opened earlier this year in Coral Springs.

The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere features hand painted murals and neon signs and arcade games providing an upbeat yet laid back vibe. Technology features include self-serve kiosks where guests can place their orders efficiently, eliminating the cashier position and allowing faster speed-of-service. For guest convenience, Talkin’ Tacos also features delivery within a 10-mile radius of the restaurant.

The rapidly expanding brand is offering national franchise opportunities to expand the popular concept with multiple locations opening in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York, Washington DC, and Atlanta in 2022 and 2023. The brand will also open three additional South Florida corporate locations in Doral, Davie, and North Miami.

Talkin’ Tacos in Wellington will be open Monday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information or to view the menu, visit talkintacos.net, and for craveworthy dishes follow them on Instagram @_talkintacos.

About Talkin Tacos
Founded in 2020, Talkin’ Tacos is a fast-casual Mexican eatery that started as a food truck based in South Florida with five locations in Wellington, Coral Springs, Miramar, and Miami’s Brickell and Wynwood neighborhoods. The brand serves up everything from Instagram-worthy entrees like Birria Tacos and Birria Ramen to sides like Street Corn in a Cup, desserts such as Cookies and Cream and Dulce de Leche Churros, Tajin & Chamoy gummies and their homemade specialty beverages that include lemonades, horchatas and mangonadas. For more information about Talkin’ Tacos, please visit talkintacos.net or follow them on Instagram. For franchising information, please email franchise@talkintacos.net or visit https://franchise.talkintacos.net/ .

Arts Garage in Delray Beach Presents THE ART OF LAUGHTER 2023

0

A Hysterical Comedy Series in Collaboration with The Comedy Zone

Shaun Jones – July 7

Gina Brillon – August 4

Greg Morton – September 1

(Delray Beach, FL – June 30, 2023) Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO of Arts Garage, today reminded fans that the nonprofit organization’s popular comedy series, The Art of Laughter 2023, continues through the summer with more side-splitting headliners. The series is presented in collaboration with The Comedy Zone on the first Friday of every month.

July 7 (Friday) at 8 pm

Shaun Jones

One of the hottest comics on the comedy scene right now, Shaun Jones (pictured above) is a true comedian. Traveling worldwide making people laugh, he shows that funny is funny. From a Company CEO to the guy on fries at a local fast food restaurant, they will be well entertained. Jones has been seen on B.E.T’S Comic View, 1st Amendment Standup on Starz, and  in Robert Townsend’s Partners In Crime-The Next Generation. He also was in the 2003 motion picture Shade along with Jamie Foxx and Sylvester Stallone. 

** Opening Act: Absar Siddiqui 

Chicago native Absar Siddiqui brings his unique brand of observational humor, voice impersonations, and quick wit to the stage as he discusses marriage, his upbringing in a Pakistani household, and life in Florida. The veteran comedian has performed at numerous venues across the country, including  Orlando Improv, Bonkerz Comedy Clubs, Zanies Chicago, and The Laughing Skull.

Tickets: $30, $35

August 4 (Friday) at 8 pm

Gina Brillon

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, the Puerto Rican actress, comedian, writer and mom has been a standup comic since she was 17 years old. Her sophomore 1-hour special Gina Brillon: The Floor is Lava (Amazon Prime Video) won a 2021 Gracie Award and was nominated for an Imagen Award. Her half-hour special Easily Offended was one of the top shows from the Entre Nos franchise on HBO Latino, and streams on all HBO Digital Platforms. Brillon has appeared on The View, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, as well as on Kevin Can Wait on CBS and The Conners on ABC. In 2012, she became the first (and only) Latina winner of NBC’s Stand up for Diversity Showcase. The following year, she was a “New Face” at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. A singer, published writer, and poet, Brillon’s pieces have appeared in both The New York Post and Daily News. With co-host Katherine G. Mendoza, she also doles out advice on the podcast Mess In Progress: The Homegirls Guide to Self-Help. Most recently, Brillon was the first Latina comedian to be a Finalist in season 16 of America’s Got Talent

** Opening Act: Dylan Vattelana 

A stand-up comedian, actor, sketch writer, producer, and panelist, Dylan Vattelana has shined at some of the best comedy clubs across the country, such as The DC Improv and Dangerfield’s in New York City. A regular on the Funny Bone, Improv, and Comedy Zones circuits all over the country, he was a crowd favorite at the Laugh Your Asheville Comedy Festival and the World Series of Comedy. Vattelana can be found on television channels like JLTV; can be heard on the radio as a regular personality on the Bob and Tom Show; and worked with such major comedy headliners as Michael Che, Michelle Wolf, Bert Kreischer, Aries Spears, Godfrey, Bruce Bruce, Christopher Titus, and Alonzo Bodden, and more.

Tickets: $30, $35

September 1 (Friday) at 8 pm

Greg Morton

At age 16, Greg Morton got his first job at a local department store as a P.A. announcer. That same voice that grabbed the attention of shoppers, recently wowed judges on the season 14 premier of America’s Got Talent. Howie Mandel said, “I can’t believe there isn’t a banner with your name on it in Vegas,” and called him a one-man variety show. After 35 years of entertaining audiences worldwide, Morgan has opened for Celine Dion, Harry Connick Jr. and Luther Vandross at Radio City Music Hall, and he has appearing on Just for Laughs, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, Comic’s Unleashed, and his own Dry Bar Comedy Special.

Tickets: $30, $35

How to Get Tickets to The Art of Laughter 2023 Comedy Series:

Tickets are $30 or $35 per person and are available for purchase by calling the Arts Garage at 561.450.6357 or by going online to www.ArtsGarage.org.

About Arts Garage:

Arts Garage delivers innovative, diverse, meaningful and accessible visual and performing arts experiences to Delray Beach and South Florida. “Connecting our community to the world through the Arts”—this vision drives all decision-making at Arts Garage, which brings local, emerging artists and established global performers into the local multi-cultural community (students and adults, locals and tourists, people of all ages, income levels, backgrounds) who share a love of the arts.

Diversity is a hallmark of Arts Garage, which provides multicultural programming that promotes inclusion in the arts. #DiscoverDiversity isn’t just a tagline—it is the cornerstone of our outreach programs, staffing, and marketing. Located at 94 NE 2nd Avenue in Delray Beach’s popular Pineapple Grove (33444), Arts Garage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Delray Beach. For more information, please call 561.450.6357 or visit www.artsgarage.org.

Scaling Your Business: Fast Track Growth With These Top Considerations

By Jessica Brody

Scaling a business can be both exciting and overwhelming. While it offers opportunities for growth and increased revenue, it also comes with new challenges that require careful consideration and planning. To ensure success when scaling your business, there are several key considerations you should keep in mind. In this article, Around Wellington® explores some of the top considerations to help you achieve your goals.

Establishing Your Expansion Goals

The first step to successfully scaling your business is to establish your goals and objectives for expansion. What do you hope to achieve by scaling your business? Are you looking to increase revenue, expand your customer base, or enter new markets? Having a clear understanding of what you want to achieve will help guide your decisions and actions as you move forward.

Analyzing Competitor Strategies

Analyzing and evaluating competitor strategies is crucial for maintaining competitiveness within your industry. One must identify the unique aspects of their competitors’ strategies and differentiate themselves accordingly. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors, you can develop a strategy that sets you apart from them. This approach maximizes your chances of success and helps you stay ahead of the competition.

Conceptualizing Using Design Tools

Bringing a new product to market can be a challenging process. One of the most critical steps is ensuring that the product design is sound and that it meets the needs of potential customers. Utilizing 3D design software can be extremely beneficial in this regard. The ability to iterate on designs quickly, test different materials and configurations, and make changes on the fly can all help reduce the time and cost of bringing a new product to market. Whether you’re an experienced designer or just starting, utilize 3D design software to help you bring your ideas to life and create products that truly resonate with your target audience.

Seizing Expansion Opportunities

Another important consideration when scaling your business is to monitor market trends and leverage new expansion opportunities. As your business grows, it’s important to stay up-to-date on changes in your industry and be open to new opportunities that may arise. This can include exploring new markets, developing new products or services, or partnering with other businesses in your industry.

Establishing Partnerships and Collaborations

To reach new customers and expand your reach, consider establishing partnerships and collaborations with other businesses in your industry. This can help you tap into new networks and gain access to resources that can help you grow your business. For example, if you’re a small business looking to expand into a new market, partnering with a larger company in that market can help you gain exposure and credibility.

Putting in Place Processes for Growth and Quality

Finally, it’s important to establish scalable processes and systems to accommodate growth and maintain quality. As your business expands, you’ll need to be able to adapt and scale your operations to meet new demands. This may involve hiring new staff, investing in new technology or equipment, or reorganizing your processes and workflows. It’s also important to maintain high-quality standards throughout this process, as this will help ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.

In conclusion, scaling your business can be a challenging but rewarding process. By keeping these key considerations in mind, you can help ensure success and achieve your goals for expansion. From establishing clear objectives to monitoring market trends and leveraging new opportunities, there are many steps you can take to set your business up for long-term growth and success.

July, 2023 – Happy 4th!

Happy July!

Hope you’re all having a good month!  Great festivities are planned for Wellington’s 4th of July, so check it out.  This includes a Patriotic Pool Party, fun activities face painting, bounce houses, food trucks and at 9:15pm, fireworks.  Read about it.  

Our AW Spotlight story this month is about one of Wellington’s most interesting people…Steve Traynor (pictured above).  Denise Marsh interviewed him about his Project Lighthouse, as well as his pizza making skills.  Find out more about Steve Traynor by going to “AW Spotlight.”

There are a couple of proposals that went before the Equestrian Preserve Committee a couple weeks ago, plans to build residential housing, golfing and other amenities inside the Equestrian Preserve.  Read my interview with an attorney for the Equestrian Preserve Coalition, “The Opposition to Wellington North and Wellington South.”

I’m loving our gardening/ living green tips and I hope you are too.  This month Charmaine Peters teaches how to grow ginger in “Living Green.”

Meanwhile, our fearless Supermom Heidi Hess breaks out of the family tradition of always going to Disney World and finds “A New Kind of Magic” in “Mommy Moments.”

Don’t miss Ingrid Webster’s original continuing cartoon series about a boy named Harold.  See “Harold’s Universe” and be inspired.

And we never know where he will be, but Mike May is always on the move.  This month he takes us to a hidden gem near Portland, Oregon, a floating restaurant called “The Deck.”  Check out “On the Move with Mike.”

In “Paws-itive Press,” Tricia Roberts gives 8 solid reasons to adopt when you go looking for your next pet, most importantly the unconditional love that you discover.  Read “Reasons to Adopt a Rescue Pet.”

Looking for a great side dish this summer? It’s beautiful, colorful and healthy.  Visit “Yummy Treats” and see the recipe for the Summer Vegetable Medley.

For these articles, many more articles, events happening around Wellington and more, please feel free to click around on our site.  Thank you as always for being a part of AroundWellington!

Enjoy your 4th of July and the rest of the month!  Stay cool, if possible!

Krista Martinelli

Founder/Owner/Editor

AroundWellington.com

Konbanwa!

0

Take a Sunset Stroll at 

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

A Stroll to Remember:

Guests overlooking Morikami Lake

(Photography by Austen Waldron)

DELRAY BEACH – Zen-topia awaits you at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. The acclaimed Delray Beach museum will host a private, after-hours Sunset Stroll event on Thursday, July 20, from 5:30-8pm.

Guests are welcome to take a leisurely stroll through Morikami’s six distinct Roji-en gardens. Discover the timeless beauty of shodo, the Japanese art of calligraphy, presented by Kei’s Smile Factory. 

Enjoy cheers-worthy libations at the Sake Station as well as delicious hors d’oeuvres for purchase from the Cornell Café. The Museum Store will be open to browse. Head over to the museum’s theater for live taiko drumming performances by Fushu Daiko at 6pm, 6:45pm, and 7:30pm.

Taiko tickets are free and available on a first come, first served basis.

Sunset Stroll pricing is $5 for members, and $8 for the general public. Space is limited. 

For more details or to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/sunset-stroll-tickets-580887749897.

Upcoming Sunset Stroll dates include Thursday, September 21, 2023.

Sunset Stroll is presented by JM Family Enterprises and Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC. 

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.

Back Yard

0

By Carl Sandburg

Shine on, O moon of summer.  
Shine to the leaves of grass, catalpa and oak,  
All silver under your rain to-night.  
  
An Italian boy is sending songs to you to-night from an accordion.  
A Polish boy is out with his best girl; they marry next month;
     to-night they are throwing you kisses.
  
An old man next door is dreaming over a sheen that sits in a
     cherry tree in his back yard.  
  
The clocks say I must go—I stay here sitting on the back porch drinking
     white thoughts you rain down.  
  
     Shine on, O moon,  
Shake out more and more silver changes. 

Photo of Carl Sandburg by Elizabeth Buehrmann

Summer Vegetable Medley

0

A beautiful mix of colors and flavors, perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

  • baby Bella mushrooms
  • red onion
  • zucchini
  • summer squash
  • green bell pepper
  • orange bell pepper
  • yellow bell pepper
  • asparagus
  • fresh thyme
  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • salt and pepper

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 425-degrees.
  • Chop and seed (if needed) the washed vegetables. *Note – never run mushrooms underwater. Clean them by wiping them gently with a damp cloth.
  • Place them all in a large bowl along with fresh thyme leaves.
  • Add olive oil, and salt and pepper.
  • Toss well to coat.
  • Place the summer vegetable medley in a baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray (optional).
  • Roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring the vegetables halfway through the roasting process.
  • To serve, garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs if desired.

July, 2023 – AW in Pictures

Read “Mommy Moments” July, 2023 and read about a “new kind of magic.”

Part of the Project Lighthouse group, see related story about Steve Traynor under AW Spotlight this month.

A Musical Salute to Avery Sommers is happening July 23 at the Arts Garage in Delray.

Fourth on Flagler, 2022. Photos by Scott Wiseman for the City of West Palm Beach.

THE DECK:  A PORTLAND INSTITUTION ALONG THE COLUMBIA

By Mike May

On your next trip to Portland, Oregon, there’s a great restaurant worth visiting for a meal that truly epitomizes the Rose City’s aquatic roots and affiliation.  It’s called The Deck Along the Columbia and it’s perched on an expanded, floating dock which sits on the banks of, yes, the Columbia River.  But, locals just call it The Deck.

The Deck opened in 2006, but it started out as just a coffee shop for local boaters and people who lived in the marina. Over time, it has slowly expanded and it has been transformed into a full-service restaurant. The days of operation vary every year, but it usually opens somewhere in the vicinity of mid-April to early May and it closes around the last weekend of September.  No reservations are required, The Deck is dog-friendly, and you can arrive by boat or by car.

The food at The Deck is first-class, especially the seafood.

“Our fish tacos with our coleslaw sauce are definitely our best seller right next to the fish ‘n chips,” said owner Jack Janaszek.  “Our locals always get the (clam) chowder.  We’ve had many people tell us it’s the best they’ve ever had.”

Other popular seafood items are the Oregon Bay shrimp cocktail, calamari, steamer clams, coconut shrimp basket, and the Oregon Bay shrimp salad.  For landlubbers, popular selections include the deck burger, Wisconsin cheese curds, steak bites, chicken quesadillas, cheeseburger sliders, and Philly cheesesteak sandwich.

The Deck has plenty of room, as there are roughly 180 dining seats with 70 of them being on the outer deck, which is the age 21+ area.  There are also another 20 Adirondack chairs and barstools out in front of the restaurant. 

One thing which The Deck doesn’t have is live music, but that doesn’t keep customers away.  Instead, customers seem to enjoy the natural ambiance of being alongside the water.

“We, unfortunately, aren’t able to do live bands or music down in the marina due to regulations set by the marina owners,” added Janaszek.  “But, most of our customers seem to really enjoy just the atmosphere of being directly on the water and having no TVs, with just some faint background music plus the river sounds and sights. People love to watch boaters and jet skis pull up for food.  Guests also enjoy watching the Tuesday and Thursday Sailboat Racing around the harbor which we overlook.”

Just like the popular television show Cheers, there are many people that visit The Deck on a steady basis whom Janaszek knows on a first-name basis.

“We have many regulars at The Deck, which is a shout out to P.A.M (Paul, Allen, and Michael), Jeff and Keith,” noted Janaszek.  “Our workers put a bottle of Pinot Grigio on ice every time we see them walk in the door.  Many regulars visit us all the time, sometimes multiple times a week.  We have locals that pull up every weekend via boat, and we have a ton of lovely regulars who come down during our slow weekday lunch hours and they tend to be elderly people.”

Not only do paying customers enjoy having a drink or a meal at The Deck, but employees loves working at The Deck.

“I’m retired from responsibility.  It’s fun working here at The Deck,” said Jeff Friesen, one of the waiters at The Deck.  “Look at the view.  Everybody is in a good mood here.”

There is a blue sign inside the restaurant that truly epitomizes the appeal and attraction of The Deck.  It reads “The Deck Is My Happy Place.”

The one unique aspect of The Deck is that the closing time changes daily.

“We close at sunset every night,” said Janaszek.  “So our closing time changes. In early May, closing time is around 8:00 pm.   On June 21, the longest day of the year, we stay open until around 9:00 pm.  In September, it’s around 7:00 pm.”

The Deck Along the Columbia – www.TheDeckPDX.com — awaits your arrival.  Again, you can arrive by boat or by car.