Jingle All The Way – The Shows and Favorite Places along the Sweetback Sisters' Country Christmas Singalong Spectacular Tour

The Sweetback Sisters themselves: Zara Bode and Emily Miller / image courtesy of the Sweetback Sisters Facebook

Every year in the weeks approaching Christmas, the honkey-tonk band the Sweetback Sisters take their talents on the road up and down the east coast to spread their signature holiday cheer with the annual Country Christmas Singalong Spectacular.

The complete Sweetback Sisters band / photo courtesy of the Sweetback Sisters' Facebook

Now in its 7th season, this wildly popular show has audience members returning year after year to sing classic holiday music (lyric sheets provided) as well as some lesser known gems and originals. In their own words, all the songs are presented with the Sweetback Sisters' mix of "harmony singing, rollicking Telecaster and Twin Fiddling along with a healthy dose of holiday cheer."

MFP caught up with one of the leading ladies of the band, Zara Bode, to talk about the shows on the 2015 Country Christmas Singalong Spectacular tours, the excellent venues that they're playing in, and some of the band's favorite places around these amazing East Coast towns.

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Thursday, December 17

The Bell House – 149 7th Street Brooklyn, NY (tickets $15 - $20)

The Bell House / photo by Robert Sukrachand Photography

"This killer venue in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn has a ballroom-barn elegance, perfect for a wedding or a rock concert. This place used to be in the middle of nowhere but, over the years, dozens of restaurants and shops have popped up. I recommend Dinosaur BBQ for a quick bite before the show. I don’t always have a lot of time between the sound check and the show, but always try to make my way to The Morbid Anatomy Museum, a place to window-shop for quirky gifts and oddities."

Friday, December 18

Little Compton Community Center – 34 Commons, Little Compton, RI

The Little Compton Community Center, built in 1902 / photo courtesy of https://www.crosbyhillbandb.com

"Straight outta Compton…that is if Compton were an adorable little New England town. This show is held in a sweet old-fashioned meeting hall. Some of the best cooks in the area take over the kitchen and you get a lovely dinner-and-show package."

Sunday, December 20

First Baptist Church – 190 Main Street Brattleboro, VT

"I happen to live in this little town so this show will be a doozie! After some tough years here (Hurricane Irene, then a big fire downtown) this arts-friendly town in southern Vermont is now on an upswing. So many great restaurants and shops.

Some of my favorites are:

• Boomerang – a great selection of new and used clothing and gifts.
• Three Stones– traditional Mayan cuisine. Mmmm...sangria
• Duo – this is the hot new dish in town. Brunch, dinner, cocktails. No joke. It's all good."

An order up at Brattleboro, VT restaurant, Duo / photo courtesy of https://duorestaurants.com/

Monday, December 21

Christmas Tree Santas Benefit Show at the Firehouse Center for the Arts – 1 Market Square Newburyport, MA

"This show is a benefit for a non-profit called the Christmas Tree Santas, which gives out Christmas trees and ornaments to families in need in eastern Massachusetts. The restaurant on the first floor of the venue, Not Your Average Joe's, is excellent."

Tuesday, December 22

Joan Holliday's Holiday Hootenany at the Academy of Music – 274 Main Street Northampton, MA

The HUGE and historical Academy of Music in Northampton, MA – the venue for the final Country Christmas Singalong Spectular of 2015 / photo courtesy of https://northeastpaint.com/

"OUR BIGGEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR!! This is our closing night of the Country Christmas Singalong Spectacular, and we are pulling out all the stops (hint: so many surprises in store). This quirky New England town has a bustling downtown full of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Smack dab in the middle of a brimming college landscape, Northampton is the home of Smith College which has a gorgeous campus and stunning museum of art. Here are some favorite spots in and around town:

• Sip: 8 Crafts Avenue – Damn good cup of coffee; one heck of a cortado
• The Green Room: 28 Centre Street – Cocktail classics, both new and old
• Kestrel: 22 Masonic Street – Rustic, modern goods and gifts with a fantastic selection of pottery, succulents and the most exquisite home touches."

Stoneware & succulents from the Northampton, MA Shop Kestrel / photo courtesy of https://www.kestrelshop.com/

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Need to know:

The Bell House - 149 7th Street, Brooklyn NY 11215 Add to MFP

Dinosaur BBQ - 604 Union St, Brooklyn NY 11215 Add to MFP

Morbid Anatomy Museum - 424-A 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 Add to MFP

Little Compton Community Center - 34 Commons, Little Compton, RI Add to MFP

First Baptist Church - 190 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301 Add to MFP

Boomerang - 12 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301 Add to MFP

Three Stones - 105 Canal St, Brattleboro, VT 05301 Add to MFP

Duo Restaurant - 136 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301 Add to MFP

Firehouse Center for the Arts - 1 Market Square, Newburyport, MA 01950 Add to MFP

Not Your Average Joe’s - 1 Market Square, Newburyport, MA 01950 Add to MFP

Academy of Music Theatre - 274 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060 Add to MFP

Smith College - Northampton, MA 01060 Add to MFP

Smith College Museum of Art - 20 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01063 Add to MFP

Sip Cafe & Coffee Bar - 8 Crafts Avenue, Northampton, MA 01063 Add to MFP

The Green Room - 28 Centre St, Northampton, MA 01063

Kestrel - 22 Masonic St, Northampton, MA 01063 Add to MFP

City of Murals – Toppenish, Washington

by Michael Mackie

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The welcome mural of Toppenish / photo by Michael Mackie

When a city is known for something … why not promote the living bejeezus out of it and make it your town’s claim to fame? Kansas City, for instance, is the city of fountains. Boise is the city of trees. Well, in the smallish city of Toppenish, Washington – they are known for being colorfully creative as America’s City of Murals.

The firehouse even gets the mural treatment in Toppenish, WA / photo by Michael Mackie

The city’s motto – “Where the West still lives” – is the theme of the 80+ murals scattered about the city. If there’s a flat surface in town, you can be assured there’s a historical mural on it – or probably a plan to paint something upon said flat surface. “There was a vision to tie in our roots with the Western community,” said Paul Newman, Executive Director of Toppenish’s Chamber of Commerce.  “If you have an appreciation for Americana and Western flair, you won’t be disappointed.”

The Toppenish Murals began in 1989 as a way to celebrate Washington’s centennial celebration. Ideas about murals with a “Western-type façade” were bandied about.  That year the town hosted their first annual Mural-In-A-Day – where a masterful local artist was chosen to paint and unveil a new mural in 24 hours. It’s a tradition that continues the first Saturday each June. The Toppenish Mural Society helps run the show by also holding fundraisers to sponsor regional or seasonal artists throughout the year.

Toppenish's Second mural, Haller's Defeat, was painted in 1989 by Fred Oldfield with the assistance of Karen Gulley, Val Kerby and Mavis Willson / photo courtesy of the Toppenish Mural Society Facebook

Each mural has the same inspired motif – a time period between the late 1800’s and mid 1900’s when Toppenish came into its own as a well-known railroad stop. The artists run the gamut of creativity in their larger-than-life paintings – many which adorn nearly an entire block. Even the local fire department wanted in on the action ... using the garage doors to their firehouse as a blank palette.

The old west is alive in Toppenish murals / photo courtesy of oregonlive.com

Several of the murals feature colorful, slice-of-life fare of days gone by. Others are a bit more grandiose and action-packed – spotlighting a time when cowboys ruled the roost and the West was still relatively wild. All are homespun and remind tourists of simpler, less hectic times when the world thrived on bonnets, butter churns, county fairs and newly introduced locomotives.

When asked if Newman had a favorite, he was demur. “It’s all based on personal preference,” he said. “I’ll guarantee you’ll find a number of them that you like.” According to Newman, over 10,000 visitors make a point to visit Toppenish each year to see the town’s latest and greatest artistic endeavors. “Another 10,000 just stumble upon it,” he mentioned.

"Clearing the Land", under the direction of Phil Cooser, was created in under 8 hours by over fifteen artists / photo courtesy of the Toppenish Mural Society Facebook

The town takes immense pride knowing they have something that shows off their heritage and has put them on the Pacific Northwest’s proverbial map. Even better? They even have a sense of humor about it. The town’s unofficial motto, you ask? “Toppenish – come watch paint dry.”

For more information on the city or their impressive slew of murals, visit https://www.cityoftoppenish.us or https://www.visittoppenish.com.

Columbus' Topiary Madness – Columbus, OH

By Michael Mackie

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An interpretation of Georges Seurat’s famous Post-Impressionist painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grand Jatte / photo courtesy of Friends of the Topiary Park

Edward Scissorhands has nothing on the volunteer gardeners at Columbus, Ohio’s Topiary Garden. They have lovingly recreated Seurat’s famous painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grand Jatte” using – what else? – shrubbery. What started as a lark in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ discovering America has now turned in to one of Columbus’ hidden gem attractions. “It’s a landscape of a painting of a landscape!” boasts a brochure that greets visitors to the park’s Visitor Center.

A closeup of topiary mastery / photo courtesy of Friends of the Topiary Park

The seven-acre arena located inside Old Deaf School Park offers visiting patrons a whopping 220+ trees, but its claim to fame is the well-known painting now brought to leafy life. All the figurines are comprised of several different varieties of Taxus, commonly known as yews. “This is the only topiary garden in the world based on a real painting,” said the park’s stalwart tour docent Jeri Hendricks. The painting it’s patterned after is considered a benchmark in Western art history – a painting that found a whole new pop culture audience when it took center stage in the film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. (Yes, we’re talking about the scene where Cameron stares endlessly at Seurat’s colorful dot matrix.)

The original Georges Seurat painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grante Jatte" 1884 / photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago via Google Cultural Institute

The first thing park-goers will likely notice about the topiary is the enormity of the project. The exhibit is done in an exaggerated perspective – giving it ample depth. The next is the attention to detail throughout the project – all painstakingly maintained by the park’s bevy of volunteers. The exhibit features a 3-D display of 54 people, eight boats, three dogs, a monkey and a cat. “If they had a pear tree – there would probably be a partridge in it,” said local Columbus businessman Jay Stanforth who was visiting the park that afternoon.

Inside the landscape of a landscape / photo courtesy of the Friends of the Topiary Park / photo by Michael Mackie

The park’s glorious display almost didn’t happen. “The piece of land went through a lot of changes and transitions,” said Carlene Palmquist, the coordinator at the Visitor Center.  “At different points, it was going to be a parking lot or a grocery store or a retirement home.” Starting in 1988, it took nearly four years to change the park from a near desolate wasteland of rubble and debris to its currently glory. “It was a lost park … an empty space back in the ‘80s,” said Hendricks. The park’s display was officially unveiled as part of an international garden exhibition.

Now thousands of visitors enjoy the all the grounds have to offer each year and the centerpiece that pays homage to the French post impressionist painter. “Look around – this exhibit is the perfect combination of creativity and technical know-how,” said Stanforth. Bronze frames create the structures, set in eighteen inches of concrete.  Visitors are often in awe of the enormity of the recreation. “Some of these figures have got to be at least 10 feet tall – if not more,” noticed Stanforth.

The park's koi pont / photo courtesy of the Friends of the Topiary Park

Feel free to enjoy the grounds year round – but peak season for viewing is in mid-June after the figurines are trimmed and tied after their spring growth spurt. Of course, volunteers will keep up the topiary’s appearances throughout the summer – as well as the lush flower gardens and 35 different varietals of trees. So the next time you’re in Columbus, pencil in some time to enjoy this one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibit. “The thing that’s important to know is that this park has always been a park,” mentioned Palmquist. “It really breathes when it’s doing something it’s supposed to do.”

For more information on Columbus’ Topiary Garden – visit www.TopiaryPark.org. The park is open from dawn until dusk daily. Even better? Admission is free.

Winter at the Columbus Topiary Park / photo courtesy of the Friends of the Topiary Park

Address: 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215

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The Grape Escape – Gilbert Cellars and the wine terroir of Yakima, Washington

by Michael Mackie

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A wine tasting at Gilbert Cellars / photo by Michael Mackie

Just a quick 25-minute pondskipper flight from Seattle, you’ll find yourself in Washington’s Yakima Valley. The area boasts a litany of bragging rights. For example, the area is the world’s largest producer of mint (mojitos, anyone?). And nearly 77% of the nation’s hops is also cultivated in the valley (craft beer, anyone?).

But along with a slew of orchards, you’ll also find grapes galore (uh, Chardonnay, anyone?). Sure, California might have Napa Valley, but Yakima is also dotted with vineyards. And for one local wine producer, the entire business is a family affair … a five-generation family affair. 

Head winemaker Justin out in the fields / photo by Micahel Mackie

See, the folks at Gilbert Orchards know a thing or two about fruit. The Gilberts have been dutifully growing apples, peaches, pears and cherries in Yakima for nearly a century.  What was originally a cattle ranch back in the 1920s has evolved into a massive orchard – one that had a smattering of grape vines. “We bought a property with old vines – with no intention of starting a winery,” said Laura Rankin-Gilbert, National Sales Manager and one of the winery’s partners. Fortunately, two of the family’s cousins had an interest in wine production and got the ball rolling. “Now we’ve been growing grapes since 2000,” said Rankin-Gilbert.

The Gilberts have turned their love of vino in to a full-fledged and full-family operation – one you’ll want to visit. They’ve opened a modern retail space located near the city center where you can partake in wine tastings or just enjoy a casual happy hour. “Downtown Yakima is going through a renaissance,” said Rankin-Gilbert. “We just wanted to make our presence known.” 

Gilbert Cellars in Downtown Yakima, WA / photo by Michael Mackie

Meanwhile, a little further outside the city you’ll find Gilbert Cellars and the Hackett Ranch.The mothership is a massive 300-acre ranch and home to the winery.  Walking around the grounds, you’ll see some spectacular views – including acres and acres of blooming lavender (be prepared to duck and dodge from some overzealous honeybees doing their thing). The family even incorporated a lawn style music venue complete with amphitheater in front of the vineyard’s pond. Concerts can range from folk to indie rock to opera. You can even visit the massive “Cave” where the fermenting wine is housed. 

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Music at the Hackett Ranch amphitheater / photo courtesy of Gilbert Cellers

Fields of lavender at Gilbert Cellars / photo by Michael Mackie

But, of course, the winery’s claim to fame is all the different varietals they offer – all from the same ground. “Creating a winery that has all sorts of wines from one site is tough,” said Gilbert’s head winemaker Justin Neufeld. “When you put all your eggs in one basket, it better be an excellent site.” Turns out, the winemakers were on to something. The vines continue to thrive. It’s the perfect trio of “soil, microclimate and wine-making practices,” said Neufeld. “The French call it ‘terroir’.” The winery’s flagship (and most distributed) wine is the Left Blank Blend … a “Cab-dominant” Bordeaux. Even better? Gilbert Cellars wines are handcrafted -- using up to 70% of the family-grown fruit. All in the family, indeed. 

The ranch remains a bit of a hidden gem. Even though the locale is perfect for special occasions, family/class reunions or outdoor concerts, the grounds remain a tad underutilized outside of weddings. As they mention on their website – it’s “the gravel road less traveled.” So if you find yourself eager for a place with both vines and views, be sure to visit either location for a little slice of homegrown hospitality.

The Gilbert Cellars Hackett Ranch / photo courtesy of gilbertcellars.com

For more information or to join their Gilbert Peak Wine Club, visit www.gilbertcellars.com  

More Fave places in Yakima, Washington:

North Town Coffeehouse – 32 North Front Street. Converted from an old train depot, this enormous coffee house boasts plenty of windows and is both spacious enough for groups and cozy enough for a coffee date. 

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Yakima Valley Info Center – 101 North Fair Area. The helpful staff inside have tons of insight on the who/what/when/where of Yakima and surrounding areas. They’ll be glad to clue you in on their fave places.

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Zesta Cucina Restaurant and Bar - 5110 W Tieton Dr # 210. Sure, it may be tucked inside an unassuming strip mall, but the homemade Italian food here is a carbo-loaders or culinary snob’s dream. You may quite possibly find some of the best Chicken Marsala of your life here. 

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Lights, Camera, TEXAS!

By Michael Mackie

Sure, the metropolis of Austin might be the mother ship of film and TV production in Texas.  However, nestled just outside Austin’s ‘burbs, three smaller cities are quickly finding themselves in the spotlight.

Production crews continue to descend upon the unassuming towns of Hutto, Taylor and Georgetown, Texas … located about 45 minutes from Austin International Airport.

To date, blockbusters like “Transformers: Age of Extinction”, indie classics “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and the football-oriented TV series “Friday Night Lights” have all been shot in the vicinity.

Hutto's Mascot, Henrietta the Hippo

Before Hollywood hit Hutto, the city was known for having a hippo as the school’s mascot.  ESPN once pointed out that the mascot – named Henrietta – was the only city in America with this Hippo-tastic claim to fame. Hutto, along with the aforementioned Georgetown and Taylor, are also just a hop, skip and jump away from Austin.  All three offer up small town charm with a commuter city feeling.

Now “rarely a couple months go by that we don’t hear about (location) scouts snooping around our towns,” said Matt Widmer, owner of Hutto’s Candy Corner.  “The stars don’t just come out at night around here.”

Meg Ryan has been spotted on Hutto’s East Street. Don Johnson took a shine to Taylor, Texas while shooting a movie there.  Slowly but surely, producers are finding the besides being inexpensive, these towns are “also perfect if you’re looking for authentic Lone Star state ambience,” mentioned Widmer.

Louie Mueller Barbecue in downtown Taylor, TX  – a familiar street from Transformers: Age of Extinction

Not looking to, say, shoot a new film in the town square? Well, each city offers something for folks to do – while reliving a bit of cinematic history. For instance, in downtown Taylor you can swing by Louie Mueller Barbecue … famed for their brisket and for having multiple movies shot at their locale. If the intersection looks vaguely familiar … it should. Marky Mark ran amuck down the street in “Transformers: Age of Extinction”.  You’ll also find a nearby brewpub under construction that’s sure to bring wayward travelers eager for a frosty pint.

The iconic Texan Cafe (aka the Cowpoke Cafe)  in Hutto, TX (image courtesy of their facebook)

Got a sweet tooth? Besides the Candy Corner in Hutto, you’ll find the Texan Café. They offer up legendary slabs of homemade pie. When the restaurant had a recurring role in the TV remake of  “From Dusk ‘Til Dawn”, it was renamed the Cowpoke Café (because of course it was).  

In Georgetown, you’ll find Southwestern University and a cavalcade of movie settings from well over twenty different films including “Varsity Blues”, “Dazed and Confused” and “Hope Floats”.  The list goes on and on.  (It helps that Oscar-winner Sandra Bullock is a nearby Austin neighbor.) Several years ago, Fortune Magazine ranked Georgetown the second best city in the nation to “live and launch” a new business.

So if you fancy yourself a film buff and you find yourself near Austin, don't miss out on these humble little towns that boast an insane amount of cinematic history. Your selfies will be a part of their legacy of pictures!

Michael Mackie's fave places in Hutto and Taylor, TX

1. Candy Corner (103 East St, Hutto, TX 78634). Their motto: "Stressed spelled backwards is desserts."
2. Texan Cafe (207 East St, Hutto, TX 7834). Say hello to Ferdinand.
3. Louie Mueller Barbecue (206 W 2nd St, Taylor, TX 76574). BBQ beef, pork ribs, peach cobbler and maybe a film setting.

Want to hear more more about interesting places off the beaten path? Subscribe to our MFP newsletters and we will keep you in the loop! 

Roam if You Want To - The Ultimate '80s music tour in Athens, GA

by Michael Mackie

Tour guide Paul Butchart at the Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA

Ready to take the road less traveled and discover a musical Mecca you might not even know existed? Well, welcome to Athens, GA. Famed for being a sleepy, little college town, this city has also churned out some of the biggest New Wave and/or rock bands in the United States.  The B-52s … R.E.M. … Pylon … Widespread Panic. The list goes on and on. 

And if you find yourself a scant 90 minutes east of Hotlanta – you can channel your inner music aficionado to see where it all began. Dare we say, we’ve found the perfect way to revisit your (sonic) youth?

Turns out the city’s historic Athens Welcome Center now offers inexpensive music tours that are chock full of insider knowledge. Stalwart guide Paul Butchart knows all and will frequently pepper in topical nuggets of information. For instance, he pointed out a non-descript yellowish building in downtown Athens. He mentioned R.E.M owns said lair and will occasionally hunker down to record music or simply commiserate there. Posters for The B-52s Kate Pierson’s upcoming solo concert at the Georgia Theatre were plastered as far as the eye could see. Not surprisingly, most of those homespun bands still have ties to their alma mater. And all the local record stores, thrift shops and music halls all pay homage to the myriad of bands that helped pioneer a genre of music.

Butchart – who remains chummy with a lot of the various local rockers – kept the fun facts coming fast and furious throughout the day:

For instance, the Love Shack may have burned down, but the old wooden railroad trestles from the cover of R.E.M.’s Murmur album remain … and they have become one of the go-to landmarks on the 2+ hour walking tour. For a while, the trestles were in danger of being torn down. Fortunately, R.E.M. fans from all over the world came together to write the mayor of Athens and remind him of their cultural significance. They’re a bit more worn and hidden by overgrown trees, but they’re still standing – a testament to R.E.M.’s voracious fan base, Butchart mentioned.  (He should know. He was the drummer for the band Side Effects – which opened for R.E.M.’s first live gig.)

The famous wooden train trestles from the R.E.M. album Murmur

“In the 1800’s,” Butchart told MyFavePlaces.com … “people who were looking for culture came to Athens.” Over 200 years later, the town is still rife with music history. You want to reenact some of the famous album cover artwork of your college years? Pay homage to Michael Stipe or Cindy Wilson? On this tour, you can ride the (new) wave of nostalgia all day. There’s so much to see and do it’s safe to say you can lose your ever-lovin’ mind … uh, along with your religion. Visit  https://athenswelcomecenter.com for more information or to schedule a tour. 

 

New look – new beginnings!

Hello friends and neighbors, hope you had a great July 4th weekend if you're in the USA. 

We here at MFP love the good life – barbecues, rooftop sangria, long walks in the woods with a dog. It's weekends like these that feed our drive to create the My Fave Places experience. In the moment, we strive to share these times with the special people around us. Beyond then, we want to remember it fondly without straining to recall the when and where. This is the spark at the center of My Fave Places.

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