On the return trip from Virginia to NYC, the hunger pains set in and it was time to find some lunch. We ventured off of interstate 81 and drove along route 11 until we came upon the little town of Williamsport in Maryland. An adorable spot just off of the Potomac River. Right away I could sense it was a bicycle friendly town, but wasn’t sure why. It didn’t take long to find out.
We entered the Desert Rose Cafe. Immediately I loved the warm colors and the decor added to the ambiance and charm of this very tiny cafe.
We were greeted by friendly folks behind the counter who happened to be chatting it up with a customer. Good start; a nice, neighborly place. I inquired about their most “asked for” item on the menu and was promptly told they had the best red beans and rice and their turkey panini was excellent. Well I can’t speak for the red beans and rice as the gotham girl isn’t a bean lover, but I can certainly vouch for the panini with a side of raw veggies. Excellent. Topped off with a home-made brownie…one word – yummers.
Rose, manager and co-owner of the cafe, told us how she came about her name – Desert Rose Harris. Her parents gave her that name since she was born in the desert of Arizona – Apache Junction. So of course we had to chat a bit about Arizona, her love of cycling and how she thrives by meeting and serving everyone from locals, to travelers, to hikers and of course, cyclists. To learn more visit www.desertrosecafeandcatering.com.
I just love these small little towns you just happen upon during your travels. You’re clueless as to what they’re about, yet within no time you learn quite a bit and feel you must return. And one day I will. Here’s why. Williamsport is a stop on the C&O. What’s the C&O? That was my exact question when I started chatting with two gals who rode up with bulging panniers and asked me with exuberance, “Have you experienced the C&O?” One of the gals had biked from Pittsburgh by herself (and probably twenty years my senior) and her friend had biked from Cumberland to join up with her in Williamsport, both cycling via the C&O towpath. Once I returned home and researched the C&O, it’s now been added to my “bucket” list.
At 184.5 miles, this towpath is one of the longest trails in Maryland and a haven for walkers, runners and cyclists. Even Bicycling Magazine honored C&O as one of “Fifteen Trips We Love” in one of their past issues. To learn more about what a towpath is all about and the details of the trail, check out www.bikewashington.org/canal.
I can’t even imagine what this ride would be like with fall foliage! (Note to self: add fall foliage to C&O on my bucket list!) See you on the trail one day!
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