Coffee, Tea & Whimsey - and Wine

North Beach Nook Hosts March Wine Tasting

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- March 7, 2006 - Ann Ashcraft loves North Beach – its people, shops, culture and spunk. She loves how the residents go about their business during the week and how the weekenders stroll around the bayside streets and storefronts during fair-weather months. She especially loves the town’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and all the lore and history that goes along with it.

Ashcraft’s store on 7th Avenue, Coffee, Tea & Whimsey, is an eclectic mix of fanciful items that reflect both her personality and that of North Beach. From nautical-themed gift items and candles, to jewelry, artwork and a collection of local and regional wines, the tiny, purple store with the flower-lined walk has a lot to offer tucked among the houses on 7th Avenue.

Ashcraft loves nothing more than welcoming a weary traveler or an eager coffee or tea enthusiast to her shop and sharing her knowledge of North Beach. “I call this place ‘the most unusual store on the shore,’”she says. “Where else can you relax with a fresh-brewed cup of tea, enjoy the sights and sounds of a lovely bayside town and shop for some of the most unique gifts and treasures you’ll ever find?” she asks.

As an added bonus, Ashcraft has recently created a new wine tasting program to entice visitors to her shop. “I want to share my own love of wine with others who enjoy learning about and trying new wines,” she said. “These fun and casual tastings will be perfect for anyone who loves wine – whether they are new to the culture or have years of experience.”

In March, the shop will host the following wine tasting:

Saturday, March 25th
1:00 pm. to 4:00 p.m.
Cabernet Sauvignon from Avalon of Napa Valley; Lalegua from Spain; Cristalino Brut Cava and Vina Sila Naia, also from Spain; and a Riesling Trocken by Hans Lang of Germany.

To register for this event or learn more about Coffee, Tea & Whimsey, call Ann Ashcraft at 410.286.0000, send an e-mail to aashcraft@rocketmail.com, or visit online at www.nbeachmd.com/whimsey.html. The store is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com