Lombardy Plantation

Hello readers! It hasn't been long since my last post for spring. While summer has arrived in Salisbury, it hasn't felt like it. Monday had a high of 63, and the April rains continue to fall into June. However, it looks as if the spring weather is finally coming to a close in coming weeks!

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Last Friday, we decided to visit my uncle before he leaves for the Newport Bermuda Race on the 15th. One of my earlier posts on the blog saw a visit to my uncle when he was living in Oxford, MD. However, he has since moved to the outskirts of St. Michaels, bringing him and his wife closer to their jobs in Queen Anne's County and Easton, respectively. The move provided a change of scene from village-like Oxford. My uncle was not living within St. Michaels itself, but on the grounds of a plantation on its outskirts. The plantation was established in 1679, with the property changing in hands from various owners over the course of history. Some of its most notable owners include a revolutionary war colonel and a Quaker abolitionist (who records indicate was possibly the only man to vote for Lincoln in Talbot County, and potentially an agent of the underground railroad). 

A section of the original 18th century plantation house. A part of the house burnt during the 1800s, which was then rebuilt in a mid-century wooden style. During the 1920s, the 1850s section was torn down to be replaced with a Colonial Revival mansion. 

The newest section of Lombardy, built during the 1920s by J. Kemp Bartlett.

Want more details about the house and its history? Watch this video for a house tour, and heed the killer seersucker suit and straw hat.

The property is now owned by the Walsh family, who are leasing a smaller house on the property to my uncle and his family. The Walshes live across the bay in Potomac, and are rarely at Lombardy, making my uncle and his family the main residents of the property.

A creekside view of my uncle's house, the most recently built structure on Lombardy.

Partial view of the creek from my uncle's house. If you look carefully, you can spot the small foot bridge leading to the fields of the plantation.

Across the creek from my uncle's house lies one of the plantation's fields. I am unsure whether or not crops are still planted here.

Adjacent to my uncle's house is the estate's barn and garage. Both structures were built during the 1920s with the mansion.

Coming up the estate's driveway, one passes a large field with scattered mounds. An equestrian course, you think? Guess again. Motorcycles.

No Talbot County country estate would be complete without a duck blind.

My uncle was also granted access to Lombardy's dock and boathouse, being much more convenient than the yacht club in Oxford.

My uncle's boat. While we initially planned to go out for the day, my family instead opted for a cookout.

Peninsula Prep: Not quite Northern US, Southern US, or Western Shore Maryland. Can be spotted on the Tread Avon, Miles,  Choptank Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

Skipjack Hat (Southern Tide)
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Tattersall Button Down (Vineyard Vines)
Nautical Flag Motif Belt (Leatherman Ltd./Eliza B.) USA
Brick Red Shorts (Ralph Lauren)

• Southern Tide Skipjack Hat- Bought from Cotton Gin boutique in Nags Head, NC. When most people hear "skipjack", they tend to think of the fish. On the Chesapeake Bay, folks tend to think of our state boat. Originally designed for oyster dredging, the skipjack has become a regional phenomenon, with annual races taking place on Deal Island in Somerset County, just down the road from Salisbury. Because of this, anything marketed as "skipjack" from Southern Tide has taken on a liking from Maryland residents. For more, see other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Croakies- Worn for their original purpose: preventing one's sunglasses from falling into the water while on a boat. See other posts for more.
• Vineyard Vines Tattersall Button Down- While the shirt's colors are season neutral, I tend to wear it more during the summer and spring months due to its light weight. Another perk of its neutral coloring is its ability to be paired with nearly anything! See other posts for more.
• Leatherman LTD. Nautical Flag Motif Belt- Pairs well with Nantucket and Brick Reds. For more, see Alexandra, VA post from last year.
• Ralph Lauren Brick Red Shorts- A gift from Allison. A breed apart from Nantucket Reds, which are frequently mistaken for pink or actually turn a shade of it. For my readers who may be triggered by wearing "pink" pants or shorts, go with a pair of brick reds! Voila, your fragile masculinity is preserved brah. But all joking aside, they are some pretty sick shorts! I wear 'em at least once a week.

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Kentucky Derby 2018

Hello readers! As you probably have noticed, I failed again to deliver on one of my promised posts, being the Assateague Island bonfire. While the trip did indeed take place, it got dark and cold much too fast to take good pictures. I also wanted to let you know in advance that the Avon, NC post will also not be happening. However, a cumulative spring post will likely take its place! For now, enjoy the next promised post, Kentucky Derby!

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Formal

Each year, the Honors College of Salisbury University hosts a student planned formal to celebrate the end of the semester. When I found out the formal would fall on Derby weekend, I couldn't help but push for a KY Derby theme at the Honors Student Association meeting. My idea was embraced by the leadership, and Derby was set as the formal's theme (combined with several others, as per Honors College tradition). In addition to taking place the same weekend as the actual Derby, the theme also was a nod to our beloved Honors Dean, who would soon be leaving Salisbury to found yet another Honors College at Northern Kentucky. The event proved to be an honorable sendoff to him, as well as a warm welcome to the new Salisbury University President, who was also in attendance. 

When you and your girlfriend walk off the pages of a VV catalog

Seersucker Blazer (Architect)
OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Club Tie (Vineyard Vines) USA
Club Pants (Vineyard Vines)
Horsebit Loafers (Cole Haan)

• Architect Seersucker Blazer- T minus three weeks until I can wear again full-time. See other posts for more. 
• L.L. Bean OCBD- See other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Club Tie- Bought off Amazon for much lower than the standard $85. Follows a cigar and martini motif. Won't be seeing me wear this tie in church anytime soon. Made in USA.
• Vineyard Vines Club Pants- Lighter weight than my other Vineyard Vines pants. A fast-drying summer staple, especially in loud colors. For more, see other postx.
• Cole Haan Horsebit Loafers- Decided against my two-tone wingtips for a less forced look. For more, see other posts.

Becky and I couldn't resist at least one with the supplied props

It was a night full of food, dancing, and fun! It also was a night for superlatives and election results for the Honors Student Association Exec Board to be announced. I had run for Vice President and won, which means I will be coordinating next year's formal as well! However, I also was the recipient of a superlative: Commuter-in-Chief.

Vice President of HSA + Commuter-in-Chief of the Honors College.

Derby Party Fundraiser

On Derby Day itself, I attended my dad's fundraiser for the Nabb Research Center, which itself was a derby/lawn party at a historic home in New Church, VA. I got to meet many of the Nabb Center's trustees and donors at the party, and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon on the banks of the Pocomoke River.

The part was held at Pitt's Neck, a plantation home built in the 1700s on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Its current owner's family had owned the house since 1897, and made efforts to restore (and add on to) its splendor!

The fundraiser was a catered event complete with open bar, finger sandwiches, crab balls, and of course, local oysters!

While it was Derby Day, attire for the event was rather subdued. While I did spot a few pairs of GTH pastel pants and one other bow tie, most of the men's clothes were neutral colored blazers with OCBDs and similarly neutral ties. Still, Brooks Brothers reigned.

A historic home with an upstairs lounge and bar room. What's not to be jealous of?

Pitt's Neck had been added on to in 2008 complete with a balcony. Ignore my empties.

Blue Crab Bow Tie (Vineyard Vines) USA
OCBD (J. Crew)
Navy Blazer (Belk) USA
Dress Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland

• Vineyard Vines Blue Crab Bow Tie- While today was the Kentucky Derby, I couldn't pass up the chance of a little local flair. After all, that's what the Nabb Center is all about! The choice of bow tie received countless compliments from the donors. One even mentioned he had the same tie at home!
• J. Crew OCBD- See other posts.
• Belk Navy Blazer- See other posts.
• Brooks Brothers Dress Chinos- See other posts.
• Bulova Accutron Watch- The 14k gold in the watch went to complement the golden snaffle bits in the loafers. For more, see other posts.

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Spring Break 2018

So yeah, spring break was lit! Went to Cancun, drank til my liver needed a transplant, and became the poster boy for both TFM and Old Row.... Nah, spring break was spent in Salisbury chillin' and workin'. With half a semester left to go, a recharge never hurts. My week was pretty low key, but here are a few of the highlights...

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Sunday March 18th
I began the day with lunch with my friend Allison at Backstreet Grill, a popular after-church dining spot for much of Salisbury. We ran into my friend Mason, as well as my pastor and several others during the hour and a half we were there.

When Allison asks to get a picture of you during lunch.

Navy Blazer (Belk) USA
1st Staffordshire Repp Tie (Unbranded) England
OCBD (L.L. Bean)

• Belk Navy Blazer- First time worn in several months due to the end of tweed weather. For more, see other posts.
• 1st Staffordshire Repp Tie- Bought this from Season's Best Antiques, my go-to for authentic Ivy staples. I know little about this tie other than the fact that its "Authentic English" and its skinny cut places it in the early to mid 1960s. The fact that it's in William & Mary colors also made it irresistible to buy. Made in England.
• L.L. Bean OCBD- See other posts.

After lunch and a quick change of outfit, I hit the golf course with Mason, taking advantage of our new club memberships for the first time. 'Twas a rough game, but better than the last one.

Ignoring both my terrible score and wrinkled pants.

Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Cardigan Sweater (Prestige Lines) USA
Sutton Chinos (J. Crew)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA

• Prestige Lines Cardigan Sweater- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate for only $3. According to the staff there, a man brought in nearly 10 of these cardigans to sell, likely the result of a failed brand creation. I had never heard of "Prestige Lines" before, but I obviously had heard of "Made in the USA". So naturally, I bought one, and so did Nick when he was home from Vanderbilt on break. A cardigan can be tricky to pull off. When purchasing, look for the slimmest option. Years ago, I made the mistake of letting my parents know I wanted a cardigan for Christmas, and ended up with a bright red one from Lands End that was tent-like on my frame. Lets just say that sweater doesn't get around very much. Moral of the story is that fit makes or breaks a cardigan sweater. Go slim and look like a young Hugh Hefner, or roomy and look like your granddad. The choice is yours. 
• J. Crew Sutton Chinos- Need ironing. For more, see other posts.
• Alden Penny Loafers- Until I buy a pair of actual golf shoes, these will do. For more, see other posts.

Friday March 23rd

What happened Monday to Thursday? Yard-work, regular work, hanging with friends, etc. Didn't think to document any of it through photos though. Oh well. Today, however, I did feel was photo-worthy. I went with my friend Chris on a drive to the little village of Tyaskin, MD on the Nanticoke River. The place is near and dear to my heart, as my late grandfather lived here. His old house, which is now owned by a prominent Salisbury attorney, is a minute walk from Tyaskin Park, a popular river beach during summer months. Chris and I visited the park for a few minutes, but left due to the chilly breeze coming off the river.

Tyaskin Park is a popular spot for fishing, crabbing, and swimming during warmer months. When a 70 degree day hit Salisbury about a month back, you'd better bet this place was crowded. That's Delmarva for you!

The island behind me was always the spot my cousins and I aspired to one day swim out to. Too bad it was also home of "the lake monster". Needless to say, us kids never swam out farther than the tip of the pier.

Pinpoint Hat (Harding Lane)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Tattersall OCBD (L.L. Bean) USA
Cotton Sweatshirt (J. Crew)
Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour) England
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Sutton Chinos (J. Crew)
Bean Boots (L.L. Bean) USA

• Harding Lane Pinpoint Hat- Recently discovered SU's bookstore carries one with the Maryland flag on it. Might be adding another to my collection very soon. For more, see other posts.
• L.L. Bean Tattersall OCBD-  See Williamsburg, VA.
• J. Crew Cotton Sweatshirt- Bought from outlet in Rehoboth Beach, DE. My alternative to the hoodie. A crewneck sweatshirt can be worn with almost everything. Pair with an OCBD and penny loafers for a Take Ivy look, or with Bean Boots/Sperrys for a preppy one. Save the bright colors until at least January though.
• Barbour Bedale- About to enter its last month of use before being sent for rewaxing in May. For more, see other posts.
• Bulova Accutron- Recently had to get the crystal replaced. Now in better shape than ever! For more, see other posts.
• L.L. Bean Boots- Will be retired for the season as the temperatures gradually transition into the 60s. For more, see other posts.

Want a little house with your pink? One of several homes for sale in Tyaskin. 

After leaving Tyaskin, Chris and I then drove through the village of Bivalve before heading back to Salisbury. 

Bivalve is home to Cedar Hill Marina, where my grandfather docked his boat. The marina also hosted the Great North American Turtle Race, sponsored by the town's fire department. Sadly, the race is one of the many events to have ceased taking place in and around Salisbury.

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So here lieth my spring break. Complete with sweaters, duck boots, and snow on Wednesday. Doesn't sound too different from winter break. RIP

Oxford, MD

Two weekends ago, my uncle invited my family to visit him in Oxford, MD. For readers who have never heard of Oxford before (which is probably the majority of you), it is a small town on Maryland's Eastern Shore that tries to replicate the feeling of New England through its houses, Bed and Breakfasts, and nautical culture. However, its Chesapeake Bay roots shine through its attempts of imitating Nantucket. Only an hour from Salisbury, it is one of my favorite places on the shore. The invitation from my uncle included going out on his new boat, which excited me.

One of Oxford's several marinas. This one housing both my uncle's boat and a club swimming pool.

Oxford's Tread Avon Yacht Club, which is known to host various regattas during the summertime.

My uncle's racing sailboat Bandana. Owned by his friend, my uncle has helped crew this boat from Bermuda to the Virgin Islands during the fall. In the summer, Bandana typically stays in the Chesapeake region, and my uncle has offered me a chance to help crew her.

After sailing out of Oxford onto the Choptank River, our first stop was in Trappe, another small town in Talbot county that until this day I did not know was on the water. While I usually drive through Trappe during the winter, I enjoyed taking in the sights of the creek.

Trappe during the wintertime is a sight to make a country gentleman feel at home. During the summer, it is home for a sailor. 

Pulling out of the creek, we then set out up river to one of the Eastern Shore's most populated towns, Cambridge, MD, which we drove through on our way to Oxford.

Cambridge is also home to a Hyatt Golf Resort and Marina, which we passed before turning the boat around to return to Oxford.

Taking the wheel for a bit while my uncle takes a break.
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Croakies (Southern Tide)
Custom Fit Polo Shirt (Ralph Lauren)
Printed Gramercy Chino Shorts (J. Crew)
Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA

• Rayban Wayfarers- Worn with the white polo in the style of Jordan Belfort. For more, see Early Summer 2017.
• Southern Tide Croakies- Worn for their original purpose of preventing sunglasses from falling into the water. For more, see other spring/summer posts.
• Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt- While this shirt has become mainstream and no longer the status symbol it once was, at least one genuine Polo shirt is a must in the preppy wardrobe (I have two, including this one). While not at the same level as Lacoste's gator, the Brooks Brothers fleece, the pony still deserves a place in the logo hall of fame. Never buy big logo Polo, however. Unless you are actually a polo player and it is an actual part of your uniform.
• Fossil Chronograph Watch- For more, see other posts.
• KJP Anchor Bracelet- Worn in the correct setting. For more, see other posts.
• J. Crew Printed Shorts- Printed with imagery of coastal Maine. Lobster? Check. Lighthouse? Check. Sailboats? Check. The list goes on. The shorter inseam is also a plus in my book. Skies out, thighs out.
• You can most likely guess what pair of shoes I am wearing, so I'm not even gonna bother.

After returning to Oxford, we stopped at the Scottish Highland Creamery for ice cream. The ice cream parlor shares a building with the restaurant Capsize, formerly known as Schooners.

After our ice cream stop, we decided it was time to return to Salisbury for the evening. However, on the way out of town, I managed to take a few more pictures of Oxford I deemed worth sharing. However, I must warn you, these photos were taken from a moving car, so they may be sub-par compared to the rest.

Vineyard Vines vibes (even though there has never and there will never be whales in the Choptank River)

The houses in Oxford also present a coastal New England feel, with their white picket fences, porches, and shutters. 

Oxford's park serves as a relaxing spot to watch the river and its sailboats.

Mystery Loves Company Booksellers is one of the few shops in Oxford. The store offers books new and used, and has been known to host authors for book signings. The town's other stores that I have been to before include two gift shops (one even selling Harding Lane needlepoint hats) and a convenience store ("market"). 

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Picnic on Pemberton Pond

Today was the first 90 degree day of the year. Probably the earliest I've felt too (hello climate change). However, the breeze made the day just right for a picnic, and the right place for it was Pemberton Hall, our local park. Picnic basket in tow, I treated Morgan to lunch on Pemberton Pond.

Once home to merchant and plantation owner George Handy, Pemberton Hall is one of Salisbury's most notable historic sites. (I do not claim credit for this picture or the one that follows)

Pemberton Pond: The site of our picnic lunch.

Our lunch consisted of two Chipotle burrito bowls, chips, and Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider under the shade of a tree overlooking the pond.

Monogrammed OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Stowed Clubmaster Sunglasses (Rayban) Italy
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Vintage Patchwork Madras Shorts (Old Navy) India
Vintage Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Striped Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
*Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
*unpictured

• L.L. Bean Monogrammed OCBD- Solid OCBDs are best choice when wearing madras. For more, see Christmas 2016.
• Rayban Clubmaster Sunglasses- See Winter 2017.
• J. Crew Leather Belt- See Winter 2017.
• Old Navy Vintage Patchwork Madras Shorts- Bought from thrift store.  I can only say it once: I hate Old Navy with a passion. Its clothes are cheaply manufactured and not made to last (as I discovered with a pair of chinos last year, as well as countless other articles of clothing from my early high school days). However, I took exception to these shorts. From the 1990s judging by their logo, these madras shorts have held up well, and are a hallmark of preppy style. They also happen to be made in India. This is usually a major turnoff when buying clothes, but this is where madras comes from, keeping them authentic. While I still prefer items that are made in the USA, these shorts stay to their heritage and remain durable. 
• Vintage Bulova Accutron + Brooks Brothers Watchband- See Ringing in the New Year.
• KJP Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet- Going to be making more appearances now that spring is in full swing and summer is coming. For more, see Ringing in the New Year.
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- Just as versatile with shorts in the spring as with pants in the winter. For more see Winter 2017.

After our lunch, Morgan and I drove around the outskirts of Salisbury, and through the village of Quantico, MD.

The community is tucked between Salisbury and the town of Hebron. Its historic homes and brick sidewalks give it a charm that draw many during Christmastime to see its decorations. (I do not claim ownership of this photo or the one that follows)

A home for sale. With its real estate not overly expensive, Quantico offers historic charm, distance from the city (yet freedom from the suburbs), and a strong public school district. If I decide to open my law practice in Salisbury, this village will surely have a high spot on my list of possible places to live.

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