HFI Summer 2022 Bucket List
Summer is officially in full-swing and we at Halpern Financial are saying, "Let's have some fun!" Whether you're local to our area or just in town for a visit, check out some of our team's favorite experiences, events, eats and drinks. And of course, don't forget to let us know what you think.
Ted Halpern
President & Founder
Bear Chase Brewery
Located in Loudoun County VA, Bear Chase is simply a great spot! Fun to feel like you're away from it all with family or friends. Great beer, slushies, and good wine too, along with food trucks that are outstanding. I get some of their gear as well – great stuff! Check out the photos to see what I mean…..
Melissa Sotudeh, CFP ®
Director, Advisory Services
Herrington Harbour South
We bought a small sailboat this summer and dock it at Herrington Harbour South. I am still getting the hang of sailing, but I definitely enjoy the Marina Lifestyle. Located only an hour from Bethesda, MD, Herrington Harbour South is very convenient for a day trip. Their restaurant, eco-trail & garden and Inn are also open to the public. You can enjoy a delicious brunch looking out on the boats and bay and then stroll through the garden. As a guest of the Inn, you have beach access and amenities.
Daniel Trumbower
Senior Wealth Advisor
Cool Ridge Vineyard
One of my favorite places to visit year-round is Cool Ridge Vineyard in Hagerstown, MD. This is truly a hidden gem. What makes this place so special are the owners, the phenomenal wines they produce, and the experience they have created for their guests. The views of the vineyard and mountain backdrop are stunning. Their wines have won too many accolades to count and have even been rated by renowned wine critic, James Suckling. The vineyard and winery are located at the home of Gary and Suzanne Glocker – some of the most gracious people you will ever meet. Make an appointment for a private tasting and tour, hear their story and their passion, and leave feeling like a part of their family.
Kirsty Peev, CFP ®
Director, Portfolio Management
Morven Park
My local recommendation is Morven Park, a local historic estate and equestrian park in Leesburg, VA. You can take a guided tour of the Davis Mansion and learn about the history of the Mansion and park grounds. They also have a Carriage museum, beautiful gardens and great hiking trails.
For me, what makes Morven Park special is not only the enjoyment of strolling the grounds…..but the fun events they put on! The Equestrian Center hosts a variety of different shows and events including my personal favorite – the Polo series! They offer a combination of ‘fancy’ polo matches which offer a more traditional polo experience, or my favorite – the Polo in the Park events. These are more casual and family friendly and offer a great glimpse into this sport that many would otherwise not experience. You can bring in outside food and drink, and blankets and chairs to set up for a picnic and there is normally food and drinks for sale there also. It’s a really fun, and different, way to spend a Saturday night!
Jennifer Davis, CFP ®
Head of Planning
Chesapeake Bay
My family and I recently rented a small house on the Chesapeake Bay, just outside of Cambridge, MD and the stay was so populated with wildlife! We were glad to have brought binoculars to identify all the birds we saw. Seeing several bald eagles in their natural habitat up close was a surprise for us and a favorite for our (almost) 4 y/o. We caught a few crabs and even saw mama turtles laying their eggs on our little beach! We also went for a beautiful drive through Blackwater Natural Wildlife Refuge where we were able to learn about some of the unique qualities of the bay (largest estuary in North America) – and see more eagles, osprey and herons up close.
Jennifer Wood
Director, Client Experience
Full Moon Paddle
Two summer’s ago for Brandon’s birthday gift I snatched up some tickets on Groupon for a Full Moon Paddle on the Potomac River. We had a cookout with the group we were paddling with then suited up for the river. We had never experienced a night paddle (yet alone a full moon – July 5, 2020 The Buck Moon) and it was just serene. I would definitely recommend to anyone heading to the DMV over the summer!
Lindsie James
Operations Manager
Harvest Gap Brewery
One of my favorite local spots is Harvest Gap Brewery. They offer an inviting, casual, and super family friendly environment with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge mountains. You can’t go wrong with the Froze and my kids love the ice cream flight!
Susan Grimail
Client Administrator
Butler's Orchard
My recommendation is Butler's Orchard, a beautiful fruit, vegetable, and flower farm not far from my home. I have great memories of my children’s school field trips there, and also taking relatives and friends to pick our own strawberries and blueberries. Especially when my mom had dementia and stayed with us for a while, it was definitely something we could all share together. She had never been strawberry or blueberry picking, or so she believed. It was always so fun to be taken via a hayride in a wagon pulled by an enormous tractor to the fields on the farm. The farm has grown tremendously over the past 20 years, and now offers so much more! July is the time for blueberry picking, in fact they grow in huge clusters like grapes! Best blueberries ever!
Nisha Patel
Retirement Plan Consultant & Portfolio Administrator
Great Falls Park
My recommendation is Great Falls Park, small national park in McLean, VA. There are many things to explore – hiking, bicycling, boating, whitewater rafting, picnics, horseback riding, birdwatching, & guided tours. There are many different hiking trails, my favorite is the Mine Run Trail, it is a fairly easy hike along the river with a specular scenic view of the falls.
Cody James
Wealth Planner
Watermelon Park
Every summer, I like to make my way over to Watermelon Park to go tubing down the Shenandoah River in Berryville, VA. The river is typically very slow so it’s a peaceful float. It’s really an enjoyable escape into nature. The family-owned park is relaxed and allows groups to purchase an additional tube for coolers, paving the way to even more enjoyment on the water. You’re also able to park the tubes towards the end (just for a bit) if you’re not ready to leave, which has been my experience every time. I have certainly created great memories with both family and friends at Watermelon Park.