Cumberland (day 2)

 This morning’s first mission was to go to Curtis Famous Weiners to try one of the famous Coney Island style hot dogs there. Curtis has been slinging dogs in Cumberland for well over a hundred years and is a local institution. When I walked in and started looking for a menu the man behind the counter knew I was in need of guidance. People usually walk in and know what they want. One with everything and a Vanilla Coke. What does that mean? A steamed hot dog with whole grain mustard, a dry chili, and onions. The Vanilla Coke comes out of the fountain like any other coke and has vanilla mixed in after the fact. You don’t see that much anymore. The atmosphere reminds me a lot of Long Beach’s own Joe Jost’s, a similarly aged mainstay.

After breakfast I wandered off to the canal path to see the thing that everyone comes through town for this time of year. The Chesapeake and Ohio canal ends in Cumberland, the canal and towpath make up a national park that people typically traverse. It is not common to see cyclists loaded up with bags doing the run from DC to Cumberland. The really adventurous will proceed on an old rail trail all the way to Pittsburg! I went to the canal and rented a bicycle to get a taste of the experience. The tow path is flat, well maintained, and shaded. Perfect to cruise your way over the 180 miles to DC. Those who know the terrain will start inland and work their way to Washington, downhill. 

Typical towpath view

I noted a distillery was by the path and decided a flight was in order. I had been cycling and become thirsty. Small distillers often get bored and make too many things at once. While the product wasn’t amazing it was creative and I left with a bottle of mead and a need for a nap.

The old canal terminal

I parked myself at a local pizzeria and bar to drink beer and read. I’ve been sucking down an awful lot of Yuengling (can’t really get it where I live) and I was excited to see they had the local shitty light beer on tap. A pint of Old German was just what I needed. Crisp, flavorless, refreshing. The evening mission was a Western Maryland crab feast. Blues are something special and even though Cumberland is far from the Chesapeake the Atlantic soft shells there are a hell of a lot fresher than what can be had in California. If that half dozen kills me I’ll let you know.