At The Oaks ~ Celebrating Life's Milestones

 

Spring is in the air, and for many families in our community, that means milestone moments are just around the corner. Graduations from high school and college, the start of a new career, the completion of a trade program, or the beginning of a marriage, these are the kinds of occasions that call for more than just a dinner reservation. They deserve a space that can rise to meet them.

The Oaks Bed and Breakfast has long been a familiar name to those passing through town, known as a comfortable place to rest and recharge. But for many locals, it has grown into something more, a gathering place where the community comes together to mark the moments that matter most. The start of a new life, new beginnings as a couple, and even the celebration of a lost loved one, The Oaks has been honored to host events marking the passing of time for every kind of occasion.

The property offers both indoor and outdoor event spaces, giving hosts the flexibility to plan around the season or the size of their group. Imagine sitting under the lights on a beautiful spring evening, soft music playing in the background, while friends and family are gathered around to celebrate. Whether it is an intimate backyard-style gathering under open skies or a more formal sit-down affair in a well-appointed interior room, the spaces can be arranged to fit the occasion rather than the other way around. The open concept of the great room allows for flexible seating arrangements to suit different group sizes and styles. Small family celebrations and large multi-generational gatherings have both found a comfortable home here.

One of the things that sets The Oaks apart from a typical event rental is its in-house catering. Rather than coordinating with an outside vendor, guests work directly with the staff to build a menu from scratch. That might mean a spread of appetizers and cocktails for a casual graduation party, or a full sit-down dinner for a more formal event. Some of the most sought after selections have included Citrus Glazed Pork Tenderloin and Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken, alongside sides like roasted seasonal vegetables and scratch-made mac and cheese. Whenever possible, the menu draws from local growers and producers, keeping the food rooted in the same community it is served in. The focus is always on matching the food to the feel of the occasion, so guests are never working around a menu that does not quite fit.

Beyond private events, The Oaks also hosts public gatherings throughout the year, evenings centered around food, fellowship, and a little fun, open to anyone in the community looking for something to do and someone to share it with. Many of these events have featured four and five course meals, offering a chance to slow down and enjoy good food and good company. Details on upcoming events are announced as they are scheduled, so it is worth keeping an eye on their social media pages to stay in the loop.

For those interested in booking a private event, the process starts with a simple phone call to choose a date and begin building out the experience from there. Nine years of celebrations, gatherings, and community have made The Oaks what it is today, and there is still plenty of room at the table.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Sangria

 

    For this month’s herb infused cocktail of the month, I’m changing things up a little bit.  We have a few events coming up at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast and want to have an easy way to mix up a big batch of cocktails so they are ready when ordered.  For this month we are trying out and mixing up some delicious Sangria.  

The best thing about Sangria is that you can make it your own. If you want it to be sweeter, add more juice.  If you want to have a white Sangria instead of a red, use white wine.  There are even Sangria recipes that do not use wine at all, but are rather a mixture of a multitude of spirits.  However you choose to make your Sangria is the right way.  There can be no wrong ways.  Sangria works great as a party drink, since it can be made ahead of time to be ready for pouring when your guests arrive.    

Dress up your Sangria with matching fruit to the flavors you are melding together.  Or with whatever fruit you have on hand.  We like to use berries and citrus, specifically oranges or blood oranges.  Apples can work as well, since there should be some citrus to help keep them from turning brown.

For this month, we are keeping to a more traditional Sangria and using red wine.  But we will also probably end up swapping our wines around to change things up, based on the event.  

Sangria

2 cans Underwood Pinot Noir

1 ½ cups pineapple juice

1 cup Cognac

A mix of fresh fruit

Splash of Club Soda

Fresh Mint

Prepare your fruit in your pitcher that you will serve your guests.  Cut up larger pieces like apples to make them bite sized. Add in all the liquid except the Club Soda.  The Club soda will be added after pouring into glasses to give it that bubbly look.  We have used black berries, oranges, green apples, and strawberries today.  Garnish with a slice of fruit and mint.  Mint makes the perfect herb to pair with your Sangria. 

Like we said earlier, make this your own.  Mix up your wine options with a white wine.  We used cans since it’s easy to use and makes portioning the drink easier. If you want a more tart drink, change out your juice option.  Orange juice or even cranberry juice.  Club soda can also be substituted with Sprite or Sparkling water.  

This makes an easy mocktail as well.  Drop the wine, and cognac, and mix in more juice and bubbles of choice.  You can always use sparkling wine, for a little extra touch of class for those not imbibing in alcohol.  Remember to always drink responsibly, and have a designated driver. Cheers!

Around Town ~ The Book Nook on Main

        As an avid reader I’m so excited that there is a book store once again in Sulphur Springs.  The Book Nook on Main located at 218-A Main Street, in downtown Sulphur Springs, is the small, sweet escape for your book buying needs.  Open Thursday - Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday - Monday from Noon to 4 pm, be sure to check social media for up to the date hours, before you stop by.  

The Book Nook on Main offers readers a variety of genres and options for readers to explore the pages beyond everyday life.  Get lost in a memoir or discover a new cook book.  This book store has a little bit of something for everyone, including a children's section, featuring the store owner’s, very own children’s books.  

Not only do we have a book store, but it is owned and operated by a local author, Sharon Feldt, who has written a few different children’s stories.  Her first book The Stable is a portrayal of Christ’s Birth from the point of view of the animals.  I feel like her more recognizable books are the Sarah O’Shea books, shown in our images above.  Who could miss all that crazy red hair?  

With a history of teaching kindergarten for over 40 years and even running a bed and breakfast in West Virginia for 7, Sharon has lots of stories to share.  Her “Sarah” books were written about a student of hers years ago who took it upon herself to be Sharon’s fashion consultant one year.  Even her book about a mouse and a keyboard, stem from experiences she has had in her life.  

Her latest adventure, the book store, developed when Billie Ruth suggested she open a store and share her knowledge of the literary world with others.    Not only is she actively running her book store, she continues to write and is currently developing a story about her dog Percy.  You can sometimes find Percy in the shop, looking for attention or just hanging out behind the counter. 

Take some time to drop into the Book Nook on Main to find your next read or explore the world through the eyes of another person.  Pull up a chair to enjoy some local treats from Beef Cakes Meats and Sweets, and a cup of coffee or tea.  

Sharon also carries a variety of book trinkets to help readers fully enjoy their reading experiences.  Book marks, tote bags and tumblers can all be purchased during your visit. You can even find local authors doing book signings and Storytime's in the shop. A special section of the store is dedicated to local authors, which continues to show the support our community gives to one another. 

Once a month Duckies Book Pond meets at the Book Nook on Main at 10 a.m. and Storytime with Kate happens on a regular basis as well.  The next time you can hear her story will be Saturday, April 4 during the Easter event in the Courtyard.  There is always something new and exciting happening at the book store.  Find your next favorite read while there.

In the Garden ~ Victory Garden

 

        The effort at home during World War I was to encourage families to plant a Victory Garden.  Widely encouraged during World War II as well, Victory Gardens were a sign of support and self-sufficiency of the Americans on the home front.  Call it what you will, a garden is one of the best ways for people to feed themselves from the land they already own and occupy.  A Victory Garden became ways for neighbors to help neighbors during times of strife and challenge. 

Today the landscape of the American people has changed and gardens could have a bigger impact on today's culture than ever before.  Food deserts are popping up everywhere in large cities and create food scarcity for millions of families.  Food scarcity is a larger problem today than it was sixty or even seventy years ago.  Afterall, “13.7 percent (18.3 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2024” (https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/key-statistics-graphics).  

Not everyone can grow a garden or have access to even attempt to grow in containers but there are other options available to help reduce food scarcity.  In our community alone there are several food resources that are open to applicants and provide a variety of food choices to help eliminate food scarcity.  There is even a community garden whose goal it is to feed those in need but provide a learning space for others to learn how to grow their own food and help them to become self-sufficient.  

Gardening is more than just feeding your family. It’s a skill that can be put to use to help others learn to grow food and provide nutrition in a meaningful and fulfilling way.  The sense of pride and accomplishment from growing your own food and sharing with those around you is worth more than one can measure.  “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”  The same concept can be given to the garden.  

A garden doesn’t need to be acres upon acres.  It can start at as two small pots of items you want to try.  Potatoes and tomatoes, or squash and cucumbers.  Find your favorite veggie and start out small, then grow as you learn more and can expand into more space.  Find a sunny window and allow your plants to flourish.  Learn from family, friends or the internet how to grow your favorite food.  Ask for help from your local garden center or attend a live class to learn how to grow your own food.  

Knowledge is power in all things, not just in your primary education but in all aspects of your life.  Work with your neighbors to grow different things and share the bounty with each other.  Come together and grow food to feed your body and your soul.  Whether you are growing food for your family or to share, the reward will be worth the effort in the end. 

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Thyme Whiskey Limoncello

     

    March is here at last and we are ready for all that this month happens to bring with it.  Vacations, Spring break and hopefully a little rain.  To start the month off in a celebratory mood, we will be serving up our cocktail of the month, a Thyme Whiskey Limoncello.  Of course, we used our favorite Irish whiskey for this drink, Telling Single Pot Whiskey.  But you can use your favorite Whiskey or whatever you happen to have on hand.  Of course we chose an Irish whiskey in remembrance of St. Patrick’s Day. 

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, who when he was just 16 years old, was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave.  He managed to escape but returned to convert the Irish to Christianity in 432 ce, and is recorded with opening churches, monasteries and schools during his thirty years on the island.  He is said to have used the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and is also said to have driven snakes from Ireland.  The Irish community celebrates the day as a religious feast day and it became Americanized in 1732 led by parade, “wearing of the green,” and dying rivers green, just to name a few.  

In continued celebration with St. Patrick, we selected Irish Whiskey as our base for our cocktail of the month and are excited to share it with you this month.  Please note here are a few more tips to make your drink the way you want it when making it on your own.  If you like your drink on the sweeter side, add in an ounce of simple syrup.  Do not have any Limoncello, just add more fresh squeezed lemon juice.  Make your drink the way you want it and use your favorite whiskey. 

Thyme Whiskey Limoncello

Serves 1

2 ounces Teeling Whiskey

1 ounce Limoncello

½-¾ ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice

One sprig of thyme

Pull off the thyme leaves directly into your ice filled shaker cup.  Add in the whiskey, limoncello and lemon juice.  Shake until the outside is cold.  Pour into an ice filled glass.  Garnish with lemon rind and fresh thyme. 

This cocktail is great to sip and enjoy under the moon light, with friends.  Enjoy your drink with a hearty Irish stew or Seafood chowder.  Ask for it by request when you stay at the Oaks Bed and Breakfast or for any special event.  

Please enjoy responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!

In the Garden ~ Companion Planting

 

    This February weather has been pretty mild so far, but do not let it fool you into complacency, your plants are not yet ready to go outside.  What you can do instead is get ready to plant in the coming weeks by starting your plants early inside, if you have the space.  This could be anywhere you have good lighting or you can also use grow lights.  If you are really lucky, a green house.  To get some of the best yields you have ever had, we wanted to talk about companion planting.  

Companion planting is growing vegetables, herbs or flowers near each other to optimize the soil, bug deterrents and pollinators, for a stronger healthier plant and a larger yield.  Did you know that tomatoes love carrots?  While we usually plant basil with our tomatoes, they also love carrots.  Since carrots like cooler weather, start them first, then succession plant in tomatoes and basil, as the days go longer and the temperature increases.

Another favorite of ours to plant together is nasturtium and cucumbers.  Nastirtium is a flowering green, where everything it grows is edible.  The flower and leaves are a perfect addition to salads, and adds a bit of peppery spice to the dish.  Cucumbers thrive with nasturtium growing close by.  Ours took off and did not look back.  

Probably our most successful and favored planting companions is the “three sisters” combination of beans, squash and corn.  This triple threat works great together and produces wonderful yields when grown together.  With differing times of produce, you can have food all summer long with these companions.

We usually mix together our greens, in rows by and around each other.  Kale, spinach, arugula and chard all go well together and create bountiful yields when planted.  The cooler weather allows for greens to grow and thrive together early on in the season, and when planted next to each other, they all thrive.  

We have left the best for last, marigolds.  Marigolds are a garden staple and we plant these all around the edge of our beds to help keep away unwanted pests and to draw in pollinators.  Marigolds help tomatoes, summer squash, lettuce, and green beans.  These flowers are beautiful as well as beneficial for any garden.  

Do not be afraid to combine your plants this year for a stronger, healthy plant that produces more food for you and your family.  Companion planting is more than just planting next to each other, its a great way to ward off pests and optimize your garden to produce more.  Be sure to check out the chart from the Farmers Almanac website for more details and plants that we did not cover.  Happy planning and plating this Spring.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Pomegranate Bliss Martini

    

     Love is in the air, or at least the card and chocolate companies want you to think so. Personally, I feel that love can and should be celebrated all year long.  Afterall, it should not be something you take for granted or celebrate only when the calendar tells you to do so.  Even though that is how I feel I still wanted to create a cocktail this month that brought out the feelings of love.  The only way I knew how to make that happen was with color.  

While pink is not my favorite color, it does demonstrate qualities of love and has people feeling like they are feeling the love, when drinking this delicious mixture.  A simple yet elegant drink with a bit of mint, makes for a wonderful and flavorful drink to enjoy while dining.  The pomegranate really sings in this one, and gives a lovely tart but also sweet finish.  

While this drink is served in a martini glass it holds none of the traditional martini flavors or alcohols in the mix.  It is strictly of its own making.  While made in a shaker cup, you could possibly pour and stir, if that is your preferred way to drink and serve a martini.  Today we are shaking, and then pouring our drink into our preferred glass.  

The glass ware used to serve a martini has become an iconic piece of drink couture, and was originally designed to help keep the contents cold, and away from warm hands.  This elegant v-shaped glass really became all the rage in the mid 1920’s and could be found all over the world, and made more popular with the desire for people to imbibe in gin.  Either way, the v-shaped glass has become known as a martini glass to patrons the world over.

Pomegranate Bliss Martini

¾ ounce Pomegranate Juice

  1 ½ ounces  Vodka

½ ounce Cointreau

½  ounce Fresh lime juice

Mint for garnish

Place mint in the bottom of the shaker cup and muddle.  Add ice and the remaining ingredients.  Shake until the outside of the cup is cold.  Pour into martini glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.  If you would like  your drink to be a bit sweeter add in ¼ to ½ ounce simple syrup. 

This drink is so simple to make and great to share with others.  You may be wondering if you can substitute out Cointreau with Grand Marnier, and I would say no, unless you are ready for the color of your drink to change.  Grand Marnier is a darker, more amber colored liquor while the Cointreau is clear.  Let the pomegranate shine in this drink and keep the Grand Marnier for another time.