Holiday Specialties from BC Metal Designs

Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift? How about a hand-made, custom-designed, long-lasting, beautiful metal ornament? BC Metal Designs in Calvert produces and sells flat metal ornaments with designs from traditional to singular. Business owner Field Cain creates many of the designs himself.

“We cut a lot of traditional designs, like Texas lone stars and holiday candy canes,” notes Cain, “but I also enjoy creating my own designs or working with people to develop a design that fulfills their vision.”

Cain recently opened a retail outlet for his metal artwork and fabrication products in Calvert, where his business shares space with Rock Hill Farm Studios. Many area residents know the Main Street building as the Old Calvert Foundry, making it an appropriately named location for a metal-work enterprise. The street side of the Foundry houses items for sale from both BC Metal Designs and Rock Hill Farm Studios.  In addition to being sold at the Calvert location, BC Metal Designs products are handled by the gift shop at George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

“Our products are a good fit in museums, and I’m pleased they’re being sold at the Bush Library,” Cain says. “We’re hoping to expand to other museums and outlets soon.”

 

BC Metal Designs produces ornamental and functional metal artwork, such as these rustic wine holders

 

BC Metal Designs offers custom plasma cutting and ornamental metal designs in a wide range of items, from large to small. From fire pits and entry gates to refrigerator magnets and ornaments, BC Metal Designs produces a myriad of items and, of course, designs. On your next trip down Calvert’s Main Street, stop by the Old Calvert Foundry and see what Field Cain has designed for you for the holidays…and beyond.

BC Metal Designs is open weekends and during Calvert Trade Days, with the remaining Trade Day this year taking place on December 15.

 

New Bakeshop Serves Up Traditional and Innovative Treats

Ah, the smell of Sweet Success.  Sweet Success Bakeshop, that is. 

The aromas wafting from the kitchen of this recent addition to Calvert will make your mouth water, as will browsing the delectable edibles showcased in the bakery display case. Simon Shaw opened Sweet Success Bakeshop in September, and since then he’s been baking up scrumptious sweets including specialty cookies, delicious pies, and other sweet delights.

“Our signature cookie is lemon pecan,” says Chef Simon. “They seem to be addictive – people just keep coming back for more!”

The small bakery case in the front room of the quaint building holds the tempting lemon pecan cookies and many more. In addition to cookies, the bakery offers pies of all types. The Bakeshop is currently taking orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas pies.

Cookies are one of the Bakeshop’s specialties

“We can prepare all the traditional pies – you know, pecan, chocolate cream, sweet potato – but we are happy to talk with folks about special orders, too,” says Chef Simon. You can even get sugar-free or gluten-free sweets at the Bakeshop (with advance orders), a dietary request that’s been increasing in popularity lately. Chef Simon suggests that you place orders as soon as possible, since the shop must plan for the heavy holiday demand.

Sweet Success Bakeshop is located just behind Calvert’s new fire station at 204 East Hanna (FM 1644). The shop is open Wednesday through Saturday to give folks plenty of opportunity to stop by. With the holiday season approaching, a few extra – or a few dozen extra – bakery treats will come in handy for guests and celebrations. Sweet Success is just in time to help you out.

Oh, and don’t forget to try one of those addictive lemon pecan cookies while you’re there.

Chef Simon Shaw with his Sweet Success mascot

Victorian Christmas Tour brings home to the holidays

This year’s Victorian Christmas Tour in historic Calvert during the first weekend of December features six local buildings dressed in their holiday best. From an 1870s home that holds a rescued historic staircase to a 1929 bungalow, each structure showcases unique characteristics along with its holiday finery. The Renaissance Gypsies, featuring harpist Martha Gay, will serenade guests with chamber music at one of the homes on the tour, and another site will offer handmade tree ornaments for sale.

The Calvert Chamber of Commerce presents the tour, which runs from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1-2. The affordable ticket price of $10 covers admission to all buildings on the tour. You can purchase tickets ahead of time from several Calvert merchants—including Big Cedar Furniture, Nature’s Art Studio, and Brazosland Classic Realty—or on the day of the tour at tour locations. Larry C. Morris Law Office will also have tickets for sale as well as serve as Hospitality Center on the day of the tour, offering free hot coffee, apple cider, and holiday treats.

In addition to the beautiful tour stops, Main Street shops will be participating in “Light the Night” celebrations as the shopping district turns on its seasonal decorations that weekend. You’ll find delicious dining spots and unique gift possibilities in the shops and restaurants along Main Street, and off the beaten path too. The official lighting of the Virginia Field Park Pavilion will take place on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 6:00 p.m. Other holiday events will tempt you to make a weekend of it in Calvert, including live music and historic church settings.

Throughout the holiday season, the spirit of Christmas fills Calvert and welcomes visitors. Verandas and rooftops sport cedar and pine garlands that broadcast spicy scents, along with twinkling lights to delight the eyes. Interiors sparkle with candlelight and bright decorations. The downtown area dresses up in its holiday garb, and delightful aromas of cooking suffuse the air from neighborhood eateries. Beautiful works of art fill the galleries along Main Street, and striking window displays entice customers to come in and browse the unique creations tucked away inside the shops. Warm smiles greet both familiar faces and new acquaintances. Come join the festivities the first weekend of December, for Calvert Trade Day on Dec. 15, and anytime during December to experience the Calvert holiday spirit for yourself.

Find out details about the Victorian Christmas Tour and other activities that weekend by checking the brochure posted on the Calvert Chamber of Commerce website.  And keep informed on the latest activities by checking both the Chamber site and this Calvert Featured News site.  The holidays are hopping in Calvert, and you don’t want to miss a thing!

Next Calvert Trade Day scheduled for November 17

Calvert Trade Day has become so popular that it has progressed from a quarterly event to an enticing monthly occasion. Mark your calendars for the third Saturday of each month and come see what’s happening in Calvert. The next Trade Day is scheduled for Saturday, November 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., a perfect time to pick up gifts for the upcoming holiday season. The Calvert Chamber of Commerce sponsors Calvert Trade Day along with downtown Calvert merchants.

Calvert Trade Day attracts a fascinating mix of wares for browsing – and, of course for purchasing!  Among the vendors are numerous artists and merchants, including new and repeat traders. Vendors expected to return or hold a booth for the first time include sellers of art, crafts, plants, merchandise, and resale items.  Galleries and shops along Main Street will welcome visitors, many offering Trade Day specials.

Browse all the treasures at Calvert Trade Day

If you’re a vendor, now is the time to preregister for a space. Registration will be offered on site if room is available, but the most recent trade day saw a tremendous response so preregistration is recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time. Vendors can preregister using the online vendor application on the Calvert Chamber of Commerce website.  Or vendors can contact Chamber of Commerce by phone at 979-364-2559 to have an application mailed.

Calvert Trade Day is held outdoors one block west of Main Street between Barton and Mitchell Streets. Electricity and water are available for vendor spaces, which are 10×20 ft in size. The fee for spaces with utilities is $25, while those without utilities cost just $15. Vendor setup begins at 7:00 a.m.

Whether shopping or selling, come join the fun at the next Calvert Trade Day on November 17! And check back frequently to this Calvert Featured News site to find out what else is happening around Calvert.

Previous Calvert Trade Days have seen beautiful browsing weather

 

Victorian Weekend Features Fun, Food, and Elegant Events

The Victorian Weekend at Calvert comes only once a year. This year’s weekend will be hard to top, but the little-town-that-could might just top it next year. Mark your calendar for the first weekend of October 2013 for a historic and enjoyable time.  In the meantime, to whet your appetite, here’s a recap of events that took place on the first weekend of October this year.

Parade and Demonstrations

Saturday morning kicked off with a parade through the streets of Calvert. Led off by a Calvert Police Department vehicle, the parade included a marching band, float of “Victorian” residents, and vintage cars. Members of Texas Ladies Aside and the 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas, took part in the parade and performed precision demonstrations after the parade in the Calvert Chamber of Commerce parking lot.

The 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood (Credit: Wordsmiths4u)

 

Shopping 

Victorian attire popped up throughout the weekend, and the shops and eateries in Calvert opened their doors to visitors from current day or the turn of the century.  Several merchants offered specials and sales related to the weekend, and the time between the parade and the Gala gave visitors an opportunity to check out all the great places along Main Street.

Victorian Gala

Saturday night’s Gala Ball came off without a hitch. It took place at the gazebo in historic Virginia Field Park with music by the Celtaire String Band and delicious treats from Chef Denise of the Lemon Wedge restaurant in Bryan. Many Gala attendees came clad in Victorian finery, and  a costume contest awarded the best-dressed Victorian.

Dancing at the Gala (Credit: Marcy Jordan Photography)

Victorian attire abounded at the Gala (Credit: Marcy Jordan Photography)

Carousel Grand Opening

Zamykal Gourmet Kolaches added to the festivities of the Victorian Weekend by holding a Grand Opening Brunch of the new Carousel Room adjacent to the main kolache shop. This new dining room and special events facility held a sizeable crowd served by Victorian-clad waitpersons.

 

Checking in at the Carousel Room (Credit: Cody Powers)

 

Victorian Tea

The traditional Victorian Tea held Sunday afternoon closed out the weekend events with a flourish. Guests at the tea were waited on by Victorian-attired servers and invited to take on a game of English croquet on the beautifully manicured lawn of the historic setting.  Tea and scones were popular treats for the Victorian and contemporary crowd.

The Victorian Tea wrapped up the fun-filled weekend (Credit: Marcy Jordan Photography)

Other Weekend and Upcoming Activities

Some visitors made a weekend of it by staying at any of a number of Calvert bed and breakfast inns including the Pin Oak B&B, Parish House, Annie Mae’s B&B, the Hammond House.   Vicitorian Weekend 2012 was fun and educational, and next year promises to be even grander.  Stay tuned to the Victorian Tea & Gala website for upcoming information.

But don’t wait until next October to visit Calvert.  The upcoming monthly Calvert Trade Day is scheduled for November 17, the Christmas Home tour is coming up December 1-2, and arts and shopping are booming in Calvert all the time. Visit Calvert as soon as you can to experience all that’s happening in this thriving small Texas town.

Late Breaking News! Don’t miss Calvert today!

Two celebratory events this evening, October 25, will draw visitors to Calvert. Join the fun and stop by to see what’s happening.

The new Calvert First Station/EMS facility will hold its ribbon cutting ceremony today at 6:30 p.m.  The public is invited to come out and see the facility, where early voting will be held starting on Saturday. The Fire Station is located at 700 Railroad Street in Calvert.  Robertson County Emergency Medical Services is expected to begin daytime ambulance service next week, with 24-hour service anticipated in the near future. The grand opening of the Fire Station will take place sometime in December.

This evening’s second event is the “Branching Out in Art” sale and show at Track 5 Art Gallery. This fourth annual art show runs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today, so you can run over after you check out the Fire Station. It is hosted by Lebba Kropp in cooperation with Mud Creek Pottery and Jeff Munson’s Track 5 Art Gallery. It features original artwork of seven artists including Calvert’s own Terry Baker and Rita Barker. You’re bound to find a piece of art you just can’t resist. Track 5 Art Gallery is located at 519 Main Street.

Downtown Calvert continues to improve its community facilities, services, and appearance, and the new Fire Station/EMS facility is one recent example.  The flourishing art community in Calvert offers both budding and established artists a chance to display and sell their work as they contribute to the community’s growth.

Zamykal Gourmet Kolaches opens the Carousel Room with a flourish

On October 6, Zamykal Gourmet Kolaches of Calvert will celebrate the grand opening of its new dining room and special events facility. The Carousel Room, adjacent to Zamykal’s main shop, opens with a Grand Opening Brunch scheduled to correspond with Calvert’s Victorian Tea & Gala weekend.  In addition to a delicious brunch menu, the grand opening will feature Victorian-style costumed characters and servers to celebrate the theme of the weekend.

The Carousel Room is named in honor of the late Miriam Oscar (1909-2004), matriarch of the family who built the historic building that houses Zamykal.

“Miriam loved carousels and carousel figures,” says Jude’ Routh of Zamykal. “We wanted to honor her and her family for building this lovely building, so we chose one of her favorite things to name our new special events facility. I think Miriam would love seeing all the parties and meals that will take place here.”

The Grand Opening Brunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, following the city’s Victorian Tea & Gala weekend parade. Calvert’s historic district is the third largest contiguous district in the state and boasts beautiful historic homes and other buildings. Turned out in its most elegant turn-of-the-century finest, Calvert welcomes guests and residents each fall in activities designed to honor the Victorian style and spirit.  To find out more about the full Victorian Tea & Gala weekend, see the Calvert Chamber of Commerce schedule or the Victorian Tea & Gala website.

Seating at the Carousel Room is limited, and a sizeable crowd is anticipated, so advance reservations are strongly recommended. To make reservations for the brunch, contact Jody_LPowers@sbcglobal.net or call 979-364-2386. Advance tickets are $20, with tickets at the door (if space is available) costing $25.

Even before the Carousel Room opens, Zamykal Gourmet Kolaches is a bakery experience to delight the senses.  Owner Jody Powers and her staff greet guests with a friendly welcome, as does the delightful aroma of baking. The main shop offers charming décor and quaint seating such as a whimsical wrought-iron table and chairs. Baked items range from dozens of kolache flavors to “secret kiss” cookies that melt in your mouth to savory quiche or a sausage pastry.  Other items are available to pick up and take home with you, like a loaf of fresh-baked bread or a kolache-scented candle.

Zamykal Gourmet Kolaches opens it Carousel Room during Calvert’s Victorian Tea & Gala weekend

Zamykal Gourmet Kolaches is located on Main Street in Calvert, Texas, and store hours are Thursday through Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To learn about the delicious Czech pastry known as a kolache or to find out more about the store, check Zamykal Gourmet Kolaches online. You can follow Zamykal on twitter at #txbestkolaches.

To find out more about what’s happening in Calvert, visit the Calvert Chamber of Commerce website.

 

Reserve Your Spot Now for Your Victorian Experience

Now’s the time to reserve your spot at Calvert’s Victorian Tea & Gala events. With all the wonderful activities scheduled for the weekend of October 6-7, you’ll want to reserve more than one spot.  You can find a list of all the events on the Calvert Chamber of Commerce website.

The Victorian era encompassed the period from early 1800s through early 1900s, and was known for its lavish and distinctive style. Turned out in its most elegant turn-of-the-century finest, Calvert will welcome guests and residents to a fun-packed couple of days honoring the Victorian style and spirit. 

First, there’s the parade on Saturday morning. It kicks off at 11:00 a.m. and runs from Calvert School to Main Street. Parade organizers are still registering parade entries, so if you want to get more information or sign up, contact VictorianCalvert@gmail.com. The parade welcomes marching groups, re‑enactors, vintage cars, farm equipment, horse brigades, floats, and more. Viewing the parade, of course, is free. But you’ll want to arrive early enough to pick out your favorite observer spot! The 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas, will be riding in the parade and performing a demonstration for fans.  After the parade, members of Texas Ladies Aside are scheduled to give one if their spectacular riding exhibitions in the Calvert Chamber of Commerce parking lot.

Following the morning activities, you can take advantage of weekend specials at Calvert’s shops, galleries, and eateries.  For example, Common Scents will be offering a discount of 20 percent on jewelry. Nature’s Art will be featuring Victorian-style hats and accessories, as well as tea sets and Tea in Texas teacup jewelry to observe the weekend. Other merchants along the strip will be open with specials of their own.

You might want to reserve a spot at the Grand Opening Brunch of the Carousel Room adjacent to Zamykal Gourmet Kolaches. This new dining room and special events facility has scheduled its grand opening at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday to follow the parade.  Seating at the Carousel Room is limited, and a sizeable crowd is anticipated. To make reservations for the brunch, contact Jody_LPowers@sbcglobal.net or call 979-364-2386. Advance tickets are $20, with tickets at the door (if space is available) costing $25.

The Saturday night highlight, the Gala Ball, will take place at the gazebo in historic Virginia Field Park. Music by the Celtaire String Band will serenade participants throughout the evening, and delicious treats from Chef Denise of the Lemon Wedge restaurant in Bryan will delight Gala attendees. Come dressed in your Victorian finery if you choose, since a costume contest will award the best Victorian appearance of the evening. Tickets for the Gala Ball only (not in combination with Sunday afternoon’s tea) are $65. Make reservations online at the Calvert Chamber of Commerce website.

Saturday night’s Gala will take place at historic Virginia Field

Weekend activities continue Sunday with a late-morning hayride tour of Calvert’s historic district. Calvert’s historic district is the third largest contiguous district in the state and boasts beautiful historic homes and other buildings. A hayride around town is a fabulous way to see the wonderful surroundings and hear a little of Calvert’s history. While there is no charge for the hayride, seating is limited so you’ll want to come early for the 11:00 a.m. departure time. To find out more about the hayride, contact the Calvert Chamber of Commerce.The traditional Victorian Tea held Sunday afternoon closes out the weekend events. Guests at the tea will be waited on by Victorian-attired servers and invited to take on a game of English croquet on the lawn of the beautiful Barton-Satterwhite home (circa 1910). Reservations for the Victorian Tea only (not in combination with the Gala Ball) cost $35, but get a bargain by reserving both the Gala Ball and the Victorian Tea together for $90.  Make reservations online at the Calvert Chamber of Commerce website.

Throughout the weekend, Victorian attire is welcome. Check out several of the Calvert shops to find Victorian attire. To make it a full weekend, you might want to stay at one of Calvert’s beautiful historic bed and breakfast inns. They fill up quickly on Victorian weekend each year, but some rooms may still be available. Try the Hammond House, Parish House, Pin Oak Bed and Breakfast, or Annie Mae’s Bed and Breakfast, or call 512-468-8317 for additional lodging options.

For more information on the Victorian Tea and Gala Weekend in Calvert, Texas, see Calvert Chamber of Commerce schedule or the Victorian Tea & Gala website.

Calvert’s Big Cedar Offers Designs for All Seasons

As cooler weather approaches, some Texans are looking forward to that first (and maybe only) time they’ll get to fire up logs in their fireplaces. Before that time comes, visit Big Cedar to check out some beautiful custom mantles. The handmade rustic works of art will dress up any fireplace, whether there’s a crackling fire in it or not.

“I enjoy crafting one-of-a kind pieces,” says David Dickson, who owns and operates Big Cedar with his wife, Lorie. “I’ve been making furniture for over ten years, and fireplace mantles are one of my favorite things to design. I just let the wood talk to me.”

When you walk in to Big Cedar, you’ll find lots of unique furniture and other pieces talking to you. A wagon wheel dining table, a solid cedar bookshelf. And if you have a specific furniture design in mind, the Dicksons even accept custom jobs. For the reassuring feel of solid wood and the Texas feel of rustic surroundings, check out by Big Cedar by the stoplight on Main Street.  From western lighting fixtures to artwork and more, Big Cedar has everything you need to decorate a home in style – including handmade items from other talented artisans in the local area.

Custom cedar pieces give Big Cedar Furniture its name

 

“We’re open Wednesdays through Sundays, and we’ll definitely be here for the next Calvert Trade Day,” says Dickson. “We love to have people stop by to see our showroom.”

Big Cedar is just one of many unique shops on Main Street and throughout Calvert. Visit them all on your next stopover – whether it’s for Calvert Trade Day on September 15, the Victorian Tea and Gala on October 6-7, or any day just for fun. You’ll be sure to find something you can’t resist.

For more information about shopping, eating, or just generally enjoying Calvert, contact the Calvert Chamber of Commerce.

Big Cedar sells a wide variety of home décor items

Oklahoma Vendor Registered for Calvert Trade Day

Word about Calvert Trade Day is getting around – all the way to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tatermash, a vendor of consumer oilcloth products, is scheduled to host a space to sell handmade items at the upcoming September 15 Trade Day. The Calvert Chamber of Commerce sponsors Calvert Trade Day, which takes place outdoors one block west of Main Street between Barton and Mitchell Streets from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

 “I’ve visited Calvert several times, for barbeque cookoffs and other events,” says Nan Collier, a representative of Tatermash. “I’m looking forward to coming again for Trade Day.” Tatermash specializes in a variety of products made from an amazing variety of oilcloth fabric patterns. The company began by making wheelchair accessories, but now carries everything from totebags to checkbook covers. All Tatermash items are handmade in the U.S.

Just a few of the oilcloth patterns found in Tatermash products

 Other vendors expected to return or hold a booth for the first time include sellers of crafts, plants, merchandise, and resale items.  Vendors still have time to preregister for the event using the online vendor application on the Calvert Chamber of Commerce website or contacting the Chamber of Commerce by phone at 979-364-2559. On-site registration will be available if space allows. Electricity and water are available for vendor spaces, which are 10×20 ft in size. The fee for spaces with utilities is $25, while those without utilities cost just $15. Vendor setup begins at 7:00 a.m. 

On September 15, visit Calvert Trade Day for a fun-filled day and check out the unique products from Tatermash and all the vendors. While in the area, don’t miss the art galleries, studios, restaurants, and shops along Calvert’s main street. You’ll discover one-of-a-kind items, yummy treats, friendly shop owners, and talented artists.