Now that we were settled in our home at the Little Farm on the River, it was time to do our usual exploration of the surrounding area. We had driven through the little town of Rising Sun – it didn’t seem to have much to offer but during several visits to the town, we would change our opinion.

So on Tuesday morning, the 24th, we headed out.  As usual, breakfast was the first order of the day. With only a couple of choices near by, we decided to try Jack’s Place on Main Street.  We both had two eggs, bacon and toast for $3.50 and share a side order of hash browns for $1.75.

As we’ve headed north, the biscuits, sausage gravy and grits have become less common menu items, however Jack’s had several gravy selections.  Breakfast was good, prices were reasonable and the service was excellent.  If you are ever in the area and want a good, reasonable breakfast, this is a good place to stop.

After breakfast, we drove a couple of blocks towards the waterfront which was quite a nice area.  It is here that the Plaza Tree Fountain can be found. This piece of art which is supposed to look like a tree apparently has stirred up a great debate – “is it art or is it an eyesore?  Is it a tree? Shouldn’t it be in Oz hassling teenage girls and their little dogs?” Town residents either loved it or hated it! In a brochure, it said “the fountain that brought a town together……to argue”! The tree created in 2005 by artist Chaz Kaiser, cost $65,000 is 14 feet tall and made of bronze, copper and stainless steel.  I must say it is rather interesting looking!

It is pretty quiet here this time of year but we learned the next day that this is a hopping place in the summer.  We spent a few hours walking the riverwalk and walking down Main Street, looking in the windows of the antique and gift shops.  Most are only open Wednesday through Saturday.

From here, we drove about 25 miles to the Markland Locks & Dam but we’ll cover that in a separate post.

More photos of downtown…