Want to know my idea of a perfect morning? Getting together with a dear friend. You probably already know which one I mean, too. I'm talking about that person that you keep trying to see, despite both of your busy lives. The one with whom you persistently set up plans weeks in advance. Someone that crosses your mind when you have a quiet moment sitting in the sunshine. You send them a silent smile across the distance and quietly cheer them on in all of their pursuits. They bring peace and comfort into your heart -- a warm soul hug, even amongst the frenetic tangle of everyday life. So you push on, steadfast, past all of the creeping daily roadblocks with their mock importance and land on a perfect morning such as this...
My version of this delightful karmic recharge started out in the car on the way to a rendezvous with one of those special people: my dear girlfriend Melissa. You can imagine that after all of this carbonated anticipation that the set and setting of our particular comfort binge should be a location sturdy enough to shoulder the weight of the combined energies rocketing toward it from convergent ends of the interstate. The appointed location was Park Row Floats in Historic Downtown Chestertown, Maryland. This state-of-the-art facility finds residence in a venerable landmark building that sits proudly on High Street, just a stone's throw from the curving banks of the Chester River.
Quick history lesson! Chestertown enjoys a rich heritage. Founded in 1706, the town served as a bustling port for shipbuilding, agricultural production, tobacco trade, and maritime commerce through the 18th century. Washington College, one of the longest standing liberal arts colleges in the US, opened its doors here in 1782 and remains a competitive and sought-after institution to this day. As a nod to its Colonial significance, the town annually celebrates its famous Chestertown Tea Party Festival, commemorating the 1774 act of local revolutionary rebellion.
The event, which occurs on Memorial Day Weekend attracts throngs of revelers to the region for boat races, reenactments, local showcases, and live entertainment. In a place with such a deep historical significance and natural beauty, residents and business owners feel a sense of pride when showcasing their community.
As she welcomes guests into her float center, owner Mandi Silcox offers a beautiful homage to the grand lifetime her building has enjoyed up to the point of evolving into the home of Park Row Floats. Mandi and her husband Jay, a gifted structural engineer, have taken great care to preserve elements of the building's charm in the 2023 renovation. They even went so far as to keep the beautiful stairs from 1900! Look for nods to the past, interwoven with the gorgeously modern float and spa amenities, all flowing together in the bright, open space.
There was something inviting about the light, the entryway, the feel of the space...
I fell in love with the afternoon light..I knew I wanted a luminous space full of peace.
-- Mandi Silcox, Owner
Dropping back into the scene of our Epic Friend Date: Melissa and I were welcomed warmly into Park Row Floats by Mandi herself. Mandi and Melissa have been friends for years, meeting through their experience as educators. This visit was a special treat for all three of us to get together! Mandi gave us a tour, and showed us her unique offerings. For a peaceful floating experience, there is a traditional, spacious float cabin as well as an open float pool. Both units reside in their own private rooms with in-suite showers. The open float pool was a perfect choice for Melissa who appreciated the spaciousness and lack of restriction that the uncovered pool provides. Additionally, PRF offers a private 2-person salt cave, a private 2-person sauna, and recently, the spa has unveiled a deluxe cold plunge. This can be accessed as part of an invigorating Fire & Ice contrast therapy protocol. Wow!!
After drifting away for our 60-minute float sessions, Melissa and I were able to come back together with Mandi to enjoy a hot mug of tea and warm conversation in the comfy, cozy post-float lounge. I asked her about how her experience has been running the float center.
By far the best part of owning PRF is introducing so many people to float. It is incredibly rewarding to facilitate this experience for people. The most unexpected gift has been that many of my clients have turned into friends. I did not expect to connect with so many people. I have spaced out my floats to try to provide the most relaxing environment and never rush, which means I can truly sit, have a cup of tea, and connect with people. Its truly lovely.
She was right about that! I looked over at Melissa holding her tea and smiled. We were enjoying the gentle tingles and post-float relaxation that were inviting us to get comfy in those fluffy armchairs.
Mandi, an active member of the Float Conference Board went on to tell us about her favorite benefits of the floatation therapy practice.
I love the stress relief...Floating remains a staple of my relaxation and wellness routine. I love that some people are able to get pain relief from chronic issues... I am always pleased to hear how those suffering from poor sleep report back that they were able to sleep through the night after a Float. The most unexpected benefit that I have heard from my clients is "problem solving". More than one person has reported that they were able to find a lost item, work through a tricky professional problem, or untangle relationship issues during a Float. That's phenomenal!
Almost on queue, a lovely gentleman walked in for his appointment. He and Mandi exchanged pleasantries and you could tell he was a regular. He told us how much he looked forward to his appointments, and took the time to regale us with a story of instant float clarity. He had lost an important item at home, essentially going through each room over days and eventually writing the item off for gone. In the quiet of the float tank, his mind guided him to the solution, and he was able to connect with his memory of the moment the item was lost. When he got home, he knew exactly where to look, and the long-lost item was found again. What an incredible testament to the power of the human mind and how shutting down extraneous stimuli can help us hyper-focus on problems requiring attention. It was a pleasure to meet Jay and to see Mandi flourish as a caring hostess to this community she cherishes.
Our visit complete, Melissa and I thanked Mandi and set out into town. Mandi had directed us to a vibrant local farmers & artisans market set up just down the street. She also recommend a great local coffee shop where we could sit and hang out even longer. This was such a pleasant way to spend a morning for our much-needed (and much-anticipated!) time together. I invite you to raise up your coffee or tea mugs in fond salute to friendship, affection, community, and connection! They have it by the heartful in Chestertown.
Cheers, Friends!
-A
Comentarios