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Sarah Potts is the retail manager of Silver Hand Meader on Monticello Avenue.
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Sarah enjoys fried plantains and home-made pupusas from El Sabroson.
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Sarah finishes her day taking in the beautiful lake view at her home not far off News Road.
Sarah Potts grew up in the Williamsburg area, and she has always looked for great new spots around town. A former elementary school teacher, she now educates curious locals and tourists alike as retail manager of Silver Hand Meadery on Monticello Avenue.
Mead is an ancient beverage made by fermenting sugars found in honey, with added flavors such as herbs, spices and fruits. Potts, known as the “Honey Queen,” handles tastings, jars honey, orders merchandise and helps hire and train new staff.
So, what would a 37-year-old queen do on her ideal day in her hometown?
Working up a Sweat–and Working
Potts isn’t a crack-of-dawn type of gym girl, but she hits the R.F. Wilkinson Family YMCA by 8:30am. After a recent 50-pound weight loss, she enjoys lifting weights and running for 20 or 30 minutes on one of the facility’s new treadmills, cranking fast-paced tunes such as “Till Ya Legs Hurt” by 99 Percent.
“It’s such an encouraging atmosphere, with people of all ages,” she said. “Seeing familiar faces, getting to hear other people’s stories and watching some of the older members working so hard is all very motivational.”
From the YMCA, Potts leads tastings of Silver Hand’s meads and honeys from the U.S. and Mexico. She’s even happier when customers have never heard of the beverage. “Being in a tourist town, I get to share that experience with people from across the globe,” she noted.
When hungry, Potts strolls over to Earth Fare, a nearby health food grocery store where she often visits the salad bar. And the hot bar, of course, has her favorite, barbecue.
Evening Relaxation
After work, Potts gathers with co-workers at El Sabroson, a casual eatery off Waller Mill Road with foods from El Salvador, Peru and Mexico. They share fried plantains and different flavors of homemade pupusas, thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and beans, chicken, herbs, pork, potatoes or—Potts’ preference—zucchini.
“It’s a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, not fancy at all,” she said. “A lot of locals don’t even know about it, but it’s so unique.”
With enough daylight left, Potts ventures to the Greensprings Interpretive Trail with her younger sister and housemate, Meredith, and their black hound-Labrador mix, Mason. The 3.5-mile nature loop off John Tyler Highway features sections of wooded boardwalks, views of beaver ponds, wetlands and forests, and signage about history and wildlife.
“It’s relaxing and not super-hilly,” Potts said. “We all love the fresh air.”
Sweets and Scenery
After a walk, Potts grabs dessert with friends at Meadows Original Frozen Custard, a business that opened in March on Richmond Road. Custard is made with egg, in addition to the milk, cream and sugar in ice cream, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
“It’s almost similar to a Wendy’s Frosty, but hardened a little more,” Potts reported. “They have really creative daily flavors, but my favorite is chocolate-peanut butter in a cone.”
Finally, she finishes her day as she started: taking in the beautiful lake view at her home not far off News Road.
“I’d have Meredith, our dog and our two cats beside me,” she said. “I’m so lucky to call Williamsburg my home.”