With her bouncing curls and engaging smile, Karen Sposato has become a well-known figure in local restaurants and wine shops. She and her husband, Tony, own Sposato Family Vineyards, headquartered in Argentina, so she often pours at tastings. Or she greets guests at the many restaurant wine dinners that feature their products. The couple also own Sposato Landscape Co. in their hometown of Milton.
MORNING
A familiar face on the 5K circuit, Sposato starts the day stretching near a small waterfall on Wagamons Pond. “I’m ready for my daily therapeutic run,” she says. Her jog around town takes her past businesses owned by people who’ve become friends, such as Milton Pediatric and Adolescent Center, where “all my babies—now teens—have been taken care of.” She runs past the new CHEER Center, where her mother-in-law, Jeanne Sposato, spends time with her 80- and 90-year-old girlfriends. “I just laugh to myself thinking of how much fun she has at 94 years young,” Sposato says.
Her favorite part of the route is near the new Milton Public Library. “It’s a peaceful, quiet and gorgeous neighborhood with friendly folks saying, ‘Good morning.’” The winding road leads to the Broadkill River, which was once teeming with sailing ships built in this town in the late 19th century. The prosperity of the town at this time is reflected in the period architecture of the downtown. Her final sprint takes her behind Tidewater Physical Therapy’s building. She knows it well; all three children had sports injuries.
After her run, she has a cup of coffee and egg sandwich at Milton Quick Stop, then heads to Mom Sposato’s house, perched on a hill on Lavinia Street. Her mother-in-law, whom she affectionately calls “The Jeanne Machine,” is also a best friend. “I sit with her for a morning chat and more coffee,” Sposato says. “She likes to chat about anything and everything.” A favorite topic is the tree in the front yard, which is reportedly the largest and oldest below the C&D Canal.
She then makes a quick trip to the Milton Public Library to talk with the ladies who run summer reading programs. A former first-grade teacher, she appreciates the work they do with small children.
AFTERNOON
A fan of fresh seafood, she loves the dishes at Po’ Boys Creole & Fresh Catch, whose menu includes bayou shrimp, fried crawfish tails, blackened or fried catfish, and crab cakes. The small restaurant, where you can easily spot chef Mike Clampitt and his kitchen crew at work, is a convivial spot for lunch. To drink? Sposato Sauvignon Blanc, of course.
She works off her lunch with a stroll around Milton Park to “soak up the sunshine, see the flowers and talk to the folks in town.” Under one of the shady trees, she’ll spend some time reading a book she picked up at the library.
Reading is hungry work, so it’s time for King’s Homemade Ice Cream Shops, the original of the two locations. She chooses her favorite: mint chocolate chip in a sugar cone.
EVENING
Then, it’s back home to change for a relaxing meal on the deck of Irish Eyes. She orders the crab bruschetta, followed by a spinach salad with the catch of the day, all paired with Sposato Malbec.
After dinner, she and Tony go to see a show at the Milton Theatre, which has been bringing in a variety of acts, including Streisand impersonators and Buddy Holly tribute bands. “What a way to finish the perfect day in my special town,” she says.
