Lancaster County PA Bed and Breakfast Blog

The Arts in Lancaster, PA

2012-02-10T15:13:00.000-05:00

When I think of Downtown Lancaster, I recall the shows I’ve seen at the Fulton Theatre, and the eclectic art in the local galleries. My favorite piece of art is still a life sized chess set made for the backyard. If I had the money, and a backyard, I would have taken it home with me! With all the galleries and shows in Lancaster, you definitely need to visit a few times to appreciate the vibe of the artistic district. And now you have another reason to visit because Millersville University has opened the Ware Center at their downtown Lancaster Campus, right on Prince Street.

The Ware Center houses a movie theatre and an acoustically perfect stadium-seating theatre. Sounds fancy, huh? There’s also an indoor music cafe overlooking the city where they perform cabarets and intimate dinner presentations. Their events consist of the following: operas, ballets, piano recitals, concerts, cabarets, movies, and rotating art exhibits. Check their calendar to find your preferred artistic style.

The biggest news is the opening of Lancaster’s own movie theatre! For half the price of a commercial theater, you’ll get to see films by local filmmakers and also attend discussions with the artists. Offering a wide variety of movies, the theatre will show a series of foreign, documentary, independent, and award winning films that will challenge and interest your mind.

Your senses will be overwhelmed during your trip that you’ll want to satisfy your taste buds at local restaurants. Then you’ll be thankful that you booked a PA Dutch Inn for the night, to rejuvenate your body, and enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the morning, before diving into more art galleries. Contact an innkeeper from the Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Inns Association to begin your artistic walk through Downtown Lancaster.

Lancaster County PA: a Historical Treasure Trove

2012-02-03T11:01:00.000-05:00

Lancaster County: a Historical Treasure Trove

    From the rustic banks of the Susquehanna River to Adamstown’s antique malls, Lancaster County, PA is rich with the lives and dreams of generations. Officially founded in 1729, Lancaster County has seen centuries of living life. Today, many of the famous historical sites in Lancaster, PA are kept open to the public. All are within an easy drive from one or another of the inns belonging to the Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Inns Association. Many of these sites are destinations for people from around the country. Whether the objective is to relax and enjoy the sites or study history more thoroughly, these seven vibrant pieces of Lancaster County shouldn’t be missed.

Seven Must-See Lancaster County Historical Sites

·      The Hans Herr House, in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Built in 1719, the Hans Herr House is the oldest Pennsylvania German home still standing in Pennsylvania and the oldest Mennonite meetinghouse in the United States. The tour of the home and grounds is well worth the visit.

·      The Ephrata Cloister is in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. The cloister was founded in 1732 and served as home and sustenance to followers of Conrad Beissel. The group collapsed with the death of the last remaining member in 1813. This site contains many of the original buildings or replicas of them, and makes an interactive learning and sightseeing experience.

·      The Lititz Museum and Mueller House, is located in downtown Lititz, Pennsylvania. The museum, housed in the Christian Shropp home, was built in 1793, not long after the Johannes Mueller House in 1792. The Museum and Mueller House contain many things of interest--pieces of the lives of Lititz’ citizens in the 1790s and beyond.

·      Built in 1793, Historic Rockford Plantation sits just south of Lancaster City and was the residence of Revolutionary War General Edward Hand. The Georgian style mansion is well preserved and also utilized as a museum. Open for special occasions and events, the plantation house is shown mostly by appointment for group tours.

·      Home of the popular Pennsylvanian president, James Buchanan’s Wheatland is located off of Route 23 in Lancaster City. It is as easy to access this vibrant piece of United States history as getting in your car. The estate is open for tours spring through fall of the year.

·      The Strasburg Railroad, founded in 1832, is located in quaint Strasburg, Pennsylvania. With an operating train on which passengers may take short rides through the countryside, this is a fun stop for everyone.

·      The Fulton Opera House, located in downtown Lancaster, has been entertaining the people of the area since the 1870s. This gem of historic architecture is a lovely experience. With different plays each year, this antique treasure keeps itself new and exciting.

Wineries in Lancaster County PA

2012-01-30T13:26:00.000-05:00

Wine making is an art that Lancaster County truly embraces. From sweet to dry, the wineries create masterpieces to please everyone's palates. Because there are so many vineyards to visit in PA Dutch Country, I suggest taking a mini road trip along a personalized wine trail. Choose wineries to visit during the day, before spending each night being pampered in a different bed and breakfast. With Pennsylvania ranked 7th, as the state with most wineries, and 4th with the most bed and breakfasts, it’s only natural to make a weekend getaway combining these abundant attractions. Using the following information and an interactive map from the Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Inns Association, you’ll have your trip planned in no time!

Some wineries stick to their roots and focus strictly on wine tasting and sales, while others offer tours and host seasonal events. Kog Hill Winery and Waltz Vineyards have shops and wine bars. There’s more to see at Mount Hope Wine Gallery and Nissley Vineyards. In addition to the wine shop and tastings, Mount Hope has a gift shop of gourmet foods and kitchenware, and shares a building with the Lancaster Beer Gallery. Their tastings include local meats and cheeses, and you also have the opportunity to sample beer while you’re there. Nissley Vineyards has music fests and is participating in the Passport to Rivertown 2012. This celebration allows you to visit different destinations and receive discounts on purchases and tours.

Tamamend Winery hosts Wine and Music Thursdays, the perfect way to start your weekend early! Moon Dancer Vineyards overlooks the Susquehanna River, making it the perfect location for festivals. In February they are hosting a chili cook-off and every week during winter they have live music by the fireside. To benefit the American Cancer Society, they are hosting a Mid-Winter Tropical Day to bring sunshine to these cold months.

Start planning your trip today, as you don’t want to miss out on the upcoming festivities. We look forward to seeing you soon and hearing about the adventures along your wine trail!

Music in Lancaster County Pennsylvania

2012-01-18T15:20:00.000-05:00

We recently enjoyed a wonderful Christmas treat. Some of our guests at the Alden House Bed and Breakfast introduced us to this opportunity a few years ago, and we finally made the reservations. This December we attended a Silver, Wood and Ivory dinner concert. Silver, Wood and Ivory is a duo, Cindy, a pianist and Tracy, a flutist. They arrange and play their own pieces, keeping fans coming back for more.

The dinner concert was held at Cindy’s home. Cindy greeted us at the door and surprise! The next people we saw were some who were staying with us at the Alden House. It was a beautiful venue. Tables were set up in the sun room and living room which were beautifully decorated for Christmas with twinkling lights, fresh greens and angel-hair snow. We arrived early enough to enjoy the view from the sun room before it got dark as we enjoyed dinner conversation with another local couple, having several areas of interest in common.

Dinner was delicious, beginning with a fresh-squeezed, carrot juice soup with shrimp and ending with ginger cheesecake (I think there was a hint of lime). It was prepared by friends of Cindy and Tracy who love to cook. The results were fabulous.

Last, it was time for the music. As there were only thirty people attending, every seat was the best in the house. We had a view of the keyboard and baby grand piano as well as Cindy’s fingers expertly flying over the keys. Tracy’s collection of flutes also sat in front of us. Tracy said there were 19 flutes, though she has 20 or 22. They ranged in size from the smallest, having only four holes and the shape of a locust, to the largest contra-bass which was as tall as Tracy.

The music was delightful. They played different styles and told intriguing stories behind the writing and recording of the music. The evening flew by. As we departed, we were able to choose a CD to take some of the evening home with us. What an experience! And not far from home. Cindy’s house is only three minutes from the Alden House Bed and Breakfast in Lititz, PA.

To find more information about this local opportunity, visit Cindy and Tracy’s web site at www.silverwoodandivory.com.

Christmas at the Brownstone

2011-12-22T20:58:00.000-05:00

A Christmas Open House commemorating 12 years in business as the Brownstone Colonial Inn Bed and Breakfast was held Wednesday, December 14, for the local business community. Owned and operated by Mark and Brenda Miller, the Brownstone has served the community by providing a respite from the daily routine of life for guests wanting a quiet getaway, while offering amenities necessary for the business traveler. The home is an 18th century restored sandstone farmhouse located just outside Reinholds on 7 country acres. Hors d’oeuvres were provided by Galen Hall Restaurant and Reinholds Station Inn; and red velvet cake was served, compliments of Weaver Markets Bakery, as well as Brenda’s home-baked Christmas cookies and hot mulled cider.

Serving (from left to right) are Hannah Christophel, Jen Smathers, Mark Miller, son Brandon Miller and Brenda Miller.

A Feast for the Senses in Lancaster PA

2011-12-03T00:51:00.002-05:00

Sight & Sound Millennium Theater has been delighting audiences with its annual production of Miracle of Christmas for almost 2 decades now. The show is an uplifting experience that involves nearly all of your senses. You will feel like you've actually entered the bustling village of Bethlehem as live camels, donkeys, horses and villagers literally surround you. Between the spectacular costuming, choreography, vocal performances, lighting and set-design this production is truly a feast for the senses! Miracle of Christmas run through December 31, 2011. For tickets visit: Sight and Sound Tickets

Another Lancaster County holiday tradition is Pumpkin Chiffon Pie. After a nice evening out at the theatre treat yourself to this delicious dessert!

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

1 ½ cup pumpkin

1 pk. Knox gelatin

¼ cup cold water

3 egg yolks or egg beaters

¾ cup sugar

1/3 cup milk

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp. pumpkin spice

3 egg whites

Heat pumpkin, egg yolks, salt, spice, ½ cup sugar & milk

Add soaked gelatin. Cool

Beat egg whites, add sugar, fold into mixture. Pour into baked pie shell.

Pie Shell

1 ½ cup flour

1 tsp. Salt

½ cup salad oil

2 Tbsp. Milk

1 ½ Tbsp. Sugar

Mix together in a 9” pie pan. Press out like crust. Prick with fork.

Bake 15 min. @ 375 degrees. Cool crust before adding pumpkin mixture.

Enjoy and have a Merry Christmas!

Hurst House Bed and Breakfast

Christmas Shopping in Lancaster County!

2011-11-21T20:38:00.000-05:00

The leaves have all fallen and there is a chill in the air. All signs that it is the Christmas shopping season. And Lancaster County has everything for everyone!

Outlets at Rockvale and Tanger. Small specialty shops in Strasburg, Lititz, Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse. Antiques throughout the county - Adamstown, country roads, Strasburg, Paradise. Eclectic and interesting shopping in downtown Lancaster City. Quilts and fabric for quilts throughout as well - Georgetown, Ronks, Ephrata, many backroads. Outside of Ephrata Ten Thousand Villages' whose mission is to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term fair trading relationships.

Everything for everyone! Come and spend a couple of days. And The Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Inns Association has rooms just for you! Call us now for your reservation!

Enjoy!

Kyma Restaurant in Denver

2011-10-12T10:35:00.000-04:00

We recently had dinner at the Kyma Seafood Restaurant in Denver and were very pleased. Our Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast association had eaten there two years ago right after they'd opened, and things were a bit slow and unorganized at the time. But, WOW, have they since that time done a great job of offering quality restaurant with top-notch service!

Located at the former Silk City Diner, along Rt. 272 in Denver, the owners Nick and George Barakos gave the facility a complete face lift and renovation, opening Johnny’s Steakhouse in the lower level around back, and Kyma in the front.

The staff was courteous and friendly, and our server, Marianna, was very sweet and accommodating. In addition to an appetizing h’ord’euvre, Mark ordered a Shrimp Linguini, and I had the Jumbo Shrimp.

We have recommended Kyma to a number of our guests, and they have all been happy with the quality of food and service.

Brenda Miller @ Brownstone Colonial.

Lancaster Bed and Breakfast Recipe's

2011-07-18T16:42:00.000-04:00

Banana Bars

½ cup butter, softened

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, bananas and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into a greased 15x10 baking pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Yields 3 dozen bars.

Alden House

Fresh Fruit from Lancaster County, PA

2011-07-08T17:52:00.000-04:00

The local orchards in Lancaster county, Pa are beginning to burst with fresh fruit of all kinds. The season for sweet/sour cherries has just ended. The succulent sour cherry taste is quite evident in a jam that is easy to make. Save this recipe for trying next year.

4 c. finely chopped cherries

1/2 tsp. butter

1 Box Sure Jell pectin

Mix together and bring to a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred.

Stir in 4 3/4 cups sugar and return to a full rolling boil. Boil exactly one minute stirring constantly. Remove from heat and jar. When cool, put in freezer for best flavor - rather than canning.

There will be pears, peaches and apples to follow. At Cherry Hill Orchards you can pick your own. Other local orchards having fresh produce would be Kauffman's or Herr's Fruit Farm.

Years ago at the end of the 1700's and till about 1825, nearly every Pa. Dutch farm had cherry trees as a border to their farmlands - separating their land from the neighbors. There were cherry fairs held as a county event. Eventually the town of Strasburg and other villages put an end to these cherry fairs because of rowdy behavior.

There are no longer any festivals with the arrival of the fruits; however, they are a feast for your tastebuds. Why don't you drive out to Lancaster County and do a tour of the orchards or visit the many farm markets and roadside market stands - fill an ice chest to take local farm fresh products with you. Stay over in one of our Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Inns before heading back home. We'll be happy to help you plan your fruit and local produce tour.

Flowers & Thyme Bed and Breakfast

Lancaster County, Pa Thrift Shops

2011-04-28T08:52:00.000-04:00

Stay in Lancaster County, where there is An abundance of quality thrift shops—the cheaper alternative to antique shops.

Why Thrift SHOP?

It's affordable
Find name brand items without paying a name brand price

It's “green”
Buying second-hand clothing & household items saves the energy used to produce new merchandise

It supports good causes
Proceeds are used to fund a variety of charities

It’s fun

Imagine the thrill of a found “treasure” at a fraction of an antique/collectors’ mall price! Some recent examples: a 35-year-old Scandinavian crystal glass for 50 cents, currently selling online for $80; a collectible pottery flower pot for 25 cents, also selling on line—for $25; pottery canisters in varying sizes for $1, $2, and $3—identical to new ones retailing from $40-$75 each; brand new English china plate & mug for 97 cents each; retail value $30 each.

The list below includes some of the local stores:

Jubilee

235 S . 12^th St.

Lebanon, PA 17042

717-274-3962

27 E. Ferdinand St.

Manheim, PA 17545

717-664-0435

Nearly-Nu Shop

9 N. Main St.

Manheim, PA 17545

717-665-7178

Mount Joy Gift & Thrift
413 W Main Street
Mount Joy, PA 17552
717-653-8318

Columbia Re-Uzit Shop
363 Locust Street
Columbia, PA 17512
717-684-7621

Ephrata Re-Uzit Booksavers
1054 S State Street
Ephrata, PA 17522
717-738-6964

Ephrata Re-Uzit Furniture
1054 S State Street
Ephrata, PA 17522
717-733-4934

Ephrata Re-Uzit Shop
20-22 E Main Street
Ephrata, PA 17522
717-733-4982

Country Gift & Thrift Shoppe
5602 Old Philadelphia Pike
Gap, PA 17527
717-768-3784
countrygiftandthrift.com

Morgantown ReUzit Shoppe
2769 Main Street
Morgantown, PA 19543
610-286-7233

ReUzit Shop of New Holland
707 W. Main Street
New Holland, PA 17557
717-354-8355
reuzit.com

Matthew 25

48 E. Main St.

Lititz, PA 17543

717-625-4451

Second Street Thrift Shops

2222 North Reading Road

Denver, PA 17517

717- 336-4104

100 N. State St.

Ephrata, PA 17522

717-733-3348

Backyard Gardening in Lancaster, PA

2011-04-18T14:05:00.000-04:00

This is the time of year when Spring washes in among the showers, bulbs are bursting into the garden scene and the trees have started to bud.

It’s the time of year to start attending garden displays to pick out the annuals to be interplanted with perennials that blossom throughout the summer season.

This is a good time to visit Lancaster County and load your car with plants from many of the greenhouses scattered through the county. Your innkeepers will be happy to direct you to places that have great prices. Some of the greenhouses are operated by Team Mennonite or Amish families.

Coming up in a few short weeks is the Herb & Garden Faire held at the Landis Valley Museum on Friday & Saturday, May 6^th & 7^th from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. There will be vendors with tools, garden art and decorative items as well as a selection of rare and heirloom plants for the garden. In addition, there will be unusual plants, culinary and medicinal herbs, annual and perennial flowers to stock your garden.

Any of our B&B’s (www.padutchinns.com) will be happy to find a room for you so that you can enjoy a Spring weekend here in Lancaster County.

Have any TROUT? No! GO FISH!

2011-04-01T15:56:00.000-04:00

This is not techno-phishing…this is real live trout fishing which begins April 02 in the Lancaster County area. This event signals the beginning of spring or an official start to our fishing season. Usually, this is a good day for me to recover from the April Fools’ Day pranks that I have done or had done to me, but for the ardent angler…GO FISH!

We know that fishing is about that jerk on one end of a line, and Lancaster and Lebanon Counties provide some of the finest trout fishing in a state also offering opportunities for several species of native and stocked trout. Before you start fishing, it is a good idea to angle up on the seasonal regulations in this particular state (see website below). Trout season varies depending on where you plan to fish in the state, so it is important to know when you can start pursuing trout on your favorite Pennsylvania trout stream.

Fishing offers an alternative to distracting influences encountered in our busy lives. A single fishing trip could be the turning point in any life and we encourage you to invest the time. The rewards are endless and it takes so little effort. Conewago Creek, Trout Run, Sawarta Creek and Speedwell Forge Lake are perfect spots.

Since Lancaster County area is a major watershed for the Chesapeake Bay, it has many active fishing streams (see map below…there are at least 10 streams), and some great local advise:

• PA Fish and Boat Commission

www.fishandboat.com

• Evening Rise Fly Flshing Outfitters… a perfect prep spot

1953 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster PA 717.509.3036

www.theeveningrise.com

• Susquehanna Fishing Tackle… another outstanding prep place

126 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster PA 717.397.1399

www.sfttackle.com

Now for some fine trout recipes just give us a call at www.ejbowmanhouse.com. So enjoy, and no worries if the jerk at the other end of the line doesn’t happen. Lancaster landscapes in the Spring are just grand catches in themselves.

2011-03-25T15:37:00.001-04:00

It has been very interesting meeting the people who have come to stay at the Alden House. They have had many reasons to visit Lititz. Some were just looking for a small town with a quaint main street to explore. Others were in town on business with a chocolate seminar or with a local bank. Most recently we have had a couple wishing to take wing, another hunting treasure and another on the nest.

The couple wishing to take wing is in flight school at Lancaster Airport. They have had some life changing experiences in recent years. So, they retired early, seized the day and bought an airplane to learn to fly. If the weather is clear and calm on a certain two days per week, we have learned to expect a phone call for a room.

The treasure hunting couple was looking for a quaint small town to explore, but they do it in a different way. It is called Geocaching. Adventure seekers are equipped with GPS devices and search for hidden containers outdoors. There is a web site to help people get started and share their experiences. Our guests said they were skeptical when they were taken on their first adventure, but now they are hooked. In Lititz, they found three sites and a fourth site nearby.

Our next guest never comes indoors. She is literally on a nest. A pair of doves has nested above a door that goes from a guest room onto our balcony. This has become her habit of three years. In 2009, she arrived late and nested three times, two babies each time. In 2010, she arrived early and nested five times, two babies each time. She is early again for 2011. Our guests enjoy saying good morning to her. Some get to watch her feed her babies or teach them to fly.

With the promise of spring, all of the Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Inns are looking forward to a great year of seizing the day, trying something new, smelling the roses or watching the doves.

First Friday, Lancaster PA, Art Galleries and Studios, Romantic Bed & Breakfast Lodging

2011-03-15T11:39:00.000-04:00

First Fridays in Lancaster Pennsylvania have become a very popular and not to be missed monthly event. With over 70 participants there is something for every taste in art, music and theater. The wide variety of art abounds from glass to photography, from ceramics to chain saw carvings, from paper mache sculptures to fine art paintings. Beginning at 5pm and lasting till 9pm you will have every minute filled with exploring the different shops, art galleries and studios. All your senses will be satisfied with great places along the way to savor some local food specialties as well as being treated to the sounds of live music. On your next venture to Lancaster Pennsylvania make sure to plan for a First Friday. In Lancaster Pennsylvania, you will find a wide variety of Romantic Bed & Breakfast Lodging where your hosts will be more than pleased to offer you more information and help you in planning visit. Make sure that you also check on theater events at the Fulton Theater another participant for First Friday activities.

Wine Tasting

2011-03-07T13:07:00.000-05:00

Many Pennsylvania wineries are celebrating new vintages during the month of March. Many Lancaster PA bed and breakfast s, are located near a number of the local wineries. This includes the York County and the Brandywine Wineries which are hosting events every weekend.

The 2011 Tour de Tanks, hosted by the UnCork York Wine Trail, has tank and barrel tastings from 11am-5pm. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with the winemakers and enjoy tasty treats. A few wineries in the area are; Tamanend Winery, Nissley Vineyard & Winery Estate, and Moon Dancer Vineyard & Winery.

Barrels on the Brandywine features tastings of the new vintage in barrels, buckets, and bottles. Passports are required but allow access to cellars, new wines, pruning demonstrations, and seminars. Three other wineries also near many of Lancaster County's finest Bed and Breakfasts are; Twin Brook Winery, Black Walnut Winery, and Penns Woods Winery.

After a full day of touring wineries, there’s nothing more relaxing than a nap in front of a fireplace, a cool spring evening on the porch, or relaxing in a jacuzzi. Lancaster, PA Bed and Breakfasts' offer the luxury and romance to complete a perfect getaway weekend. So pick up your favorite bottle of wine at any of our local wineries and enjoy a lovely evening at your favorite Bed and Breakfast.

Winter has returned! And the Mud Sale season begins!

2011-02-22T11:57:00.000-05:00

After last weeks temperatures had us all looking for those spring bulbs old man winter returned with a BEAUTIFUL snowfall last evening! Looks like Puxatawney Phil might have been a bit off on his prediction but our local Octorara Orphie got it right! And as the winter begins to wind down Lancaster County moves into the Mud Sale season. And with this moisture it promises to be a season of Mud! First up this Saturday February 26th is the 38th Annual sale in support of the Strasburg Fire Company. Held on the fire company premises off of Franklin St in the borough of Strasburg the sale begins at 8:00. Food, goods, quilts - heck you could even pick up a mule or two! Many of the GREAT inns of the Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Inns Association have rooms available so give us a call now to reserve a couple of nights and enjoy the activities.

Winter in Lancaster, PA

2011-02-16T16:01:00.001-05:00

It's been a week since the first of Lancaster County’s two largest snowstorms in years, and life at the Inn at Twin Linden in Churchtown, Pa is finally getting back to normal. Even life-long residence said it was the most snow they had ever seen in the area.

What we found to be amazing here at our Lancaster Bed and Breakfast were the most enormous icicles we'd ever seen. A few even ran from the rooftop to the ground seeming to hold up the inn. What a strange but beautiful sight as the sunlight turned them to glistening crystals. Our B&B guests enjoying their weekend retreat continued to be awed by their growing grandeur as the rooftop snow began to melt and drip along its icy route to the ground.

With temperatures predicted in the 50's throughout Lancaster, PA, all the winter beauty will soon disappear. It will soon be time to start looking for beautiful spring bulbs that will start peeking through the rich Pa Dutch Farmland.

Sue & Norm @ Inn of Twin Linden

Lancaster County welcomes the migrating swans

2011-02-01T15:28:00.000-05:00

On a snowy morning on the first day of February it seemed appropriate to take a look at at the coming year and all there is to do in Lancaster County. It is exciting to see February arrive and know that spring is just around the corner. Located on a beautiful tract of land overlooking a lake we have the opportunity to watch the birds change with the seasons. Guests delight in the enormous array of birds that visit our feeders and many hear the hoot of owls at night for the very first time. Last week during full moon 2 great horned owls held a long conversation. It would be interesting to know what they were talking about as their hooting echoed through the stillness. Wonderful moments and one of the best reasons to visit the quiet of the country in winter.
In just a few short weeks we will welcome the snow geese and tundra swans as they migrate north to their summer home on the tundra. 10’s of thousands of these magnificient birds migrate through here stopping at Middle Creek Wildlife preserve, a short 10 minuites from the inn (Swiss Woods) as well as here at Speedwell Forge Lake. It is a sight to behold and draws birdwatchers from all over with camera and tripods. Middle Creek is located on over 1700 acres of lake and forest. There are many paths and roads winding through the property which also lends itself to biking and hiking. During much of the year the roads are open to drive through the conservation property. Many of the LCBBIA inns are located within a short drive of Middle Creek and your innkeepers will be glad to give you directions for a scenic drive to the lake.

The ideal time to watch the birds is the first week of March. Last year, in 2010 100,00 were on the lake on the 10th of March. By the 19th there were still about 10,000, but if you want to see the huge flocks, the first week of March is the best. Book your rooms now and enjoy this wonder of nature!

Romantic Getaways in Lancaster PA

2011-01-25T15:22:00.000-05:00

Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Inns Association has 14 different B&B’s that would be perfect for a romantic weekend getaway in Pa. Unfortunately, not everyone has the chance to escape to celebrate this lover’s holiday, so here is Valentine’s Day idea that will help you have that Bed and Breakfast allure in the comfort of your own home.

The Alden House, located in Lititz, PA, is a great choice for your romantic getaway. Surrounded by the smell of chocolate from Wilbur’s Chocolate Factory, this Inn is irresistible. Anyone that has a weakness for chocolate will just love this recipe for Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies, which would be a great finish to that breakfast in bed you are planning for your special someone.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

1½ C. flour

½ C. unsweetened cocoa

¼ t. salt

¼ t. baking powder

¼ t. baking soda

1 10oz. jar maraschino cherries (about 48)

½ C. butter or margarine

1 C. sugar

1 egg

1 ½ t. vanilla

1 6oz. package semisweet chocolate chips

½ C. sweetened condensed milk

Combine first 5 ingredients and set aside. Drain maraschino cherries, set aside and reserve juice. In large mixer bowl, beat butter until fluffy, add sugar and beat, add egg, vanilla and beat. To the butter mixture, add dry ingredients and mix well. Divide dough and roll into 48 balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Make an indentation in each ball and place a cherry in each (you can use half a cherry instead of a whole one). Preheat oven to 350. Combine chocolate chips and sweetened condense milk and heat in microwave at 30 second intervals until chips are melted. Add 4 t. of reserved cherry juice to chocolate mixture. Spread 1 t. of chocolate frosting on each cherry to cover it. Bake frosted cookies for 10 min. Cool completely.

Hershey, PA

2011-01-14T12:23:00.000-05:00

We recently drove my mother to Hershey, PA to enjoy some of the Christmas festivities there. Hershey PA is just a hop, skip, and jump away from any of our 14 Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Inns. We’d previously been to Christmas Candylane several times (and I recommend that for any kids or kids at heart!), but we wanted to check out Sweet Lights and Hershey Gardens. Hershey Gardens near Lancaster County, PA is a beautiful place, something like Longwood Gardens but not nearly as extensive. They offered a Christmas Tree Display and contest. It was cold and windy the day we went, so I think we will opt to go again in the spring when the weather is warmer. Hershey Gardens will reopen for the season on April 1, 2011. I understand their rose gardens are magnificent! Sweet Lights was certainly festive, and one can enjoy this lights display in the warmth and comfort of your own vehicle! There is a per vehicle fee of $20, which must help cover the cost of the electricity! They also gave us these goofy glasses that magically turn the lights into stars and seem to magnify the beauty! My mom was like a little kid!” Mark and Brenda Miller, Brownstone Colonial Inn

2011 Mud Sale Season

2011-01-07T20:22:00.000-05:00

The Lancaster County 2011 Mud Sale season is almost upon us. If you are not familiar with mud sales many of the Lancaster County villages hold fund raising auctions in the late winter to support the local volunteer fire companies. The name 'mud sale' comes from the eventual muddy ground that the auction is held upon and trust us when we say "bring your boots"! The last Saturday of February is the kickoff of the Lancaster County Mud Sale Season and it starts at the Strasburg Fire Company in the village of Strasburg! The donation and consignment sale begins at 8:00 AM and runs all day. Items to be sold include: Quilts, Crafts, Furniture, Farm Equipment, Horses, Yard Equipment, Bicycles, Misc. Stuff, Building Equipment, and much, much more! And another treat - The Food Services Committee will have lots of good food available. This year the Strasburg 35'th Annual Spring Sale is on Saturday February 26, 2011 at 08:30 am. So come on out to the country for the weekend, make a reservation at one of the fabulous inns of the Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Inns Association and enjoy yourself! One warning - you'll probably end up buying a quilt!

Lancaster County Inns Recipe Favorite

2011-01-06T15:48:00.000-05:00

Being an owner of a Bed and Breakfast or Country Inn has many perks. One of those perks is the scrumptious recipes that cross our paths every morning. Since an enticing breakfast is a big draw to our Lancaster County PA B&Bs, we as a group are constantly looking for quick and delicious breakfast recipes. Bed and Breakfast owners love cooking, eating and sharing wonderful breakfast recipes. The Hurst House located in Ephrata, Pa, one of our associations 14 B & Bs has shared her Pumpkin Square recipe. Please enjoy.

PUMPKIN SQUARES

Mix: 1 1/3 cup crushed graham crackers crumbs

1/3 cup sugar

½ cup melted butter

Press into oblong cake pan. Line entire bottom of pan

Beat: 2 eggs

¾ cup sugar

8 oz. cream cheese

Pour over graham crumb crust and bake at 350 degrees for 20 min.

Cook: 2 cups pumpkin

3 egg yokes

½ cup sugar

½ cup milk

1/2 salt

2 teas. cinnamon

Cook until thick, about 5 min.

Sprinkle 1 envelope plain gelatin into ¼ cup water. When dissolved, add to pumpkin mixture, cool until it mounds.

Beat 3 egg whites until stiff. Add ¼ sugar. Fold into pumpkin mixture. Pour over cooled crust. Keep in refrigerator

Top with cool whip before serving. Optional: sprinkle with chopped pecans.

The Hurst House B&B,

Bert Hurst

Enjoy Lancaster County's foods

2010-12-22T12:35:00.001-05:00

Buy fresh, buy local, and then eat well. Yes, Lancaster County is the Garden Spot of Pennsylvania.

When one thinks of the foods of Lancaster County, most often it’s family style smorgasbords. There are other places where you can enjoy fresh Lancaster foods. These include farmers’ markets, B&B’s, family-owned and fine dining restaurants which offers many international styles such as French, a number of Asian cultures, Peruvian, Columbian, and Italian. While one must search to find a traditional German meal (although an invitation to an Amish family meal will do), many of these eating options use locally grown vegetables, fruits, pastured or free-range meats, cheeses, fine wines, as well as micro-brews.

The program Lancaster County Buy Fresh Buy Local (LBFBL) supports and partners with farmers, markets, business and institutions which follow its principles to produce, use or sell an extremely high percent of foods produced by local farms. So Lancastrian farms, cheeses makers, wineries and Community Supportive Agriculture (CSA) sell foods primarily produced by them. While markets, restaurants and B&B’s directly identify and use locally grown goods, produce or meats for their customers.

At any Lancaster farmers’ market one can see the effects of LBFBL’s efforts to showcase Lancaster fresh organic bounty. Throughout many restaurants and B&B’s one will be delighted by menus and meals using such bounty. Since Amish family gardens offer a true mark of Lancaster’s sustainable farming and living, an invitation to an Amish family’s dinner would safely bring you to the very soul of locally grown and prepared foods.

So go to any Lancaster farmers’ market to get goodies for a picnic or home dinner packed in your cooler. Then perhaps find a nice bottle of local wine, micro-brew or cider. For your next visit to a restaurant or B&B make your selection based on its use of locally grown, freshly purchased and prepared foods. There are also many pick-your own farms and orchards. All of these make for healthier eating.

To get information about LBFBL, its partners, visionaries, and the healthy sources of Lancaster County’s bounty of freshly grown foods and prepared foods visit www.lancasterbfbl.org. At this website you can find the locations of participating retail markets, on-farm stands, farmers’ markets, wineries, micro-breweries, restaurants, food processors, and B&B’s.

So stay at a B&B to support not only a small business, but also to meet a personable source of information about the best foods of Lancaster County…it’s more than smorgasbords.

E.J. Bowman House B&B

Holiday Celebrations in Lancaster, PA

2010-12-20T14:31:00.000-05:00

Come to Lancaster County to spend the remainder of your 2010 vacation days and close out the year relaxing in one of Lancaster County Bed & Breakfast Inns Association’s properties.

Some gems to discover in these next two weeks before the close of the year could be the Christmas Show at The American Music theatre - www.amtshow.com; the Miracle of Christmas at the Sight & Sound Millenium theatre – www.sight-sound.com; White Christmas at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater – www.dutchapple.com; and the Pool’s Paradise at the Rainbow Dinner Theater – www.rainbowdinnertheater.com. These shows will all be continuing through December 30^th.

Another suggestion would be the Winter Wonderland at Hershey Park, showcasing nearly 600 illuminated animated displays that you can enjoy from the comfort of your car in the two (2) miles of wood trails – www.hersheypark.com. Or you can enjoy the half million outdoor lights at Longwood Garden’s dazzling display – www.longwoodgarden.org.

The Sound of Music, the worlds’ most beloved musical, is being performed at the Fulton Theater until the end of the year – www.thefulton.org.

Celebrate New Years Eve in the city of Lancaster. A concert and fireworks in Binns Park from 10PM till midnight will usher in the New Year – www.lancastercityevents.com/32/lancaster.html.

Be sure to contact an innkeeper at www.padutchinns.com to book your stay.

Flowers & Thyme Bed and Breakfast

Lantern Tours at the Cloister

2010-12-15T13:47:00.000-05:00

These tours located in pa dutch county, take you back in time to visit the Cloister as it may have appeared in the 1700s. The Cloister, located in Ephrata PA, continues to inform and educate visitors about their surviving legacy and the people who built it. The Cloister is a national historic landmark run by the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission.

Each year’s story offers a cast of junior and senior high school students playing the roles that bring history to life. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Cloister after December 1. Admission charged

December 27 through 30
6:00 to 9:00 p.m. each evening

Ephrata Cloister
632 West Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522
Telephone (717) 733-6600 • Fax: (717) 733-4364
www.ephratacloister.org

Dave & Bonnie Harvey – Kimmell House Bed & Breakfast

Lancaster PA in the Fall

2010-09-03T13:44:00.000-04:00

As summer fades into fall, the days are still wonderful to enjoy a trip to Lancaster County. Roadside stands have an array of summer fruits and vegetables for sale. Our outlets have reduced summer merchandise and are showcasing the first displays of the Autumn season in their stores. Somehow the pace seems less hectic at this time of the year and the weather is getting less hot and humid. As we say in Pennsylvania Dutch country “Come Onct” and enjoy your first visit or perhaps a return visit. A stay at one of our Bed and Breakfasts will be the perfect place for you to experience the end of one season and the start of a new one. Remember Lancaster County is beautiful in all seasons.

Bob Abel, Pheasant Run Farm Bed and Breakfast

Hospice of Lancaster County’s 26th Annual Labor Day Auction

2010-06-26T20:31:00.000-04:00

There are plenty of rooms available at all of the inns at http://www.padutchinns.com/ for the 26th Annual Labor Day auction benefiting Hospice of Lancaster County. Stay with us for the whole weekend and take part in one of the biggest fund raisers in the county.

“Going once, going twice, SOLD!” The 26th Annual Labor Day Auction, presented by Turkey Hill Dairy, will feature elaborate quilts, handcrafted Amish furniture, more than 150 pieces of framed local artwork, sports and celebrity memorabilia, vacation packages, home and garden accessories, plants, gift certificates, crafts and delicious Amish-prepared food. This year’s event will be held Saturday, Sept. 4, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 6, 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., at the Lampeter Fairgrounds, Route 741 and Lampeter Road.

The Hospice of Lancaster County Labor Day Auction is one of Pennsylvania’s premier benefit sales; in 2009 it generated $356,000 to support individuals and families coping with end of life and loss. Thousands of items will be sold simultaneously in multiple arenas both days. This auction is rare for blending an “English” event with one where the best Pennsylvania Dutch food is prepared on-site by the Lancaster County Amish community.

On Saturday, Sept. 4, gift certificates and a variety of merchandise will be featured in the live auction area. Saturday’s events will include a used item auction, as well as even more new items. On Monday, Sept. 6, simultaneous auctions will occur between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Featured items include a private food tour of Philadelphia’s historic Italian Market, a personal landscaping consultation Stauffer's at Kissel Hill's The Garden Guy, a beach vacation and more. The annual sports memorabilia auction will feature nearly 200 pieces of valuable sports history, including items signed by Joe Paterno, Mean Joe Green, Mike Schmidt, Magic Johnson and Joe DiMaggio.

June Antique Extravaganza

2010-06-04T14:09:00.003-04:00

It’s that time again! Time for what you may ask? It’s time to search for treasures amongst the large collection of antiques at the Summer Antiques Extravaganza in Adamstown, PA. During the weekend of June 24-27, 2010 join thousands of shoppers in the excitement of finding the perfect antique to take home. Many of the dealers have special collections that they save specifically for the extravaganza weekends. There will be more than 400 dealers at Stoudt’s Black Angus on Saturday and Sunday. The outside dealers are open as early as 5 am through noon while the inside dealers stay open from 7:30-4pm only on Sunday.

Located throughout various stores and markets in Adamstown, you will be amazed at the wide selection of collectibles available. Some of the antiques include: fine furniture, paintings, jewelry, glassware, military memorabilia, toys, coins, and quilts. Smaller galleries are open on Thursday and Friday which will get your feet wet and spark your excitement for Stoudt’s on Saturday and Sunday.

Since there are so many places to visit and treasures to discover, there’s no doubt that you will need a comfortable place to relax at night to refresh you for the next day of antiquing. The Lancaster County Bed & Breakfast Association has 14 B & B's to choose from. You can relax in a jacuzzi tub or enjoy the beautiful flowers in the gardens and porches. Each one serves a scrumptious breakfast in the morning,that will excite your taste buds and give you the energy to visit all the antique dealers. If you want to make this a family event or travel with a group of friends there are even some Inns that have a vacation homes or cottages that will fit your needs. You will not be disappointed with the friendly service and the atmosphere of each inn, so call us today to book your stay!

If you’ve been to an extravaganza weekend before then you know that you won’t want to miss the excited crowds and all the new rarities that will discover. If you’ve never experienced an extravaganza weekend, then come out to visit as the Antiques Capital are anxiously awaiting your arrival!

Adamstown Inns & Cottages

Historic Preservation Trust of Lanc Co - 26th Annual Gourmet Gala

2010-04-24T21:28:00.000-04:00

26th Annual GOURMET GALA

Sunday, May 23 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Join us - The Iron Horse Inn - at the Historic Southern Market Center /100 South Queen Street, Lancaster
$65 for members and $75 for non-members Tickets available by calling the Trust at 291.5861

Gourmet Food & Beverages from 30 local and regional vendors
Music by The Matthew Monticchio Trio
Silent Auction

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County, the only county-wide nonprofit organization dedicated solely to preserving our architectural heritage.

Spring has Sprung!!

2010-03-28T15:59:00.000-04:00

We have all of the things that you have heard about but have you heard about the many Free Things To Do in Lancaster County? Book your long weekend in one of our many beautiful B&B's, make your dinner reservations at our tremendous restaurants and then.... Check out all of the free things to do that you can do!

Antiquing Adamstown, PA
     The dealing begins in Lancaster County before the sun even begins to shine, at antique malls such as those in Adamstown, where you'll find unique treasures of the past from more than 3,000 dealers. If you're a true bargain-hunter, grab your coffee for an extra-early morning, and scout out your favorites before throwing your bid into the ring at antique auctions.

Bubes Brewery Art Gallery - Mount Joy, PA 717-653-2056
     The Brewery began producing beer again in November 2001 for the first time since 1917. The present day brewery operates in the original brewery's ice house. Visitors are welcome to tour the brewery.

Conestoga Area Historical Society - Conestoga, PA 717-872-1699
     See a Conestoga wagon on display at this museum which is housed in an old tobacco shed. The museum gallery features revolving local exhibits and Native American artifacts.

Covered Bridges
     Just the sight of our covered bridges brings to mind thoughts of old charm and romance, and in Lancaster County, the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, we have plenty of both! Sometimes referred to as “kissing bridges” because of the many couples who have strolled across them over the years, our area offers more than two dozen of these architectural beauties – each with its own inviting story.

Demuth's Tobacco Shop & Museum - Lancaster, PA 717-397-6613
     Go to many major museums across the country, and you have a good chance of seeing a painting by Charles Demuth (1883-1935). Come to the Demuth Museum in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and you are guaranteed an intimate, rotating view of our permanent collection, which consists of 27 Charles Demuth originals, as well as the opportunity to experience the environment in which Demuth created his more than 1,000 watercolors, drawings and architectural oils. Stand in his studio and look out at the antique graden from which he drew inspiration for his beloved and masterful floral watercolors, or see the view that motivated Demuth to undertake his Precisionist works based on Lancaster buildings.

Heritage Center Museum - Lancaster, PA 717-299-6440
     Explore the customs and traditions of our Amish neighbors. Experience letterpress printing in our 1920s Print Shop. Located in the heart of downtown Lancaster in two historic buildings, the former City Hall of Lancaster and the Masonic Lodge No. 43, both built in the 1790s, the Museum highlights the culture and history of the area.

Herr's Snack Factory Tour - Nottingham, PA 800-63-SNACK
     Take the tastiest tour in town and sample warm chips, freshly made.

Hershey's Chocolate World Visitors Center - Hershey, PA 800-HERSHEY
     Free chocolate-making tour, free sample, Hershey's Really Big 3D Show, trolley tours of Hershey, gift shops and food court.

Intercourse Canning Company - Intercourse, PA 717-768-0156
     Come and see one of Lancaster County's working canneries. Sample pickles, relishes, jams, jellies, Amish peanut butter over 20 different items to taste. We offer a selection of 40 varieties of gourmet coffees; our own dip mixes and more.

Lancaster Newspapers Newseum - Lancaster, PA 717-291-8600
     Lancaster Newspapers Newseum, located at 28 South Queen Street in the City of Lancaster, is a glass-enclosed, self-guided display that traces the evolution of how newspapers served people from earliest times, with special attention to the evolution of the Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster New Era and Sunday News...all published by Lancaster Newspapers, Inc.

Long’s Park - Lancaster, PA 717-735-8883
     Enjoy the petting zoo, spring fed lake, walking paths, tennis and basketball courts, and many free events held throughout the year.

Mascot Roller Mills and Ressler Family Home - Ronks, PA 717-656-7616
     Each year more than 12,000 visitors from throughout the world find their way to this historic site, nestled in the heart of a thriving Amish community in eastern Lancaster County. Visitors to the site, which features a remarkably preserved water-powered grain mill, step back in time to learn about milling history along the banks of scenic Mill Creek. The adjacent 1855 miller's house, home to three generations of Resslers, is a clear window to early 20th century housekeeping and family life. The home is preserved just as it was when brother and sister Franklin and Anna Ressler offered their neighbors the finest flour, along with neighborly hospitality.

Nissley Vineyards and Winery Estate - Bainbridge, PA 800-522-2387
    Featuring tastings of award winning Lancaster Valley wines, and tours of scenic operating winery. Also wine shop, picnic patios and country roadways for biking.

Outdoors
     Escape to the great outdoors during your trip to Lancaster County, which boasts a whole host of ways to enjoy our landscape and relish a breath of fresh air! Bike or hike one of our many trails, and explore our scenic back roads, which have been voted one of the best places to "get lost." Our seemingly endless miles of rolling Amish farmlands and 29 covered bridges will serve as your pathway to simpler times.
     You're sure to enjoy opportunities for birding and admiring scenic beauty at one of our Lancaster County Pennsylvania parks and preserves. Waterfowl and wildlife sanctuaries abound, along with several thousand acres of thickly wooded Pennylvania state gameland. If your penchant is for waterways, you'll want to explore the mighty Susquehanna River and all the water activities we recommend to enjoy its beauty, from fishing to kayaking and boating.

People’s Place Quilt Museum - Intercourse, PA 800-828-8218
     This exquisite museum features antique Amish and Mennonite quilts and decorative arts.

Twin Brook Winery - Gap, PA 717-442-4915
     Our winery is located on a picturesque estate dating back over 300 years. We have 30 acres of planted vineyards. All of our wine is produced on-site. Taste our award winning wines in our beautifully restored 19th century bank barn which houses state of the art wine-making facilities. We offer tours, picnic areas, free tastings, wine supplies and gift items.

Wilbur Chocolate Factory Store - Lititz, PA 888-294-5287
     If you're a chocolate lover, a visit to the Wilbur Chocolate Candy Factory Store will stir delightful memories of yesteryear. You will enjoy a large selection of Wilbur items, chocolate specialties, and many other confections. You can also watch our candy makers at work hand-dipping homemade marshmallows into luscious Wilbur chocolate and creating mounds of gooey caramel crunch, chunks of velvety almond bark, and rich pralines chockful of pecans and cashews

Farmers Markets
     Lancaster County grows food for the entire nation. Fortunately, you can buy direct at roadside stands and farmers markets. Here, organic, fresh-picked fruits and vegetables appear daily. It's one of the perks everyone enjoys!
          Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market - Bird-in-Hand, PA 717-393-9674
          Columbia Market - Columbia, PA 717-684-5767
          Green Dragon Farmers Market & Auction - Ephrata, PA717-738-1117
           Lancaster Central Market - Lancaster, PA 717-291-4723

Quilting in Lancaster County- American Quilters Society Convention

2010-02-07T10:26:00.000-05:00

Are you a quilter, or do you have a friend who quilts? Perhaps you just enjoy looking at the beautifully detailed finished products or are thinking about starting this new hobby? Whatever your background, you will not want to miss the 1st Annual American Quilters Society Quilt Show & Contest in Lancaster, PA. The Lancaster County Convention Center will be adorned with over 400 handmade quilts and bustling with judges and onlookers from March 24 - 27, 2010.

While the show is open to the public, they do ask that you register ahead of time for certain workshops or classes that are available. There will be special quilt exhibits, classes, and vendors throughout the week. The AQS website has more specific information and events. Start your planning now to enter your quilt in the contest, or to enjoy the displays and have a relaxing trip.

With Lancaster County being known for its handcrafted Amish and Mennonite quilts, this is the perfect location to host an American Quilters Society event. Outside of the event, there are many other quilting experiences throughout Lancaster County.

You can spend an afternoon visiting all the quilt shops in the area that have displays, as well as sell materials. These shops are willing to help you customize your own quilt or help you pick out the right one for you. One of the shops even has a small museum. The PA Dutch Country Welcome Center has a listing of all the local quilt shops.

Are you more into history than actually quilting? Then the Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum will have a new exhibit opening just in time for the Quilt Show. The museum offers a self-guided tour that highlights a diverse collection that speaks about the past, present, and future of the quilting industry.

You do not want to miss this fabulous event, so make sure you register and book a room today! Instead of staying at an impersonal hotel or motel, try staying at one of the 14 bed and breakfasts that are a part of the Lancaster County B&B Association. You will not regret having a hearty breakfast before you head out to explore the world of quilting, and return to the comforts of a luxurious room after a long day on your feet. Don’t forget about the friendly hosts who will ensure that your stay is perfect and tailored to fit your needs.

This weekend, the Adamstown Inns & Cottages are hosting two quilters, for the second year in a row. They stay at the Dragonfly Cottage and bring their sewing machines to enjoy a quiet weekend of quilting. With Lancaster having such a rich quilting history, it is understandable why these quilters enjoy spending time in Lancaster County to work on their projects. Make your plans now for your visit to Lancaster County for these exciting quilting attractions!

Liz from Adamstown Inns & Cottages

Wine and Chocolate Month - Brandywine Valley Wine Trail

2010-01-24T09:20:00.002-05:00

Wine & Chocolate Month

The wineries of the nearby Brandywine Valley are offering some great activities during the month of February. And you will find that they are surprising close to many of our Inns. So pick your weekend and come out to Lancaster County - we are open for business!!

February 2010
Bring your sweetheart and come celebrate with the wineries of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail as we present delicious wine and chocolate tastings and other romantic activities throughout the month.

February 6 & 7

Wine & Chocolate Reserve Tastings, 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Chaddsford Winery

February is the month of romance, so pick up your sweetie and indulge your love in decadent wine & chocolate tastings every weekend in February. Our team of wine educators willlead you rthrouh a sit-down tasting of premium Chaddsford wines paired with premium gourmet chocolates from Éclat Chocolate in West Chester. $25/person, by reservation only at 610-388-6221, press zero.

February 13 & 14

Wine & Chocolate Reserve Tastings, 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Chaddsford Winery

February is the month of romance, so pick up your sweetie and indulge your love in decadent wine & chocolate tastings every weekend in February. Our team of wine educators will lead you through a sit-down tasting of premium Chaddsford wines paired with premium gourmet chocolates from Éclat Chocolate in West Chester. $25/person, by reservation only at 610-388-6221, press zero.

Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tasting, 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Paradocx Vineyard

In celebration of Valentine's Day, Chester County's Paradocx Vineyard will host an exclusive wine, cheese and chocolate tasting event, coupled with tours of the winery by our head winemaker. Cheese will be provided by September Farms of Honeybrook, PA and chocolate by Neuchatel Chocolates of Oxford, PA. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Limited space available. Call (610)255-5684 for reservations or email kellie@paradocx.com

Chocolates & Wine for Valentine's Day, Noon-5 p.m.
Stargazers Vineyard

Special Pairings
3 samples of Betty's Buttons Fudge and 3 samples of Stargazers Wines served on a polished oak stave, which will be yours to keep! All at $15 per person. Please let us know if you will be joining us. We don't want to run out of chocolate!

Phone (610)486-0422 or e-mail askstargazers@stargazersvineyard.com

February 20 & 21

Wine & Chocolate Reserve Tastings, 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Chaddsford Winery

February is the month of romance, so pick up your sweetie and indulge your love in decadent wine & chocolate tastings every weekend in February. Our team of wine educators will lead you through a sit-down tasting of premium Chaddsford wines paired with premium gourmet chocolates from Éclat Chocolate in West Chester. $25/person, by reservation only at 610-388-6221, press zero.

Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tasting, 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Paradocx Vineyard

In celebration of Valentine's Day, Chester County's Paradocx Vineyard will host an exclusive wine, cheese and chocolate tasting event, coupled with tours of the winery by our head winemaker. Cheese will be provided by September Farms of Honeybrook, PA and chocolate by Neuchatel Chocolates of Oxford, PA. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Limited space available. Call (610)255-5684 for reservations or email kellie@paradocx.com

February 27 & 28

Wine & Chocolate Reserve Tastings, 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Chaddsford Winery

February is the month of romance, so pick up your sweetie and indulge your love in decadent wine & chocolate tastings every weekend in February. Our team of wine educators will lead you through a sit-down tasting of premium Chaddsford wines paired with premium gourmet chocolates from Éclat Chocolate in West Chester. $25/person, by reservation only at 610-388-6221, press zero.

2010 Lancaster County Mud Sales

2009-12-31T19:37:00.004-05:00

Mud Sale is the Lancaster County term for an annual auction/sale at one of a number of local fire companies. The sales, appropriately named for the condition of the thawing ground, attract thousands of people looking for bargains on anything from Amish quilts and antiques to lumber, buggies and lawn equipment.Most sales begin at 8:30 a.m. sharp, but activities continue throughout the day for those who wish to catch a glimpse of some local color and enjoy sampling traditional Lancaster County farm fare.

And you will certainly find one of our inns located nearby any and all of these sales! So c'mon make it a weekend and start shaking off those winter blues!

Our schedule for the 2010 Mud Sales:

February 20 Honeybrook Annual Auction/Mud Sale 8 a.m., Honeybrook Fire Company, 679 Firehouse Ln., Honeybrook. 610-273-2688. Quilts, crafts, new furniture, Winross trucks, Smuckers bells, farm-related supplies, tools, buggies, heifers.

February 25 & 26 Rawlinsville Farm Equipment & Antique Mud Sale 8:30 a.m., Rawlinsville Fire Company, 33 Martic Heights Drive, Holtwood. 717-284-3943. Thursday: new and used farm equipment. Friday: antiques, antique tractors and engines.

February 27 Strasburg Spring Consignment & Mud Sale 8 a.m., Strasburg Fire Company #1, 203 Franklin St., Strasburg. 717-687-7232. Furniture, antiques, quilts, crafts, farm machinery, horses, mules, tools, groceries, fruit, homemade food.

March 6 Bart Township Annual Auction/Mud Sale 8:30 a.m., Bart Twp. Fire Company, 11 Furnace Rd., Quarryville. 717-786-3348. Antiques, quilts, furniture, new & used equipment, small goods, hay & straw, livestock, buggies, tools, crafts and food.

March 13 Gordonville Spring Mud Sale & Auction 8:30 a.m., Gordonville Fire Company, Old Leacock Rd., Gordonville. 717-768-3869. The largest firemen's auction/sale on the East Coast, featuring 500-600 Amish quilts, antiques, collectibles, new & used furniture, tools, farm equipment, horses, mules, buggies, lawn & garden, barns, utility sheds & trailers, construction equipment. Craft show: March 7, 6-9 p.m.

March 20 Airville Volunteer Fire Company Sale 7 a.m., Coffee and Doughnuts, Airville Fire Company, 3576 Delta Road, 717-862-3806 Crafts, antiques, plants, quilts, farm equipment, saddles, carriage, buggies, furniture, garden equipment.

March 20 Bart Township Building Materials Mud Sale 8:30 a.m., Bart Twp. Fire Company, 11 Furnace Rd., Quarryville. 717-786-3348. Wood and aluminum siding, windows, doors, paneling, bath tubs, wash bowls, lumber and food.

March 20 Penryn Fire Company 3rd Annual Mud Sale 8:30 a.m., Penryn Fire Company #1, 1441 N. Penryn Rd., Penryn. 717-665-4167. Woodcrafts, furniture, antiques, quilts, crafts, farm equipment, food and more.

March 27 Gap Annual Spring Mud Sale/Auction 8 a.m., Gap Fire Company, 802 Pequea Ave., Gap. 717-442-8100. Horse-drawn carriages, buggies, wagons, new & used furniture, quilts, crafts, dry goods, groceries and more.

April 3 Robert Fulton Volunteer Fire Company Mud Sale 7 a.m. breakfast, Robert Fulton Fire Company, 2271 Robert Fulton Hwy., Peach Bottom, 717-548-8995. Crafts, plants, tools, antiques, farm equipment, furniture, food, buggies, wagons, groceries, horses.

April 3 Wakefield Annual Spring Mud Sale 8 a.m., Robert Fulton Fire Company, 2271 Robert Fulton Hwy., Peach Bottom. 717-548-2483. Quilts, crafts, horses, lumber & building supplies, shrubbery, miscellaneous items and lots of homemade food.

April 10 Rawlinsville Annual Mud Sale 8 a.m., Rawlinsville Fire Company, 33 Martic Heights Dr., Holtwood. 717-284-3023. Quilts, horses, crafts, building materials, lawn equipment, new and used furniture.

June 25 Bird-in-Hand Mud Sale 8 a.m., Along Rt. 340 (Old Philadlephia Pike) across from Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant, 717-392-0112. Antiques, harness and tack, specialty items, quilts, crafts, carriages, buggies, wagons and food.

June 26 Refton Fire Company Sale 7 a.m. breakfast, Refton Fire Company, 99 Church Street, 717-786-9462. Hardware, shop tools, plants, furniture, antiques, crafts, hay and straw, quilts, horses, food and more.

August 28 Kinzers Fire Company Mud Sale 7 a.m. breakfast, Kinzers Fire Company, 3521 Lincoln Highway East, 717-442-4121. Plants, groceries, antiques, furniture, lumber, tack, sheds and gazebos, equipment, buggies, quilts, horses.

Lancaster County Christmas Lights

2009-12-16T15:05:00.008-05:00

Lancaster County lights up during the Holiday Season making us all feel young at heart. Not matter what the age the fantastic light display will make you ohh and ahh. From center city Lancaster to the surrounding areas in the county at Christmas time this region twinkles everywhere. In Downtown Lancaster there are tons of event’s going on that will guide you through the city so that you can enjoy all the Christmas decorations in order to set the mood for Holiday fun. As you stroll through Downtown Lancaster you will notice many of the local shops have begun to show off festive window displays. Not only to spread the Christmas cheer, but also because of the new Downtown Window Walk, where visitors to Lancaster city will had the opportunity to vote on who they believe has the best display. Not only can you take Christmas by the beautiful decorations in Lancaster, but you could also enjoy this Christmas season through the sweet melodious carols of the season. This Friday, December 18th, is music Friday in downtown Lancaster. Let the strolling entertainers throughout the city serenade you as you finish up your Christmas shopping. Don’t forget to swing by Binn’s Park and say hello to Santa Claus and tell him what a good little boy or girl you have been this past year.

Perhaps you won’t be getting to Lancaster city any time soon, not to worry; Hershey Park’s Candy Cane Lane also brings the spirit of Christmas to life. With a million twinkling lights, rides for all ages, festive decorations, and Hershey's Product Characters decked out in their holiday best, there is something for all to enjoy! They have also combined the sights and sounds of Christmas in their new light show. N.O.E.L (Nights of Extraordinary Lights) features 125,000 gleaming lights synchronized to your favorite Christmas music! Experience three lively shows starting at 5:00 PM and playing every hour and half-hour along Spring Creek in Comet Hollow. The best viewing areas for N.O.E.L. are the bridges located near the SooperdooperLooper, the Amphitheatre, and the top entrance to the Aquatheatre. If Christmas lights and singing is not your thing there are always the exciting exhilarating RIDES! With over 30 rides offered everyone can find something to do at Hershey Park.

Adamstown Inns

The Clinic for Special Children Fundraiser Auction

2009-09-12T20:22:00.002-04:00

Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Leola Produce Auction House in Leola is this years Benefit Auction for The Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg. The Clinic for Special Children is a non-profit medical and diagnostic service for children with inherited metabolic disorders in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The clinic was established to provide comprehensive medical care for children with chronic, complex medical problems due to inherited disorders. Under the direction of it's founder, Dr. D. Holmes Morton, the clinic specializes in biochemical disorders such as glutaric aciduria (GA1), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), Crigler-Najjar syndrome, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD), and other disorders that occur in the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite communities in Pennsylvania. The clinic cares for children with over 100 different genetic disorders and is recognized as one of the leading centers for the treatment of MSUD, GA1, and Crigler-Najjar syndrome. The mission of the clinic is to advance methods of newborn screening, to improve follow-up services, to develop better diagnostic methods, and to further clinical research in an ongoing effort to improve treatment and outcomes for children who suffer from rare inherited disorders. The clinic is funded through a combination of fees for services, benefit auction proceeds, and private contributions. Please come one and come all on the 19th and enjoy the sights and sounds of this very important community event. And be sure to check out www.padutchinns.com to see who has availability for this and any weekend - we are ALL close to everything that Lancaster County has to offer.

Visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania!

2009-07-17T10:41:00.002-04:00

Lots of things to do at this world renown museum!
ENERGY, INNOVATION & IMPACT: Now through Thursday, December 31, 2009.
What footprints do railroads leave in the world? View video clips from contemporary railroad companies about their drive for sustainable and clean energy sources, as well as a Museum archival display illustrating the impact that railroads historically made on the American environment. Trains In Motion - This exhibit will reveal the starring role that trains and railroads have often played in the magic of motion pictures through video clips, historic photographs and amazing artifacts.

When you visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania this summer and early this fall, on most weekends and during special events, you will likely see a pristine, white truck parked on the front lawn (weather permitting).
Standing next to the truck will be the Good Humor man, Mike Venezia, or, in some cases, his friend Phil Hatrak. Dressed crisply in white, Mike will be selling 18 delicious ice cream novelties, from Good Humor, Popsicle and Klondike brands. Although Mike's uniform is new and his hats are recently custom made, his hat badge and coin changer are circa 1950s. While you are deciding which frozen treat to choose -- 14 of the 18 items cost less than $2.00 each -- you can ring the bell in Mike's original 1969 Good Humor truck.
A portion of the proceeds from the Good Humor sales at the Museum benefits the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Thank you for your support and enjoy your ice cream!

The Good Humor company started in Youngstown, Ohio during the early 1920s and covered most of the country by the mid 1930s. Good Humor became a fixture in American popular culture and, at its peak in the 1950s, the company operated 2,000 "sales cars."

The company's history includes many stories such the Good Humor vendor who rushed a baby to a hospital for treatment and how the company helped break up a counterfeit money operation on Long Island, New York.
During World War II, a Good Humor truck was assigned to follow one of the armies during maneuvers. The commander could not understand how the opposing artillery was quickly locating his position until he realized that the spotters were using the white Good Humor truck as a guide. Rather than deny his troops ice cream, that night he ordered the truck be painted army green

2009-06-03T14:37:00.010-04:00

Reading, PA is home to the biggest, best, and most comprehen-sive commemor-ation of World War II and the Greatest Generation in the country. Observe the 64th anniversary of D-Day in WW II style.
• Feel like you are spending a weekend in 1944!
• Expanded Show Grounds and More Displays
• No Charge for Parking
• Experienced, Free Shuttle Bus Service
• Emergency Water and Shade
• More Toilets
• 3-Day Passes Available
• The main flight line has been returned to the previous location of three years ago affording you a better up-close and personal view of flight line action!

Advanced tickets available at a discount; regular price admission at the gate. Free parking, free shuttle buses, more flea market & food vendors. MAAM’s WWII Weekend June 5th, 6th & 7th, 2009 “1944”; “The best WWII show in the U.S., bar none.”
Special Guests for 2009
Gen. John Alison - Flying Tiger Ace
Col. C.E. "Bud" Anderson - Triple Ace
Col. Herb Ing, USMC - Marshall Islands, Saipan,
Iwo Jima
Lt. Col. Richard Cole - Doolittle Raider
Lt. Col. Robert Hite - Doolittle Raider
Maj. Theodore "Dutch" Van Kirk - Navigator,
"Enola Gay", Atomic Mission
AND MANY MORE...

Plus eight original members of the "Band of Brothers", who were portrayed in the movie “The Dirty Dozen” WW II WEEKEND IS TEN SHOWS IN ONE! Get more entertainment value for your money as you enjoy one of the most memorable history lessons you will ever experience.

A.I.

2009-05-01T15:38:00.008-04:00

Begin Spring on the right foor by attending the amazing First Fridays in downtown Lancaster. Thousands of people every spring and summer venture to Lancaster to enjoy the unbelievable artistic ability displayed throughout the city. First Fridays occur on the first Friday evening of every month year round. Over 90 art venues and shops extend their hours to 9 p.m. - some even later! For a complete listing of monthly First Friday activities, visit the website:
A LancasterARTS event.

Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

With a large number of galleries concentrated in Lancaster's charming downtown area, you can simply stroll down the street taking in all the fine art, or perhaps purchase a painting to adorn your office or home. You may even have the opportunity to stop and chat with one of the artists for a while. While walking downtown, you may decide to stop at one of the owner-operated boutiques and shops to purchase a few wonderful products as well. Lancaster also offers a variety of unique restaurants; from fine dining, to casual, to great pubs there is a meal to satisfy each art lover. "Whether you are looking for sophisticated or funky, retro or edgy, antique or contemporary, you will find it in downtown Lancaster."

Adamstown Inn

Antique Extravaganza

2009-04-20T16:06:00.008-04:00

On April 23-26 the Adamstown area will once again hold its' annual Antique Extravaganza. This weekend is different from the usual antique shopping days in Adamstown, because of the increase of vendors setting up at the local shops, as well as extended hours for most stores. The sheer amount of things to buy is truly unbelievable and there is usually something for every one's taste. So many places to go, and so many places to shop, and only 24 hours in a day. Not only is this a great time for outstanding deals on antiques, but the weekend also provides a wonderful view of spring time in Lancaster county. Hope to see you at the shops.

Adamstown Inn

You know you're from Lancaster, when....

2009-04-15T15:13:00.004-04:00

A fellow member of the Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Association, Limestone Inn, discovered this summary of Lancaster's traits....Oh, so true!

You know you're from Lancaster, when..1. Whenever you say you're from Lancaster, people ask you if you are Amish.2. You know 'Chiques Rock'3. Your idea of Chicken Pot Pie has nothing to do with a pie and you can't figure out why people might think it would.4. Your driving lessons involved learning to avoid horse droppings.5. You know at least 5 euphemisms for animal manure and at least 4 of them involve food.6. You know how to cook, but not without butter.7. The only spices in your kitchen are salt, pepper and ketchup.8. You've ever missed school for the first day of deer season...- ...but didn't get in trouble.9. The following words mean something to you:- Fire Hall Wedding- Chicken and Waffle Dinner- Fire-police- Wooly Bear- Whoopie Pie 10. You spend at least 30 minutes every summer day complaining about New Jersey drivers.11. You don't understand why people would ever want to see the Amish.12. The local Post Office used to be a single-family home and they close between noon and 1 for lunch.13. You have ever ended a sentence with "a while".14. You do not giggle when you see the following signs:- Lititz- Intercourse- Blue Ball- Bird-in-Hand- Mount Joy- Paradise - Peach Bottom 15. You've heard of 7-11 but you've never seen one.16. You cannot buy beer and wine from the same store.17. Park City has nothing to do with skiing for you.18. Agnes 1972 means something to you and you can tell stories about it.19. You pronounce Lancaster in "Burt Lancaster" differently from Lancaster in "Lancaster, PA".- And you giggle at people who say "Aee-mish". 20. You personally know many people with the name:- Lapp- Lantz- Stoltzfus (or Stoltzfoos)- Zimmerman- Zook21. Your iced tea is sweeter than Pepsi.22. You know someone who repairs gasoline-powered lawn mowers, but is forbidden to own one.23. You think Fasnacht Day and Groundhog Day are national holidays.24. You know that eggs come in either white or brown . . - ...and you have a preference.

25. You think the Mississippi is just a tad wider than the Susquehanna.26. You know who James Buchanan was.27. You can pronounce "Ephrata" - ...and "Strasburg." 28. You don't have to be told what Shoo Fly Pie is. 29. You outen the lights at the end of the day. 30. You go to the store when the milk is "all". 31. You think orange traffic cones are the natural foliage surrounding Route 30. 32. A "Bud" is not a beer and it's much better than those cheap knockoffs, Hershey's kisses. 33. If they hadn't improved the highway, the trip from Lititz to Park City wouldn't be as long. 34. The word "red" is a verb. 35. "Come with?" is a complete sentence. 36. You know what Donkey baseball is. 37. You are a manure connoisseur. You can tell just by smell, whether it is cow, pig, chicken or turkey and if it's from a pile or liquid pit. 38. You know what a liquid pit is.39. At times, you utter things like, "Throw over the fence some hay.

40. It may be raining, but the question is: "Is it makin' down?" or "Is it really makin' down?" 41. The verb "to be" is useless: "Does Fido need out?" 42. You remember when Park City Mall had a flea market in the basement. Or worse yet, a skating rink. 43. You know that "long johns" are something you eat, not something you wear. 44. You own quilts and know their names. 45. You know what a Turkey Hill is . . .o . . . and you've ditched school to hang out there. o . . . and they're the only place that sells your favorite beverage. 46. You've corrected all the errors while watching Witness. 47. Rush hour is on Saturday afternoon -- in the summer. 48. Scrapple --o You love it.o And yet you know what's in it. 49. "Dinner" and "supper" are different concepts entirely. 50. Your van has windshield wipers (and so does your station vagon). 51. You reocognize "Twin Kiss" and "Freez and Frizz," knowing that Dairy Queen is a pale imitation. 52. The outhouse at the end of the cornfield isn't, but it has a phone and a fax. 53. Dutch Wonderland is neither Dutch nor much of a Wonderland.54. You have a craving for ice cream . . .o . . . when it snows. 55. You know "doplic" is indeed a word and nobody can tell you any different. 56. WGAL is the source of all local celebrities and they create quite a stir when they shop in the supermarket. 57. You go out of state just to drive on smooth roads. 58. You've ordered "dippy eggs" for breakfast. 59. The Green Dragon ain't no Chinese restaurant. * You know people who don't have cable television in the house, but do have it in their barn. * Three words: Red Beet Eggs. * You see no contradiction in the fact that "Manheim" is a township that is completely different from "Manheim Township". * Bacon drippings are an ingredient for making salad dressing. * You think tourist attractions consist of a pretzel factory, a chocolate factory and an Amish family out for a drive. * You display electric candles in your windows year-round. * You know where and when to find the world's second-largest chicken barbecue. * You have eaten a "yellow meal": yellow chicken, yellow gravy, yellow potato, yellow corn, yellow roll, yellow butter and yellow salad dressing. * You buy vegetables from an unattended roadside stand with an "honor box." And you always leave more than the price because you don't have correct change. * You know what "chow chow" is.* You call Route 30 "the bypass".

2009-02-23T16:13:00.006-05:00

During a 2-week period here in Lancaster County, specifically in the Lancaster County Park, maple syrup is now being collected from the Maple trees. Only about 10% of each trees' sap is collected each year, so there is no permanent damage done to any of the trees. Each tap will yield an average of 10 gallons of sap, per season. Since sap is approximately 98% water and 2% sugar, it needs to be slowly boiled or steamed down to a syrup. So eventually, that 10 gallons per tap yield, will amount to about one quart of delicious Maple Syrup. Pure maple syrup contains no preservatives, artificial color or flavoring, and of course, no fat. It is a healthy product to use. There will be demonstrations at the park the weekend of Feb. 28 & March 1st if you'd like to go and observe the process.

Ruth from Flowers & Thyme B&B

A Quilters Excellent Adventure!

2009-01-10T18:02:00.001-05:00

LANCASTER COUNTY QUILT FABRIC TOUR
(not responsible for changes in business – i.e. if any have closed or changed their hours!)

Take a tour of a different kind – the ultimate for quilters! And a great way to see the Lancaster County countryside. Please note that these locations have quilting supplies; not all will have finished quilts. Those are a completely different tour. And many of these shops do not have Sunday or holiday hours.

Note: These directions start from The Limestone Inn (www.thelimestoneinn.com) in Strasburg but you can certainly jump in anywhere in the county.

1. Head south on Route 896 for 10 minutes to Georgetown. Fisher’s Housewares in on the right corner. This is an Amish shop and is a general store but does have quilting goods. Also on the opposite corner is an antique shop.
2. Head back on Route 896 North back through Strasburg to Route 30. Take Route 30 West to Route 501 North. Travel through the town of Lititz to Brubaker Valley Road. Turn left for about 1 mile to Weaver’s on the left.
3. Turn right out of Weaver’s back to Route 501. Turn left onto 501 to Shaeferstown and turn right onto Route 897. Follow to Cocalico Creek and watch for large fabric sign to Burkholder’s.
4. From Burkholder’s back onto 897 south/east and follow to Route 272. Take 272 south a short distance to Muddy Creek Rd on the left. Turn left and a quick right onto Church Rd then a quick left back on to Muddy Creek Rd.. Follow Muddy Creek Rd. for approx 2 miles past the Pa Turnpike and Route 222. Sauders will be on the right.
5. From Sauders to Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse backtrack to Route 222 and head South. Take Route 30 East to Route 340 East. On Route 340 at Witmer Rd. Is Hannah Stoltzfoos Quilts. Traveling on Route 340 you come to The Quilt & Fabric Shack. Nearby is the Old Country Store. A bit east is Zooks Dry Goods with quite an inventory.
6. If you have time continue on 340 east to Route 897 (again!). Turn left north on 897 to Route 23. Turn right and look for Obie’s Country Store.
7. Return to Strasburg (for dinner at The Iron Horse Inn) by taking 897 South back to Route 30 then east on 30 to Route 896 South.

Enjoy!!!

Valentine's Day is Fast Approaching!

2009-01-05T10:27:00.002-05:00

Don't forget that Valentine's Day is February 14th and is only a few weeks away. Rooms go fast so make your reservations now and enjoy a weekend away to help cure the winter blues. And don 't forget the dinner reservations either - we can suggest a good one in Strasburg!!!!

2009 Mud Sales are Coming!!!

2009-01-05T10:22:00.002-05:00

The last Saturday of each February is the kickoff of the Lancaster County Mud Sale Season and it starts at the Strasburg Fire Company! The donation and consignment sale begins at 8:00 AM on the last Saturday of February and runs all day.
Items to be sold include: Quilts, Crafts, Furniture, Farm Equipment, Horses, Yard Equipment, Bicycles, Misc. Stuff, Building Equipment, and much, much more!
The Food Services Committee will have lots of good food available.
35'th Annual Spring Sale - Saturday February 28, 2009 - 08:30 am

2008-09-12T15:30:00.006-04:00

EXTRAVAGANZA weekend is quickly approaching the Adamstown Antique district in Northern Lancaster County and soon the empty lots and parking lots will be filled with antiques as far as the eye can see. On September 25- 29 dealers from all over the nation will converge on Adamstown to show case their antiques in many different venues. One of the many viewing areas include: Over 400 indoor/outdoor dealers in 70,000 sq. ft. of browsing space. Fine quality antiques and collectibles. Paintings, Stained Glass, China, Glass, Crystal, Bronze, Gold, Primitives, Quilts, Textiles, Jewelry, Lighting, Coins, Military, Sports, Toys,

Ceramics, Rugs, 18th, 19th, and 20th Century Furniture. Buying opportunities are endless with shops opening earlier than usual and not closing until after the sun has gone down. If you wish to shop until you drop, then make your next trip to Lancaster County on September 25- 29 for Antique Extravaganza.

By: Adamstown Inns

Peaches, Peaches, Peaches

2008-08-24T20:56:00.004-04:00

Looking for a great recipe for your next gathering...well there's nothing like fresh peaches to hit the right note at any gathering of friends and family. Here's a quick and easy recipe that we serve at our B&B and our guests seem to really enjoy it. Hope you enjoy it as well.

Grilled peaches with raspberry sauce.

Cut firm ripe peaches in half; discard the stone. We like to serve either 1-2 halves per person, depending on the size of the peaches. Butter a grill pan. Place peaches, cut side down, on the pan. Grill for 2-3 minutes, then pick up each turn each half, make a 1/4 turn and place back on the pan. Grill for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and place on serving plate, cut side up, showing the nice grill marks. Spoon raspberry sauce over peaches and serve with frozen yogurt, ice cream, or creme anglaise. Yummy. Raspberry sauce is easily made. Empty 1 16 oz bag of frozen berries into a small saucepan. Add 1/4 cup sugar and 1 - 2 Tablespoons Chambord, Cook until berries sauce is slightly reduced and thickened, about 5 minutes. If you like a sweeter version, add 1/4 cup of seedless raspberry jam. This sauce is great on ice cream as well. I don't mind the seeds, but if you must, you can strain the sauce to remove the seeds.

So enjoy! This is brought to you by Alice & Murphey from the E.J. Bowman House B&B, a proud member of Lancaster County Bed & Breakfast Inns Association since 2000.

2008-08-11T10:43:00.007-04:00

A number of exciting things are currently taking place in the Lancaster area that we want you to be aware of when you plan your next vacation. The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery has commenced for another thrilling year of 16th century entertainment. Located in Manheim, PA the Renaissance Faire runs from:
Mid-August through the end of October - Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday "Reign" or Shine!
http://www.parenfaire.com/

Perhaps you are not into horses and chariots then head to Maple Grove raceway for the NHRA Toyo Tire Nationals and much more. The race begins on August 14-17.

http://www.maplegroveraceway.com/

You could also experience the outdoor art show in Mt. Gretna in which 285 artists are chosen through juried competition to display their work on the historic grounds of The Pennsylvania Chautauqua.
The art is displayed August 16, 17

http://www.mtgretnaarts.com/

2008-07-29T13:02:00.000-04:00

Greetings from Lancaster County,

On a near perfect day in July with the sun shining, flowers blooming, green corn stalks growing taller each day, and the sound of Amish buggies going down the road; several innkeepers from the Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Inns Association wanted to share their thoughts with you about this picturesque county. This Blog was created to communicate our thoughts, ideas, recipes, current events, and hot spots to visit.