CATS at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

May 17, 2013 | Posted by: Elizabeth Shaw

On Thursday night, I visited Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre for the first time for the opening night of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical, CATS. Being a secret musical theatre lover myself, I was very excited to see a production of the second longest-running Broadway show in history. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the show (and dinner!) so I couldn’t wait to go!

My boyfriend and I enjoyed a delicious dinner before the show started. He got the baked chicken, and I tried the barbecued pulled pork. Everything was fresh and delicious, and we definitely went to the dessert bar after our meals were finished! From the peanut butter pie (my personal favorite) to the ice cream sundae bar, there is something for every sweet tooth.

When the lights dimmed to signal the start of the show, a voice told us that there might be cats crawling around in the audience. They weren’t kidding; one of the actors came up right behind me and jumped over the balcony! From the start of the show, I could tell that this was going to be very different than any theatre experience that I had before. The cats are a part of the Jellicle tribe who are getting ready for their annual ball, in which the oldest cat, Old Deuteronomy will pick one cat to go to the Heavenside Layer and come back in a new life. There is no spoken dialogue, only singing and chanting (and lots of meowing and purring in between). It was also a very physical show, with lots of show-stopping dance numbers and acrobatics, which I loved, being a former dancer.

All of the cats had very different names and personalities, from the Rum Tum Tugger, a fickle feline all of girl cats love, to Bustopher Jones, the well-to-do fat “25-pounder”. My favorite musical number, “The Old Gumbie Cat”, featured a cat named Jennyanydots (played by Emily Grace Tucker) who was a wonderful tap dancer. The crowd favorite of the night had to be the mischievous antics of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer (played by Kerry Lambert and Jessica Humphrey). Their acrobatics and perfectly in-sync dance number had the audience cheering. Of course the classic song, “Memory”, sung by Grizabella the Glamour Cat (Annie Freres) had everyone enraptured with her beautiful voice.

Overall, my first show at Dutch Apple was a pleasant one, and I hope to return soon!

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Broadway: Now and Forever at American Music Theatre

April 29, 2013 | Posted by: Sarah

On Friday night, I had the privilege of going to see Broadway: Now & Forever at the American Music Theatre. The show included music from both new and old Broadway shows, including Chicago, Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia, CATS, Wicked, Billy Elliot, Les Miserables, Evita, The Lion King, and many more.

This show has become one of my favorites of all the AMT Original Shows that I’ve seen over the past few years – the really have outdone themselves on this one. The dancing and singing was amazing, and I’m always happy to see some of my favorite cast members from previous shows. While I haven’t seen the show Wicked on Broadway, I loved the songs they performed, and now I want to see the show! Of the shows that I’m more familiar with, they pulled out some of my favorites.

Oh, and the costumes!! I can’t forget to mention that. So, some of my favorites were from the Disney performances, The Lion King, and Beauty & the Beast. What girl wouldn’t dream of wearing an elegant, beautiful ball gown!! (See Christine from Phantom pictured above)

So, the dancing, the vocals, the costumes, and the full, on-stage orchestra were all amazing. If you love Broadway, you definitely don’t want to miss this ultimate Broadway showcase – it’s one you’ll never forget.

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Tags: American Music Theatre, Broadway, Broadway: Now & Forever, Lancaster PA, PA Dutch Country, shows, theatre

Strasburg Rail Road

April 17, 2013 | Posted by: Sarah

My son is just getting to the age where he’s starting to enjoy cars, trucks, and trains. He points them all out whenever we’re driving somewhere – “truck! bus! digger!” This past weekend, I took him to the Strasburg Rail Road to ride on a REAL train. We took him for Christmas this past year, but I think he was too young to fully appreciate the experience.

We arrived a bit before our train was scheduled to leave, so we rode on the Pint-sized Pufferbelly, which is a their miniature steam train ride. It used to be called the Cagney, but they’ve really expanded the route for it – it took a little over 20 minutes, and we got to see the engine use a turntable to turn around at one end, we went through a “tunnel,” and pretty much across the whole property. Definitely a great addition to our day.

Then we got on the big steam train, and every time the whistle blew, my son would get very excited and say “choo choo!” He loved seeing the horses and cows on farms that we passed, and interacting a little with the other children on the train.

I would definitely recommend a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road – they have a ton of options for types of ride this year – the Great Train Robbery, Hobo Lunch, Dine with the Amish, Steampunk unLimited, and of course, Thomas the Tank Engine will be back this year! See their website for more details on all of these great events.

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Tags: Lancaster County, Lancaster PA, PA Dutch Country, pufferbelly, Rail Road, Strasburg Rail Road, train

River town of Columbia – a hidden gem

April 10, 2013 | Posted by: Sarah

The Baltimore Sun recently printed a great article highlighting all that Columbia has to offer – “swap your car’s steering wheel and bumper-to-bumper gawkers for a kayak paddle and a quiet float on the Susquehanna River.”

The article highlights great places to visit, like the Turkey Hill Experience, National Watch & Clock Museum, John Wright’s Factory & Store, and more. It also highlights the town’s tie to this year’s 150th anniversary of the Civil War – the Columbia/Wrightsville Bridge, where residents helped burn “the world’s longest covered bridge” (more than a mile) that linked Columbia & Wrightsville, halting Confederate plans to advance on Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Philadelphia.

Read more at the Baltimore Sun here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/travel/mc-columbia-pa-travel-0407-20130406,0,1669343.story

Leave a Comment | Category: For the Kids, General info, Things to Do, Travel | Permalink

Tags: Civial War, Columbia, Columbia Wrightsville Bridge, Gettysburg 150th, Lancaster County, Turkey Hill Experience

Amish Courtship

March 22, 2013 | Posted by: Sarah

There is no PA Dutch word for “dating,” but the Amish use the English word when they need it.

The Amish consider romantic relationships to be private, so courtship is practiced secretly, while parents look the other way until the couple comes to ask their permission for marriage.

Amish young people can choose whoever they want for their mate, but if they want to remain Amish themselves, they need to marry within the faith (or date someone who has intentions of joining the faith). Very rarely, a non-Amish person might join the Amish church to be able to marry an Amish person.\

Dating often starts with a boy offering to take a girl home after a Sunday evening sing, which is one of the places young people socialize. When a couple is more serious, a boy can visit the girl at her house after her parents have gone to bed on a Saturday night when there’s no church on Sunday. They sit in the living room, where most parents require a light to be on, and visit, sometimes with other couples.

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Tags: Amish, amish country, Amish Courtship, Amish Dating, Dating, Lancaster County, Lancaster PA

The Vineyard at Hershey

March 19, 2013 | Posted by: Sarah

Whether it is their artisan wines, the spell of the old Farmhouse or the little piece of heaven by their natural spring pond, you will be captivated by your visit to The Vineyard at Hershey. From whimsical and refreshing whites to bold and flavorful reds, The Vineyard at Hershey handcrafts every bottle of wine for the enjoyment of new and and the most experienced of palates.

In the Tasting Room in the Farmhouse you will be invited to taste five of our wines for $3.00. No reservation is necessary. They also offer VIP Tour & Tasting packages and One-on-One time with their Winemaker (call for reservations). And, if you are not in a rush, you should plan to have a glass of wine and wander around the Vineyard or sit out on their deck and enjoy the beautiful view.

Along with handcrafted wines, they also offer a selection of locally made cheeses from September Farms. Each batch of September Farms cheese is made on their Honey Brook farm following time proven traditions for the hand crafting, hand waxing and aging of artisan-style cheese.

The Tasting Room is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM to 6PM. I hope you visit soon!

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Tags: Hershey PA, Lancaster County, Lancaster PA, Tasting, The Vineyard at Hershey, wine, winery

New this month: Aerial Excursion Tour at Zip Line Canopy Tours

March 5, 2013 | Posted by: Sarah

Zip Line Canopy Tours at Refreshing Mountain Camp has got something new for you this year – The Aerial Excursion Tour. There are 7 zip lines, 3 sky bridges, and a surprise at the end! It’s over 3,500 feet long, and is guaranteed fun four approximately 2-3 hours.

What is a zip line canopy tour? It’s a series of cables and platforms that take on on an exhilarating tour through forests and wildlife. You get harnessed to a pulley that rides the cable and will “zip” from platform to platform through the canopy of trees through which the course is built.

If you’ve never done it before, or would like a shorter tour, they also still have their Challenge Adventure Course, which has 5 zip lines, a 9 element challenge course, and will take approximately 1-2 hours. You can book either tour online now on their website at www.refreshingmountain.com/canopytour.cfm.

Leave a Comment | Category: Outdoors, Things to Do | Permalink

Tags: Canopy Tour, new for 2013, Outdoors, Refreshing Mountain Camp. Zip Line, Zip Line Canopy Tour

Lancaster City Restaurant Week

February 27, 2013 | Posted by: Sarah

Did you know that the week of March 4 – March 10, 2013, more than 40 restaurants in the City of Lancaster will offer special menus and promotions in the theme of “2013″ during Lancaster City Restaurant Week? Below, we’ve highlighted some of the specials. For a full listing of specials, see their page on Facebook here.

Carmen & David’s Creamery | 25 N. Prince Street
Show your receipt of $30 or more from a Restaurant Week participating restaurant and receive a prepacked pint of vanilla, milk chocolate, cookies & cream, or chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream for only $2.13 – that’s 60% off the normal price! Available only during Restaurant Week, limit one per customer.
Gibraltar Restaurant | 931 Harrisburg Pike
Lunch: 13% off lunch checks
Dinner: 3 courses for $35.13
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant | 781 Harrisburg Pike
3 courses with beer for $35.12
3 courses without beer for $28.13
- 1st Course: Corn Relish Salad – mesclun greens, cornbread croutons, Monterey jack and cilantro-lime vinaigrette. Served with Munich Helles Lager.
- 2nd Course: Pan Seared Pork Loin – sautéed spinach with bacon, garlicky yukon smashed potatoes and a red wine demi. Served with Vienna Red Lager.
- 3rd Course: Chocolate Espresso Pot de Creme – creme friache and chocolate shavings. Served with Pig Iron Porter.
Isaac’s Downtown & the Pickle Bar | 25 N. Queen Street
2 for $20.13 Meal Deal
2 cups of soup, choice of any 2 regular-size French Bread Sandwiches, and a Hot Fudge Sundae to share!
John J Jeffries | 300 Harrisburg Ave.
2 courses for $20.13
3 courses for $30.13
The Red Rose | 101 E. King Street
Three course Prix fixe dinner menu for $20.13
- 1st Course: Choose one - tomato basil bisque, Caesar salad, or house salad
- 2nd Course: Choose one – Psari Plaki, Seafood ala Greco, or Kotopoulo Lemonato
- 3rd Course: Choose one – Baklava or Chocolate cake

Leave a Comment | Category: Downtown Lancaster, Events, Festivals, Food | Permalink

Tags: Carmen & David's, Gibraltar Restaurant, Iron Hill Brewery, Isaac's Downtown & the Pickle Bar, John J. Jeffries, Lancaster City Restaurant Week, Restaurant Week, Specials, The Red Rose

Mud Sale Season – 2013

February 21, 2013 | Posted by: Sarah

Mud sales are annual auctions/sales held at a number of local fire companies. These sales attract thousands of locals looking for bargains on anything from Amish quilts and antiques to local produce, buggies and lawn equipment.

March is typically the start of mud sale season in Lancaster County, but this year we’ve got the first one this Saturday – February 23 – the Strasburg Spring Consignment & Mud Sale. While there are always plenty of us “English” in attendance, we are generally outnumbered 2 to 1 by folks from the Amish community.

Enjoy roaming the grounds because there will be several auctions going on at once (for buggies, livestock, fresh produce, farm equipment, quilts and more), as well as tons of food to purchase. Local favorites like sausage sandwiches, Amish baked goods, homemade pretzels, and freshly made donuts. So if you’re looking to experience a bit of the Amish culture without being invasive, a Mud Sale is a great experience to try! Just make sure you wear your boots.

You can see a full listing of Mud Sales on our website here.

1 Comment | Category: Amish, Events, Festivals, Food, Things to Do | Permalink

Tags: Amish, Auctions, events, Lancaster County, Mud Sales, Mud Sales 2013, PA Dutch Country, Spring, Spring Events

Have I Got a Girl for You at Rainbow Dinner Theatre

February 15, 2013 | Posted by: Sarah

When you’re scrolling through movies or shows to watch, do you find yourself scrolling for romantic comedies that are a little more comedy than romance so that your significant other will still watch them with you? If this is you – head on over to the Rainbow Dinner Theatre for Have I Got a Girl for You – playing now – husband approved!

My husband & I had an early Valentine’s date night last Friday, we headed out for dinner and a show. The food was great (salad, crab cakes, roast beef, delicious potatoes, veggies, and more – and of course, a piece of cherry pie for dessert!)

The show is about a SUPER funny girl named Maureen who gives love one more shot when her sister sets her up on a blind date with a slightly-awkward, but very sweet guy named Joe. Joe is late for their date, but is so eager to show her that he likes her – Maureen tries to cover her feelings by using the sharp wit that she has come to hide behind after years of loneliness.

There were so many great lines in this show – you’ll leave quoting them. You’ll have to see the show to understand, but my husband and I are trying to come up with a number like Joe’s “Magic number 5″ for our telephone number.

Although the show is seriously funny, it also brings to light the themes of self-image, beauty, and feelings of inadequacy, and will touch just about everyone in this world where everyone seems to think that you need to be perfect and skinny. The play is suitable for most audiences, and would be rated PG if it were a movie. There is a bit of sexual innuendo, but almost no objectionable language. I hope that you will book your tickets today at Rainbow Dinner Theatre and let me know what you thought when you see it!

1 Comment | Category: Late Night, theatre, Things to Do | Permalink

Tags: Comedy, Dinner Theatre, Lancaster County, PA Dutch Country, Rainbow Dinner Theatre