Last Thursday I had the privilege of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Lancaster County Convention Center and Marriott at Penn Square. There, I was able to see the gorgeous outcome of so many people’s hard work. I was seriously in awe of its interior and the designers’ ability to make such a large and open space still feel so warm and inviting. Conversing in circles of people representing numerous businesses and organizations throughout Lancaster, I found myself a bit distracted by the beauty of the building in which I was standing. Everything from the vibrant carpets to the bold pieces of wall art caught my attention without being too much. That is the kind of sophistication I can appreciate… beauty and professionalism without excess. Simply put, it was sharp.

 

 

I think the Convention Center helps to brings back what Penn Square was years ago. Within the historical façade of what used to be Watt & Shand, I can only think of my Nana who used to shop there all the time in her youth. She told me how everyone would be downtown at the square. It was simply the place to be. My mom remembers going there with her grandma, where she would buy the infamous decorative hats for which she was known at church. While times have changed and the Convention Center is certainly not a top-of-the-line department store, it allows for a thriving area of commerce, meetings and culture… for a huge venue that enables us to share Downtown Lancaster and the surrounding county with others. Right down the street from Steinman Park, Annie Bailey’s, Prince Street, Central Market and many more of my favorite spots, I’m excited for what it will bring to the area. Its beauty, character, and history fit right into the Lancaster I love.

1 Comment | Category: hotel | Permalink

Tags: Convention Center, Downtown Lancaster, Lancaster, Lancaster County, Marriott at Penn Square

With what finally felt like some summer weather, last weekend involved a nice, refreshing mix of activities for me that reminded me how thankful I am to be home in Lancaster. Saturday morning started off with a successful trip to Central Market with a close friend of mine. The market bustled with people taking advantage of a nice morning to be awake and downtown. Some fresh asparagus and deep purple flowers for the house in hand, we perused the market aisles, finally deciding that bread samples failed to suffice after a good work-out earlier in the morning. All I had to do was mention Prince Street Café’s baked oatmeal, and any notion of a debate concerning what to do for lunch was gone.

 

One thing I have always appreciated about Prince Street Café is its large windows that let in the daylight. I am a huge coffee buff, and I tend to get a lot of my studies and work done in coffee shops, what with the regular caffeine kicks, warm environment, and periodic study breaks consisting of quality people-watching as conversations and interactions transpire. I always like to study by windows, and with the high-top tables alongside those of Prince Street Café, I have gone there several times to get schoolwork done while home on break. The free Wi-Fi is yet another reason to visit. I also value the incorporation of art into the space, pieces of local talent against the warm hues of the café’s walls. I have a lot of respect for local businesses who embrace and support the arts, serving the community beyond their primary purpose.

 

There is always a sense of youthfulness at the café, perhaps due to its fresh style and the many local students and young adults who frequently visit this relaxing and creative environment, much like myself. Just around the corner from Central Market, we found ourselves there in no time with cups of hot coffee, a medium roast from Ethiopia. I recently learned that Prince Street seeks to find fair trade coffees, in addition to buying their foods locally, what with all their pastries, gourmet desserts, soups, salads, and sandwiches.

 

On this particular visit, the café was naturally busy. My friend got her usual, a bowl of blueberry baked oatmeal and milk, while I decided to try their yogurt parfait. The baked oatmeal was delicious as always, and the parfait was a hit amongst the two of us. With fresh berries, baked oatmeal, and rich yogurt from Pequea Valley Farms, we found ourselves raving over our new find. It’s hard to find a healthy treat that remains too good to classify as anything short of a true indulgence. I’m sure I will be making my way back to Prince Street Café for a cup of coffee and a stroll through Downtown Lancaster sometime soon. And when that just doesn’t seem to be enough and a pick-me-up is necessary, I’ll know just what to get.

Leave a Comment | Category: Food, Late Night, Things to Do | Permalink

Tags: Coffee, Downtown Lancaster, Lancaster City, Lancaster County, Lancaster PA, Prince Street Cafe

I wanted to start posting some great outdoor things to do, since the weather is getting better and better (a lot of rain lately, but next Sunday is the official start of Summer)!

I found a book called “Short Bike Rides in Eastern PA” by Bill Simpson, and wanted to share one of the rides that he details that goes around Bird-in-Hand, one of Lancaster County’s many great little towns! See details below, and enjoy the ride!

Number of miles: 17
Approximate pedaling time: 1 1/2 hours
Terrain: Flat
Surface: Fair; be careful of ruts worn by horse & buggies
Things to see: Bird-in-Hand Farmer’s Market, Mascot Roller Mill, Plain & Fancy Farm & Restaurant, Amish farmlands
Food: Farmer’s Market, Kauffman’s Store, roadside produce stands

The town of Bird-in-Hand is in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It began its history as a place where farmers met to converse and do business. The village was established in the 1700s, and served as a rest stop for travelers.

Today, Bird-in-Hand remains a meeting place for farmers and locals, and they are joined by visitors passing through the area to experience the village’s rich traditions. The village offers the flavor of PA Dutch culture and history via its restaurants, bakeries, quaint local shops and an old-fashioned famers’ market packed with fresh foods, handmade crafts and homegrown produce.

Right in Bird-in-Hand’s backyard is picturesqu sprawling countryside dotted with neighboring Amish farms. Learn more about this way of live via Amish attractions such as buggy rides, homesteads and more.

Directions for the ride:

• Go to east end of Farmer’s Market parking lot and go left on Maple Avenue.
• Right onto North Ronks Road at 0.4 miles.
• Left onto Irishtown Road at 0.7 miles.
• Left onto Old Leacock Road at 2.9 miles.
• Left onto Harvest/South Harvest Road at 3.7 miles.
• Right onto Old Philadelphia Pike 5.5 miles.
• Left onto North Harvest Road at 5.6 miles.
• Straight through stop sign at 6.9 miles onto Newport Road.
• Left onto Scenic Road at 7.3 miles.
• Right and left, staying on Scenic. at 8.0 miles.
• Left onto Centerville Road at 8.7 miles.
• Left onto Zeltenreich Road at 10 miles.
• Right onto Musser School Road at 10.5 miles.
• Left onto Groffdale Road at 11.5 miles.
• Right onto East Eby Road at 11.7 miles.
• Left onto Stumptown Road at 12.7 miles.
• Left onto Monterey Road at 14.7 miles.
• Left to Miller’s Store at 15.6 miles.
• Return to Monterey Road.
• Right onto Church Road at 15.9 miles.
• Left onto Beechdale Road at 16.8 miles.
• Left onto Old Philadelphia Pike at 17.1 miles.
• Right to finish at 17.2 miles.

Directions and image of map taken from:
Simpson, Bill. Short Bike Rides in Pennsylvania. Connecticut: The Globe Pequot Press, 1990.

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

Tags: Amish, Bicycle, bike, Bike Ride, Biking, Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster County, Lancaster County PA, Outdoors, Outside, PA

My wife and I enjoy taking tea. We were prompted to do so after I saw a tea magazine in my doctor’s office that mentioned a spot in Gettysburg (now closed, unfortunately). After taking tea there we were hooked and try it anywhere we find a tea house. Well, last December after reading reviews, we decided to try a tea house in Intercourse called Ye Olde English Shoppe. The tea house features a shop that sells tea sets, British flags, British foods, and other acoutrements. The shop is owned and staffed by some very nice and helpful English ladies. 

The first time we were there we had High Tea. We have also tried many other items on their menu such as a variety of quiche and salads; meat pies (steak & kidney, Cornish pasties, pork pies, etc.); bangers and mash; and sausage rolls. These are all excellent dishes and I heartily recommend trying them if you don’t opt for the full tea. The meals are also very reasonably priced, around $7 per entree. The full tea is offered with four savories (an assortment of tea sandwiches, two slices each for a total of 8), three cream cakes, and a scone with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves. They have a nice variety of teas, my favorite being cinnamon plum. The full tea is $17.95, which is cheaper than most tea houses I have visited.

This is a very popular spot with locals and reservations are highly recommended. On my last visit I saw an Amish family enjoying lunch and a large table of conservative Mennonite teens enjoying high tea. It is also popular with groups such as the Red Hat Society. When I was in during both mid-March and mid-May the house was full, so be advised to call. 

Ye Olde English Shoppe
3606 Old Phila Pike 
Intercourse, PA
717-768-8989

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

Tags: Amish, high tea, Intercourse, Intercourse PA, Lancaster, Lancaster County, PA, Tea, Ye Olde English Shoppe

This morning was unlike any other for me. Although I have lived in Lancaster my entire life, I never had a hands-on, personal experience with the farming lifestyle that has surrounded me for the past twenty-one years. While I am probably more of a city girl, there is something about living and working on a farm that I truly appreciate, so much that I think I could easily get used to this way of life. There was something comforting about Verdant View Farm Bed & Breakfast - the smells, the food, and the people I encountered during our visit – that made me feel at home, despite me being completely out of my element.

Everything there is a direct product of hard work. To me, it is a clear and beautiful portrayal of creation, the way we interact with it, and the way it is intended for our use, given that we respect it. Owners Don and Ginny Ranck could not paint a better picture of this concept through the way they run their farm and share it with others.

I knew the morning started once I stepped out of the car and realized how cold we would be. I had missed out on my cup of coffee before heading out, but the temperature certainly kept me awake and ready for the morning events.

We were immediately welcomed by the farm’s tiny dog, Rosco, a Wishbone look-a-like that followed us everywhere throughout the morning.

Ginny came outside right as we pulled up and greeted us with a big smile. It was milking time, and she explained that we would be accompanying her and the other workers and family members in their routine chores just like any morning on the farm. Although I am normally a huge ditz with things I’m not comfortable or familiar with, my first attempt at milking the cow proved to be quite successful. As more guests joined us in our visit, the morning continued with various other chores such as feeding and letting out the animals.

Even Aaron, one of Don and Ginny’s sons, shared a new hobby of his with us as he explained the art of cheese-making and allowed us to sample some of his homemade cheeses. We were joined by other family members and some guests who had stayed overnight for a wholesome breakfast, and my favorite – meadow tea made just that morning. It was just what I needed to warm me up a bit for our wagon ride around the farm.

My visit to Verdant View Farm left me feeling thankful for the people I had just met and appreciative for the sense of community I experienced within just a few hours of being there. Not only did the Ranck family welcome us into their home, but they shared with us a huge part of themselves and what they know so well. It was a morning well spent, and that says a lot considering I missed my morning cup of coffee.

6 Comments | Category: For the Kids, Outdoors | Permalink

Tags: animals, B&B, Bed & Breakfast, BnB, Children, cows, Family fun, Farm, Farm B&B, Lancaster County, Lancaster County Farm, Verdant View, Verdant View Bed & Breakfast, Working Farm

I recently had the honor of serving as a “celebrity” judge for the Rhubarb Dessert Baking Contest at the 26th annual Rhubarb Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse. I was chosen by Director of Fun Lisa Horn to represent the many fans of Pat Burnley’s charming village of shops, sweets, and success nestled in the village of Intercourse . I must say, it was quite an honor for me and well worth the drive-up from Winston-Salem , NC .

The Rhubarb Festival began on Friday, May 15 and that day was highlighted by cooking demonstrations, live music, and sampling of rhubarb based food and drink. The weather was beautiful and there was a sizable crowd enjoying the sights and sounds of the Village. The first cooking demonstration was conducted by Kitchen Kettle’s “Food Guy,” Tom Rothfus. Tom is the former owner of Market Fare restaurant (now Carr’s) in Lancaster and a former chef for an Army general. Tom made rhubarb chutney and a goat cheese and strawberry salad with a rhubarb onion vinaigrette dressing. They were both delicious and a big hit with the crowd (and with me, as I had two servings).

Some of the foods sampled throughout the Village included: Rhubarb Sangria, Spicy Rhubarb BBQ Cocktail Wieners, naked rhubarb (or with salt or sugar), Rhubarb Dessert Quesadillas, and Rhubarb Salsa. While walking around the Village my friend Sarah from the PA Dutch Convention and Visitor’s Bureau spotted me and we chatted a bit. She was filming some of the Festival, including the Rhubarb Whoopie Pie Filling Contest. My wife took part in this event, in which contestants had to make six Lemon Rhubarb Whoopie Pies and package them. The Whoopies were quite good and I told Kristine Grego, Kitchen Kettle’s Food Specialist, that she should sell them during the month of May. Kristine, held the second demonstration making a rhubarb tiramisu and a Rhubarb Turkey Monte Cristo Panini. Both were excellent, of course.

The Rhubarb Dessert Baking contest was held on Saturday morning. After the competition, pieces of the desserts were sold with all proceeds going to Lancaster Farmland Trust. The desserts were broken down into three categories with four judges for each category. The categories were: pies, cakes, and open competition (cookies, etc.). I was asked to judge in the pie category with Cheryl Deaven of the PA Dutch CVB, Paul Abrams representing Kitchen Kettle Lodging fans, and Karen Martynik, Director of Lancaster Farmland Trust. In the open Rhubarb Dessert competition, PA State House District 100 Representative Bryan Cutler, Cory Amman of Willow Valley Resort, Rick Stein of MIX 106.7 FM, and Connie Shuff, a former Grand Champion of the Rhubarb Dessert Baking Contest were the judges. In the Rhubarb Cake category the judges were Lynn Schmidt Miller of Lancaster Newspapers, Sue Long of Lancaster County Magazine, and Donald Robinson a retired board member of Lancaster Farmland Trust.We sampled 16 different pies, and two other desserts for the Grand Champion Prize, which turned out to be a Rhubarb Pear Pie by Belinda Myers of Dallastown, PA (this pie also won the pie competition). Other winners were: Rhubarb Bars by Linda Glick of Lancaster in the dessert category, and Rhubarb Cheesecake by Carolyn Fisher of Kinzer in the cake competition. I suppose I ate a total of about four or five pieces of pie during the entire competition. A couple were excellent, a couple were, let’s say not up to par, but most were good. The emcee of the event, Jerry Reeser, was hilarious and kept asking people if they had been to Winston-Salem (after finding out that is where I live) and that the winner of the competition would get $250 and a trip to Winston-Salem. I told him I would rather just stay in Lancaster County!!

I’d personally like to think Lisa Horn, Lisa Arrell, Michelle Rondinelli, Kristine Grego, and Joanne Ladley for making my wife and I feel like VIPs. Kitchen Kettle is a great place filled with some great people.

3 Comments | Category: Festivals, Food | Permalink

Tags: Intercourse PA, Kitchen Kettle Village, Lancaster County, Lancaster PA, PA Dutch, Rhubarb, Rhubarb Festival, Whoopie Pies

Many people who ride bicycles are also into running — some even enjoy an occasional foot race. This past weekend, the 11th annual Race Against Racism 5k was held in Lancaster City, just a few blocks from Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. It attracted over 3000 runners and walkers to the event, and was organized by the Lancaster YWCA. I am not a runner (been there, done that when in my 20s), but my husband is and this was the fourth year that he participated in the RAR. The second time he ran it, he won first place in his age category, and this time he got fourth. Not too bad.

 One of the special guests at the race was Cylo, the mascot for the Lancaster Barnstormers, which is in the Freedom Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Cylo is a hoot. He’s not an oversized mascot, such as the Phillie Phanatic — now that is one big character! — so Cylo is completely approachable and the kids love him. I saw many knee-high kids run up to hug him, although Cylo did freak out a few previously placid dogs.

But the weekend also held the promise of longer bike rides in the unseasonably-hot weather. So we were out in the area west of Manheim, Pa., and in the photo, you can see that the fields and trees are still mostly bare, in spite of the 85 degree temps that day. This particular ride had a few hills in it, but remember, if you come to Lancaster County and want a variety of rides, check out the Lancaster Bicycle Club, where its monthly ride schedule is always posted. The site explains which ride to choose based on average pace, length of ride and terrain. That helps to ensure a pleasant cycling experience for you.

Coming up: Can you find the “chicken barn” mural? Also: Wonder where delicious Turkey Hill ice cream comes from? We’ll climb the infamous Turkey Hill, a hit with area bicyclists looking for a challenge.

Leave a Comment | Category: Outdoors | Permalink

Tags: Barnstormers, Cylo, Dowtown Lancaster, Lancaster City, Lancaster PA, Outdoors, PA Dutch, PA Dutch Country, Race, Race against Racism, Running

Yesterday, I was talking to a co-worker about how our Easter holidays went, and she told me that she went shopping at Tanger Outlets on Good Friday with a friend. I thought I’d like to share her story with you! I’ll let her tell it to you in her own words:

“First let me say I am not a shopper, I do not like to shop whether it’s clothes shopping or food shopping. It is just not fun for me. However, my dear friend loves to shop and so being a good friend, I went shopping with her at Tanger Outlets bright and early on Good Friday. And all I have to say is WOW what fun, and the deals were incredible!

I got a Calvin Klein winter dress coat for $34, Tommy Hilfiger jeans for $25 (regularly starting at $70), two pairs of Sketcher sneakers for the price of one ($45) and more! In every store (we went into all of them) the staff was extremely helpful and friendly.

I have to say, it was the most pleasureable shopping experience that I’ve ever had. I will definitely look at shopping, particularly at the outlets, differently - I’m actually looking forward to going shopping again!”

3 Comments | Category: Shopping, holiday | Permalink

Tags: BOGO, deals, discounts, Easter, Good Friday, Lancaster, outlets, Shopping, Tanger, Tanger Outlets

With the advent of daylight savings time, I can now get a serious bike ride in after work. Daylight stretches to after 7 p.m., and that’s as of early April. It just keeps getting better from here.

My after-work ride begins at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, where I can be found on any weekday. I roll away and cruise through a vibrant, artsy downtown Lancaster. The city has undergone a robust rebirth. It is home to over a hundred galleries, educational organizations, restaurants, music venues, independent coffee shops, theatres, museums, and performing arts centers. It is packed with local markets, diversity and creativity, and is characterized by a preponderance of friendly people.

My bike and I usually pop out of the city at Lancaster’s Central Park, 544 acres of rolling hills, trees and creeks just south of the city. It’s absolutely beautiful any time of year and is very cyclist-friendly (for on-road or off-road riding). The area was once inhabited by the Susquehannaock Indians and a burial site is located here.

The park also borders Rock Ford, the original home of Edward Hand, who served as adjutant general for George Washington during the Revolutionary War. OK. I admit it: when in high school I served as a volunteer tour guide at Rock Ford. Favorable bias aside, it’s a fascinating place for enthusiasts of Lancaster County history, architecture, or anything 18th-century.

Every year I encounter more visitors who come here and venture out on their bikes to enjoy the quiet back roads. Lancaster County measures over 900 square miles of varying terrain and still provides residents and visitors alike with more farmland than you can ride through in any given month. So, coming back time after time is always a good idea.

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

Tags: bike, Biking, countryside, Downtown, farmland, history, Lancaster Central Park, Lancaster City, Outdoors, PCAD, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, Rock Ford

This past week I visited the newly opened The Hershey Story: The Museum on Chocolate Avenue. This is the newly rennovated and relocated Hershey Museum that used to reside next to the Hershey Stadium and Hershey’s Chocolate World. The new museum is modeled after the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition from which Milton S. Hershey purchased chocolate making equipment for his Lancaster Caramel Company.  The $23.5 million museum is located on Chocolate Avenue, beside the Hershey Press Building, making it a keystone in the revitalization of downtown Hershey. It is the first landmark building to be built on Chocolate Avenue in the past 75 years.

The building is massive, totally eclipsing the size of the old Hershey Museum. Upon entering the visitor notices the high ceiling and a grand staircase leading to the Museum Experience. Visitors to the old Hershey Museum will be happy to learn that the Apostolic Clock is still on display at The Hershey Story to the left of the entrance doors.

On the first level visitors will find an information desk, a gift shop, Cafe Zooka, and the Chocolate Laboratory. Cafe Zooka offers a chocolate tasting experience from various cacoa growing regions throughout the world (Java, Mexico, Ecuador, Tanzania, Sao Thome, and Madagascar).

The Chocolate Laboratory offers an array of classes. Some of those offered currently are “Where in the World?,” “Chocolate Coated History,” “The Art of Chocolate,” and a truffle making class. I attended the Where in the World? class and learned about different places where cacao is grown and tasted chocolates made from various regions.

On the second floor you may explore the actual museum. It is divided into five permanent exhibits and one special exhibit. The museum flows in a clockwise manner and there are docents throughout to assist you with interpretation. The first exhibit is called “Failures to Fortunes” and guides the visitor through Milton Hershey’s early life and struggles before finding success with the Lancaster Caramel Company and later the Hershey Company. There are many artifacts and photos included in this section as well as fun multimedia exhibits for kids and adults. 

The next section, “Sweet Innovations,” highlights many of the early innovations and products (aside from chocolate: chewing gum, cocoa butter, butter, milk) of the Hershey Company along with an actual working cocoa conching machine.  There is also a Kiss wrapping machine and an interactive video screen for users to see if they can produce Kisses or make a big mess (I made a big mess). 

The next exhibit was my favorite. The Power of Promotion deals with the marketing of Hershey’s products throughout the years and features a gigantic timeline of products with photos of them. Visitors can also make their own chocolate wrappers and send them to their personal e-mail for printing.

The next exhibit, Hershey Builds Hershey features the building of the factory town. Various video features highlight this exhibit. Visitors can explore the town’s history, growth, and people. There is a computer map table that surrounds visitors with photos, sound, film, and oral histories. There are also other oral history kiosks throughout this exhibit.

“A Living Legacy” highlights Hershey’s philanthropic ventures, particularly schools, medicine, the Hershey Trust, and the Milton Hershey School.

I spent several hours at The Hershey Story and probably only saw about two-thirds of the exhibits. I would suggest making an entire day of it if you go. The classes take about 45 minutes each, and multiple classes are offered on the weekends (and probably during the peak season on weekdays). The Hershey Foundation and the museum staff, curators, and directors should feel very proud for bringing this fantastic, state of the art interactive museum experience to South Central Pennsylvania.  

Admission is $10 for adults, and $10 for the classes. However, a combination ticket is $17.50. There is a 10% discount for AAA members (though I didn’t see a sign for it). Ages 3-12 is $7.50 or $14.00 for both. And 62+ is $9 each or $16.50 for both. Children under 4 are not allowed in the Chocolate Lab.

If you would like to know more about Milton S. Hershey, may I suggest reading the 2006 biography Hershey: Milton S. Hershey’s Extraordinary Life of Wealth, Empire, and Utopian Dreams by Michael D’Antonio.

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

Tags: Chocolate, Dauphin County, Hershey, Hershey Story, Lancaster Caramel Company, Milton S. Hershey, Museums

Next Page →

• Search


Lancaster Photos

Have photos of Lancaster County you want to share? Join our Flickr group!

www.flickr.com


This is a Flickr badge showing public items from the Visit Lancaster County group pool. Make your own badge here.

Lancaster Videos

Check out our YouTube channel to see what's going on in Lancaster County!








Recipe Archive


Sample the flavors of Lancaster County by diving into our recipe archive. Locals share their favorite recipes with you so you can bring a little bit of Dutch Country to your own kitchen!

Dig in! >
Lancaster County, a great place to work, a great place to live, and most definitely a great place to visit!

• Categories

  • Amish
  • Festivals
  • Food
  • For the Kids
  • General info
    • Travel
  • holiday
  • hotel
  • Outdoors
  • Shopping
  • theatre
  • Things to Do
    • Late Night

• Archives

  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008

• Blogroll

  • Chef, Tours, and B&B
  • Dutch Country Roads
  • Ice Cream Journal
  • Kettle Talk
  • Lancaster County and the Amish/Pennsylvania Dutch Country
  • Lancaster From the Inn Side
  • Lancaster Online
  • Lancaster Tours
  • PAAdventure.com
  • PADutchCountry.com
  • Scoot Lancaster