Bed and Breakfast Heaven

I would like to take this time to brag about the wonderful fellowship I have with my like minded Authentic Members.  39, sometimes 40, B&Bs that are all different, all unique, coming together for an old theme, a common cause, and thriving in awkward times.  A true testament to the survival of Pennsylvania people, and the real work ethic needed to pull it all together.  Stay with us America.  If we can do it, perhaps it can rub off on you!  What a wow feeling.

 

To date I’ve spent one full year getting to know innkeepers with many different temperaments, talents, and convictions all of whom have brought a sense of joy, humbleness, and rooting to my personal existence.  I have matured so much around so many gifted individuals, and I owe them all equally a debt of gratitude, for this is truly the stuff that miracles are made of. 

It is my hope that more American adults remember what it was like to be a kid, let go of their personal responsibilities, leave the cell phones at home, shut the TV off, forget to diet, get a little goofy, and throw caution to the wind while frolicking in our land of plenty for just one night.  Be careful not to get hooked on us now, you hear. 

I thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for walking this path with me, and allowing me in your presence.  I have found great purpose from my choices.  Thank you, and bravo to you all.  You are all so equally wonderful, entertaining, and thoughtful.  I thank you, over, and over again...

Authentic Lancaster B&Bs; A place to be entertained, heart warmed, and healed.

1.800.552.2632   ß   (you’ll find us here)

Submitted by Aaron Kapner, Bella Vista B&B

ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE FANS

Did you know that we have a world class antique car museum next door to Lancaster County? It is the Antique Automobile Club of America(AACA) Museum in Hershey, PA. They have feature displays that are for varying interests. We are all interested in saving energy but that interest goes back many years and the upcoming display will show us all that there is nothing new. March 2- May 27 the display will be “Alternative Energy Vehicles”, how timely is that? Now if the ladies really don’t want to do this drop them off at the outlets, just 1 mile down the road. Everyone is happy and you can all enjoy lunch or dinner at Chocolate Avenue café or Hershey Pantry both are on Route 422 in Hershey.

Submitted by: Kathy Vogt, Innkeeper of the Vogt Farm Bed and Breakfast

CHRISTMAS IS IN THE AIR

For a festive yuletide evening in Lancaster County, come experience The American Music Theatre’s all-new 2011 Christmas Show, Winter Wonderland. For several years now the theatre has hosted an annual Christmas production. This year the show returns in all its snowy, outdoor-themed splendor but this time with some original twists. It is sure to entertain both return guests who have made this show a yearly tradition as well as newcomers. You will be dazzled by gifted vocalists as well as awe-inspiring choreography. Don’t miss this Christmas treat for all ages! Winter Wonderland runs through December 30, 2011. For tickets visit: http://www.amtshows.com/

Another Lancaster County holiday tradition is delicious Date Pudding. After a nice evening out at the theatre treat yourself to this tasty dessert!

DATE PUDDING

Syrup:                                                                               

·         1 cup brown sugar

·         1 cup water

·         1 tablespoon butter

Batter:

·         ½ cup brown sugar

·         ½ cup milk

·         1 cup flour

·         1 cup chopped dates

·         ½ cup chopped walnuts

·         2 teaspoon baking powder

·         ¼ teaspoon salt

To make syrup:

·         Combine 1 cup brown sugar and water; cook together for 3 minutes.

·         Remove from heat and add butter.

To make batter:

·         Sift sugar, flour, baking powder and salt together.

·         Add milk and stir until smooth.

·         Fold in chopped dates and walnuts, blending well into mixture.

-Pour syrup into a greased 9”x9” baking dish.

-Drop mounds of batter on top of hot syrup.

-Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

-Serve cold, plain or with Cool Whip.

Submitted by: Rich and Bert Hurst, Innkeepers of the Hurst House Bed & Breakfast

The Best Gift

So, it’s a week before Christmas and Hanukah and the stress is starting to show.  There are cookies to bake, meals to plan, schedules to coordinate, cards to send and gifts to buy.  It’s enough to send anyone over the brink!  We often rush around so much that it takes some of the fun out of the holiday season.

But the best part of the holidays is spending time with the people you love.  If you can’t get away this time of year, the next best thing is to plan a visit.  Give the gift of time together, when you can relax, get away and make memories.

Here’s an easy solution for several folks – your special someone, Mom and Dad, Aunt Millie and Uncle Fred (after all, they have everything) or that impossible person on your list…..your boss.

A gift certificate to an Authentic Bed and Breakfast means the recipient can choose from any one of 39 inns.  And you don’t have to decide on the time of the visit either – that is entirely their choice.  You can purchase online or by phone (800-552-2632) in any dollar amount.

There’s no better place than Lancaster County – and we’re closer than you think.  Staying at a B&B is a warmer, gentler way to travel.  Inns are loaded with amenities and the innkeepers know the best places to visit, shop and eat.  There’s so much to do for folks of all ages.

We’re here to lighten your load this holiday season.  Don’t you feel better now?

On behalf of all the innkeepers of Authentic, we wish you the merriest of holidays.

 

Submitted by Jan Garrabrandt, The Artist’s Inn and Gallery

Holiday Time Is Show Time in Lancaster County!

Lancaster County is renowned for its live theater productions throughout the year.  And no time is more festive than the holidays to enjoy world class performances that will surely warm your hearts! 

Once again, "Sight & Sound" presents "Miracle of Christmas", with performances through December 31st at their amazing Millennium Theatre. Live animals are part of the cast that helps bring Bethlehem to life, in one of history's greatest stories. And if you arrive early, you can even interact with the cast members and animals!

The American Music Theatre presents its "Winter Wonderland" Christmas Show, with performances through December 30th. This original show is sure to delight you with wonderful yuletide songs, dances, comedy, and even a visit from Santa!
 

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre's musical version of "Miracle on 34th Street" plays through December 23rd. You'll be thrilled to see how a little old man with a white beard turns Macy's and Gimbel's department stores, along with everyone in New York into true Santa believers! 

And if holiday comedy is what you need, try the Rainbow Dinner Theatre's production of "Home for the Holidays". This "all comedy... all the time" theater brings you a hilarious story about a young couple and their visiting parents, and how Christmas and Chanukah combine in one New York City apartment. Shows continue through December 30th.

To make your theater plans complete, why not add a couple of nights at an Authentic Bed & Breakfast of Lancaster County.  With 39 member inns throughout the county, we're sure to have one that's just what you're looking for, with cozy fireplaces, fabulous homemade breakfasts, comfortable guest rooms, and the most hospitable innkeepers this side of the North Pole!  We promise to make your holiday getaway to Lancaster County truly memorable. 

And for that special friend or loved one, why not get them the perfect holiday present... a Gift Certificate to any of the Authentic B&Bs of Lancaster County.  Just click here for all the details.

Submitted by: Steve & Jamie Shane at the Apple Bin Inn

A BIG Thank-you

This past Veterans’ Day, many of your Authentic Bed and Breakfast innkeepers in Lancaster County, PA were privileged to  participate in a nation-wide program sponsored by our trade association, PAII (Professional Association of Innkeepers International). The program, entitled “B and B’s for Vets”, began in 2009 in West Virginia when a local innkeeper was looking for some way to give back to her local veterans. In 2011, PAII took over the administration of the program.  Hundreds of B and B’s in the US and Canada opened their doors and offered Veterans a free night’s stay. You can see other specials offered by PAII at the Better Way to Stay website.

With almost half of the Authentic B and B’s participating, approximately 70 rooms were offered for free at a value of almost $8,000. All branches of the service were represented. There were active military, retired veterans, old, young and in-between. There were service members home on leave from Afghanistan or Iraq and even some who had been in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII. Ages ranged from early twenties to folks in their eighties.

In addition to a free night, your Authentic B and B Innkeepers, working with their Passport Partners and others in the Lancaster community, compiled a complete program of offers for the Vets. These offers included meals, entertainment, shopping and Amish attractions. For example, Veterans were treated to a free show at the American Music Theatre and a free meal at Good N’ Plenty, and a free Segway tour at Red Rose Segway Tours.

The Veterans were very appreciative of the program. Many made arrangements to stay an extra night so as not to miss out on the many opportunities available to them. Several Vets have already made plans to return in 2012. As an added bonus, for most of the Vets and their spouses, this was their first time to experience a bed and breakfast.

Indeed, your Authentic B and B Innkeepers were very honored to be able to say ‘thank you’ in this very unique way.

Submitted by: Participating Authentic B and B Innkeepers of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Automobiles in Lancaster County, PA

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles abound in Lancaster County Pennsylvania! Okay, well not really many airplanes, but there are definitely plenty of train and automobile museums. Whether you’re planning a family weekend at the Strasburg Railroad, or a spur of the moment trip with your “hunny” at the Antique Auto Museum, you’ll discover rich history and educational fun. Obviously you can visit museums at any time, but I recommend a trip on the weekend of November 18-20 because there are many events to enjoy.

The Strasburg Railroad is hosting their “Day Out With Thomas”. This event gives children the opportunity to take a train ride by Thomas the Tank Engine. In addition there will be stories, videos, pump car rides and more. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is right next door and has trains on display, as well as an outdoor rail yard with a turn table.

The Antique Auto Museum at Hershey features automobiles from the past 80 years. You can view the largest collection of buses and even see a car that Betty White used to drive! The AACA Museum is hosting their Autos and Ales event on Friday night November 18. In addition to microbrews and vintage cars, there will be cooking demonstrations, live music, and raffles.

Start planning your trip today, because the weekend will be here before you realize it! And if you’re not sure where to stay, try any one of the Authentic Bed and Breakfast. They are close to both Strasburg and Hershey, not to mention the luxurious accommodations and savory breakfasts!

Submitted by Tom and Wanda Innkeepers of the Amethyst Inn B&B