Third Annual Quilters' Convention 2012

The 3rd Annual AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster, PA will be held March 14 – 17, 2012, at the Lancaster County Convention Center, in downtown Lancaster.  Quilters from around the world will be flocking to Lancaster County Amish country to enjoy high quality quilts and to meet other quilters.   Enjoy four days of viewing hundreds of quilts that will be exhibited, taking in lectures and quilting workshops, seeing the latest in quilting supplies and being able to shop at the merchant mall, plus attending quilting events. And it all happens in the heart of Amish country.

One of the events that will be happening is a Quilter’s Welcome Party that is being hosted by the Authentic Bed and Breakfast Association on Thursday evening, March 15^th from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Quilt and Textile Museum in downtown Lancaster just about a block from the Convention center.  Be sure to stop by and register for the door prizes. 

Fabric is available in several shops in the area and often at very reasonable prices.  Many of the larger local quilt shops will also be open later in the evenings, some till 10:00 pm.  It’s best to call first for their hours.  The following shops are the larger shops in the area where quantity, good pricing, and supplies can be purchased.

Burkholder Fabrics
2155 W. Route 897
Denver Pa 17517

717-336-6715
www.burkfabric.com

Sauder's
681 S. Muddy Creek Road
Denver, PA 17517

717-336-2664
www.zandsfabrics.com

Cedar Lane Dry Goods
204 Orlan Road
New Holland, PA 17557

717-354-0030

Old Country Store
3510 Old Philadelphia Pike
Intercourse, PA 17534
www.theoldcountrystore.com

800-828-8218

Dutchland Quilt Patch
2851 Lincoln Hwy. East
Ronks, Pa 17572
www.dutchlandquilts.com

800-411-3221

Zooks Dry Goods
3535 Old Philadelphia Pike
Intercourse, PA 17534

717-768-8153

Weaver's Fabrics
108 W. Brubaker Valley Road
Lititz, PA 17543

717-627-1724

Many people are drawn to Lancaster County because of the Amish who reside here, but soon realize there are other things to see and do here in the Lancaster countryside.  So make plans to also stay a day or two longer than the quilt show and check out a bed and breakfast.  The Authentic BandB Association has 38 members who would be glad to help you plan for your visit.

Submitted by: Ruth and Don Harnish, Innkeepers of the Flower and Thyme B and B

Great Meals at Shady Maple

Many people who visit Lancaster County are very familiar with Shady Maple. It is often a mandatory stop on an itinerary. What is not to like - the largest smorgasbord in the area with two hundred feet of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Your can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Lunch and dinner include an elaborate salad/soup bar, eight breads, eight meats, fourteen vegetables, ten cold desserts, three hot desserts, eight pies, six cakes and a sundae bar.




Some visitors may be familiar with only the smorgasbord, but there are many other areas to eat on the property. In the same building, on the ground floor by the 40,000 square foot gift shop is the Dutchette. There you can get a platter with three sides, sandwiches, salad/potato/taco bar or ice cream. This may be an option for a smaller meal when you are not ready to handle the immensity of the smorgasbord.





Shady Maple Dutchette



Next, outside of the farm market, is the Maple Leaf Café. Here you can enjoy a soup/salad bar, chinese buffet, or you can go through a cafeteria style setup to enjoy sandwiches or dinners including a variety of side dishes. There are booths as well as tables to enjoy your meal. This is an excellent stop before or after shopping in the farm market.



Maple Leaf Cafe



Even more casual and laid back is the snack shack which features hot dogs, soft pretzels and ice cream as well as a weekly special which could be steak sandwiches, meatball hoagies, fish sandwiches, or a chicken dinner. This is a great option when you are really in a hurry. There are tables set up in the farm market lobby where you can sit down to enjoy your quick bite



Snack Shack



Last, but not least, is the catering. They will cater your party, wedding reception, reunion, or business meeting at their location or yours and you can treat your guests to that wonderful cooking you have enjoyed. The meals can be plated or served as a small, private buffet.

Shady Maple has many eating options. Next time you are there, you may want to try something different

Submitted by:  Bonnie and David Konya, Country Hearth Bed and Breakfast, New Holland