New Innkeepers, New Life, A Fine Old House

A little excited.  A little nervous.  Okay, those sentences are complete understatements.  As we, Brad Loman and Keith Jenkins (that's me) begin our new lives as innkeepers, we realize that there are those that came before us, stewards of this fine old house, hosts of interesting travelers from all walks of life.  We want to do it right, maybe even do great, and put a new spin on things as this bed & breakfast enters its second quarter century, and the house itself enters its second full century.  Since we reopen on June 1st, after  a little bit of hair pulling and back breaking, and warm feelings towards our new old home, we've decided to let that day be The Lancaster's birthday.

Built in 1912 for members of the Armstrong family, this summer sees the close of it's first hundred years.  Wow.  Kids grew up here, kids came home from college here, brides and grooms left in love from here.  Grandparents grew older here, and moms and dads took care of a good house here.  Maybe somewhere in there, parties were hosted, guests discussed the Titanic, the wars, and Kennedy.  I like to think that Lancaster native and modernist painter Charles Demuth visited here once or twice in the early days.  Demuth in my house!

Any old house needs a lot of work and care and love.  Restoring, redecorating, reinventing an inn as a new innkeeper is nothing but a labour of love (I write these words at 2:30 am; there couldn't be any other reason).  So, to share that experience with guests who knew the house at it was, and future guests (friends) who may come to know it well, and even the passerby who maybe spent a childhood here or relaxed here once with drinks and friends, I would like to record the changes - hopefully artful and deserved - that Brad and I, as new innkeepers, give to this fine old house.

Lets's see what happens!

The wallpaper comes down.  And the walls exhale.

And look who was there to greet us!  Mr. Keeports reaching out from 1916.

Previous owner, Dave Blaich, found Mr. Keeports' John Hancock on an upstairs bedroom wall too.

Come back and see what new life comes to this house, your home-away-from home,

The Lancaster, a Bed and Breakfast.

Mud Sales to Begin in Lancaster County Pennsylvania

It is that time of year once again.  The first Mud Sale of the season is set for Saturday February 25 in Strasburg, PA.  Now most of you probably know about the Lancaster County Mud Sale season, but for those who do not, it is not the sale of fresh mud!  Mud sales are auctions held at local fire companies as fund raisers.  Items auctioned range from quilts, antiques, farm equipment, livestock, building supplies, buggies, and on and on.  Most fire company web sites will have a listing of items being auctioned.  Just visit any of these from the list below to research that weekend mud sale.

Mud sales are named from the time of year most are held, a time when the snow from winter is melting causing the grounds to be very muddy.  So if it is muddy, wear your boots and be sure to take in several of these unique Lancaster County sales!  Oh, by the way come hungry because the food is awesome! 

 

2012 Mud Sales

February 25
Strasburg Spring Consignment & Mud Sale
8 a.m., Strasburg Fire Company #1, 203 Franklin St., Strasburg. 717-687-7232 or Strasburg Fire Co. website
Furniture, antiques, quilts, crafts, farm machinery, horses, mules, tools, groceries, fruit, homemade food.
March 3 & March 17
Bart Township Annual Auction/Mud Sale
8:30 a.m., Bart Twp. Fire Company, 11 Furnace Rd., Quarryville. 717-786-3348 or Bart Twp. Fire Co. website
Antiques, quilts, furniture, new & used equipment, small goods, hay & straw, livestock, buggies, tools, crafts and food.
March 10
Gordonville Spring Mud Sale & Auction
8:30 a.m., Gordonville Fire Company, Old Leacock Rd., Gordonville. 717-768-3869 or Gordonville Fire Co. website
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 17
Penryn Fire Company 4rd Annual Mud Sale
8:30 a.m., Penryn Fire Company #1, 1441 N. Penryn Rd., Penryn. 717-664-2825 or Penryn Fire Co. website
Woodcrafts, furniture, antiques, quilts, crafts, farm equipment, food and more. Parking will not be available on site. Satellite parking with shuttle bus service will be available at various neighboring locations.
March 17
Airville Volunteer Fire Comany Mud Sale
7 a.m. coffee & doughnuts, 8 a.m. auction begins. 3576 Delta Road, Airville, PA 17602. 717-862-3806
Crafts, antiques, and household furniture, building material, plants, trees, equipment, groceries, windows & doors, tools, quilts, tractors, saddles, tack, buggies, and more. 
March 24
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.
March 31
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 14
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.
May 5
Gratz Area Mud Sale
8:30a.m. Held at Gratz Fairgrounds, 601 E. Market Street, Gratz, PA 17030. 717-365-3043 or Gratz Fire Co. website
Equipment, nursery stock, quilts and crafts, tools, antiques, flowers, building materials, children's toys, appliances, furniture, animals and more.
May 12
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..
June 29
Bird-in-Hand Mud Sale | Lancaster County Carriage & Antique Auction
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 23
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 19-20
Intercourse Fire Company Fall Auction
Singing Friday & Saturday evening, sale starts 8:30am Saturday, Intercourse Fire Company, 10 North Hollander Rd.,
717-768-3402
Quilts, crafts, new & used furniture, outdoor furniture, buggies, tack, tools, tent of nice antiques & a large selection of Sauder's Nursery stock.
August 25
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.
October 27
Cochranville Fire Company Mud Sale
7 a.m. breakfast, Cochranville Volunteer Fire Company, 3135 Limestone Road, Cochranville, PA 19330. 610-593-5800
Tools, household goods, shrubbery, horse tack, quilts, horses, sheds, outdoor furniture and more.



Why not plan a weekend or two trip to Lancaster and take in a mud sale.  You will be glad you did and be hooked on attending these cultural events in the future!  Check our availability to reserve a room at O'Flaherty's Dingeldein House Bed and Breakfast for your mud sale journey.

Hershey's Chocolate World and The Hershey Story

What visit to Lancaster County would be complete without a visit to Hershey, PA?  Chocolate lovers from around the globe come to Hershey to explore the many activities there are to do.  During the Winter months when the park is closed, a visit to Chocolate World and The Hershey Story is in order.

Hershey's Chocolate World attraction has sweet adventure for everyone: from chocolate lovers to fun seekers, shoppers to history buffs. Browse the attractions which include, Hershey's great American chocolate tour ride, Hershey's create your own candy bar attraction, Hershey's really big 3D show, Hershey's chocolate tasting adventure, Hershey's dessert creation studio, Hershey's Kisses packaging, Hershey's photo bar wrapper, Hershey's chocolate works machine, Hershey's trolley works tour, courtyard cafe, Hershey's bake shop, and market place shops.

When you are finished at the Chocolate World, why not take advantage of a free shuttle to visit The Hershey Story..  Now you can get from one sweet place to another, compliments of the Chocolate Avenue Shuttle! This service is free to guests visiting Hersheypark and Chocolate World. The shuttle's drop-off location is directly behind The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue. The Hershey Story guides visitors on an inspirational journey through Milton Hershey's lifetime and beyond, a tale spanning more than 150 years of trials and triumphs, philanthropic endeavors and one man's unwavering confidence. From Hershey's earliest entrepreneurial ventures to his visions of a town built around the attributes of the humble cacao bean, The Hershey Story is an uplifting celebration of the great American dream. Attractions include the Museum Experience, a series of engaging exhibits; the Chocolate Lab, a place where learning comes alive through hands-on experiments; the Museum Shop, stocked with unique Hershey merchandise and memorabilia; Café Zooka, the perfect place for light fare and chocolately desserts; the Countries of Origin Chocolate Tasting; and much more.

So why not enjoy Chocolate Town USA while Winter's grasp has a hold on us.  There is so much to see and do in Lancaster PA. 

Yuletide at Rock Ford Plantation, Lancaster Pennsylvania

December 26 through December 29 is Yuletide at historic Rock Ford Plantation.  Step back in time and celebrate Yuletide at Rock Ford with 18th century music, fresh baked gingerbread, and the mansion decorated with fresh, fragrant greenery.

Candlelight Tours will be held on December 26 and 27 from 4:00 till 8:00 pm.
Daylight Tours will be held on December 28 and 28 from 11:00am till 3:00pm.  
Tickets are available at the door.  Adults - $10, Seniors 65 and up and children

6 to 12 - $8.  Come and unwind after the hectic pace of the Holidays, there are many activities to enjoy in Lancaster, PA.  Check our availability to reserve your relaxing stay in Lancaster. 

Celebrate The Holiday Season In Downtown Lancaster PA

Starting this Friday November 25, you can celebrate the holidays in Downtown Lancaster!  It all starts off on Friday with the Mayor's tree lighting and tuba Christmas at Penn Square.  This day's activities start at 5 pm and continues till 9 pm.  Many events will take place through December 24 including horse drawn carriage rides, breakfast with Santa and visits with Santa.  With so many places to shop and enjoy this festive season, why now spend several days and get all your holiday preperation done!

For a complete listing of events that you can print out click here.

We are located a short 1.5 miles from Penn Square in downtown Lancaster.  Check our availability to reserve a room and let the holiday celebrations begin!

There are also two outlets, Tanger and Rockvale as well as Park City Mall, all located a short drive from the inn. 

Christmas Traditions In Lancaster County Pennsylvania

Come to Lancaster Pennsylvania this Christmas season and take in traditions from our German heritage as well as many decorated visitor attractions.  Here are a few of the many events to enjoy.

The 14th Annual Holiday Celebration at Intercourse.  This event features a tree lighting ceremony, wagon rides, children's treasure hunt, holiday music, interactive live nativity, and extended shopping.  The celebration is December 2 and 3.  For more information visit www.intercoursevillage.com

The 46th Annual Marietta Candlelight Tour of Homes.  You can tour eight private homes, historic buildings, and enjoy an antique show, a table setting display, a Colonial tea, strolling carolers and more.  This event is Sunday December 4 from 11 am - 7 pm.  For more information visit www.mariettarestoration.org



A Lancaster Christmas at the Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum.  The museum features historically recreated and decorated rooms for the holiday season, spanning each decade from 1850 - 1960.  For more information visit www.quiltandtextilemuseum.com

The Hans Herr House Candlelight Tours.  Tours will be held December 1 - 3 from 5-8:30 pm.  Tour the grounds and buildings while observing demonstrations from the newly arrived Germans of the 18th Century.  There will also be caroling around the bonfire, refreshments and other treats.  For more information visit www.hansherr.org

Christmas At the Cloister.  Experience the peacefulness of a Cloister Christmas while listening to seasonal readings and holiday music at the historic Ephrata Cloister. This event is held December 12 and 13.  Lantern tours will be held December 27-30.  Advance reservations and tickets are required.   For more information about dates and times visit www.ephratacloister.org

Yuletide House Tours.  Candlelight evening tours December 26 and 27 and daytime tours December 28 and 29 will be held at the Rock Ford Plantation in the  Lancaster County Park.  There will be period music, dance and open hearth cooking.  For more information visit www.rockfordplantation.org

Holiday Shopping Made Easy!

Here is an event that will make your Holiday Shopping easy!  The Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair will be held this year at the Lancaster Convention Center in downtown Lancaster.

The annual Lancaster area event was held over the last 3 years at the Manheim Township High School off Lititz Pike.  The move allows the craft show to grow from 120 exhibitors to 140 exhibitors, and to be exhibited in one large space as opposed to the three spaces used at the high school.  The Guild is also teaming up with the Lancaster Parking Authority to offer $2 all day parking for show patrons at five participating parking garages in downtown Lancaster.
“Our mission is to support fine craftsmen and introduce the public to handcrafted works,’ says Guild executive director Sherrie Boyer.  ”The move to the Lancaster Convention Center creates more visibility for our craftsmen and more access for patrons and the public.  Buying local and buying handmade serve so many needs; our patrons support the arts and local artists – and our craftsmen are able to meet the public, educate about craft, and earn a living.  It’s a positive experience for everyone.”
With such a wide array of fine and talented craftsmen right here in the region, why not give handmade and local this holiday season?
Show hours are Saturday 10 - 6 and Sunday 10 - 5.  
 

Christmas Shows In Lancaster, PA to Start Up

October is coming to a close, Halloween is this weekend.  That means November is just around the corner and the start of the Christmas Shows for 2011 in Lancaster Pennsylvania.  Here is a listing of shows and links to their websites.

American Music Theatre 
Starting November 1 the all-new 2011 Christmas Show, Winter Wonderland, will immerse you in a festive evening of Yuletide whimsy and wonder. This snowy, outdoor-themed Original Show is sure to delight long-time fans as well as those attending for the first time. You’ll enjoy the spectacular vocals and breathtaking dance moves of professional artists from across the country. Come hear your favorite sacred and secular holiday carols, hymns and songs from yesterday and today, and delight in a little holiday cheer as the jelly-bellied one himself comes for a visit.

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Running November 17 - December 23 is Miracle on 34th Street.  Kris Kringle takes on the cynics among us in this musical adaptation of the popular holiday movie. A white-bearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa Claus brings about a genuine miracle, spreading a wave of love throughout New York City, fostering camaraderie between Macy's and Gimbel's Department Stores, and convincing a cynical single mother, her curious daughter and the entire state of New York that Santa Claus and true happiness is no myth.

Rainbow Dinner Theatre
Starting November 8 - December 30 is Home for the Holidays.  A nice young couple settle in for a cozy Christmas together in their New York apartment. No pressure, no parents. Especially her parents, who don't know they're living together... or that she even has a boyfriend, or that he's Jewish while she's not. It would be a beautiful Christmas if her parents don't show up on her door; it'll be a funnier Christmas when they do! Laugh all through the holidays and into next year with "Home For The Holidays"!

Sight and Sound Theatre
Running November 11 - December 31 is Miracle of Christmas.  As the Wise Men and shepherds did so long ago, follow the star to witness the miraculous truth of the Savior's birth! Journey back in time and experience the bustling village of Bethlehem as camels, horses, donkeys and villagers surround you. Witness the beauty and majesty of angels worshipping in heaven, and proclaiming to shepherds, "The Savior is born!" Miracle of Christmas has become a family tradition, so this holiday, follow the star and arrive early to enjoy an interactive experience !

The Fulton Theatre

Playing on stage October 19 - November 6 is Gaslight.  Jack and Bella Manningham's home on Angel Street was the scene-many years ago-of Alice Barlow's murder, whose valuable jewels have never been found. Now Bella's belongings are disappearing and nothing seems to make sense. Is she falling victim to her mother's mental illness, or are other forces at work? When an unexpected visitor arrives with surprising news from Scotland Yard, shadows of uncertainty are cast on their domestic tranquility.

On stage November 30 - December 31 is Hairspray.  Just in time for the holidays comes Broadway's big fat musical hit. Jump back to early 1960s Baltimore, where pleasantly plump Tracy Turnblad has big hair, an even bigger heart, and a huge dream to be a dancer on the Corny Collins Show. This musical-comedy blockbuster inspired a film and swept the Tony Awards-and audiences off their feet.

As you can see there is so much entertainment available here in Lancaster, PA.  Why not book an extended stay and take in several of our wonderful shows for the Holidays!  Check our availability to book your stay at O'Flaherty's Dingeldein House Bed and Breakfast. 

Halloween Fun and Haunted Happenings in Lancaster, PA

Lancaster County Pennsylvania is loaded with activities for October fun!  Why not take advantage of this wonderful time of year with a get-a-way to Lancaster!  Here are a few of the many things to do.

Halloween Daze and Spooky Knights at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire located on the grounds of Mount Hope Estate and Winery.  Three weekends of mystery and mayhem as spooky creatures of every variety haunt the Shire. Join the good Shirefolk of Mount Hope for a grand All Hallows Eve celebration, complete with tricks & treats for children of all ages. Dress in your favorite costume for fun & prizes! 

 Lancaster and Strasburg Ghost Tour   In Lancaster, explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America's oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses and star-crossed lovers.  Experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City's thorny past! 
In Strasburg, experience an entertaining evening with tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards with spirits that roam the night in a town lost in time!  The Lancaster tour is nightly at 8 PM and the Strasburg tour is Friday's and Saturdays at 8 PM and on Halloween weekend Sunday & Monday are also available at 8 PM.  

Jason's Woods  featuring nine hair-raising, haunted attractions with breathtaking special effects. This attraction is for the person who truly likes to be scared! No one does Halloween like Jason's Woods celebrating 26 years They feature free fabulous pre-show entertainment including live bands, DJ's, magic shows and more! Visit Jason’s Woods for the ultimate Halloween experience!

These are just a few of the many events and activities for the month of October.   For a listing of many more visit Pennsylvania Dutch Country's Halloween Page!

"The Confession: A Musical" Opens in Lancaster County, PA

The Confession A New Musical opened on September 14 at the Bird-in-Hand Stage in Bird-in-Hand, PA.  This musical is an adaption of the ever popular book by Beverly Lewis in her Amish series.  The touching Amish love story has an uplifting story line, soaring melodies and inspiring lyrics from Beverly Lewis’ “Heritage of Lancaster County Series,” weaving the lives of characters she first introduced in her "Heritage of Lancaster County" series. The musical runs for 12 weeks through December 2.  For a complete schedule and to book tickets, visit the event website.  


Fall is a great time of year to visit Lancaster County and the area shows are just one of the highlights.  Here is a link to all of the shows in our county.  


Plan a get-a-way to enjoy the beautiful fall time of year in Lancaster, PA.  Check O'Flaherty's Dingeldein House B&B  for availability and to reserve a room.