Romantic Holiday in Lancaster, PA

Even though stores have been boasting Valentine’s decorations and candy filled hearts since the beginning of the year, I believe the holiday is more about spending time with your loved one, than showering them with impractical (yet sometimes adorable) gifts. Planning a weekend getaway together just might be the perfect way for you to celebrate this holiday of love. Adamstown Inns & Cottages has the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, and it is near Hershey PA which is celebrating Chocolate Covered February.

Naturally, chocolate is a great gift for women, so tastings and chocolate spas are fitting events for your holiday getaway. At Hershey's Chocolate World you can follow cocoa beans from the rain forest, all the way to the free sample at the end of the tour! Then try your hand at making a candy bar, spending time learning about the origins of chocolate, or sampling featured desserts. Most weekends in February they host a parade and hot cocoa tasting at the Hershey Museum (located on Chocolate Avenue). Zoo America is also open, and they are featuring artists who paint with chocolate.

The Hershey Spa has specials for extreme chocoholics. Get silky smooth with a chocolate sugar scrub or take a whipped cocoa bath. Try the new edible chocolate facial, or even the chocolate martini. They’ll satisfy your chocolate cravings while refreshing your body.

If you’ll still be craving chocolate by the end of the day, make sure to order chocolate covered strawberries or the chocoholic delight to add to your room at the Amethyst Inn. Spend the evening relaxing in your jacuzzi tub or snuggled up by the fireplace.

Before you depart for the weekend, make sure to stop by some antique malls, as they will have discounts for the holiday. No trip to Adamstown is complete without at least one shop at an antique store! As always, ask your innkeepers for their favorite shops and restaurants to help you plan your romantic weekend getaway. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Reading Pennsylvania

Typically we focus on events in Lancaster County, but since its the new year, lets branch out and explore Berks county. Reading, PA is just down the road and is another great place that offers activities for everyone. Since Adamstown Inns & Cottages is so conveniently located between Lancaster and Reading, it will be easy to split your time if you want to see attractions in both cities!

The most famous place to visit is the Reading Pagoda. Located on top of Mt. Penn, you can learn about its history and grab a small bite to eat in the cafe. After enjoying the views of Reading, stop by the gift shop to take home a memory of your visit.

If you enjoy art, the Goggleworks Art Theatre has daily shows and exhibits that change often. They celebrate First Fridays and Second Sundays, where the public is encouraged to view new galleries, explore the workshops, and even make a small project to take with you. For musical entertainment, check out the Metropolitan Opera shows at the IMAX or the Reading Symphony Orchestra.

Have a sports fan with you? The Reading Royals are in the midst of an exciting ice hockey season. If you are an outdoors person, Mt. Penn has many hiking trails, and Crystal Cave is nearby in Kutztown.

If you’re staying in Adamstown for the abundance of antiques, you don’t need to fret if you’ve covered all the markets. While it is a challenge to visit them all in one trip, you have more options, if that’s the case. Renningers Antique and Flea Market is nearby in Kutztown. And while you’re in that area, swing over to Premise Maid Shoppes for ice cream, chocolates, and baked goods. All their goodies are made on site and they have a large gift shop and many displays to see, including a giant chocolate grandfather clock!

In the New Year, I challenge you to visit a couple different cities while staying in one location. You’ll have more opportunities to visit the local restaurants and get a feel for the culture of the towns. We hope to see you soon and wish you a happy and safe 2012!

New Years Eve in Lancaster, PA

New Years Eve holds traditions for many people. Some choose to fight the crowds in NYC, others visit their local pubs, and many stay home with friends and family to watch Dick Clark (Ryan Seacrest) ring in the New Year. Last year, I broke my tradition with Dick Clark to enjoy a relaxing holiday at a bed and breakfast. It was a memorable trip and I highly recommend starting a new tradition of spending your New Years at the Adamstown Inns & Cottages.

Lancaster County abounds with energy during the holidays and even has some of their own traditions. Downtown Lancaster celebrates 3...2...1! with events at the local YMCA and by dropping a giant red rose in Clipper Stadium. There are events for the entire family, including ice skating, fireworks, music, food, games, and entertainment.

If a tradition celebration isn’t what you’re looking for, then try the Mount Hope Estate Gala. Don your best Victorian style clothing and ring in the new year with a 19th century charm. The American Music theatre will be featuring Cirque de la Symphonie. Listen to the sounds of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra while watching the acrobatic and aerial dancers interpret the music. If you’d prefer to dance the night away, then visit Manheim for their Dancin’ in the Streets Celebration. For a more traditional night, you could visit Stoudts brewery and then return to a jacuzzi tub and feather bed to watch the ball drop in New York City.

Whether you decide to create a new tradition with a weekend getaway or you choose to bring the entire family and gather around to watch Dick Clark (we have tvs!), Adamstown Inns & Cottages has the accommodations for any family. There are only a couple rooms and cottages left at the Amethyst Inn, so make sure to book soon and have a memorable beginning to 2012!

Lancaster County Christmas

The Christmas Season really snuck up on me this year, so you’re right to assume that I have not decorated yet or gotten a Christmas tree. Hopefully you’re a couple steps ahead of me and are planning vacation getaways as gifts, or one last hurrah before the relatives visit. Luckily for you, the Adamstown Inns & Cottages is beautifully decorated for the season and ready to celebrate. Lancaster County knows how to have a merry season with lights, ice skating, caroling, Christmas villages, trains, and shows. The following activities are sure to make you appreciate family time and enjoy the Christmas season.

The closest celebration to the Amethyst Inn, is right down the road at Stoudts. The Christkindlesmarkt is a large gathering of antiques dealers and shoppers, focusing on Christmas crafts and toys. As always, the Bier garten will be open and there will be food and music for the entire family to enjoy.

At Hersheypark Candylane you can wander through the quaint village shops to get some gifts before jumping on some rides. You’ll want to grab some hot chocolate after riding the Scrambler and take some time to listen to the carolers! Millions of lights will be glowing while you find your favorite candy bar dressed up in holiday style.

Whether you’re looking for an old fashioned Christmas, or a little bit of country, there are plenty of options in Lancaster County. Kitchen Kettle Village has a variety of shops to buy those last minute gifts, as well as carolers, s’more making, and holiday demonstrations. The Landis Valley Museum celebrates their German roots with “der Belsnickel”, crafts, and decorations. You can visit an Amish Farm to learn about their Christmas traditions, or take a candlelit tour at an old homestead.

You can chat with Santa at the Turkey Hill Experience, visit with Dicken’s characters at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, go ice skating at Clipper Stadium, or enjoy a Christmas show at the American Music Theatre.

Obviously, the most visited attractions are lights and Lancaster County has plenty to choose from. Elizabeth Farms is hosting a brand new display this year, while Longwood Gardens and Hershey Park continue their annual festivals.

I’m always amazed at all the Christmas celebrations that Lancaster County offers because they are truly a one-of-a-kind experience. And if you can’t find time before the holidays, then make sure to get a gift certificate and surprise a loved one in the New Year!