Lake Tobias

Did you know that you could enjoy a wildlife safari without having to fly across the Atlantic to Africa? That's right, just a short journey from this Lancaster, PA Bed and Breakfast you have the ability to see lions, tigers, emus, monkeys and all sorts of different wildlife. Lake Tobias, in Dauphin County, provides an array of activities for the entire family. From reptile show in their brand new Reptiles and Exotics building, to simply walking the different paths to view all kinds of animals, even taking a safari tour on one of their make-shift buses across 150 acres of rolling hills. Lake Tobias not only offers lots of fun things to view and do, they also provide great picnic areas and have a wonderful playground for the kids.

Recently, my family and I had the opportunity to visit the wildlife park and we were thrilled with our experience. One of the great benefits of this place is the closeness of the park and the great price. To enter the park and take the safari ride it only cost my wife and I $20. We took our own lunch, although they do of course have snack stands, and spent about six hours in the park which allowed us to do all the activities and see all the animals. We had 12 in our party, so the price was great for us, and the park itself is well taken care of which often is not the case when the cost is so low. We definitely got our money's worth at Lake Tobias. All the kids had a great time, and even the parents enjoyed the trip. So if your family is looking for something to do when you stay at the Adamstown Inns and Cottages, I would certainly recommend a trip to Lake Tobias.

Beer Festivals of 2010

With autumn just around the corner, it also means that Oktoberfest will be starting soon! Stoudt’s Brewery in Adamstown, Pa hosts a month-long celebration of beer, along with other breweries in Lancaster and Berks County. To guarantee that you’re in the center of all the activities of Beer Festivals 2010, make sure to book a room at the Adamstown Inns & Cottages, a luxury bed and breakfast right down the road from Stoudt’s Oktoberfest. Both the Adamstown Vacation Home and the Amethyst Inn, a Lancaster PA bed and breakfast, offer gracious hospitality and attention to detail that will make your weekend special!

Oktoberfest opens on Saturday September 25 at 2pm with German music, food, beer, dancing, and Cleevagheevin contests. Not quite sure what Cleevagheevin is? It’s a contest to see who can lift and hold the greatest number of full beer steins and is one of the highlights of Stoudt’s Oktoberfest! The celebration continues for the next five Sundays from 12 to 6 pm. There is different music every week and tickets can be bought in advance or as a packaged deal. Stoudt’s is proud to carry on their heritage in the Gemutlichkeit Bier Garden with live German music and authentic German food.

There are many other beer festivals happening throughout the month as well. The Reading Liederkranz is celebrating their 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest from September 30-October 3 and Berks Beer Barn is hosting a sampling of Lancaster Beers on Friday October 8 from 3-5 pm. If you thought the Oktoberfest beer at Stoudt’s was plenty, then you’re in for a treat because they are also having their Microwbrew festival on October 16th. This is one event that your taste buds will be glad you didn’t miss, especially since there is more German food and of course beer sampling!

What better place to celebrate German beers and culture than in PA Dutch Country? Book your stay today at a Lancaster PA bed and breakfast, the Amethyst Inn, so you can stay near all the events. Plus, you’ll have a quiet room to return to and get a good nights sleep before another round of Beer Festivals 2010.

Lancaster PA's Antique Extravaganza

It’s that time again! Time for what you may ask? It’s time to search for treasures amongst the large collection of antiques at the Fall Antiques Extravaganza in Adamstown, PA. During the week of September 22-25, 2010 join thousands of shoppers in the excitement of finding the perfect antique to take home. Many of the dealers have special collections that they save specifically for the extravaganza weekends.

Located throughout various stores and markets in Adamstown, you will be amazed at the wide selection of collectibles available. Some of the antiques include: fine furniture, paintings, jewelry, glassware, military memorabilia, toys, coins, and quilts. Smaller galleries are open on Thursday and Friday which will get your feet wet and spark your excitement for Stoudt’s on Saturday and Sunday. To conclude the weekend, Stoudt’s is hosting their Fall Extravaganza on September 26-27 from 7:30 -4 pm with more than 400 dealers.

Since there are so many places to visit and treasures to discover, there’s no doubt that you will need a comfortable place to relax at night to refresh you for the next day of antiquing. Adamstown Inns and Cottages is located just minutes down the road from the main hub of all the antique activity. The rooms at the bed and breakfast are perfect to get away from the hustle and bustle of the day. You can relax in your jacuzzi tub or enjoy the beautiful flowers on the porch. The scrumptious breakfast in the morning, available from 7:30 to 9, will excite your taste buds and give you the energy to visit all the antique dealers. If you want to make this a family event or travel with a group of friends there are even some nights available in our vacation home and cottages that will fit your needs. You will not be disappointed with the friendly service and the atmosphere of the inn so call us today to book your stay!   

If you’ve been to an extravaganza weekend before then you know that you won’t want to miss the excited crowds and all the new rarities that will discover. If you’ve never experienced an extravaganza weekend, then come out to visit as the Antiques Capital and Adamstown Inns and Cottages are anxiously awaiting your arrival!

Hawk Mountain

Hiking is one of my favorite past times, and summer is one of the best times to go in Lancaster, PA. While it can be hot and buggy, it’s always exhilarating to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Luckily for you, Adamstown Inns and Cottages is located around many trails, parks, and recreation areas. If you’re like me and get a thrill from breathtaking views on the top of a mountain after a strenuous climb, than you’ll have plenty options for a day hike during your visit to the Lancaster County area. 

While perusing the Adamstown Inns website, you will come across a nature page that describes trails in order to help you find the one that excites you the most. While I haven’t been to all of the recommended locations, I have been to a few.

Hawk Mountain is definitely one of the more well known sanctuary's that visitors enjoy. It’s almost an hours drive, but a trip well worth making; especially since you’ll pass Cabela’s, which is an adventure within itself! I’ve been to Hawk Mountain a couple times and had a different experience during each trip. The first time I was there, I had actually hiked there via the Appalachian Trail connecting to the Skyline Trail, which takes you up the back side of the mountain to the lookout. That trail is not one that I would recommend for beginners! It was rather difficult with many rocks and cliffs that we had to scale, with backpacks on too! Needless to say, I survived that trip, only acquiring a few cuts and bruises! Now don’t panic and think that this nature spot isn’t for you... If you’re like 99% of the population you would drive to the visitors center and take an easy to moderate trail to the lookout. One section of the trail is a natural staircase, and my favorite part was seeing trees with huge root systems on the side of the mountain! Once at the top, there is a large lookout area where you are free to stay as long as you like! It’s a great day trip, especially when you pack some sandwiches and eat lunch while watching the hawks soar overhead.

Stay tuned next week for two more outdoor adventures. And remember, the air conditioning, jacuzzi tubs, and comfy beds at Adamstown Inns & Cottages will be such a relaxing treat after a long day playing outside!

Maple Grove Raceway

Racing events always remind me of when I was young and my dad took me to a race track a few times. I don’t remember much besides wearing ear plugs and buying a huge bucket of KFC to take with us so that we didn’t have to pay for the expensive food, but I do know that I had a lot of fun! Maple Grove, however; holds different memories as I was there within the past few years to watch some high school friends race their cars on a “High School Contest” weekend. Being my first experience at a drag strip, I was blown away by the smoke from the cars and the speed at which they raced. All I could think about was how important it was to leave the starting point as soon as that light turned green! I have a fairly slow reaction time, so I’m not sure drag racing would be the best sport for me to take up...

Anyways, these memories of mine have been conjured up from the news of upcoming events at the Maple Grove Raceway. On July 2-3, Geezers Reunion at the Grove will be taking place. This event focuses around the nostalgia of drag racing and what dragsters looked and sounded like many years ago. An interesting part of the weekend is Cacklefest, which highlights the sounds of the old cars while being paraded down the track. There will also be a Cavalcade of Funny Cars, sportsman racing classes, a car show, and of course elimination races. The weekend ends with a rousing fireworks display. When I first heard the name of this event, I just couldn’t figure out what it was about, but it really sounds like it’s going to be a blast from the past!

The other big event on July 16-18 is the Super Chevy Show. While it brings out many die-hard Chevy lovers, everyone is welcome to attend this show! The bracket racing will be the highlight of the weekend, as this is one of the biggest races for those who have invested their careers in the Super Chevy series. A swap meet and car show will also be a part of this extravagant weekend.

From my experiences I remember being drained after a long day in the sun at the races. Wouldn’t a nice air conditioned room, comfortable bed, and relaxing bath in a jacuzzi tub be a nice way to relax after a day at the racetrack? Conveniently, Adamstown Inns & Cottages is located just 15 minutes away from Maple Grove Raceway and will facilitate a refreshing weekend so you won’t miss any of the races. Hopefully you’ll be able to create some memorable moments while finding new insights into the sport of drag racing... Oh, and don’t forget the sun block!

Antique Extravaganza Time

Every year when Antique Extra-
vaganza time rolls around here at the Inns I'm reminded why little quaint Adamstown, PA is the antiques captial of the United States.  Even to this day I'm still astounded by the fact that this small section of  Northern Lancaster County has become the place to travel for thousands of antiques and collectabiles.  Well, in just a couple short weeks many people will descend upon Adamstown for a long weekend of browsing, bartering, and buying.
From April 22nd through April 25th Antique Extravaganza will be taking place only minutes from the Adamstown Inns and Cottages.

At 25 plus locations, inside or outside, single owners and multi-dealer malls will offer you an enormous selection of antiques.  One of the reasons why you may want to plan your antique shopping excursion around and an Antique Extravaganza weekend pertains to the extended hours all the dealers remain open.  All of the stores participating in this extravaganza will have longer hours to allow people coming to town, for this special weekend, to visit every shop that they possibly can, if indeed it is possible.  It's always fun for us here at the Inns to see all the treasures brought back, and listen to all the stories about their history.  After hours upon hours of walking around all the shops, I'm glad we can offer you some time to relax and rejunevate at the Amethyst Inn, or if you are traveling with friends and family perhaps our Adamstown Vacation home and Dragonfly and Firefly cottages may be more restful.  We look forward to experiencing with you another eventful Antique Extravaganza weekend.   

Lancaster County Flower Show

Spring is finally here, although today it feels like summer here at the Adamstown Inns and Cottages.  As I walk around the properties I am witnessing new life emerge in the flower beds and on the trees.  We have already begun our flower planting here, and I am anticipating spending many more hours planting flowers due to Kristin's love for the local flower auction where she can purchase flowers in bulk, and believe me, she does.  Well, as I survey events happening in Lancaster County I notice we are not the only ones itching to get back into the flower beds and gardens.  All across the area the excitement of Spring is budding with the many flower shows, art festivals, craft shows, and even music festivals taking place.

On April 15th thru April 18th the Lancaster County Flower shower will bring a flower and garden experience to the communities of Lancaster County.  The vision of the Lancaster County Flower Show is "to make the show captivating and engaging for both the local community and those outside the area. It will be a “spectacle” of color, life and vibrancy – an eclectic mixture of flower and garden exhibits, vendors and events."
Also on April 17th and 18th the city of Lancaster will host its 26th annual Spring ArtWalk.  During this festival you have the opportunity to visit dozens of studios and meet various artists of the Lancaster area galleries.  Some of the galleries include Annex, Christiane David Gallery, Demuth Museum, Julia Swartz Gallery just to name a few.  Happening in Lancaster this same weekend, the Pennsylvania's Guild Spring Craft Market will be held on the corner of Prince St. and Walnut St. in Lancaster.  The craft market will feature the work of 40 of the Guild’s finest craft makers in pottery, woodturning, leather, traditional German folk art, jewelry and lots more.  The craft market provides much more than just great buying opportunities, the guild will also hold live demonstrations and allow people the chance to speak with the artists and learn about their handmade crafts.

While you are in the city, perhaps you want to enjoy some music as you peruse the shops and markets.  On April 15th thru 18th Lancaster will welcome music artists from all over the United States. Launch Music Conference will be held at the Lancaster County Convention Center and will host more than 150 music acts who perform throughout downtown Lancaster. Those participating in the festival will range from developing to established artists from all over North America. You will be able to hear a wide genre of music during the course of this festival, such as Jazz, Rock, to Americana, or Pop, even Punk and I'm only scratching the surface.  The city of Lancaster will be thriving with music opportunities galore.

Not only does the city of Lancaster offer a plethora of art viewing opportunities, the University of Franklin and Marshall display their love for the arts from April 15 thru 25th.  This festival is student-generated and will highlight Dance, Film & Media, Spoken Word, Poetry, Theatre, and the visual arts.  There will be much to see and do during this two week long celebration of creativity and innovation in the arts.  Wow, I can't believe how much is happening in Lancaster County for folks to see and do.  So now is your chance to get out in the beautiful weather of Spring and soak in all that Lancaster and the surrounding area has to offer.  We at the Inns, look forward to sharing in your adventures this Spring.

March Madness

No, we haven't begun our own pool for the NCAA Basketball championships, but we are initiating our Lancaster County March Madness Special here at the Adamstown Inns and Cottages.  The snow is finally beginning to melt and I can actually see grass again so I know spring will be here before I know it.  I still have plenty of winter projects to complete, but I know before long I will be out in the flower beds preparing them for planting and endeavoring to keep up with caring for the grounds around the Inns and Cottages.  Since we are all excited for Spring and Summer here at the Inns we thought we would extend that excitement to you as well.

If you book a cottage or vacation home by April 1st for 5 nights you will receive one night free, or you could book for 7 nights and receive 2 nights free! (Not valid with any other specials or during holidays.)  It is not to soon to prepare for all the great things Lancaster County has to offer in the Spring and Summer.  The Mud Sales taking place throughout Lancaster County provide wonderful experience to find great deals on all kinds of items.  Along with the Mud Sales, the Antique Extravaganzas that take place beginning the last weekend in April and runs throughout various weekends in the summer also offers you the opportunity to find some great treasures of the past. 

And all of this just minutes away from the Adamstown Inns and Cottages.  Not to mention Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland, Longwood Gardens, Strasburg Railroad, VF Outlets, Tanger Outlets, Philadelphia, oh the list goes on and on.  Now perhaps you understand why we are referring to this special as March Madness.  I know it will be tough to decide what all to do while you are with us at the Inns and Cottages, while you have some time to hammer out your schedule March Madness ends April 1st.  See you soon.

Gift of Time in Lancaster, PA

The second gift of "time" was for my boyfriend. In his second year at the Virginia Military Institute, we do not get the opportunity to see each other often. That is why I chose to take advantage of the holiday season and give him “time” for Christmas!

From hearing all the positive reviews and hype about Longwood Gardens, it is no surprise that I decided to take my boyfriend there for Christmas. Only an hour and 15 minutes away from Adamstown Inns &Cottages, it is a trip well worth taking! We arrived around 3:30 in the afternoon so that we would be able to see the displays both in the light and once it got dark.

Our senses were overwhelmed upon entering the indoor conservatory. The scents from the flowers were pleasing and the abundance of colors and designs of the flowers were beautiful. I never imagined the different types of flowers, and how enormous some of them were! My favorite part was the rooms that were dedicated specifically to one type of plant. I marveled at the resemblance of bonsai trees to fully-grown trees and I was amazed at how tall cacti can grow. The orchid room was blossoming with bright colors, and fresh scents of roses adorned yet another room. Waterfalls, wreaths, and hanging baskets added to the decor of each room. Every corner that I turned, I marveled at the beauty surrounding me and found it difficult to take in every detail.

Every trip to Longwood Gardens can be different and tailored to fit your style. There were options for a buffet, caroling, and even an ice skating performance. While they did seem enticing, we bypassed them to catch the fountain and light show. Set to music, the fountains danced in the glow of the lights.

We made sure that we did not miss the train display and the terrace, which was lit up with green lights. Walking along the paths, our journey was accompanied by twinkling Christmas trees and reindeer displays. At one point during the evening, we toured a tree house that was made entirely from recycled wood that had been salvaged from old businesses. Although the house was not lit up, it was interesting to walk through. The rose garden, which I can imagine would be beautiful when they are in bloom, was lit up with blue lights, casting an elegant glow against the moon in the sky. It is difficult to describe just what an amazing trip Longwood Gardens is and the only way for you to find out is to visit it yourself!

It is not too early to start planning a special trip to Adamstown Inns & Cottages for Valentine’s Day. The Fulton will be showing “Driving Miss Daisy” and Longwood Gardens will be celebrating their Orchid Extravaganza. Take advantage of the many great places in Lancaster County and the surrounding areas to spend time with the special people in your lives.

Liz-Assistant Innkeeper

Gift of Time by Liz

I have been working for Adamstown Inns & Cottages since May of 2009 and am in my senior year at Elizabethtown College. I am studying Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship because I would like to own my own B&B one day. This semester I am starting an internship with Adamstown Inns & Cottages as the assistant innkeeper. Over Christmas break, I was given the chance to discover what Lancaster has to offer and would encourage you to do the same.

We all know that time is precious and that it is becoming more difficult to get together with friends and family members during our busy lives. Therefore, this Christmas I chose to give “time” to my mother and my boyfriend for their presents.

Since my mother loves shows, I took her to see “Annie” at the Fulton Opera House. Only 30 minutes from the Amethyst Inn, this is a beautiful theater. Every performance that I have seen there has been phenomenal! There is no bad seat in the place, and the actors have you hooked from the very beginning.

After the show, we had dinner at the Black Horse Restaurant in Adamstown, only two minutes from Adamstown Inns & Cottages. We started the meal with lobster risotto, which was a wonderful preview of how delicious the rest of our meal would be. I had crab cakes while my mother had salmon. The food was delicious with bursts of many different flavors and even the portions were perfect. I left feeling full, but not stuffed like in many restaurants. The ambiance in the restaurant added to our dining experience and allowed us to have a nice mother/daughter evening together.

If you enjoyed reading about this outing, then stay tuned for my second gift of time this holiday season!

Liz

Valentines Day

Valentines Day?  It is only January, you might say.  Well I know the guys out there like to plan ahead and have everything prepared for that special someone on this lovers holiday.  If you are one of those guys, or even if you're not, why don't you pretend this Valentines Day that you are and plan a romantic get-away to the Adamstown Inns and Cottages.  I'm giving you a heads-up now because as February 14th approaches the Inns fills up rapidly.  I know how difficult it is sometimes to come up with something that says to your loved one that they are special, so I want to make this Valentines Day easy for you.  Along with an enchanting visit to the Inns I have a couple of packages that will aid in making this Valentines weekend an unforgettable one.

Simply include our Lovers Package to enhance the romantic atmosphere you seek to provide that special someone this Valentines Day.  Enjoy chocolate covered strawberries, some Champagne along with two Adamstown Inn wine glasses, and arrangement of beautiful flowers in this package. 
Or you could make a night of it and select the Romance package which would also include chocolates, champagne, wine glasses, as well as a camera with a photo album or picture frame, a romantic CD, and some candles.  Also included in this package is a $50 gift certificate to one of our favorite resturants.  I would suggest Checkers Bistro, it has a very idllyic atmosphere and the food is excellent.

You don't have a special someone to spend Valentines Day with, I understand.  Why don't you spoil yourself Valentines Weekend with our Spa package.  Spend a day at Bernard’s at Brighton where you will receive a classic facial, 50 minute Therapeutic Massage, Manicure and Pedicure. (4hrs for 4 services starts at $230 per person or 2hrs for 4 services $125 per person).  Afterwards you can come back and relax at the Inns as you enjoy spoil yourself for Valentines Day.

So don't make it hard on yourself this Valentines Day, let us do all the work for you and we don't mind if you receive all the credit.

Christmas Trees, Christmas lights, and Christmas trains

Here are a couple more Christmas activities in Lancaster County you may want to check out if you are visiting us at the Adamstown Inns & Cottages. Through January 10th at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square they will be displaying twenty indoor “rooms” and acres of outdoor gardens that feature dazzling living floral displays, opulent ornaments, stunning trees, a half-million lights and dancing fountains. As well as renowed ice skaters who perform daily in a fairy-tale setting. The horticultural showplace dazzles young and old with spectacular Christmas decorations and holiday music and thousands and thousands of lights. Longwood Gardens also offers a variety other activities to celebrate Christmas. If you were so inclined you could enjoy the 500,00 strong light display by starting off with a meal at the yuletide buffet. Or you could enjoy one of the many organ waltzes performed in Longwood's historic ballroom played on their very own 1928 organ. They also have carolers wandering about the property as you explore the gardens taking in the wonderful light displays. I visited Longwood Gardens last year at Christmas time and it really is something to see when half a million lights gleam in the December night. If you stay with us at the Adamstown Inns and Cottages I would definietly recommend making the trek to Longwood Gardens for some Christmas cheer.

Cherry-Crest Farm

One great way to enjoy the fall season and amazing colors in Lancaster County is to visit some of the local farms. One local farm even allows folks to venture out into the corn field on their property. Cherry-Crest Farm in Ronks, only about 30 minutes from the Adamstown Inns and Cottages, creates an Amazing Maize Maze in which they cut out various paths in their corn field to create one giant maze. You would be surprised at the difficulty of this maze once you are out in the corn and wandering about. I have visited this maze a number of times and it is usually in the dark, which adds to the challenge of finding your way through the corn. If you chose to go this route then you want to make sure you take a flash light along. Whether in the light of day or by the torch of your flash light in the darkness of night it is a lot of fun, and to end the evening the right way you certainly should sample some of their goodies and wash it all down with a cup of hot chocolate. The farm will also begin its Harvest Festival on September 26th. This festival offers 36 different farm activities, from the round-up festival, to face painting, pumpkin painting, and lots more. It is astounding on how many things there are to do in this area when one begins looking. Cherry-Crest Farm will definitely contribute to making wonderful memories at the Adamstown Inns and Cottages.

Local Fairs

It's that time of year again when the temp-erature changes, the days become shorter, and every local town in the state of Pennsylvania has a local fair. Within minutes of the Adamstown Inns and Cottages there are a number of local fairs coming up in the month of September. Next Wednesday, September 15th, the Denver Fair will kick off with just the beginnings of the fair season that will continue through the month of September and into the fall. Though the Denver fair is smaller than some in our area, it offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some family events and of course the fair food. Following that fair on September 22nd running through the 26th the Ephrata fair will commence. On Wednesday September 22nd the Ephrata fair will begin with a parade which features many floats that highlight the local community as well as the entire county of Lancaster. During the Ephrata fair, Main Street in Ephrata shuts down and the games, rides, and food stands fill the streets.
If you can't make it to the Adamstown Inns and Cottages for these two fairs another fair within driving distance takes place in New Holland. The 78th annual New Holland Farmers Fair will begin on September 30th and run until October 3rd. This fair will also start on September 30th with a parade. Then on October 5th through the 9th the Manheim Community Farm show will provide another opportunity to experience the local fair atmosphere of fall favorites, throwing ping-pong balls in cups for gold fish, and of course the healthy fair cuisine. Fortunately the Adamstown Inns and Cottages provides a great headquarters for you to travel around to each local fair. I'm eagerly awaiting the... you guessed it, the food.

Kyma Restaurant

I recently had the opportunity to sample the cuisine at the new Kyma Seafood Bar and Grill located only about one mile from the Inn. The Kyma restaurant which recently opened above Johnny's Steakhouse, which I would also recommend, has taken the place of the old Silk City Diner. They have done quite a bit of work inside and have created a pleasant dining atmosphere in the main dining section and a very elegant bar area. My family and I were seated immediately, mostly due to the earliness of the hour, but it looked as though they had plenty of seating for those busy evenings as well. The menu was only one page, but that was fine with me because I knew what I was looking for...seafood. I began with the Maryland Crab soup, which to my delight was served as a cream soup and also came with some warm bread. I then went with the scallops with a Cajun sauce and for my side I chose a baked potato. I received six very large scallops that were seasoned just to my likening, a little extra Old Bay. Everything I ordered came with my meal and was decently priced for the proportions I received. The prices begin at about $15 and vary depending on the meal as well as the market price of the seafood. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and there were really no complaints from anyone else in my party. I would definitely recommend Kyma as a top seafood choice close to the Adamstown Inns and Cottages and have a feeling that you will not get a bad meal there.

Kristin will soon be dining at the new restaurant in Lancaster called Coerulea Bar and Grill. This restaurant, located in Lancaster, will be our first visit there as well. Kristin will have to blog about her outing in the near future to keep you posted on recommended places to eat. We may have to add some new restaurants and menus to our list at our website due to all the brand new hot spots to dine in Lancaster County. Although, I know there are a few that will definitely remain on the list. I'm looking forward to doing some more research on local restaurants.

Ted

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Just when you thought there was nothing left to do in Lancaster County the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire comes to town. The PA Renaissance Faire offers a
smorgasbord of activities to participate in, events to watch, and of course food and beverages of all kinds. Located in nearby Manheim, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire runs through August 8th until October 25th, so there remains an ample amount of time for you to attend this PA favorite. Visiting the PA ren faire will allow you to view the beautiful Mt. Hope Estate and Winery which also boasts of an interactive theatre which mixes comedies, dramas, music, food and drink. The faire also has many themed weekends such as the Queens Tea in September and October, as well as Rouges and Sirens Unbound (which is a rowdy play), Oktober feast, and much much more.
However, the number one reason to attend the Penn- sylvania Renaissance Faire this year is, of course, the food and beverages. How do giant Smoked turkey legges sound? Or 2 patty burgers with or without cheese and fries, fried brownies, fried apple crescents, vanilla and chocolate milkshakes, and this is just one place where you can get food. The menu of choices at the faire is almost endless. They also have a number of different Beers and Ales on tap. From Swashbucklers Gold which is a German Kolsch, to an English Amber Ale known as the Red Sea Amber, or you could try Sharkbait Saison a Belgium Spiced Beer. This is only a few of the many choices on tap, not to mention the various wines that the Mt. Hope Winery offers.
Thankfully, after a day in the Middle Ages you can relax in comfort back at the Adamstown Inns and Cottages in one of our rooms' jacuzzi tubs, massage chair, or simply sit out on the porch. I've only been to the PA ren faire once and believe me, with all the things to do it will be nice to sit down and take a load off.

Antique Extravaganza Weekend

Antique Extra- vaganza time, my friends! It is that time once again where hundreds of people descend on the quaint town of Adamstown for another Antique Extravaganza beginning September 22nd and running through the 27th. Adamstown's claim as the antiques capital of the world provides the Adamstown Inns and Cottages with many opportunities to meet new people and say hello to some old friends. As is customary for the Fall extravaganza, two young ladies from the D.C. area will join us here at the Inns for their 9th year. Holly and Annette have made it their habit to visit PA dutch country at the end of September to experience all the various markets, fairs, and antiquing. We've enjoyed their warm company each and and look forward to another weekend of interesting stories of their shopping adventures. Not only would you enjoy the Antiques stores longer hours and numerous dealers you could also visit the largest street fair in Penn- sylvania located a short 10 minutes from the Adamstown Inns and Cottages in Ephrata. The 91st annual Ephrata Fair will also be running from September 22-26 that same weekend, so you will have plenty to do. If you never experienced a local fair then the Ephrata fair is a must. I've been there a number of times mainly for the amazing selection of fair food. None of it good for you of course, but I just can't pass it up. There are also tons of games, rides, and exhibits to fill your time in between meals. Perhaps I'll see you there.

Mt. Gretna Art Show

So much to do, yet so little summer left to do it all. It seems like everyone wants to get as much in as they can before all the kids go back to school. One of those annual events that you do not want to miss before the summer ends is the outdoor art show in Mt. Gretna on August 15 and 16. Last year Tom and Wanda attended the outdoor art show and enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere in lovely Mt. Gretna as well as the fantastic presentations by the artists. The art show hosts about 285 different artists and welcomes into their community some 20,000 visitors. The Mt. Gretna outdoor art show has captivated art lovers for 33 years. From its genesis of local resident artists simply desiring to display their work to its current form of hundreds of artists showing off their pieces to thousands of art enthusiasts. Mt. Gretna also offers an array of various other activities such as canoing, kayaking, swimming, biking, hiking, the Gretna theatre, and lots of great food and ice cream. So if you are thinking of squeezing one more thing into your busy schedule before school perhaps you would like a relaxing stay at the Adamstown Inns and Cottages and to browse the Mt. Gretna outdoor Art show.

Family "Fun" Vacation

AHHHHH……The relaxing Family Vacation, driving all over creation in the company of screaming kids in 90º heat with an agenda that contains more activities than hours in the day. So after rising before the sun and returning long after it sets you arrive home feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation. Let us ease some of that stress this summer by offering you our Family “Fun” Vacation. We will give you some great ideas of where to take the family so you don’t spend more hours driving aimlessly then enjoying the vacation. The Adamstown Inns & Cottages, situated in Northern Lancaster County, provides a central location to many of the areas best attractions such as; Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland, Strasburg Railroad, Cherry Crest Farms, and the Hands on House. Stay in one of our cottages or vacation homes for five nights and the fifth night is FREE. Stay seven nights and receive TWO FREE nights. Can only stay 3 nights, not a problem we have some specials for you…..3 night stay during the week and receive 50% off one night, weekend receive 33% off one night. Not valid with any other offers, specials or during holidays. Please mention “Family Fun Vacation” when making your reservations.

Posted by: Kristin Rathman, Innkeeper at Adamstown Inns & Cottages.

A Day that will Live in Infamy

Not far from the Adamstown Inns and Cottages, in Reading, PA, the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum World War II weekend kicks off in a few short days. On June 5, 6, and 7 folks from all over will gather at the Reading Airport to take a walk down history lane while also honoring the countless veterans who served in World War II. Each day of the 19th annual WWII weekend will provide plenty of opportunities to talk with vets, view various shows, and see all sorts of planes and vehicles.

For example, on June 5: Historic Doolittle

Raiders Drop in on Reading, Pa., in WWII B-25. Air shows will be held between 1pm-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. The aircraft line-up includes dozens of World War II aircraft which will be on hand, along with over 1,300 WWII re-enactors and military vehicles to deliver the greatest WWII show anywhere. The WWII weekend also provides the exciting opportunity to fly in your choice of a half-dozen of WWII's most renowned and capable aircraft. Take your pick, strap in, and take off in a Kaydett, Texan, Cornell, Dauntless, Mitchell, or Flying Fortress.

Not only do you have the fortunate chance to view all this World War II history, but this weekend also affords you the opportunity to meet many veterans and special guests. Among this year's crop of distinguished special guests are three groups of veterans who served together in units that inspired famous movies. MAAM World War II weekend will have the honor of hosting eight members of Co E, 506 PIR, 101st Airborne Division, "Band of Brothers". Two of the legendary Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, whose story was told in "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo", and more recently, if less accurately, "Pearl Harbor", will be in attendance. Finally four members of the "Filthy Thirteen", the demolitions platoon of HQ / 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division whose story inspired the movie "The Dirty Dozen" will be here.

I hope you have the opportunity to take advantage of witnessing a lot of history all in one place. It will take all weekend just to see, hear, and take part in all of the things to do at this years Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's WWII weekend.



Ted