This weekend, my hubbie and I took a break from our daily stresses to travel to the idyllic countryside of Lititz, Pennsylvania. It was a downcast day that turned into torrential downpours, but these conditions could not dampen the charm of the quaint village of Lititz. We roamed the antique, cookery and clothing shops and then took a break for lunch. We could not resist Cafe Chocolate where hubbie enjoyed a chocolate chili and I devoured a lovely vegan vegetable soup. Cafe Chocolate also features chocolate crepes and a fountain brimming with the dark liquid in which to dip fruits and cakes. They make their own sugar free chocolates and they were beautiful as well as yummy.
Next we journeyed along the winding road to our lodging for the night. Speedwell Forge Bed and Breakfast was built in 1760. It is a stunning structure which stood empty for twenty years and in 2006 was lovingly restored by Dawn, the owner. Dawn prides herself on providing meals for people with special diets in addition to her usual fare. She prepared a delicious warm grain cereal, poached pear and a creamy tofu scramble for me and a hearty quiche, baked apple and homemade granola for the others. Dawn can cater to celiacs, vegans, vegetarians, macrobiotics, wheat allergies and other special diets. In the afternoon we relaxed in the lovely parlor overflowing with games, dvds and books that are available to the guests as well as the menus from nearby restaurants. A glass bowl of Wilbur chocolate buds from town was offered to us as well as a multitude of teas.
Our room was the Boys Room and it boasted two comfortable beds, a private bath and an electric fireplace. The wood floors have been restored to their original sheen and it was comforting to read in front of the fireplace in the two fabric chairs that stand in front of the fireplace.
Dawn suggested Lilys on Main in Ephrata for our dinner. I called ahead and spoke to the chef and he was eager to meet my needs. He prepared a delicate red snapper, a wheatberry pilaf and steamed green beans. The sauce on hubbie's scallops was huckleberry sauce and quite delicious and the warm homemade whole wheat cranberry bread was delectable, or so I am told. There is a dessert tray of selections and they included a pumpkin tarte and deep dark chocolate cake. The atmosphere was art deco, quiet and classy. This place could compete with any restaurant in DC.
The next morning we went on a tour of the Wolf Sanctuary, located on the property. These tours are given every weekend and very well attended. We learned about the forty four wolves that have been rescued and brought to the sanctuary. Some were pets that people thought they could house in their apartments! Thankfully, the workers at the Sanctuary , who receive no pay, have given their time and love to these wolves. There are some interesting stories about many of the wolves who, by the way, are scared of humans. They even have a tour called the Full Moon Tour on Halloween, but we did not see a single werewolf while we were there, but I did hear some howling at night!
Sunday was a sunny fall day and the colorful trees were dazzling in the sunshine. There is a beautiful trail opposite the B and B and we finished with a walk in nature. It was the perfect end to our de-stress weekend.
You can contact Dawn at www.speedweelforge.com or 717-626-1760.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Brampton Bed & Breakfast Inn
On Valentine's Day, my sweetheart surprised me with a visit to the Brampton Bed & Breakfast Inn in Chestertown, Maryland. Only 100 miles from the Washington area, the ride to Chestertown carries you over the Bay Bridge and onto the eastern shore with its lovely views of the water.
The Brampton Bed & Breakfast Inn is a 12 room stately wonder built in the 1800s on a tree lined estate. As we entered through the porch, lined with columns, a high central hall led us into the home. Rita greeted us with her smile and helpful manner. She is the go to gal for restaurant choices or suggestions on how to spend your time here at Brampton. She led us into a parlor with a fireplace and floor to ceiling bookcases filled with interesting novels, non fiction books, and binders that detail the things to do in the area and restaurant menus to peruse. Across the hall is the elegant dining room where, between four and five, a delicious afternoon tea is served beside a roaring fire. We enjoyed yummy deviled eggs and dark decadent chocolate pie accompanied by a plethora of hot teas. Further down the hall is the living room. My eyes opened wide when I spied the "endless cookie jar" and the homemade marshmallows. We sampled rich chocolate chocolate chip, delicate macaroon, pink iced heart shaped, tiny thumbprint, and buttery checkerboard cookies. There went my low carb diet! A nearby gust fridge is stocked with beer, wine, and a variety of sodas. My husband chose to sample the amber sherry offered as liquid relaxation. Guests can also help themselves to tea and popcorn at any hour and we did, at midnight.
Our room was perfect. We had a converted closed in porch on which to watch DVDs and read our books. Connected to this was a roomy bedroom with a comfortable king bed, cozy gas fireplace, and romantic two person jacuzzi bathtub located in the spacious bathroom. Stress and worries are not an option in this peaceful haven.
In the morning, guests are treated to a three course breakfast. Our meal started with a delectable cherry almond scone with blueberry jam and butter. Next, we sampled a fresh grapefruit and then we had a choice of banana blueberry pancakes, omelets with asparagus and parmesan cheese, or eggs done as we wished and served with sausages. Unlimited coffee, tea, or hot chocolate was included with our meal. Our omelets were light and tasty and the pancake we had to try melted in our mouths.
This area of the eastern shore offers many options of things to do. We ambled through the lovely art galleries and adorable stores of Chestertown. There is also a historical walking tour that you can try. Nearby is the Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge and the 18th century schooner, Sultana, which offers sunset sails in the summer. From March to December there is a farmers market on Saturdays. It includes homemade foods and arts and crafts. Free concerts are offered in the park in Betterton.
This 24 hour getaway to Brampton Bed & Breakfast Inn and the Chestertown area was just the ticket to remove those winter blues. What a great place to remember what is really important in life, to renew relationships, or to just veg out when life get to be too cluttered. Give yourself the gift of a visit to this inn any time of the year.
For rates, directions, and reservations, check out www.bedandbreakfast.com
The Brampton Bed & Breakfast Inn is a 12 room stately wonder built in the 1800s on a tree lined estate. As we entered through the porch, lined with columns, a high central hall led us into the home. Rita greeted us with her smile and helpful manner. She is the go to gal for restaurant choices or suggestions on how to spend your time here at Brampton. She led us into a parlor with a fireplace and floor to ceiling bookcases filled with interesting novels, non fiction books, and binders that detail the things to do in the area and restaurant menus to peruse. Across the hall is the elegant dining room where, between four and five, a delicious afternoon tea is served beside a roaring fire. We enjoyed yummy deviled eggs and dark decadent chocolate pie accompanied by a plethora of hot teas. Further down the hall is the living room. My eyes opened wide when I spied the "endless cookie jar" and the homemade marshmallows. We sampled rich chocolate chocolate chip, delicate macaroon, pink iced heart shaped, tiny thumbprint, and buttery checkerboard cookies. There went my low carb diet! A nearby gust fridge is stocked with beer, wine, and a variety of sodas. My husband chose to sample the amber sherry offered as liquid relaxation. Guests can also help themselves to tea and popcorn at any hour and we did, at midnight.
Our room was perfect. We had a converted closed in porch on which to watch DVDs and read our books. Connected to this was a roomy bedroom with a comfortable king bed, cozy gas fireplace, and romantic two person jacuzzi bathtub located in the spacious bathroom. Stress and worries are not an option in this peaceful haven.
In the morning, guests are treated to a three course breakfast. Our meal started with a delectable cherry almond scone with blueberry jam and butter. Next, we sampled a fresh grapefruit and then we had a choice of banana blueberry pancakes, omelets with asparagus and parmesan cheese, or eggs done as we wished and served with sausages. Unlimited coffee, tea, or hot chocolate was included with our meal. Our omelets were light and tasty and the pancake we had to try melted in our mouths.
This area of the eastern shore offers many options of things to do. We ambled through the lovely art galleries and adorable stores of Chestertown. There is also a historical walking tour that you can try. Nearby is the Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge and the 18th century schooner, Sultana, which offers sunset sails in the summer. From March to December there is a farmers market on Saturdays. It includes homemade foods and arts and crafts. Free concerts are offered in the park in Betterton.
This 24 hour getaway to Brampton Bed & Breakfast Inn and the Chestertown area was just the ticket to remove those winter blues. What a great place to remember what is really important in life, to renew relationships, or to just veg out when life get to be too cluttered. Give yourself the gift of a visit to this inn any time of the year.
For rates, directions, and reservations, check out www.bedandbreakfast.com
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