Lancaster from the Inn Side

The Signs of Lancaster County

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:52:14 PDT

Ever feel like you are bombarded with signs or advertising? Click on a website and there’s a video about THE secret formula for losing weight, drive down the road and there’s a sign flashing your speed for the entire world to see. Gosh, you can’t even look up the weather without being forced to sit through a car commercial.

While the rest of the world goes high tech crazy with QR codes, banners, pop-ups, or sites asking you to like, tell a friend, click through or submit information, parts of Lancaster County are still decidedly low tech. Somehow I find that refreshing and don't mind this sort of advertising at all!

These are some of my favorite signs on the back roads around The Artist’s Inn.

And this is my all-time favorite. I'm sure that lunch special really pulls in the crowd!

Really Easy Apple Pie Squares

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:50:05 PDT

This recipe was given to me a long time ago by someone. I can't even remember who they were - that's how long ago!!! But it is super easy and I think you may like it.

Really Easy Apple Pie Squares

1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup oil
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups thinly sliced apples

Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add oil, vanilla and dry ingredients.
Fold in apples.
Spray a 9 x 13 pan and pour mixture into pan.
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cut into squares. Makes about 12.

Now, wasn't that easy?

You can make them yourself or enjoy them at breakfast at The Artist's Inn. Yes, we are happy to take requests.

Enjoy!

Old Advice for a New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:05:38 PST

It’s January – the month of diets, resolutions, exercise and much too much quiet after the holidays. It seems a good time to offer up some of the advice from my childhood.

I grew up in the ‘burbs of Cleveland, home of many nationalities, especially from Eastern Europe. Both my parents were of Polish decent and my best friend’s parents were of Slovak descent. I never much thought about the sayings, expressions and old wives’ tales that were repeated throughout my family and hers until my husband, Bruce (who hails from about 57 different nationalities) started to comment that he had never heard such sayings and thought we were just a bit superstitious. I’ve endured many odd looks over the years, but I love these old sayings and, in an effort to bring you good luck in the new year, I happily share my favorites with you:

Get a new broom for the house around New Year’s Day to make a clean sweep.
Don’t eat chicken on New Year’s Day or you’ll scratch for money all year. Eat pork and sauerkraut and you’ll prosper.
If you are having bad luck at cards, get up and walk around your chair and your luck will improve.
If you say the same thing at the same time as someone else, the first person that says “you owe me a beer” doesn’t have to pay for the next beer.
Green cars are unlucky.
If you drop silverware, it means that “company is coming!” A fork is a guy, a spoon represents a woman and a knife is trouble. The utensil will point in the direction from which they’ll travel.
Knock on wood for good luck.
Always leave a building by the same door that you entered.
When a woman is pregnant, she shouldn’t eat a lot of sour foods or the baby will have a sour disposition.
You can get sick in any month that has an “R” in the name.

Of course, here in Lancaster County, the Amish have plenty of wise advice and sayings of their own. This one seems appropriate for the start of a new year:

To grow old gracefully you must start when you are young.

We hope that this blog brightens your January day and keeps you on track for 2013. From everyone at The Artist’s Inn, Happy New Year!

Oh Tanenbaum

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:00:10 PST

I’ve always loved White Pine for our Christmas trees. We used to be able to find them at a local tree farm and cut them ourselves. Now we’re lucky enough to find them at all. It seems that Concolor and Fraser Fir are all the rage. Feeling a bit like Charlie Brown, we search out the lots and usually find a few white pines. Way at the back of the lot. This year the selection was particularly small.

But we're fortunate enough to live in a part of Lancaster County where several local businesses carry trees. There's no need to go to Lowe's or Home Depot, or, gasp, Costo. It really adds to the experience when the entire business is dedicated to Christmas. Frysville Farms is one of our favorites. It's family run and in business since 1760. They not only carry trees, but have pine roping and a great selection (over 80,000) of poinsettias. I’ve blogged about these beautiful poinsettias before. See: Great Places to Shop.

But on this particular day it was all about the tree. So we set out looking for White Pine.

Concolor and Fraser Firs were piled high over my head.

Spruce and Douglas Fir were also plentiful.

As we made the long walk to the end of the lot, I wished we had come earlier in the year—even though it was still November.

There they werek, at the very end. We usually take advantage of the tall ceilings at the inn and get a very substantial tree, but this year, we had to settle for one just a little over six feet tall.

It looked even smaller after it was wrapped.

But once our modest White Pine was decorated, it was transformed- just like Charlie Brown’s - into a beautiful tree, with its long graceful needles softly enveloping the ornaments.

Holidays are often noisy and fun. They fly by way too fast. But those days that the tree is in the house are wonderful, filling the air with its scent. I love to light the tree in the morning while it’s still dark outside, or sit in the room at night with only the tree lit. It’s about my favorite thing to do at Christmastime.

Perhaps it’s the symbolism of light in the darkness, or the memories reflected in the ornaments, or the fact that ours will be a quiet celebration this year, but more than ever before it seems that the little things mean the most - like the tradition of caring for a live tree.

And when the quiet, bare days of January come, I will surely miss the noisy, cluttered days of Christmas, but I’ll be especially aware of the empty spot in the sitting room where our tree stood.

The Importance of Dining Together

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:31:33 PST

I recently had the chance to attend the Fabulous Food Showin Cleveland with my good friend Paula. It was a feast for not only the taste buds, but the eyes as well.

Beautifully decorated cakes….

Incredible wines, and terrific chefs.

We saw Michael Symon, Jeff Mauro, Jason Roberts, Ann Burrell and, my hero from a long-ago cooking show called “Cooking Live”, SaraMoulton. What I liked most about Sara’s show is that she invited people from around the country to cook with her. And something always went wrong. Always. THAT is when you learned how to fix mistakes, adapt to the changes, and still create a good dish. As far as I know, it’s the only show of its kind ever. I am forever grateful to her and learned so much from her show – most importantly, not to panic. (And yes, she really IS that tiny!)

The chefs talked about their recipes, their careers, gave tips on cooking and fielded all kinds of questions from the audience.

There seemed to be chefs everywhere – even in the restrooms!

I won’t say we were the very last to leave, but we really did enjoy the show.

As I thought about it, I realized that all the chefs offered up the same bit of advice: sit down at the table and have dinner with your family! They urged us to take one or two nights a week, drop the cell phones, I-pads and tablets into a basket, turn off the TV, and share a meal and talk.

As our lives become increasingly chaotic, Americans tend to eat more and more on the run. It’s a rare night when the phone isn’t ringing, the kids don’t have soccer practice and there’s not some kind of meeting. But if we lose this most-important component, I fear the fabric of the family will start to unravel. It’s a custom that crosses all cultures, geographies and income levels and will pay big dividends in the future because setting the lines of communication early creates a path for future relationships.

Maybe that’s why guests at the inn like breakfast time so much. I often hear that the interaction with the other guests is one of the reasons they find bed and breakfasts so appealing, so relaxing and civilized – their words, not mine! You don't often find that in a hotel.

As we prepare to sit down tomorrow to celebrate Thanksgiving, I wish you, your family and friends a wonderful mealtime together – a time for sharing, being grateful and just enjoying the art of conversation - at least until half the table runs out to shop and the other leaves to watch the football games!

Old Houses – Where Love Lives

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 08:56:32 PDT

What is it about an old house that exudes warmth the minute you walk in the door? Can it possibly convey the laughter and happy times that have happened within its walls? I think so!

Last week my mom and I received the good news that her house had sold. So we traveled back to a suburb of Cleveland to clear out some furniture, dishes and clothing. I knew this would be a tough trip. Yes, the packing was hard work, but the help of friends and cousins lightened the load. I was more concerned with packing up my emotions.

This small house that my parents built so long ago and where I was raised would be called “home” no matter where I lived. The one filled with laughter, late-night card parties, backyard bar-b-ques, and graduation pictures taken on the front lawn. Even though the living room was now empty of furniture, I could still see the Christmas tree that held so many gifts when my brothers and I would travel back.

The old black wall phone used to be by the side door –when phones had curly-cue cords – and I would stretch it straight as far as I could out the door so that I could sit outside on the stoop and have long conversations with my girlfriends.

I could once again see the swing that my dad built tall and strong - and I can still feel the excitement when you swing just a bit too high and you lift off the seat for a moment.

Here was the back yard that once held the garden which supplied half the neighborhood with vegetables.

And the kitchen. A tiny space that created an endless oasis of incredible food – cakes, pies, cookies, pierogies, turkeys, kielbasa, chicken paprikash, and that very special treat on Christmas Eve – shrimp cocktail. This was the kitchen where I learned to bake – sometimes ending up with more flour on me than in the cookies!

That house held so many memories for both mom and me – it was difficult to leave it for the last time, and I was grateful for the pouring rain that mixed with my tears and rushed us along. It would have been unbearable to leave it in sunny weather.

Several realtors had commented about the “good feeling” of the house. So maybe it’s NOT just me!

I do know one thing – I’m so grateful that our inn feels the same when I walk in. Probably because we’ve been fortunate enough to know the Homans – a family that lived here from 1931 until 1989. They raised five children here and we’ve been lucky enough to hear their stories and share them with our guests. And I feel that the house is grateful to once again have its hallways echo with laughter – this time with guests from around the world.
Of course a house witnesses both the good times and bad. But I’m an eternal optimist and hopeless romantic. So the good times will always take precedence.

Can people feel the good times? Since so many of our guests return again and again, I kind of think they can.

And perhaps, every now and again, we all just need to go “home”, to a place of love and laughter.

Fun at American Music Theater

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 06:39:54 PDT

We caught the American Icons Show yesterday. It was a non-stop toe-tapping treat from the moment the curtain opened.

My mom really enjoyed the Motown Tribute, Bruce loved the Sinatra songs, and I can’t get enough of the dancing. But my favorite song was their rendition of Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind with Wess Cooke and Marybeth Kern on sax. Wow.

With all that fun energy in one place, how can you go wrong?

The show will continue through October 7. As with any show at American Music Theater, we can offer discounted tickets to our guests at The Artist's Inn.

There’s A New Red in Town

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:58:56 PDT

As an innkeeper, I try to keep up to date with everything that is going on in Lancaster County. Especially the fun stuff. I feel that It’s my duty to tell guests about great places to experience, whether it’s a new show, restaurant or attraction.

And so I attended the opening of Thorn Hill Vineyards Tasting Room. It's only about half an hour from The Artist's Inn. As I entered, I quickly found some innkeeper friends and a “girls night out” was born.

The owners – Jack and Amy Thorn – are Pennsylvania residents that own vineyards in California.

They offer 11 different varietals – including one of my favorite reds – Petite Sirah.

We chatted with Amy, munched on wonderful cheeses and enjoyed this upscale tasting room. And, of course, we joined the Wine Club.

If you are in need of a girl’s night out, this is the place for you! The schedule includes music on Friday nights, trivia nights and...special nights for girls only. YAY! Here’s a link to their schedule.

Don’t be surprised to find me there - strictly for research, you know. I may even take Bruce sometime!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my job?

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:36:20 PDT

The Magic of Summer in Lancaster County

Maybe it’s the early morning dew shining in the sun, the corn leaves blowing in the breeze, or the never-ending succession of blooming flowers.

It could be the sight of an Amish farmer plowing his field, Amish children running down the lane, or produce bulging from the bike baskets of our Old-order Mennonite neighbors.

Perhaps it’s the song of the birds, the sight of a buggy crammed full of giggling girls, young Amish boys in straw hats, or young girls tending the family garden.

There’s corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes and basil from the garden, and ice cream at a nearby dairy farm.

Farm stands are loaded with fresh produce, and cows watch as you bicycle by. Seems like time goes a little slower, the air smells a little sweeter, and smiles are everywhere …..that’s the magic of summer in Lancaster County.

But sumer doesn’t last forever….don’t let it slip away.

A Fun Way to Scoot Around Lancaster

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Wed, 02 May 2012 07:20:20 PDT

If you want to see the back roads of Lancaster County, but you think riding on the train is too fast, traveling by buggy is too slow, and parking the car can be too much trouble ...

then a scooter may be just the right speed and size!

You can stop anywhere you want - to get a close-up of the cows, shop in town, or grab an ice cream cone.

First you need to pick a color you like.

Marc will explain everything you need to know.

Then you need to grab some friends and head for the back roads of Lancaster County.

We tried it and sure had fun! Guests of The Artist's Inn enjoy a special discount with Strasburg Scooters. We think you'll like it!

The Secret Behind Innkeepers' Great Breakfasts….

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:31:36 PDT

Part of why the food tastes so good at bed and breakfasts is because it looks so nice. Most innkeepers know how to create wonderful food with fresh local ingredients. They dress it up, serve it in a beautiful atmosphere….and voila - guests feel pampered!

Certainly garnishing plays an important role – as does an accessible herb garden. But most innkeepers I know have great stuff. From beautiful linens to quirky serving dishes, B&Bs set a table that matches their excellence in the kitchen.

So….what do two innkeepers from Lancaster County do when they get a rare day off? Well, go shopping for more stuff, of course. That’s just what Lynne Griffin (of the Australian Walkabout) and I did. I discovered Marlyand China years ago. They used to sell only wholesale, but have now opened up their showroom and website so that you, too, can enjoy all that great china you find at The Artist's Inn.

This is the overstock room - a treasure trove of vases, dishes, cups and platters.

I don't often use them for breakfast, but I have the covered casseroles,

several of the pitchers, and the platters on the bottom shelf.

Although the showroom is small, we managed to fill several bags full of great "stuff". My friends are usually more organized than I am; Lynne's the one that marked the boxes so that we could get everything back to the right inn.

The folks at Marylnad China are very helpful trying to wedge fragile packages into a small car.

Whether you need platters for your muffins,

berry bowls for fresh fruit,

serving dishes for jam,

or a tea set for your Babymoon package, you can fine all that and more at one of my favorite "secret" shopping places, Maryland China.

Just in time for Easter – Cheesecake with Warm Spiced Plums

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:30:06 PDT

Last night we invited friends over for dinner. I made an Indian dish that we love, Tikka Masala and, because it has a bit of a bite to it, I wanted a creamy but not-too-sweet dessert. I decided on a cheesecake – and combined several recipes to come up with this one. I hope you like it. It would be a perfect ending to an Easter dinner……and you just might find it at our Easter celebration this weekend.

Crust:

1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 stick melted butter

Combine dry ingredients, add butter, and press down in a 9-inch pie pan.

Filling:

1 egg
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Put first four ingredients in blender and liquefy for 30 seconds. With the blender running, slowly add cream cheese in chunks. Stop now and then to scrape blender. Add melted butter.

Pour into crust and refrigerate for about an hour.

Bake at 325 for about 35 minutes.

Chill until set.

Warm Spiced Plums:

Just before serving, clean and slice four plums. Sauté in a small pan with 3 tablespoons of sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ cup water. Stir until the plums are soft and the sugar makes a nice sauce.

Spoon over cheesecake.

Serves 8 – 10.

Enjoy!

That's a Whole Lot of Bananas!

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:51:15 PST

Just three miles from the inn lies a food lover’s dream.

Shady Maple.

It’s the largest smorgasbord in Lancaster County. In a county that has quite a few PA Dutch restaurants, that’s saying something! Here are the numbers: 40 items on the salad bar, 7 meats, 14 vegetables and over 25 desserts.

Each day of the week features a different highlight. Tuesday is seafood night – a favorite of our guests.

Our advice is to go hungry and get the roast beef, broasted chicken and dried corn. We can’t get enough of these! A smorgasbord is also an opportunity to try some Pennsylvania Dutch foods that you might be curious about – like chow-chow, chicken-corn chowder, pepper cabbage, and shoofly pie.

Though it’s big – I recently learned that it’s the largest one on the east coast, (last year they fed 1,345,000 people), they do a great job of keeping it very clean. And you’ll never feel rushed.

Shady recently earned a plaque from Sight and Sound Theaters announcing that they are the dining choice of their customers. Speaking of numbers, that’s a lot of folks as well!

Our guests not only enjoy the enormous buffet, but the gift shop and farm market too.

And what a farm market it is. Shady makes its own sausages - we serve the sundried tomato and basil chicken sausage at breakfast. It has a large bakery section (try the gourmet peach bread) and even carry gluten-free whoopie pies. Shady buys fresh local produce from our local farmers auction (just outside of Terre Hill).

And, best of all, Shady Maple is very good to the community, supporting a lot of local charities. So the money stays locally rather than benefiting some huge company out in Arkansas.

I was at a luncheon recently and learned that Shady’s two biggest sellers are donuts (they sold one million last year) and bananas - over 600,000 lbs. - that’s more than the 30,000 in Harry Chapin’s song!

So the next time you find yourself in Lancaster County and craving either a banana or donut, you now know where to go!

Inn with the Old!

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:17:47 PST

Most folks love new things and I am no exception, especially if it’s a gadget for the kitchen or pair of shoes. But what really makes my heart beat fast is something old. Something that has stood the test of time, been loved and cared for and has a well-worn patina.

Bruce was brought up in a household that always loved antiques. But I didn't have much exposure to them until I met him. And so a whole new world opened up when we started dating. And my love affair with all things old is still going strong.

Friends were visiting last weekend. They started out as guests in 2002, and after spending many weekends antique shopping, we have become friends. These are dangerous folks because they have elevated the art of buying antiques to a level of incredible taste and style. They asked us to go to the VillageBarn Antique Shop in nearby Churchtown. While we had been there before, they said that the quality of the antiques was remarkable. And so we innocently set out for a quick visit.

And there it was. Across the room. It was love at first sight.

Bruce and I have always wanted a grandfather clock, and we could kick ourselves for passing one up at auction several years ago. They seem such a distant relative from the modern high-tech digital clock. And to have one that is beautiful, functional and patiently ticks - a piece of furniture instead of an accessory.

And so we talked....well, not for long. But we did try to learn what we could.

It was made in 1820 in Philadelphia by Thomas F. Joyce. This is the year that:

- Maine is admitted as the 23^rd state,
- Tomatoes are proven to be non-poisonous,
- Missouri imposes a $1 bachelor tax on unmarried men between 21 and 50, and
- 67 Philadelpians die of yellow fever in September.

A different time indeed. You can't help but wonder who it was that first wound this clock. And so it was decided, we'd take it home. Now began the process of taking it apart,

inluding the pendulum

the weights

and the face. We learned how to set it, wind it,

and level it.

We finally welcomed it to The Artist's Inn!

with plenty of ceiling space

Not in the market for a clock? No problem. The Village Barn is only ten minutes from the inn, is open every day but Tuesday and Wednesday and has so many wonderful items. It's located in a restored century old tobacco warehouse in Lancaster County.

We’ve bought several antiques before, but on my list right now are:

An adorable French lunchbox - the green one on the left

This antique tray

This really neat apple butter bucket (not sure what I'd do with it as it is REALLY big!)

and I loved these boots as well. But our friends bought those, so I'll get to see them whenever we visit. Here are some more items that you might like!

But you are warned. Visiting this shop may result in falling in love with something irresistable, something you may have never seen.....something old.

A Visit to The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:13:22 PST

It was a cold and windy day – a day when you’d prefer to stay inside. Although sunny, the temperature was in the teens and the wind was unrelentless. But we ventured out anyway and were so glad we did.
We drove north about half an hour from the inn....to the Mid-Atlatnic Air Musuem at Reading Regional Airport. Part of their collection of planes is housed in a hangar that once served as the home of the 148^th Fighter Squadron. WACs would fly the planes to Reading from all over the US. At least 24,000 bombers were built during the war years. Other planes are parked on what they call the Ramp. As we walked around the planes, our eyes teared from the wind and we rushed to move into the hangar.

There’s an assortment of planes, spanning eight decades, from small colorful ones hanging on the walls to airliners in the 50’s that are displayed outside. Several planes are in various stages of restoration, including the Black Widow, which was recovered in New Guinea.

Most surprising to me was the silk material that covered the wings and body of several planes. And the fact that you can look in and walk around the aircraft.

This was a look underneath!

Our guide was knowledgable and able to answer just about any question that our group threw his way. There was a huge TBM Avenger - it was designed so that the wings folded back to fit into tight spots. This is the plane that President George H. W. Bush flew during WWII.

Our group couldn't help but be fascinated by the WWII planes - including the B-25J Mitchell, 'Briefing Time'. There are bookcases full of memorabilia, pictures, and even bombs!

But the biggest event of the year occurs June 1, 2 and 3, 2012 with "A Gathering of Warbirds" as over 3,000 reenactors celebrate the 21st annual World War II Weekend. For more information, visit the website....and turn up the volume to enjoy the music!

As we went back into the museum to warm up, I couldn’t help but think of the thousands of people who flew and fought in the freezing cold during WWII...on days just as cold and windy as the one we experienced. But unlike us, that great generation often didn't have the choice to warm up.

Greens at The Inn

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:31:48 PST

Maybe it’s all the Christmases of past that were spent in Williamsburg. Or the two trips to Germany and Austria when I fell in love with overstuffed window boxes. Maybe it’s the fact that we live in an old house with original shutters and window boxes that my Dad made. Whatever the reason, I have an overwhelming desire to hunt, gather and stuff this time of year…in a natural, green way. I feel that we owe the window boxes some companionship through the cold winter months when they miss their summer flowers.

As luck would have it, my neighbor cut down a large evergreen about a week ago. Don't worry - it wasn't this magnificent tree. We just borrowed a few branches from him. My friend Karen and I made several runs with the wheelbarrow down Main Street…and she magically transported empty concrete urns into works of art in front of the inn.

If you look around your yard, you may find the same – boxwoods that need to be thinned, scotch broom that should be cut closer to the ground so that it can withstand the harsh winter wind, holly trees that need shaping. It doesn’t take the best or biggest branches to make fat overstuffed window boxes and they are simple to do. Every scrawny twig finds its place to fill in the gaps. Just be sure to push the branches in securely so that they won’t blow away.

Boxwoods look great closer to the bottom and hollies are strong enough to stand proudly in the back. The shapes provide enough contrast to make it interesting. Water the dirt and your greens will stay fresh longer.

The window boxes seem to dress the house for winter and, once snow nestles between the branches, I think they help insulate and keep the draft down. A few beads, an occasional bird or decorative spray, wrapped by a ribbon and your house is decorated not only for Christmas, but will be looking good for several months to come.

In the summer, I love to throw open the windows and catch the breeze, but in winter, I feel comforted when I look out and the house is embraced by the branches in my window boxes!

Thanksgiving – Was It Just A Figment of My Imagination?

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:12:11 PST

There used to be a holiday this time of year – a day off work to gather with family and give thanks for life’s blessings. But this year there doesn’t seem to be much evidence of it, and I’m afraid that next year it may disappear altogether.

A local store is advertising the fact that you can shop their Christmas specials starting at 6:00 a.m on Thanksgiving Day. I feel that my beautiful horn of plenty and the few Thanksgiving decorations are up for about one week before the boatload of Christmas stuff must be brought down from the attic. (It’s always tricky decorating around guests so we must start early to get all three houses finished.)

In a world that seems to rush by faster every year, the whole idea of Thanksgiving may seem a little, ah, old-fashioned. Perhaps that is why I like it so much. It is so rare to take the time to reflect and give thanks.

Yes, the two holidays have always been related. The Christmas season traditionally starts with the Macy’s Parade in New York City, but stores hardly wait for that anymore....it seems like it’s still August when they start putting up the fake trees and dancing Santas.

Thanksgiving....it’s our most “American” holiday, and it appears it’s the only non-commercial one left. So enjoy it while it lasts.....before you rush off to stand in line tonight to get into the nearest mall.

Here’s my short list of things for which I’m thankful:

To be surrounded by people I love

To be able to bring joy and comfort to those who stay with us

The sound of laughter in at our inn

To learn to be happy with my talents, limited as they may be

To appreciate the beauty that is Lancaster County

To be able to share with others and give back – whether it’s time, talent, money or just a smile

To be grateful always, for everything, especially good health

To look for the good in every person and situation

And my wish for the year to come - to be able to give thanks next November having enjoyed more of the same – at Thanksgiving time - a holiday that I’ll always celebrate.

Cookin’ Up Something Good in Lancaster

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:04:08 PDT

It’s not often that an innkeeper can get away in the fall. Ah, but a bit of planning paid off last week when I attended a cooking class with Scott Martino at The Good Cooking Store in Intercourse. You may remember that I met Scott on my first visit to this store –he was handing out samples of his Italian spaghetti sauces. (See my previous blog, It's a Good Thing For Cooks in Lancaster County.)

The setting is delightful – Upstairs on the second level of the store is a state-of-the-art kitchen complete with TV screens and room for 18 of your closest friends.

Scott started out by saying that he’s not a typical chef with an ego that fills the room. We were encouraged to ask any kind of cooking question during the whole process. This casual atmosphere gave us time to jot down some notes ....while being served a three-course dinner.

Dinner was Radish and Cranberry Salad with Goat Cheese and Black Pepper, Pan Seared Diver Scallops with Sweet Pea and Asiago Risotto and....my favorite.....Chocolate and Valoplicella Crema with Fresh Whipped Cream. Yum!

Scott was trained in the classic French style – hot pans to sear and seal in the juices and finishing in the oven. I had taken cooking classes a long time ago at a French restaurant that used the same technique. However, this kitchen had brand new All-Clad cookware which stood in start contrast to the beat-up pans of my favorite French restaurant from long ago.

Scott's advice was that the most important thing is to cook love into everything you make – don’t just follow the recipes....taste...adjust....love the food. And remember that butter is better. I soooo agree!

He also talked a lot about working at various restaurants like The Loft and Doneckers, passing along little tricks of the trade.

A little present appeared in the back of the book of recipes....10% off all non-sale items that evening. It provided what little incentive I needed to shop at one of my favorite stores. And so I set off – the Cuisinart double boiler was a good buy at $34.99 – it will fit snugly over 1, 2 or 3 quart pans and had a nice rounded bottom that will make tempering chocolate a dream, a little pig that will sit on my soup kettles and hold my spoon (after all, soup season is just around the corner) and a new Kyocera ceramic knife. This is my kind of store and there is always something that I need.

Ah, a wonderful evening out indeed. To see the list of cooking demonstrations and upcoming classes, click here. If you’d like to make it a complete girls’ night out, don’t forget to book your room at The Artist’s Inn. We’re only 20 minutes away.

Pumpkin Crazy in Lancaster County

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:26:46 PDT

Whether it’s Fairytale, Cinderella, One Too Many or the plain old Jack-o-Lantern, Lancaster Countyis covered in pumpkins. I recently visited two of my favorite farms to share some pictures with you. They are right around the corner from The Artist's Inn.

As the summer landscape gives way to cooler weather, there’s no loss of color – from mums and asters of every color to the vast array of pumpkins that seem to float in fields around every turn. Gourds of every size and shape decorate front porches, and roadside stands boast huge boulder-sized pumpkins of every shade of orange. They seem to exist just to make us happy.

If you are lucky, you’ll take the time to explore some new varieties....and choose some to take home - they make great souvenirs! But you’d better hurry – the heavy fall rains have left many pumpkins rotting in the field. Be sure to store them out of the weather so they’ll last longer.

We admit it – we AREpumpkin crazy.

Look closely at the pumpkin on the left. Luke carved the words in it when it was young, and as it grew, so did the welcome! Of course, no fall decorations would be complete without including our own Cat in the Hat. As you can see by his smile, he likes pumpkins too!

But my favorite pumpkin this year is one that no one can explain. It has no name and grew in the middle of the gourd patch, looking a bit like a giant candy corn.

For more about pumpkins and gourds, read out other blogs on this subject: Lancaster County - The Land of Pumpkins!, Pumpkinology, and Gourd-o-Mania!

I Love a Piano (and More!)

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:51:51 PDT

It was a dark and stormy night last week when we set out to Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre to see their new play – “I Love a Piano” – celebrating the songs of Irving Berlin. The play is jam-packed with American standards and it tells the story of a piano that made its way through quite a few owners from the 1920s, through WWII, and into the 1950’s.

From “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” to “Puttin’ on the Ritz”, to “There’s No Business like Show Business”, the energy of just six people on stage was remarkable. And I loved the tap scenes with the men.

While I didn’t know all of the 50+ songs, I knew quite a few – you will too!

The great thing about musicals is that they take your mind off all serious topics of the day and let it float through the night with joy. They are a great break from reality.

There is usually one song from a musical that gets stuck in my head. That song was “Blue Skies”. It was one of my dad’s favorite songs and he often sang it – or at least the refrain. And when I’d call from two states away and ask how he was, he’d often answer – “we have blue skies shining above”.

Maybe I remember that song the most because at the end of the show, we walked outside to pouring rain, lightning and thunder. It was the second day of the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee, which would bring torrential rain and flooding to Lancaster County.

If you need a break from reality, head to Dutch Apple for “I Love a Piano”. It's only 30 minutes from The Artist's Inn. I'm happy to report that we do have "blue skies" once again.

Enjoying the Red, White and Green of Lancaster County

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:01:27 PDT

Lancaster County wineries sure know how to throw a party. Whether it’s jazz in the evening, picnics on the lawn or tasting new wines while enjoying the view, you are guaranteed to have a good time.

Recent rains have turned the county green once again and views from many of the wineries are relaxing and reminiscent of Napa or Sonoma. – and you don’t need to buy a plane ticket! Harvest season is just a few short weeks away, and fall colors always go better with a glass of wine.

Here’s a listing of events that are just a short drive from The Artist’s Inn. Then again, a day of tasting followed by a night on the porch provides some spectacular views as well.

Moon Dancer Winery - Live music Friday nights, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Mt. Hope Winery - Mt. Hope winery has the biggest party of them all – the PA Renaissance Faire...every weekend until October 30.

Nissley Winery - Lawn concerts every Saturday night until Labor Day

Tamanend Winery - Offering winemaker dinners

Twin Brook Winery - Enjoy their gazebo concerts on Friday evenings.

Waltz Vineyards – Here are some pictures from one of their lawn events.

Don’t let summer slip away before you enjoy the red, white and green of Lancaster County.

Dance Explosion at American Music Theatre

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:19:57 PDT

One of the best things about going to a high-energy theater performance is that it is so exhilarating. That delightful “high” feeling affects me long after the last curtain goes down. I sing in the shower, croon in the car (if I keep those speakers turned up high, I sound halfway decent), and dance while I’m brushing my teeth, as the tunes from the show bounce around in my head.

The latest show from American Music Theater delivers a ton of excitement – from Broadway tunes to songs by famous singers and dancers. Michelle Rajotte must have an endless source of energy. I’d be exhausted just from the costume changes she makes in one night. She and Melanie Gaskins do a terrific version of Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag. That is most impressive, since it comes toward the end of the show.

So, what was my favorite part? That’s hard to say. I loved the tributes to Fred Astaire, Elvis and Michael Jackson, and OF COURSE, In The Mood and any tap number. And I’m not sure which of the men tumbled high across the stage several times, but whoever he was, he was incredible and I hope he heard my applause. Then there was the drum solo – making me regret not taking drum lessons. Wah.

If there was one song that I wasn’t too crazy about it would be Oklahoma. Judging by the audience reaction, clearly I was the only one there that night that didn’t like that song. I don’t understand why I can’t remember guests’ names from last week, yet I know every word of that song. Maybe it’s because just talking about it firmly embeds in my brain, sort of like being stuck in the movie, Groundhog Day.

I’m sure there are many songs from the show that you’ll like. So if you need an energy boost, don’t miss this original production at AMT. It is playing until October 8 right here in Lancaster County.

Napa Meets Lancaster and the World Rejoices

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:06:18 PDT

Those of us who have been mourning the loss of Effie Ophelia can now raise our wine glasses and cheer. The intimate space at 230 North Prince Street has been brought back to life by Taylor and Leeann Mason.

Ma(i)son, An Urban Cookery, features a marriage of Italian cuisine with a French flair, and there are enough changes to make the space seem new while maintaining that wonderful “Cheers” like familiarity.

Unlike Effie’s, Ma(i)son takes reservations – a welcome change. We couldn’t get in on a Wednesday, but on the second try we were able to reserve the Chef’s table for a Thursday night. The small restaurant echoed with laughter and two large groups were clearly enjoying their evening.

We could watch the care and attention to detail that every dish received before being sent out of the kitchen.

Taylor’s smile lit up the small kitchen and Leeann was warm and welcoming. She was born in Lancaster and moved away when she was four, so it is a bit of a homecoming to move back from Napa Valley.

We shared some of our wine, Cherry Tree Merlot from local Waltz Vineyard and urged them to visit Kim and Jan Waltz when they got a chance.

Dishes feature local produce and cheese from Lancaster County farms – in fact, we recognized the cheese from one of our favorite local Amish cheese makers.

The menu is small and seasonal and will change often – Taylor was already talking about dishes featuring the anticipated tomato crop. We liked both the Ricotta Fritta (so light and delicate) and the Squash and Zucchini Salad. The squash salad had a light dressing and the herbs on the tomato salad oozed the freshness of summer. Crusty bread and the house-made butter with herbs were a nice touch. Yum.

I had the burrata – mozzarella with braised artichokes and country bread, (yes, now that I think of it both dishes show my love of cheese) and Bruce had the slow roasted pork with swiss chard over cannelini beans. The pork melted in your mouth.

Desserts danced on our tongues - a blueberry tart with a hint of lemon and honey in the crust and a lemon verbena crème brulee served, of course, in a small mason jar.

If you go, tell them The Artist's Inn sent you. Better yet, give us a call and we'll meet you there!

Summertime...and the Eating is Easy in Lancaster County

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:27:40 PDT

You just can’t beat the fresh taste of summer foods...tomatoes that are still warm from the sun, corn that crunches on the cob and vegetables that look like they are posing for the latest gourmet magazine.

Lancaster County is all about food – after all, we provide it for over six million people a year and grow countless acres of feed for animals too.

There’s a procession of different fruits that parade through the season, each one sweeter than the last...

I thought about all that tonight as I ran out for some tomatoes at the farm stand around the corner - how lucky we are to live in a climate with ample rainfall, and the richest non-irrigated soil in the country.

One time I stopped at this stand and the farmer had run out of lettuce...when I inquired if he had any, he produced a knife and went out to the field to cut a small head of lettuce, for which he charged me only half price. Now THAT is fresh!

We really delight in showcasing these local foods at The Artist’s Inn. The breakfast tomorrow will feature zucchini bread, cantaloupe with lavender syrup, roasted potatoes, asparagus and swiss frittata, dutch apple sausage and double chocolate brownies. Everything is from Lancaster County: the flour, eggs, milk, cheese (from a certified organic old-order Mennonite cheese farmer not a mile from our inn), cocoa and chocolate from Wilbur (in Lititz) and the sausage is made at Shady Maple Farm Market – just three miles up the road. Even the lavender and the herbs are from the inn garden.

The best part is that when you visit, you can take home much of the home-grown goodness of Lancaster County. Just ask us where our favorite farm stands are located.

Here’s a very simple side dish that we live on in the summer: Fresh tomatoes, sprinkled with baby basil leaves, balsamic vinegar and sea salt. Add a little Lancaster County goat cheese and I’m in heaven....or maybe just in Lancaster County.

A Taste of Lancaster County, Now Available Nationwide

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Garrabrandt) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:55:18 PDT

Want to keep cool on a hot day? Head to the Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia. You’ll be able to spend a couple of hours learning the story behind ice tea and ice cream--and even step inside a cooler.

I love the lights at the entrance - they look like old milk cans!

In fact, the whole experience is as interactive as you’d like. And fun. You can create your own flavor of ice cream, design the package and even star in the commercial. I designed a concoction called Chocolate Dreams! Kids (or adults) can milk a cow, pose in an old delivery truck,

and learn about cows. A lot about cows! Did you know they have 32 teeth? Or that dairy cows produce over 7 gallons of milk each day? That’s 112 glasses!

A vendor at the 1905 Worlds Fair in St. Louis dumped some ice into tea because it wouldn’t sell on a hot day. And that is how Ice Tea was born. Now Americans consume it daily. At the Turkey Hill Experience, there’s a kiosk where you can match your personality to one of their teas...my “quirky” one paired with the Cherry Pomegranate.

I learned all sorts of things – that coconut is actually a nut and not a fruit, that the delivery business was started in 1931 in Columbia at the height of the Great Depression. And I learned that the third generation owners care as much about the local area as their predecessors.

In fact, here are some of the most impressive things I learned today:

- The experience is housed in an old Silk Factory building that was vacant for 25 years, so they have reused an existing building and preserved farmland rather than building a brand-new structure.

- Turkey Hill Dairy donates about 20% of their profits to charity.

- 25% of their power will be produced by their own wind turbines this year.

- They are so committed to quality that when they try a new flavor of ice cream, they cut the entire box in half to see if the ingredients are mixed properly.

If you get hungry or thirsty during your visit, no problem; there are 150 flavors of ice cream and 20 flavors of ice tea. Downstairs in the café, you’ll be able to sample many of them. They also had gelatos that were wonderful. My favorite was the almond fig. Yum.

Not familiar with Turkey Hill yet? Chances are you will be as they now produce the nation’s No. 1 refrigerated ice tea (be sure to try the Sweet Blackberry Tea (diet) – it’s my favorite!). Their ice cream ranks No. 4 nationwide. You’ll be seeing more of them at sporting events as they produce special flavors for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New York Yankees, and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Turkey Hill - a cool experience indeed!

Put this on your list the next time you visit The Artist's Inn.