Lightner Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast
Gettysburg, PA
September 11-13, 2013
The Red Chair spent a few relaxing days at the Lightner Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast, an extremely unique historical building located in Gettysburg, PA. This Federal-style brick building was built in 1862 by Isaac Lightner just a year before the Battle of Gettysburg. Located just minutes from the Gettysburg National Battlefield, it served as a Federal hospital for the wounded soldiers after the battle. Red spent a lot of time admiring the carefully preserved character of the Inn including the beehive oven that was left over from the summer kitchen originally built with the building. This oven was actually used to bake bread in 1863 for union soldiers.
Sitting on the front porch of the Lightner Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast the Red Chair really enjoyed being immersed into such an important part of our American history. After enjoying a spectacular breakfast with some other guests and the the Traveling Rooster from the UK, the Red Chair went off to visit the Gettysburg Battlefield and the Father Corby statue. The Red Chair really enjoyed learning about all of this important history and seeing these amazing places in person!
Sitting on the front porch of the Lightner Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast the Red Chair really enjoyed being immersed into such an important part of our American history. After enjoying a spectacular breakfast with some other guests and the the Traveling Rooster from the UK, the Red Chair went off to visit the Gettysburg Battlefield and the Father Corby statue. The Red Chair really enjoyed learning about all of this important history and seeing these amazing places in person!
Caledonia Guest House
Mont Alto, PA
September 8-11th, 2013
Mont Alto, PA, is but a small village in the country, like so many in the United States. It is a treasure of days gone by. It's a place where farms, dairies, and fruit orchards still abound. The Red Chair arrived to the Caledonia Guest House and found it incredibly charming! Once inside the Red Chair Travels felt immediately right at home with the little oak desk in the foyer. With so little time Red knew there was so much to do but was determined to see it all. That night they headed to dinner at Frank's Taste of Italy where Red enjoyed the Genovese pizza, delicious! The next morning Red awoke to the aroma of breakfast cooking in the kitchen, what a pleasant way to wake up. Then it was off to Penn State to walk the campus and learn all about the interesting history of the area and of the University itself. After enjoying a nice drive around to see more of the town, the Red Chair headed back to the Caledonia Guest House to explore more there. Here Red got an up close look at the period piece gorgeous clock that was made in the next town over, Waynesboro, PA. Moving into the kitchen Red found not only a couple of pals, but also a cast iron stove made at the Mont Alto Furnace - circa 1815, and copper kettles produced also in Waynesboro, PA. On the way to the next stop on Red's itinerary, Innkeeper Sharon stopped at a local cemetery so the Red Chair could spend a few minutes on September 11th, remembering, not only the tragedies that occurred on that day in 2001, but also all of our veterans and those currently serving our country. All in all it was a wonderful stay and the Red Chair would love to visit again someday.
Pheasant Field Bed and Breakfast
Carlisle, PA
September 5-7th, 2013
Built in 1802, Pheasant Field Bed and Breakfast sits in a quiet countryside in Carlisle, PA. The Red Chair enjoyed visiting with the Inns horses and spending time touring the 200+ year old barn, which was really interesting! Innkeepers Kit and Robin took Red on a tour is the Carlisle area and Red decided to show off its skills fishing on the Yellow Breeches Creek (where Red did actually catch a few fish!) They decided to go for a hike on the Appalachian Trail where they worked up a good sweat. The innkeepers and Red ended the day paying a tribute to our military at Carlisle Army War College. On the final day of the Red Chair's stay, Red was invited to help host and attend a wedding that was held on the Pheasant Field Bed and Breakfast property. The Red Chair did get a little emotional as it helped the beautiful bride into the horse carriage as the newlyweds departed the ceremony. Over all it was a beautiful few days with so many new memories.
Inn at Westwynd Farm
Hummelstown, PA
September 1-4th, 2013
From the squares of the sweet towns of Hershey and Hummelstown to Chocolate World, a ride on the Hershey trolley and a visit to the Hershey Story Museum the Red Chair kept quite busy with Innkeepers Frank and Carolyn of the Inn at Westwynd Farm. A quick ride on one of the roller-coasters of Hershey Park and Red was onto the Hershey Gardens and butterfly house. Next it was onto Indian Echo Caverns, a world class medical center, the Ronald McDonald house, the Antique Car Museum, and kayaking on the Swatara Creek! Whew so many places to see and things Red wanted to do. The list was so long, it was impossible to fit it all into the few days there. The Red Chair and the Innkeepers have already created a check list for the next time Red comes to visit!
Carlisle House Bed & Breakfast
Carlisle, PA
August 28-30th, 2013
At the Carlisle House Bed & Breakfast in historic Carlisle, with innkeepers Alan and Mary Faller Duxbury, the Red Chair garnered the attention of many onlookers as it experienced different people and periods of local history.
Red first joined Alan in appropriate Colonial red at the grave and memorial of early Carlisle resident Molly Pitcher. Next, it visited distant cousins at historic Dickinson College (1773) before posing with elderly chair relatives and children of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School (attended by Jim Thorpe) at the Cumberland County Historical Society Museum.
Red (who enjoys a pun as much as the next chair) admired a downtown BBQ restaurant’s choice of colors!
After shopping at the weekly Farmers On The Square market, Red accompanied innkeeper Mary, former Army Nurse and Vietnam veteran, to the Vietnam firebase exhibit at the Army Heritage and Education Center where Red represented the “Vacant Chair” in honor of all fallen and missing US soldiers.
The Red Chair rounded off its Carlisle visit with some fly-fishing on the world-famous trout stream, the Letort Spring Run with the author and doyen of Pennsylvania fly-fishing, Ed Shenk.
Red first joined Alan in appropriate Colonial red at the grave and memorial of early Carlisle resident Molly Pitcher. Next, it visited distant cousins at historic Dickinson College (1773) before posing with elderly chair relatives and children of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School (attended by Jim Thorpe) at the Cumberland County Historical Society Museum.
Red (who enjoys a pun as much as the next chair) admired a downtown BBQ restaurant’s choice of colors!
After shopping at the weekly Farmers On The Square market, Red accompanied innkeeper Mary, former Army Nurse and Vietnam veteran, to the Vietnam firebase exhibit at the Army Heritage and Education Center where Red represented the “Vacant Chair” in honor of all fallen and missing US soldiers.
The Red Chair rounded off its Carlisle visit with some fly-fishing on the world-famous trout stream, the Letort Spring Run with the author and doyen of Pennsylvania fly-fishing, Ed Shenk.
Berry Patch Bed & Breakfast
Lebanon, PA
August 25-27th, 2013
The Red Chair Travels was so happy to spend a little more time in Pennsylvania and this time was spending time at the Berry Patch Bed and Breakfast in Lebanon, PA. With so many things to do the Red Chair kept finding new things to explore and also was able to head back to one of its favorite previous stops, Wilbur Chocolate!
Red arrived just in time for breakfast which was delicious and filled with exciting company, County Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz. After breakfast Red went on a tour of the beautiful grounds of the Berry Patch Bed and Breakfast. Red visited the bee hives, the horses, the roosters and also found some other great places around the Berry Patch. The Koi pond was one of Reds favorites! Next it was onto the full tour of inside the Berry Patch where Red was shown to its room, the White Tail Deer suite. (Red highly enjoyed the Jacuzzi.)
Innkeeper Bunny surprised Red with a great big welcoming party. Local businesses came to show off what they had including motorcycles, trucks, bridal gowns and more! The Red Chair had a blast meeting so many new people.
The next day was all about being out and about. The innkeepers took the Red Chair to visit the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Fort Indiantown Gap Military Base, Schaeffertown, PA and Mount Gretna. Also the Red Chair tried it's luck at the Hollywood Casino as well as hit the beach for some sun with some locals. After a full few days the Red Chair was sad to say goodbye to the innkeepers of the Berry Patch Bed and Breakfast, but not to worry the Red Chair will be sure to come back.
Red arrived just in time for breakfast which was delicious and filled with exciting company, County Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz. After breakfast Red went on a tour of the beautiful grounds of the Berry Patch Bed and Breakfast. Red visited the bee hives, the horses, the roosters and also found some other great places around the Berry Patch. The Koi pond was one of Reds favorites! Next it was onto the full tour of inside the Berry Patch where Red was shown to its room, the White Tail Deer suite. (Red highly enjoyed the Jacuzzi.)
Innkeeper Bunny surprised Red with a great big welcoming party. Local businesses came to show off what they had including motorcycles, trucks, bridal gowns and more! The Red Chair had a blast meeting so many new people.
The next day was all about being out and about. The innkeepers took the Red Chair to visit the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Fort Indiantown Gap Military Base, Schaeffertown, PA and Mount Gretna. Also the Red Chair tried it's luck at the Hollywood Casino as well as hit the beach for some sun with some locals. After a full few days the Red Chair was sad to say goodbye to the innkeepers of the Berry Patch Bed and Breakfast, but not to worry the Red Chair will be sure to come back.
Artist's Inn & Gallery
Terre Hill, PA
August 22-24th, 2013
What an exciting weekend the Red Chair Travels had while staying at the Artist's Inn and Gallery in Terre Hill, PA. The Red Chair had its first experience with a hot air balloon ride and what an amazing time it had! The views were spectacular and Red highly recommends that everyone should come and visit the New Horizon Balloon Team for a ride.
Speaking of incredible views, once Red arrived at the Artist's Inn and Gallery it noticed the rooftop look out and that was right where the Red Chair went. Red could see all around Terre Hill, PA! After an brief rest, the Red Chair and Innkeeper Jan headed out to learn more about the local culture.
They headed to the Weaverland Auction Inc, to see all of the local produce and grab something for dinner of course! They took walks around the many fields admiring how well the Red Chair contrasts with the vibrant greens of the cornstalks and tobacco plants. Next it was onto Stoudt's Brewery for a nice cold beverage. Red was even able to meet the master brewer, Ed Stoudt, and learned about how they make their special brews. It was about time for some lunch so it was onto the Shady Maple Smorgasbord where Red feasted on real authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, yum!
The rest of the day Red and Jan drove around stopping at the wonderful scenic places such as the covered bridge, the local flower shop, a quick visit to the cow pastures, and then to the local one-room school house for a quick swing. Needless to say the Red Chair was quite tired by the after noon activities so Red headed to the hammock where Innkeeper Jan brought Red a glass of wine, what hospitality!
Speaking of incredible views, once Red arrived at the Artist's Inn and Gallery it noticed the rooftop look out and that was right where the Red Chair went. Red could see all around Terre Hill, PA! After an brief rest, the Red Chair and Innkeeper Jan headed out to learn more about the local culture.
They headed to the Weaverland Auction Inc, to see all of the local produce and grab something for dinner of course! They took walks around the many fields admiring how well the Red Chair contrasts with the vibrant greens of the cornstalks and tobacco plants. Next it was onto Stoudt's Brewery for a nice cold beverage. Red was even able to meet the master brewer, Ed Stoudt, and learned about how they make their special brews. It was about time for some lunch so it was onto the Shady Maple Smorgasbord where Red feasted on real authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, yum!
The rest of the day Red and Jan drove around stopping at the wonderful scenic places such as the covered bridge, the local flower shop, a quick visit to the cow pastures, and then to the local one-room school house for a quick swing. Needless to say the Red Chair was quite tired by the after noon activities so Red headed to the hammock where Innkeeper Jan brought Red a glass of wine, what hospitality!
B. F. Hiestand House Bed & Breakfast
Marietta, PA
August 19-21st, 2013
At stop number 23, the Red Chair found itself at the beautiful and historic B. F. Hiestand House Bed and Breakfast in Marietta, PA. Innkeepers Pam and Dallas showed Red a fantastic time at the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, PA, pun intended of course, but it really was quite an interesting place to visit! Afterwards Red was feeling a bit hungry so Innkeeper Pam knew just the place. They headed to the Famous Roots Farmers Market for scrumptious soft pretzels. Next stop was to visit the Tomato Barn in Washington Boro, PA, where the Red Chair found itself surrounded by other all kinds of other shades of red. Here Red was astonished at the sight of the beautiful tomatoes that were so plentiful!
It was then back on to the road, but not for long as Red asked multiple times to pull over for a minute to soak in the scenery. On Rt 999, through the Lancaster County, you find yourself lost in the beautiful farm land and it was hard to not keep stopping for pictures. They headed in the direction of the Turkey Hill Dairy Cow located at the Susquehanna Valley Visitor's center in Columbia, PA to stop and visit with the infamous cow and ice cream tub. The last stop of the day was to the McCleary's Irish Pub located just a few minutes away from the Inn. Here Red enjoyed the beautiful weather of the evening out on the porch with a great drink and excellent new company. After the sun went down it was time to head back and get ready for the surprise that had been planned for the next day.
First thing in the morning the Red Chair was up and ready to go. It did not know what was in store but was told to prepare to possibly get a little wet! Turns out the surprise was stand-up paddle board lessons on the Susquehanna River with Kyle of Shank's Mare Outfitters. What a great time Red had, and it never even fell off! After a long day learning to paddle board the innkeepers of the B.F. Hiestand house and Red enjoyed watching the sunset from the banks of the Susquehanna River just behind the inn. Red has made some more wonderful memories here and will definitely be back to visit someday soon.
It was then back on to the road, but not for long as Red asked multiple times to pull over for a minute to soak in the scenery. On Rt 999, through the Lancaster County, you find yourself lost in the beautiful farm land and it was hard to not keep stopping for pictures. They headed in the direction of the Turkey Hill Dairy Cow located at the Susquehanna Valley Visitor's center in Columbia, PA to stop and visit with the infamous cow and ice cream tub. The last stop of the day was to the McCleary's Irish Pub located just a few minutes away from the Inn. Here Red enjoyed the beautiful weather of the evening out on the porch with a great drink and excellent new company. After the sun went down it was time to head back and get ready for the surprise that had been planned for the next day.
First thing in the morning the Red Chair was up and ready to go. It did not know what was in store but was told to prepare to possibly get a little wet! Turns out the surprise was stand-up paddle board lessons on the Susquehanna River with Kyle of Shank's Mare Outfitters. What a great time Red had, and it never even fell off! After a long day learning to paddle board the innkeepers of the B.F. Hiestand house and Red enjoyed watching the sunset from the banks of the Susquehanna River just behind the inn. Red has made some more wonderful memories here and will definitely be back to visit someday soon.
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Swiss Woods Bed & Breakfast Inn
Lititz, PA
August 16-18th, 2013
The Red Chair arrived at the Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast Inn just in time for the local Lititz Craft Show to begin! After a walk around the craft fair the Red Chair headed for a drink and some cheese at the Hunger-n-Thirst. With such a wide selection of beer and cheeses the Red Chair had to try a few different kinds of each! Next it was on to Wilber Chocolate. Yum! Red had a hard time leaving this place and it took a moment to sit outside and just enjoy the chocolate smell that wafts through town. The Red Chair heard that no stop would be complete without twisting a pretzel at the oldest pretzel factory in the US Sturgis Pretzels so of course that is where Red headed. Red loved the cheese ones!
King's Cottage Bed & Breakfast
Lancaster, PA
August 13-15th, 2013
While visiting the King's Cottage Bed and Breakfast in Lancaster, PA the Red Chair Travels was able to get a small taste of the Amish lifestyle! Innkeepers Janis and Ann took Red to visit two Amish Farms where Red saw Amish Scooters, Buggies, and also took a trip to the Amish Dairy Farm. "At the Amish Dairy Farm, I did not realize just how long a cow’s tongue can be. I got my own “cow lick”," explained the Red Chair.
Red also took a trip to see the Fulton Theater in Downtown Lancaster, PA, Sight and Sound Theater in Strasburg, PA and the Strasburg Railroad. Next it was on to the amazing National Christmas Center in Paradise, PA where Red became one of their 200 Nativity scenes! From there we moved on to check out Sylvia Petersheim's Quilt and Craft store, then to Lancaster's Central Market, that was established in 1730, to admire all of the fresh produce, flowers, horseradish, and locally made Miesse Chocolates!
The final stop was downtown Lancaster, PA where Red visited a couple of the art galleries including the Liz Hess Gallery and the Freiman Stoltzfus Gallery right next door. Both had such interesting and beautiful works displayed! In the Liz Hess Gallery Red was especially intrigued by the Red Umbrella, who in her paintings is posed in different places all over the world. Yet another fellow red traveller!
Red also took a trip to see the Fulton Theater in Downtown Lancaster, PA, Sight and Sound Theater in Strasburg, PA and the Strasburg Railroad. Next it was on to the amazing National Christmas Center in Paradise, PA where Red became one of their 200 Nativity scenes! From there we moved on to check out Sylvia Petersheim's Quilt and Craft store, then to Lancaster's Central Market, that was established in 1730, to admire all of the fresh produce, flowers, horseradish, and locally made Miesse Chocolates!
The final stop was downtown Lancaster, PA where Red visited a couple of the art galleries including the Liz Hess Gallery and the Freiman Stoltzfus Gallery right next door. Both had such interesting and beautiful works displayed! In the Liz Hess Gallery Red was especially intrigued by the Red Umbrella, who in her paintings is posed in different places all over the world. Yet another fellow red traveller!
Historic Smithton Inn
Ephrata, PA
August 10-12th, 2013
It’s truly difficult to narrow down the Red Chair's favorite places during its stay at the Historic Smithton Inn located in Ephrata, PA. One of the highlights was definitely visiting Martin’s Pretzel Factory where the workers broke into song (Amazing Grace) as they twisted pretzels. No wonder those pretzels taste so good!
Waltz Vineyards and St. Boniface Craft Beer represented the MANY local wineries and breweries there are in Lancaster County. I guess Red will just have to come back to try the others! Lancaster County is also famous for the local artisans which were represented by visiting Martin’s Chairs and Ned Foltz Pottery. The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania highlighted the natural beauty and wildlife you can take in throughout the county. And of course, Red's favorite when on the road, visiting the local farmer’s markets (Green Dragon and Whistle Stop Markets in Ephrata).
The scenic drives through gorgeous farms nearly ready for harvest, the Historic Ephrata Cloister, a stunning 18th Century religious community turned State Museum, and a walk down the Dick Winter’s Memorial Trail, just a stone’s throw from where the WWII hero, author and “Band of Brother’s” star grew up were just a few more highlights of Red's visit. The grand finale was a trip to see a Lancaster Barnstormers game. The local minor league baseball team rolled out the red carpet for “Red” who was excited to hang out with Silo, the team mascot.
Waltz Vineyards and St. Boniface Craft Beer represented the MANY local wineries and breweries there are in Lancaster County. I guess Red will just have to come back to try the others! Lancaster County is also famous for the local artisans which were represented by visiting Martin’s Chairs and Ned Foltz Pottery. The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania highlighted the natural beauty and wildlife you can take in throughout the county. And of course, Red's favorite when on the road, visiting the local farmer’s markets (Green Dragon and Whistle Stop Markets in Ephrata).
The scenic drives through gorgeous farms nearly ready for harvest, the Historic Ephrata Cloister, a stunning 18th Century religious community turned State Museum, and a walk down the Dick Winter’s Memorial Trail, just a stone’s throw from where the WWII hero, author and “Band of Brother’s” star grew up were just a few more highlights of Red's visit. The grand finale was a trip to see a Lancaster Barnstormers game. The local minor league baseball team rolled out the red carpet for “Red” who was excited to hang out with Silo, the team mascot.
Wayne Bed & Breakfast
Wayne, PA
August 7-9th, 2013
The Wayne Bed and Breakfast in Wayne, PA was host to the Red Chair Travels as it journey through Pennsylvania. What really drew the Red Chair in was the beautiful Victorian style building built in the 1890's and the real sense this was a home away from home. Innkeepers Traudi and Bob were so accommodating and had so much to share with Red. It was really interesting to hear how many people decided to travel here by train and how easy it was! The Historic Strafford Train Station is just a few minutes walk from the Bed and Breakfast and it was really cool how easy it was to take that train to so many other areas. (Red loves it when you don't have to figure out parking in a new place!) The Wayne Bed and Breakfast is also super close to some fabulous restaurants and shops, as well as the Chanticleer Gardens, Valley Forge National Park, the local farmer's market, and for those who enjoy the outdoors a 2.5 mile long nature walk that follows the Main Line Train Path. Being only 15 miles from Philidelphia, Red thought this was a great place to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere but be close enough to a bustling city! Definitely a place the Red Chair would love to return to someday.
Hamanassett Bed & Breakfast
Chester Heights, PA
August 4-6th, 2013
Innkeeper Ashley Mon made sure the Red Chair was able to have plenty of both relaxation and excitement while visiting the Hamanassett Bed & Breakfast in Chester Heights, PA. Posing with the bronze statues at the Brandywine River Museum, learning how people lived in the 18th century at the Historic Colonial Plantation, and also playing in the tree houses at the Tyler Arboretum are only a few of the exciting and unique local places that the Red Chair was able to experience. Red had a great time enjoying the best of the area and relaxing among the peaceful countryside.
Pennsbury Inn and Gardens
Chadds Ford, PA
August 1-3rd, 2013
As you can see the Red Chair was kept quite busy while staying at the Pennsbury Inn and Gardens, in Chadds Ford, PA! From wandering about the marvelous gardens of the Inn to exploring the majestic Nemours Mansion the Red Chair was captivated by Chadd's Ford, PA.
A visit to the Hagley Museum to see the DuPont's gun powder works, began Red's curious moments where he couldn't resist a quick peak inside. This curiosity only grew within Red and its confidence grew a bit too much unfortunately...
Red climbed onto the railings of the Hagley museum, laid on some train tracks in front of a train cart, and then at the next stop Red climbed on to the enormous Nemours Mansion railing. However curiosity always gets the cat and Red was no exception. Red got a bit to carried away while leaning over to view the koi fish and had to be rescued! No worries the Innkeepers of the Pennsbury Inn were there to save the day and took Red back for a bit of relaxation. With energy restored Red asked if he could help in any way before heading out to the next inn and hopped onto a ladder to help paint the c.1860 carriage house.
A visit to the Hagley Museum to see the DuPont's gun powder works, began Red's curious moments where he couldn't resist a quick peak inside. This curiosity only grew within Red and its confidence grew a bit too much unfortunately...
Red climbed onto the railings of the Hagley museum, laid on some train tracks in front of a train cart, and then at the next stop Red climbed on to the enormous Nemours Mansion railing. However curiosity always gets the cat and Red was no exception. Red got a bit to carried away while leaning over to view the koi fish and had to be rescued! No worries the Innkeepers of the Pennsbury Inn were there to save the day and took Red back for a bit of relaxation. With energy restored Red asked if he could help in any way before heading out to the next inn and hopped onto a ladder to help paint the c.1860 carriage house.
The Settler's Inn, Hawley, PA
July 10-13th, 2013
The Red Chair travels has found itself in yet another amazing place, the Pocono Mountains Lake Region! Thanks to the wonderful Innkeepers of the Settler's Inn in Hawley, PA and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau the Red Chair was able to experience some of the best sights the area has to offer.
The Red Chair came ready to sightsee and that was precisely what it got. Red was amazed at how much it had accomplished by the end of its stay. Some of Red's favorite spots included the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," Bushkill Falls, relaxing in the beautiful gardens of the Settler's Inn and the Grey Towers National Historic Site. While at Grey Towers, Red sat down at the famous Finger Bowl which has in the past served as a dining table for the governor of Pennsylvania, Gifford Pinchot!
To learn more about the other exciting places the Red Chair Travels visited while staying at the Settler's Inn check out the Pocono Mountain's website.
The Red Chair came ready to sightsee and that was precisely what it got. Red was amazed at how much it had accomplished by the end of its stay. Some of Red's favorite spots included the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," Bushkill Falls, relaxing in the beautiful gardens of the Settler's Inn and the Grey Towers National Historic Site. While at Grey Towers, Red sat down at the famous Finger Bowl which has in the past served as a dining table for the governor of Pennsylvania, Gifford Pinchot!
To learn more about the other exciting places the Red Chair Travels visited while staying at the Settler's Inn check out the Pocono Mountain's website.
