How to Get Away From It All, But Still Feel Like Home!

By Edward Blanchette

able to get your laundry done. Breakfast was served early. Coffee and tea were served in the afternoon. There was a parlor or family room where everyone could gather, or not. Sometimes you might get supper too. Or you could find yourself sitting on the back porch and enjoying the evening’s sunset, before turning in for the night. Today you may find as many as 11 bedrooms (+/-), In some, the bedrooms may be decorated differently from one another. some with their own suites, and some with shared accommodations. But most importantly, they have that inviting & homey feel about them. The Bed & Breakfast, that is.

Still not sure if this is for you? Here are six possible considerations to stay at a Bed & Breakfast on your next excursion.

The Opportunity to

Meet Others

–Because of the limited rooms and guests, it’s possible you may meet other guests during your stay, especially if meals are served in a group setting.

A Customized Atmosphere– Most Bed & Breakfasts usually have a story behind their location or are located in historic areas. Some may have that “Old World Charm” and some may have more of a Modern look or appeal.

An In-Depth Guide From Locals– In most cases, you will deal directly with the owners and or caretakers of that specific B&B, not to forget other locals in the area who know the area and history very well. Where to go, shop, and what to see in the those surrounding areas are always important information to gather, and these folks are fully vested, eager, and willing to inform & enlighten you during your stay.

Food and Extra Amenities– With most Bed & Breakfasts you often get a nice meal or two included in your stay. Some may even offer complimentary snacks and special beverages that reflect the local cuisine and culture of the area you are visiting. Before you book, always check to see what is available and being offered, as all Bed & Breakfasts are run differently.

Flexible Local Menus– Your B&B Host will mostly be attentive to your specific dietary needs, should you have allergies, food sensitivities, or other dietary restrictions. Again, remember to communicate those needs to your host. If they know in advance, they may even create a special breakfast/ meal that is designed to meet your specific needs.

Small Business Support– When you stay at a Bed & Breakfast you support not only the hosts, but you also support the local small businesses, restaurants, and farms within that area’s community. In doing so, you’ll be able to end your vacation on a positive note, knowing that not only did you have a great stay, but you gave back and helped out a community at the same time.

Now I can’t list all of the Bed & Breakfasts within our beloved “Amish Country” but listed below are just a few that are near and dear to our community. So, if you find yourself looking for that special homey spot to stay. These may just fit what you were looking for:

After Eight Bed & Breakfast 2492 E. Lincoln Highway Gordonville, PA 17529 717-687-3664 www.aftereightbnb.com

Greystone Manor Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast 2658 Old Philadelphia Pike Bird In Hand, PA 17505 717-393-4233 www.greystonemanor.com

Orchard Inn 44 S. Harvest Road Bird In Hand, PA 17505 717-768-3644 www.orchardinnpa.com

Bird In Hand Village Inn & Suites 2695 Old Philadelphia Pike Bird In Hand, PA 17505 717-768-1535 www.bird-in-hand.com/ bird-in-hand-village-inn-suites/

Homestead Lodging 184 Eastbrook Road Smoketown, PA 17576 717-393-6927 www.homesteadlodging.net

Pleasant Pines Stables & AirBnB, LLC 1553 Habecker Road Columbia, PA 17512 717-903-3999 www.airbnb.com (Search Pleasant Pines Stables)

Cardinal’s Roost Bed & Breakfast 837 Village Road Lancaster, PA 17602 717-464-0707 www.cardinalsroostbnb.com

The Inn & Spa at Intercourse Village 3542 Old Philadelphia Pike Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-2626 www.inn-spa.com

Smoketown Inn 190 Eastbrook Road Smoketown, PA 17576 717-397-6944 www.smoketowninn.com

E.J. Bowman House Bed & Breakfast 2674 Lititz Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 717-519-0808 www.ejbowmanhouse.com

Lititz Springs Inn 14 E. Main Street Lititz, PA 17543 717-626-2115 www.lititzspringsinn.com

Strasburg Village Inn Bed & Breakfast 1 W. Main Street Strasburg, PA 17579 717-687-0900 www.strasburg.com/strasburg-village-inn/