JUNE 2023 HAVE A PAWSOME SUMMER! HOME AWAY FROM HOME Playful Pups Retreat VACATIONING with Your Pup OUT & ABOUT with Your Dog A Laundry & PET SUITE Laurie Yost and some “playful pups” get in the swing of summer
Second opinions are common and highly recommended. Never feel as though you are hurting the surgeon’s feelings. If a surgeon takes offense, consider that a red flag. Also, if a surgeon tells you they cannot help you or that nothing else can be done to help you, you should certainly get a second opinion.
160 NORTH POINTE BLVD., SUITE 200 LANCASTER (717) 358-0800 ARGIRESMAROTTI.COM “ It just comes down to AWARENESS.
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Perry J. Argires, MD, FAANS, FACS Neurosurgeon Specializing in Cervical Disc Replacement and Spine Care Voted as the Best Surgeon in Lancaster County LNP Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurosurgeon Louis A. Marotti, MD, PhD, FAANS, FACS Neurosurgeon Specializing in Spine Care Voted as the Best Surgeon in Lancaster County LNP Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurosurgeon Consider all your OPTIONS.
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WWW.WHITEFAMILYDENTAL.COM To fathers and father figures everywhere, Happy Father’s Day from all of us at White Family Dental. Elizabethtown 100 Continental Dr. Elizabethtown, PA 717-367-1336 Elizabethtown Masonic Village Elizabethtown, PA 717-366-2466 Manheim 108 Doe Run Rd. Manheim, PA 717-879-9700 A FATHER IS NEITHER AN ANCHOR TO HOLD US BACK, NOR A SAIL TO TAKE US THERE, BUT A GUIDING LIGHT WHOSE LOVE SHOWS US THE WAY.
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Let’s Get Local. Follow us on social media and stay in the loop on all things Lancaster County. @LancCountyMag Fivepointville • 717.445.7799 Lancaster • 717.290.7799 Wyomissing • 610.376.7799 martinsflooring.com Create the perfect setting for laid-back hosting where guests can relax, gather, and build memories. HAPPY PAWS FLOORING SALE ends June 24 PET-PROOF FLOORS. A TREAT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.
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Features
22. Plan a Vacation Your Dog Will Love
Laura Brenner shares tips and strategies that have helped to make vacationing with her dog, Piper, an adventure both have enjoyed.
26. Playful Pups Retreat … An Enriching Experience
Laurie Yost’s dream came true when she opened Playful Pups Retreat in 2010. In 2019, she added a daycare center to the equation. Next month, an expansion at the daycare facility will be unveiled.
40. Out & About
Dogs are being welcomed everywhere these days … stores, breweries, wineries, baseball games and the list goes on. Learn who is welcoming four-legged guests in our area.
44. The Laundry Goes to the Dogs
In an effort to fully utilize the rooms in our homes, the laundry is the latest space to go in a multifunctional direction. See how Garman Builders Renovations helped a couple transform a hallway into a combination laundry, mudroom and pet suite.
Departments
8. Uptown & Down
Michael Upton learns about the Lancaster County Coffee Trail from Discover Lancaster’s president and CEO, Edward Harris.
12. Gardening Journey
Winter begins in six months. Dr. Richard Bitner explains why now is the time to consider adding plants, shrubs and trees that bring interest (and yes, color) to the winter landscape.
48. Foodographer
Jordan Bush takes an eyesore of a side yard and transforms it into a terraced potager garden that has been certified as watershed-friendly.
52. Table for Two
Rochelle Shenk visits River Trail Brewing in Marietta, where craft brews, a wide-ranging menu, an expansive dog-friendly patio and a K9 menu welcome visitors.
56. Event-Full
Be Scene!
Live music, theatre, art gallery and museum exhibits, craft/maker shows, outdoor activities and fundraising events are back on the calendar. Visit our website, lancastercountymag.com, to make plans and order tickets for upcoming events.
VegFest, being held June 3 and 4 at Buchanan Park, allows visitors to explore all facets of a vegan lifestyle.
Special Advertising Sections
15. Explore Lititz
One of America’s “coolest towns” invites you to visit and get to know its many specialty shops, restaurants, historical sites and events, including one of the oldest Fourth of July celebrations in the country.
32. Celebrate Summer
Whether you’re staying close to home or taking that long-awaited vacation, the businesses in this special section can help to make your summer a breeze.
JUNE 2023 | VOLUME 37 | NUMBER 2 Contents
ON THE COVER: Nick Gould photographed Laurie Yost, the owner of Playful Pups Retreat in Elizabethtown, as she engaged with two guests at the daycare location that is home to a splashpad and is set to expand next month.
4 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
What’s your Life Lived Forward?
Kay Shanaman has a zest for life. She has always been engaged in her community and open to new experiences. At Willow Valley Communities, she’s found plenty of ways to continue her active lifestyle. “Whatever you’re looking for, it’s here,” says Kay.
With more than 100 clubs, classes, and groups to join, Kay has found easy connections over shared interests with her neighbors. Whether it’s ballroom dancing or the computer club, the possibilities for camaraderie and a happy, healthy life are nearly endless.
With the details taken care of, residents like Kay can make each day exactly what they choose. “This is your life,” she says, “and you create your own reality.”
Find your Life Lived Forward.
Explore Willow Valley Communities today.
800.770.5445 | WillowValleyCommunities.org | Lancaster, PA
Innovative Designs. Fabulous Finishes. Distinctive Details.
OF HOMES 2023
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June 17-25, 2023
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All homes can be viewed virtually with our spectacular 3D technology. Many homes will be open for in-person visits as well! The innovative designs and distinctive details will excite and inspire you.
When you find the home of your dreams on tour, contact our BIA builders and make it yours!
6 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 Lancaster and Lebanon Counties
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Hounding the Coffee Trail Hounding the Coffee Trail
Wherever I travel, I always seek out great coffee. Edward Harris, the president and CEO of Discover Lancaster, tells me I am not alone in this practice. We recently chatted over an Americano and an iced drink at a local coffee shop so I could learn more about one of the marketing organization’s newest offerings, the Lancaster County Coffee Trail.
BY MICHAEL C. UPTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN BUSH
“Wehave an unusual amount of unique coffee shops spread out across the county,” says Edward of Discover Lancaster’s goal to make the county known as a coffee destination. “We wanted to develop a new innovative way for people to find out about these places. That’s where this mobile trail was born.”
Since its launch in late 2022, approximately 2,000 people have traveled the coffee trail. Participation is easy and starts by downloading a pass from discoverlancaster.com/planvisit/ experience-passes/coffee-trail via any mobile phone. A passport is immediately sent via text message, which can be saved to the home screen. The passport lists all coffee shops on the trail and selecting a certain business brings up a screen with links to a phone number, website, hours and mapped location if needed. Hitting the Check-In button will access the phone’s location services and mark a customer present.
After visiting five stops, coffee trekkers earn a coffee
trail sticker and coaster, at 10 stops a mug and at 15 stops a logoed canvas bag, all of which can be picked up at the Discover Lancaster Visitors Center, located at 501 Greenfield Road. “We are looking to attract more people to our visitors center,” Edward explains.
“So far, people who have participated have really enjoyed the trail,” he remarks. “There are some die-hard coffee fans out there and they love going around and checking out places they haven’t been to. And, when they go to these new places, they learn about other areas of Lancaster County they may not have been as familiar with before.”
Discover Lancaster developed the trail with destination technology experts Bandwango, and Edward says the coffee trail will not be the last of its kind in Lancaster County. True to his word, Discover Lancaster unveiled the Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail in early May. Consisting of nearly two-dozen stops, the trail is modeled on the passport app that the coffee trail utilizes. I’m hoping they will consider trails for beer and
8 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Uptown & Down and all around
Edward Harris, president and CEO of Discover Lancaster, says the sheer number of coffee shops that are found across the county provides a unique way for visitors (and locals) to tour Lancaster. He was photographed at Speckled Hen in Strasburg. The coffee shop is a stop on the Lancaster County Coffee Trail, which made its debut late last year. Its success prompted the introduction in May of a similar trail that is composed of ice cream shops.
Melissa Palermo and her border collie, Pupper, enjoy a spring afternoon at Speckled Hen. The Strasburg coffee shop’s patio is a dog-friendly stop on the trail.
Coffee lovers can earn free merch by downloading a passport from Discover Lancaster’s website and visiting shops on the trail. Such items include stickers, coasters, mugs and canvas bags. Many of the coffee shops on the trail are dog-friendly.
produce stands. But, I digress ...
One of my favorite perks about the coffee trail is how most shops offer discounts or free items for checking in. For example, La Mattina Caffe, the new coffee spot at The Inn at Leola Village, offers a BOGO delicious beverage. Coffee Co. Lancaster offers 15% off the entire check. In Refton, BrickHouse Coffee & Kitchen provides a free 12-oz. coffee after the purchase of a pastry item.
“We are tasked with making a visitor’s experience better,” says Edward. “And this is one of those ways.”
SINCE THIS IS the pet issue, I wanted to highlight a few coffee-trail businesses allowing – and in some cases encouraging – your pupper to join you for coffee. I quickly compared the coffee trail to results from bringfido.com and petswelcome.com, which offer insights into which U.S. coffee shops (and other restaurants) are dog-friendly (bringfido.com locations are rated on a score of 1 to 5 bones). I found there are many stops on the Lancaster County Coffee Trail welcoming canine visitors. By the way, Discover Lancaster also has a pet-friendly section on its website: discoverlancaster.com/blog/pet-friendly-lancaster-pa. Here are just a few pet-friendly coffee destinations:
SPECKLED HEN COFFEE
This family-friendly café along Main Street in Strasburg is also dog-friendly. Speckled Hen owners, Ryan and Janae Dagen, supply the patio with water bowls for their furry visitors and provide human guests with food – and coffee – from local
purveyors. Coffee served here is sourced from Passenger Coffee. In addition, the café serves all the expected espresso beverages. While I often opt for an Americano, the most intriguing specialty drink on the current menu is the blueberry white mocha.
141 E. Main St., Strasburg, speckledhencoffee.com
JAVATEAS GOURMET COFFEE CAFé
Before my daughter could drive, I spent time at Javateas waiting for her to finish rehearsals and shows at Ephrata Performing Arts Center. I would sit with my laptop and punch out columns like this one. If I had a dog at the time, I could have brought him or her along and spent a nice afternoon out front while enjoying one of their creative seasonal coffee drinks. FYI, it is pronounced jah-VAH-teas, not JAVA-teas.
1 Dutchland Ave., Ephrata, javateas.com
SQUARE ONE COFFEE ROASTERS
Square One is the OG of Lancaster coffee. Before hipsters were hip, when most coffee was bought at convenience stores, a little shop on North Duke Street dared to introduce drinkers to concepts such as fair-trade, sustainability and flavor. Roasted, served and sold in Lancaster, SQ1 coffee is available all over the county. Dogs are welcome on the back patio, which is by far one of my favorite places to relax and enjoy conversation and coffee – enter through the back, off East Chestnut Street.
145 N. Duke St., Lancaster, squareonecoffee.com
9 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Clockwise from left:
CORNER COFFEE SHOP
Square One beans are served outside the city at Corner Coffee Shop. Located in Smucker Village in Intercourse, Corner Coffee Shop has some devoted patrons who love the PA Dutch Country-themed eatery’s cold and iced espresso drinks. A popular signature drink is the Sweet Bee latte made with real honey and vanilla, which is available iced or hot. Dogs and their owners can enjoy people-
watching from the outdoor patio along Old Philadelphia Pike.
3526 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, facebook.com/cornercoffeeshop
RACHEL’S CAFÉ & CREPERIE
When Rachel’s relocated from North Queen Street to West Walnut Street, the move allowed ample outdoor seating for Lancaster’s first crepe staple. Doggos can dine alfresco with
their human counterparts at the full-service, first-come, first-served outdoor pavilion. Rachel’s serves fresh and sustainable coffee roasted by Lonely Monk Coffees, using the newly popularized fluid bed roaster. Rachel’s offers some unique Nutella drinks, as well as a good golden latte.
201 W. Walnut St., Lancaster, rachelscreperie.com
CAFÉ ONE EIGHT
Café One Eight has a couple outdoor seats along West Orange Street, where dog people can sit to enjoy a cup of coffee. The café has sourced local goods since opening in 2011; breads come from Thom’s, macarons are from Tara’s Treats and the coffee is roasted by Square One. New owners Anthony Vega and Demi Smeltzer took over the thriving shop in 2022. In-house coffee is bottomless.
18 W. Orange St., Lancaster, cafe1eight.com
Farther Afield
Some of my most notable coffee finds while traveling have been:
Joe & The Juice – I first discovered this European coffee chain while in Iceland. Now there are locations in New York, Washington, D.C., and one in Pittsburgh!
BUON Appetito
WITH THE ATMOSPHERE SET, the wine poured, and the food simmering to perfection—that’s how Lombardo’s has been sharing its Italian kitchen and heart with guests since 1946. As Lancaster City’s longest-standing restaurant, generations of talented chefs have passed down the Lombardo family’s signature recipes, continuing a rich legacy of Italian tradition and family-owned business. Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Scratch Biscuit Company – Even though it is all about biscuits in this Roanoke, Virginia, eatery, the coffee is amazing, especially the Grelen Gold blend.
Café de l’industrie – Okay, it is hard to find bad coffee in Paris, but this place ticks the boxes I want to hit when I travel: off the beaten path, full of locals, authentic and affordable.
Michael C. Upton works as a freelance writer specializing in arts and leisure covering subjects ranging from funk punk to fine wine. He graduated with a BFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maine at Farmington and is actively published by trade journals, specialized websites, and regional and national magazines. Upton lives in Lancaster County with his wife, Mel, and two youngest children, Halligan and Teagan. Tyler, his oldest son, is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America.
10 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 Check our website for hours and to make a reservation. lombardosrestaurant.com 216 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603 717.394.3749
Welcoming Visitors
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, May through October, all tours are guided and commence on the hour, beginning at 10:00 am (last tour, 3:00 pm).
Admission: $5.00 for adults; $2.50 for children.
Wright’s Ferry Mansion 38 SOUTH 2 nd STREET, COLUMBIA, PA • 717-684-4325
Gardening Journey
Winter Prep
Preparing for a Season of Change Preparing for a Season of Change
Despite the admonitions from the self-help gurus, we gardeners are rarely able to be “in the moment.” Instead, we are always looking at our borders and thinking ahead to the changes and additions we want to make and, more often than we’ll admit, the missteps we want to rectify. As a result, many of us are already looking ahead to fall and winter.
BY DR. RICHARD L. BITNER
Most of us remember being out in our yards this past January and February during recurrent periods of temperatures in the 50s. So, why not accept that this trend of warmer winters is inevitable and add more plants that will enliven the landscape this winter?
Now is the time to install plantings that will display visually arresting textures, colors, fragrances and yes, even flowers, during the winter months. The nurseries and gardening centers are never better stocked than now. This month’s Gardening Journey will get you started on your shopping list of plants to admire next winter, which arrives in six short months.
SHRUBS WITH PERSISTENT FRUIT OR COLORFUL STEMS
Winterberry Ilex verticillata
A focal point in any winter garden will be the persistent bright-red berries on a deciduous holly. They are native to swampy areas throughout the Northeast. Upright and mounding, it can reach a height of 5 feet. Remember, only fertilized female
flowers produce the red berries. One male winterberry will be sufficient for pollinating six to 10 female plants. Also good to know is that the flowers appear on new spring growth; therefore, prune to shape in early spring before the new growth appears and after the birds have stripped all the berries. (The birds only eat the berries very late in winter, when nothing else is available.)
Of the many cultivars available, ‘Winter Red’ is one of the best. It is notable for abundant crops of persistent bright-red 3/8-inch berries. A suitable pollinator is ‘Southern Gentleman’. Other cultivars include ‘Red Sprite’ and ‘Sparkleberry’. Be sure to get a suitable pollinator for the cultivar you are planting since their bloom times need to coincide.
Cut stems are great for winter arrangements or adding color to holiday wreaths.
Beautyberry Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’
Well named, its genus name is from Greek, meaning “beautiful fruit.” Beautyberry displays showy, pearly violet-purple fruits through mid-winter on a 3- to 4-foot-high shrub. It can be pruned in late winter to control the shape from getting too leggy since it flowers on new growth. The cut stems provide an unexpected color addition to winter arrangements.
Oriental Spicebush Lindera angustifolia (aka L. glauca var. salicifolia)
For interest throughout the winter, consider planting an Asian spicebush. Often called the willowleaved spicebush, it has yellow flowers in early spring, followed by black fruit. In fall, the leaves turn showy shades of orange-yellow with rosy undertones, fading to tawny-beige and remain on the plant until the flowers emerge in the spring. It’s subtly handsome in the late-afternoon sun.
Red-twig dogwood Cornus sericea
Although it has flat-topped white flowers in the spring, this dogwood is noteworthy for its red stems after the leaves fall. Grow it as a single specimen (perhaps in a large tub moved to the patio in late fall ) or group several in front of low-growing conifers or a yew hedge. The new stems will be the brightest. Just remove a quarter of the old stems each year to stimulate growth of new stems or even prune the entire shrub almost to the ground every two to three years to renew. (The fact that you won’t have any flowers that year makes is a non-issue
12 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Winterberry Ilex verticillata
Oriental Spicebush Lindera angustifolia
because the small flowers are rather commonplace.) A fine choice for a wet spot along streams or ponds.
Try to find the cultivar ‘Midwinter Fire’ (sometimes listed as C. sanguinea). Well-named, the stems are a bright orange-yellow at the base and deep-red at the tips. Dazzling. Another bright-red cultivar is ‘Baileyi’.
There are also shrubs with brightyellow stems. You could plant them separately or in a mixed tapestry with your red-stemmed ones. Cultivars include C. sericea ‘Flaviramea’ and ‘Budd’s Yellow’.
WINTER FLOWERS
This citrus relative (deciduous shrub or small tree) has four seasons of interest. In early spring it is covered with fragrant white flowers. In summer it has flossy dark-green three-lobed leaves and by fall the 2.5-inch diameter fruits appear. They are said to be edible but are very acidic and seedy. They will persist on the tree well into winter. But the main show is the tangled vividgreen stem with lethal thorns. Very unusual as a specimen or impenetrable if grown as a hedge. Be sure to gather up the fruits as they fall unless you want countless seedlings.
There is every reason to plant this evergreen shrub. It also has a common name of Grape Holly because of the stiff and spiny holly-like leaves. Because the fragrant yellow flowers appear in February (last year in early January!), it is important to plant it as a nectar source for honeybees who will venture out on days over 55 degrees regardless of the calendar month. The flowers are followed in spring by showy, waxy fruits in grape-like clusters that mature to blue-black and are devoured by birds. It’s too spiny for deer to chew. It will grow in shade.
state flower of Alabama), but hardy varieties are now available that we can grow in Lancaster County. The oval, leathery, glossy, dark-green leaves show off flower cultivars available in many colors. A particularly hardy one is ‘Korean Fire’, which has fragrant, single, 3- to 5-inch red flowers with showy yellow stamens that bloom in late winter. Other cultivars: ‘Polar Ice’, ‘Snow Flurry’, ‘Winter’s Hope’, ‘Winter’s Rose’, ‘Winter’s Star’, ‘Winter’s Charm’, ‘Pink Icicle’ and ‘Winter’s Interlude’. Did I mention that camellias are great for the winter garden?
The hybrid witch hazels display crinkly, mid- to late-winter flowers on bare stems. The flowers are frost-safe; they curl up at night and then unfurl on a sunny day. The shrubs grow upright in a distinctive vase shape. There are dozens of selections available. Two are particularly nice. ‘Jelena’ has sweetly fragrant, blazing coppery-orange flowers (formerly listed as ‘Copper Beauty’). The leaves turn an attractive orange-red in the fall. ‘Diane’ has red to copper-red flowers. The leaves turn shades of yellow, orange and red in fall. Be vigilant and cut back any root suckers because these hybrids are grafted on root stock.
This evergreen shrub has always been greatly loved in the South (the
Winter jasmine is a dense, sprawling, mounding vine that spreads from a central crown and is ideal to cascade over a south-facing wall or along a fence. The branch tips will root as they trail along the ground. The bare green stems are very attractive in winter; on the first warm day in January they will be covered with vivid yellow flowers before the trifoliolate dark-green leaves emerge. The flowers are not fragrant.
Late winter flowering bulbs that have been discussed in recent columns include Eranthis hyemalis, winter Aconite, and Crocus tommasinianus, the snow crocus.
And readers should by now be aware of the many virtues of
13 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Hardy orange Poncirus trifoliata
Leatherleaf mahonia Mahonia bealei
Hybrid Witch hazels Hamamelis x intermedia
Camellia Camellia japonica
Winter Jasmine Jasminum nudiflorum
Red-twig dogwood Cornus sericea
Hardy orange Poncirus trifoliata
Leatherleaf mahonia Mahonia bealei
Camellia Camellia japonica
Winter Jasmine Jasminum nudiflorum
silvery-white seed heads. But I consider the most outstanding ornamental feature to be its deep bronze-orange winter color. The grass stays erect all winter even during the winds of March, after which it is easily cut back before new growth occurs.
Nagasa bamboo Sasa veitchii
and will spread rapidly. It is ideal for erosion control. Bamboo produces 35% more oxygen than trees.
BARK
Trees with ornamental bark will be conspicuous in winter. The shedding of leaves exposes the peeling, furrowed, red, cinnamon, salmon-pink and even white bark of trunks and branches of such trees. Some to look for include: Paperbark maple, Acer griseum; Coral bark maple, Acer palmatum ‘SangoKaku’; Heritage birch, Betula nigra ‘Heritage’.
FOLIAGE
Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparum ‘The Blues’
This cultivar of our native prairie grass grows in upright clumps of slender, blue-tinged leaves throughout the growing season. Purplish-bronze flowers appear about the foliage in August, followed by persistent fluffy,
No argument. Don’t ever plant bamboo. But if you have a difficult slope that is wet most of the year, or even a rocky dry slope where nothing ornamental has done well, this foliage plant will spread and cover the area. It is a striking plant as a groundcover in a woodland garden because it tolerates deep shade. It is about 14-inches tall and displays typical green leaves throughout the growing season. But in fall, the edges of the leaves turn a bright creamy white and remain very attractively variegated until very late winter, when the entire plant turns brown. The only maintenance is to cut back with a string-trimmer at that time before the new growth emerges. Make no mistake, this is a very vigorous plant
Other possibilities include Sevensons flower tree, Heptacodium miconioides; Crape myrtles, Lagerstroemia indica; Persian ironwood, Parrotia persica; and Japanese stewartia, Stewartia pseudocamellia.
Large Selection & Unique Varieties
14 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 SMOKETOWN 2467 Old Philadelphia Pk. 717.392.4875 INTERCOURSE 3552 West Newport Rd. 717.768.3922
FLOWERING SHRUBS & TREES NATIVE & POLLINATOR PLANTS • FRUIT TREES & BERRIES
Helleborus orientalis, the Lenten Rose, which this past winter was in full flower by the first of March.
DR. RICHARD L. BITNER is a horticultural lecturer and photographer. He is the author of three books on conifers and teaches a conifers course at the Barnes Arboretum School at St. Joseph’s University.
Helleborus orientalis
Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparum
Nagasa bamboo Sasa veitchii
Stewartia pseudocamellia
Explore Lititz
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
COMPILED BY KAYLEE REX
These Lititz businesses are prepared to help you decorate your home, enjoy tasty creations, prepare for your summer vacations and so much more!
Dining
Open since 2010, A TEA AFFAIR boasts a lovely Tearoom where you can revel in sweets, savories and tea. Visitors to the Tearoom, located at 8 Sturgis Lane, can enjoy Luncheon Tea, Garden Tea or Afternoon High Tea. Reservations are required. A Tea Affair is also a great place to host a birthday gathering, bridal or baby shower or any other special occasion!
Tea lovers can also visit the retail shop, located at 36-A East Main Street, to find a wide selection of loose-leaf teas, mugs, infusers and other items. Online shopping is also available.
15 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
BOUTIQUE 36 E Main St., Lititz, Pa 717-625-4337 Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm It’s Always Tea Time at A Tea Affair! TEA ROOM 8 Sturgis Lane, Lititz, Pa 717-627-1776 • ateaaffairlititz@gmail.com Mon.-Sat. 11:30am-3:30pm Celebrate Your Special Moments at the Tea Room at A Tea Affair! Call for availability! 600 Loose Leaf Teas to Choose From!
Events Events
It’s summer in Lititz!
The streets and parks are bustling, shops and restaurants are open and best of all, the events that help to make Lititz one of the “coolest small towns” in America are on the calendar.
June 2, 5-9 p.m.
TASTE OF LITITZ
Set on East Main Street and surrounded by historic architecture, Taste of Lititz invites you to try local restaurants’ very best bites. Also, enjoy live music, family activities and shopping at your favorite small businesses.
June 10, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
AMBUCS CRAFTS IN THE PARK
Spend the day at Lititz Springs Park browsing locally made crafts, art and décor.
June 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
LITITZ PRIDE FESTIVAL
Organized by Lititz Chooses Love, this celebration welcomes everyone to come as they are to listen, learn and choose love. The event will include speakers, performances, kids activities and more.
June 23-24
60TH ANNUAL ANTIQUES SHOW
Join the Lititz Historical Foundation at Warwick Middle School for their
60th-annual antiques show. Nearly 50 dealers will present a wide range of interesting country wares and dry goods. The show will be held Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission will be $10.
July 3-4
THE 206TH ANNUAL JULY 4TH CELEBRATION
The celebration kicks off on Monday, July 3, in Lititz Springs Park with the Lions Club Parade, a free concert and the Queen of Candles program. The festivities continue on Tuesday, July 4, with live music and family activities, concluding with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are required for admission on Tuesday.
16 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 14 E MAIN STREET, LITITZ, PA • 717-626-2115 • LITITZSPRINGSINN.COM
LITITZ SPRINGS INN & SPA ’s historic facility is located in the heart of Downtown Lititz and offers a variety of spaces and accommodations for events up to 150 guests. While the cozy interior and small-town setting enhance the intimacy of your wedding celebrations, Lititz Springs Inn & Spa offers a variety of cosmopolitan amenities and services. With an inhouse spa, VIP lounge, award-winning pub, cocktail bar, newly renovated patio and covered outdoor bar and 14 rooms and suites, you and your guests will be fully pampered from start to finish.
If you would like a side of rock ‘n’ roll with your meal, head to PER DIEM at the Hotel Rock Lititz. The restaurant is located on the Rock Lititz campus, which is a one-stop shop for A-list artists who are preparing to go on tour. Starring fresh ingredients sourced from regional farms, foragers and producers, Per Diem offers dinner daily and brunch on Sunday. For dinner, choose from starters, salads, pizza and entrées. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available. Signature cocktails, beer and wine are also offered. Be sure to leave room for dessert from their inhouse pastry chef!
July 29, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
LITITZ ART ASSOCIATION OUTDOOR FINE ART SHOW
Browse the works of over 130 artists, both local and out-of-state, during this year’s show at Lititz Springs Park. Oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawings, ceramics and sculptures will all be on display or available for purchase.
August 6, 8-11 a.m.
LITITZ RECCENTER TRIATHLON
Swim, Bike, Run! Athletes of every level are invited to take part in the Lititz RecCenter triathlon.
17 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 Special Advertising Section
Award-Winning Care Since 1971
For more than 50 years, Gochenauer Pet Resort has been providing veterinarian-recommended pet boarding, daycare, and grooming for families throughout Lancaster, PA and beyond. Our multi-generational, family-owned and operated resort has proudly been chosen for over 50 people’s choice awards recognizing our outstanding services, advanced level of care, and attentive caregivers.
Pets
For more than 52 years, GOCHENAUER PET RESORT , which is family owned and operated, has provided quality care for pets. Their professional staff is committed to giving your pet individualized care and attention to ensure it adjusts to its temporary home. At Gochenauer’s, your pet is always treated like family and provided with all the essentials to keep them happy and healthy until you return. Request an appointment 24/7 at gochenauers.com or during normal
by calling 717-569-6151.
Shopping
The MAI N ST REET PEDDLER celebrates life’s moments every day. From seasonal holidays, birthdays, weddings and every other occasion in between, they have the perfect gift you’re looking for. Located at 22 East Main Street in Downtown Lititz, this charming shop is filled with lovely, curated gifts and home
18 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
DOG BOARDING • CAT BOARDING • DOG DAYCARE • DOG GROOMING & SPA Call Us Today at 717-569-6151 To Book Your Pets’ Boarding, Daycare Or Grooming GOCHENAUERPETRESORT.COM theMain Street Peddler Main Street Peddler 22 E. Main Street Lititz, PA 17543 | 717.627.4511 Make your house a home. Hand selected collection of urban farmhouse decor & unique, collectible, inspiring gifts. theMain Street Peddler Main Street Peddler 22 E. Main Street Lititz, PA 17543 | 717.627.4511 Make your house a home. Hand selected collection of urban farmhouse decor & unique, collectible, inspiring gifts. Perfect Gifts for Every Occasion.
business hours
PlusSizes,too!
décor from brands like Mariposa, Nora Fleming, Sullivan’s, April Cornell, Pampa Bay and so many more. Their friendly staff warmly welcomes you and can help you find the perfect item you’re looking for. They have been in business for almost 30 years and that is certainly something to celebrate!
Summer is always an exciting time at CLEMINTINES . The shop is filled with bright colors including shades of ocean blue, pale pink and golden yellow. Also find a wide range of accessories, which are essential to complete your look. Staff favorites in jewelry include Sea Lily (made from piano wire), OC Jewelry (artistic statement pieces) and Origin (a resin material that comes in an array of colors and styles). Clemintines also has lightweight scarves and purses. A clutch by Joy Susan can be used as a crossbody
or wristlet. All it takes is that one special piece to pull your outfit together!
Thomas Morton, of M ORTON FINE FURNITURE , has been designing and handcrafting beautiful solid wood furniture in Lancaster County for over 50 years and is designated as a Lancaster County Heritage Craftsman. Morton’s designs belie the intricacy of classic joinery methods of dovetailing and mortise and tenon. Thomas works primarily with Pennsylvania Appalachian Cherry, Walnut, Maple and Ash. Natural oils are hand-rubbed into the pores to reveal its distinctive natural color and grain. Each piece is finished with a wax coating for protection. Morton’s furniture is uniquely crafted as inspirations, not as reproductions. “When you see my signature, you know you have an original,” Thomas says.
August 12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
LITITZ ROTARY CRAFT SHOW
Drawing 700 crafters from throughout the U.S. and Canada, this show is one of the largest craft shows on the East Coast!
August 13, 6:30-8 p.m.
EVENING OF MUSIC
Hosted by Lititz Historical Foundation, enjoy a free night of music in Mary Oehme Gardens.
For more information about these and upcoming events, visit lititzpa.com.
19 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 Special Advertising Section MORTON FINE FURNITURE – HANDCRAFTED –CUSTOM ARTISAN FURNISHINGS Friday & Saturday 10-5 Mon-Thur by appointment 717-725-0600 | thomasmorton@mortonfurniture.com 61 E MAIN STREET, LITITZ | MORTONFURNITURE.COM
Monday through Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm 25 East Main Street Lititz • 717-626-6688 Color
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that celebrates you! PURSUE a “home”
From a work home to a home for retirement, Moravian Manor Communities celebrates the journey of living with abundant opportunities to pursue what matters to you … whether it’s a fulfilling career or maintenance-free lifestyle.
A Career with Purpose!
We recognize Excellence In Customer Care and reward team members for their hard work. Some of our staff have been with us for 20+ years! Apply today at www.moravianmanorcommunities.org/careers
An Enriched Life!
With two campuses, four residential home styles (Apartments, Carriage Homes, Cottages & Townhomes) and four comprehensive levels of care (Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Care, and Short-Term Rehab), we can accommodate your needs for today, and tomorrow! Call 717-626-0214 for a tour!
If you’re searching for a celebrated community in which to work or live, we’d love to see you here!
Senior Living
UNITED ZION RETIREMENT COMMUNITY is a welcoming, faithbased Life Plan Community that has been providing exceptional service and care for 115+ years. Located minutes from historic Downtown Lititz, their beautiful hilltop location offers great views of North Lititz and surrounding farmland. The community offers a full continuum of care including independent living apartments and cottages, personal care, long-term skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation. The community is united in tradition and new growth. United Zion is now taking reservations for the Cedar Heights apartments coming in 2025!
MORAVIAN MANOR COMMUNITIES is a one-of-a-kind place to live and retire. The walkable community features two campuses, just steps away from Downtown Lititz. Moravian Manor Communities offers the area’s widest array of residential home styles, as well as a full continuum of Life Plan options and more – all supporting active aging. Residents are assured of support that’s available 24/7. They are prepared to handle any emerging issues or health situations that arise. Call 717-626-0214 to learn more about their two distinct campuses, community amenities, lifestyle opportunities, dining options and engaging groups that can help you strike the perfect balance in life.
At LUTHER ACRES , a Luthercare community in Lititz, older adults enjoy a healthy, active retirement with more time to do the things they love. Thanks to many onsite conveniences and without the worries of home maintenance, they’re enjoying summer and living life to the fullest –whether walking their dog across the 55acre campus, gardening at the Horticulture Center, practicing their swing on the putting green or relaxing with a meal and a glass of wine with friends! Charming Downtown Lititz is also walkable from Luther Acres, and residents appreciate taking in the unique community events, quaint boutiques and fantastic restaurants.
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20 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Residential Living • Assisted Living • Personal Care • Memory Support • Skilled Care • Short-Term Rehab Connect with
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Luthercare complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Leave the hassles of homeownership behind. With fantastic amenities and on-site conveniences, experience a healthy, active retirement at a Luthercare community. Have more time to do the things you love! Tour Our Available 1- & 2-Bedroom Apartments www.Luthercare.org • 717.626.8376 Lititz, PA | Columbia, PA | Lebanon, PA Independent Living • Personal Care • Skilled Nursing Care Memory Support • Rehab to Home • Home Care
Plan a Vacation Your Dog Will Love
BY LAURA M. BRENNER
22 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 Outdoor landmarks are great destinations to visit when traveling with pets. Here, Piper poses in front of the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Maine.
Eleven-year-old Piper has visited 13 states and driven through at least three or four more. She’s called five states “home” for at least a couple of months or more. Not bad for a runty kid from nowhere North Carolina. Of course, by a kid, I mean a dog. But as a millennial, those two words are nearly synonymous.
Piper,
a 30-pound brown-and-black hound mix, came into my life just before graduating from college in 2013. From the start, I enjoyed bringing Piper with me wherever I went. But our relationship blossomed in 2020, when I bought and converted a cargo van into a home on wheels. Since then, the two of us have traveled up and down the East Coast. Along the way, I’ve learned a thing or two about traveling and sharing adventures with your pet.
Road-tripping With Your Pet
The most convenient way to travel with your pet is in your own car.
Imagine a road trip with your best friend – indulgent snacks, throwback music and the excitement of an unknown destination ahead. This assumes your dog is your best friend. If this isn’t the case, this article might not be for you.
I got lucky with Piper. She’s a natural-born co-pilot, happy to sleep through hours of highway miles. But I’ve traveled with dogs that are not comfortable in a moving car; they pant and whine and occasionally vomit. Sometimes they try to climb onto your lap for comfort. This kind of behavior is dangerous for you, the driver, and it’s not an ideal way to introduce travel to your pet.
If you know your dog is an anxious traveler, consider some form of containment to keep them from encroaching on your personal space while driving. Several companies make travel-ready pet crates or carriers for cars and other types of safety
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Top to bottom: One of our favorite hikes in the Adirondack High Peaks Region takes us to Hopkins Mountain in Keene Valley, New York. Enjoying coffee and baked goods at Double D's Coffee & Desserts in Asheville, North Carolina.
restraints. Personal preference and pet behavior should inform the decision to crate or restrain a dog in a car.
You might also consider talking with your veterinarian about anxiety or anti-vomit medications for your pet before traveling. However you choose to have your pet in your vehicle while traveling, their safety and your own are improved by keeping them calm and comfortable. That includes when the car is parked.
Managing the Temperature in Your Car
Sometimes, there’s no way to avoid leaving your pet in a parked car for a time. As a solo traveler, it’s impossible.
It’s a divisive topic, but often a reality when traveling with your dog. For your pet’s comfort, and the ease of mind of strangers nearby, I have a few ways to keep your car cooler and your pet comfortable.
Blocking the sun from entering the vehicle through windows is essential. If there is a shady spot in the parking lot, that’s where I’m heading. Even if it’s the farthest space from the store entrance or across the street in a neighboring parking lot. I also try to plan my trips to the grocery store or other errands in the morning or evening, when the temperature is cooler.
Insulated window shades go a long way in keeping your car cool, too. Sites like Amazon and retailers like WeatherTech offer sun protection for just about every vehicle. Mesh window screens also help manage the temperature by allowing you to leave your windows cracked or partway down without letting your pet escape or curious hands reach in for a head scratch.
Mass and Public Transit with Pets
Other forms of transportation can be dog-friendly, depending on the size and breed of your dog.
I don’t have much experience with pets and mass transit, but I do some research every time I want to take Piper on a non-van trip. Most airplane and
train companies impose restrictions on traveling with pets, such as a weight or breed restriction or verification of medical records. Unfortunately, bus companies rarely permit pets onboard. (Note: Such restrictions don’t apply to service dogs.)
The advice for mass and public transit is the same as finding lodging for you and your pet: always call ahead (or visit websites) to ensure you know the current policies. For example, Metro in Washington, D.C., allows pets to travel on the subway and buses as long as they are confined in carriers. (Well, that excludes Piper!)
Aside from the rules and regulations surrounding pets in mass transit, your pet’s comfort level with public spaces, crowds and noise should be considered before traveling. Seeing your dog stressed increases your own cortisol levels, which makes every little thing that much tougher to navigate together. Common signs of stress in dogs include panting, excessive yawning, pacing and whining.
Booking Petfriendly Accommodations
Of course, vacation isn’t all travel. There’s the destination part, too!
I have a personal bias for green destinations – mountains and forests with plenty of free camping opportunities under tall shade trees. But Piper and I have managed to travel and stay comfortably in both remote campgrounds and big cities.
Many campgrounds and hotels will require proof of a rabies vaccination or other medical records to show your pet is in good health. They may also charge a pet fee or deposit. And, I can’t say this enough: when in doubt, always call ahead to confirm pets are permitted.
For the comfort and safety of their staff, hotels will ask you to either crate your pet when you’re away from your hotel room or require you never to leave your pet alone in your hotel room. Have a plan for managing the activities of your vacation and your pet’s needs.
If your dog has never been camping before – especially tent camping – test out their comfort in the backyard or
at a nearby park before committing to a destination. Unlike the walls of your home, tent fabric does little to muffle outside noises and smells that may interest or frustrate your pet and interrupt your sleep.
Staying in an unfamiliar space may cause a heightened sense of alertness in some dogs. I learned quickly that Piper was calmer when I brought a blanket or dog bed from home. Having something that smells like home and is familiar to your dog can help them feel comfortable in a new space. Likewise, to limit sound sensitivity, I often leave the TV on or pack a small FM radio to play music while I’m away, which helps muffle outside noises that may cause Piper to bark.
Adventure Safely with your Pet
The best way to plan a fun, safe adventure with your pet is to know your pet well.
Consider their usual energy level and exercise habits – are they ready for a week of hiking or would they prefer five days of relaxing next to a pool? Is your pet used to doing their business on a sidewalk or do they need abundant green space to run around first? Are they better suited to winter wonderlands or more temperate climates?
Set up your pet for success on your vacation by getting them comfortable with the sights, sounds and smells of your destination environment before leaving home. You can test their comfort levels by taking them for a walk in an urban environment, asking them to sit with you outside at a busy park or visiting stores that allow pets to see how they behave. As a hound owner, I’ve found success using treats as a positive reinforcement when introducing new environments and travel situations.
Most dogs I’ve traveled with are surprisingly adjustable. Piper enjoys the smells and abundant hands for free head scratches found in cities and small towns, while also eagerly bounding up backcountry trails for a quiet day in the woods. But she’s not as young as she used to be, so I’m careful to limit her activity to what she can handle while building in “rest days”
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between hiking adventures.
Be willing to adjust your vacation plans if your dog isn’t taking to the original plan how you thought it might. Part of the adventure is learning more about your dog and finding ways to make the trip fun for both of you.
When we’re in cities – most recently, we visited Washington, D.C., in April – part of the adventure is exploring the city by foot. It’s an activity that is well suited for dogs. Piper got to smell everything that happened on those streets in the last 48 hours, while I got to visit the childhood home of Duke Ellington. I often use Google Maps satellites to look for green spaces and parks where Piper can do her business on real grass like she’s used to.
Regardless of how many miles Piper and I walk or hike on road trips, her eating habits change when we’re on the road compared to at home. Even a veteran traveler like Piper experiences travel stress and may refuse to eat on the first day of our journey. It’s typical for pets to alter their eating habits when traveling. I supplement with a few dinner scraps and some of her favorite treats. I suggest using leak-proof Tupperware containers as your dog’s food and water bowls while traveling.
BUILDING A VACATION around your pet can be a fun way to explore and build a deeper bond. Dog-friendly vacations may look different from your usual beach adventure or road trip, but the memories you’ll create together make a few small compromises worth the effort. With your dog’s comfort and safety top of your mind and some pre-planning, you and your dog can have the time of your lives anywhere your adventure takes you.
Above: The white beaches of Siesta Key aren't dog-friendly, but neighboring Sarasota, Florida, offered plenty of places –including Bayfront Park & Marina – to explore with Piper.
Below: Piper found Plymouth Rock less interesting than Plymouth geese on our day spent in the historic town.
One of those meant-to-be moments occurred when I was invited to a conference at a dog-friendly hotel in Historic Williamsburg, Virginia.
Road trips are about slowing down; the Blue Ridge Parkway offered the right pace and beautiful views through southwestern Virginia.
Laura M. Brenner is a freelance writer and running coach. She and her co-pilot, Piper, travel the country in a self-converted camper van seeking interesting races to compete in, as well as untold stories of the land and animals in the care of modern American farmers.
Playful Pups Retreat An Enriching Experience
Playful Pups Retreat An Enriching Experience
A year spent in California in the mid ’90s prompted Laurie Yost to look at human-canine relationships in an all-new way. Dog parks, dog hotels and dog spas were all-new concepts at that time. The way dogs were treated and cared for would eventually make its way east and ultimately set the tone for Laurie’s dream-come-true venture in Lancaster County that is set to expand next month.
BY SUE LONG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GOULD
Dogs are now treated as members of the family.
Laurie verifies that notion and offers the observation, “Dogs are part of the family like never before. They’ve gone from the backyard to the bedroom.” A survey conducted by Chewy, Inc. concurs with that statement, as 84% of respondents say they consider their dogs to be important members of the family.
Chewy’s latest ad campaign provides a humorous look at the phenomenon with a television commercial that shows a family – including Bailey the talking dog – gathered around the dinner table and discussing the events of their day. The kids are obviously jealous of the attention that is paid to Bailey and his exploits by their parents.
Appropriately enough, the spot is called “Favorite Child.” According to the results of Chewy’s survey, which were released in April, three in 10 parents
name their dog as their favorite child, while four in 10 consider their dog to be their best friend.
The results also reveal that 61% of survey participants report that their pets are better at cheering them up than are their partners, while 93% state that their pets make them happier people. Oh, and 60% of respondents admit to allowing their dogs to sleep on their beds.
LAURIE, WHO WAS born in Hershey and spent most of her childhood in Texas
26 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
(her mother was in the military), moved back to Central Pennsylvania after college. Her one-year stint in California was centered in Laguna Beach. When she returned home, Laurie opened a consignment shop in Elizabethtown she named Now Wear This!
However, the avowed dog lover’s mind kept returning to California; she dreamed of opening a boarding and daycare business based on what she had seen on the West Coast. “I came
up with a five-year plan and started taking classes, attending seminars and conferences and visiting pet facilities,” Laurie explains.
During her travels around the area, she took note of buildings that were for sale and contemplated the challenges of making them caninefriendly. That’s when she realized her “Champagne taste and beer budget” didn’t correlate. Reality set in: It would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to retrofit any of the buildings she saw. “I’m driven to do things right,” she says. “If I do something, I give it a 110% effort. I was fully committed to doing this right.”
So, it was back to the drawing board. She ultimately realized the answer to the dilemma was
right in her own backyard. Laurie and her husband live on 19 acres of woodland along Milton Grove Road in Elizabethtown. They decided it would make more sense to build a facility from the ground up. A 6,900-squarefoot “hotel” was built to accommodate guests whose families were traveling and could not take them along. What dog wouldn’t want to spend their “vacations” in such a beautiful spot that features secure, tree-shrouded play yards, nature trails and other amenities?
Playful Pups Retreat opened in 2010 with six employees. “It’s a special culture,” Laurie says of the pet-care industry. “Yes, you must love dogs, but it has to go deeper than that. You must be fully committed. It’s hot, dirty work. Summer and holidays are our busy periods. We’re open 365 days a year.”
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Two guests enjoy the splashpad at Playful Pups’ daycare center on Hershey Road in Elizabethtown.
ONE ADVENTURE LEADS TO ANOTHER
The venture proved to be so successful that Laurie began offering daycare and training. “We cater to people who want a high level of care for their pets,” she explains. Because of that, Laurie and her staff consider pet parents to be an important part of the equation. “A lot of our clients are in their 20s and 30s. Their dogs are their kids. The expectations are higher than ever before. Leaving a pet with us for the first time is equivalent to a parent putting their child on the school bus for the first time. They’re nervous, they wonder how their pet is coping … we want to give them peace of mind.”
To alleviate anxiety, Playful Pups’ canine clients engage in arts and crafts projects (creating framed paw or nose prints is a favorite pastime) and pose for photos and videos that are texted/ emailed to their families. “The projects aren’t for the dogs,” Laurie says. “They’ll become keepsakes for their families.”
SUCCESS ALSO spawned expansion. Laurie sold the consignment shop and transformed the building into a center that is exclusively devoted to daycare. Open since 2019, the Hershey Road facility offers programs that are designed for dogs of all ages and entail a balanced agenda of social interaction, mental stimulation, enrichment activities, group play and quiet time. It is also home to a splashpad water feature. Evaluations are conducted before a first visit to determine a dog’s proper placement based on personality, play style, energy level, etc. “Our programs meet the needs of every stage of life,” Laurie notes.
Once again, the venture proved to be a success. So much so, that an expansion is nearing completion. “We’ve been averaging 120 dogs a day at the Hershey Road site,” Laurie says. “We have a waiting list. Our plan is to expand the Puppy Social Skills daycare, as well as the Enrichment daycare. Enrichment activities, socialization and
potty and crate training help to create confident and social dogs.”
ACCORDING TO LAURIE, “enrichment” is the new buzzword in the dog world. Dogs that are left to their own devices all day and don’t benefit from stimulating activities, socialization or exercise can create problems in a household. “You want your dog to be the best self it can be,” Laurie says. Demand for such services is at an all-time high. “We’re in the process of growing our training programs,” Laurie notes.
The Hershey Road facility is also an example of a new trend – memberships –in the pet-care industry. “To enroll, a dog must come to the center at least one day a week. (Full and half-day memberships are offered.) Laurie says average attendance is two to three days a week. “And, if a dog is sick, we ask that they stay home,” she says of the health precautions that are taken. “After all, we have a responsibility to every dog in our
28 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Personalities, play styles, size and other factors figure into the makeup of play groups.
Practicing manners at the water bowl.
Left: The daycare center features a boutique that is stocked with treats, gear and other necessities.
Right: Paw prints and wet noses help to create special memories for pet parents.
Laurie Yost modeled Playful Pups Retreat after the facilities she saw in California.
care.” Air-scrubbers are also utilized to purify the air at both facilities.
THERE’S MORE!
When Laurie became aware of a new offering called Sniffspot (sniffspot.com), through which home and land owners make their backyards and fields open to dog owners (fees vary from property to property), she joined the online roster and made an enclosed area on the Milton Grove Road property that is removed from the Playful Pups complex available. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she says. “I didn’t do anything to promote it; I just relied on Sniffspot.”
The first year, she estimates six visitors utilized the yard. “Now we get a nice number of visitors almost every day,” she reports. The site offers its own parking lot and clients are trusted to clean up after their dogs and abide by Sniffspot’s and Laurie’s rules. “Our clients have been great – they’ll message me to alert me of any issues they notice.”
CARING FOR LESS FORTUNATE ANIMALS
Laurie has always been supportive of rescue organizations and shelters. “Rescue is a labor of love,” she says. One of the ways in which she supports the cause is to both foster and adopt rescue dogs. Her personal pack once consisted of 11 dogs. “We’re down to seven now,” she shares, adding that she is currently fostering a French bulldog. “They just become a part of your life,” she says.
Laurie is the founder of Pitties Love Peace, which works to find homes for pit bulls and pit-bull mixes throughout the Northeast. Founded in 2010 and given nonprofit status in 2011, the organization relies heavily on foster homes to provide the first steps to finding forever families for their charges. Laurie especially likes to champion senior dogs, noting, “They have so much love and life to give.” For more information, visit pittieslovepeace.com
LOOKING AHEAD
With two facilities to oversee, Playful Pups’ workforce has grown to include 70 team members. “Many are part-time,” Laurie says. Clients hail mainly from the Elizabethtown/Mount Joy/Hershey area, but some long-time clients arrive from Lititz, Jonestown, the Harrisburg area and Lancaster. “They value what we do here,” Laurie says of those who travel longer distances. “They’ll do anything for their dogs.”
While further expansion is not out of the question, for now, Laurie prefers to concentrate on providing quality care and growing the programs at the two locations she operates. “There’s never a dull moment,” she says of working with dogs.
Playful Pups
Retreat’s daycare center, located at 406 Hershey Road in Elizabethtown, will be holding an Open House on a date to be determined in July. For updates, visit playfulpupsretreat.com or call 717-689-3756.
29 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Enclosed play yards at both locations provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and socializing.
Autumn Young, an enrichment counselor, is working with hearing-impaired Mikaya on learning sign-language skills.
With the expansion of the Hershey Road location, Laurie plans to put more emphasis on training and enrichment programs.
Playful Pups’ daycare location has been operating at full capacity. An expansion project will provide additional capacity and allow for more programs to be offered.
Nature trails loop around the Milton Grove Road location.
30 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 Boarding Daycare Bathing Training Follow us! playfulpupsretreat Doggie Daycare & Enrichment Center 406 Hershey Road Elizabethtown, PA 17022 717-689-3756 Luxury Overnight Lodging 850 Milton Grove Road North Elizabethtown, PA 17022 717-689-3408 Find us online! www.playfulpupsretreat.com Providing Superior Care for Your Furry Family Member TWO AWARD-WINNING LOCATIONS Offering Traditional, Enrichment Daycare and a Specialized Daycare Program Just for Puppies! Every Dog’s Stay is Fun and Enriching, and is Always Personalized to their Specific Needs.
31 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 Leola 2457 New Holland Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 717-656-9754 Downtown 443 N. Mulberry Street Lancaster, PA 17603 717-945-6661 Voted #1 vet hospital 5 years in a row! Manheim Pike 1669 Manheim Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 717-569-6424 ma nheim pi ke leola / downt own familyvet.net EVERY MONTH IS PET MONTH FOR US! PHASE ONE COMING SOON! Learn more or request a brochure at DiscoverTownstead.org! Call 717-923-5532 for info
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Celebrate Summer
PRODUCE, SPECIALTY FOODS & SATURDAY MORNING MARKET TRADITIONS
Whether you’re spending summer in the city or enjoying a nice summer breeze in the country, celebrate the season in Lancaster! The following businesses can help to make your summer enjoyable, relaxing and carefree.
The COLUMBIA MARKET HOUSE is a treasure located in the heart of this historic river town. The plans for this structure originated in 1868 with Robert Crane. Opened on September 17, 1869, the market has served as an anchor for this community. While visiting, take a tour of the well-preserved dungeons from 1834, including a solitary confinement cell. In 2019, after being closed for a few years, Columbia, in partnership with the state, once again invested in this building and on May 29, 2021, the Market House reopened with a restaurant, stand spaces and room for special events.
15 South 3rd Street
Columbia, Pennsylvania 17512
Open Saturdays, 7am-3pm
COLUMBIAPAMARKETHOUSE.ORG
KREIDER’S CANVAS SERVICE, INC. has been installing awnings in Lancaster County for over 40 years. Leslie Kreider shares that Kreider’s Canvas offers an option that makes outdoor areas more useful and comfortable. “We developed a ‘Roof Vent System’ that can be used on the flat back wall of a deck or patio canopy. This increased venting area provides more air
32 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
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Special Advertising Section 34 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 Robbery, mayhem, and a chase across town — get your fill of true crime at Strasburg Rail Road’s Bonnie & Clyde stunt-filled summer spectacular. Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to grab yours before they’re gone! Trouble
Bonnie & Clyde Experience Playing June 9 - September 3 GET YOUR TICKETS NOW StrasburgRailRoad.com FREE PARKING BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR Rain or Shine! In case of inclement weather, concerts will be held inside the red warehouse across the street from shelter 265 SOUTH 10TH STREET,COLUMBIA, PA 17512 • 717.681.6858 • COLUMBIA ANIMAL SHELTER.COM JULY 8: Jake's Rockin' Country Band Tickets: $15 in advance • $20 at the door AUGUST 12: Kracker Beez SEPTEMBER 9: Maxwell Project OCTOBER 14: Stu Huggens & the Honky Tonk Heroes SHELTER CONCERT SERIES SHELTER CONCERT SERIES SHELTER CONCERT SERIES TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH EVENTBRITE FOOD & DRINKS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE JOIN US for our outdoor concert series held in the field behind the Columbia Animal Shelter! ALL CONCERTS ARE FROM 6PM-9PM JUNE 10: Stu Huggens & the Honky Tonk Heroes opening for Jess Zimmerman Band Special Admission: JMA Country Rock Album of the Year! Tickets: $20 in advance • $25 at the door
Comes In Twos...
flow and minimizes trapped hot air,” Leslie says. What’s trending? “There has been an increased use of side curtains around porches and pavilions to block wind when needed, while still having the ability to open up to full view of the outside.”
Offering a variety of unique experiences year-round, from dining on the train to stunt-filled spectaculars, STRASBURG RAIL ROAD is your destination for fun.
NOAH F. BOYLE CABINETS , located in Elizabethtown, has been designing, building and installing custom cabinets since 1993. Noah F. Boyle Cabinets creates high quality kitchen and bathroom cabinets with craftsmanship to the last detail. From design to installation and beyond, Noah F. Boyle provides excellent customer service and attention to detail through every step of the project. “The cabinets are a work of art,” says one satisfied customer. Call 717-944-1007 to find out how Noah F. Boyle Cabinets can help you create your dream kitchen or bathroom.
COLUMBIA ANIMAL SHELTER is dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of at-risk companion animals. They are committed to providing quality healthcare and adoption services to the community in which they are based. With the help of their tireless staff, Columbia Animal Shelter organizes fundraisers, community events and in-depth training sessions for their volunteers.
Be sure to check out Columbia Animal Shelter’s Summer Concert Series the second Saturday of every month from 6-9 p.m. Bring a chair and enjoy the tunes! Food and drink are available for purchase. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
The NATIONAL WATCH & CLOCK MUSEUM has been a beloved Lancaster County attraction for over 40 years. As you enter the museum’s beautiful atrium and begin your tour of international timepieces, you’ll know you’ve stepped into something special! Learn what makes a clock tick and how the pocket watch evolved into the wristwatch. Explore the history, art and technology of timekeeping as told by more than 13,000 items, the largest collection in North America. And while you’re there, check out the unique, time-themed gift shop filled with books, gifts and gear.
35 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 514 POPLAR ST. • COLUMBIA, PA 17512 717.684.8261• WWW.NAWCC.ORG WE HAVE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD.
Enjoy family fun all summer long at SCOOPS ICE CREAM & GRILLE AND BOULDERS MINIATURE GOLF in Mountville. Open through October, indulge your sweet tooth with over 24 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, sundaes, splits and shakes. Enjoy lunch or dinner with a full menu, including cheesesteaks, burgers, quesadillas, salads and more. The mini golf features fun for all ages with 19 challenging holes. Be on the lookout for Scoops food trucks in the community or book them for weddings, corporate events, employee appreciations and more. It’s food, ice cream and mini golf all in one great location.
Transform your backyard into an oasis with the help of outdoor specialists, EAGLE WINGS BUSINESS NETWORK (EWBN). With over 30 years of industry experience and nearly 20 years in business, owner Reuben Stoltzfus and the EWBN team are experts in transforming regular spaces into fun and exciting places to relax and create memories with family and friends. EWBN can create your dream outdoor space by installing customized roof structures, outdoor
kitchens, hardscaping, decks, fencing, firepits and more. Basement remodeling is also available. Because EWBN is committed to overdeliver, assistance and industry-experienced advice are offered every step of the way to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Since 1932, L.H. BRUBAKER APPLIANCES AND WATER TREATMENT has been dedicated to providing excellent customer service and a knowledgeable staff. The third-generation familyowned business offers the most extensive selection in the tri-state area. L.H. Brubaker has become your one-stop shopping experience featuring appliances and water treatment systems. Pair that with competitive pricing, service, delivery and installation, and you’ll understand why they have been in business for over 90 years. Check out one of their three locations: 340 Strasburg Pike, Lancaster; 5303 East Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg; and their newest location, 2084 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster. L.H. Brubaker looks forward to seeing you soon!
Special Advertising Section 36 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 312 PRIMROSE LANE, MOUNTVILLE • 717-285-2055 ScoopsGrille.com • BouldersMiniGolf.com Family Fun All Summer Long!
37 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 Outdoor Kitchens • Patios & Hardscaping Outdoor Structures • Decks • Finished Basements 624 N. SHIRK ROAD, NEW HOLLAND | 717-355-0741 | EWBN.NET Transform Your Backyard Into an Outdoor Oasis! 340 Strasburg Pike Lancaster, PA 17602 717-299-2351 Full Suite SAVINGS LIMITED-TIME OFFER Create the kitchen of your dreams and save. Purchase a qualifying Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliance package and receive three additional years of protection or up to a $2,500 rebate. For details, visit subzero-wolf.com/promotion. 5303 E. Trindle Rd. Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 2084 Fruitville Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 lhbrubakers.com PA071323 The region’s only Living Kitchen
FOR EVERYDAY ESCAPES
BOWMAN’S STOVE & PATIO has been furnishing outdoor living spaces and providing warmth to homes for more than 45 years. Their showroom features over 100 outdoor furniture sets on display. You can choose from their large selection of in stock outdoor furniture, or you can custom order exactly what you want. Add warmth and beauty to your home by adding a new stove or fireplace. Choose from over 70 wood, gas or electric stoves and fireplaces that are on display. Right now, take advantage of the $2000 federal tax credit when you purchase a new wood stove.
THE BARKING BARON is located on Market Square in the growing town of Manheim in beautiful Lancaster County. Owned by a nurse, formerly from The Manheim Central School District, her love of the Manheim community is evident at this rustic-chic dog boutique where local children still call her “Nurse O”. The boutique offers beautiful collars, leashes, apparel, toys, beds, treats and much more! As one of Manheim’s many dog-friendly businesses, The Barking Baron welcomes you and your best friend to shop and visit other small-town businesses and restaurants within walking distance of Market Square! Friendly, small-town charm awaits!
A beautiful backyard shed from FOX COUNTRY SHEDS is the perfect solution for your outdoor living area. For example, the Poolhouse Shed offers a relaxing gazebo-like porch area as well as an enclosed area. Use this space for a changing room or additional storage for your pool or grilling equipment. Or convert your new shed into a mancave or she-shed! Customize and view your storage shed ideas in 3D when you visit their website. You can even “place” your new shed right in your backyard virtually with the Augmented Reality feature. Whatever your storage needs are, adding a “Fox Shed” will add valuable storage space to your home while enhancing the exterior of your property.
Special Advertising Section 38 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
BOWMAN’S 1060 Division Highway (Route 322) | Ephrata, PA 717-733-4973 | www.bowmansstove.com
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39 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023 12 MARKET SQUARE, SUITE 1, MANHEIM, PA 17545 • 717-879-9949 Hours: Wed-Fri 10am-4pm • Sat 10am-3pm A Unique Dog Boutique In-Store & Online Shopping for All Your Pet Supply Needs /thebarkingbaron @_thebarkingbaron THEBARKINGBARON.COM 10 x 20 Farmhouse Shed 12 x 20 Heritage Garage 537 E. 28TH DIVISION HWY., Along Rte. 322 in LITITZ, PA | OPEN DAILY: MON.-SAT. 717-626-9560 | CUSTOMIZE & ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.FOXSHEDS.COM Sheds • Garages • Gazebos • Pavilions • Playsets • Poly Furniture • Site Prep • Custom Options • Standard Delivery Included 3D SHED DESIGNER SEE YOUR SHED DESIGN IN 3D! TO YOUR BACKYARD B R I N G T H E
Out & About
BY SUE LONG
Judith Martin, aka Miss Manners, whose column appears in more than 200 newspapers, was recently asked the question: … “‘back in the day’ – a few years ago, pre-pandemic – most people did not take their dogs wherever they went. Now that people are starting to socialize again, it’s not unusual, upon arriving at someone’s home, to find that just about everyone has brought their dog …” She asked what’s a person who is highly allergic to do in such situations?
Miss Manners agreed with the person’s observation, noting that dogs seem to be everywhere these days. It’s apparently become a post-pandemic trend. She also provided rules of etiquette for pet parents: Anyone bringing a dog anywhere needs to do their homework. In the case of a private home or social function, ask the hosts if it’s permissible. In the case of stores, restaurants, etc., check websites or call to check on pet policies. According to Miss Manners, once at your destination, a pet parent must supervise their dog’s behavior and ensure that he or she does not approach guests without clear encouragement. As for hosts, it’s their responsibility to let guests know that pets are welcome to attend so that those with allergy issues, phobias, etc., can send their regrets or take appropriate precautions.
Shopping
Walk into a Lowe’s or Home Depot and you may wonder if you made a mistake and entered a pet-friendly store like PetSmart or That Fish Place/That Pet Place. It’s obviously become “a thing” to take your dog on errands. It’s also become a way for dogs to practice their manners and for puppies to become socialized. If you see a crowd gathering at such a store, no doubt a puppy is on the premises!
Kathy Frey has always been ahead of the curve where dogs are concerned, as she always welcomed them to her Festoon shops. On May 1, Kathy announced the end of an era – she is retiring and Festoon, which has been a fixture in Downtown Lancaster for 19 years, will close its doors on August 1.
Kathy and her beloved dogs, (the late) Millie and Turk, posed for our June 2016 cover in support of Take Your Dog to Work Day, which this year will be held across the country on June 23.
Happy trails to Kathy, her husband, Bruce Terkeltaub, and Turk! You will be missed.
While stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot generally welcome dogs, they do not have blanket corporate policies in place. The same applies to HomeGoods. (Service dogs, of course, are welcome.) Instead, policies vary from store to store. Most request that dogs be well behaved; leashes are always required. (Leave the flexi-leash at home and use one that provides
more control.) If an accident occurs, be proactive about cleaning it up. Stores that openly welcome dogs include Tractor Supply, Barnes & Noble, Nordstrom and the Apple Store. In Allentown, The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley actually encourages shoppers to bring their pups along; stores that welcome canine visitors display dog-friendly decals on their doors; many provide treats. Water bowls are strategically placed throughout the complex.
Locally, Festoon, which recently announced it is closing after 19 years, has welcomed four-legged visitors for years. Privately owned pet stores welcome canine visitors, as well.
If in doubt whether your dog would be welcomed, call or visit the store’s website. Use common sense: if you’re running into a store to pick up some sandpaper, no problem. If you’re there to design a kitchen, it’s probably not a good idea to bring the dog along.
Play Ball!
I don’t know who started the take-adog-to-a-baseball-game phenomenon, but it’s become a huge attraction on both the minor and major league levels. In the realm of Major League Baseball (MLB), 16 teams participate in some sort of dog-related events. In Philadelphia, for example, Bark at the Park is held once a year; the 350 human-canine tickets for this year’s date, May 23, sold out instantly. A portion of the proceeds from those ticket sales benefit Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
In Pittsburgh, dogs are welcome to attend Tuesday home games, which are referred to as Pup Nights. Once a month (except for July), Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., will be hosting Pups in the Park. Proceeds from the sales of canine tickets (outfield seats) benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. In Harrisburg, the Senators host Wet Nose Wednesday for Wednesday home games. The Reading Fightin’ Phils will be holding Bark in the Park promotions on five Sundays during the season.
40 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
In addition, several minor and major league teams have dogs on staff who serve as mascots and bat dogs. Others are partnering with servicedog organizations. For example, the Philadelphia Phillies are partnering with Warrior Canine Connection to sponsor a service-dog-in-training. Major, a black lab puppy, will be doing PR and participating in community events for the team.
Locally, the Lancaster Barnstormers have been sponsoring dog-friendly games for years. Pet parents are welcome to bring their dogs to Wet Nose Wednesday games (June 7 & 21; July 5 & 19; August 2, 16 & 30; and September 6 & 13). The Capital Blue Cross Backyard (a grassy petfriendly seating area) is reserved for such fans on those game days. New
special activities. For details, visit lancasterbarnstormers.com
Note: As a rule, teams require proof of immunization and liability releases that can be submitted online.
W(h)ine
Missy Wilson, whose family owns Setter (as in the dog breed) Ridge Vineyards in Kutztown, is the voice behind the podcast, UncorkPA. A recent podcast was devoted to dogfriendly wineries, notably Mountain View in the Poconos, that she described as “extremely dog-friendly” thanks to the 100 acres that dogs are welcome to explore. In addition, pet parents are welcome to post photos of their furry family members to the winery’s Facebook page on Woof Wednesdays. The winery also sells plush toys and treats for pets to enjoy while their humans relax over a glass of wine.
Missy also noted that Pennsylvania’s vineyards, wineries, breweries, etc. are some of the dog-friendliest places you’ll find. She advises potential visitors to call or visit the website of a destination they would like to visit to confirm its pet policy. She also recommends that you bring toys, treats and water along. A leash is also a must. PA Wine Association: pennsylvaniawine.com.
True to Missy’s word, Lancaster County is indeed home to pet-friendly vineyards, wineries and breweries. For example, dogs are welcome at Nissley Vineyards Winery & Estate (Bainbridge), anytime except during special events. They are also prohibited from the winery’s second floor. Nissleywine.com.
to walk their dogs across the beautiful acreage. Dogs are also welcome on the covered patio and the shaded lawn area. Britainhillvenueandvineyard.com.
At Waltz Estate Winery & Tasting Room (Manheim), pets are restricted from entering the tasting room; however, they are invited to relax on the lawn (leashes required). Waltzvineyards.com.
As for other food and drink venues, more are welcoming dogs to the premises. Some include:
Sickman’s Mill (Conestoga) welcomes dogs to visit this summertime creekside gathering spot
this year is the Barnstormers Dog Club. Various levels of memberships are available that provide perks such as Yappy Hour beer specials, baseball cards featuring a photo of your pet, dog-friendly ice cream and more. The dog-friendly festivities kick off with Pet Fest on June 4, featuring vendors on the concourse and other
At Grandview Vineyards (Mount Joy), dogs are celebrated on Wag & Wine Wednesday (1-6 p.m.), when they are permitted on the deck. Dogfriendly beverages and biscuits are made available. Grandviewwines.com.
Moon Dancer Winery (Wrightsville) welcomes dogs to lounge around their outdoor tables. Moondancerwinery.com.
At Britain Hill Venue & Vineyard (Quarryville), pet parents are welcome
that is home to Jimmy’s Place (named after the owners’ late dog), where Jimmy Juice (orange juice, vodka and a secret ingredient) is available in cans or on draft along with other PA-made brews and spirits (such as River Dog Rum). Dogs are welcome to play on the grounds (under owner supervision) but are restricted from tubing down the Pequea. Sickmansmill.com.
Spring House Brewing Company’s Hazel Street headquarters has a patio –Dalton’s Doggie Deck – that is dogfriendly. Food and beverages (for humans) can be ordered at a walk-up window. The dog menu features Chow’s Chicken and Barley’s Burger Patty. Fresh water and treats are available, too. Springhousebeer.com.
Wacker Brewing Company/ Wacker’s Roadhouse (Willow Street) welcomes dogs to lounge on the patio that is furnished with umbrella-topped picnic tables. Wackerbrewing.com.
41 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
The Phillies’ service-dogin-training, Major.
Taking in a Barnstormers game from the Capital Blue Cross Backyard.
Pups are welcome at Sickman’s Mill.
Play
Dog parks provide secure environments in which dogs can exercise and socialize.
Ephrata Unleashed Dog Park, which opened earlier this year, was made possible by the Borough of Ephrata, Mainspring Ephrata, sponsors, donors, volunteers and Petsafe. Ahead of its opening, it offered a class in April called “Dog Park Safety and Etiquette.” The 40,000-square-foot park is divided into two areas and is open to the public.
160 Old Mill Rd., Ephrata. Ephrataunleasheddogpark.weebly.com.
Salisbury Township Community Park
In addition to a nature preserve and recreational areas, the park is home to an enclosed, off-leash dog park that is open to the public.
750 White Horse Rd., Gap. Salisburytownship.org.
Dog Park Mount Joy
Opened in 2016, this 3-acre park, located within Rapho Community Park, is divided into two sections. It’s operated and maintained with funding provided by membership fees, fundraising events, donations and the time and talents of volunteers.
960 Strickler Rd., Mount Joy. Dogparkmountjoy.com.
Beau’s Dream Dog Park
In 2012, Angela Bauman and her dog, Beau, entered a contest sponsored by Beneful Dog Food and won a $500,000 makeover for the dog park at Buchanan Park. The design/build
was overseen by Nate Berkus (HGTV), Jason Cameron (DIY Network) and pet expert, Arden Moore. Open since 2013, it offers two areas and amenities such as splashpads and a seating deck for pet parents. It is open to the public.
901 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster. Facebook.com/ beausdreamdogparkbuchanan.
Overlook Dog Park
This multi-acre park is located within Overlook Park in Manheim Township. It’s managed by the township and the Manheim Township Dog Owners Group. Registration is required to use the park that has spaces for small and large dogs.
2040 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. Manheimtownship.org.
Noel Dorwart Park/Nature Area
Located off Farmingdale Road, the park is situated on land owned and maintained by the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority. It offers a play area for dogs, however, it is not enclosed. No matter, dogs will love walking along the 1.3-mile trail that loops its way through fields, woodland, wetlands and waterways.
408 Parklawn Ct., Lancaster. Easthempfield.org.
Sniffspot
For one reason or another, a dog park may not be the best choice for your dog. Enter Sniffspot, through which backyards, fields and other privately owned outdoor areas are available to rent. Lancaster is home to several, including an oasis in the Southern End –The Pond – that offers five acres of what many who have visited call a canine’s “dream come true.” (Plus, as the name indicates, a water feature.) The place is gorgeous. Reviewers give it a 5 (tops) rating and Sniffspot ranks it as a Top Spot. Another destination that has earned a 5 rating is Aunty Sooz’s Backyard Pup Playland in East Petersburg that offers an enclosed 1/4acre of grass and clover. Zoomie Park in Mount Joy offers three enclosed pastures and optional amenities such as a baby pool. Laurie Yost (Playful Pups Retreat) in Elizabethtown,
makes an enclosed play yard available through Sniffspot.
Rates vary anywhere from $8 to $14 (or more) an hour. New to Sniffspot is membership plans.
For details, visit Sniffspot.com.
Dog Sports
Some breeds of dogs need to be kept busy and engaged. Such drive is literally in their DNA! Activities like agility, nose work, dock diving and herding provide ways to unleash that pent-up energy.
Dog Sense
Wendy Jordan’s facility in Conestoga will be offering agility classes throughout the summer (the next six-week session begins June 25). Be forewarned, classes fill quickly due to Wendy’s reputation and experience in the world of agility. (In addition, all members of the training staff have a minimum of five years of experience.) She also teaches a relatively new sport called nose work that taps into a dog’s natural ability. In addition, Dog Sense offers boarding, daycare (there’s a waiting list), training, behavior consults, grooming and more.
Dogsensepa.com
Rocky Creek Dog Agility
Kim and Mark Malmer operate an agility-training program at their farmette in Ephrata. Kim has been handling and training dogs for years and has earned titles and credentials from nearly 10 organizations. She is also a judge for agility events. The facility offers a training field with equipment, an indoor area, a pond and a swimming pool.
Rockycreekdogagility.com
Canine Country Club
Some dogs take to water like, well, ducks. If your pup loves the water, put this dog resort and spa in Manheim on your must-visit list. Canine Country Club, which is owned by Gary and Kim Buchen, grew out of their garage and now encompasses two facilities, The Club and The Windsor. The Windsor location is home to indoor and outdoor
42 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Beau’s Dream Dog Park
pools. Offerings include private (reservations needed) 30-minute or one-hour sessions (no more than two dogs) and group swims for three or more dogs. Swimming lessons are also offered. Also available are open swims indoors (Tuesday and Thursday, 12-8 p.m.) and outdoors (Monday and Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6:30-9 p.m.). Reservations are not needed to attend; multi-use passes are available. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit … humans are welcome to join the fun.
Cccresorts.com
Oscar’s Pet Resort
In addition to offering a full complement of services, Oscar’s is home to a Sports & Rec division whose activities are based in the Doggie Dome. Activities include all levels of agility (for fun and for competition). The Doggie Dome is also home to a club whose canine members are at advanced levels of agility and meet to reinforce those skills. The Doggie Dome also offers treadmill training, nose work, clicks for tricks and cart-pulling.
Oscarspetresort.com
Doing Good
Sadly, not every dog has a place to call their forever home. As a result, rescue organizations and shelters take on the responsibility of providing dogs, cats and other animals with food, shelter and medical care until they are adopted. Fundraising is vital to such work.
Mini Pints for Pups
Launched in 2018 by Humane PA (which includes the Lancaster Center for Humane Life-Saving), the organization partners with breweries to host a series of fundraising events that feature tasty brews, food, yard
games, prizes and more. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend. Best of all, $1 from every drink sale goes to Humane PA. The itinerary includes stops in Lancaster and Berks counties. The Lancaster events will be hosted by Pour Mans Brewing Co. (June 4, 12-4 p.m.), Raney Cellars Brewing Co. (June 24, 2-8 p.m.), Twisted Bine Beer Co. (July 16, 12-4 p.m.), River Trail Brewing (August 24, 4-8 p.m.) and Wacker Brewing Co. (September 24, 1-5 p.m.). For details, visit Humanepa.org.
Yappy Hour at the Railroad House
Last summer, the Railroad House Inn put its patio to use as the site of fundraisers for several rescue organizations. Owner Joey Bowden recently announced the Yappy Hour fundraising series will continue this summer as follows: June 8, Pitties Love Peace; July 13, Leo’s Helping Paws; August 10, Sebastian Foundation; September 7, Homeless to Home Husky Rescue; October 12, TBA. Guests are welcome to bring their (well-behaved) dogs along. Adoptable pets will also be on hand. Events are held rain/shine, 5-8 p.m. A portion of all proceeds will benefit the organizations.
For reservations, visit railroadhouseinn.com.
Good Dog!
A birthday, a gotcha anniversary, good behavior, welcome home … all are deserving of a special treat, a new collar or the latest toy.
Basset & Lab
This pawsome shop is owned by Mike Good and Alison Bowser, who became acquainted through a dog trainer. The bakery features dog-friendly treats, deli items (peanut butter bacon sticks) and cakes that look good enough for humans to eat (they are made
with dog-friendly ingredients). The boutique is stocked with creature comforts and the latest gear. The food selection emphasizes health and wellness (chemical- and GMO-free and non-processed).
1352 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. Bassetandlab.com.
The Barking Baron
After a 30-year career as a nurse, Deneen Ostasewski, was looking to make a career change. A lifelong love of dogs inspired the idea of opening a boutique dedicated to dogs. An empty storefront provided the perfect location. The selection is phenomenal –think canine-chic. Ever better is the fact that it shares the building with Cottage & Vine, a plant store. The two stores join forces to create a courtyard entrance that is always welcoming and sometimes whimsical.
12 Market Square, Manheim. Find them on Facebook.
43 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
As seen at For the Love of Dog in Marietta: A homegrown dog food, Naked Chicken, made from organic and omega 3 chicken and organic brown rice and cooked in natural juices. (No gluten, additives, binders or coloring.) Think of it as farm-to-bowl dog food from a real farmer, Ken Charles, who founded Charles Pet Food, LLC in 2018. Look for it at your favorite pet store. Nakedchickendogfood.com.
It’s a doggie waterworld at Canine Country Club.
Raising funds for Humane PA through beer.
Basset & Lab’s cakes look good enough for humans to eat!
The Laundry Goes to the Dogs
What had once been a hallway that led from the garage to the kitchen – and contained a no-frills laundry – was enlarged and remodeled to serve as a multi-functional space that is dedicated to a laundry, mudroom and pet suite. Owners Curt and Kim Myers worked with Garman Builders Renovations to remodel this space, as well as the first floor’s living spaces. Pictured is the Myers’ goldendoodle, Whiskey.
44 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
What happened when Kim and Curt Myers became pet parents and remodeled their home during Covid? The Myers’ new laundry became a multi-functional space that caters to the needs of the newest family member, Whiskey, their goldendoodle.
BY SUE LONG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GOULD
The Myers’ daughter started the ball rolling for the cause of adopting a dog. According to Kim, she convinced her father that having a furry family member would be fun and fulfilling. “She said, ‘Let’s just go and look,’” Kim recalls. “Well, you can guess what looking at puppies led to!”
Whiskey no sooner became a member of the family when the Myers’ daughter set off to take a job in Wilmington, North Carolina. To their surprise, the now empty nesters found themselves wholeheartedly doting on the puppy they named Whiskey. “The color of his fur reminded me of whiskey and Curt’s favorite drink is whiskey, so that became his name,” says Kim, who has since discovered that their dog shares his name with the band, Whiskey Myers, whose music is often heard on the television show, Yellowstone. “I’ve had a few people comment on that and ask if that’s how he got his name,” Kim notes.
Kim admits that Whiskey is one spoiled dog. “He’s our third child,” she says of the soon-to-be two-year-old canine.
One Thing Led to Another
Kim points to a patio door that needed to be replaced as the motivating factor for the remodeling project. Having lived in their Strasburg home for nearly 25 years, Kim and Curt deemed that perhaps it was an opportune time to undertake a full-fledged remodel of the first-floor living areas. They chose to work with Garman Builders Renovations, as well
Top to bottom:
Kim has discovered that Whiskey’s elevated bathing station is also perfect for watering plants and cleaning muddy footwear. The set-up is also easy on Kim’s back.
Whiskey’s pet suite also consists of a custom crate, storage areas for food and treats and easy access to toys and gear.
From a
now
and
become a
as Kountry Kraft (custom cabinetry). Plans called for the kitchen and living room to swap spaces. A bathroom, which is now accessed by a short hallway that is lined with storage cabinets/closets, was also remodeled and is now part of a guest suite.
As for the laundry area, that was transformed into a beautiful multifunctional space that does duty as a laundry, a mudroom, a pantry and a spa/hangout for Whiskey. “He can be shy around strangers, so when people he doesn’t know are here, he’s happy to chill in his [laundry-room] crate,” Kim says.
The room is also equipped with a customized and elevated bathing station (complete with hand-held plumbing fixtures) that makes bath time for Whiskey easy on Kim’s back. “It’s also perfect for watering plants and washing off muddy boots,” she points out. Wall hooks provide easy
46 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Clockwise from top left:
design perspective, shiplap was high on Kim’s must-have list.
The
light
bright laundry has
favorite way for visitors to enter the house. Whiskey is happy to lounge in his crate when Kim and Curt are busy or are entertaining visitors.
access to Whiskey’s leashes and coats/ sweaters. Baskets filled with toys fit neatly under a bench. Cabinets keep food, treats and other essentials organized and out of sight.
As for aesthetics, shiplap was high on Kim’s must-have list from a design perspective. Gray tones that define the wall color, custom cabinetry, tile and trim serve to create a serene and peaceful space. A low-maintenance tile floor can easily be cleaned after wet paws and feet have padded across it.
Before the remodel, the space was essentially a hallway that provided access to the first floor from the driveway and garage and was outfitted with a washer and dryer. “Every time I bent over to use the dryer, I’d bump into the wall behind me,” Kim recalls. “I had no counter space for folding things.” Through reclaiming space from the garage and relocating closets, a much larger laundry was able to be created. It’s accessible from the garage, driveway and a porch that Kim enlivens with seasonal plants and other décor. “Now, everyone comes into the house through the laundry,” she notes.
Laundries are Trending
The Myers’ multi-functional laundry is part of a post-Covid trend that sees homeowners making optimal use of every room. Over the past several years, laundries have become multipurpose rooms whose intent is to bring order and organization to a house. Hence, the new-concept laundry is perceived as being more than a place to wash and dry clothing, as it often shares the space with a mudroom, pantry, office, pet suite (apparently a craze in California according to Houzz), craft/DIY space, potting/ maintenance area for plants, a prep area for catering … and the possibilities go on.
As a result, laundries are being outfitted with high-tech appliances, sinks, islands, built-in desks, pet spaces and custom cabinets that contain pullout shelves, drying racks and ironing
boards. In the case of pet suites, Dutch doors are proving to be popular additions, as they allow for pets to enjoy privacy yet feel connected to the rest of the household. (Such a set-up also keeps them from being confined to a crate.)
A laundry also allows people to “unleash” their inner designer. Because the laundry is (relatively) small and usually removed from the living areas, it provides the perfect opportunity to go a little wild with color, wallpaper, flooring and other decorative elements. After all, if it’s a room that energizes you, doing laundry might not be perceived as a dreaded chore.
Pet-Driven
According to statistics compiled by Forbes, pets are even influencing where we choose to live. A recent survey of pet owners revealed that 14% of respondents admitted they moved from an apartment to a house so that their dog would have a yard. And, per an article in The Washington Post, realtors are reporting an uptick in clients who are seeking homes that are in close proximity to dog parks, daycare and vet services.
According to Megan Herr, Garman Builders Renovations’ sales manager, Lancaster pet owners are taking the needs of their dogs and cats into consideration when they are building or remodeling their homes. “Clients are factoring in pets when they are building or remodeling. Pets are an important part of a client’s home life and the way they live and move about a house is being taken into consideration,” she explains. “In the Myers’ case, they wanted to create a space off the garage that allows for Whiskey to easily come into the house and have an area to clean off. A shower space that is also adult-friendly solved that question. The built-in crate provides function while keeping a certain aesthetic.”
The needs of cats are also being taken into consideration. “Another request we have had is built-in closets for litter boxes,” notes Megan. “Such
spaces provide a secluded area that cats can enter; the owners can then open a ‘hidden’ door to clean the area when necessary. We’re also often asked to incorporate the pet’s eating area into the kitchen design. That’s achieved with a built-in food dish area in the island or a pull-out drawer.”
Megan shares that the needs of pets are considered even before a project gets underway. “Garman and our field supervisors always ask about pets prior to construction so we can best ensure their safety and stress,” she notes.
ALL ASPECTS OF the home industry are heeding America’s love affair with pets and are creating products that allow for humans and animals to happily coexist. For example, performance fabrics hold up to the kind of wear and tear that only a cat or dog can create.
In the realm of flooring, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is beyond forgiving where scratches, spills and accidents are concerned. Stone and ceramic stand up to the same challenges.
If you’re painting, satin or semigloss finishes are washable and tend to repel fur.
Dogscaping has become an integral part of landscaping design.
Should you need a vacuum cleaner, funding for the BISSELL Pet Foundation is raised through the sale of the company’s floorcare products. Launched in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, the foundation supports rescue and welfare organizations across the country, as well as initiatives such as Empty the Shelters.
If you happen to be doing laundry, Bounce recently introduced a new line of dryer sheets called Pet Hair and Lint Guard, which is advertised to remove pet hair/fur and lint from clothing.
Credits
• Design/remodel: Garman Builders Renovations
• Cabinetry: Kountry Kraft
• Appliances: L.H. Brubaker
47 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Kitchen Garden
Terrace Potager Garden Terrace Potager Garden
Yes, the view is quite nice, but the side yard left a lot to be desired, as it plummets straight down the hill. I solved the problem with Dirt Lockers, which allowed me to transform the eyesore into a garden.
Foodographer
48 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY JORDAN BUSH
When we moved into our home just outside of Akron, the side yard was beyond difficult to maintain. A steep thicket of weeds, the seemingly unusable hillside was an eyesore and a headache, especially after taking more than one tumble. A new, affordable method for terracing helped me to establish not only a garden, but a backyard ecosystem and a soulful refuge.
Problems to Solve
When we moved into our townhouse on a hill in 2016, there were problems to address. The back of our home faces south, providing us with stunning views of the fields of Farmersville. The tradeoff is maintaining a steep hill loaded with weeds.
Like many of our neighbors, I’d written the space off as unusable; our HOA and local township both view it as a nuisance. Problem number one is the slope is too steep to mow and, if established, grass would provide zero return for all the work involved. Plus, it would still be unusable.
A second problem arose with the need to expand the flower garden at the front of our house. After several years of meeting growers and producers in Lancaster County, I’ve amassed dozens
of stories and plants. Propagated fig trees started as pencil-sized cuttings and have grown into 6-foot-tall trees. The initial four varieties weren’t enough, more soon followed. Saffron, kiwi berries, hops and rhubarb … soon a collection was formed.
Terraced Gardening
A solution started to materialize after observing the way Waltz Vineyard’s grapes grew on their hill in Manheim. Noting the advantages of sloped terrain prompted me to think of my steep hillside. Winemaker Jan Waltz explained that the staggered height and aspect, or the direction of planting, increases sunlight and airflow to mitigate pests and disease in a vineyard. Planting on land with a southern exposure offers full sun with protection from winter’s harsh north winds. It occurred to me
that our hillside formed a microclimate that allowed cool air to settle below, provided protection from western winds and enabled the exposed foundation to retain warmth, which was evident, as it’s where snow first melts.
TRADITIONALLY, terraced spaces are costly and labor-intensive since they are created with stone or railroad ties. Unfortunately, the latter eventually rot and are usually coated in tar. Both are susceptible to issues with drainage, freezing and maintenance. However, an innovation known as Dirt Locker® caught my attention. Made in the U.S., using recycled plastic, these cells interlock to form a grid held in place with rebar J-hooks. Filled with soil, they can be installed on slopes up to 45 degrees.
Founder and designer, Mark Trebilcock, developed the idea in
49 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
The Dirt Lockers unlocked usable planting space I never anticipated or envisioned. I drafted a garden layout, keeping the center open for increased light and air movement. For the understory areas, I sought cold-hardy perennials as companion plants. In the middle of summer, herbs go on sale at close-out prices for as little as $1, so I loaded up last summer on an assortment of perennials to enhance cooking for years to come.
California, where water conservation is necessary. Dirt Locker “saves water, improves the growth success of plants … requires no special hardware, reduces erosion and is environmentally friendly.” The matteblack cells and extra surface area aid in heat absorption to bolster the growing season. Soil can be amended or fertilized uniquely in individual “lockers” for specific plant needs, such as adding lime for asparagus. Once installed, a staggered column can be used as stairs, making it much easier to traverse the hillside. Terracing the hill added enormous value to how we enjoy our home and changed how we interact with the space.
Bush is a commercial photographer. His work has allowed him to discover and document cultures and food across five continents. A graduate of Garden Spot High School and Millersville University, Jordan and his fiancée, Jessica, reside and cook together in Ephrata.
To date, I have installed 60 Dirt Lockers, filling each with a topsoilcompost blend from Oregon Dairy. Before installation, I upgraded the downspout drain, from an above-grade 4-inch corrugated pipe to Schedule 40 PVC below-grade.
Rain Barrels A Must!
Carrying water up and down the terrace quickly grew tiresome and getting a garden hose to reach was a stretch. Motivated to work smarter, I installed a rain barrel at the top of the hill. Like magic, it tops up after every rain; gravity offers enough pressure to make the work easier than handcarrying water.
There is a litany of benefits beyond convenience, too. Rainwater is free, renewable and absent of chlorine or softening agents (salt) that affect plant health and local waterways. Reducing rain runoff is another plus, as it’s the primary cause of flooding and carries pollutants like sediment, manure, pet waste and automotive
A potager garden follows a few rules. At its core, it’s a blend of form and function. Designed with the kitchen in mind, such a garden can be used to grow edible plants, all the while it maintains an aesthetic of defined spaces, paths and focal points.
Everbearing fruits produce yields throughout the season. Everbearing strawberries (left) were an easy choice. Fall Gold Raspberry (far right) has a honeysweet flavor without much of the expected tartness.
Bottom left: I was also able to incorporate fig trees into my garden. Last year’s yield was delicious!
Opposite page:
The Watershed-Friendly Property Certification Program, offered as “a collaboration between the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program and Nurture Nature Center.”
A composter helps to create rich soil for the garden, while a rain barrel conserves rain water that can be used as needed.
fluids into local waterways. In West Earl Township, we’re connected to the municipal water system and billed by volume. While our household usage is low, rainwater conservation is beneficial during droughts. The same is true for water supplied by underground wells.
TO SOLVE THOSE issues, I purchased an EarthMinded Rain Station 45-gallon rain barrel made of black recycled plastic. Installed correctly, it won’t overflow. It has a spigot for filling watering cans, as well as a hose connection at the bottom. Darker colored plastic prevents algae growth, while the lid keeps mosquitos out. (Before installing, verify your roof is suitable for using rainwater in a produce garden. That extends to avoiding asbestos shingles, lead paint and moss treatments.) Installing crushed stone and 18-by-18-inch slabs of stone from Stauffers of Kissel Hill leveled the ground for stability.
Each fall, the barrel should be drained and cleaned (freezing water could expand and crack it).
In my garden, gravity works favorably, but if added water pressure
50 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Jordan
Three varieties of ripe figs, clockwise from top: JFE Black Madeira (Not), Longue d’Août and LSU Tiger.
is needed, a water pump can be added, many of which are solar powered. To calculate how much rainwater you can capture, for every inch of rain, multiply your roof area by .6 to convert the area into gallons. Half an inch of rain is more than enough to fill my 45-gallon barrel.
Enriching Compost
Further extending our garden into an ecosystem, compost is another easy use of otherwise discarded resources. Rather than pay a waste service to haul away produce and yard trimmings to an incinerator, those items can save a gardener money to enrich the soil.
Composting consists of four key components: water, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen. Carbon, or brown items, comes in the form of dead leaves, sticks, sawdust or shredded paper. Nitrogen, or green elements, are typically easier to access, as they are found in the form of yard trimmings, coffee grinds and fruit and vegetable scraps.
Making compost with these types of materials should be odorless. Compost needs to be turned regularly to agitate the mix. A two-compartment compost bin alternates the queue while keeping pests at bay. At temperatures over 140 degrees, hot composting kills seeds, weeds and harmful bacteria. Hot composting dropped produce or
seasonal dieback reduces the risk of pests the following growing season. The process can be as short as a few weeks for delivering nutrient-rich, odor-free compost.
Fig Trees
Fig trees are the principal interest in my garden. Most of my in-ground trees were propagated from inexpensive cuttings purchased from Off the Beaten Path Nursery in Lancaster. Ten varieties of coldhardy trees are planted in-ground. Propagating figs is inexpensive but commands patience.
The trees are spaced towards the perimeter of the garden for airflow and light. The Dirt Lockers add warmth to the roots, a key element for productivity. Last fall, our maple tree dropped leaves while the fig trees were still green.
Along with fresh berries, our cheese boards have gotten a significant increase in interest, flavor and richness with the addition of fresh figs.
A Humble Backyard Fruit and Herb Garden
Reading up on the care of seemingly exotic plants like fruit and herbs and tending to them are joyful parts of the process. Watching each plant develop is something I look forward to with great hope. It’s made better when the plant produces a yield whose unexpected flavors can be experienced and shared with others.
MY LITTLE PROJECT only goes to prove that with a little research and sweat equity, the ugliest, most unusable land can bear fruit in more ways than one. What we ended up with is essentially a terraced potager garden. (“Potager” is French for “kitchen garden.”) Such gardens date back to medieval monasteries, where herbs, flowers and other plants were grown for culinary and medicinal purposes. In times when cooking was labor intensive, such gardens brought cooking ingredients to the doorstep.
In addition to providing fruit, herbs and other goodies, the added garden space provides a place to relax and alleviates the most arduous and frustrating elements of weekly yard maintenance. The process has been deeply rewarding. Did I mention the food is delicious?
51 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
To see more pictures, visit lancastercountymag.com.
Table for Two River Trail Brewing
A Trailside Eatery And Brewery
BY ROCHELLE A. SHENK PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GOULD
Taking its name from its location adjacent to the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and the fact that it’s a craft brewery, River Trail Brewing in Marietta will celebrate its second anniversary in August.
he trail attracts people who bike it or walk it; they could be families or people with their dogs,” notes co-owner Chuck Trissler. “We try to have something that appeals to everyone on our menu, and we’re uniquely set up to welcome canines on our patio – it has its own entrance, so people don’t have to enter through the restaurant.”
The Backstory
River Trail isn’t Chuck’s first restaurant project. Until he “retired,” he was part of the industry’s corporate side. Chuck and his business partner and son, Craig, have owned 551 West (the former Kegel’s Restaurant in Lancaster) since 2012. Since Chuck lives in Maytown, he has always been on the lookout for a restaurant to purchase in that area. When a location became available in Marietta, Chuck, Craig and their other partners – Bryan Tribbitt (Chuck’s son-
in-law), and Chef Andrew “Drew” James, who is “like family to us,” Chuck says –purchased it. Since then, the enterprise along Front Street has grown to offer in-house dining, take-out, catering, craft brews, space for private events and an expansive patio that is dog-friendly.
For the Love of Dogs
After walking the trail, a pooch is bound to be thirsty and hungry. The dog-loving restaurateurs are aware of that and developed a “K9 Meats & Treats” menu of healthy items such as the Mya Belle entrée (steak scraps in whole-grain rice with carrots and peas) and treats such as puppy ice cream. River Trail also hosts a canine Yappy Hour from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, during which canine food is half-price. Proceeds from the sales of canine menu items are donated to the Lancaster Center for Animal Life-Saving (formerly
the Humane League of Lancaster County and now part of Humane Pennsylvania). “My late wife, Carol, loved dogs and the K9 menu honors her,” Chuck says, adding that there’s a code of conduct for dogs to ensure that both pet owners and other guests have an enjoyable dining experience. In support of Humane Pennsylvania, River Trail Brewing will be a stop on the mini Pints for Pups tour on August 24 (4-8 p.m.).
River Trail Brewing also hosts and participates in community events such as Marietta’s Cherry Blossom Festival, which was held April 15 and benefitted a project to re-landscape the town square.
The Space
River Trail Brewing features seasonal outdoor dining on the patio, which seats about 120. The covered, outdoor live-edge bar has seating around it. The patio is furnished with tables; sun sails provide shade. A fireplace adds ambience, as does a firepit. A pavilion is used for private parties. “We do a lot of live music; it’s mostly Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, but sometimes we have music during the week, especially in the summer,” Chuck says.
River Trail Brewing also offers indoor dining. However, during the patio season (and depending on the weather), indoor dining is curtailed. “We do open the indoor dining space if it’s raining or if it’s
52 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
A Trailside Eatery And Brewery “T “T
just too hot to be on the patio,” Chuck notes. The first floor features windows that face Front Street; high-tops are positioned in front of these expansive windows, while traditional tables define the rest of the space. The polished wood bar has a stone front and is surrounded by metal barstools. Large-screen TVs are behind the bar. The first floor, including the bar, seats about 40.
A second-floor dining area features a mix of high-tops and tables. A repurposed church pew creates a banquette for seating. Tall windows and two sets of French doors, which lead to a dining porch, fill the room with light. Including the porch, the second floor seats about 35. Chuck says this secondfloor dining area is used for dining space as needed, but also doubles as a space for private parties.
The (Human) Menu
River Trail Brewing’s menu features a variety of what Chuck calls “pub food with a twist,” as it focuses on seafood and high-quality comfort food. Mahi mahi fish tacos are a signature item. While they’re available throughout the week, on Tuesdays the fish-taco entrée is the special of the day. Other favorites include wings in a variety of flavors (served with choice of bleu cheese or ranch and
celery) and burgers.
The burger menu includes a classic burger, as well as some unique offerings such as the peach burger (a burger topped with caramelized peaches and peppered-onion cream sauce) and the signature peanut butter burger (a burger smothered with jalapeños, cheddar cheese, bacon and creamy peanut butter).
The menu also includes appetizers such as nachos, bacon-wrapped grilled cheese, artichoke & spinach dip and firecracker shrimp. Soups (including creamy crab bisque and chili), salads and sandwiches/wraps are also on the menu. Entrées include items such as crab mac & cheese, jambalaya, salmon and steak. The dessert offering is homemade, flavored cheesecake.
River Trail Brewing also offers a kid’s menu. A menu for both onsite and offsite catering is available.
Brews and More
As its name indicates, River Trail is also a craft brewery, as it boasts a small brewery on the premises. River Trail’s current brewing system enables six onehalf barrels to be produced at a time, but Chuck says capacity is being increased slowly. “We bought this location
The expansive patio features a bar, a fireplace, a firepit and a covered pavilion.
River Trail’s craft beers are currently brewed on the restaurant’s second floor. Plans call for expanding production by building a brewery on the property.
River Trail Brewing’s patio is petfriendly and even offers a K9 menu for four-legged visitors.
The peanut butter burger: toppings include jalapeños, cheddar cheese, bacon and peanut butter. It’s accompanied by fries and cole slaw.
specifically to grow our brand. Sometime in the near future we want to construct a 60-by-30-foot building at the back of the property, which would allow us to expand our brewing capacity,” he explains.
The window-filled second floor is used for dining and private events. A second-floor balcony is also available for outdoor dining.
The signature fish tacos are made with mahi mahi. The crispy “wrapper” makes for a tasty treat. Co-owner Chuck Trissler had always wanted to open a restaurant in the Marietta area. The beer is a pilsner from River Trail Brewing.
In addition to its own craft beer, River Trail Brewing also sells other bottled Pennsylvania craft brews, including Yuengling and Yuengling Flight, a light beer. River Trail also offers Pennsylvania spirits.
River Trail Brewing is located at 40 East Front Street in Marietta. Hours are noon-10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; noon-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and noon-9 p.m., Sunday. Online ordering for carryout is available through a link on the website. A catering menu is available for private events. Call 717-604-1161 or visit rivertailbrewing.com, Facebook and Instagram.
53 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Clockwise from left:
in the Neighborhood in the Neighborhood
ATTITUDES HAIR & NAIL SALON
Celebrating 25 years in our mission of helping you LOVE your hair and nails! We specialize in trendy and traditional hair design, refreshing color, brightening highlights and perms for added style. Rejuvenate your hands and feet with relaxing manicures and pedicures. Thank you for trusting us to help you look and feel your best and voting us “The Best” hair and nail salon in 2022.
Thank
798A New Holland Avenue, Lancaster. 717-295-0836.
MOUNTAIN REALTY ERA POWERED
Christina Perez, Real Estate Agent of Mountain Realty ERA Powered, offers SUPERIOR real estate services to her clients whether they are relocating to or moving within the Lancaster County area or outlying areas. The goal of ALL Mountain Realty ERA Powered agents is to be an ADVOCATE for you through the entire process of Buying, Selling and/or Investing.
Christina Perez, Real Estate Agent
Christina.perez@eramountainrealty.com
561-475-0665 (cell) • License #RS341549
2 College Avenue, Suite 1, Mountville. 717-390-8701. www.eramountainrealty.com.
JEAN
ZAUN AND KELSEY SHOWALTER
MAY 30TH - JULY 1
Red Raven Art Company 138 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603 www.redravenartcompany.com 717-299-4400
HALDEMAN MECHANICAL INC.
Founded in 1939, Haldeman Mechanical Inc. has been providing plumbing, heating, cooling and water conditioning services to residential and light commercial customers for three generations. We are a certified Rheem ProPartner offering sales and 24-hour service as well as service agreements to keep your equipment running at peak efficiency. Free estimates are available by calling 717-665-6910 or visiting our website at haldemanmechanical.com. (PA#007777)
ANCHOR LANCASTER
Anchor Lancaster, voted #1 Lancaster nonprofit, provides a hot breakfast, warm showers, case management and a winter warming center. Guests are received with dignity, respect and compassion.
2022 Stats:
• 30,000 meals served
• 4,000 showers provided
• 200 utilized Winter Warming Center
• 5,042 Volunteer hours
29 East Walnut Street, Lancaster Anchorlancaster.org • 717-394-7231
GALEBACH’S FLOOR FINISHING, INC.
Galebach’s Floor Finishing, founded in 1924, is the oldest floor finishing company in Lancaster County. We specialize in residential wood floor refinishing and have extensive experience with historic restorations. Our dust containment system keeps your home as clean as possible while our workers are on-site sanding and finishing. (#PA019030)
1148 Old Line Road, Manheim 717-898-9680
Galebachsfloorfinishing.com
54 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
YO HABLO ESPAÑOL
You for voting us the #1 Hair and
Nail Salon in 2022!
Ford City FunFest Bikepacking in the Endless Mountains Summer Getaway Issue Summer 2023 FREE The Taste of the Lebanon Valley whereandwhen.com All paths lead to fun! Pennsylvania getaways, unique destinations & fun things to do!
REUZIT ON STATE
Shopping at ReUzit on State is an extraordinary treasure hunt as you peruse the fully accessible 20,000-square-foot retail store. Browse gently used clothing, accessories, housewares, furniture, toys and more. When you donate and shop, you are impacting neighbors locally and in 50 countries around the world through Mennonite Central Committee.
1054 S. State Street, Ephrata Reuzitonstate.org
HONG KONG GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT
Our chefs have been serving Lancaster Countians their favorite entrées for 43 years. To add variety, they are always creating new and exciting specials. Vegetable entrées and children’s menu available. We offer lavish lunch and dinner menus, made with quality, fresh ingredients, for dine-in or take-out.
1807 Columbia Avenue, Wheatland Shopping Center, Lancaster. 717-394-4336.
CASEY JONES’ RESTAURANT
All aboard! Join us in our two original P-70 80-ton dining cars that once rode the rails of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Featuring 175 seats, this unique property offers indoor dining, outdoor deck seating with train and farmland views, and take-out. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Casey Jones’ Restaurant is a one-ofa-kind experience for all ages!
312 Paradise Lane, Ronks 717-687-5000
CaseyJonesRestaurantPA.com
CERTIFIED FLOORING
Serving Lancaster County and the surrounding Pennsylvania community since 1949, Certified Flooring has set itself apart from the competition as the area’s only full-service retailer for the best in residential and commercial flooring sales and installation. Visit our website to check out monthly promotions and sales.
www.certifiedflooring.com
55 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Complimentary in Print & Online. DININGINLANCASTERCOUNTY.COM @DiningInLanc THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LANCASTER COUNTY’S BEST EATERIES.
BY KAYLEE REX
Lancaster VegFest
Lancaster VegFest
Lancaster VegFest goes further than just being dog-friendly; it is an animal-friendly to the core. The event celebrates the vegan lifestyle, provides information about the advantages of a plant-based diet and benefits local nonprofit Lancaster Farm Sanctuary. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to rescuing farmed animals, many of which have been mistreated, exploited or are suffering a disability or illness.
Lancaster VegFest, which will be held at Buchanan Park on June 3 and 4, isn’t just for vegans either. Meat- and dairy-eaters are welcome to explore the benefits of plant-based diets and taste a variety of vegan foods. “For those who come with an open mind, they might be surprised at what they learn,” says event organizer, Courtney Kokus. “Most people already know that veganism is helpful to animals, but there are tons of benefits for human health and the environment.”
Even if you don’t want to commit fully to a plantbased diet, there are benefits to simply reducing meat consumption. According to the American Heart Association, eating less meat decreases the risk of heart disease, stroke, high-blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and many cancers. The association recommends replacing meat with high-quality, nutrientdense plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes and nuts.
Studies have also shown that reducing meat consumption can free up land, save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “We are going to have an amazing speaker on the environmental benefits of plant-based living,” Courtney says. “We know the news about climate change and the environment can feel scary and overwhelming, but at VegFest, folks can experience and learn effective, powerful – and fun and delicious – ways to protect the planet.”
The seventh-annual VegFest is a great opportunity to find inspiration for decreasing meat consumption or switching to a plant-based diet entirely. An assortment of vendors will offer foods such as baked goods, ice cream,
tacos, pasta, sandwiches, cheesesteaks and much more. There will also be a farmers’ market, featuring Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, Lemon Street Market and Inna’s Pierogi Shop, to name a few. Libations will be offered at the beer garden, including cocktails from Lancaster Distilleries; beer from Our Town Brewery, Pour Man’s Brewing and Raney Cellars Brewing Company; and cider from Levengoods of Lancaster. “We are confident that the pickiest eaters will find things they love at Lancaster VegFest … I mean … beer and fries are vegan!” says Courtney.
VegFest offers more than just food. Vendors will be selling vegan clothing, beauty products, jewelry, art and more. A variety of animal rescues and nonprofits will be in attendance as well.
VegFest will also feature a lineup of activities for all ages. Free yoga from West End Yoga Studio will be offered each day at 3 p.m. Kids can participate in crafts offered by Handwork House Kids Crafts. Dogs in attendance can cool off and play at Beau’s Dream Dog Park located within Buchanan Park. Live music will be provided by the Wild Hymns and Bushmaster Blues on Saturday and Good Stew and Inca Campers on Sunday.
VegFest is free to attend from 12-5 p.m. on both days, but a $5 donation to Lancaster Farm Sanctuary is encouraged. If you’d like to get a jump start to the day, VIP tickets are available on Eventbrite for $35. VIP tickets provide exclusive access to VegFest from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and include a limited-edition tote bag with goodies, such as 10 raffle tickets and vegan samples and coupons.
Lancaster VegFest will be held rain or shine on June 3 and 4 at Buchanan Park, located at 901 Buchanan Avenue, Lancaster. Free parking can be found on streets surrounding the park. To learn more, visit pavegfest.com.
Event-full
56 LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2023
Photos courtesy of Lancaster VegFest. Buffalo mac and cheese from Freakin’ Vegan.
Donuts from Vegan Treats.
You’ll remember this home forever. Because you never forget the first time you brought your babies home, their wobbly first steps, or family dinners around the table. 717.687.0292 BandDBuilders.com
ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
Why Whiten Teeth?
As you can see, Kendall’s natural beauty (inside and out) is enhanced by her beautiful, radiant smile. Research studies consistently show the number one feature that men notice first in a woman is her smile. Conversely, the number one feature that a woman sees in a man is his smile. Professional makeup artist and beauty consultant Bobbi Brown says it best, “The quickest way to take years off your face is to whiten your teeth.”
How Many Ways are there to Whiten Teeth?
There are several ways to whiten teeth: in-office whitening, whitening trays applied every night, whitening pens and strips, and other methods.
So, which One do you Recommend?
There is no one system that is always the best answer for every patient. Depending on your dental situation, types of restorations currently in your teeth, lifestyle, and financial commitment to your smile, we create the approach that’s effective and cost efficient for your desired result.
What is ZOOM Teeth Whitening?
We have been whitening teeth for over 25 years now and have used many systems. In our opinion, there is no doubt that the ZOOM in-office whitening system is the easiest and quickest way to get the most dramatic results. In about an hour and a half, your teeth are whitened by up to 7 shades.
I’m not sure of the Best Way to Achieve a More Attractive Smile. What is my First Step?
In our opinion, the best way to proceed is to get a smile evaluation. We work together with you and listen to your concerns. Many times a simple one-visit whitening gives you that beautiful, natural-looking result. For some, other enhancements will make a huge difference in giving you that smile you always wanted! Our website, yourclassicsmile.com, displays many before-andafter pictures of our actual patients. Or, simply call us at 717.560.9190 to schedule your personal smile evaluation or teeth whitening visit.
American Dental Association (ADA) - recognized specialists in restoring and replacing teeth for a timeless display of confident beauty and Members in the American College of Prosthodontists.
160 North Pointe Boulevard
Suite 203 / Lancaster, PA 17601
717.560.9190
YourClassicSmile.com
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Specialists in Cosmetic, Restorative & Implant Dentistry