Perry J. Argires, MD, FAANS, FACS Neurosurgeon
Specializing in Cervical Disc Replacement and Spine
Voted as the Surgeon in Lancaster County Neurosurgeon
Louis A. Marotti, MD, FAANS, FACS Neurosurgeon
Specializing in Spine Care Voted as the Best Surgeon in Lancaster County Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurosurgeon
Steven M. Falowski, MD, FAANS, FACS Neurosurgeon
Specializing in Spinal Cord Stimulators Readers’ Choice Neurosurgeon
Jack Smith, MD Pain Medicine
Jarod B. John, MD Neurologist With a focus on elderly care, migraines and Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurologist
Aiden Soroko, DPT Physical Therapist Clinic Manager
Willow Valley Communities o ers residents almost limitless opportunities to pursue their passions. Professional dog show competitor and resident Bets Keen trains her two golden retriever therapy dogs regularly and keeps them healthy and happy.
Miles of rolling trails satisfy Pride’s urge to cruise, while the community’s social dog parks indulge Ribbon’s love for playtime and connect Bets with like-minded friends. “There’s so much for the three of us to explore and learn together,” she said. “We are all living life forward!”
Find your Life Lived Forward. Explore Willow Valley Communities today.
ASSISTANT
With more than 25,000 babies delivered each year across all UPMC Magee-Womens locations, we provide comprehensive care for mom and baby. And with many locations close to home in central Pa., expecting families have peace of mind knowing they have access to our ob-gyn experts and advanced newborn medicine, including Level III NICUs in Harrisburg and Lititz and Level II NICUs in York and Carlisle. To learn more about how we are keeping moms and babies strong, visit UPMC.com/WhyMageeCPA.
Live music, theatre, art gallery and museum exhibits, art/ craft/maker shows, outdoor activities and fundraising events are back on the calendar. Visit our website, lancastercountymag.com, to make plans and order tickets.
Michael Upton learns firsthand just how popular wellness getaways have become. Travel with him to Capon Springs, West Virginia, Bethesda, Maryland, and Hocking Hills, Ohio, and indulge in crystal-clear water, rooms equipped with Peloton bikes, and the great outdoors.
Dr. Richard Bitner explains why an oak-leaved hydrangea should be at the top of your “gardening journey” when searching for the perfect flowering shrub.
Jordan Bush discovers the perfect taco in the parking lot of a former Kmart store. Meet the Ostos family, whose Tacos El Gordo food truck is garnering legions of fans. Table for Two
Rochelle Shenk visits the Columbia Market House, where Chris Vera recently became its manager. Why We Love Lancaster Strasburg! In honor of its 50th anniversary, the Strasburg Heritage Society has planned a weekend-long celebration this month.
The advertisers in this special section are ready to help you update or remodel your home, redecorate a room, improve your outdoor areas, train your dog and discover fall activities.
Lititz was named one of America’s “coolest small towns” for a reason. It may be small in size but big things continue to happen there. Restaurants are open, shops are stocked, events are back on the calendar and talented craftspeople are ready to turn your dreams into reality.
ON THE COVER: Kirk Zutell photographed Riley and Reece Schaeffer outside their home in Columbia. The sisters will once again be welcoming guests to their home as part of the Columbia Halloween House Tour on October 30. Their costumes were created by Janet Wood of Regalia Costumers in Columbia.
As Crystal and Glen Schaeffer learned, a Victorian home is never finished. They’ve spent the last 22 years renovating and furnishing their Chestnut Street home that will be a stop on the Columbia Halloween House Tour. The Brubaker Museum room that is painted black? you’re Halloween enthusiasts and Denise Brubaker, you fill it with vintage collectible decorations. Their home will also be a stop on the Columbia Halloween House Tour.
After pointing out how fortunate they are to have mature trees, I share that my favorite-if-I-could-have-only-one-shrubvery-most- will thrive under their lamented shade trees. In fact, it not only will thrive, but it will attract attention year-round.
That plant is the oak-leaved hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia. Why is it the one shrub I would choose above all others?
the Appalachian Mountains, and Hydrangea quercifolia, which is found in the Piedmont region of the Southeast and occurs naturally in the shaded woodlands of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, where it’s typically found on banks and slopes. Both offer white flowers.
William added new plants including oakleaved hydrangea (pp. 382–383, pl. 7), flame azalea and bottlebrush buckeye to the family collection. The oak-leaved hydrangea was introduced to Britain in 1803.
If you’re ever looking for a day-trip idea, I’d suggest you visit Bartram’s Garden in the Kingsessing area of Southwest Philadelphia. Considered to be the oldest-surviving botanic garden in North America – it dates to the 1700s – it is now a 50-acre public garden. While the gardens are open year-round, the welcome center curtails its hours in the winter months. Admission is free. For details, visit bartramsgarden.org.
Because it is dazzling as a single specimen or in a large mixed shrub border in all seasons of the gardening year. Like most hydrangeas, the oak-leaved hydrangea is a natural woodland plant.
Many of the more familiar colorful garden and greenhouse hydrangeas originate from Asia. But there are two native species: Hydrangea arborescens, which grows
THE OAK-LEAVED HYDRANGEA was discovered in 1791 by William Bartram (1739-1823) of Philadelphia, at “a large brook called Sweet Water” near Knoxville, Georgia. The son of another eminent plantsman, John Bartram, William was an accomplished plant explorer, artist and writer in his own right. He recorded his southern explorations in Travels Through North and South Carolina 1791, which remains a classic in American literature.
This open, irregularly shaped, multiplestemmed deciduous shrub grows 8 to 12 inches a year, reaching 3- to 7-feet tall with large 4- to 12-inch oak leaf-shaped leaves. (Latin quercifolia means the foliage of Quercus, the genus of oaks.) It can branch extensively.Theflower is an open panicle, 6- to 10-inches long and up to 5 inches in diameter at the base. There are two different kinds of flowers: tiny fertile “true” flowers
“Are there any flowering shrubs I can grow under or at the edge of large deciduous trees?” is a familiar question I hear from longtime gardeners who have mature trees and shade, as well as new owners of older properties. Surely there must be something more appealing than the ubiquitous rhododendrons (azaleas), which (admit it) only proffer spring flowers in garish colors.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY DR. RICHARD L.
Opposite: The oak-leaved hydrangea’s flower panicles change color as the season progresses. By mid-summer, the once-white blossoms have transitioned to a pale pink. This is one blooming shrub that thrives when planted under or at the edge of shade trees.
Top to bottom: The color of the flower panicles evolve over the course of the growing season … emerging white in May, turning a pale pink in mid-July and finally becoming deep pink in August.
and more conspicuous sterile flowers that attract insects to the plant.
The numerous white sterile flowers with long stems and dense clusters of white fertile flowers bloom from late spring into September. That’s right! A shrub that flowers for months. (OK: Roses bloom for months, but they are chemically dependent.)
I RECOMMEND THE widely available cultivar ‘SNOW QUEEN’ It is easily grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soil in sun to part shade. Early-morning or late-afternoon sun are fine, but intense mid-day sun will harm the flower display and cause the foliage to droop even if the soil is moist. Positioning it at the edge of woodland is ideal; a background of conifers, for instance, will provide not only shade and protection but a backdrop for the flowers and fall color display.
‘Snow Queen’ displays gently tapered flower panicles, 8-inches tall by 5-inches diameter at the base. Unlike most flowering shrubs, the flowers change color through the season. The many flat overlapping sterile flowers open creamy green and mature to pure white. As the season progresses, they turn pale pink, then a deeper pink, and finally russet (polite way to say paper-bag brown). These dried-flower heads can be used to create striking indoor decorations.
Notably, the large flowers are held erect on the stiff stems even after heavy rains.
In spring, its leathery leaves emerge dramatically from branch tips. The leaves resemble those of red oaks, some deeply lobed, others less so. Early in the year the leaves are light to mid-green in color but darken in autumn and turn shades of deep red, crimson and purple. The leaves shrivel and last well into winter. The shaggy, rustybrown-colored peeling bark prolongs the season through winter.
It blooms on old wood, so do any corrective pruning immediately after flowering. There is usually no need to prune unless there are stems damaged by winter snows. Deer do love to eat the winter buds.
Hydrangea ‘Snow Queen’ received both the Pennsylvania Horticultural Gold Medal award in 1989 (at that time called the Styer Award), as well as the RHS Award of Garden Merit. It was introduced into cultivation by Princeton Nurseries.
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By early autumn, the flowers take on a paper quality and turn russet in color. They make a perfect addition to dried-flower arrangements.
Below: The color of the foliage also evolves over time, emerging light green in spring, becoming a darker green in summer and transitioning to shades of red and even purple by late fall. When the leaves finally shrivel and fall in early winter, the shaggy, rust-colored bark provides visual interest.
OTHER CULTIVARS THAT should be available at good nurseries include:
‘SNOWFLAKE’ grows 6- to 8-feet tall with very showy slender panicles of double white flowers, 12- to 15-inches long. However, the stems often flop because of the huge flower size. Introduced in 1960 by Edgar and Loren Aldridge.
‘ALICE’ was introduced into commerce by Michael Dirr (of Manual of Woody Landscape Plants fame) through his Georgia Plant Introduction Program. It is upright with a broad, rounded habit; it typically grows 5- to 8-feet tall and as wide. It is most noted for its large and arching flower panicles (10- to 14-inches long), which bloom for 6 to 8 weeks, gradually fading to pink and then brown by late summer, as well as its superior fall foliage color in shades of bronze, maroon and purple. Mature stems exfoliate to reveal a rich-brown inner bark.
‘PEE WEE’ has a compact form, growing to 3- to 4-feet tall and 4- to 5-feet wide. An oak-leaf hydrangea for smaller spaces and gardens.
‘LITTLE HONEY’ is similar in habit as ‘Pee Wee’. Its showy, deeply lobed, somewhat coarse, oak-shaped leaves emerge goldenyellow in spring. It retains good golden color well into summer, gradually fading to chartreuse and then green by early fall before finishing the year with a blast of crimson-red fall color. Cone-shaped flower panicles (to 5 inches long) bloom primarily in early summer but will have some sporadic continued bloom through late summer into fall. Flowers acquire pink tones as they age. Stems turn red in winter.
‘RUBY SLIPPERS’ is a cross between ‘Snow Queen’ and ‘Pee Wee’. It is a compact form that matures to only 3- to 4-feet tall and to 3- to 5-feet wide and is noted for its large upright flowers that emerge white but quickly turn ruby red (hence the cultivar name). It offers mahogany-red fall foliage color and exfoliating bark. ‘Ruby Slippers’ was introduced into commerce in 2010 by the U.S. National Arboretum.
Autumn is a great time to add any of these container-grown plants to the garden if the soil is workable. Nursery plants should be two or three years old and growing vigorously on several good strong shoots rising from the base. Remember to tease out the roots if they are constricted in the
pot. There is no need to make the hole any larger than the root ball (that is outdated advice). After planting, tread lightly around the plant to eliminate any air pockets and make a shallow moat around the plant. Do not fertilize at this time of year! Check it frequently over the following days for signs of wilting and water generously. Your plant will live a long time if you provide it with a goodAstart.natural mulch of well-rotted garden or leaf compost will increase water retention. Close attention should be paid for the first year in the garden in times of prolonged
dry spells. A soaking once a week is better than a drizzle daily. No responsible gardener should use peat. After the first season it will not demand a lot of attention or special feeding. The urge to prune is strong in some gardeners but little pruning is needed for any of these cultivars except to correct from winter damage.
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.
There are few things as comforting as a home-cooked meal—a table set with the special dishes, a heaping plate of spaghetti and sauce, and enough place settings to accommodate everyone you hold dear.
Since its origin, Lombardo’s has served up classic ItalianAmerican cuisine prepared from family recipes passed down for generations. Fueled by the belief that some of life’s richest connections are born out of meals shared together, Lombardo’s staff make your dining experience their top priority.
Gather with family and friends, pull up a chair and raise a glass–the table is set for you. At Lombardo’s, you’re part of the family. 216 Harrisburg Avenue Lancaster, PA 17603 717. 394.3749 | lombardosrestaurant.com
Fall is here, which means it’s time to decorate our homes with gourds, colorful leaves and pumpkins. Gather those scarves and indulge in pumpkin spice everything. Lancaster County businesses are also preparing for fall with the latest trends, information and tips for your home, health and happiness.
Did you know there are benefits to shopping with a local insurance agency like UNRUH ? For example, you get personalized service, you invest in your community by shopping locally, their agents shop for the best price and coverage for you and they’re just around the corner if you need them. Start your better insurance experience with Unruh.
Customize and view your storage shed ideas in 3D when you visit the website of FOX COUNTRY SHEDS . You can even “place” your new shed right in your backyard virtually with the Augmented Reality feature. A beautiful backyard shed is the perfect solution for your fall and seasonal storage needs so that you can (finally) park your car in your garage or safely store your new outdoor patio furniture from the cold weather elements. For example, the Rancher Shed's extra-tall height and overhead loft provide the perfect solution for out-of-the-way storage. Still working remotely? Convert your new shed into a muchneeded home office or gym just steps away from the bustle of the household. Perhaps bring the “modern farmhouse” look to your backyard with the classic clean lines of the Farmhouse Shed. Whatever your current storage needs are, designing and adding an attractive “Fox Shed” will add valuable storage space to your home while enhancing the exterior of your property.
MARTIN FURNITURE & MATTRESS ’ goal is to provide customers with furniture for every room at a variety of pricepoints to best fit your budget. Whether you are looking for the
latest trends or local Amish-made furniture, Martin Furniture & Mattress is confident that they can meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Not sure which style you prefer? No problem! Their sales consultants have years of experience and are able to assist you with each step of the process, from design and room layout through completion. They also offer a line of mattresses, bedding and home décor. Martin Furniture & Mattress looks forward to the opportunity to serve you! Follow them on social media @martinfurniturepa to stay updated with the latest trends, design tips and giveaways.
BOWMAN’S STOVE & PATIO is a 45-year-old familyowned business located in Ephrata that specializes in outdoor furniture, gas fireplaces, wood stoves and gas and charcoal grills. They have over 100 patio furniture sets on display all year and over 40 burning displays of stoves, fireplaces and fireplace inserts. Bowman’s also has their own install crews that perform all installations.Modernand transitional-style gas fireplaces are gaining popularity, such as linear gas fireplaces, which are much wider than they are tall. Gas fireplaces now have many other options besides traditional log sets. You can now choose from glass beads, river rock, driftwood, white birch logs, etc.
Shop as early as possible this year if you want to have a new stove or fireplace installed this winter. Worldwide raw material shortages and shipping delays are causing many products to have longer lead times than normal.
Transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis with the help of 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. As they have been serving Lancaster County for decades, along with surrounding counties and even surrounding states, EWBN knows how to create custom backyard structures that last.
EWBN can help to create your dream space by installing customized roof structures, new outdoor kitchens, patios, walkways, decks, fencing, stone walls, fireplaces, firepits and even basements. Assistance and industry-experienced advice are offered every step of the way to ensure your complete satisfaction. Because EWBN is committed to overdeliver, they never hesitate to give free consultations for any size project. Check out their work at ewbn.net or call 717-355-0741 to get started on your outdoor-living project.
For nearly 20 years, GREENAWALT ROOFING has been known throughout Lancaster County for exceptional residential and commercial roofing and full exterior services. From roofs to siding and gutters, they’re your one-call solution for all exterior needs. Voted a favorite roofer in LNP Readers’ Choice Awards from 2016-2021, Greenawalt operates with the goal of achieving 100% customer satisfaction and exceeding expectations. They only use the highest-quality materials with precision installation and workmanship on all jobs. To their customers’ benefit, their commitment to excellence is reinforced by an unmatched, industry-leading 12-year warranty on all their work, above and beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Greenawalt carries 5-Star SELECT ShingleMaster™ status with international buildingmaterials manufacturer, CertainTeed™. They currently serve most of Central and Eastern Pennsylvania, as well as the greater Pittsburgh area.
PLAYFUL PUPS RETREAT is a premier pet resort committed to providing a clean, healthy, fun and nurturing environment for your dog at their two Elizabethtown-area locations. Playful Pups Retreat offers dog boarding at their Milton Grove Road location and dog daycare and training at their Hershey Road location.
When you’re away from home, have peace of mind knowing that your furry family member will receive attention, love and high-quality care, as well as enjoy tons of fun at Playful Pups Retreat. Their team members are dog lovers who are chosen for their knowledge of dog behavior, dependability and exceptional attitudes. The Playful Pups team gets to know each dog and provides individualized care, enriching activities, socialization and of course, a lot of belly rubs and snuggles. For more information, visit playfulpupsretreat.com.
Since 1976, OLDE MILL HOUSE SHOPPES has been helping their clients furnish their homes and find unique gifts. Located on Strasburg Pike inside a restored bank barn and an 18th-century stone house, the shops are filled with furniture, rugs, quilts, florals, lighting, women’s clothing and much more. In the stone house, find countless decorating ideas in the different room settings. Their expert staff will assist you with all your décor needs and help to recreate the interior of any area in yourWhathome.started in two rooms of the owners’ home has now grown into a must-see destination. Be sure to check out their lighting showroom – voted “Among the Best” in Lancaster –which is filled with their own handcrafted period lighting fixtures. To learn more, visit oldemillhouse.com.
In 1954, the late George Grove Sr. started what later became GEORGE J. GROVE & SON, INC. The business moved from George Sr.’s home to a shop on Cabbage Hill, incorporating in 1973. Five years later, it moved to its present location on the Manheim Pike. George J. Grove Jr. joined the business at a very young age, assisting with installations. In keeping with family tradition, George Grove III also became involved and now plays a vital role in the family business.
The Groves have built their business on a firm belief in a quality product and installation and in maintaining professionalism, integrity and fairness in their relationships with their customers. George J. Grove & Son, Inc. provides all types of home improvements. Their product lines include windows and doors, roofing, vinyl siding, spouting, gutter protection systems and patio enclosures. They also carry skylights, shutters, railings and retractable fabric and metal awnings.
KITCHENS BY EILEEN (KbE Design & Build) has over 25 years of superior, award-winning design and construction experience. Each renovation project is carefully handled by their expert designers who specialize in space planning and design. Their project management team handles your job all the way to completion, giving you peace of mind from start to finish. Process:
They also offer an option for those who want the look and convenience of a custom closet without paying a sky-high price. Their patented system, Victory Closets, allows you to reconfigure your closet any time without tools, fasteners or support pins. Simply lift and move! Visit their new showroom, located at 4224 Oregon Pike in Brownstown (next to Martin Appliance).
Visit SPOOKY NOOK FARM for a perfect fall day in Lancaster County. Hang out with their many llamas and alpacas, as well as their Valais Blacknose sheep, and learn all about the beautiful creatures and how they are cared for. The farm breeds, shows and sells the animals, so they will be sure to answer any questions you may have. The farm offers tours of the property and llama walks. To visit Spooky Nook Farm, you will need to schedule an appointment, which they can personalize to your needs. They welcome schools and small groups, as well as special events on the farm. Be sure to visit their farm boutique, Pamela’s She Shed, for alpaca clothing, candles, fiber and yarn and much more! Call 717-459-3414 to schedule your visit and discuss how Spooky Nook Farm can make your experience unforgettable.
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.
Whether you’re picking up some new décor or planning a large renovation, fall is the perfect time of year to focus on beautifying your home. Schedules slow from hurried to steady, a reprieve from extreme weather settles in and the seasonal foliage shifts, all inspiring home upgrades. From simple DIY fixes like a new coat of paint to installing replacement windows and doors, GR MITCHELL has what you need to get the job done.
With over 11,000 square feet of home and hardware products, a newly remodeled showroom (complete with kitchens, windows, doors and more) and knowledgeable staff members who take the time to truly listen to customers, you can count on GR Mitchell to be the ideal starting point for any home improvement project. Conveniently located just minutes south of Lancaster City, GR Mitchell is proud to have served Lancaster’s builders, remodeling contractors and homeowners alike for over 50 years.
PRECISE BUILDINGS is based in Lancaster County, central to an area rich in heritage and timeless estates. Precise provides distinctive equestrian structures, as well as fully customized renovations. Their goal is to not only meet but exceed your expectations with your investment. With over 25 years of success in design and construction, their highly skilled craftsmen pay attention to all the details to make your finished project unique to you and your property. Creating your vision is a process that begins with a team. They will work with you to precisely plan, design and construct your dream facility. Your requirements and ideas added with their experience and knowledge will make it reality. Precise Buildings will build your dreams and preserve your legacy. View their work by visiting precisebuildings.com or give their design team a call today at 717-768-3200.
Thanks to organizationsseveralthat sponsor Halloween-related events and the fact that spookiness seems to be synonymous with Columbia, it only makes sense that this river-town is putting its trademark on the holiday.
BY SUE LONGCle Berntheizel, the owner of Garth, an art gallery, café and event space in Columbia, points out that Columbia has always been in search of a niche holiday or a moment in history around which special events could be held to bring visitors to the river-town. Think about it: Marietta basically owns Christmas, while Lititz is forever linked to the Fourth of July. Gettysburg, of course, lays claim to the Civil War.
HALLOWEEN WAS A little gold mine waiting to be claimed. Over the past 25 or 30 years, the popularity of Halloween has simply exploded, propelling it to become the second most impactful – from an economic
perspective – holiday on the calendar, with Christmas holding the top spot.
If you walked into a store in the days following the Fourth of July, no doubt you found it was already packed with Halloween merchandise. The National Retail Federation reports that last year’s Halloween-related expenditures registered a record $10.14 billion! Why? Halloween simply provides an excuse to decorate, entertain and have fun without the pressure of buying perfect gifts, hosting family dinners and creating a Martha Stewart-like fantasy land in your front yard (although from the looks of things, people in Lancaster County are headed in that direction).
Speaking of Martha, she apparently was already fielding queries in early August from social media followers asking when it’s appropriate to decorate for Halloween. Her answer? Martha is of the opinion that decorating for the months of September, October and early November is now a multi-faceted endeavor. Fall/harvest décor should replace summery elements right after Labor Day. It can then morph into Halloween on October 1. Pull the scary stuff out on November 1, and you’re back to harvest for the next few weeks.
IT SEEMS THAT COLUMBIA has always flirted with making Halloween its own. After all, the annual Mardi Gras Halloween Parade, which is held the Thursday before Halloween, has been a holiday staple for nearly a century. Then there’s that Bigfoot-like character, the Albatwitch, that supposedly stalks the woodland around Chickies Rock. Its legend now fuels a very popular event that’s held in early October.
Columbia secured a place of honor on the Halloween Happenings map in 2001, when its street-theatre production –Haunted Lantern Tour – became the hottest ticket in town for the next nine years. More recently, the historic Mt. Bethel Cemetery has begun hosting Fête en Noir, a fundraising event held in September that sees black-clad guests arrive to socialize and dine amidst the gravestones. No disrespect is intended – a historic connection exists, as Victorians once flocked to cemeteries such as Mt. Bethel for an afternoon of communing with nature, picnicking and remembering the departed.
Referencing times gone by, Columbia’s antiques and retail shops are stocked with a treasure trove of Halloween items at this time of the year. So, if you’re looking for
COLUMBIA NATIVE, JOHN REITZEL , whose photos of Mt. Bethel Cemetery and Veterans Memorial Bridge are seen here, became enamored of photography when he purchased a camera for a trip to Yosemite three years ago. He so enjoyed capturing images of one of the country’s most picturesque national parks that upon his return home, he then began to train his lens on the Susquehanna River and sights in and around Columbia. An Air Force veteran, Reitzel went on to become a color analyst in the catalogue/magazine industry. He is also a talented woodworker and uses his skills to create frames for his art, which is sold at Murphy’s Mercantile.
His work has garnered an appreciative audience, as he took first place honors in the rivertown category of a past Susquehanna Greenway photo contest and was the subject of an exhibit held at Columbia Crossing in 2001. His work is often posted on Lancaster County Photography’s Facebook page. You can also see his work at susquehannaphotos.com.
something special, head for Columbia!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, is the eerie factor. Columbia is haunted! Some homeowners reportedly share their dwellings with former residents. “They seem to be concentrated on this end of town,” Halloween enthusiast, Gary Brubaker, says of the ghostfriendly streets that are closest to the river. “I don’t know … maybe it has something to do with the Underground Railroad?”
Reaffirming that observation, Kay Leader tells of being at Garth on one occasion and having visitors who had climbed the stairs to the second-floor café remark to her how interesting it was to have passed re-enactors dressed in Victorian garb on the staircase. “Cle didn’t know what they were talking about,” she says, noting that the building has served many purposes over the centuries and perhaps the “ghosts” were connected to one of those. Cle embraces the spookiness of Columbia to a degree and occasionally hosts events that feature psychicLastmediums.Halloween, as part of Create Columbia’s new home-tour event, Garth hosted a lecture presented by Columbia native, MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson, who acquainted guests with her hobby of tracking down “ghost signs” – painted graphics and advertisements that once decorated the exteriors of buildings and are now being revealed and brought back to life during restoration projects. Ghost signs have given way to a new hobby for “detectives” like MaryAlice, who travels far and wide to document them. MaryAlice reported that Columbia (as well as Lancaster City) is a great place to see ghost signs.
Create Columbia is a nonprofit organization that promotes Columbia from an artistic and creative perspective by encouraging artists to live and work there and by providing opportunities for art lovers to patronize the galleries, shops and other creative outlets that exist. For example, the garden tour that was revived by Create Columbia several years ago has enjoyed success due to the fact that it has an added artistic element – each property features a working artist, including some as well-known as Freiman Stoltzfus.
“The nice thing about Columbia is that people like to share what they have with others,” Kay notes, adding that in addition to artists, garden-tour visitors are often afforded the opportunity to interact with the homeowners and learn about the town’s historic architecture or the old-fashioned plants that define their gardens.
That sentiment of sharing gave several of the organization’s supporters an idea. People love to decorate for Halloween in Columbia, so why not share that fact with visitors. “Right off the bat, we came up with a list of friends and family members who are into Halloween,” says Denise Brubaker. “Everyone we approached was really into doing it.” She and Gary even recruited one of their sons and a grandson to greet tourgoers in the dungeon of the market house. “I even found them jailhouse costumes,” she adds.IFYOU
RECALL, Halloween weekend 2021 was a near-disaster. Trick-or-Treat was scheduled for Friday – rain or shine –
in the county’s jurisdictions. Torrential rain was indeed in the forecast. Members of Facebook, Nextdoor and other social media sites committed near insurrection by announcing their neighborhoods would be postponing trick-or-treating to Sunday (October 31) night. Holy crashing websites! Create Columbia realized their inaugural house tour, whose hours were 3-8 p.m. on Sunday, October 31, might suffer, as adults would need to take their children on their rounds.
No matter, the show had to go on and what a show it was! Those people in Columbia are beyond creative where Halloween is concerned. Styling ranged from tasteful seasonal motifs to theatrical “productions” such as séances. The Brubakers’ Halloween “museum” is amazing! Nearly everyone was in costume and makeup. Everywhere you went, the lighting expertise – and even the theatrics – was phenomenal. Did I say I had a good time?
THE SUCCESS OF the weekend-long event encouraged the Create Columbia committee to begin expanding its Halloween horizons. This year’s tour will feature nine stops, including five private homes and locales such as Art Printing, which makes its home in the Samuel Miller Mansion (a favorite destination for paranormal investigators), the dungeon in the market house and Mt. Bethel Cemetery, where Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) will be observed with mini-tours of the grounds. “Whether it’s the garden tour or now Halloween, we have to work ahead,” says Kay. “We’re already lining up houses for 2023 and 2024. Next year, Cle has volunteered to chair a masquerade ball.”
Create Columbia’s Halloween House Tour is being held Sunday, October 30. Hours are 3-8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Columbia Market House on Saturday (7 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (tour hours), as well as at Mt. Bethel Cemetery (Sunday only). Tickets are $15; proceeds benefit an art-related scholarship fund. For details, visit createcolumbia.org and Facebook.
In addition to the house tour, Columbia will be the scene of other Halloween-related events, including:
Mark your calendars for October 8 and get caught up in things that go bump in the night! Columbia Crossing will host a day dedicated to Columbia’s Albatwitch, a legendary creature that’s small in stature (4 feet) and moves like a human but resembles Bigfoot in appearance. Albatwitches supposedly like to hang out around Chickies Rock.
The day-long event will feature lectures, live music, food, vendors and trolley tours, one of which will be narrated by ghost-hunter Rick Fisher and historian Chris Vera. Lecturers will include Mary Fabian, the founder of PA Bigfoot Project; Eric Altman, an authority on southwest Pennsylvania’s Chestnut Ridge, where things out of the ordinary occur; Tim Renner, host of the podcast, Strange Familiars; Lou Bernard, a writer who investigates old legends and stories; and Robert Phoenix, who practices PennsylvaniaGerman powwow (a blend of folk magic, healing remedies and Christian prayers).
Columbia Crossing is located at 41 Walnut St. Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For details, visit albatwitchday.com.
Unleash your creativity at Columbia Crossing, where a day-long, pumpkin-painting party will be held. All supplies will be provided; a $4 donation is suggested.
41 Walnut St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For details, visit susquehannaheritage.org.
October 22-30
Originally billed as “theatre in the street,” the lantern tours were launched in 2001 as a result of friends ruminating over the idea of creating an event that combined theatre, history and some Halloween thrills and chills.
A committee was formed, volunteers were recruited, a tour was cobbled together and Columbia found itself with a hit production. Credit for its long-running success is ascribed to Janet Wood, a local costumer and the director of Columbia High School’s theatre department, who coordinated the moving parts, conducted research, wrote scripts, created costumes and the list goes on. In 2010, Wood announced her retirement and the event faded to black.
In 2017, two veterans of the event – Sara Mimnall and Rebecca Wright – decided to revive the lantern tours. With Wood donating scripts, the production quickly gained speed. Mimnall took it a step further and formed an umbrella organization called Rivertown Theatre Productions, whose tagline is “the world is our stage, and the community our ensemble.” In addition to the lantern tours, Rivertown Productions presents murder-mystery events and takes part in other local events.
The theme of this year’s lantern tour is “Industry Ascending.” Tours will be held the evenings of October 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. Reservations are required. Call 717-587-5368. For details, visit columbiahlt.com.
Left: Painted signage that heralded the names of businesses or served as advertisements are part of a fascinating hobby in which devotees travel far and wide to document “ghost signs” that are revealed when buildings are in the process of being razed or renovated. Many businesses – such as Bootleg Antiques in Columbia – have brought the signage back to life.
Below: Riley and Reece Schaeffer in front of their home on Chestnut Street in Columbia. Photo by Kirk Zutell.
Garth will be hosting psychic medium and podcaster Hope Taylor, who views her group events as healing experiences for those in attendance, as her readings validate a connection to those who have passed through evidence, personality, memories and messages of love. Hope promises to provide as many connections and messages as possible.
22 S. Second St. 1 p.m. Purchase tickets through eventbrite.com.
Columbia Market House will host a haunted dinner and dungeon tour. Tickets are $25 and are limited to 50 guests.
15 S. Third St. 6-10 p.m. Call 717-572-7149 for tickets.
October 27
The parade grew out of an event that was first held in 1916 and celebrated the installation of 135 lighting standards in the borough. Sponsored by the More Light Association,
the original event was modeled on Mardi Gras celebrations held in New Orleans. The event, which eventually took the shape of a parade, continued through the 1920s, after which the Columbia Area Jaycees took over as the sponsoring organization. In 2002, the Columbia Lions Club and Sunsnappers, a men’s service club, became the parade’s sponsors. The parade features local high school marching bands, first responders, Columbia High School’s homecoming court and divisions such as walkers, baton, floats (many sponsored by local businesses and organizations) and individuals. This year’s theme is “Back to the ’90s.”
The parade steps off at 7 p.m. at the Columbia Borough Fire Department, located at 726 Manor St. From there, it winds its way around town. For more information, visit ColumbiaMardiGrasParade.Facebook.com/ Halloween Party in thePark
Sponsored by the Movers and Shakers Society, the event will feature a DJ, vendors, local businesses, trick-or-treating and costume contests for adults and children.
Locust Street Park, Locust St. and Lancaster Ave. 4-8 p.m. For details, visit Facebook.com/cmss17512.
Haunted Hayride and negotiate the Den of Darkness, Frightmare Asylum and the Nocturnal Wasteland. There’s also a midway that features food and live musical entertainment. The season closes on November 12, with the annual 5K Zombie Fun Run (costumes are all but required), proceeds from which benefit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.
If you’re looking for something a little tamer, Corn Cob Acres is perfect for an afternoon
outing with the kids. There’s nothing scary here. The 50 activities are geared to fun on the farm.
191 College Ave., Mountville. Field of Screams is open weekends (Fri.-Sun.) through October 30, as well as Thursday, Oct. 13, 20 and 27, Monday, Oct. 31 and Nov. 4, 5 and 11. Corn Cob Acres is open weekends (Fri.-Sun.) through October 30. Fieldofscreams.com and corncobacres.com.
Psychic medium, Lucky Belcamino, the co-founder of the New England Paranormal Society, is hosting an event at Keystone Artisan Werks that will include speakers such as Rick Fisher and Chris Vera, vendors, a Houdini séance and more.
199 Bridge St. 6 p.m. This is a ticketed event: PayPal.me/ghostchick.
If you still haven’t had your fill of Halloween activities, don’t forget Field of Screams is just minutes away in Mountville. Celebrating its 30th season, America’s Number One haunted attraction (per USA Today), has evolved from high school students popping out of cornfields to a highly technical/ technological attraction that continues to be operated by its original owners, Jim and Gene Schopf (and their families), and stars a ghoulish cast of hundreds of extras.
The Schopfs dare you to go on the
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It’s only appropriate that the Halloweenloving Schaeffer family lives in one of Columbia’s grand Victorian homes – many of the traditions that now define Halloween are rooted in the era in which their home was built.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIRK ZUTELL
Glen and Crystal Schaeffer were on the hunt for an old house. The search came to an end in 2000, when Crystal’s mother called to say she saw the perfect candidate on Chestnut Street in Columbia. “She was driving past and noticed the columns and then the For Sale sign,” Crystal recalls.
The house has a storied past. Dating to 1880, it was built for Emily Fitzgerald and her children following the death of her husband, a surgeon who practiced for a time in Alaska. Upon the family’s return to Columbia, Dr. Fitzgerald fell ill and died. In 1920, the Brown family purchased the house. Over time, an apartment was added to the second floor. The Schaeffers also learned that rooms on the upper floors were once rented to railroad workers.
The house passed through several generations of the Brown family, with the last owner being Tybertus Brown, who died at the age of 91 in 2005. Even though she had moved, her obituary referenced her one-time residence in Columbia. According to neighbors, Mrs. Brown, who taught in the Columbia Borough School District and was a regular volunteer for Holy Trinity's annual fasnacht sale, was such a meticulous gardener that she was often seen using
scissors to put the final touches on the mowed lawn. Legend also has it that she painted portions of the exterior of the house pink. “We were told it had to do with the arrival of a grandchild,” says Glen, who questioned the pink paint he uncovered when he was prepping the exterior for a new color scheme.
THE SCHAEFFERS TOURED the house and loved what they saw. “The bones were good, it just needed updating,” Crystal notes. The process began by addressing the mechanicals, with the house receiving a new HVAC system. It was completely rewired, as Fortunately,well. Glen, who grew up in an old house in Coatesville, was able to carry out many of the projects, the first of which was eliminating the apartment and returning the house to a single-family residence. Then came the mundane projects such as removing layers of paint
Left: Reece and Riley Schaeffer pose in front of the fireplace that was hidden behind river rock and paneling. They are attired in dresses created by Janet Wood of Regalia Costumers. Reece and Riley are students in the Columbia Borough School District. They are also students at Paula’s School of Baton. Both will be participating in the Mardi Gras Halloween Parade.
Have you ever wondered why Victorians never smiled in photographs? There are several reasons. In the early years (late 1820s) of photography, exposure time could be as long as 15 minutes, thus making a smile impossible to maintain. Also, portraits were only taken for special occasions and therefore their formality required a more serious look. Broad smiles were also considered to be ill-mannered. Aesthetically, small mouths were in vogue – in fact, photographers told subjects to say “prune” in order to make their mouths look even smaller. As few people had “pearlie whites,” it was simply better to not smile.
and what Crystal remembers as “lots of ’70s wallpaper.” He also removed a back staircase. The acoustic tile that covered the ceilings throughout was also removed.
A mystery was solved in the sitting room with the help of Cle Berntheizel, whose Victorian-era home is a block away. Someone had covered the fireplace in river rock. “Cle came and looked at it and said, ‘I bet the original fireplace is under there.’” Then the three noticed the wall had some give to it and discovered paneling had been erected to eliminate the niche in which the fireplace sits. As Cle suspected, the original marble fireplace was still there. Better yet, it was in pristine condition. By removing the paneled wall, the room became a foot wider. “The room looked so much bigger,” CrystalOthernotes.projects included transforming the third floor into a dual-purpose media and craft room. The kitchen and bathrooms were remodeled, as well.
Glen also got creative in the foyer and hallway that leads to the back of the house. “The parquet floor was not in the best shape, so I took it down to the subfloor, put a finish on that and then created a darker finish and stenciled it over the subfloor to create a diamond pattern,” he explains. What was meant to be a stop-gap measure proved to be an eye-catching and enduring project. Glen also created a period stencil for the breakfast-room walls, with Crystal applying the gold-hued paint.
Furnishing the house became a labor of love. Glen notes that because of the high ceilings (10 feet), contemporary furniture looks out of scale, thus the need to mix in period pieces. Early on, the antiques shops in Adamstown became their Sunday destination. The prized breakaway bookcase in the parlor was scored at the legendary Brimfield Flea Market in Massachusetts. Auctions also provided them with finds. “You have to remember, back in 2000, the Internet was still new,” Glen says. “There weren’t online sources for furniture and auctions. Now, I can bid on something online and go and pick it up.” Crystal reports that Victorian Homes magazine became her bible. “One thing
Above: Crystal poses with “guests” at last year’s séancethemed stop on the Columbia Halloween House Tour. Below: A skeleton dressed as a pirate and his friends welcomed guests to the sitting room. The red glass of the period globe lamp adds to the ambiance. At one time, kerosene oil was used to illuminate such lighting fixtures.Clockwise from top left: A witch's dress borrowed from Janet Wood’s collection of costumes set the tone in the foyer that leads to rooms at the back of the house. Glen and Reece made the bats. The floor was a project that saw Glen create a stain that was applied in a stenciled diamond pattern over the original subfloor.
“Guests” take part in the séance that was held in the formal dining room.
Mourning drapery decorated the staircase.
Opposite: The breakaway bookcase in the parlor, which was purchased at the Brimfield Flea Market in Massachusetts, brings scale to the 10-foot ceiling.
you quickly learn is that a Victorian is never done,” she notes.
BEING NEW TO TOWN – Crystal grew up in nearby Kinderhook – the Schaeffers wanted to get involved in Columbia happenings. They volunteered to take part in the Haunted Lantern tours. Working with artistic people like Janet Wood introduced the Schaeffers to another creative outlet –decorating for Halloween. “Halloween is just fun, there are no expectations,” Glen says of the creative and artistic direction they take to welcome trick-or-treaters to their home on October 31.
The decorations are a mix of vintage and new. For last year’s séance theme, Crystal put her skeletons – most purchased through Michaels – to optimal use. However, scary was the last word that came to mind when you entered the dining room. Instead, the Schaeffers definitely achieved what Crystal termed “whimsical and fun” with their theme.
“We are always looking for things,” Crystal notes. She also adds that she makes it her mission to shop the post-Halloween sales and considers the Oriental Trading Company (online) as a top source for anything Halloween.
“We love Trick-or-Treat night,” Crystal shares. “We set up a cemetery on the front lawn, have projections going in the windows and Glen short-circuits the porch light.” On a “slow” night, they’ll hand out 300 pieces of candy.
The Schaeffers have another reason for celebrating Halloween. Their daughter, Riley, was born on October 31. And, no, she has never had a Halloween-themed birthday party.
As for last year’s house tour, the Schaeffers were thrilled to show their first visitors through the house. “Members of the Brown family were our first visitors,” Crystal says. “They wanted to see what we did with the house and we were happy to give them the grand tour. They seemed very pleased, which made us happy.”
The Schaeffers’ home will be on this year’s Columbia Halloween House Tour. They plan to welcome visitors to their “Dead and Breakfast Inn.”
The era’s namesake, Queen Victoria, loved Halloween and the most coveted invitation during the fall social season was to the annual party she held at Balmoral in Scotland. Many of the traditions that now define Halloween are rooted in the Victorian era.
CANDY CORN was introduced in the 1880s by the Wunderle Candy Company of Philadelphia. Candymaker George Renninger concocted the treat out of sugar, corn syrup, marshmallow, fondant and other ingredients. Cincinnati’s Goelitz Candy Company (now Jelly Belly) began producing a similar treat they called Chicken Feed in 1898 and the rest is history. Candy Corn revolutionized Halloween as it was among the first manufactured treats to be handed out to Halloween-themedtrick-or-treaters.
PAPER GOODS AND PARTY FAVORS came into vogue during the late 1800s.
During the 1800s, Halloween had CONNOTATIONSROMANTIC
. Superstition held that if a woman gazed into a mirror at midnight on Halloween, she would glimpse the reflection of the man she would marry. If a skeleton appeared, she was destined to be an old maid.
MASQUERADE BALLS became fashionable at Halloween during the 1800s. Initially, partygoers borrowed from historic figures to fashion their costumes. Later, the discoveries made by archeologists and astronomers led to a fascination with costumes that conveyed ancient civilizations and celestial themes.
Before manufactured treats were slipped into bags, trick-or-treaters received homemade treats, APPLES and nuts. The apples helped homeowners economize as they were plentiful and inexpensive as compared to chocolate and other sweets.
JACK-O-LANTERNS are rooted in Ireland. Legend has it that a ne’erdo-well known as Stingy Jack struck a deal with the devil that he would never claim Jack’s soul. Upon his death, Jack was not welcomed in heaven or hell and was doomed to wander the Earth for eternity with only a hollowed-out turnip lighting his way. In the 1800s, it became customary for the Irish to carve faces into root vegetables such as turnips and potatoes and sit them on doorsteps and windowsills at Halloween time to ward off evil spirits. Irish immigrants continued the tradition, using the more plentiful pumpkins and gourds that grew in America.
Gary has loved Halloween for as long as he can remember. “Halloween has always been a big deal with me,” he admits. He loved everything about it … creating costumes, carving pumpkins, decorating the family home and trick-or-treating through Columbia well into the night. “How we survived, I’ll never know,” he says of the bad old days of Trick-or-Treat night, when cellphone tracking and other parental controls seemed very Jetsons-like. Denise, however, initially felt ambivalent about Halloween. “It wasn’t my thing,” she says.
Married for 53 years, the two met when Denise transferred from Lancaster Catholic to Columbia High School during her sophomore year. It was love at first sight. Despite the fact that the two grew up in Columbia, Denise is convinced fate intervened. “We probably would never have met each other had I not transferred,” she says.
Life went accordingly. They welcomed two sons and a daughter and moved to a new subdivision on the outskirts of town in the early ’80s. “The boys shared a room in the
lower level,” Denise says of their split-level home. “They came up with this crazy idea as teenagers to paint the walls purple.” Denise remembers thinking, “Why not?” and the room soon took on the hue of an eggplant with touches of black contributing to the “dramatic” décor. Unbeknownst to the Brubakers, the stage was set for the room to become Halloween central.
AS FOR THE Thanksgiving connection, about 16 years ago, Denise and Gary happened to attend a yard sale one of her co-workers was having. Gary spied two papier-mâché turkeys for sale and was intrigued. “She only wanted 50 cents each for them, so I bought them,” he recalls. Arriving home, he began to research the art form and, as he had an inkling, discovered the turkeys were worth much more than the price he paid. “That’s when I started noticing vintage Halloween stuff,” he says.
Denise, who loves to decorate for any and all holidays, followed her husband’s lead and upped the ante where Halloween decorating is concerned. It seems she
comes by the decorating gene honestly. “I’m from a very large and creative family,” she explains. “Everyone’s into a different craft; we help each other with projects.” Three of her sisters are huge fans of Halloween and spend their leisure time searching for finds. “They’re always texting each other with news of what they’ve found and to see if one or the other wants it,” Denise says. Just like clockwork, Denise’s phone pings and a photo of a find appears. One of the sisters thought it would be perfect for Denise’s house.
One of those sisters, Christine Horn, opened her home for last year’s tour. “The other two helped her with it,” Denise notes, adding that Refresh Salon, which is owned by her niece, Becky Lewis, was also on the tour. “Last year’s tour was definitely a family affair,” she laughs. Has the Halloween-decorating gene “bitten” any of the Brubakers’ children? They report that one of their sons collects Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) items, which is a whole other
HAVE spent the last 16 years collecting. “I’ll buy anything having
While Gary and Denise Brubaker love all the holidays on the calendar, Halloween sits atop the list. Actually, the Brubakers credit another holiday – Thanksgiving – for launching their odyssey of collecting all-things Halloween. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIRK ZUTELL
Opposite: What had been a bedroom that was shared by Gary and Denise Brubaker’s two sons – it was the boys’ idea to paint it purple and black – now holds vintage and collectible Halloween items that the Brubakers have amassed over the last 16 years.
Clockwise from top: A glass-doored cabinet holds many of the vintage papiermâché pumpkins and other seasonal decorations that Gary favors.
Gary and Denise Brubaker decorate the upper level of their home with newer finds for Halloween. Gary has loved Halloween since he was a child. More collectibles fill the shelves of a bookcase. Vintage artwork decorates the walls, while trees are laden with Halloweeninspired ornaments.
to do with Halloween,” Gary says of the vintage décor he prefers. However, finding vintage decorations in mint condition is becoming more difficult, so the Brubakers have widened their web and will often hop in the car and head for the unknown, having heard or read about a promising source that could be several hours away. “Everywhere we go, we look for different and unique stuff,” Denise says.
“I really like poking around in antiques shops,” Gary shares. He’s also come to rely on “reputable dealers” who keep him in the loop as far as Halloween inventory is concerned. One of his favorite “haunts” is the Strasburg Antique Market, where one of the vendors maintains a stellar display of Halloween items, including the coveted papier-mâché pumpkins and other décor. “The nice thing is it’s all kept in a glass case, so it’s in good condition. Plus, it’s on display year-round. Some places only put the stuff out for GaryHalloween.”isalsoanauction junkie. Before he attends an auction, he goes through a ritual that involves researching the history of an item he is interested in and gauging its value. Denise reminds him of an auction they
attended for which he did his homework and set a price he would not exceed. Another bidder had gone through the same ritual and a bidding war ensued. “He ended up going $300 over his limit,” Denise says. “I really wanted that pumpkin!” Gary says with a shrug.ASYOU
CAN IMAGINE, Gary’s collection soon outgrew the tabletops and cabinets on the main floor of the house. That prompted Denise to suggest they turn the now-vacant room the boys once shared in the lower level into their Halloween room. “We had an empty room that was painted purple and black. It was perfect,” Denise says. The two began hitting yard sales and resale shops in order to buy bookcases and cabinets in which their collectibles could be displayed. The room turned out to be perfect for another reason – it’s climate-controlled and because minimal natural light enters, the items remain in pristine condition.
Each September, the Brubakers prepare for Halloween by devoting three weeks to inspecting and cleaning the items in the Halloween room, rearranging the displays and squeezing in new finds. The room is
The Brubakers’ home will be a stop on this year’s Columbia Halloween House Tour. from left:
literally bursting at its seams. “There’s no more room for another table or cabinet,” DeniseThere’ssays. no room upstairs either – Denise decorates the entire upper level of the house with the modern-day things she finds on her travels. But, unlike the lower level, the upper floor of the house makes a quick transition to Christmas as soon as Halloween is history. “Christmas is my thing,” she says. “In fact, I keep one bedroom decorated for Christmas year-round.”Asyoustand and take in the Halloween collection and know that a treasure trove of Christmas items is lurking somewhere in the house, you wonder where everything is stored during the off-season. “It all goes where the cars belong,” Gary says. “In 35 years, we’ve never put a car in the garage,” Denise adds.
Destinations have started selling the idea of wellness travel to visitors. Over the last few years of traveling, I’ve spotted a concentrated emphasis on proactive health well beyond the attachment of a spa or the availability of a gym at a hotel or resort. With the fall travel season upon us, why not hit the road and enjoy a healthful getaway!
Asyou will discover, the spotlight now shines on local hiking trails and adventure outfitters; hotels that offer bikes for local jaunts; and regions that stress necessities like healthy food, fresh air and clean water. In destination guides, wellbeing of the body, mind and spirit now receives as much attention as museums and nightlife. After I noticed the trend, I began to see it everywhere.
The U.S.-based Global Wellness Institute defines wellness tourism as “travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal wellbeing” and separates the classification into those who travel primarily to seek wellness opportunities and secondary wellness travelers who participate in experiences while visiting a location for
business or leisure travel. I am of the secondary category. The institute estimated wellness tourism as a $639 billion global market in 2017; the phenomenon grew twice as fast as “general” tourism between 2015 and 2017.
Over the past year and a half, I sought out a few wellness-travel destinations and found a locale deeply attached to nature, a luxury community embracing all visitors (including canines) and a historic resort built on the reputation of its spring water, all within a day’s drive of Lancaster County.
I cheated the seven-hour drive and flew into Columbus on my way to visit the Hocking Hills area of Ohio, which I had heard embraced ecotourism and wellness travel through its natural riches. The Hocking Hills area is, in fact, a series of deep gorges formed by the glacial cycle
of 100,000 years ago. This process bestowed upon the area a moist, cool climate, which preserved by old growth forests and responsible land management, still exists today. Nature lovers began trekking to Hocking Hills in the late 1800s and today more than 3 million visitors descend on the area year-round. During a visit last fall, I learned Hocking Hills is nature – from apple picking in an orchard to ziplining through the treetops.MYFIRST
STOP WAS at Hocking Hills Orchard on the rolling grounds of Four Seasons Cabins outside the ordinary American town of Logan. At the orchard, Derek Mills’ serious passion for apples is on display as he invites folks to “come taste history” through his 1,700 varieties growing on the property. He has been growing apples since 1983 and every apple, whether it is the well-known Honeycrisp
Capon Springs in West Virginia has been Georgeguestswelcoming–includingWashington –since 1747. Its inn and Springs.courtesyclearthe1800s.dateaccommodationsothertothemid-Theallureisarea’scrystal-water.PhotoofCapongenerally found in grocery store displays or the rare and ancient Decio with roots in ancient Rome, costs the same at his orchard. After some of Mrs. Mills’ awesome apple pie and then lunch at an Amish market (seriously), I headed over to the “Midwest’s first canopy zipline” to get an aerial view of my surroundings. Hocking Hills Canopy Tours started in 2008 and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with our hilarious guides as we zipped through the woods near Rockbridge along the Hocking River.
At the forefront of natural attractions in this area is Hocking Hills State Park, which today encompasses 2,356 acres with 25 miles of trails. Most of the trails are an easy and comfortable hike. The park was founded in 1924, when the state purchased 146 acres to preserve what had become known as Old Man’s Cave, aptly named after someone decided to make the area their home. Old Man’s Cave is not just one cave, but a series of massive outcroppings, earthen throughways and natural water-wonders. Tectonic uplift and stream erosion helped carve today’s rock formations, waterfalls and recess caves from the Blackhand sandstone of the area.
Stepping off the park’s paved welcome area onto the trail entrance, visitors are immediately gifted an overlooking view of the gorge where Old Man’s Creek drops 25 feet into a picturesque pool below. A short hike down and visitors find themselves on the shore of this pool, eager to take snapshots and selfies to capture the beauty of the scene. I did. The rest
of the route is an intersecting loop of several trails winding over beautifully designed bridges and rock stairs, past sights like the Sphinx Head and the Devil’s Bathtub.
FIFTEEN MILES NORTH of the state park is High Rock Adventures, where the group I joined got in touch with nature through the expert guidance of naturalist Steve Roley. As the wind picked up and an early fall cold front moved into the area, we got an abbreviated forest-bathing experience, but it was one I will never forget. National Geographic calls it “the secret to mindful travel,” but forest bathing began in Japan in the 1980s – under the name shinrin-yoku – as a way to escape technology. The experience is simple: just walk into any natural environment (in this case the acres of near-pristine land owned by Steve’s eco-centric tour company) and consciously connect with whatever is around you – moss, trees, dirt ...
With Steve as our guide, we skirted the edges of massive rock walls, learned how his stewardship keeps the area pristine and, well, natural (as we clamber over a fallen tree decaying across the trail), and even sampled native flora as he educated us on its uses.
Back at his office, where a group of climbers was gearing up to tackle the rock face I saw earlier, I picked up a bottle of Lion’s Mane mushroom tincture. I am a huge fan of the fungi’s medicinal properties and Steve and I had a quick conversation about its benefits; he makes the tinctures himself.
Hocking Hills offers a variety of ways to get in touch with nature other than those I mentioned, including horseback riding, fishing and bird watching. I also enjoyed a bit of luxury during my stay, visiting Hocking Hills Sauna Pods, the Hocking Hills Serenity Salt Cave and the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, where I stayed in a jacuzzi cabin tucked away in the private, wooded hills. (Cedar Falls itself is part of the Hocking Hills State Park.)
To learn more, visit Hocking Hills’ website at hockinghills.com.
The planned community of Pike & Rose is a commercial center near the Washington, D.C. suburb of Bethesda, Maryland. It is its own little world in a sea of commuters, hurried traffic and those simply going from point A to point B. What could be relaxing about this? Well … near the center of Pike & Rose, which only occupies 379,000 square feet – roughly nine blocks –stands the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC Bethesda North, my base of operations for a
Old Man Cave in Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park is actually a series of massive outcroppings, earthen throughways and natural water-wonders. duringHockingmust-havepieAppleisadessertinHillsthefall.MichaelUptonstandsbesidethepoolthatisfedbyOldManCreek’s25-footdrop.Not up for a road trip? Check out these local spots to enhance your wellbeing.
A mindful approach to fitness and healing. Step into Bodywise studio and restore your sense of balance through the help of Pilates and massage.
30 N. Queen St., 2nd Floor, Lancaster. Bodywisewellbeing.com
Where water is therapy. Anyone who needs to escape from life’s daily stressors can benefit from floating. (Note: a name change to The Salty Turtle is coming.)
903 Nissley Rd., Unit H, Lancaster. Balafloatcenter.com
Halotherapy is a widely used natural remedy that goes back several centuries. The lounge also offers massage, yoga, reflexology and reiki.
4 Wellington Blvd., Suite 110, Wyomissing. Thesaltlounge.net.
weekend this summer. Ignoring the long name, the most important thing to know about this respite location is that it serves as an idea test market for parent company Hilton.
During my stay I learned more about the newest Hilton brand, Tempo. This Canopy temporarily offers Tempo wellness rooms, which come equipped with a Peloton spin bike, yoga mat and resistance bands; Apotheke bath amenities; a Therabody Theragun Elite and Wave Roller; and Elevated Tea Co.’s CBD tea with an electric kettle. In addition, the hotel has a gym that is open 24/7. I sat down with Director of Sales Justin Walsh over some morning coffee at the hotel’s skateboard- and ’80s-themed restaurant, Hello Betty, to get the advance on the new“Temporooms.isthe
newest lifestyle brand by Hilton,” explains Justin. “A lot of this is research and development, gathering guest impressions... We are the only hotel able to use Peloton branding. All 10 Tempo rooms have PelotonThebikes.”firstTempo hotel is expected to open late 2022 in New York City.
“It is all geared towards ensuring that wellness stays at the forefront for those who want to have that constant access,” continues Justin. “The Tempo branding is geared toward millennials who want to keep their fitness in the forefront and are active Peloton members. But we also hope it will pique the interest of those who are just curious about the Peloton and make them first time riders.”
The Canopy is one of those hotels with a spa attached, so it was only right to perform my due diligence and report to Privai for a custom massage. With an emphasis on “wellness for the whole being,” Privai was relaxing and welcoming from the moment I walked in the door and was served a hot, scent-infused bamboo towel
to clean my hands and face. I left feeling completely relaxed and refreshed after my personalized, world-class spa experience. Co-founded by Christina Stratton and Ilana Alberico, Privai launched in 2021 and has four locations in the DMV area.
During my stay I had the use of one of the hotel’s bikes – the kind with actual wheels –which I could use to travel outside of the Pike & Rose limits and discover features I would easily miss from a car, like the Bethesda Trolley Trail. This urban hiking trail, which leads from Pike & Rose to the center of Bethesda, consists of paved paths and pedestrian bridges crossing majorTherehighways.wasplenty to do in Pike & Rose in one weekend without getting on the bike or in the car. Getting outfitted for the great outdoors is easy at L.L. Bean and REI, two of several upscale shops located within walking distance of the hotel. Foodies can delight in a range of
options from a “Jew-ish” deli breakfast to an Asian-fusion lunch followed by a classic finedining experience at Julii.
Pike & Rose (as well as the hotel) is dogfriendly. Dog lovers can satisfy their dogs’ need to interact with their four-legged friends at Bark Social, which is billed as the East Coast’s first dog bar. After signing a quick waver, I made my way through the gates into a world of paw prints and happiness, where the self-serve beer taps flowed and dogs were allowed to be dogs. The world was good. As a dog lover, I was in my happyNewsplace.Flash: Hilton announced in late July that it is expanding its emphasis on wellbeing travel. Its latest introduction is the Green Room Concept, which is being test-marketed at the Canopy in Bethesda. Guests can enjoy the holistic benefits of plants while traveling. The adventure starts in the hotel lobby, where you’re greeted by a two-story moss wall. Guest
Pike & Rose in Bethesda, Maryland, is home to a Canopy Hotel by Hilton. Canopy serves as a test site for Tempo, a lifestyle-brand hotel devoted to travel wellness, as rooms are equipped with Peloton bikes, yoga mats, resistance bands and more. Photo courtesy of Hilton.rooms are outfitted with “strategically curated” plants that include herbs, aromatics, air plants and preserved-moss installations. Working with REWILD, a D.C.-area plant and flower studio, Canopy is helping guests to de-stress, boost productivity, improve their moods and enjoy fresh indoor air. Herbs and other aromatics are incorporated into teas and cocktails, as well.
For more information, visit canopybethesda.com.
I met Jonathan Bellingham at a travel writers conference several years ago and I immediately knew I wanted to visit the allinclusive mountain resort he owns in West Virginia. I was intrigued because Capon Springs is all about the water.
The town of Capon Springs (pronounced “cape-in” not “kay-pon” like the rooster) was originally named after its founder, but after several changes settled on a name embracing the heritage of its famous springs. In the late 18th century, before it became Capon Springs, an acre of land in this area sold for $900 worth of gold because of the natural spring water, which doctors prescribed as a treatment for all sorts of ailments. West Virginia even had to pay Virginia for the loss of the springs when it seceded from the commonwealth in 1863.
There is no secret ingredient in the Capon Springs H2O; it is all about the pH (the concentration of hydrogen ions in a liquid), which resides just over the neutral zone. Water with a pH of 7 is considered neutral and pure.
This water is neither acidic nor basic and is the building block of healthy kidney function. Geologically, the spring rises to the surface between two vertical synclines – the trough of compressed earth’s crust – and passes through a natural filter of sandstone. From rainfall to reservoir to spring, the cycle takes approximately 70 years. When at peak capacity, the resort uses 65% of the spring’s water flow, which runs at 60 gallons per minute.
Designed to resemble a 19th-century village, everything in Capon Springs is within walking distance of the “town square.” Oldfashioned recreation like shuffleboard and croquet center around the meal schedule, which is a communal experience and features farm-fresh meats, produce and baked goods.
“We like to say we are a kinder, gentler era. Architecturally, guests are stepping back in time because the majority of the buildings were built between 1850 and 1890,” says Jonathan, whose family has operated Capon Springs and Farms since 1932. The 4,700-acre site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes a golf course. “We have third- and fourth-generation guests, people whose parents’ parents started coming here and they have been reserving the same week for generations.”Thisyearthe resort’s spa opened yearround for the first time. Demand was high. Jonathan knew people were looking to discover healing water in the U.S. and Capon Springs was there to fill the need.
“It feels like we’re trending upward. People are driving two hours, making a day trip, just for a half-hour soak in our baths. I find
it remarkable,” he says. “We are now looking at the spa as not just an add-on, but a way to introduce people to the resort and our water. It feels like a renaissance, the way people are connecting to the water.”
Capon Springs is located in northeastern West Virginia, only 20 miles from Winchester, Virginia. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia is one of the fastest-growing regions in terms of population and housing. Yet, with its embodiment of days gone by, Capon Springs remains a testament to simpler and easier times, before cell phones and Netflix, when family gatherings were a daily event. “Change comes slowly here. We are a place that is frozen in time. But we might add some new things here in the future. We added an escape room in 2021 and it was so popular we are adding a second one. We don’t make big decisions without testing the waters,” says Jonathan, pun intended.
For more information, visit caponsprings.net.
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.
The interest in water-related health and fitness benefits has prompted Capon Springs to maintain year-round hours for its spa due to the unprecedented interest of day-trippers and vacationers alike. Photo courtesy of Capon Springs.
THE FRIENDSHIP HEART STUDIO is thrilled to announce the opening of a second studio location at 1159 East Oregon Road in Lititz, behind the Friendship Community main office, pending licensing approval. This brand-new space will provide opportunities for more individuals with intellectual disability and autism to express their capabilities through art. As more individuals participate, their instructor and volunteer needs increase. Anyone interested in working at the studio can contact Eric Brobst at 717-723-8876 or EBrobst@FriendshipCommunity.net. Interested individuals, or support persons on behalf of individuals, can fill out the digital inquiry form online at friendshipart.net/studio.
Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio is a faith-based, nonprofit gallery and state-licensed studio cultivating capabilities of individuals with intellectual disability and autism since 2007.
The STOLL & WOLFE DISTILLERY Tasting Room proudly serves craft cocktails, featuring its award-winning PA bourbon and rye whiskeys, vodka and gin, as well as PA craft beer and wine. Owner and distiller Erik Wolfe says, “As the weather turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, guests look for fall-flavored cocktails featuring local apple, pumpkin, pear, ginger and allspice. Classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Sazerac and Manhattan are the perfect way to take the chill out of fall evenings.” Stoll & Wolfe is always partial to their hometown, but there’s something extra special about fall in Lititz. “Watching multiple generations gather downtown for the Chocolate Walk, Beerfest and Halloween Parade with residents and visitors, it really does feel like America’s Coolest Small Town.” life, host an event, reinvent your or and
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION COMPILED BY KAYLEE REX
The moment you enter ZEST! in Lititz, you get the feeling that this is going to be fun. Zest! is a wonderful culinary experience created in 2012 by owner Sharon Landis at 30 East Main Street in Lititz. The Zest Cooking School, at 1180 Erbs Quarry Road in Lititz, opened in January
2018 and the Zest! Spice Shoppe was added to the store in September 2019 and features over 200 premium herbs and spices.
The store on Main Street features gourmet tools and gadgets, specialty foods and all the ingredients you need for craft cocktails and mocktails. Sharon has made it a priority to support women-owned businesses across the U.S., as well as globally supporting fair-trade
organizations, including handmade baskets from Mayan Hands in Guatemala and Sustainable Threads hand-stamped tablecloths from India. Learn more about Zest! and the Zest Cooking School on their website at zestchef.com.
One of the many popular specialties at WILBUR CHOCOLATE is their signature Wilbur Buds packaged in many different gift types or casual pouches for total chocolate Bud enjoyment! Other favorites include chocolatecovered fruit, triple-coated almonds and the kitchen-made Lititz Bark. Stop by the Lititz store today to find all kinds of sweet treats for yourself or the perfect gift for any occasion! Visit wilburbuds.com to find out more about their long and unique history or to shop for your favorites online.
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 every night, as well as brunch on Sunday. For dinner, choose from starters, salads, pizza and main dishes, including steak, seafood, pasta, burgers and more. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available. Signature cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine are also offered. Be
sure to leave room for a decadent dessert from their in-house pastry chef! Call 717-500-3436 or visit their website, perdiemlititz.com, to make
America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, JULIUS STURGIS PRETZEL BAKERY , and take a family-friendly tour (offered every half hour). The bakery’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Be sure to visit their website, juliussturgis.com, to schedule a tour.
General manager Kurt J. Van Gilder says, “We offer more than just hard pretzels and fresh-baked soft pretzels. Check out our pretzelthemed gift items such as T-shirts, magnets, pencils and books. We also offer wonderful chocolate-covered pretzels, some with caramel or peanut butter.”
ZIG’S BAKERY is a much-loved bakery and café located in Brick Gables. The café features a cozy seating area where you’re welcome to enjoy soup, sandwiches, salads, specialty drinks and, of course, desserts. Or if you are on the run, choose from an abundant selection of deli items and baked goods. Zig’s uses local raw meats, vegetables, fruits, flours and grains for their lovingly crafted recipes. Check out their menu at zigsbakery.com
Modeled after a traditional British pub, BULLS HEAD PUBLIC HOUSE is known for its wide selection of beer, as well as its pub fare. Craftbeer.com named it “Best Beer Bar in Pennsylvania” five years in a row. Learn more at facebook.com/BullsHeadPublicHouse.
Create memories that will last a lifetime at BRICK GABLES ! As a family-owned venue, Brick Gables has always understood the importance of gathering with loved ones. Featuring a restored 1900s barn, celebrate your special event surrounded by exposed wood rafters, beautiful brickwork and high-beam ceilings. The rustic yet elegant event venue is located in Lititz at 800 East Newport Road. For more information, visit brickgables.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 celebration, Lititz Springs Inn & Spa offers a variety of cosmopolitan amenities and services. An in-house spa, VIP lounge, award-winning pub, cocktail bar and 13 rooms and suites mean you and your guests will be fully pampered from start to finish.
“We’re so excited to announce our new website, logo and name! Gochenauer Kennels, as you’ve always known us, is now GOCHENAUER PET RESORT ! Same loving owners, staff and experience you’ve always expected since 1971, with some awesome updates and additions to give you and your pet the most amazing experience here!” says Jody Gochenauer.
For more than 50 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 gochenauerpetresort.com or during normal business hours by calling 717-569-6151.
MORAVIAN MANOR COMMUNITIES is a one-of-a-kind place to live and retire. The walkable community within a community features two campuses, just mere 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
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.
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.
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!
Residential Living • Assisted Living Personal Care Memory Support Skilled Care Rehab Connect with us
options and more – all supporting active aging and your every pursuit in life.
In today’s uncertain times, “peace-of-mind” takes on a whole new meaning. Residents at Moravian Manor Communities are assured of support that’s available 24/7. Not only are they prepared to handle any emerging issues or health situations that arise, but they stand ready to assist residents during times of need. Discover an abundance of opportunities that are accessible to residents and support a healthy, safe and happy retirement lifestyle.
Call 717-626-0214 to learn more about their two distinct campuses, community amenities, dynamic lifestyle opportunities, enticing dining options and engaging groups that can help you strike the perfect balance in life.
At LUTHER ACRES in Lititz, residents have discovered the advantages of retirement living at a Luthercare community. Luther Acres features convenience services, fantastic amenities and fun and engaging activities – all enjoyed without the worries and hassles of home maintenance. Residents connect with friends and neighbors on campus in many ways, whether taking fitness classes, enjoying live music or gathering for a specially prepared chef’s dinner. Charming Downtown Lititz is walkable from Luther Acres, and residents appreciate taking a stroll (or short shuttle ride) to the unique community events, boutiques and restaurants. On October 8, Luther Acres chefs will serve a sweet treat at the annual Lititz Chocolate Walk, and during the following weekend, Luther Acres will host an “Explore Retirement Living” open house on October 15. Guests can tour cottages, apartments and much more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and learn about the full range of services available.
LLC is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization in Lititz that provides quality in-home care services to help you live a safe and independent lifestyle. Formed and owned by three well-respected senior care providers (Luthercare, Moravian Manor Communities and Pleasant View Communities), Your Neighborhood Connection understands that there are times when you could use some help with daily tasks. Or maybe you are recovering from surgery or having challenges due to a long-term illness. If you need some additional assistance, Your Neighborhood Connection’s caregivers can be there a few times per week, a few hours every day or even 24/7 to meet your changing needs. Whether you require assistance with household chores, medication reminders, running errands or personal care services, Your Neighborhood Connection can create a customized plan to meet your specific needs. For more information, visit yourneighborhoodconnection.org or call 717-627-0072.
Nestled among Main Street’s boutiques and antiques purveyors in historic Lititz, HEAVENLY SOAPS & SCENTS has been welcoming visitors since November 2002. Local residents and tourists alike often discover the shop on foot, drawn in by the delicate scent that escapes their doors or by a whimsical window display. The unique gift shop features a combination of fresh and exciting products, a sense of indulgent fun and attentive customer service. Inside, find shelves stacked high with soaps, diffusers, candles, mists, bath salts, lotions and much more. If you are looking for distinctive apparel or plush animals for the young ones in your life, you will be thrilled with the many designer-made items available. Heavenly Soaps and Scents is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit heavenlysoapsandscents.com
Update your fall wardrobe at MARIE & Z BOUTIQUE , a one-stop shop for women’s fashion. Fall and winter styles are available now, including cozy sweaters, silky blouses and fashionable blazers and coats. Owner Denise Walling loves to help women discover their style. “It is important to look for clothes that not only fit well, but also fit your lifestyle,” Denise says. “They should be comfortable, affordable and stylish. This is what each piece in my boutique brings and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed selecting them.” Order online or stop by the shop at 79 East Main Street for some personalized shopping while enjoying the Downtown Lititz community. Hours are Tuesday, 1-5 p.m., and Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on boutique hour/day changes, check out their Instagram @MarieandZBoutique or visit mariezboutique.com
Fall is always an exciting time at CLEMINTINES . Sweaters and jackets are filling the shelves and fun tops are being hung on the racks. Pants and denim in many shapes and colors are also available to fulfill anyone’s taste. Gold and mustard tones, shades of deep green and teal and rich hues of plum are all standouts this Accessoriesfall.are
essential to complete your look. All it takes is that one special piece to pull your outfit together. Some staff favorites in jewelry include Sea Lily (made from piano wire), OC Jewelry (for that artistic statement piece) and Origin (a resin material that comes in an array of colors and styles). Don’t stop at jewelry. Clemintines has beautiful, lightweight scarves and purses, as well.
Visit Clemintines and then enjoy the rest of your day at the many other stores and restaurants that Lititz has to offer.
CHERRY ACRES is a manufacturer and retailer of custom-made furniture crafted primarily from reclaimed lumber. Cherry Acres specializes in tabletops and bar tops made from live-edge slab wood. Besides domestic species, Cherry Acres carries many exotic species imported from Costa Rica. Stop in and view the several hundred slabs at their store and warehouse.
Following lifetime careers in residential construction, Troy and Todd Weaver formed BROOKSIDE BROTHERS in 1999. As a full-service residential remodeler, the Brookside Brothers team is trained and experienced in transforming outdated living spaces into something brand new. Whether you want to remodel your kitchen, backyard or whole home, their team will walk with you through every step of the process, including the initial design, material selection and the actual remodeling itself. Brookside Brothers takes pride in their attention to detail, quality craftsmanship and outstanding customer service. When looking for a home-addition company that can handle large and small residential remodeling projects, there is no one out there quite like Brookside Brothers. To learn more and see their work, visit brooksidebrothers.com.
From the moment you step inside the MAIN STREET PEDDLER , you’ll feel at home. Located at 22 East Main Street in Downtown Lititz, this charming home goods and gift shop has four rooms filled with farmhouse, garden and vintage décor. Peppered with antiques, collectibles, books and lovely gifts, this shop will be celebrating 29 years of business in January 2023! Their friendly staff warmly welcomes you and is happy to help you find the perfect item you’re searching for.
You’ll be delighted as you tour each unique room of the shop. Every item for sale has been hand-selected. You’ll find seasonal décor including florals, candles, Meadowbrooke Gourds, Lori Mitchell (aka skinny-legged people), Byers’ Choice carolers, Nora Fleming stoneware and minis and Mariposa giftware, frames, tableware and more. The shop’s home décor includes such items as pillows, blanket throws, tableware, gardening pots, Woodstock chimes, picnic items, vintage tableware, as well as beautiful April Cornell linens. The Main Street Peddler has everything you need to make your house a home.
Over-the-road truck drivers know how grueling and isolating life on the road can become. Francisco Ostos and his family can attest to that. After seven years of driving, Francisco needed a change. Going all in, Francisco and his wife, Julia, bet on themselves for the sake of their family.
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY JORDAN BUSHFrancisco and Julia Ostos never imagined they’d own a business in food service. Francisco goes a step further, sharing that he always swore he would never work in a restaurant. His life’s journey started in Mexico; his family moved to the United States in 1997, when Francisco was 13. Settling first in Texas, the family moved to Reading, Berks County, where Francisco graduated from high school. He found a job working as a supervisor at the ACME Warehouse in Denver. Through his warehouse position, Francisco became acquainted with truck drivers. Intrigued, he would ask them questions about their jobs. At age 30, Francisco got his CDL. One of his regular routes was transporting mushrooms from Kennett Square to a distributor in Chicago. In the summer, Julia and their two kids, Francisco Jr. (Gordo) and Alexandra, would ride along.
IN THE WINTER OF 2021, Francisco’s transportation contract was expiring. “You make good money, but you never see your family,” says Francisco of the job. With every Thursday and Friday off, regardless of the holiday or life event, “We had to do birthdays on my day off,” he says.
One of his friends, José Tinoco, owner of Taqueria El Carreton in Reading, asked, “What are you going to do with your life?” Francisco wasn’t sure, but he needed to make a career change. José suggested that Francisco buy his unused food truck and start a business. That night, Francisco went home and awakened Julia, exclaiming, “I bought a food truck!” She replied, “You’re crazy; it’s late, go to bed!”
The next morning, Julia asked, “Were you serious about what you said about buying a food truck?” That’s when Francisco shared with her that he had committed to purchasing the truck for $25,000. “How are we going to pay for it?” asked Julia. “Work, work, work,” Francisco replied. “Trust me, we’re going to do good,” he added. “It was his idea, 100%,” she recalls. “I was scared, I won’t lie.” Together they went to look at the truck,
Top to bottom:
The Ostos family, left to right, Alexandra, Francisco Sr., Julia and Francisco “Gordo” Jr. Quesabirria is made with shredded beef, cheese, cilantro and onions. Tacos El Gordo setup for an event at Whistle Stop Plaza in Downtown Ephrata.
which needed quite a bit of TLC, having sat idle for five years. It had a flat tire and the engine didn’t start.
The condition of the truck wasn’t the only problem the Ostoses faced. Francisco had never cooked before; in fact, for most of his life, he hated cooking. But he was hungry to learn, to be present with his family and to gain financial independence. Immediately, he asked his mother and sister to teach him recipes, plus they helped prepare food in a leased commercial prep kitchen in Reading.
They also needed a name for their venture. Francisco is originally from Ciudad Juárez in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, and he briefly considered using the namesake breed of dog for their logo. That didn’t quite fit and he landed on Tacos El Gordo, named after the endearing and affectionate nickname, “Gordo” given to their son, Francisco Jr. Loosely translated, “gordo” means fat or chubby.
When the truck was tuned up and given a fresh coat of paint, the location where it would park remained in flux. Initially, they planned to park near the town of Stevens, but a $5,000 permit that
required the assistance of a lawyer was too big of a bite, especially considering the expensive application was devoid of a guarantee.OnJune 4, 2021, the day Tacos El Gordo got its food license, the food safety inspector mentioned an idea for a possible location: the old Kmart parking lot in Ephrata. Good’s Store had just acquired the property in March, so Julia started calling around. Eventually she got in touch with Ken Burkholder, the store’s president. After considering their request for two weeks, Julia got their answer: “Alright, let’s give it a try.”
FOR THEIR FIRST WEEK of business in July 2021, Tacos El Gordo stocked 100 pounds total of steak, chicken and chorizo. They were all-in on their venture, investing everything they had, with just $300 left in cash-on-hand and a growing pile of debt to leverage the equipment they needed to operate. Joyfully, their first day – July 10 – was met with long lines of hungry customers, as Francisco hustled to get the word out early with advertisements, flyers and telling everyone he could that their food truck was coming.
Before opening, Julia joked about how incredible it would be that they could close that day at 2 p.m. The reality was not so different: by 3 p.m. the Ostoses had sold
out of food. The lines continued to grow each day, as they dialed in their workflow, recipes and inventory. A year later, in addition to chorizo and chicken, they now prepare 500 pounds of beef and 200 pounds of cheese in a week. They use two gallons of salsa on a daily basis, with the recipes prepared by Francisco’s mother and sister.
FOR MOST OF THEIR first year in business, Francisco would make two trips to Reading every day to pick up more supplies, drinks and food for the truck. The days were long, even as they grew short. In the winter, Francisco shoveled snow in the dark parking lot as early as 5 a.m. He installed bright lights on top of the truck to illuminate the pavement for spreading bags of salt. Around 6 p.m., they’d start washing dishes and cleaning equipment. After their 7 p.m. close, they would purchase food that was needed for the next day and start prepping it. At 11 p.m., they started restocking the truck. Despite the long days, they were together as a family and were constantly making improvements, both logistical and personal.
AS FOR FRANCISCO’S NEW take on cooking, he shares, “Everything I hated doing, I now do with love.” Citing their customers as the basis of their success, he says, “The people make me. We have people
FranciscoClockwise:Ostos hands an order to a customer.
New signage announces the arrival of Tacos El Gordo on Main Street in Ephrata.
Encouraged by the success they achieved in their first year, husband-and-wife duo, Francisco and Julia Ostos, are making plans for future expansion.
coming from Maryland, Philly, West Chester, Harrisburg, Lebanon, York and Hamburg. I’m living my dream,” he says. Without missing a beat, Julia adds, “Busting his ass.” Francisco proudly recalls one customer who drove from Maryland for the express purpose of ordering a Quesabirria taco. According to Francisco, she said, “It better be good, I drove three hours to get here.” Satisfied, she ordered five more to take back to Maryland and has become a regular customer among many.
WHEN TACOS EL GORDO added outdoor seating, customer relationships immediately grew. “We could get to know our customers more, who is who,” says Francisco. Their extended family would come to spend time there talking and enjoying being together, including Julia’s 85-year-old father, who has at times been recruited to fill containers with salsa.
Part embarrassed and part honored by the business’ name, Gordo and his sister, Alexandra, contribute, too. Alexandra helms the register that’s managed on a digital tablet, while Gordo brings orders to cars, restocks the coolers and makes sure the area is clean. They’re both learning the value of their hard work and realize that if there’s something they want, they know how much they need to work to earn it. According to Julia, both kids are developing business sense, even a sense of ownership of how food should be cooked and presented.
Before they knew it, a year had passed. The development of Good’s Store building got underway. Ken Burkholder took the time to reach out to the Ostoses and congratulate them on the first anniversary of signing an agreement to set up in what was essentially Good’s Store’s parking lot. Later, as a café at the adjoining Dutch-Way Farm Market became part of the company’s plan, Tacos El Gordo knew they would need to move. Ken Burkholder didn’t want to see them leave the area, so he helped them secure a new location on the other side of Rothsville Road from the store. “We owe him so much,” says Julia. “He grew so much trust in us; he enabled us.”
LOOKING TO RELOCATE their commercial kitchen from Reading, Francisco and Julia were fortunate to find a restaurant space in Downtown Ephrata, minutes from their food truck. The new kitchen space eliminated hours of daily travel to their Reading-based kitchen, thus saving them time and fuel, while providing cold storage for larger quantities of food. Having inventory nearby ensures the truck is wellstocked and doesn’t sell out on busy days.
As for future plans, the Ostoses intend to eventually open the space as a restaurant once they have enough staff trained and can trust them as stewards of their dream. For
now, “The food truck is the priority,” says Francisco. He and Julia are committed to their beloved food truck and even dream of one day expanding to Lancaster City, Reading and beyond.
The commitment to the food truck is evidenced by the fact that after moving to their current location on Rothsville Road, they signed a three-year lease. They added shaded picnic tables to the enterprise and it’s not uncommon to see one of the Ostoses bringing food out to diners. That they could currently operate their business from a restaurant space instead of their food truck underscores their commitment to the experience, convenience and speed of service their customers have come to appreciate. The restraint they show in not growing too quickly has ensured they will be prepared for each new step along their road to success.
You can find Tacos El Gordo at 3609 Rothsville Road, Ephrata. For more information, call 717- 271-8440 or visit Facebook and Instagram the upcoming Tacos El Gordo restaurant in Downtown Ephrata. This location currently serves as a prep kitchen and will continue to support the food truck when it opens as a restaurant.
Jordan 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.
“Alexandra knows how food should look,” says Julia. “She’s amazing.”
For Chris Vera, the new manager at Columbia Market House, the historic building at 15 South Third Street is all about community. “I believe this market is a community building,” he says of the facility that is owned by Columbia Borough and was beautifully renovated prior to its grand reopening in May 2021. “It’s a farmers market on Saturdays, but it can serve as a place for community events,” he explains, adding that private celebrations can be held there, as Chriswell.proudly proclaims that he represents the second generation in his family to serve as market manager. His mother, Renae Sears, not only had a stand at the market, but she also served as its manager. “I worked at my mom’s stand as a kid – she had a hot dog stand and I would make Bachman’s pretzels to sell. When it closed in the early ’90s, her dream was to reopen this market. She was able to fulfill
that dream and now I’m following in her footsteps,” Chris says, noting the family’s next generation is involved, as well. “I have a niece, Lauren Schoenly, who’s a standholder.”
AS MARKET MANAGER, Chris can share his other passion – history – with visitors. Built in 1869 on the site of an earlier open-air market, the market house features a large and open interior. Look up and you’ll notice the arched Howe trusses that mimic those used in railroad bridges during that time period. While the market is rooted in history – remnants of the original brick flooring can be seen in some areas of the building – the renovated interior looks right at home in the 21st century, as it’s flooded with natural light thanks to both tall and clerestory windows, as well as the massive doors that are topped with windows. The white interior further enhances the bright and airy feel. Tables and chairs fill the
central portion of the space, while vendor stands encircle the seating areas.
Adding to the ambiance is a handpainted upright piano courtesy of Create Columbia (Janette Toth-Musser was the artist). Chris says sometimes people –Danielle Holsinger, for example, is a regular –will play it on market day. “What I love about this market is that people talk with one another. The chatter of voices is the best sound you can hear. The piano music doesn’t overpower that,” he says.
The market house also has a unique attraction – a jailhouse dungeon that was added to the lower level in the late 1800s. “The dungeon’s cells were used to temporarily house prisoners; it eventually closed in the early 1900s,” Chris says. Since then it’s been the source of scary tales and paranormal sightings, which is yet another of Chris’ interests. “I give tours of the dungeon on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” he reports.
Are you looking for a fun and entertaining place to grab some breakfast or lunch and do some shopping for Saturday night’s dinner? If so, head for the Columbia Market House, where you can enjoy a bite to eat while listening to piano music or playing a game of chess or checkers. If you’re feeling brave, you can tour the market’s dungeon. Finally, you can assemble the ingredients for that evening’s dinner or buy a hostess gift for the dinner party you’re attending.BY ROCHELLE A. SHENK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GOULD
Opposite: Fresh produce from Isidore & Maria’s, which offers a $20 fill-a-box promotion.
Murphy’s Mercantile offers T-shirts, hats and other items that relate to Columbia and the Susquehanna River.
Danielle Holsinger often stops by the market house on Saturday mornings to play the piano that was a project of Create PreservedColumbia.veggiesfrom Lantz’s Goodies.
The central portion of the market house is devoted to seating, while its outer rim is encircled by vendor stands. Photo courtesy of Columbia Market House.
The market house dates to 1869. In the late 19th century, jail cells were installed in the basement of the building. Market manager, Chris Vera, provides dungeon tours on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHEN THE 9,400-SQUARE-FOOT market opened in 1869, and for some time afterward, it was home to 180 indoor stalls and 37 outdoor stalls that were protected by the projecting roof. “At that time there were no grocery stores or supermarkets, so this is where people bought their food – it was basically the biggest grocery store in
town,” Chris says. “And, Columbia was a busy town; there were five different railroad lines coming through town. Columbia was the industrial hub of the county.”
THE SUCCESS OF the market was not destined to last. Conveniences such as modern grocery stores prompted consumers to change their shopping habits.
After several attempts to rebrand itself, the market closed at the end of 2017 to prepare for its next chapter. After an extensive construction and renovation project, it reopened in May 2021, at which time it was managed by CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health. The organization left that role in JuneChris,(2022).who also serves as president of Columbia Historic Preservation Society and
Clockwise from right: Chris Vera followed in his mother’s footsteps when he was named market manager in July.
Museum, began serving as market manager in July. “I want to bring back the farmers market feel of the past. I want people to walk this market – you can buy the ingredients for your dinner here, and do it at an affordable price,” he stresses and points to the “sharing box” that is available at Isidore & Maria’s. Customers fill a box with vegetables and fruits for $20. “It may be too much for your family, so you can share it with friends, neighbors or extended family members,” Chris
Dueremarks.toitscentral location, the market’s vendors and customers come from both sides of the Susquehanna River. Current vendors include Productive Peasant Farm Co. (fresh produce and a CSA), Eisenhaur’s Sweets & Eats (baked goods, sweets and savories), Dough Heads Stuffed Waffles, The Monastery Bakery of St. Joseph, Lantz’s Goodies (baked goods, canned items, jellies, etc.), Momma Son’s (Cambodian fare), Loreto’s (traditional tomato gravy/sauce and pasta), Isidore & Maria’s (fresh produce), Soda Depot (small-batch bottled soda), Pulire (fruit sorbet, juice shots, energy balls, teas) and Pour Man’s Brewing (craft beer). Norse Naturals offers soy candles (among other things), including a scent that is exclusive to the market. At Murphy’s Mercantile, the selection includes all sorts of items that relate to Columbia, Hinkle’s Restaurant and the Susquehanna River.
The latest buzz is that Eisenhaur’s Sweets & Eats will be taking over the restaurant kitchen that was formerly occupied by Gypsy Kitchen. Owner Mindy Eisenhaur (who once cooked in the kitchen of the local VFW) is excited about the opportunity and plans to expand her menu. The service kitchen can also be used for private parties, plus Chris would like to see the space become a community kitchen that can be used by food trucks or other small vendors/organizations, with Eisenhaur’s Sweets & Eats serving as the anchor.
COLUMBIA MARKET HOUSE will be the scene of a haunted dinner and tour of the dungeon on Saturday, October 22. Cost is $25 per person (event is limited to 50 people). Reservations can be made by calling 717-572-7149. Additionally, on October 28 and 29, area nonprofits will have booths set up at the market house for a fundraising opportunity.Themarket house will also host the Makers Market Christmas Show on Sunday, November 27, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Columbia Market House is located at 15 S. Third St. At present, it is open to the public on Saturdays from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, visit columbiapamarkethouse.org or Facebook.
Clockwise from top left: Loreto’s offers its famed family recipe for Italian gravy/sauce, as well as items such as pasta.
The Soda Depot stocks small-batch bottled soda.
Four generations shopping at market. Left to right are Marlene Null, her daughter, Sheri Deets, her granddaughters, Laura Pavelko and Sarah Suarez, and greatgrandson, Simon Pavelko.
A beehive cake from Lantz’s Goodies.
Mindy Eisenhaur will be taking over the market’s service kitchen.
Norse Naturals offers a scented candle that’s exclusive to market.
Productive Peasant Farm Co. offers fresh produce and shares in a CSA.
You can play chess while enjoying a brew from Pour Man’s, Cambodian fare from Momma Son’s and stuffed waffles from Dough Heads.
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)
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Based on the 1977 movie, you’ll hear the chart-topping hits from the Bee Gees like Stayin’ Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, More Than A Woman, Night Fever, Jive Talkin’ and so many more! Relive the disco years!
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Isaac’s commitment to great taste continues with our new craft brewery concept, Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery. Stop by our location in Downtown Lancaster or on Greenfield Road for specialty brews that bring out the best in the artisan sandwiches and made-from-scratch soups we’ve been perfecting for 39 years! Isaacsrestaurants.com
Anne M. Lusk has over 25 years of real estate experience. Anne’s mission is to provide world-class service to each and every one of her clients. Supporting local charities allows her the chance to be a difference-maker in the lives of others. By collaborating with some of the finest agents in the area, Lusk & Associates was formed with the goal of bringing a shared vision for world-class service to a broader base of homeowners and buyers.
Celebrating 24 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 ‘Among the Best’ salons in 2021.
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Join us at our Auction Gala, Friday, October 7 at Bent Creek
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With sips and sights for those you hold dear! From wine and cheese rides to a special first-class experience complete with cocktails, now’s the time to take a sip and savor the moment.
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 CaseyJonesRestaurantPA.com717-687-5000
Our chefs have been serving Lancaster Countians their favorite entrées for 42 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.
Join us in celebrating 40 years of serving the Lancaster County community as Ephrata Re-Uzit Stores and three years doing business as ReUzit on State. Browse gently used clothing, accessories, housewares, furniture, home décor, toys, books and more. Thank you to our donors, shoppers and volunteers for your support and making an impact around the world through the programs of Mennonite Central Committee.
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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 (PA#007777)haldemanmechanical.com.
Nikki Macias 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. 2938 Columbia Avenue, Suite 602, Lancaster. www.eramountainrealty.com.717-390-8701.Macias, Agent
Over the course of the past 50 years, the Strasburg Heritage Society has established archives comprised of postcards, photographs, furnishings, artifacts and documents that relate to the town’s history, which essentially dates back to 1729. Strasburg grew into a linear village that stretched east to west along a route that was originally established by Native Americans. Wagons laden with goods traveling in both directions, as well as settlers heading west brought prosperity to the array of businesses that lined the route. Railroading later brought added wealth to the community. At one time, only Lancaster City outpaced Strasburg in terms of size and commerce.
The boom times ended when the Philadelphia to Lancaster Turnpike was built in 1794. The expansion of the railroads further impacted the town’s economy. Ironically, two of those early elements – architecture and railroading – have propelled Strasburg to become a modern-day tourist attraction.
TODAY, STRASBURG IS renowned for its historic-preservation initiatives that were championed by the Borough of Strasburg in 1970, with the approval and development of the Historic District, and by the Strasburg Heritage Society following its founding in 1972. The Historic District runs the length of Main Street and also includes Miller and portions of South Decatur streets. Peruse the borough’s Inventory of Historic District Buildings and you’ll see why Strasburg is regarded as one the most wellpreserved towns in Pennsylvania. Its architecture spans such styles as Germanic, Georgian, Federal
and Victorian. Homes reveal log, brick, sandstone and limestone construction methods. The survival rate of 18th- and 19th-century structures is said to be remarkable.
THE HISTORIC DISTRICT, which is comprised of 82.5 acres and 193 buildings, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. One of those buildings, the Shroy House, which dates to 1793 and was the residence of educator and poet John Shroy, is the home of the Strasburg Heritage Society. Restoration work on the brick structure is ongoing and the Society hopes to one day open it to the public as a museum. Along South Decatur Street, the Society also owns The Glass House, which dates to 1878, as well as the 1806 Methodist Church building.
The Strasburg Heritage Society plays an active role in sharing the town’s history through hosting monthly lectures, a weekend-long garden tour of private homes in June and, until Covid ruined the party, a wonderful tour of homes decorated for the holidays that was complemented by a craft show and luncheon at First Presbyterian Church. Members are excited to announce that the event will make a comeback on December 3.
This year, the Strasburg Heritage Society is adding a special event to the calendar. Strasburg Heritage Fest will be held October 7 and 8 in celebration of the Society’s 50th anniversary. The two-day event, which will be headquartered along South Decatur Street, is filled with activities for residents and visitors alike.
Friday – regarded as “Community Night” –will see events staged in a large tent that will welcome visitors to an ice cream social (ice cream courtesy of the Strasburg Creamery), games and a movie screening. Food trucks will also be on-site. Hours are 5-9 p.m.
Saturday’s events will include narrated tours of the town conducted via horse-drawn carriages (tickets required). The Shroy House (pictured top right) will also be open to visitors. In the tent, a series of morning lectures will comprise an “Old House Clinic” whose topics tentatively include paint aesthetics and application, care/ repair of stone/brickwork and preservation/repair of original windows.
In the afternoon, more seminars relating to the town’s history will be offered. In addition, First Presbyterian Church will host a display of items from the Society’s collection. Residents and visitors are also being invited to display their treasured items relating to Strasburg. A scanning station will be in operation that will allow visitors to share their photos with the Society and thus expand its records. Oral history recordings can also be made.
As this is a family-oriented event, children can participate in games, face-painting and crafts circaMusic1972. – provided by the Lampeter-Strasburg Community Band – and food trucks will round out the day’s events. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
With the exception of carriage rides, admission is free. For details/updates, visit strasburgheritagesociety.org/events.
Who hasn’t walked down Main Street in Strasburg and admired the beautifully restored and preserved homes? You can thank the Strasburg Heritage Society in part for the fact that Strasburg looks somewhat like the town that time forgot. It was 50 years ago that a group of civic-minded citizens launched an effort to “preserve, collect and interpret the rich history” of Strasburg. This month they will celebrate that milestone.
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