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Contents

JUNE 2020 | VOLUME 34 | NUMBER 2

20.

FEATURE

20.

Marching Into the Unknown

Soren West spent 10 years and hiked more than 500 miles to prepare for his post-retirement adventure: a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. His dog, Theo, accompanied him every step of the way – from Georgia to Maine.

ON THE COVER: Soren West’s grandson, Thomas West,

photographed Soren and his dog Theo as they hiked along the Franconia Ridge (New Hampshire) portion of the Appalachian Trail on August 31, 2016. The photo was taken at an elevation of 5,000 feet.

DEPARTMENTS

10.

Gardening Journey

The all-important connection between tulip poplar trees and eastern swallowtail butterflies.

13.

Life of a Party

Even before the coronavirus prompted family togetherness, weddings and house parties had become multigenerational events. Three event planners share tips on how you can involve and entertain the youngest guests at your next event.

16. Second Act Learn how the staff at Floral Designs of Mount Joy has been negotiating the new normal.

24.

24.

Be Scene! Visit our website,

Foodographer

lancastercountymag.com, to learn of events planned and rescheduled for the coming months.

Are you thinking about going camping this summer? Jordan Bush shares strategies on cooking in the great outdoors.

34.

Table for Two

No doubt, dining al fresco will be popular once restaurants can open their doors. From secret-garden-like spaces to beach-inspired decks, you’ll find them in Lancaster County and neighboring communities.

40.

28.

Backyard Tourist

Stargazing has become a popular pandemic pastime.

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10.

Celebrate Summer

Whether you’re looking to update your home, embrace a new lifestyle or get out and explore the county, this section offers ideas and products from area businesses and service providers.

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Gardening Journey NATURE ENDURES

Illustration by Titian Peale, courtesy of The American Museum of Natural History. “The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio glaucus, with mature caterpillars and chysalides on one of the host plants, tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera).

The species occurs throughout eastern North America where the caterpillar feeds on trees and bushes in the magnolia, rose, and other families,” according to The Butterflies of North America: Titian Peale’s Lost Manuscript.

W

hile it has many additional folk names – yellow poplar, tulip tree, fiddletree and whitewood – the tulip poplar is not a true poplar at all! The tree is, surprisingly, in the magnolia family. One could call it the king of the magnolia family. It is found throughout eastern North America, from Ontario to central Florida. It’s the state tree of Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

CULTURE

Tulip Poplars and Butterflies Enough with doom and gloom! Let’s discuss a widely growing native hardwood tree that has not been threatened by any pests or diseases. I’m referring to the tulip poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera. Furthermore, it is a primary host for the larval stage of the eastern swallowtail butterfly, Papilio glaucus.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY DR. RICHARD L. BITNER

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The tulip poplar is one of our largest eastern trees with a usual height of 70-140 feet. Typically, the taller specimens have no limbs below 75 feet, which makes it a very valuable timber tree.

It prefers deep, rich, rather-moist soil but will not tolerate flooding. Although it grows fast, it is not weak-wooded or short-lived like many fastgrowing species.

The alternately arranged bright-green leaves are 5-6 inches long and wide. They have four lobes, with the upper part of the leaf square looking like the tip was cut off. In silhouette, it has a tulip shape. The leaves have long slender stems (petioles) and are constantly turning and rustling with the slightest breeze, which reminded someone of the true poplar tree (Populus tremuloides – quaking aspen), hence the common name.

The erect flowers appear on the tips of the twigs during May and into June. They are pale greenish-yellow with orange bands at the base, the overall appearance resembling a tulip.

Unfortunately, the flowers often go unnoticed on large trees because they appear after the leaves are fully developed. The flowers provide large quantities of nectar. In autumn, the leaves turn a clear, bright yellow.

The tree’s straight-grained wood is light yellow, while the sapwood is a creamy white or pale green.

Liriodendron tulipifera produces a large amount of seed that is dispersed by wind. The seeds typically travel a distance equal to 4-5 times the height of the tree and remain viable for 4-7 years. The seeds grow readily if they land or are sown in well-drained loam in a shady site that doesn’t dry out. One source claims that the seeds most likely to germinate are from the top branches of older trees. They are easily transplanted in the spring before leaf-out,

provided the fleshy roots are handled gently.

IN THE WINTER landscape the tree can easily be identified by the distinctive large terminal buds with two large duck-billshaped scales.

Grown independently and in full sun, the trees will tend to be shorter and rounder and more suitable to planting in the home landscape. Indeed, it is highly recommended as a shade tree. It is often planted for reforestation because of its rapid growth and the value of its wood. It was introduced into Great Britain by 1688 and continues to be a well-liked tree there in parks and large gardens.

Locally, the invasive grape vines and bittersweet are extremely damaging both by blocking light and by increasing weight on limbs, which causes bending and breaking.

Clockwise from top left: Tulip poplars bring a golden hue to woodlands in autumn. The eastern tiger swallowtail. A black tiger swallowtail. Tulip poplars in early spring.

USES OF WOOD Native Americans made their dugout canoes of the light and easily-worked wood; early settlers often called it canoewood. It is reported that Daniel Boone made a 60-footlong canoe from the wood and sailed from Kentucky down the Ohio River with his family and supplies. Hand-dug wells were traditionally lined with the wood since it didn’t affect the taste of the water.

Nowadays, the easily worked wood is used for furniture, interior finishing, boatbuilding, plywood and general lumber. One often finds musical instruments (notably organs), toys and various small articles made of tulip poplar.

Because it has a reputation for being resistant to termites, house and barn sills were often made of tulip-poplar beams. It has been a favorite choice for wood carving by sculptors.

Unfortunately, furniture made of poplar is often stained and passed off as more expensive walnut. The giveaway is a greenish under-cast rather than the rich golden-chocolate glow of black walnut.

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WILDLIFE VALUE Tulip poplar is a favorite nesting tree for birds; the nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds. It is host to several dozen species of moths but is best known as the food source for the eggs of the eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus), one of the most common and beautiful butterflies seen in county gardens. They are unmistakable with their vibrant and large outspread yellow wings (2-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches) edged in black with four stripes tapering downward. The bottom edges have iridescent blue scales and often red-orange spots. The males are often darker and lack the blue and red scales. One often sees a group of swallowtails together in muddy spots drinking water that contains sodium and amino acids,

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which are said to add to their longevity.

Adult swallowtails seek nectar from a wide variety of garden plants, but they lay their large green eggs exclusively on plants in the magnolia and rose families. The most familiar native host plants locally would include, along with the tulip tree, the wild black cherry (Prunus serotina) and sweet bay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana).

Eastern tiger swallowtail caterpillars are remarkable. Young caterpillars are brown and white and resemble bird droppings. As they mature, the caterpillars turn bright green and have two black, yellow and blue false eyespots on the thorax above and behind their actual eyes. The head of the caterpillar is small, inconspicuous and tucked under the body. If bothered, the caterpillar mimics a snake’s head with glaring eyes, a nose and mouth, deterring predators. Furthermore,

An eastern tiger swallowtail

DR. RICHARD L. BITNER is a horticultural lecturer and photographer. He is the author of three books on conifers, most recently Designing with Conifers: The Best Choices for Year-Round Interest in Your Garden. He also teaches a conifers course at the Barnes Foundation’s Arboretum School in Merion.

His website is ConifersForGardens.com.

if pecked by a bird, or touched by a curious gardener, the larvae emit a foul-smelling blend of protective acid secretions from bright-orange glands in their neck region.

The eastern tiger swallowtail is the state butterfly of Alabama, Delaware, Georgia and South Carolina. Since you asked: the Pennsylvania state insect is the firefly (Photuris pennsylvanica).

Tulip poplars are also very important for many pollinators because the flowers produce abundant nectar and pollen. Honey bees, native bees and hummingbirds all visit tulip poplar flowers. Beekeepers consider tulip poplar a major honey plant. The honey is described as fairly strong with a robust, smoky flavor and a rich, reddish-brown color. It is more suitable for baking than table use.

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Life of a Party

NAVIGATING THE KIDS’ TABLE

PARTYING WITH THE KIDS

And Still Having a Blast!

Children in Wedding Photos: To keep the youngest members of a wedding party focused, Dave Murray suggests that you provide them with charming accessories. In this instance, an elegantly simple white balloon “let’s a kid be a kid,” he says.

Credit: Ashley Elizabeth Photography.

BY JILL BROWN

Even before the coronavirus forced families to spend an unprecedented amount of time together, multigenerational parties had become the new way to entertain. Between busy schedules (for everyone in the household) that allowed for little family time to the challenges of finding a babysitter, inviting the entire family to a house party, a barbecue or a wedding was growing in popularity.

T

he question is, how do you balance hosting a family-friendly event with avoiding the kids taking over the party? Here’s how three professionals from the event-planning business creatively include the kids in their own adult parties as well as their clients’ events.

CHILLING AT THE WEDDING From flower girl meltdowns minutes before their walk down the aisle to dirtydancing on the reception dance floor, kids’ behavior at weddings can be unpredictable.

“Cuteness can quickly dissolve into chaos,” says Dave Murray, who provides customized bartending services for hundreds of events each year as the owner of Good Spirits Lancaster. His recommendation? “Treat

your kids like smaller versions of you,” he suggests, meaning think about the times when your attention wanders and you get a bit restless at a wedding. “There are three times when the bars are rushed at a wedding: at the beginning of the cocktail hour, at the end of the cocktail hour – when everyone wants a double of their beverages before they have to sit for dinner – and right after the toast,” he says.

It’s similar timing for kids, he notes.

“We want to keep ourselves occupied with our drinks, so give the kids the same opportunities to be up and moving around and refresh their beverages.” An alcohol-free glass of ginger ale garnished with a strawberry (or slice of apple or watermelon) looks like the adult’s glass of

bubbly and helps them feel special.

A separate Kids’ Table, equipped with each child’s personalized bag will let them have their own little party, contained in one space. Fill the bags with coloring books, paper crowns and activity-focused items.

Let the kids have some plated snacks from a dedicated side table while the adults are having hors d’oeuvres. “Kids want to touch everything, so don’t restrict that,” he says. “Just serve them in nonbreakables.”

Allow for a costume change. “Kids need a change of clothes from the wedding ceremony attire,” Dave says.

“Just a new shirt and some comfortable shoes. Otherwise, the wedding outfit will eventually come off.”

“WHATEVER THE CHILD does at rehearsal, they will do the opposite on the wedding day,” predicts Kaci Willwerth, owner of Simple Soiree and an event planner for 20 years. “If they are angels at the rehearsal, look out,” she says with a smile. She also recommends that if the couple is doing photographs ahead of the ceremony, always schedule the flower girl and ring bearer last, as close to the

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Our three Event Experts: Kaci Willwerth, Simple Soiree; Dave Murray, Good Spirits Lancaster; Heather Colosi, Will Do For You Concierge.

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Toasting the Graduate: Forget the red Solo cup! Graduating from high school calls for a festive, kid-friendly mocktail. This ageappropriate creation – from Good Spirits Lancaster – is a mix of raspberry lemonade, orange juice and Sprite. The glass is rimmed with edible gold sugar.

ceremony time as possible, in order to keep them fresh and minimize meltdowns.

“Everyone is nervous on the big day,” she says. “It’s just the kids who let it show.”

Some brides choose to rent a hotel room or small meeting room staffed with childcare, which makes the reception more adult-focused and gives the kids a chance to relax. “They feel very special getting room service in their hotel room,” says Kaci. If that’s the direction you choose to take, Kaci recommends that brides reach out to individual guests in a conversation to offer the childcare service. “The message is, ‘We want you to have a good time, too,’ and that’s not something you can effectively say on the invitation.”

HANGING AT THE HOUSE PARTY For entertaining at home, activities are key, according to Heather Colosi, a 15-year event planner and owner of Will Do For You Concierge. Keep the fun inexpensive and tidy, she advises. “I set up glow bowling in our basement or entry hall,” she explains.

“If you have a group of kids of all ages, line the ‘alley’ with glow sticks, make pins out of large beverage cups with glow sticks taped to the inside, turn the lights out and

New Year’s Countdown: Kaci Willwerth’s annual New Year’s Eve party is a multigenerational affair. To keep the kids entertained, she provides them with balloons that are popped each hour to reveal a new activity. She also provides a photo booth (with props) that keeps them busy throughout the evening.

Make the Right Choice

Let the Games Begin: When planning an outdoor party, Heather Colosi always makes sure the younger guests are kept entertained with games and other fun activities.

bowl ‘em down with a small rubber ball.” A portable chalk or white board records the scores.

At Kaci’s annual New Year’s Eve house party, the younger guests get to pop balloons at the top of every hour, counting down to midnight. Inside each balloon is a paper naming the activity they may do for the next hour. “This is great for the countdown to midnight, but it can also be used throughout the year,” she says.

WHEN PARTIES MOVE outdoors in the summer months, Heather sets up a kid-dedicated food and beverage station that keeps the younger guests from continuously interrupting the adults or running in and out of the house.

Ages seven and up typically can serve themselves. Heather also makes sure there are options on the buffet for everyone’s tastes (pre-checked with the parents).

Using disposables and putting trash and recycling bins near the buffet table make it easy to keep things tidy.

Dave recommends pouring beverages into plastic glasses and not making cans available. “They’ll lose the can, set it down and forget it, and that invites insects to the party,” he says. The tactic also ensures

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against sharing germs should a child pick up a can that belongs to someone else.

It’s best to let your guests know what you have in mind ahead of the party.

“Make sure all guests – kids and parents alike – are prepared for your planned activities before they arrive,” Heather recommends. “If you intend to send them outside to play ‘capture the flag,’ everyone should have athletic clothes and sneakers with them. If you’re doing a video game station, everyone should bring their headphones and controllers. If you’re planning a bike and scooter derby, have them bring bikes and helmets.”

Planning lawn games for the grownups? Always have a kid-sized version of the same game, says Dave.

BEFORE THE PARTY, preparations should include establishing ground rules

for your own children – before any guests arrive. “Our two major rules are no closed bedroom doors and no food or drinks upstairs,” says Heather. “These rules are easy for the kids to share with their guests, easy for young guests to understand, and they help keep chaos and spilled drinks to a minimum,” says the experienced mother of two.

“You can pay attention to the kids’ needs without going over the top,” says Dave, who suggests a strategy such as an ice cream bar or a mocktail such as raspberry lemonade or Sprite with a splash of orange juice. (Just switch out the Sprite for vodka to make it a grown-up’s cocktail.) “Something as simple as a root beer float can be a home run for kids,” he adds. For graduation parties, a separate mocktail bar gives the kids a place of their own to hang out.

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S e co n d ac t The New Normal

Tiptoeing Through the Tulips In an effort to maintain her sense of humor, Jill Hoffines-Erb crafted a mask from flowers to wear as she continued working at her Mount Joy floral-design studio during the shutdown of non-essential businesses.

The tagline, “Say it with flowers,” encapsulates one of life’s special-moment necessities. Try to imagine a wedding without flowers. A prom without corsages or boutonnieres. A funeral without floral tributes. A hospital room devoid of bouquets of get-well wishes. Valentine’s Day without red roses. Mother’s Day, an anniversary or birthday without a surprise delivery of flowers.

Unfortunately, the coronavirus put a near-stop to all that for a period of time.

BY KATHLEEN WAGNER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORAL DESIGNS OF MOUNT JOY

F

loral-design studios were deemed as non-essential businesses in midMarch and had no choice but to close their doors to the public. No doubt, owners of non-essential businesses can tell you exactly what they were doing and how they felt when they learned of the state’s mandate. For Jill Hoffines-Erb, owner of Floral Designs of Mount Joy, and her staff, it was business as usual. However, on this particular day, they did so with an eye to the television that was tuned to the governor’s news conference.

Jill relates that on the day “we heard about the door closings, I told my employees, ‘We have always been people who have not done things in a straight line, so we will use this situation as a challenge.’”

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Her mind raced back to other challenging times in her 25-year career – 18 as a business owner – and further told her team, “We made it through the Great Recession of 2008 and we will make it through this.” She says her decision to concentrate on moving ahead – anticipating a reopening – is what kept her going.

HER FIRST TASK at hand was to decide what to do with a cooler full of perishable product. Setting up a self-serve, no-contact cart outside the shop seemed like a good idea. Using social media as a way to get the word out about the availability of fresh flowers, she encouraged others to make someone’s day via a video showing a “dingdong-ditch” technique (ring the doorbell and run) with flowers left behind on the

doorstep (adhering to the no-contact advisory). “I just thought giving someone flowers would be a nice way of letting them know you love them and they are not alone during this time,” she explains.

The bouquets sold quickly. The idea was a smash. The cart made an appearance several times during the shutdown, often selling out in a matter of hours.

Jill was very moved by the support she received from her customers and shares, “It was unbelievable. To this day, I am very humbled by it all.” Their support also instilled confidence in the future, feeling that if her customers supported her in the early and uncertain days of the pandemic, they would be back when things opened up again. She also marvels at the many calls and

texts she received from customers during this time as a way of keeping in touch and wishing her well.

OF COURSE, business as usual changed dramatically in the early days of the closing. Churches shut their doors, causing funerals and memorials to be postponed.

Most weddings had to be rescheduled.

(Thankfully, none were cancelled.) Feeling sympathetic to Donegal, Manheim Central and Elizabethtown Area high school students who would be missing this year’s proms, she invited juniors and seniors to come by Floral Designs and pose in their party clothes beneath a floral arch and

accept the gift of a rose. Jill held hope that things would at least open up in time for Mother’s Day.

THE NEW NORMAL Prior to the pandemic, floral designers shopped the world for products. Trade embargoes put a stop to that. Currently, American-grown product is the rule, with California and Florida being the primary sources for florals. While the selection is altering the look of traditional arrangements, Jill is of the opinion, “What we get and how we make it work is the job of any good floral designer.” No matter

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Bouquets such as this have been available on a nocontact basis via the flower cart that Floral Designs of Mount Joy set up outside its shop.

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Jill (center right) and her staff continued to work through the shutdown and anticipate a very busy fall and holiday season.

“I just thought giving someone flowers would be a nice way of letting them know you love them and they are not alone during this time”

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where the flowers come from, Jill says, “I still get excited opening a new box of fresh flowers and seeing all that beauty.”

JILL IS ALSO looking ahead to the holidays. For floral designers, the holidays have become a year-round endeavor. It starts in January, when she attends a large trade show in Atlanta, Georgia, and sees prototypes displaying what is predicted for the coming year. “We buy ahead for all the coming seasons,” she explains.

Holiday purchases typically arrive in late summer and by mid-November, the shop is transformed into holiday mode.

Little did buyers know what was looming when they made their selections six months ago. Incredibly, the prototypes were on target, as if companies had been using crystal balls to establish a theme of comfort and tradition for Christmas 2020. According to Jill, traditional reds (and green) and nature themes will set the tone for holiday decorating. Fall will offer such hues as rich burgundy and mustard.

BY LATE APRIL, Jill was both hopeful and philosophical. “It is important that we see something positive come from all of this - that brick-and-mortar stores are important,” she says, alluding to the personal interaction that goes hand-in-hand with planning a wedding, a dinner party, a benefit for a nonprofit organization or a surprise delivery of flowers.

For more information, visit floraldesignsofmountjoy.com.

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is a lifelong resident of Bainbridge. Retired from the federal government, she spent her “second act” as the primary caregiver to her late father.

Her “third act” centers on writing – she is an 11-year member of Wordsmiths and is a freelance writer. In her free time, she is an avid cook and gardener.

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In

the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the mountain pass of Franconia Notch – bordered by the sheer face of 4,080-foot Canon Mountain to the west and 5,249-foot Mount Lafayette to the east – has become a rite of passage to many outdoorsmen and women. “Up in the mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men,” wrote statesman Daniel Webster (1782-1852) of Franconia Notch. American author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, saw the mountainous formations “as if a mighty angel were sitting among the hills, and enrobing himself in a cloud-vesture of gold and purple.” As the natural majesty struck these men, so it too struck Soren West when he first visited the area as a boy.

Marching into the Unknown

BY MICHAEL C. UPTON PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOREN WEST

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lifetime later, the retired lawyer from Lancaster would revisit The Granite State. Worn from months in the wilderness and in the company of his sole companion, a golden retriever named Theo, Soren would turn his face to the howling wind and unleash a guttural cry to the heavens, proclaiming he had returned and crested the mountain ridges surrounding Franconia Notch at age 75.

A Life’s Call to Nature Soren grew up in the suburbs of New York City – close enough to the Big Apple for his parents’ social and work lives, yet far enough removed in Fairfield County,

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Connecticut, to know nature. His parents’ lifestyle enabled their alcoholism (and, eventually, 40 years of recovery); this preoccupation left Soren and his brother to discover the natural world around them on their own. “Mother Nature became mother for sure. It was a comforting place to be,” says Soren, who is quick to also credit the many advantages in life his parents gave him.

When he entered his high school years, Soren went off to Northfield Mount Hermon, a prep school in the well-forested lands of northern Massachusetts; the four challenging years exposed him to harsh New England winters. After graduation, he served as an exchange student in the UK, where he met Prince Phillip and witnessed the pageantry

of British royalty. He went on to Yale, his father’s alma mater, where he studied English; considered joining the Peace Corps; married “a girl he met at a Yale mixer,” his wife Bonnie; and eventually went to work for his father in the insurance premium finance industry.

With a call to the unknown reverberating in him, he left the security of working under his father and took a teaching position at a prep school in Connecticut. “I was a little too serious as a teacher and a little too hard on the kids,” recalls Soren. “I really wasn’t enjoying myself, so I ended up going to law school.”

HE AND BONNIE – whose family hails from Lancaster County – had started a

Clockwise from left: May 14: Sunrise at McFee Knob in Catawba, Virginia.

This is regarded as one of the most iconic overlooks on the AT. February 21: The first steps on the AT begin at Amicalola Falls in Georgia.

June 5: Back on the trail a day after Soren celebrated his 75th birthday.

family and welcomed their second son (of an eventual five children) during Soren’s time at law school. Upon graduation, he took a job in Monroe County for a short time until he was offered a position in Lancaster, where he began a 46-year career as a trial attorney.

The memory of his experiences in nature stuck with him his entire life. Soren fondly recalls the years of 6 through 13 when he went away to summer camps. His last three camp summers were spent at New Hampshire’s legendary Camp Idlewild on Lake Winnipesaukee’s Cow Island.

“From there I became such a frequent hiker,” says Soren, and he starts naming the New England peaks he has ascended. “The experience of going over Franconia Ridge

impressed me at the time, but it was just something I did as a kid. As the years went on, it was something that just kept resurfacing throughout my life. What a beautiful scene.

It was something that just germinated inside of me.”

Onto the Trail The Appalachian Trail, navigating the eastern United States from Georgia to Maine, follows part of the Franconia Ridge as it traverses an 89.5-mile stretch through the White Mountains National Forest. Most of this section of the AT is above the tree line and the climate is classified as alpine.

The passage is only recommended for experienced adventurers.

“AT 64, I WAS NEARING the end of my career as a trial lawyer in Pennsylvania, when an experience from my childhood loomed in my imagination like a breaching whale: it’s time to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. It took 10 years to make it happen and Theo, my Golden Retriever, would be my companion. We hiked nearly 500 miles to prepare ourselves and, at 8 and 74, we set out on an adventure of discovery… I’d hiked in The White Mountains of New Hampshire at age 12 and I had to return to the pre-social, more primitive me.”

– Soren West, from the introduction to his yet-to-be published book.

Post-hike professional photo before Soren shaved his beard. Photo credit: Jenny Shulder

He only needed them for a total of three miles, but Theo’s booties were a must on grated steps.

Speck Pond, Maine, after hiking through the most difficult and dangerous mile on the trail, Mahoosuc Notch. Soren’s boots needed rest and repair.

AS HE WRITES in the introduction to his book, Soren took 10 years and hiked nearly 500 miles to prepare for his adventure on the AT. Officially designated as the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, but dubbed simply the AT by hikers, the 2,180-mile public footpath traverses “the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains” as described by the National Park Service, which shares stewardship of the trail with the US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers. The trail touches 14 states (including Pennsylvania) and was conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937. More than 2,000 hikers attempt to thru-hike the trail in its entirety every year; one in four succeeds.

“Wanting to hike the AT had something to do with my experience on Franconia Ridge.

I’m a romantic,” adds Soren. “I think of the romantic as a person who needs something

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out there beyond. The romantic needs to discover the unexpected. I wanted to march into the unknown.”

SOREN – WHO TOOK the trail name of Sojo, short for Sojourner – set out from Springer Mountain in Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest on February 21, 2016. At age 74, he was the oldest thruhiker that year and his loyal dog, Theo, was a spry 8 years old. He set out onto the trail a motivated and ready man.

Hiking through most of the South proved rather effortless, but north of Roanoke, Virginia, just after passing the picture-perfect, Instagram-inspiring McAfee Knob, near the small town of Catawba, Soren’s body started to give up. He was exhausted and he had no idea why. For motivation, he turned to a motto he developed while training: recoup, regroup, and return. After putting things in perspective, he journeyed on.

On June 4, close to the physical halfway point of the AT, Soren pulled off the trail near

Middletown, Virginia, long enough to mark his 75th birthday with 14 family members who joined with him to celebrate. Pulling off the trail is nothing peculiar. About every six or seven days thru-hikers will come to a small town or rest area near the trail where they can replenish their supplies, do laundry and shower – which is much needed says Soren.

This day, when hikers log 0 miles, is known as “zero day.”

“At age 75 I had a lot more leisure.

And, I found that a real benefit,” says Soren, recalling his more relaxed pace on the trail compared to other hikers. His tempo allowed him to compile more than 23,000 photos during the journey.

Some thru-hikers plan out each stop along the AT and even mail supplies ahead of them to the post offices they will visit on their zero days. Soren was not so fastidious; he developed an ability to shop for what he needed along the way and repackage most of his goods for the trail. For example, he

would transfer jelly – a luxury he insisted upon – from its glass jar into a lighter, plastic container.

Zero days also serve as social respites from the mental fatigue a thru-hiker can experience after being alone in the wilderness. Soren was never alone and considers himself fortunate to have had Theo as a trail-mate. He never had a desperate feeling urging him to quit, which he credits to his faithful family and his four-legged friend.

But, alas, Pennsylvania. Named by most thru-hikers as the least favorite of all states included on the AT, Pennsylvania is rocky, rough and sometimes called “the graveyard of paws and boots.” Soren’s feet were already hurting from a necessary boot change in Virginia and while in his home state he wondered if he could finish the hike without inflicting permanent, physical harm on his body. He rested. And then, he pressed on.

The Final Stretch Nearing Franconia Notch, Soren was met on the trail by two of his grandchildren and his son, Christopher. Clouds swept in and out along the ridge, visibility went from zero to limitless in minutes. It was by far the most extraordinary part of the hike for Soren, but the White Mountains were not his ally. By the time he got to Maine, he was running on fumes, he says.

Loneliness was starting to take over when he got a surprise visit from his son, Nathan. Hearing a bit of desperation in his father’s voice during a phone call, Nathan flew to Maine and started hiking south to meet up with his dad, who he found by following the sound of the old man’s laughter. Despite the friendly boost to his morale, Soren’s hardest decision was yet to come.

It was October and the days were getting shorter, the daily temps were getting colder and he was heading north toward the HundredMile Wilderness. Along the trail Soren took several falls; once when catching his feet on rusted barbwire he knew he had done some damage to his rotator cuff when he met the ground. In Maine, pressing hard to make more miles and a double-digit day, the paced-hiker snagged his boot, which sent him to the chilled earth. The force from his face meeting a tree root impacted a tooth. An emergency trip to a dentist in Rangeley, Maine, fixed his tooth, but his right arm was nearly useless. A few miles north, the town of Munson marks the end of civilization before a 100-mile trek through rugged Maine wilderness to Baxter State Park, home of the 5,267-foot Mt. Katahdin.

“My shoulder was hot, swollen and sore, and I knew I had to have it checked,” says Soren, who ended up spending three days in a rural Maine hospital. Doctors suggested operating on the shoulder.

Surgery would leave his arm in a sling for six months. “I reasoned and I felt better after an aspiration. They tried to convince me to give up the hike.”

But, glimpsing a forecast of the weather on Katahdin for the next three days, and knowing the seasonal closing of the state park was approaching, Soren decided to switch his direction. He ascended the mountain named after the Penobscot Native American word for The Greatest Mountain and then returned to finish his AT adventure by completing the Hundred-Mile Wilderness.

Soren got off the trail on October 27, 2016. The hike that fully captured his imagination took him 8 months and 6 days.

“My goal was just to fulfill something that had been in my crawl for 60 years,” says Soren, now sitting in the comfort of his West End home; he fully enjoys sharing his story of a man, a dog and a trail.

“The conclusion I have come to as to why I did it is because I had to. I simply had to.”

For more information about the Appalachian Trail, visit appalachiantrail.org.

Mount Hight, elevation 4,675 feet, is part of the Carter-Moriah Range of the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

For More Photos, Visit L ANCASTERCOUNT YMAG.COM.

July 10: An endless view in New Jersey.

April 24: As Soren and Theo hiked through the Grayson Highlands in Virginia, they encountered a herd of free-roaming wild ponies.

Reaching a milestone!

June 4: A contingent of family members traveled to Middletown, Virginia, to join Soren in celebrating his 75th birthday.

Foodogr aph e r Camping Culinary

Dining Out …

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As we’ve all come to discover over the last few months, retreating into the solitude of nature is a wonderful escape from the chaos of the world.

Now that you’re hooked, this may be the summer to discover – or perhaps rediscover – the joys of camping out and cooking over an open fire.

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amping! With each breath of fresh air, life instantly slows down. I can also guarantee that with each inhalation, your hunger pangs will go into overdrive! Fresh air will do that.

The good news is that with a little foresight and nominal effort, you can upgrade hot dogs and baked beans for seriously good eating.

What follows are my strategies for planning – and enjoying – a weekend in the woods.

Do Your Homework Whether you’re taking a cross-country trip or heading for the wilds of Pennsylvania for the weekend, you’ll need to do some homework. For PA, you could start with the Where and When Pennsylvania Travel Guide (whereandwhen.com), which provides a nice list of campgrounds across the state.

For information about camping facilities in our National Park system, visit the National Park Service’s website at nps.gov.

State parks take reservations online, often through Reserve America (reserveamerica. com) or their corresponding smart app.

Some parks offer drive-up registration when available. Keep in mind most have gates that close at a designated hour, so call ahead to learn if there is a security code available to registered campers.

Check to see if there is a drought or any other temporary restrictions to be aware of.

Help keep pests and diseases from spreading by sourcing firewood locally to where you’ll be camping. Residents and convenience stores near campgrounds know their market and often sell firewood – just make sure it’s seasoned and you have the means of cutting it with a hatchet for kindling.

Car Camping When I think about what camping entails for most people, it probably looks like “car camping” – loading the car, driving to a designated spot and setting up camp. On two separate occasions, Jessica and I have road-tripped to New Orleans, camping at state parks along the way. In my opinion, car camping provides one of the best ways to experience the country.

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A large plastic storage bin is ideal for keeping cooking staples accessible, easily covered and safe.

Breakfast! Roasted potatoes, brown eggs over-easy and sharp cheddar cheese cook on a cast-iron skillet.

Those endurance road trips became educational experiences and have helped to make camping near home a breeze.

Well, that’s mostly true with one exception: weekend getaways are instances where I’m less inclined to buy any forgotten items or cooking ingredients left at home. Remembering a kettle or an oven mitt, for instance, will save you from cutting empty soda cans with a pocket knife to boil water for tea aided by a pair of pliers.

My cooking-while-camping philosophy is as follows. I want to relax, not look up recipes on my phone. I want to eat well, but with minimal food prep and cleanup. I don’t want to venture into a grocery store once I get there. What and how I cook will be weather dependent; in a drought or rain, a propane stove may be necessary, so I like to have options when it comes to heat sources.

Before packing the car to head out into the wilderness, I outline a list of meals and the groceries and utensils that will be needed to cook them.

Prep For Fun

Sliced cantaloupe with proscuitto and balsamic make for a refreshing treat and can be largely prepared in advance.

A single-serve pour-over coffee maker makes for easy cleanup. Water is heated in a Japanese-style kettle over a Coleman propane stove.

Prepping ingredients before leaving not only makes for an easier job (and better meals) while camping, but it will help you make the most of your precious time. Time is everything on a trip, the culmination of planning. I learned long ago to shop the perimeter of grocery stores, prioritizing fresh food, and I maintain that perspective when shopping for camping supplies and planning menus.

Chopping fresh fruit and vegetables ahead of a weekend trip makes for tasty skewers, toppings and even appetizers before dinner.

Measuring out dry ingredients in jars or storage containers (being sure you have a little extra) reduces your travel footprint. Raw shrimp (frozen, deveined and peeled) paired with sliced peppers, mangos and onions yields hassle-free and delicious kebabs finished over a fire. Marinate chicken or pork after trimming, store it in a sealed container and it’s ready to go on a hot, oiled skillet. Fresh herbs take up almost no room and bring quality to a meal not traditionally seen at a campsite. Sliced cantaloupe with prosciutto, balsamic or ground pepper is a refreshing treat. Sliced and precooked onions or mushrooms offer utility in omelets, on burgers or in a side dish.

Cast Iron Skillets & Mountain Pie Makers Cast iron skillets are ideal when car camping. It’s no secret they’re my favorite cookware and they shine over a campfire.

Little fuss, no need for a real serious cleaning after a meal, and they can take the heat. Just remember to bring a hot pad or two. Lemon and lime add dimension while the peels can be tossed into the fire afterward without concern.

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Bear in mind that hardwood burns much hotter than coals or a propane stove, so if you have a well-seasoned heirloom skillet, consider leaving it at home. Too much heat can burn off the polymerized oils on a cherished skillet. An inexpensive, factory-seasoned skillet is perfect for the task.

Mountain pies offer simple yet still delicious solutions for hot meals and desserts.

Pepperoni, marinara and mozzarella with a dash of fresh basil make for a pizza turnover, while Swiss cheese, ham and tuna add up to a tuna melt. Whether it’s cheddar, broccoli and ham or Nutella, peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallows, there are no wrong choices.

My favorite trail mix: white confectionery drops, dried cranberries, flame raisins, raw pecans, roasted almonds, roasted cashews and raw walnuts.

Keep It Cool

Soaked skewers of shrimp, peppers and pineapple, drizzled with lemon and lime juice.

Food safety is important. Store coolers in a shaded space inaccessible from animals. I prefer the hatchback of a vehicle backed up to a shaded campsite for quick access, but try not to keep it open for long in order to preserve the battery.

Freezing water bottles or gallon jugs will keep a cooler from filling up with water, plus provide chilled drinking water after a hot afternoon hike. Make sure meat and coldstored foods are in sealed containers and maintained at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Behold, The Plastic Storage Bin The most underrated device for camping is the plastic storage bin. Living on a picnic table, it’s perfect for organizing all of the necessities and niceties for campsite cooking.

In the container: matches, paper towels, paper plates, sanitizing and wet wipes, sheathed knives, a cutting board, tea bags, tinfoil, a can opener, metal tongs (which fit perfectly in the center of the paper towel roll), salt, pepper, Old Bay seasoning, Tabasco, olive oil, trash bags, spatula, utensils, meat thermometer, hot pads, towel, dish soap, scouring pad, skewers, toothpicks, ground coffee and filters.

A lidded bin allows all of your supplies to be quickly covered in the event of rain or safely stored away at the end of the day.

On Your Way Out As I learned in Boy Scouts, leave your campsite cleaner than how you found it. Pick up bits of wrappers or bottle caps and dispose of them properly. There’s usually a dumpster and recycle bin near the ranger’s office. For future reference, at a state park or privately owned campground, it’s worth walking or driving through various loops to make note of preferred campsites for the next visit.

Mill Creek Camping Area, Lancaster County Central Park, was our destination for a weekend of camping.

Left to right, Tim Mallinson and Kingston Chow.

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.

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Whether you’re spending summer in the city or enjoying a country breeze along the river, celebrate the season in Lancaster County! The following businesses can help to make your summer enjoyable, relaxing and carefree.

HOMESTE AD VILL AGE Homestead Village is a CARF-CCAC accredited Life Plan Community with a campus that encompasses 5 residentialliving neighborhoods and a continuum of care services. Homestead Village residents have come together from a variety of backgrounds to create a vibrant, friendly, family atmosphere. Our community is large enough to offer a full array of services, yet small enough to provide a warm and personalized environment.

Are you considering a move in the future?

• Don’t wait! Many communities have wait lists, so if you have a certain community or home style that is your favorite – get on a list early.

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• Gather info. Whether it’s receiving a brochure or subscribing to a mailing list, it’s important to get a feel for which community atmosphere best aligns with your personal lifestyle.

• Take a Tour! Staff and residents are always ready to welcome you.

Want to learn more about Homestead Village? Call 717-397-4831 or visit us at www.HomesteadVillage.org

KREIDER’S C ANVAS SERVICE, INC. Kreider’s Canvas Service, Inc., has been installing awnings in Lancaster County for more than 40 years. Leslie Kreider shares that Kreider’s Canvas offers an option that makes outdoor decks and patios more useful, more comfortable and a lot cooler.

“Our experience with observing the life of a canvas roof is that dark-colored fabrics last three to five years (or more) longer than light-colored fabrics. The main downside to a dark-fabric roof is that it’s warmer under them, especially when the top area is closed to seal out rain. We have developed a ‘Roof Vent System’ that can be used on the flat back wall of a deck or patio canopy. This increased venting area provides more natural air flow and minimizes trapped hot air.”

What’s trending? “Side curtains around porches, pavilions and outdoor kitchens are increasing in demand. The main trend has been the increased use of curtains to be used to block wind when needed, while having the ability to open up to full view of the outside.”

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FOX COUNTRY SHEDS

We have all the time in the world

Want a relaxing escape in your own backyard this summer?

Check out Fox Country Sheds! Jeannie Kontis of Fox Country Sheds shares, “When the days are getting longer and the weather is turning warmer, we find that our customers are looking for ways to extend their outdoor living areas. This year, the minimalist look of the Modern Farmhouse style has been popular, with homeowners extending this neutral style to their storage sheds. Our new Farmhouse Shed is pleasing to the landscape and creates the perfect uncluttered escape for a ‘She-Shed’ or mancave, while enhancing your backyard organic garden.”

She also mentions that the addition of a “pool-house shed to your outdoor living area can be enjoyed by the entire family, as half of the structure offers a covered porch area for shady entertaining while the remaining half can be a handy changing room or storage room.”

Don’t forget: School’s out for summer, which means the kids are yearning for some cool summer fun as well. “Our backyard Amish-built playsets are always popular during the summer months,” Jeannie says. “Children can let their imaginations soar on a quality-built structure while playing safely within eyesight.”

DUTCH APPLE DINNER THE ATRE Come enjoy dinner and a show at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. Since 1987, the Dutch Apple has been an entertainment favorite in Lancaster County. Guests get to enjoy top shows, professional entertainment, and a delicious buffet dinner.

Throughout the year, Dutch Apple presents one popular show after another, offering classic musicals and contemporary hits.

Many of the performers at Dutch Apple have performed in national tours. Visit DutchApple.com for their current show listings - you're in for an enjoyable experience!

THE N ATION AL WATCH & CLOCK MUSEUM

W W W. M U S E U M O F T I M E . O R G

514 POPLAR ST. • COLUMBIA, PA 17512 • 717.684.8261

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The National Watch & Clock Museum is a fun and interesting place to visit for people of all ages!

They are the headquarters of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, with 11,000 members worldwide.

The museum houses this hemisphere’s largest collection of horological pieces (the study of time and timekeeping) and the world’s largest horological library. Visitors can experience the art, science and history of time through narrative, interactive displays and time pieces from long-ago eras up until today.

This summer, beginning July 6, the museum will have Make and Take on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a fun opportunity to create your own working clock to take home.

Choose from a variety of wooden shapes, paints and decorations to create a one-of-a kind clock. This event is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Later in the year, don’t miss their Haunted Museum the last two weeks of October. On Saturday, October 31, they will be hosting a Trick or Treat event for families. Check their website, museumoftime.org, closer to the event for more details.

New Years at Noon is always a big hit! On Thursday, December 31, festivities will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a DJ, activities, snacks, drinks and - best of all - the balloon drop at noon to ring in the New Year.

DINING BLUE PACIFIC SUSHI & GRILL 1500 Oregon Pike, Lancaster.

717-393-9727. BPSushi.com.

Begin your visit with a cocktail or other beverage at our lavish bar.

Enjoy fine Asian-fusion cuisine in our dining room or at the sushi bar, where talented chefs will use the freshest ingredients. Blue Pacific also accommodates private parties on-site.

Online ordering and take-out are available. Open for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday. Closed on Sunday.

Simply the BEST Chinese Food!

CAFÉ CHOCOLATE OF LITITZ 40 East Main Street, Lititz.

717-626-0123. Chocolatelititz.com.

The global-inspired menu features homemade soups, sandwiches, breakfast items and beverages using fresh, local and fair-trade ingredients.

Our desserts and truffles are made with high-quality, sustainable dark chocolate. Vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free options available. Open 7 days a week. Mon-Thur 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri, Sat, Sun 9 a.m.-5 p.m. BYOB.

HONG KONG GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT 1807 Columbia Avenue, Wheatland Shopping Center, Lancaster.

717-394-4336.

Our chefs have been serving Lancaster Countians their favorite entrées for 39 years. To add variety, they are always creating new and exciting specials.

Vegetable entrées and children’s menu available. Hours: Sun., 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m; closed Mon.; Tues.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., 12-10 p.m.

Hong KongChinese Garden Restaurant Wheatland Shopping Center 1807 Columbia Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 394-4336 Consistency in Taste | Generous Portions Quality Fresh Ingredients Pleasant and Relaxed Atmosphere Excellent and Personal Service Lavish Lunch and Dinner Menu

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Family-Owned and Operated for 39 Years!

Due to the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus, we’d suggest you visit restaurant websites/social media for updates on hours/service, etc.

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T a b l e for T w o

Railroad House Inn, Marietta

OUTDOOR DINING

Dining Out

AL FRESCO After being cooped up for months, I have a feeling people are going to want to spend the summer outdoors. That will probably hold true with dining out. Fortunately, Lancaster County is home to a wide variety of restaurants that provide outdoor dining areas. What follows are some restaurants to consider, each of which has its own unique atmosphere!

BY ROCHELLE A. SHENK

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ANNIE BAILEY’S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE. Annie Bailey’s expansive deck has its own bar, plus a fireplace. A number of patio tables are placed under a large L-shaped pergola. Potted plants and ivycovered latticework provide the feeling of being in a secret garden rather than the heart of downtown Lancaster. 28-30 E. King St., Lancaster. Anniebaileys.com.

THE PRESSROOM RESTAURANT AND BAR. Located in the heart of downtown, The Pressroom offers seasonal dining in its Park Bar. Here, you’ll find patio tables and chairs set amidst the beauty of Steinman Park. The brick patio is accented by landscaping; a waterfall plunges into a fountain at the rear. 26-28 W. King St., Lancaster. Pressroomrestaurant.com.

ISAAC’S BREWHOUSE. Last October, it was announced Isaac’s would be unveiling a brewhouse at its downtown location in spring 2020. While the coronavirus put a damper on the target date, hopefully you’ll soon be able to pair your favorite sandwich with a craft beer and kick back at the restaurant’s outdoor dining area, which is reminiscent of sidewalk cafés in larger metropolitan areas. 25 N. Queen St., Lancaster. Isaacsrestaurants.com.

BELVEDERE INN. Outdoor dining is available on a second-floor deck, where lush plants and soft lighting enhance the ambiance of this cozy space. 402 N. Queen St., Lancaster. Belvederelancaster.com.

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THE GREENFIELD RESTAURANT & BAR. The restaurant’s brick-lined, pergolalike patio is the perfect setting for lunch, Sunday brunch, dinner or cocktails. Large containers and hanging baskets overflowing with flowering plants and greenery define

the space, while gauzy curtains and colorful table linens add a sense of casual elegance. 595 Greenfield Rd., Lancaster.

Thegreenfieldrestaurant.com.

MICK’S ALL AMERICAN PUB. Two of Mick’s locations feature outdoor dining. There’s a patio at the restaurant’s Manheim/Mount Joy location (2201 Strickler Rd., Manheim), while the Willow Street location (2428 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster) features a large patio (with TV) overlooking a picturesque pond.

Micksallamericanpub.com.

FUNCK’S RESTAURANT & BAR. Funck’s patio features fire pits, landscaping, gas-fed tiki lights and comfy patio tables and chairs shaded by umbrellas. The bar/dining area that adjoins the patio features roll-up doors to offer indoor/outdoor dining flexibility.

365 W. Main St., Leola. Funcks.com.

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THE STOCKYARD INN. The inn’s wraparound porch features hanging baskets and planters filled with brightly colored plants; lights entwined around grapevines are suspended from the ceiling. The inviting atmosphere is perfect for enjoying dinner, light fare and cocktails on a summer evening. 1147 Lititz Pike, Lancaster.

Stockyardinn.com.

TOBIAS S. FROGG. Visiting Tobias S. Frogg is like spending a few hours in the Florida Keys. Pull up a chair on the patio, in the sand, in front of a waterfall or under thatched palapas.

There’s also a casual seating area for socializing.

1766 Columbia Ave., Lancaster.

Tobiasfrogg.com.

THE LOG CABIN RESTAURANT. A trip through a covered bridge and the Lehoy Forest sets the stage for outdoor dining. The Log Cabin’s treeshaded, brick-lined patio is furnished with wrought-iron tables (topped with bright-red umbrellas) and chairs. The view takes in colorful gardens and majestic trees.

11 Lehoy Forest Dr., Leola.

Logcabin1933.com.

LOXLEY’S RESTAURANT. For a fun, fanciful, outdoor dining experience, head for Loxley’s. Tables can be found on the patio, in tree-house-like structures or the upper open-air deck. The koi pond at the entrance is spectacular. Heritage HotelLancaster, 500 Centerville Rd., Lancaster.

Heritagelancaster.com.

BLACK KNIGHTS TAVERN & GRILL. The outdoor area features a bar and seating both on a brick patio and under a pergola. Festive lights are strung across the area. 335 Main St., Landisville.

Bktavern.com.

FIORENTINO’S FLIGHT DECK. Enjoy the runway view at Fiorentino’s outdoor dining venue, the Flight Deck. There’s an outdoor bar and hi-top seating under cover. Giant sails provide shade for outdoor tables, while a fire pit provides warmth and ambiance. 500 Airport Rd., Lititz.

Fiorentinos.com.

THE SUTTER. The Patio at The Sutter offers outdoor dining in a relaxed atmosphere. The tree-shaded space features a canopied bar and patio tables with umbrellas. Landscaping and the historic swan fountain add to the ambiance of one of Lancaster’s original outdoor-dining spaces.

14 E. Main St., Lititz. Atthesutter.com.

THE CAT’S MEOW. With a Roaring 20’s-themed décor and menu, it follows that the outdoor dining area should have a similar concept. Capone Alley offers bar seating as well as tables. A playful

your four-legged friends along, too. 98 Masonic Drive, Suite 102 (the Sycamore Square Marketplace), Elizabethtown.

Thewhiskcafe.com.

MCCLEARY’S PUBLIC HOUSE. McCleary’s features an enclosed patio that’s available year round, as well as a seasonal outdoor area. The light-filled patio has its own bar, fireplace and stage for live music, while the outdoor area has a fun, beachy feel – tables and casual seating fill a boardwalk-style patio, plus there’s a sand-filled area for games such as cornhole. 130 W. Front St., Marietta.

Mcclearyspub.com.

SHANK’S TAVERN. This historic tavern, which was built by a riverboat captain in 1814, has been a familyowned business since 1930. Its neighborhood atmosphere extends to the garden-like patio.

36 S. Waterford Ave., Marietta.

Shankstavern.com.

Belvedere Inn, Lancaster

fountain and container gardens add to the ambiance. 215 S. Charlotte St., Manheim.

Thecatsmeowmanheim.com.

BUBE’S BIERGARTEN. Part of the Bube’s Brewery complex, this outdoor dining spot features lush landscaping and shade trees with a bit of Bube’s history mixed in – the original boiler and smokestack used to create the steam power that ran the brewery can be found in the center of the German-style biergarten. 102 N. Market St., Mount Joy. Bubesbrewery.com.

T.J. ROCKWELL’S. A visit to Rockwell’s is like a day at the beach, especially on Thursday and Sunday (summer) evenings, when the all-you-can-eat Seafood Feast is available! The deck is massive and is decorated with surfboards, boats, colorful lights and other beach-related memorabilia.

A bar with a palm-thatched roof also provides seating. 800 Mount Gretna Rd., Elizabethtown. Tjrockwells.com.

WHISK CAFÉ. The café’s outdoor dining area features tables on a charming patio outside the main door. Bring

RAILROAD HOUSE INN. Another historic riverside property, the inn’s patio – made of recycled bricks – is enclosed by a wrought-iron fence and gardens. Strings of overhead lights make evening dining a festive experience. 280 W. Front St., Marietta. Railroadhouseinn.com.

JOHN WRIGHT RESTAURANT. The Pizza Patio, which has its own bar, boasts a panoramic view of the Susquehanna River.

Guests can relax and enjoy the atmosphere – or play cornhole – as they watch the river flow by. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville.

Jwrpa.com.

THE JIGGER SHOP. This seasonal restaurant has been offering ice cream treats (including its specialty, The Jigger) and casual food for over a century.

Guests can dine inside the glass-walled restaurant or enjoy the tree-shaded deck.

202 Gettysburg Ave., Mount Gretna.

Jiggershop.com.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus, we’d suggest you visit restaurant websites/social media for updates on hours/service, etc.

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DINING JOHN WRIGHT RESTAURANT 234 North Front Street, Wrightsville. 717-252-0416.

Jwrpa.com.

John Wright Restaurant is the perfect setting for an intimate date night, family celebration or just getting lost in the view. We welcome wedding ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, birthday parties or any other reason to celebrate. Come in and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or our Sunday brunch buffet!

The table is being set...

Family owned and operated since 1946, a new generation of Lombardo’s is continuing the tradition of serving beloved family recipes and warm hospitality in a newly renovated space.

The new Lombardo’s experience includes a wine room, piano lounge, renovated décor, and good things cooking in the kitchen—old beloved favorites and delicious new recipes inspired by Southern Italy. Bring your friends and family to Lombardo’s when we reopen this summer and share our tradition of warm hospitality and divine southern Italian dishes cooked with love.

The all new Lombardo’s. Opening this summer.  216 Harrisburg Ave Lancaster | lombardosrestaurant.com

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LOMBARDO’S RESTAURANT 216 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster.

717-394-3749.

Lombardosrestaurant.com.

Family owned and operated since 1946, Lombardo’s serves beloved Italian recipes and warm hospitality.

Newly renovated, Lombardo’s includes a wine room, piano lounge, renovated décor, and good things cooking in the kitchen – including fresh pasta made daily, pizza, and other delicious Italian favorites. See the menu at lombardosrestaurant. com. Group dining facilities are available for business meetings, celebrations, and more.

B usiness A dvantage CARPET CLEANER CERTIFIED CARPET Since 1949

1855 Columbia Avenue, Wheatland Shopping Center, Lancaster. 717-394-3731 or 1-800-479-9258.

“When it’s Certified , you’re satisfied!” ™

Certified Carpet can make your soiled, dirty carpets and furniture look like NEW again! Year after year, Certified Carpet is voted No. 1 BEST carpet-cleaning company by the readers of Lancaster County Magazine. Locally owned and operated since 1949. “When it’s Certified, you’re satisfied!” (#PA024067)

1855-65 Columbia Ave. • Lancaster • 717-393-3001

BIGGEST SALE

Pricing Voucher available at CertifiedCarpet.com

ELECTRICAL STEPHEN M. DANIELS ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. 717-299-3135. Stephendanielselectric.com.

REWIRING FOR OLDER HOMES IS OUR SPECIALTY. Specializing in updating your older home for today’s needs!

We can install a single receptacle or rewire the whole building. Our goal is to install wiring without cutting holes that need to be patched and painted. Indoor and outdoor lighting, dedicated computer circuits, telephone lines, ceiling fans, heavy-duty appliances lines. (#PA008272)

Flooring • Cleaning • Mats www.certifiedcarpet.com

FA S H I O N S NEXT TO NEW FINE CLOTHING 1920 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. 717-299-2924.

Next-to-New.com.

Consistently voted one of the BEST consignment shops in Lancaster County year after year, Next to New Fine Clothing Consignment has something for everyone’s style, taste & budget. This one-stop shop, with more than 38 years of experience, offers women’s apparel, shoes, accessories, jewelry & more. Sizes 0-Plus. Open Mon.-Wed. & Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sunday.

LancCoAdBanner_Apr2020.indd 1

4/24/2020 10:33:13 AM

FA R M MYER HILL CHICKEN Whole pastured chickens are ethically raised and humanely prepared by the Myer Hill’s farmer. Trust the rich pastures of Lancaster to sustain you by ordering your next meal, herbs, and flowers online at MyerHillChicken.com.

Instagram: @myerhill.

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T H E

B usiness A dvantage

FLOORING CERTIFIED CARPET 1855 Columbia Avenue, Wheatland Shopping Center, Lancaster.

717-393-3001.

Certified Carpet is the complete carpet and flooring center for home and office. We feature a full line of name brand carpet, hardwood, ceramic tile and luxury vinyl tile with friendly, personalized service from a highly experienced and knowledgeable staff. “When it’s Certified, you’re satisfied!” (#PA024067)

GALEBACH’S FLOOR FINISHING, INC. 202 Main Street, Landisville.

717-898-9680.

Galebachsfloorfinishing.com.

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)

STAY U P TO DAT E ON

MARTIN’S FLOORING 717-445-7799.

Martinsflooring.com.

With three showrooms and a flooring outlet in Fivepointville, we don’t just install floors. We back up every install with industry-leading product warranties coupled with our Lifetime Installation Warranty.

We are committed to “Installing Confidence” with each and every customer. Why not experience the Martin’s difference for yourself? (#PA005901)

ALL THINGS LANCASTER CITY at VisitLan c ast e r Ci ty. c o m See a list of Lancaster City restaurants offering takeout.

Explore ways to support Lancaster City small businesses.

Experience Digital First Friday as we celebrate our resilient city filled with artists and musicians.

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HAIR & NAIL CARE ATTITUDES HAIR & NAIL SALON 798A New Holland Avenue, Lancaster. 717-295-0836.

For over 20 years, our mission is 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 2019. Call us to schedule your appointment.

HOME CARE COMFORT KEEPERS 1396 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster.

717-299-4007 or 717-920-9898.

Comfortkeepers.com.

At Comfort Keepers, we have a unique way of providing in-home care called Interactive Caregiver. It is a care philosophy focused on engaging clients physically, emotionally, socially and mentally to improve one’s quality of life. “People Helping People - Where we care for our employees as much as our clients.”

Owner: Jean Engard. Also serving Hershey, Harrisburg, Middletown, Highspire, Lancaster County, Coatesville, Oxford and Parkesburg.

Ongoing Infectious Diseases Training with All Staff

She’s always been the independent type. We aim to keep her that way.

Still Hiring!!

We call our approach Interactive Caregiving™, which keeps our clients mentally and physically engaged while focusing on their needs.

• • • •

Personal care Companionship & housekeeping Dementia & Alzheimer’s care Respite care • Safety solutions

717-299-4007 • 717-920-9898

Home + Life + Care | ComfortKeepers.com 1396 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 Also Serving Hershey, Middletown & Harrisburg Areas!

PHYSICAL THERAPY HARTZ PHYSICAL THERAPY Locations in Lititz, Lancaster (2), Ephrata and Mount Joy. Hartzpt.com HARTZ Physical Therapy is a locallyowned independent outpatient physical therapy clinic with five convenient locations in Lancaster County. We specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation, aquatic therapy, postsurgery, sports injuries and vestibular therapy. Our unparalleled patient outcomes and average Net Promoter Score of 96 reflect our unwavering commitment to our patients.

P L U M B I N G & H VAC HALDEMAN MECHANICAL INC. Founded in 1939, Haldeman Mechanical Inc. has been providing plumbing, heating, cooling and water conditioning services to residential and light commercial customers for three generations. We are a certified Rheem ProPartner offering sales and 24-hour service as well as service agreements to keep your equipment running at peak efficiency.

Free estimates are available by calling 717-665-6910 or visiting our website at haldemanmechanical.com.

(PA#007777)

R E A L E S TAT E LUSK & ASSOCIATES SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Anne Lusk represents the area’s finest properties and gives unmatched customer service for all your real estate needs from start to finish, ensuring a smooth transaction every time. Call Anne and her team at 717291-9101, or stop by her office at 100 Foxshire Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.

Annelusk.com.

MOUNTAIN REALTY, LLC 2938 Columbia Avenue, Suite 602, Lancaster. 717-390-8701.

Mountainrealtyllc.com.

Offering superior real estate service to anyone relocating to or moving within the garden spot of Lancaster County. The people of Mountain Realty, LLC are extremely knowledgeable about the county and would love to share their expertise.

You will find them pleasant and friendly, but totally professional.

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Backyard Tourist

S TA R G A ZI N G

PHOTO AND TEXT BY SETH DOCHTER

Stargazing has suddenly become a big deal. Martha Stewart put it on her Top 50 list of things to do during a pandemic. I’ve also been told that Hallmark movies have been touting stargazing as the new date-night activity. It’s also popular with STEM-oriented students. Why not head for your own backyard – or the Muddy Run Observatory – and do a little stargazing yourself?

H

aving grown up in rural eastern Lancaster County, I’ve always been blessed with a beautiful, star-filled night sky. While I lost that appreciation during my teenage years, I fondly recall rediscovering it the day I bought my first DSLR camera. I’ve been gazing at the stars ever since.

STARGAZING has been a hobby among humans since prehistoric times, with astronomy claiming the title as the oldest of the natural sciences. The earliest-known records date back to the Sumerians and later generations of Mesopotamians, as well as the ancient cultures of Egypt, China and India. Each of these cultures had their own tools and methods, but over time they began to converge on core themes.

Nowadays, you can look up with your

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naked eye – like the ancients – and arm yourself with all sorts of applications (I use the Sky Guide app) and software to help explain what you’re seeing. Telescope technology has also come a long way since the days of Galileo. A reasonably priced telescope can provide a clear view of our solar system as far away as Saturn. Seeing pictures of the ringed-planet is one thing but looking into a telescope and counting its moons is a deeply satisfying experience.

ON A GALACTIC MAP, we would find ourselves situated on one of the long spiraling arms in the suburbs of the Milky Way galaxy. If you want to see beyond our planets and stars, you’ll need a mighty telescope like the ones housed at the Muddy Run Observatory in Holtwood. I’ve been anxiously watching their website,

as well as the Astronomy Enthusiasts of Lancaster County’s site, to find out when they will resume their monthly open house and stargazing events. If all goes well, the next open house is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at 8 p.m.

Visit muddyrunobservatory.com or Facebook for updated information.

SETH DOCHTER is the owner of Dochter Digital Media and shares his images of Lancaster County through amishroadshow. com., as well as various social-media sites. He is also completing the certification process to become a Google Trusted Independent Photographer. In September 2014, he was named the winner of Lancaster’s first Instagram contest.

Seth and his family live in East Earl.

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35 35 YEARS YEARS

Expanded Function Dental Assistants Chelsee, Melissa and Amanda

While the COVID-19 virus has focused a spotlight on the value of rigorous infection controls and universal precautions, Weierbach Prosthodontics has always been a leader in stringent safety protocols and sterilization procedures. Safe environments and impeccable standards of dentistry for our patients has always been and will always be of utmost importance.

Our practice follows procedures recommended by Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), so you can feel confident in the dental artistry you will receive.

Federally recommended measures we employ include:

An American Dental Association (ADA) recognized specialist in restoring and replacing teeth for a timeless display of confident beauty and a Fellow in the American College of Prosthodontics.

• Disinfectant hand soap • Gloves and face masks • Chemical disinfection of counter tops and surfaces • Sterilization of all equipment before every use • Disposable materials • N95 masks and full-face shields for procedures

In addition, we utilize a HEPA air purifier system to further eliminate airborne contaminates.

Our staff of top dental assistants are formally trained and EFDA (Expanded Function Dental Assistants) Certified. Every facet of our practice is built upon excellence.

We believe the more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise choices about your dental care. We encourage you to discuss any concerns you might have by contacting us at 717.560.9190.

160 North Pointe Boulevard Suite 203 / Lancaster, PA 17601 717.560.9190 YourClassicSmile.com

Specialist in Cosmetic, Restorative & Implant Dentistry