Well hello!
I’ve had the most incredible week of both total fun and abandonment from my routine, and busy-busy-living-in-my-car taking the kids from one event to the next kind of busy. 🙂  But let’s focus on the really good part – a few days away in PA.  I know I’ve blogged about our trips to the Lancaster area a number of times.  This weekend was one of the best yet.  It turns out Fall is such a pretty time of the year to explore the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside.  As always, Laura Twiford has the scoop on great places to go, and told us about the Green Dragon farmers market in Ephrata.  The market is situated on 30 acres, and only open on Fridays. Well who’s waiting!  We got up early, braved the chill, and set out to explore the variety of wares from scarves (bought one on the spot – it was cold!) to Amish baked goods.
I can’t believe amidst the crowds that we actually ran in to Laura and her family! Â I was happy to meet her sister (oh they look so much alike) and parents who were visiting from FL. Â Laura told us about these great big (about 12″ across) pretzels, hot from the oven. We had to try them…and now I’m wishing that I lived closer to the Green Dragon….would be there every Friday for one!
We took another piece of advice from Laura and visited the family-owned Oregon Dairy in Lititz. Â What a great place – a restaurant, grocery store, playground and more. Â I’d love to come back in the Spring once it warms up. Â You can’t beat an icecream shop that opens on to the playground.
Have you ever wanted to turn off the main road and see what’s down that little road, leading to no where? Usually we’re too busy going from Point A to Point B. With nothing but time for once, we decided to take the farm country roads and drove wherever the road led us. Â For 2 1/2 hours. Â It was so peaceful to take in the rolling hills, old farms, and catch site of horse and buggies off to unknown destinations. Â One of our favorite sites was a sweet horse under a willow tree. Â I think he knows just how good he has it.
And what’s a visit to PA without a good dose of antiquing!  I know I’ve said it before – I’m crazy about Adamstown.  If you  love antiquing, this destination won’t disappoint.  I’d venture to say that if you had one day to visit, you still wouldn’t make it to all of the antique malls.  Especially if you start the morning with one of the outdoor flea markets – you could be there for hours.
We never made it to the German Trading Post before so it was exciting to visit someplace new. Â It was especially memorable because I found my “find” of the weekend here. Â Will dedicate a post to that in the future.
Before I go, let me introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Gourd. Â I love that someone has a great sense of humor. Aren’t these two great?
Thank you for your visit and have a great weekend ahead!
-Cindy
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
That was fun. Thanks for taking us along!
What a lovely post, such sweet places x
I had all but forgotten how beautiful that area of the PA is. My husband’s aunt lived there on an old farm property with woodland and stone walls and beautiful gardens. It is lovely to hear about your holiday and the family traditions you are building.
That pretzel was as big as Nathaniel! I always love the “Intercourse” sign! Love the photos as always … I feel las though I’m there with you. And, that Laura, she’s such a great gal.
What a great getaway! I love Pennsylvania, but we haven’t been there for many years. I’d love to take the family there to explore. Thanks so much for taking us along with you!
I did a double take on that intercourse sign and that huge pretzel!
Have a wonderful weekend!
I know what a wonderful weekend you had because I use to make the same trip to the Adamstown area twice a year for the Extravaganzas, they are held the end of April and Sept. It is such a great area to explore! I hope you came home with some antique treasures!
You always have the most fun adventures, Cindy! That place looks awesome..I’ll have to drag the boys out of the house 1 weekend and head up there. I want that pretzel 🙂 There is a David Eldreth pottery place in Strasberg, is that close? My sisters and I collect.
Oh, how I love the Pennsylvania countryside and the food is so delicious! Thank for sharing those pictures with us! After looking at the pretzel…my mouth is watering for one! I want to go back for a visit again!
Great photos and your account of your visit makes me feel like I was there! Happy Thanksgiving, dear Cindy, to you and your family!
Great pics Cindy, after seeing Nathaniel with that pretzel it makes me want more too! It was fun to see you and thanks for the shout out! Looks like you got to really enjoy the area, there’s so much to go back and see each time, i never tire of it either! Have you ever been to the Landis Valley farm museum? It would be great to take the boys one day, they have a fall festival there, lots of history and demos like apple butter making in a big copper kettle, soapmaking, tinsmiths, rug hooking, hay rides, and corn grinding and milling and lots of fun stuff. Mark it down for next year! 🙂
Hi Cindy…what a beautiful road trip & omg the size of those pretzels…we were in Pennsylvania last Jan. for a hockey tourie for Jack and were in awe the the amazing landscape…we would love to spend some time there this summer for sure…many old buildings and interesting places of interest…i would also like to say thank-you for being such a loyal friend…i always enjoy your family stories…
take care & enjoy your weekend ttfn Lana 🙂
(siiiiigh) Wish I lived somewhere with more history to see on the weekends. It’s just not as great in California. You can only take in so many Spanish Missions. I just *love* the old-world brick styles of back East. And, of course, I miss the Seasons. We have two… HOT/dry and cold/wet. With, maybe, a day or two of perfect weather between. Thank you for sharing. I could just feel the crispness and the fun!
Sounds like so much fun! I went to college in Central Pennsylvania and I love that area – don’t get there at all anymore, but I am going to start!!!!
What a lovely visit that was. Thanks for including us. The giant pretzel looks like it’s eating your little boy instead of the other way around! HA! And those gourds are really funny. Great post.
So many wonderful photos..I love love your son holding the big pretzel and that huge smile in Udderly Delightful…and the sweet horse having a wonderful time under the tree….but I really really loved the side of the house with all the fall colors..oh so beautiful.Thanks for taking us along sweet Cindy!! Big Hugs,Cat
That was fun! I love seeing the world through your eyes, Miss Cindy! And that pretzel looks yummy!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
What a great time you had! I want a hot pretzel now!
Love the gourd people & intercourse sign. 😀
Can’t wait to see you “find” of the trip.
-Lela
Oh, how I envy you Miss Cindy! I live in Pa and have never been to these places, but some just as similar and beautiful! Your trips always look wonderful. There is nothing like time spent together!
Looks like it was just fabulous. Glad to hear you are enjoying time with the family and looking forward to hearing about your find of the weekend.
Gorgeous, Cindy! It looks like so much fun to go antiquing with you – maybe we day we can!
Oh, wow! I love me a good farmers market, but situated on 30 acres!? You definitely found a great spot for sure 🙂
Too bad I’m so far away because I would LOVE to visit some of what I see in your pictures! Gorgeous pictures by the way 🙂
What beautiful photography!!!! I LOVE Lancaster! I used to go there once a year, but have not been back for quite some time. I must admit, my favorite pic is of your little boy and the GIANT pretzel!!! Thanks for sharing!
Pretzel boy! Good thing it wasn’t loaded with mustard 🙂
I love PA and the Amish countryside, and the antiquing is the best around. Glad you had a wonderful getaway.
Oh Cindy, I love this post. It pleases me so that you had such a happy get-away. I love to here happy family adventures. Be blessed to be a blessing
~*Hi Cindy!*~ I LOVE the photos! The tranquility and the natural beauty & *HUMOR!*
The last photo is the coolest! It was such a nice virtual trip/mini vacation for me, just to browse through your pictures! :o) Amber *~