The American Quilter's Society (AQS) Quilt Show and Contest in Lancaster March 14 - 17

For third year, Lancaster County is hosting the American Quilter’s Society Quilt Show & Contest, March 14-17! While many of the show attendees choose to stay downtown, the best way to really  experience the charm of PA Dutch Country is by staying at a bed and breakfast like the Historic Smithton Inn, just 12 miles from downtown.  One of the charming features of this c1763 B&B are the hand sewn quilts on the beds in each guest room... you just can't get THAT at a chain hotel!

In addition to enjoying your visit to our area, known for its hand-crafted Amish and Mennonite quilts, we can point you to fantastic restaurants, quilt and fabric shops, museums, theaters and more!

The AQS show will be held at the Lancaster County Convention Center, in historic downtown Lancaster.  The quilt exhibits and merchant mall areas will be located in Freedom Hall, the Commonwealth Ballroom, and the Heritage Ballroom – all located at the convention center.

Quilters from around the world will be displaying their finest work in this international quilting event. More than $44,000 in cash prizes will be awarded in the quilt contest, with $10,000 going to the Best of Show winner. Workshops and lectures will be held in the convention center, across the street in Southern Market Center, or two blocks over at the Millersville University – Lancaster venue. The show will also feature numerous special events and exhibits.

So if you're looking for a unique way to experience Lancaster County AND the AQS Quilt Show, book your room at the Historic Smithton Inn today.

Calling All Winos! Tour de Tanks 2012

Save the Date!

Make the Historic Smithton Inn, our Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast, your home-base for this year's Tour de Tanks Wine Event!

7th Annual Tour de Tanks Event
Saturdays & Sundays
March 3 thru April 1, 2012
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Standard Tickets: $25 each
Tickets include full event access, including a collectible wine glass, exclusive wine tastings, light food items, presentations by the winemakers, as well as an exclusive 10% discount at participating wineries.

Designated Driver Tickets: $15 each
Tickets include light food items, presentations by the winemakers and 10% off wine purchases. Designated driver tickets do not include wine tastings or a collectible wine glass. Anyone over the age of 3 is required to have a ticket to participate in the Tour de Tanks Event.

Important Ticket Notes
Must be 21 years or older to participate in wine tastings. Designated Driver tickets do NOT include wine tastings or a collectible wine glass. Anyone over the age of 3 is required to have a ticket to participate in the Tour de Tanks Event. All ticket proceeds are used by the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau for continued development of the Wine Trail and corresponding events, including Tour de Tanks and Wine Just Off The Vine. Tickets may be purchased at participating wineries using CASH ONLY or online using a credit card with no processing fee

The Wineries:

• Adams County Winery - website
• Allegro Winery - website
• Boordy Vineyards - website
• Cullari Vineyards & Winery - website
• Fiore Winery - website
• Four Springs Winery - website
• Hauser Estate Winery - website
• Hummingbird Ridge Winery - website
• Moon Dancer Vineyard & Winery - website
• Naylor Wine Cellars - website
• Reid's Orchard & Winery - website
• Tamanend Winery - website
• The Vineyard at Hershey - website
• West Hanover Winery - website

 Additional Recommendations

If you'd like to be able to visit the maximum number of wineries, plus allow everyone in the group to experience each vineyard, you may want to consider hiring a driver to get you around.  We recommend our friends at Expressions Limousine.  Call 717-556-5466 for pricing and availability.

Also, one of our favorite vineyards isn't on the Tour de Tanks, but it's worth fitting it into your trip if you can manage it.  It's Waltz Vineyard in Manheim, which is easy to slot in between Tammanend and Moon Dancer!  Note:  Waltz is only open on Saturdays during the winter.

Tour de Tanks Special:  Mention this blog post and we'll arrange your tickets to the Tour de Tanks Event in advance.  Stay two nights with us and we'll give you one complimentary pass to the event!

Catch a Show in Lancaster County

The winter months are a great time to catch a show in Lancaster County and would make a terrific addition to any romantic PA Dutch Country getaway plans.  Here's a list of our local theaters and performance venues for you to consider as you're making plans.  As you can see, we've got a lot of 'theatrical options' in the area... so there will be plenty of reasons to come back for future getaways to the Historic Smithton Inn!

Theaters:

Sharadin Bigler Theatre (formerly Ephrata Performing Arts Center) (website)
717-733-7966

• Feb. 3 - 12 - Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr
• March 8 - 24 - Next to Normal

Fulton Theatre (website)
717-397-7425

• Feb 1-19 -God of Carnage, a Tony Award winning play
• March 14 - April 1 - Sunset Boulevard

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (website)
717-898-1900

• Feb. 9th-March 10th - 25th - Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• March 15 - April 28 - "9 to 5 - The Musical"

Hershey Area Playhouse (website)
717-533-8525

• Feb 16 - 26 -Romeo & Juliet

Hershey Theatre (website) : concerts, events, performances, & vintage films
717-534-3405

• Feb. 16 - 19 Come Fly Away - A new Broadway musical that brings together the lengendary vocals of Frank Sinatra and the creative vision of Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp (Movin' Out).
• March 9 - 10 - SPAMALOT
• March 20 - 25 - Westside Story

Rainbow Dinner Theatre (website)
717-687-4300

• Jan. 27 - March 14 - Let's Murder Marsha
• March 22 - May 26 - The Dixie Swim Club

Sight and Sound Millennium Theatre (website)
717-687-7800 or 800-377-1277

• March 10 - Dec. 29th 2012 - Jonah - Playing one season only.

Concerts & Events:

Ephrata Main Theater (website)

717-733-9098

• Feb. 25 - Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul & Mary)
• March 9 - Berk's Jazz Fest Warm Up - Rory Block
• March 10 - Berk's Jazz Fest Warm Up - Sonny Moorman
• March 11 - Berk's Jazz Fest Warm Up - Nick Moss & the Flip Tops

American Music Theatre (click here for a full listing)
800-648-4102

• Feb 24 - Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes
• March 1 - Wynnona
• March 15- Buddy Valastro - the Cake Boss

 

Giant Center (click here for a full listing) Hershey
717-534-3911

• Feb. 17 - Miranda Lambert
• March 6 - Celtic Women
• March 23 - The Harlam Globetrotters

Book your stay at our historic Lancaster Bed and Breakfast today!!  We hope to see you soon....

 

Sight and Sound's "Jonah" coming to Lancaster

Many guests at the Historic Smithton Inn have come to Lancaster County specifically to catch a show at Sight and Sound Theater.  Sight and Sound has earned it's spot as the top tourist attraction in the county by consistently delivering outstanding and unexpectedly "grand" performances of religiously based stories.  The BUZZ around town is that Jonah, their newest show scheduled to open its 1-year run on March 10th, will be their best show ever!

From the Sight and Sound Website:

"Unlike any show you've ever seen, this energetic adventure will have you on the edge of your seat from the time you step into the theatre. A new, completely immersive experience, Jonah promises to move you to laughter and tears. From the enormous whale swimming over your head to the thunderous effects of the powerful storm, and a mighty 30-foot-tall ship that breaks apart right before your eyes, the story of Jonah will astound and captivate the young and young-at-heart alike. Playing for one fantastic season only."

Here's a sneak-peak:




With only a one-year run and early shows selling out already, you'll want to buy your Jonah tickets and book your stay at the Historic Smithton before both sell out!

Lititz Fire and Ice Festival 2012

Lancaster County has LOTS of festivals throughout the year, but not really so many in the winter months... which is what makes the Lititz Fire and Ice Festival so special.  During the blustery month of February, we are treated to a healthy dose of great fun and food in the historic town of Lititz, a mere 8 miles from the Historic Smithton Inn!

When:  February 17 - 19
Where:  Downtown Lititz, PA
Schedule:  http://www.lititzfireandicefestival.com/schedule.html

Details:
•  Ice Sculptures will begin to be placed Friday mid-morning weather permitting throughout Main and Broad Streets.

•  Friday Night Block Party, Main Street Lititz, 5 pm-9 pm.  Activities include live ice carving, DJ, entertainment, fire eater, marshmallow roast, wing eating contest, food.

• Saturday activities Chili Cook Off, new location! Warwick High School cafeteria, 301 West Orange Street, 11am-3 pm. Button required for entrance, $5 before the event, $7 at the door. Limited to 1200. Approximately 15 chefs will volunteer their talents and their chili to raise money for their choice of charities. Donations will be made at chef’s station with the tickets you purchase in the cook off (1 ticket= $1.00). Trophies will be awarded for the most money raised and 7 other categories by guest judges. Buttons may be purchased prior to the event at the following locations; Curiosity Shoppe 39 E. Main St. & Bomberger’s Store, 555 Furnace Hills Pk/Rt 501, Lititz. Winter Wonderland Carnival, new location! Warwick High School gym, 301 West Orange Street, Lititz. Games, prizes, food, entertainment and inflatable’s. Fun for all ages.

•  Fire and Ice Festival Sunday activities:  Sunday skating & fun. Details on Sundays events to be announced

Lancaster County Mud Sales Will Be Here Soon

PA Dutch Country has many special traditions, and one of our personal favorites is definitely Lancaster County's annual Mud Sales!

Their name may be funny, but they're SERIOUSLY great events to experience local culture and pick up some great locally-made goodies... and besides, the silly name is part of the charm of these annual sales. The name comes from the typical condition of the fields where the sales take place. These annual fire-company fundraisers bring out a variety of shoppers: Amish, Mennonite, other locals and tourists from near and far make the trek both for the wonderful and unique shopping opportunity, as well as the great people-watching!

If you're looking for a good getaway as a remedy to cabin fever, book your stay at the Historic Smithton Inn.  You can experience the tradition of a Lancaster County Mud Sale and the charm of a B&B with working fireplaces in every room! Here are the dates, locations and contact information:

2012 Mud Sales

February 25
Strasburg Spring Consignment & Mud Sale
8 a.m., Strasburg Fire Company #1, 203 Franklin St., Strasburg. 717-687-7232 or Strasburg Fire Co. website
Furniture, antiques, quilts, crafts, farm machinery, horses, mules, tools, groceries, fruit, homemade food.

March 3 & March 17
Bart Township Annual Auction/Mud Sale
8:30 a.m., Bart Twp. Fire Company, 11 Furnace Rd., Quarryville. 717-786-3348 or Bart Twp. Fire Co. website
Antiques, quilts, furniture, new & used equipment, small goods, hay & straw, livestock, buggies, tools, crafts and food.

March 10
Gordonville Spring Mud Sale & Auction
8:30 a.m., Gordonville Fire Company, Old Leacock Rd., Gordonville. 717-768-3869 or Gordonville Fire Co. website
The largest firemen's auction/sale on the East Coast, featuring 500-600 Amish quilts, antiques, collectibles, new & used furniture, tools, farm equipment, horses, mules, buggies, lawn & garden, barns, utility sheds & trailers, construction equipment.

March 17
Penryn Fire Company 4th Annual Mud Sale
8:30 a.m., Penryn Fire Company #1, 1441 N. Penryn Rd., Penryn. 717-664-2825 or Penryn Fire Co. website
Woodcrafts, furniture, antiques, quilts, crafts, farm equipment, food and more.

March 17
Airville Volunteer Fire Company Mud Sale
7 a.m. coffee & doughnuts, 8 a.m. auction begins. 3576 Delta Road, Airville, PA 17602. 717-862-3806
Crafts, antiques, and household furniture, building material, plants, trees, equipment, groceries, windows & doors, tools, quilts, tractors, saddles, tack, buggies, and more.

March 24
Gap Annual Spring Mud Sale/Auction
8 a.m., Gap Fire Company, 802 Pequea Ave., Gap. 717-442-8100
Horse-drawn carriages, buggies, wagons, new & used furniture, quilts, crafts, dry goods, groceries and more.

March 31
Robert Fulton Volunteer Fire Company Mud Sale
7 a.m. breakfast, Robert Fulton Fire Company, 2271 Robert Fulton Hwy., Peach Bottom, 717-548-8995
Crafts, plants, tools, antiques, farm equipment, furniture, food, buggies, wagons, groceries, horses.

April 14
Rawlinsville Annual Mud Sale
8 a.m., Rawlinsville Fire Company, 33 Martic Heights Dr., Holtwood. 717-284-3023
Quilts, horses, crafts, building materials, lawn equipment, new and used furniture

Ring in the New Year in Lancaster County

If you’re thinking about ringing in the New Year in Lancaster County, we’ve still got a few rooms left at the Historic Smithton Inn. And if you need some inspiration for ways to make the evening special, we’ve got a number of options:

For couples looking for a big party, there are a number of nearby celebrations that you can attend: 

• New Year’s Eve Celebration in Ephrata: December 31 at Lily’s on Main. Dining from 6 – 9 pm and entertainment by Miss T and the Mosquitoes from 9 – 12:30 am. 717-738-2711 or http://www.lilysonmain.com/
  
  
• New Year’s Eve Celebration at Stoudt’s: December 31. Toast the New Year with Stoudt's. Enjoy an evening of food, music, and a midnight champagne toast. 717-484-4386 or http://www.stoudts.com/
  
  
• New Year’s Eve Victorian Gala: December 31 at Mount Hope Estate & Winery. Victorian-era New Year’s ball with dancing, period dress and food. 717-665-7021 or http://www.parenfaire.com/
  
  
• 3…2…1…Lancaster New Year’s in the City: There will be live music, ice skating, TWO fireworks shows (9:00 pm at Clipper Stadium and midnight at the Red Rose drop!) http://www.lancastercityevents.com/321lancaster.html  

Or for something more low-key, you could have a lovely dinner out and then return home to the Historic Smithton to watch a DVD in your room, or enjoy a glass of champagne in front of your own working fireplace! Here are some links to terrific restaurants we highly recommend, who are serving on New Year’s Eve (you’ll need reservations for ALL of them!): 

• Log Cabin: The Log Cabin is one of our favorite local restaurants. They’re serving from 5 – 10 pm, but be sure to book your reservation soon because they’ll definitely fill up. Call 717-625-2142 or http://www.logcabinrestaurant.com/ 
  
  
• Black Horse Tavern: We LOVE the Black Horse Tavern for its cozy atmosphere & terrific chef! They’re serving from 4:30 – 10 pm. Call 717-336-6555 or http://www.atblackhorserestaurant.com/
  
  
• Carr’s: Carr’s is a delicious option in Lancaster City where you can do the low-key dinner thing, OR check out all festivities downtown (see 3…2…1… above!) Call 717-299-7090 or http://www.carrsrestaurant.com/  

No matter where you spend New Year’s Eve or how you decide to ring in the New Year, the most important thing is to be safe!! We hope to see you at the Historic Smithton Inn in 2012!!