About 3 years ago an innkeeper got the idea to give a free night to vets as a thank you for serving, and now it is a national program. This year we will give the night of November 10 to any vet (active or retired) for free. We have many other business’ that are offering specials to the veterans also so you might want to stay longer and enjoy some of that local flavor. I have 2 rooms left and would welcome you.

By now you’ve all heard about Whoopie Pies and how We (Lancaster County) know they originated here , that said, you all are invited to The Whoopie Pie Festival . We are celebrating our ownership with a festival on September 17 (raindate Sunday September 18). The place is Hershey Farm Restaurant on Rt. 896. Billed as The Most Delicious Day In Lancaster County. www.hersheyfarm.com

Keith and I had a neat experience at GiGis in a the small river town of Bainbridge. When I was a kid this place was the local bar, it is now an ice cream shop with the flair of the 50s. Where did she find all those old Formica tables and chairs? They are in great shape. We had a sandwich and a Falmouth fudge split. Wow, large portions and very good. You could go to this place when you go to Falmouth Goat Races on September 24, more about that in the future.

Keith and I took an afternoon and went to see Joseph. We have seen numerous productions at Sight and Sound and found that Joseph was spectacular. The message on forgiveness is something everyone can afford to hear often. I would encourage everyone to see this show. Next year it will be Jonah. www.sight-sound.com

Saturday night we went to Miller’s for dinner. We had not been there in quite awhile and found it to be wonderful. The food was fresh, appealing and very good. It is hard to keep a buffet fresh and appealing because it goods from the cooking process to a middle step before it gets to you. That step being – setting on a hot table. The executed this with quality food that tasted of Lancaster County. www.millers1929.com

Many of you just think of the train ride but they also offer wine, cheese and crackers as they roll down the tracks. I recently had guests that did the dinner ride as well. You can look into this at www.strasburgrailroad.com. If you like wine we have many wineries in the area that I will be able to help you find.

We just returned from the Finger Lakes area and saw some of their wineries as we traveled around the lakes.

Many times the only thing people think of when you mention Lancaster County is the Amish but we have loads of things to do that are so not Amish.

I always enjoy going to our dinner theatres; Dutch Apple is usually music and Rainbow is always comedy.

Dutch Apple  www.dutchapple.com is doing The Wizard of Oz now through August 20.

Rainbow www.rainbowdinnertheatre.com is doing John Loves Mary

Come enjoy an evening of food and theatre.

What to do on a summer Saturday evening? I can think of nothing more relaxing or enjoyable that Music in the Vineyard, with a picnic and your favorite beverage, life doesn’t get much better. Nissley Vineyards in Bainbridge is just the place to enjoy this activity or inactivity . www.nissleywine.com Each Saturday night July to Labor say they have music, a variety of bands to satisfy everyone. You can dance, listen or just tap you foot. The evening is your to enjoy.

We have fireworks everywhere! Saturday night is the time for Lititz (194 years) and Marietta (very close to us) for 55 years. We have 2 rooms that you actually lay in bed and see them out your windows, those rooms are already booked but I do have 1 room left for the weekend so you could sit in the yard and watch. Sunday night is a huge display at a local park, you can actually spend the day with great music and food. Why not come and enjoy Lancaster County.

Last week I took the Amish Farm and House bus tour for the first time. It was great! www.amishfarmandhouse.com They had me on roads that I have never traveled and saw great things. We visited an Amish farm that I want to go back to and take some grandchildren. Being from Lancaster County I was amazed at how big their sweet corn was already. Of course, mine was planted late and I don’t use horse manure , that must be the key to beautiful corn.  Mid-week is the time to take this tour since they can’t go to the Amish farm on Sundays. I tell my guests to go get lost on the back roads and you will see things that the normal visitor never sees.