Lancaster County Holiday

three lawn chairs

Last Friday at this time, I was racing around the apartment, tossing shoes, clothes and toiletries into a little black duffle bag and mentally running through my morning and evening routines, to ensure that I didn’t leave behind some essential cream or tube of lip balm. A few minutes before 12 noon, Thad and Angie called to say that they were moments from pulling up to the back of our building and that we should head down to meet them. By 12:03 pm, we were driving west, through University City and the Main Line, out to Lancaster County.

bailing wire clamp-style jars

It was a lovely weekend, full of good food, sleep, books, jar shopping and time spent splayed out in thick, plush grass. My only regret was that it had to end, as I was just beginning to feel truly relaxed when it was time to turn around and return home.

Musser's Bed and Breakfast

Part of what made the trip so particularly idyllic was the B & B in which we stayed. Called Musser’s Bed and Breakfast, it is located in the original general store and post office of New Providence, PA. The Musser family has lived there for more than 20 years now and have lovingly restored the entire structure from top to bottom. Over the years, they ripped out all the indignities done to the house during the mid-century, including some particularly horrible green shag carpet. Barb Musser is the primary innkeeper, and she is friendly, warm, outgoing and a wonderful cook. She happily accommodated our food preferences, serving Scott quiche on the morning when the rest of us ate oatmeal (Scott is not a fan of hot cereals).

Musser's Shopkeeper's Suite

We stayed in the Shopkeeper’s Suite, which is essentially a beautifully furnished two-bedroom apartment. It was the perfect home away from home. Another nice thing about Musser’s was that our suite had a full kitchen (both suites do, actually). Food lover that I am, I appreciated having the opportunity cook once or twice instead of always eating out, particularly since we made the trek into Lancaster City to visit Central Market.

All in all, it was a wonderful vacation and I already am plotting ways to go back and explore more corners of Lancaster County. If you want to see the rest of the pictures from the trip, you can find the set here. If you want to see even more, Scott’s are here, Thad’s are here and Angie’s are here.

7 thoughts on “Lancaster County Holiday

  1. e

    Sounds relaxing and cozy! The jars I have for you look just like those green ones in the photo above, except mine are mini, maybe 8 ounces.

    Reply
  2. Angie

    I agree….it was too short! We need to go back soon…

    I was just pondering why I feel so tired after this vacation: I’m not used to catching up on sleep nor resting!

    *sigh* It was nice while it lasted.

    Reply
  3. Marisa

    Oh E, I can’t wait for those jars! I’ve been really enjoying canning in those old fashioned jars this year. I’ll make sure to put something good in them and give you back a few all filled up.

    Dawn, even nocations can be nice, if you make that time different and special in some way.

    Angie, it just means we have to go back!

    Kate, there are never too many jars! 😉

    Reply
  4. Marisa

    Holly, mostly we just rambled around antique stores, ate ice cream, went to a couple of museums and lounged in the grass. It was one of those perfect, mellow long weekends.

    Reply

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