Christmas Shopping and a Show... the Perfect Combination!

Although outlet malls can be found throughout the United States, the outlets in Lancaster County continue to draw a very loyal crowd every year.  The 10 million annual visitors to Lancaster County come for a host of reasons... the fascinating Amish community, the best quilt shops in America, antiques, crafts, fantastic live theaters, wonderful restaurants and local delicacies, and so much more.  But December is definitely shopping month!  The outlet malls at Tanger and Rockvale Square seem to open earlier every year, and this season was no exception, with shops opening as early as 6 PM on Thanksgiving Day!  Holiday shopping is now in full swing, and the bargains and excitement will continue well past Christmas... because who doesn't love an after-holiday sale! 

There's still time to get all of your holiday gifts, and enjoy the many other reasons to visit beautiful Lancaster County before winter weather sets in.  Come enjoy the warm hospitality of the Apple Bin Inn bed & breakfast, and plan an exhilarating holiday show at Sight & Sound, American Music Theatre, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, or the Fulton Theatre.  Each of these shopping and theater locations is within 10-15 minutes of our B&B, so you'll be just minutes from all the fun!  We'll have a cozy room ready for you, with a fluffy down comforter and family heirloom quilt for you to snuggle under!  See you soon!

Sight & Sound Theatre

Hershey Park Gets National Acclaim!

According to "FamilyFun" magazine's April 2013 edition, Hershey Park is among the Top 10 amusement parks in the United States!  As if you couldn't guess, various Disney parks accounted for 6 of the Top 10 spots... so if you don't count Disney, Hershey Park is in the Top 4!  Having been to this delightful park every year since we arrived in Lancaster County ten years ago, we can attest to it's high ranking.  A combination of heart-pounding rides, wonderful music shows, and a fantastic water park make for a great day of fun for children of all ages.

Hershey Park is less than 30 miles from Lancaster, so it's an easy drive from the Apple Bin Inn.  We're also within easy driving distance to other awesome attractions and activities like Gettysburg, Valley Forge, Longwood Gardens, and King of Prussia Mall.  So make your vacation plans soon to beautiful Lancaster County ~ one of America's most popular destinations ~ and do it all from the Apple Bin Inn.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

 

"Ham & Cheese Strata" ~ A Mother's Day Recipe!

Mother's Day is quickly approaching... and what better way to show your love to Mom than to cook something really special for her! We'd like to share one of our favorite breakfast recipes here at the Apple Bin Inn... our Ham & Cheese Strata.  It's a warm and cozy breakfast dish that's just perfect for Mom's special day. We hope your family enjoys it as much as ours!



Ingredients:

8 slices of white bread                                

1 lb baked ham, thinly sliced or shaved      

3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese       

6 eggs

2 cups milk    

½ tsp onion salt

½ tsp dry mustard

4 tbsp butter                                               

3 cups cornflakes

 

Night before:

• Cut the bread and ham into bite sized pieces.
• Break eggs into medium sized mixing bowl and whisk well. 
• Whisk in milk, onion salt, and mustard.
• Spray a 13 x 9” glass baking dish with Pam. 
• Scatter the pieces of bread evenly in the dish. 
• Scatter the ham pieces, then the cheese, evenly over the bread. 
• Pour the egg mixture over the bread/ham/cheese. 
• Cover with foil and refrigerate for 8 hours (overnight). 

In the morning:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
• Crush the cornflakes into crumbs. 
• Melt butter, add it to crumbs, and mix well.  Sprinkle evenly over strata. 
• Bake, uncovered, until lightly browned on top and eggs are set (about 45 min.) 
• Let the strata rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting.
• Serves 6 to 10.  Enjoy!

 

Gettysburg Commemorates the 150th Anniversary of America's Greatest Battle

 

This summer marks the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, the pivotal battle of the Civil War. This turning point in our nation's greatest struggle took place July 1-3, 1863. Abraham Lincoln's immortal Gettysburg Address was delivered on November 19, 1863 to commemorate a portion of the battlefield as a national cemetary, to honor those who "gave the last full measure of devotion". The commemoration of the battle will involve many events in Gettysburg between June 28 and July 7, 2013, plus additional events November 17-24. To see a full list of events, click here for the official Gettysburg Commemoration website.  If you've never visited Gettysburg, you are in for an awe-inspiring experience... and if you've visited the battlefield before, this will be the perfect time to see it again in a whole new light.

So where will you stay?  Finding a room around Gettysburg during each year's July 4th anniversary weekend is always a challenge, but this year it will be almost impossible.  But don't worry... you can still experience the 150th Commemoration, and also enjoy the many sights and attractions around Pennsylvania Dutch Country... just plan your stay at the Apple Bin Inn, in the heart of Lancaster County!  We're located within an easy 75 minute drive from Gettysburg, and within minutes of all Lancaster County activities. We will be welcoming many Civil War buffs who are here for the Gettysburg festivities, and we even have a special section filled with Civil War books in our extensive library.   So come spend a few days at the Apple Bin Inn, and enjoy all that south central Pennsylvania has to offer!

Finally... "Noah" Returns to Lancaster County!

Okay, we're not talking about the REAL Noah... that would really bring the paparazzi to Lancaster!  We're talking about the live show at Sight & Sound's Millennium Theatre.  Since the last time "Noah" played in Lancaster, in 2004, they have produced many excellent shows, including the stories of Ruth, Daniel, Joseph, Adam & Eve, and Jonah.  But by most accounts, their production of "Noah" has been their best show ever, and we're really excited to have it back in town. 



If you've never been to the Millennium Theatre, the best way to describe it is "Bible Meets Broadway!"  Of course the acting and singing are wonderful, but what really steals the show are the set design and the animals.  Since the stage is 180 degrees wide and 40 feet tall, the audience truly feels immersed in the show... and when the ark is completed and filled with animals (both live and animatronic), it's quite literally a jaw-dropping experience.
 
The show runs from March 9th through November 2nd, with most dates having two or three shows. Many days and times are selling out fast, so make your plans to see "Noah" soon! 



And remember... the Apple Bin Inn is just minutes away from the theater, so why not add a stay at our delightful B&B when you come to beautiful Lancaster County!  We'll help make your visit to Pennsylvania Dutch Country truly memorable!  We look forward to seeing you soon!!

Holiday Shopping Begins!

It seems like holiday gift shopping starts a little earlier every year.  With Halloween upon us, and Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, Christmas and Chanukah shopping is in full swing in Lancaster County.  Along with local crafts, foods, antiques, and quilts, the two largest outlet areas certainly take center stage.  Tanger Outlets and Rockvale Square will be welcoming hundreds of thousands of shoppers during the next two months... and with good reason!  With over 100 stores at each of these outlet malls, the selection of quality merchandise is amazing, and the deals are even better!  And by staying at the Apple Bin Inn you'll be within 15 minutes of both!  So plan your shopping spree now... you and your loved ones will be glad you did!



  

Free Summer Concerts at Long's Park!

 

The 50th Anniversary of the Long's Park Summer Music Series will be a great season of free music on the lawn!  Covering 13 summer Sundays (plus an extra concert on July 4th), there will be an awesome variety of music at the Long's Park amphitheater... including rock, jazz, soul, blues, classical, Irish, folk, pop, and big band sounds.  The biggest night of all will be the annual appearance of the U.S. Army Band on July 1st, including amazing fireworks and a heart-pounding cannon brigade!  Whichever concert you choose, it's best to arrive early with your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets, and make a whole evening of it!  There'll also be lots of food vendors with delicious ice cream, BBQ, funnel cakes, and other assorted treats.  So click here for the full summer concert schedule, and then plan your visit with a stay at the Apple Bin Inn!  See you soon!!

Shupp's Grove is a Picker's Paradise!

Among the many wonderful antique shops and markets in Adamstown is our favorite... Shupp's Grove.  Being outdoors among the trees and sun, while picking through table after table of interesting finds, is such a great way to spend an afternoon.  Open Saturday & Sunday, from April through October, Shupp's Grove highlights many specialty weekends to attract pickers from across America (click here for their 2012 schedule).  A tradition since 1962 (yes 50 years!), there's always something great to be found, and at very reasonable prices too!  There's even a nice snack shop, called Friar Tuck's Deli, where they serve homemade soups, sandwiches, and pies.  So make sure you leave time among your myriad of Adamstown antique stops for a few hours at this Lancaster County landmark.  See you there!

"Jonah" Was Amazing!

We previously talked about the new Sight & Sound show, "Jonah", in our January 20th blog post. The show premiered on March 10th, and we attended the show yesterday... and it was incredible! The set designs, costumes, music, and actors were all amazing. And the special effects were breathtaking!! We won't reveal the details of how they brought Jonah's famous undersea experience to life, but suffice it to say, it was worth the price of admission. This show definitely rivals their production of "Noah", which was also awesome, and which we hope returns to Lancaster County in the near future. But for all of 2012, and this year only, "Jonah" commands the Sight & Sound stage. Be sure to order your tickets early, because shows are already selling out for prime summer show times.

And don't forget, the Apple Bin Inn is within 10 minutes of the theatre. So book your room now, and come enjoy "Jonah" and all the other sights and attractions that Lancaster County has to offer!  Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Lancaster Tops the Nation in "Well-Being Index"!

Another great reason to visit our beautiful corner of Pennsylvania... Lancaster was determined to be the #1 city in America, as measured by the "Well-Being Index" of the internationally respected Gallup-Healthways report!  Click here to see the whole report.  Our Mid-Size City and Composite rankings are shown on pages 6 & 7 of the report.  Additionally, our 16th U.S. Congressional District, shown on page 12, was ranked #7 in the nation. 

We're proud of our area, and this is just a bit more proof that Lancaster County is a great place to be!  So why not soak up a little of our "well-being" here at the Apple Bin Inn... We promise to send you home feeling good!

Mount Vernon Bread Pudding... Yum!

Winter is such a good time to share recipes... especially ones that are heart-warming and sweet!  So we'd like to share a recipe that we obtained while enjoying lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn several years ago.  It's appropriately named Mount Vernon Bread Pudding, and with the original GW's birthday just behind us, it seems fitting to share it with you now.  As lovers of bread pudding, we've eaten them at many fine restaurants and tried many recipes, but this one is by far the most delicious one we've found.  We hope you enjoy it as much as we do here at the Apple Bin Inn! 

Ingredients:

4 cups French bread cubes

½ cup raisins (optional)

3 tbsp melted butter

8 eggs 

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp salt

⅔ cup sugar

3 cups Half & Half

1½ tsp vanilla

whipped cream (if desired)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Arrange bread cubes and raisins in buttered 3 qt. baking dish, and drizzle with butter.

Combine eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, and beat slightly.

Dissolve sugar in Half & Half, and add to eggs in a fine stream, stirring constantly.

Stir in vanilla.

Pour mixture evenly over bread cubes, and bake at 350 degrees for 60-65 minutes,

or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

May be served warm or chilled... plain or with whipped cream.  Enjoy!

"Jonah" Is Coming To Sight & Sound's Millennium Theatre!

One of Lancaster County's most popular attractions is the world renowned "Sight & Sound" Millennium Theatre, located just 10 minutes from the Apple Bin Inn.  We like to call it "Bible Meets Broadway", as the stories of the Bible come alive with original musical scores, inspiring actors, amazing sets and special effects, and even live animals... all presented on a breathtaking 180-degree stage that puts the audience in the heart of the action.  This year's show promises to be one of their best ever, as the story of "Jonah" is brought to life.  It's sure to be an amazing experience, and it's only playing for one season!  Shows take place from March 10 through December 29, 2012.  Full details are available on the Sight & Sound website, including videos, photos, show times, and online ticket sales.  Shows are selling out fast, so don't delay! 

And while you're making your show plans, why not plan your stay at the Apple Bin Inn.  With 5 delightful guest rooms, including suites and a private cottage, plus delicious country breakfasts and the warmest hospitality, we promise to add lasting memories of your visit to beautiful Lancaster County.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

Making Christmas Cookies With Our Guests!

The holidays are such a special time for our family, and also for our B&B guests!  This week we had a wonderful family from Australia staying with us.  They had asked if there was some holiday tradition that they could share with us during their stay, and we thought that making our annual Christmas cookies would be the perfect fun activity for us all.  Jamie prepared a large batch of cookie dough the night before, so we were all set for some baking magic when the Kelly family arrived.  After Sarah, Emma, Austin, and Lizzie donned their aprons, everyone got their hands covered with flour, as we rolled out the dough and began using our myriad of cookie cutters.  Cookie sheets rotated into and out of the ovens, as the pile of baked cookies grew.  Next we moved into the dining room, where colored icing and sprinkles had been prepared for decorating.  The artistry of children is always an amazing sight, and this evening was no exception.  Their mom, Jo, even added her touch of whimsy to the festivities. Of course the best part came at the end, as cookies were gobbled up by everybody.  Finally, it was time for the Kellys to retire to the Braeburn Cottage, where we had a 4-foot Christmas tree waiting for them to decorate with some of our traditional family ornaments.  We hope that we gave this delightful family some lasting holiday memories of their time at the Apple Bin Inn... we'll certainly remember our time with them fondly.  Happy holidays to our family, friends, and guests, wherever in the world they may be!

Holiday Shows are Awesome in Lancaster County!

With the holidays upon us, there's no better place to experience live holiday shows than Lancaster County!  Here's the lowdown on some of our favorite theaters:

"Sight & Sound" presents its annual production of "Miracle of Christmas" at the Millennium Theatre.  Shows continue through December 31st, on their amazing 180 degree stage.  Real camels, horses, and donkeys help the performers bring Bethlehem to life, in one of history's most important moments.  And if you arrive at the theater early, you can even interact with the cast members and animals!

The popular American Music Theatre presents its "Winter Wonderland" Christmas Show, with performances through Decvember 30th.  This original show, with its outdoor snowy theme, is sure to delight you with wonderful yuletide songs, dances, comedy, and a visit from Santa too!

The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre's musical version of "Miracle on 34th Street" plays through December 23rd.  Come see and hear how a little old man with a white beard turns Macy's and Gimbel's into true Santa believers!

And if one dinner theater isn't enough for you, try the Rainbow Dinner Theatre's production of "Home for the Holidays".  This "all comedy... all the time" theater brings you a hilarious story about a young couple and their visiting parents, and how Christmas and Chanukah combine in one New York apartment.  Shows continue through December 30th.

When you're in Lancaster for the shows, be sure to stay a couple of nights at the Apple Bin Inn.  Our December rates in the main house are just $99 on weekdays and $129 on weekends, plus tax, with our scrumptious full country breakfasts included!  So give us a call, or visit our website for more information.

And don't forget, our Gift Certificates are perfect for family, friends, business associates, and clergy... and they never expire! 

October Means Halloween!

The second half of October brings one thing to everyone's mind... Halloween!  And Lancaster County boasts some fantastic activities for this all-American holiday.  Two of the best, and scariest, places to go are Jason's Woods and Field of Screams.  They each have multiple attractions that are sure to be hair-raising experiences for the bravest among you!  But don't worry... for the younger or less brave (like us!) there are many other wonderful Halloween activities in Lancaster County.  These include Dutch Wonderland's "Happy Hauntings", Red Rose Segway Tours "Ghosts and Graveyard Tour", and "Ghost Tours of Lancaster County".  So come stay with us at the Apple Bin Inn during your Halloween season... we promise to be a safe haven from the ghouls and goblins out there!

Landis Valley Harvest Days are Coming!

Landis Valley Museum will host its 52nd Annual Harvest Days Festival over Columbus Day weekend, October 8 & 9. If you don't yet know about Landis Valley, it's the country's largest Pennsylvania Dutch living history farm & village, interpreting PA German heritage from 1740 to 1940, including tours and traditional craft demonstrations. Their Harvest Days Festival celebrates traditional fall harvest events, and includes over 80 demonstrators who make the village come to life with activities to captivate every member of the family! And if you can't make it in October, don't worry... Landis Valley is a wonderful place to visit no matter when your travels bring you to Lancaster!  And to make your visit to Lancaster County complete, why not plan a stay at the Apple Bin Inn. We promise to make your trip to Pennsylvania Dutch Country unforgettable!

"Thomas the Tank Engine" Returns to Strasburg!

Thomas the Tank Engine is a character known to millions of kids around the world, through his syndicated TV series and videos narrated by Ringo Starr, George Carlin, and Alec Baldwin.  Each year he makes 3 appearances at the Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster County, to the joy of children of all ages.  He and his fellow railroad cars and friends from the Island of Sodor will be here again from September 17th to the 25th.  If you and your children have a fascination with trains (and what kid doesn't!), then "A Day Out With Thomas" is a day not to be missed!  We'd love to have your family as our guests here at the Apple Bin Inn... just 10 minutes from the Strasburg Rail Road.  Give us a call... you'll be glad you did! 

 

Annual "Snitz Fest" at the 1719 Hans Herr House in Willow Street

 

Come celebrate the very beginnings of colonial Lancaster County three centuries ago!  The 1719 Hans Herr House, right here in our little town of Willow Street, is the oldest home in Lancaster County, and one of the oldest Mennonite meeting houses in the western hemisphere.  On Saturday, October 1st they will hold their annual Pennsylvania German festival called "Snitz Fest" (snitz are dried apple slices used in baking pies and tarts).  This fun day features great food, costumed interpreters, hands-on activities and demonstrations of colonial-era arts, crafts and farm life, including threshing, quilting, loom weaving, heckling flax, churning butter, cooking over a fire, and making shingles, shoes, candles and corn husk dolls.  Enjoy a bit of local charm and history by stepping back in time in our little corner of Lancaster County!

  

33rd Annual "Long's Park Art & Craft Festival"

As Labor Day weekend approaches, it's time to make plans to attend the 33rd Annual Art & Craft Festival at Long's Park.  Held September 2 thru 5, rain or shine, this show is ranked among the top 10 in the U.S., and will feature exhibitors from all over the country.  Over 1000 artisans submitted their work for review by a panel of 8 national jurors, who then selected the best 200 for the festival (including about 50 who will make their first appearance at this show).  Exhibitors will display every imaginable type of work, including paintings, photography, woodwork, glass, ceramics, metals, clothing, leather, and many others.  Also included at the festival will be a wonderful assortment of music, bistro dining, and local wine and beer selections.  If you love all things "arts & crafts", it's an event not to be missed!

Long's Park is an beautiful 80-acre city park, with a 2-acre lake and tree-lined picturesque walkways. So come join the 20,000 art lovers expected to attend this 4-day event.  Once you've been to this festival, you'll want to make it an annual tradition for your visit to Lancaster County. 

Rooms here at the Apple Bin Inn are filling up fast for the holiday weekend, so give us a call soon!