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!