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Pennsylvania: Agri-travel
Galore
As an avid photographer addicted
to the breathtaking beauty of environmental landscapes, I offer
that the charm of the Pennsylvania agriscape easily parallels the
glamour of a Tuscan vineyard bathed in subliminal light or the burnished
fields of golden wheat fields in the Palouse (Washington State).
The Pennsylvania agriscape is a sensual journey that embraces the
five senses: the subjective interpretation is special as well as
specialized to each traveler. Therein lies the magic.
Blue Ribbon Passport
Perhaps the best way to experience the Pennsylvania
agriscape and the bounty of the land is to follow the Blue Ribbon
Passport trail, a gateway to the state’s bounty and agricultural
heritage. Log onto www.blueribbonpassport.com
to learn more and reap special savings at participating attractions.
Three different routes sample fairs, wineries, farm markets, local
food, farm stays, and so much more.
Lancaster County: Maizes and
More
It’s no secret, but some of the most
fertile and best farmland in the country is located right in Lancaster
County. The rich carbonate soil, along with a moderate climate and
evenly distributed rainfall work together to produce ideal growing
conditions for a variety of agricultural enterprises.
Lancaster is ranked number one in agriculture
in the state of Pennsylvania, with farms generating over $800 million
in food, feed and fiber. About 75 per cent of farm income is based
on livestock, poultry and products like milk, while producing crops
include corn, wheat, oats, hay tobacco, and vegetables.
The Amazing Maize Maze
My first stop is at Cherry-Crest Farm, where
I wander through towering cornfields of six-foot corn stalks in
the intricately and deceptively carved “Amazing Maize Maze.”
For this year’s theme, I become a secret agent for the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA). My mission? To find “The
Missing Pyramid,” and along the way to discover steps toward
a healthier me. The Discovery Channel calls it the, “World's
Biggest Free Standing Mind Bender...” I call it educational,
entertaining, family-friendly, and just down right fun.
My friends and I wander the maize, searching
for clues as we attempt to solve the riddles that lead us through
the maize. In case we lose our way, sentries are posted on looming
platforms that overlook the corn field, to ensure safe journey through
and out of the maize-maze. Surprisingly, I discover there are refreshment
stands as well as bathroom breaks along the way.
One of the best mazes in the country, Jack
Coleman of Cherry Crest admits, “This is the largest attended
maze in the country and we strive for the best by introducing something
new every year.” For this year, it is their new fudge shop
which I unabashedly decide to sample. With an assortment of flavors
akin to Baskin & Robbins 31 flavors, the six that I sample are
all delicious. My recommendation? Go with the peanut butter chocolate.
Other delights include cappuccino and raspberry chocolate —
a favorite for Valentine’s Day.
With my fudge potion for energy, I embark
on my journey to better health, and meet success many hours later.
After a morning of navigating my way through the maize-maze, however,
mostly in a daze, it’s time to take a luncheon respite at
Hershey Farm Restaurant, a Pennsylvania Dutch Family Restaurant
that serves over 100 items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A bakery
on the premises ensures the freshest in local breads and dessert
delicacies. This is a great way to sample some of local favorites
such as shoofly pie, whoopie pie, and so much more.
From Cow-to-Cone: the Kreider Farm
Tour
For the next 90 minutes, I will be escorted
on a state-of-the-art technology tour of Kreider Farms. The tour
is a “Cow-to-Cone” exhibition that essentially educates
while it entertains guests on the basics of milk production. Questions
such as “How much milk do Kreider cows produce each day?”
and, “Why do cows wear earrings and bracelets?” are
answered in entertaining ways. Do you know how many stomachs a cow
has, how often cows prefer to be milked, or how much food a cow
will eat in a day? Or, as many urban children naively ask, “Do
brown cows produce chocolate milk?” If the least bit interested
in how your food chain is built, then, this tour through the cow
palace and the stainless steel milking carousel is for you.
A sweet treat awaits guests at tour’s
end, with delectable flavor selections from a flavorful assortment
of homemade ice creams. After all, ice cream is one of many by-products
of milk! This is a top-notch family-friendly activity that helps
connect people with the source of their food.
I plan a dinner stop and evening affair at
the Schuylkill County Fair, a classic example of a small town, community
fair. With more than 1500 livestock and poultry exhibits, auctions,
antique tractors and gas engines as well as a midway with rides
and games, my dance card is full. Live country and bluegrass bands
boom in the background while I check out the two-headed calf and
turn-of-the-century farming tools and inventions at the Schuykill
County Agricultural Museum with my hosts from the Pennsylvania Department
of Agriculture. Then it’s time to roam for dinner. With so
many flavor fests to choose from such as fried Oreos, apple dumplings,
cheese steaks, and the American staple — BBQ, I graze from
food booth to food booth, savoring the local flavors and regional
foods.
Berry Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn
I arrive for the night at the Berry Patch
B&B in Lebanon, a newly-built log home on 20 acres of secluded
farm charm. Close to both Lancaster County and Hersheypark, its
convenience is equaled only by the grace of Bunny, my hostess of
many talents and her well-mannered granddaughter, Ciara. The spacious
barn-style home is filled with country charm and trinkets —
every corner revels in nostalgia and hidden stories waiting to be
told.
Though my stay is brief, Bunny greets me
the next morning with a bountiful breakfast of Russian oatmeal,
eggs of my choosing, strawberry, blueberry and peach muffins, and
a medley of fresh fruit that easily carries me through the morning.
As I converse with contented repeat guests, I notice the display
of gourmet dressings, marinades, and BBQ sauces that Bunny produces
for Berry Patch Products (www.berrypatchproducts.com).
An accredited pastry chef, Bunny is one of
those cooks who just have a knack for creating wonderful products
based on old family recipes. With a penchant for berries, Bunny
is particularly known for her House Dressing, perfect as a dip,
dressing or marinade. My teens particularly enjoy it with Chinese
egg rolls!
Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Embracing its agricultural heritage, Pennsylvania
Dutch country is known for rich soils, bountiful produce, and cultural
foods that include such specialties as whoopee pie, shoofly pie,
chicken pie, and chow chow. No visit to Pennsylvania is complete
until you have tasted these local delicacies. One of the best places
to sample some of the local products is a visit to Intercourse Canning
Company. Here you can savor the flavors and homemade tastes of pickled
vegetables, salsas, jams and jellies. Purchase what you like, mail-order,
or order over the Internet.
Or visit Eli and Mary Glick, third generation
Amish owners of Glick’s Food & Crafts at Bird-in-Hand.
Here you visit an authentic working farm and can see an Amish buggy
up close. Using an old-fashioned oven, Glick’s turns out whoopee
pies of assorted flavors — some
say the best anywhere — as well as cookies and all types of
pies. Shop for handmade quilts and a variety of other locally handcrafted
gifts.
Farm auctions are the big event after Valentine’s
Day and are appropriately dubbed “mud sales” because
of the slushy ground conditions after emerging from winter’s
freeze. Amid the mud and mire are thousands of people who travel
to quiet country villages in search of handicrafts, farm equipment,
and bargains.
For a really unique dining experience, save
a date for Bube’s Brewery. A National Register and Historic
Site, this is an intact 19th century brewery complex that functions
as a museum, art gallery, and offers three restaurants and evening
entertainment. From murder mysteries to dining 43 feet below in
the stone-lined Catacombs, surround yourself with a total immersion
experience that is both tasty and entertaining.
“Lux” in Bucks
During my time in Bucks County, I opt for
both culture and luxury. I overnight at the elegant Barley Sheaf
Farm Estate & Spa, a restored manor house, cottage, and barn
that features whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, full body steam showers,
flat-screen TVs, and a fully stocked courtesy wet bar. My room décor
is custom decorated with theatrical elegance and style; proving
that connecting with the land doesn’t translate into having
to necessarily go Spartan.
The estate is surrounded by 100-acre pasture
with sheep, pigs, and miniature horses. A long tree-lined entrance
effectively shields the country estate from town traffic, adding
to the feel of secluded country luxury. Once the home of playwright
George S. Kaufman, the Barley Sheaf Farm Estate now attracts a potpourri
of executives and professionals on retreat as well as creative artisans
who are looking for inspiration.
As Bucks County is known for being agricultural
and historic, the “Fruits of Our Labor Heritage Tourism Trail”
brings together a partnership of heritage, culture, nature, and
agriculture for the traveler to experience. Some of the places included
are the James A. Michener Art Museum, Mercer Museum, and Fonthill
Museum.
From the finest collection of Pennsylvania
Impressionist paintings at the Michener Museum to the eccentric
concrete castle of Mercer at Fontill and his prolific collection
of tools, artifacts, and early American crafts housed in the Mercer
Museum, you will want to save at least a day to explore these treasures.
Dining is an event of its own, as there are
a multitude of casual and fine-dining choices abounding in New Hope
and throughout Bucks County. For a Four-Diamond AAA culinary experience
— the only in Bucks County — book reservations at The
Mansion Inn. Specializing in seafood with a continental flair, the
menu is surprisingly affordable. Expect exquisite service.
Triumph Brewing Company, a micro brewery,
features eclectic contemporary American food and offers a selection
of handcrafted brewed beer on the premises. Chambers 19 Bistro &
Bar is a local favorite for good friends and great food.
See Bucks County from the seat of an antique
coach, by taking a 50-minute narrated train ride on the New Hope
& Ivyland Railroad. Then, move on to the Peddler’s Village,
where landscaped gardens vie with country village shopping. Overnight
at The Golden Plough Inn at Peddler’s Village for luxury and
comfort with complimentary champagne and soft beverages.
100 Years of Chocolate Kisses
If you have extra time, don’t miss
Hersheypark — the sweetest place on Earth. With their upcoming
100th year celebration for the summer of 2007, a visit is sure to
be loaded with all types of special surprises! Even the United States
Post Office is commemorating the event. They recently issued “Love
and Kisses,” a 39-cent postage stamp adorned with the image
of a Hershey’s chocolate kiss. A sweet way to end a sweet
journey.
BEFORE YOU GO
Pennsylvania Tourism Office
1-800-VISIT-PA (847-4872)
www.visitPA.com
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
(717) 787-5342
www.agriculture.state.pa.us
PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau
(717) 299-8901 or 1-800-PA-DUTCH
www.PADUTCHCOUNTRY.com
Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau
1-800-836-BUCKS or (215) 639-0300
www.BucksCountyTravel.org
Blue Ribbon Passport
www.blueribbonpassport.com
WHAT TO DO
Cherry-Crest Farm & “The Amazing
Maize Maze”
150 Cherry Hill Road
Ronks, PA 17572
(717) 687-6843
www.cherrycrestfarm.com
Kreider Farm Tour
1461 Lancaster Road
Manheim, PA
(717) 665-5039
www.kreiderfarms.com
Intercourse Canning Company
P.O. Box 541
3612 E. Newport Road
Intercourse, PA 17534
(717) 768-0156
www.intercoursecanning.com
Glick’s Food & Crafts
248 Monterey Road
Bird-in-Hand, PA
(717) 656-1343
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
32 West Bridge Street
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-2332
www.newhoperailroad.com
Peddler’s Village
Lahaska, PA 18931
www.peddlersvillage.com
Hersheypark
100 W. Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
1-800-HERSHEY
www.hersheypa.com
CULTURE AND HERITAGE
James A. Michener Art Museum
138 South Pine Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 340-9800
www.michenermuseum.org
Mercer Museum
84 South Pine Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 345-0210
www.mercermuseum.org/mercermuseum/index.html
Fonthill Museum
East Court Street & Route 313
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 348-9461
www.mercermuseum.org/fonthill/index.html
WHERE TO EAT
Hershey Farm Restaurant
240 Hartman Bridge Road
Ronks, PA
(717) 687-8635
www.hersheyfarm.com
Bube’s Brewery
102 North Market Street
Mount Joy, PA 17552-1306
(717) 653-2056
www.bubesbrewery.com
The Mansion Inn
9 South Main Street
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-1231
www.themansioninn.com
Triumph Brewing Company
400 Union Square
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-8300
www.triumphbrew.com
Chambers 19 Bistro & Bar
19 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 348-1940
Doylestown, PA
www.chambers19.com/monday.htm
WHERE TO STAY
Berry Patch Bed & Breakfast
115 Moore Road
Lebanon, PA 17046
(717) 865-7219
www.berrypatchbnb.com
Barley Sheaf Farm Estate & Spa
5281 Old York Road
Holicong, PA 18928
(215) 794-5104
www.barleysheaf.com
The Golden Plough Inn at Peddler’s Village
Route 202 & Street Road
Lahaska, PA 18931
(215) 794-4004
www.goldenploughinn.com
Courtesy of the U.S. Postal Service
The State of Independence
boasts some of the most fertile, productive soil on the planet,
no it's no wonder that agriculture is one of our most important
pursuits.
A great deal of
Pennsylvania is farmland… But if you immediately think of
a red barn and a handful of cows, you need to get a new perspective!
Pennsylvania agriculture
today means fruit orchards, wineries, llamas, goats, organic produce
— even ostriches and buffalo!
Yes, you'll still
see shiny new farm machinery the size of dinosaurs, or maybe an
Amish farmer plowing with a team of determined horses, but there's
much more — and all you have to do is explore. One of the
best ways is on an agritourism road trip.
(From a Pennsylvania Tourism
Brochure)
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