Well hello!

I’ve had the most incredible week of both total fun and abandonment from my routine, and busy-busy-living-in-my-car taking the kids from one event to the next kind of busy. 🙂  But let’s focus on the really good part – a few days away in PA.  I know I’ve blogged about our trips to the Lancaster area a number of times.  This weekend was one of the best yet.  It turns out Fall is such a pretty time of the year to explore the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside.  As always, Laura Twiford has the scoop on great places to go, and told us about the Green Dragon farmers market in Ephrata.  The market is situated on 30 acres, and only open on Fridays. Well who’s waiting!  We got up early, braved the chill, and set out to explore the variety of wares from scarves (bought one on the spot – it was cold!) to Amish baked goods.

I can’t believe amidst the crowds that we actually ran in to Laura and her family!  I was happy to meet her sister (oh they look so much alike) and parents who were visiting from FL.  Laura told us about these great big (about 12″ across) pretzels, hot from the oven. We had to try them…and now I’m wishing that I lived closer to the Green Dragon….would be there every Friday for one!

We took another piece of advice from Laura and visited the family-owned Oregon Dairy in Lititz.  What a great place – a restaurant, grocery store, playground and more.  I’d love to come back in the Spring once it warms up.  You can’t beat an icecream shop that opens on to the playground.

Have you ever wanted to turn off the main road and see what’s down that little road, leading to no where? Usually we’re too busy going from Point A to Point B. With nothing but time for once, we decided to take the farm country roads and drove wherever the road led us.  For 2 1/2 hours.  It was so peaceful to take in the rolling hills, old farms, and catch site of horse and buggies off to unknown destinations.  One of our favorite sites was a sweet horse under a willow tree.  I think he knows just how good he has it.

And what’s a visit to PA without a good dose of antiquing!  I know I’ve said it before – I’m crazy about Adamstown.   If you  love antiquing, this destination won’t disappoint.  I’d venture to say that if you had one day to visit, you still wouldn’t make it to all of the antique malls.  Especially if you start the morning with one of the outdoor flea markets – you could be there for hours.

We never made it to the German Trading Post before so it was exciting to visit someplace new.  It was especially memorable because I found my “find” of the weekend here.   Will dedicate a post to that in the future.

Before I go, let me introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Gourd.  I love that someone has a great sense of humor. Aren’t these two great?

Thank you for your visit and have a great weekend ahead!

-Cindy