Lancaster Weekend Day Three

 We started our morning right here at The Barn, with the winds howling down the chimney, we  joined our church virtually. What a blessing to have that option these days — worshipping with my coffee and cherry danish for breakfast because I was still up in my room working on yesterday's blog. But I did make it in plenty of time to get settled and ready to worship. 😉

Once service wrapped up, we headed to Wilbur’s Chocolate for our essential chocolate fix. 😄 I’ll just confess it outright — I walked out with a bag. A big one. Full of goodies and gifts. No regrets.

Next, we walked a few blocks in the howling wind to visit Cherry Acres in downtown Lititz.  If you want one-of-a-kind décor, this place has everything from steampunk lights to Talavera pottery to live-edge slabs. It’s the kind of shop that makes you consider rearranging a room or two in your house… or at least a corner of one maybe!

Lunch was up next, and Mark found us another winner: Knight & Day Diner. That menu could have doubled as a small encyclopedia — so many choices, and everything sounded good. Definitely one we’ll keep in mind for the next Lancaster trip.- 

These were from the Seniors Menu that came with one side and ice cream 

Michael's 1/2 Duck

Davds Slow Roasted Turkey with filling and gravy

Debbie's Pot Roast over filling and gravy 

The rest of us ordered from the regular menu so no ice cream for us 🤣

Steve's Shrimp Scampi

Mark's Fried Chicken

Susan's Chicken Ranch sandwich and a crock of French Tomato Soup

Judi's Double Grilled cheese with Tomato sandwich with the crock of French Tomato Soup (I thought double grilled cheese meant double cheese...nope meant 2 sandwiches)

You could visit this restaurant weekly and still it would take you forever to try everything on their menu.  Food was delicious and service was great.

After lunch, we made a quick run to Giant for the evening’s treat supplies — affogato ingredients or, for the purists, just vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Because Sundays deserve sweetness.

Then it was back to The Barn for an afternoon of crafting for the girls. 

Michael wandered out back to capture the sunset —  he is really committed to getting me these shots. Susan was in the kitchen pulling out snacks when she suddenly started calling my name. Turns out Michael had taken a tumble outside. Between the winds, the excitement of that gorgeous sky, and maybe a missed step or two… well, gravity won that round. 

Thankfully, Susan grabbed ice, Grace checked him over for anything broken.  He is ok just gonna be sore tomorrow and maybe a bit bruised.   

David went out and got us another great shot of the sunset.

 Soon  enough we all settled back around the table for snacks and Bible Trivia. Let’s just say some of our group knew those answers a little faster than others. 😉

Dessert time followed — affogatos for the coffee lovers, and for the rest, good old-fashioned ice cream with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. A perfect ending to a perfect day. 

We wrapped up the evening cleaning up, laughing over Bible Trivia, and starting to get things somewhat packed for the trip home tomorrow. It truly was a wonderful day and a wonderfully fun — full of blessings, treats, and sweet memories made at The Barn. 

Stay tuned… we may not know when the next adventure will be, but you can bet it’ll be just as exciting.

Lancaster Weekend - Day Two

 We didn’t exactly sprint out the door this Saturday morning—no, today was a slow-and-easy start. The guys made a run to Bird-in-Hand Bakery, returning with warm apple fritters, a cherry danish, and a few other treats. I forgot to get some pictures to share. 

Right beside the bakery is the little petting zoo, and before they headed out, they spotted one very determined turkey pacing along the outside of the fence. He stood there studying the animal-feed machine like he was ready to place an order.

Michael summed it up perfectly:

“A turkey 🦃 outside the fence trying to use the feeding machine.”

And honestly… it really does look like that silly bird was trying to swipe a loyalty card.

Once we got ourselves together, we started the day with a stop at The Old Country Store, one of our Lancaster favorites. A little browsing, a little Christmas shopping, and, in my case, a few things that “just had to come home.”

Next, we headed to Jake’s Country Trading Post—a big thank-you to Wanda for that suggestion! 

Jake’s is huge, full of surprises, and absolutely the kind of place where you walk in with one small plan and walk out with a bag you didn’t expect. And yes… a few treasures were found. Again.

By then, hunger was knocking. It only took three of our men deliberating like they were choosing the site of a new settlement before lunch was decided. 

We landed on Dienner’s Country Restaurant, a cozy Lancaster gem serving Pennsylvania Dutch food since 1993.

A couple went straight for the buffet—mashed potatoes, vegtables, chicken, beef ’n gravy, soup, salad bar, and soft-serve ice cream… how do you walk past that?  But some of us ordered from the menu, and everything was delicious.

After lunch, a few of us looped back to the Bird-in-Hand Farmer’s Market for the essentials: Amish butter that I didn't get Friday and the fudge I just had to have of course. 🤣

Then it was back to the Barn for a little downtime.  

Michael walked outside and captured this cotton-candy sunset tonight — soft pink glow in the distance, trees silhouetted like a postcard. Absolutely peaceful— makes you stop and just be thankful. A perfect pause before our dinner show.

As the evening rolled in and we got ready for the show, I couldn’t help but think how sweet these simple days are. Good friends, good food, and a little wandering—sometimes that’s all you need to feel the Lord’s blessings settle right over you. 

Holiday Inn was just wonderful! I can’t believe neither Michael nor I had ever seen it before… how did we miss that one all these years?  Well, it’s officially been added to my must-watch list now. The dancing and singing were absolutely wonderful.

Don’t wander far — Day Three is coming! I’m planning to write it today, Lord willing and we  don’t start another shopping detour. Well we may have a place or two to visit today but first we’ll be joining our church online this morning. So thankful we can still worship together even when we’re away. 

Lancaster Weekend – Day One Adventures Begin!

 Well friends, Day One of our Lancaster getaway kicked off bright and early — and I mean bright and early. I was up at 5 AM finishing the last-minute packing (because of course there’s always one more thing to tuck in the bag). We rolled out of the driveway around 7:10, and naturally our very first stop was… yes, you already know… my Dunkin’ coffee. A girl has her priorities. ☕️

From there, we headed to Mark and Susan’s, loaded their stuff into the car that seemed already too full and of course Michael was sure it wouldn't work and Mark headed to garage to get the van but they don't give Susan enough credit she got it all in our car.  Now the guys are sure we won't be able to shop since their is no room according to them. Again they underestimate the powers of Susan!!!    We finally hit the road for real around 8:05-ish.

---

Buford’s Biscuits — Breakfast of Road Warriors

First official stop: Buford’s Biscuits. Oh yes… soft, fluffy, heavenly… I have pictures, don’t worry. Let’s just say no one left hungry.

Susan's pick with sausage and poached egg! 

Breakfast Sandwich

Baker's Farm sausage, ham or bacon, Tillamook cheddar, maple/mustard sauce, Whiffle Tree Egg (scrambled patty or poached

Mark's pick -

The Cure

Tillamook cheddar, fried chicken, gravy, Whiffle Tree egg

Michaal's - 

Back Country Classic

biscuit and a half, gravy of your choice

Judi's pick - my favorite was the sausage gravy and the Plum Jam

Back Country Classic

biscuit and a half, gravy of your choice

---

Ketterman’s Jewelry: More Than Sparkles - Ketterman's in Leesburg is a family owned and operated jewelry and gift store that has had the pleasure of serving Loudoun County and the surrounding areas for over 34 years.  An eclectic mix of quality merchandise and their on-site jewelry repair and design shop make Ketterman's the perfect destination for your jewelry and gifting needs...Always.

Next up was Ketterman’s Jewelry, which is not just a jewelry store — it’s practically a wonderland. Susan and I came prepared with our Christmas lists in hand. There was something special on mine that I was determined to find.

Michael took one quick spin through the store — you know, the classic 30-second husband scan — and confidently declared, “It’s not here!” Then he made the tactical error of insisting and all that did was challenge Susan and I.

Bless his heart. 🫣

Because on my second (slower, smarter) pass… I found it. 🎄✨

Lesson of the day for Michael: never challenge Judi and Susan — we do not leave until we find the thing.

---

Catoctin Mountain Orchard – Snack Stop!

Back on the road, we stopped at Catoctin Mountain Orchard to grab a few goodies for the weekend. If you know, you know: once you walk in, you’re leaving with more than you planned.

---

Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market – Reunion Time

From there it was onward to Lancaster, with a stop at Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, where we literally ran into the rest of our Crazy Eight crew....Freida, Wayne, Grace and David. We all picked up a few more treats because apparently we’re preparing for winter hibernation not just a weekend.

---

Fabric Store Fun — And Yes, I Bought Something

Next stop: The Log Cabin Fabric Store. All I’m saying is… I may have been the big buyer.

Can I tell you what I bought? Absolutely not.

Christmas elves must protect their secrets. 😉

---

Welcome to the Barn!

Finally, we arrived at our home for the weekend — an old barn turned beautiful house, and it is so cozy. We unloaded and put our things in our rooms, and gathered downstairs for a little visiting time.

Debbie and Steve joining us from GA arrived soon after, completing our party of ten!

---

The Hungry Bunch vs. Chick-fil-A

A few of us — okay, more than a few — were hungry, so our car plus Wayne headed to Chick-fil-A. And wow… that place was packed. Drive-thru, inside, everywhere. But Chick-fil-A runs like a well-oiled machine. Michael and Wayne snagged a table, Susan met them, and Mark and I handled the food run. We were fed in record time.

---

Sight & Sound — “Noah”

After dinner, we headed to Sight & Sound for Noah. 

If you’ve never seen a production there, put it on your list. They do it right — absolutely recommend!

---

Back to the Barn & Off to Bed

After the show we headed back to the barn, visited a bit more, and then I called it a night. Long day, full heart, happy travelers.

Stay tuned for Day Two — the fun is just getting started!