When I was in Pennsylvania this summer, my son, Ben, got to join me for a day. He was working at a summer camp not too far away, and coordinated his day off to go with my trip. As my kids grow up, seeing them less often is bittersweet. This story falls on the side […]
Relaxed elegance at The Rosemont Inn B&B
In the scenic mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Rosemont Inn B&B in Montrose is the perfect place to stay. Enjoy New England style charm, great food and a comfortable, memorable stay.
Ricketts Glen State Park: PA’s answer to overcrowded national parks
Over the past several years, national parks have grown quite popular for vacationers. Of course, the Grand Canyon, the Smoky Mountains and Yosemite have long been popular — and for good reason. But, the growing popularity of national parks across the country has led to overcrowded national parks and the related problems. I think we […]
12 Days of Christmas Magic in Lancaster County, PA
When my husband’s mom moved to Lancaster County, PA I was thrilled. I’ve always been intrigued by the historic charm of Amish country and looked forward to doing all the touristy things one does in Lancaster County. What I didn’t anticipate was all the other wonderful things there are to do in Lancaster County! At […]
Riverboat cruises: See Pittsburgh from a new perspective
On a trip to Pittsburgh last month, I took my first riverboat cruise in the Steel City! Our group was hosted by the Gateway Clipper located in Pittsburgh’s historic Station Square. Riverboat cruises are the perfect way to see this beautiful city by water. We took our trip, a historical perspective of Pittsburgh, down the […]
Conquering fears: Take two!
A couple months ago, we went to a high ropes course close to home. Rob and Ellie attacked it with gusto. I looked at the first obstacle and froze. Totally. Chickened. Out! That kind of thing used to stop me in my tracks. Fear would keep me from trying new things. But, I’m a new […]
Visiting the whimsical gardens of Phipps Conservatory
This post contains links to products for which I might receive a small commission. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood (near the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon), has been entertaining visitors with world-class gardens since 1893. It has expanded through the years, most recently adding the LEED certified […]
Forget pumpkin! Make mine maple! (cookie recipe)
Pumpkin spice latte might be the social media darling of October and November. But, it’s spot at the top of the fall flavor world may be coming to an end. And maple is to blame! Personally, I’m not a big pumpkin spice latte fan. I like pumpkin pie, pumpkin rolls, and even pumpkin cheesecake. But, […]
Lancaster’s Longhouse: Discovering Native American culture
When visiting the Hans Herr House, admission also includes a tour of a Native American Longhouse. The longhouse was the heart of Native American culture for hundreds of years. Longhouses were common to the Eastern Woodland Indians between 1570 and 1770. The Lancaster Longhouse, as it’s known, is based on a Susquehannock longhouse that was […]
German architecture: Touring Lancaster’s Hans Herr House
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is well known for its connection to the Amish community. People come by the bus load to see the large, plain homes on massive farms with plain blue and gray clothes hanging on clotheslines and buggies pulled by horses. Others come for the down-home Amish cooking (me, too!) If you go back […]
