Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Lancaster Trip!

Wow, what a week - - Lots of driving – we left here around 11:00 ish and weather was very cooperative except for one blast of rain that lasted about an hour so we had it pretty good.

We arrived at his cousins and had a wonderful evening dinner of grilled chicken, sautéed asparagus/peppers/onions, chicken flavored wild rice and for dessert their daughter Kylee made Molten Lava Cakes.

Linda prepared dinner, Kylee made the cakes and while we ate the cakes baked so it was fresh from the oven and ohhhh so delicious.

Linda, Me, Doug, John
All of us 

Karen and Linda 1

Kylee and here dessert
Kylee and cake

Cake
How’s this for decadent!!!!
Recipe in next post…so be watching for it.

After getting some rest we started out our Wednesday with me leaving to meet Lori ( http://loritheblackcrow.blogspot.com/ )

Unfortunately I forgot my camera and wasn’t going to turn around to get it because Lori was fixing us breakfast and I’m so glad she did – it was delicious.
Eggs with Bacon and Onion and Fresh Fruits and I had Iced Tea….along with the wonderful breakfast we exchanged our gifts and she gave me a tour of her beautiful home.
I can’t tell you how gorgeous her home is! Lots of wood and gorgeous Prim decor…oh to have just a few of her wonderful CROCKS!!!!  She was always with me so I couldn’t even put one in my gift bag she had given me – she’d never have missed it I’m sure!

I digressed there for a bit….I did stop at a store near her home to purchase a cheap digital camera but had to get it operating when I got to her place….wouldn’t you think a 60+ woman who has a fairly intelligent brain could figure out how to get it to work….NOT….so no pictures.
Hoping Lori will send me a few photos.

We did get to shopping after our breakfast and tour – and I did find a few items I just had to have…one was a ‘cutter quilt’ which isn’t going to be cut up because it’s going in the guest room with the new decor – the lady was so happy it would continue its ‘usefulness’ and not be cut up in pieces. Photo’s to come later.
For the life of me I can’t remember the names of the shops we stopped at but there were several
As I unpack my items (which are still on the dining room table) I will take pictures and hopefully by then I can get the names of the shops from Lori.

Oh, in the middle of shopping we went to the Dobbin House for lunch in Gettysburg…been there a few times before but it’s always a treat when I get to go there.

We did cut the day a bit short because Lori’s back was hurting very bad. I will say she is a trooper and hung in there until she couldn’t anymore….and I must say I was right behind her with my lower back and hips so it was a goof thing we stopped when we did.

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Now on to the rest of the trip – I do have some photos from Thursday on.

My husband and I stopped at Family Heirloom Weavers and got a tour of the loom rooms – wow, we were amazed what comes off those machines – how they produce the amount of products they do is incredible!
I got a few photos of the retail store that sit’s on the same property as the weaving shop – actually it is the family home of the the owners and he grew up here.

FHW 1

FHW 2

FHW 3

FHW 4

FHW 5

FHW 6

FHW 8

FHW 9

FHW 10

FHW 11

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Here’s one of my favorite shops in Lancaster – they have now taken the main house and turned the main floor into part of their shops – you must go visit this place when you are there next time.
Olde Mill House Shoppe

Olde Mill House Shoppes 1

Olde Mill House Shoppes 2
Side view of home – gorgeous isn’t it!

Olde Mill House Shoppes 3

And another favorite place to shop is Maple Croft
Maple Croft 1

Just had to take a picture of the Amish farmers corn – they use EVERY single piece of earth to plant – just look at how close to the road the corn is planted….actually in some places the blacktop is broken away from the machinery.

Corn 1

Corn 2

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Seems none of my photos are in order of the days we did things – but I guess that really doesn’t matter at all does it…

On Thursday we met a friend at the new Cork Factory restaurant ‘The Cork and Cap’.
I met Grace Mauer when she was working at the Amish View Inn and now she is at the Cork Factory and invited us to lunch. What a gorgeous place. If you have never seen it you must go.
The whole project is privately owned and is just a work of art – and it took several years for the project to be finished.
So here are just a few photos I had a chance to take.

The restaurant is to the left on the lower level, the rooms are in the rest of the building
Cork Factory Hotel

Cork Factory Hotel 1

Main entrance to dining and lounge/bar area
Cork Factory Hotel 8

Cork Factory Hotel 9

All antiques on wall – part of a collection by the owner of the building

Cork Factory Hotel 10

Cork Factory Hotel 11

Cork Factory Hotel 7 

Cork Factory Hotel 17 

Okay, I know….nothing interesting here but as soon as I get my goodies unpacked I can take pictures and then I’ll post them.

I did get to see Teresa ( http://teresasprimtreasures.blogspot.com/ ) at the Lititz Craft Show on Saturday and what a show that was. Over 500 vendors. We got there at 7:20, found Teresa’s booth, picked up our purchases and took them back to the van so we didn’t have to lug them around.

We then proceeded to walk, shop and chat for 4-1/2 hours….my feet were okay but my lower back and hips were killing me.
I saw Susan Burd  ( http://www.countrycrocksbysusan.com/store/Default.asp ) and Nikki Dull (from APP) and a few other girls from the forums as well…oh and Linda (Brelin4) from APP was at In Grandma’s Attic on Friday when we were there as well.

Friday night we went to the Sight and Sound Theater and saw ‘Joseph’ and all I can say to that is WOW! What a show. I’m so happy we went – it was phenomenal.

I’m leaving now….nothing more to really chat about – I know you all want pictures instead of ‘words’ so give me a couple days to get it all organized and then I will put them on!

See ya around blogland.

Karen

27 comments:

  1. SO glad you have a great time...Loved PA when we visited!

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  2. What great photos! What a trip!

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  3. Karen,
    Wow! What a wonderful trip! All of your photos are just beautiful! Family Heirloom Weavers looks AMAZING! And to meet some blogging/internet friends, how fun! I would have LOVED to of been able to shop Teresa's booth! I just love all of her handmades! Can't wait to see all of your purchases! And the molten lava cakes...Yum-O! My Sister made those for us one Christmas..and they are a treat!! Take care. ~Sarah~

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  4. Holy moly Karen, I don't know how you do it all. What alot of movin' and a shakin' you did. God bless ya gal:) I'm happy for ya:) You've got alot places to go and alot of people to see.

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  5. Sounds and looks like you have a great time!! I would love the go Lancaster, PA one day. I also need to get back up to Amish country here in Ohio...haven't been there for years.
    ~Cindy~

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  6. Hi Karen :)
    What a great trip! Love looking through all the reat photos!! I live right here in PA and have yet to travel to Lancaster. I MUST make the trip!! What a beautiful place to visit.
    How neat to visit FHW!
    Thanks for sharing your trip with us :)
    Have a great day!

    Oh...and Kylee's desert made my mouth water! Great photos at the the beginning of your entry...you & Doug ALWAYS take great pics, girl-such a cute couple!!

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  7. Hi Karen. Yes Yes Yes! The Olde Mill House Shoppe is like a little bit of heaven on earth! In fact it's the first place we head to when we visit Lancaster. Lancaster is so beautiful this time of year with it's miles and miles of cornfields. The Sight and Sound theatres have some amazing shows. Have you seen Behold the Lamb or Noah? My personal favorite was Ruth. Just a wonderful and very talented cast. Glad you had a wonderful time!

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  8. What a wonderful time you had. I would love to visit family heirloom weavers. Really enjoyed the pictures.I have to say what a BEAUTIFUL picture of you, you have such a wonderful smile.Thanks for sharing,looking forward to seeing the goodies you picked up.

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  9. Good morning Karen. Sure looks like you had a great trip! I'm hoping to get to PA sometime next year, I love it there. Are you going to Columbus this week? Can't wait to see pictures of what you found! Have a great week, Dawn

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  10. Sounds like a wonderful trip! Your photos are amazing. Glad to hear you had such a great time.

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  11. Karen, I am so HAPPY you are back. It sounds to me you had a GREAT time. I wish I could have been there, what great shops you went too. I see by the pictures I would have bought 1 of each thing I see,that dessert looks so yummy I am drooling. I want that recipe for sure!!!

    I think you need a vacation from your vacation. You sure did do what the old saying is "SHOP TILL YOU DROP" and I think you sure did do that!!! You lucky girl.
    Now I know how you keep that great figure and look SO young!!!!!
    I have missed you.
    Love ya and lots of hugs,
    Tricia

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  12. Loved this post Karen. Looking forward to seeing all your goodies.
    Hugs,AMY

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  13. Oh Karen! I loved every single photo! The photos made me feel as if I went along on the trip! I could almost imagine the sounds and wonderful smells that must have filled your whole journey! I love.. LOVE those Christmas trees at Family Heirloom Weavers! Oh my gosh the bedroom set up with the little cradle at the foot of the bed! So adorable! I love that!

    Ahhh! Olde Mill House Shoppe! What a breathtaking building!!

    Karen, I loved seeing the Amish corn fields too!
    Such admiration for their hard work and beautiful simplicity of living life. xox

    I can't wait to see more pictures!! xoxo
    I loved them all!
    Thank you so much for sharing them!

    Love,
    Jobeth xoxo

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  14. Nice feature of Lancaster! My friend was here from FL visiting, while waiting in line for a coffee she said, "I just love looking at corn fields"..I had to chuckle, what we take for granted this time of year. Thanks for featuring my blog on your page, too. I get a lot hits from yours...Glad to see your back and Can't wait to see all the goodies you purchased....

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  15. OH I am drooling over all the fun places you went and wonderful people you saw and met! LOVE the Dobbin house! I have been to Lanaster so many times but you have given me names of places I really need to see!

    Looking forward to seeing your goodies!

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  16. Karen, it sounds like you had an amazing trip! How wonderful to meet more blog friends and get a chance to shop in such awesome stores!

    I enjoyed the photos you shared and was NOT bored at all with your post. I'm sure I'm not the only one either. It will be fun to see what you bought.

    Hope you enjoy the rest of your week!

    ~Carolyn

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  17. One word describes how I feel after reading your post......WOW!!! You were able to do so many amazing things from great visits with friends, eating delicious food ( specifically the lava cake....YUM!), touring fantastic places like Family Heirloom...I have some wonderful bedding from them....and making some wonderful purchases! Plus, you look FANTASTIC!! Thank you for sharing and I can't wait to see all your great goodes!! Oh, and thank you too for your link to my blog! I have SO many visits because of that!! I'm grateful!
    Blessings my friend~
    Julie

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  18. Karen,

    What a fabulous trip, love all the photos of the Heirloom Weavers.

    Carey

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  19. We didn't get to Grandma's Attic 'til about 11:30 so must have missed you. We were set up at Lititz in the park by the stream & pavillion/food. We had flag banners down the front of our tent. Were you down that far? That show is wonderful!! So busy we didn't have time to shop. We definately will be selling next year. We are 3 1/2 hours from Lancaster & visit all the time. Would love to live there! Next time we are seeing "Joseph". Love your blog!!!
    Suzen

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  20. Karen,

    So glad you had a wonderful trip!!! Can't wait to see your goodies. I just know Lori's farmhouse is amazing. Can't wait to see it in Oct. Thank you for letting us be a part of your vacation!!! Love all the pics and can't wait to see more.

    Blessings,
    Tara
    Primlover63

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  21. Hi Karen.. So exciting going to Lancaster... I am so glad you went to see Joseph.. It was more than awesome, eh? I love your pics and can't wait to see what you brought home with you..
    Hugs..

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  22. Great pictures from Family Heirloom Weavers Karen!!! Those big old looms they use are amazing!!! A must see for everyone! I was shocked the first time I was there!

    All your pictures are beautiful! That sure looks like a yummy dessert!!!

    Can't wait to see what all you picked up on this trip!

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  23. Wow...you were in my hometown of Lititz! I did not make it to the craft show this year as it was my honey's company picnic that day. Last year I had a spot in the craft show. My father is on the Rotary Club that sponsors that club and both my parents were at the stand at the Lititz Museum. I hope you enjoyed Lititz as I love that town and living there. I can't wait to see your pictures of your purchases and I am planning to stop at the Old Mill sometime soon to see the fall and holiday decor for ideas.

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  24. What a nice vacation! We travel thru pa. to visit our daughter in N.C. and make stops in Pa. I have wanted to go to the sight & Sounds theater. Have heard its spectacular!!! Some day. Glad you had such a nice trip!

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  25. Karen,
    What a great trip! So jealous that you were at FHW!!! Love all their products, have a few to many in my home and just love them all!
    Have a great day! OLM

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  26. I loved your post about your trip. I can't wait to see the pics of the goodies you picked up. What an exciting trip you had! I had Old Mill on my list but ran out of time...definitely next trip. It was great meeting you at Teresa's booth, Karen. I wish I had known Nikki was going to be there. I love her home, too.

    Take care!
    ~Judy

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  27. That Molten Lava Cake sounded delicious, then I saw the picture of it... oh my! YUM!!

    I think it's wonderful that you and Lori were able to meet up and spend the day together despite the pain.

    That's so neat that you stopped at Family Heirloom Weavers and toured the loom rooms. I'm sure it's a fascinating place! Their products are so wonderful! I would LOVE to work in their store to see all the new stuff all the time. Oh boy, what fun that would be!!

    Olde Mill House Shoppe looks like another fascinating place! What an enormous home... I definitely wouldn't want to keep that baby clean, and I love to clean! Lol.

    Sounds like a fun-filled, busy time! How fun to travel to all those wonderful shops and meet up with friends too.

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So glad you came to visit - feel free to leave a comment.
I will try and answer as many as I can - maybe not immediately but I will get to you!

Karen