Pennsylvania Dutch Country

I had a work assignment in Pennsylvania and since Eric grew up in Lancaster, we decided to go a few days early for a small getaway.

Saturday

After traveling on Friday, we awoke on Saturday ready to explore. Our first stop was one of Eric's favorites...Caruso's for lunch. We ordered several different things to share...the Philly cheesesteak, the Italian sub, and a slice of pizza. The bread is baked fresh on-site in a brick oven and everything was fantastic!

Afterwards, Eric drove us around town showing me his childhood home, high school & the airfield where he learned to fly. Then we headed to historic downtown Lititz. Main Street was full of boutiques, B&Bs, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants. The weather was perfect for strolling and taking in the sights.

We ate & drank our way down the street. Fresh chocolate from Wilbur's, beer in an English-style pub, soft pretzels, wine samples & ice cream.

Next we made our way to the Strasburg Railroad for a wine & cheese train ride. The ride is about 45 minutes long & you drink wine & nibble on fruit & various cheeses while riding past Amish farms and enjoying the countryside at sunset. I loved it but wished it lasted just a little longer.

After a day of gorging ourselves, we didn't bother with dinner but returned to the hotel to relax and let our bellies recover.

Sunday

Today we started off with a little shopping at the Tanger Outlet Mall before heading to Stoudts Brewery for their Oktoberfest celebration. It was great fun...a huge hall with a polka band and people dancing, eating, and socializing. We found a couple of spots at one of the many tables and enjoyed a couple of beers & some German fare...pork with sauerkraut, bratwurst, red cabbage, potato salad, and fresh baked bread. We both eyed the German chocolate cake but just didn't have room.

On the way back to the hotel, we found one of the many covered bridges in Lancaster County.

Monday

Today I worked for a couple of hours and later that night we had our last dinner in PA. We found a place in York called The White Rose Bar & Grill. The atmosphere was upscale but relaxed and the food was fantastic. We started off with the Maryland blue crab dip and I had one of their signature fishbowl drinks, the Malibouty. I ordered the filet and lump crab cake. Absolutely delicious! So much so that I forgot to take a picture : ). With our bellies stuffed again, there was no room for dessert. BUT we ordered them to go so we could enjoy them later that night.