It’s the most wonderful time of the year to be in Lancaster County, especially in Terre Hill! The church bells across the street from the inn play Christmas carols, our neighbor’s wood stove gives off great smells and carolers just paid a visit. Bruce and I are putting the finishing touches on the last batch of Christmas cookies and fresh greens adorn all of the windowboxes and indoor windowsills.

 

Last weekend we went on the Churchtown Historical Society’s Christmas Tour. Two of the homes were known for famous guests – George Washington slept at an inn, and Thomas Jefferson danced on the floor of a nearby home. Good company indeed!

 

There are so many holiday home tours (all benefiting worthwhile causes) that it’s hard to fit them all in! It’s a wonderful way to get a peek inside historic Lancaster homes that are usually not open to the public.

 

Landis Valley is also a very special place to visit – be sure to keep a lookout for the Belsnickel – the German Santa Claus. You can learn about the Cloister’s early religious community on a candlelight tour – they are only held this time of year. And no trip would be complete without a visit to the magic of the National Christmas Center. It brings out the kid in all of us and has a nice gift shop too.

 

Did someone say shopping? Between the antique shops, the craft and specialty stores, and of course the outlet centers in both Reading and Lancaster, there’s no end to the gifts you can find. But the best gift will be the time you spend together – making memories – in Lancaster County.

 

Don’t forget to treat yourself and that special someone to a show – whether at the American Music Theatre or Sight and Sound for their Christmas Shows, the Fulton (42nd Street), Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (A Christmas Carol) or Rainbow Dinner Theatre (Deck the Halls and Clean the Kitchen), you’re sure to find one you like. We really enjoyed “She Loves Me” at the Ephrata Playhouse.

 

Now all we need is snow! That’s when our Amish and old-order Mennonite neighbors bring out their sleighs instead of buggies. Here’s a picture from a few years ago of our friend Lloyd’s one-horse open sleigh on Main Street. Think snow! And give us a call at 888-999-4479 or reserve your room online now.

 

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