Field Trip: Oktoberfest

Some people like to dress up in authentic German attire when they go to Oktoberfest.  My husband and I don't like to do things halfway.  We brought a real, live German!

A group of German pastors were coming to the United States to learn about the churches in our area because of a connection that has been set up between our region and their region.  We were asked if we would host one of the visitors.  Sunday was a free day so we asked Jurgen if he'd like to go to a local Oktoberfest that was being held at the Army War College in Carlisle, PA.  We had a great time!

Jurgen treated us to a German meal of bratwurst and potato salad.  

Music was provided by a traditional German band from Shippensburg.  Jurgen was impressed by their pronounciation and knew many of the songs they were playing.

There were many contests going on that day.  This contest was for the most authentic German attire.  We really wanted to stick around for the stein holding competition, but that wasn't being held until later that evening.

Aside from all of the great food activities, there were lots of rides and games for kids.

We had a great time at Oktoberfest and enjoyed our time with Jurgen.  He assured us that we have a place to stay if we ever find ourselves in Germany.

Field Trip: Columbia

When my husband and I went on a mini trip for our anniversary, one of the places we visited was Columbia.  It's a little town near Lancaster that is becoming one of best places to look for antiques in Central Pennsylvania.  When we were there, we only visited one shop.  I wanted to go back to explore a little more.  There are stores for every budget.  The first shop I visited was a high end shop, but they had some really cool stuff!

The top floor of the store had a section that was set up like a soda shop.  

The second shop I visited was inside of an old theater.  

I really liked this cute dry sink.

I love this little bench with casters that I found at Burning Bridges.  I have the perfect spot for it too.  It's probably gone by now.

This place was huge! They had all sorts of things.  They even had a little cafe.  If you are into mid century modern, they had a good amount of furniture at one booth.

I probably would have bought this chair if it hadn't been painted.

I had a great time exploring Columbia, Pennsylvania.  I hope you'll take a day and explore it sometime.

Field Trip: Lititz

A few weeks ago a friend and I had the chance to visit the charming little Central Pennsylvania town of Lititz.  The town offers a variety of unique shops and restaurants that make it the perfect place to take the day and explore.

We got there around lunch time.  We decided to have lunch at Tomato Pie Cafe.  I had to have the tomato pie.  It was served with a small salad.  It was the perfect way to start our visit.

One of my favorite shops in Lititz is called Olio.  You can taste and shop for a variety of flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

I took home a bottle of scallion olive oil and lemon balsamic vinegar.

Lititz has several consignment and vintage shops that we had fun exploring.

I hope you have the chance to check out downtown Lititz sometime soon.  It's a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Field Trip: Marietta

All month long I've been posting details of our wedding two years ago.  At the beginning of the week my husband and I took a little trip to a bed and breakfast in Marietta and spent two nights..  We had a great time, and I'm excited to be able to share some of the details with you!

We stayed at the most adorable little bed and breakfast in Marietta, The Ascot House.  We chose this bed and breakfast, because we knew we wanted to go to the The Accomac Inn for dinner and the b & b was nearby.  All of the reviews online were wonderful.  When I read that it was owned by a delightful English lady who served an afternoon tea upon request, I was sold!

When we arrived we were shown to our room up the grand staircase.  We told Wendy, the owner, that we would like to have tea that day. It was no problem for her.  She served us so much food, we really didn't need dinner!

We went to a local pub to sit and relax that evening.  The next morning we were treated to a delicious breakfast.

We went to explore the gardens in the back of the b & b.  Wendy is a very busy lady!  She was hosting a wedding last weekend and was preparing for another wedding this weekend.  She usually has the small weddings in her garden.

We decided to spend the day exploring the area.  First we went to Roots Country Market and Auction.  We walked around, and had a look, but it was so hot.  I bought some fresh local peaches, and then we headed to our next stop.

Next we went to the town of Columbia to check out some antique shops.  We went to The Burning Bridge Antique Shop.  I found quite of few things I liked, but left empty-handed.  Check out some of the treasures I found.

We decided to go see a movie since it was so hot outside.  I won't bore you with that part.  I hated the movie and couldn't wait until it was over!  When we got back to the Ascot House we had just enough time for a little nap before dinner.

Dinner at the Accomac Inn was incredible.  Everyone was so nice, and the view was beautiful, but by far, the best reason to go there is the food.  We started with a cold peach and white wine soup.  Then we went straight to our main course.

I had a white fish on a roasted corn risotto with a mango and raspberry salsa.

For dessert I had strawberry orange and watermelon lime sorbet.  It was the perfect way to end my meal.  Our waitress even brought us a surprise.

When we left the restaurant the sun was setting on the river.  It was a perfect day!

The next day we had another delicious breakfast and we were on our way home.  It really was a wonderful retreat!  I hope you are having some great adventures this summer!