Flowers & Thyme Bed & Breakfast

Lancaster County earns its title as the "Garden Spot of the USA" as a result of the productive land farmed by the local farmers with their tractors or mules. In some areas of Lancaster County you will see no electric lines being run to the farms. You'll observe the slow pace of the horse-drawn buggies. The Amish drive the grey buggies seen primarily in the Intercourse and Strasburg area, while the Old Order Mennonite folk drive the black buggies in the New Holland and Terre Hill areas of Lancaster County. Life is not as hurried in their communities.

Originally built in 1941, our house was constructed by Amish carpenters and owned by a Mennonite family. We purchased the property and in the early years of tourism here in Lancaster County, we opened up our home for five years for the overflow guests from the hotels and motels. Then in 1992, we did major remodeling and opened two years later as a B&B.

Our bed and breakfast is nestled among mature trees on a 1 1/3 acre property in the heart of PA Dutch country. The homes' furnishings reflect comfort, simplicity and tradition. Yellow pine floors are original in the main part of the house and are accented with lovely rugs. Hardwood flooring was added during renovations to the Gathering Room.

Be sure to explore Lancaster County and enjoy the agricultural fields, stop at a roadside stand for some homemade root beer or buy some fresh produce. Take a bike ride on the back roads or explore the many historic Lancaster County covered bridges. For spectacular entertainment, the Sight & Sound Theatre and the American Music Theatre are within 4 miles from our B&B.

Shop at the Olde Mill House gift shop (housed in a restored barn) a half-mile down the road or visit the Strasburg antique market for a prized gift. Play a game of miniature golf or ask about our favorite restaurants for fresh and delicious food. We may even be able to arrange a dinner in an Amish home for you, if we know in advance and based on availability.

Dinner with an Amish family
Dinner with an Amish family, served in their home, can sometimes be arranged with advance reservations....(more)

Mid-Week Special
Stay 2 nights from Monday - Wednesday and receive $10 off the second night January through June....(more)

Our Loyalty Special
Stay with us 6 nights and earn $50 credit towards your next stay....(more)

We both were raised on farms. After our marriage, Don worked as parts manager for a farm machinery store, and then went into home appliance installation. Ruth worked as a bookkeeper before marriage and then was a stay-at-home Mom, but did payroll/bookkeeping when the children were in school. She also worked part-time at a greenhouse during those years.

We enjoy traveling and the last couple years find us heading to Texas and Wyoming to see our 2 children and their families. Flowers and gardening are Ruth's enjoyment plus scrapbooking when time permits. Don loves to refurbish and refinish furniture. His love of woodworking is evidenced throughout the house. Both of us enjoy tandem biking.

Our landscaped gardens encompass 1 1/3 acres on which all variations of color schemes abound. From early spring, when the bulbs burst with color, to early summer, with the vivid poppy displays, until late into fall, with perennial flowers mixed with annuals, a colorful vista awaits our guests. Click Here to See More Garden Pictures.

Our clean comfortable rooms are furnished in traditional décor and each room offers a private bath. Depending on your preference, you can choose a room with a canopy bed, fireplace or 2-person Jacuzzi. All our rooms are beautifully decorated.

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