Flowers & Thyme Bed and Breakfast

Escape to our Lancaster, Pennsylvania bed and breakfast located in the heart of Lancaster County, a quiet and unspoiled location that is home to the PA Dutch, Amish and Mennonite families living on acres of stunning beauty. As you visit, you can catch a glimpse of a lifestyle that focuses on the simple way of living that hasn't changed much over the years.

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.

Our Lancaster bed and breakfast offers a quiet atmosphere that is within four miles of Strasburg, of center city Lancaster, and also Bird-in-Hand. We are only 1 mile from Route 30, where the Tanger and Rockvale Square outlets provide great shopping.

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.

We have 3 common area rooms, which you can use to watch cable TV. We also have a VCR and a DVD available. Enjoy the view of the fields and the working dairy farm across the street from the comfort of a rocking chair on our wrap-around front porch. Relax in our gazebo for a spell and watch the fireflies light up the summer evening, read a book on the porch swing, enjoy a walk through our gardens, put together a puzzle, or take a nap in the hammock in the shade of our evergreen grove.

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.

Bed and breakfasts are an increasingly popular way to enjoy more individualized accommodations. Each bed and breakfast has its own personality. The charm of staying at a B&B property is the unique furnishings combined with privacy and a home-style feeling from your hosts. We want to be helpful and are eager to make you feel at home - everything to make your trip a memory you will cherish.

Relax in the Gardens at our Lancaster Bed and Breakfast...

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.

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.

Our philosophy of service is comfort and relaxing country-style hospitality,
provided in a warm and friendly style. Visit our Bed and Breakfast in Lancaster PA Dutch Country "where thoughtfulness and hospitality bloom."

Start your day with a Wonderful Breakfast…

Relax with your early morning cup of coffee and watch the sun rise. The Flavia coffee maker is available for coffee or hot water for tea or hot chocolate before breakfast or when you return from your day of exploring and sightseeing.

Guests enjoy a full hot breakfast that is served at 8:30AM each morning in our Gathering Room, an airy commodious room with a magnificent vaulted ceiling and an expanse of windows overlooking the countryside. A three-course meal is served with fruit juice, blended coffee, or specialty teas for beginners. A seasonal fruit dish, followed by a hot entrée of either something savory or sweet, along with ham, bacon, or sausage to compliment the meal. The menu of the day might include Puffy Dutch Pancakes, Vegetable Quiche, Asparagus Bundles or Cornflake-Crusted French Toast with caramel sauce. We use fresh eggs, local produce and vegetables from our garden. Each breakfast concludes with a pastry of muffins, coffeecake or quick bread made from scratch. Cold cereal or homemade granola is always available.

A garden to live in, dream in, escape in

The grounds are landscaped in the cottage garden style featuring plants and flowers - old-fashioned poppies mixed with knockout roses, gooseneck loosestrife or echinacea at every turn. The gardens are especially colorful early to mid-July when the biannual poppies put on their display. (The innkeepers might even give you some seed, if you ask).

Retreat from the crowds to this place of peace. You just might want to drift off to sleep in the hammock underneath the canopy of evergreen trees. The gazebo is a place where you will want to sit and stay awhile - in the inviting oasis under the grove of trees. Sit and listen to the chirping of the crickets or watch the fireflies on a July summer evening. And in the evening when the sun goes down, linger in the gazebo for a quiet respite.

We are honored to have been featured in the Birds and Blooms magazine.
 

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 scrap booking 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.

Bed and breakfasts are an increasingly popular way to enjoy more individualized accommodations. Each bed and breakfast has its own personality. The charm of staying at a B&B property is the unique furnishings combined with privacy and a home-style feeling from your hosts. We want to be helpful and are eager to make you feel at home - everything to make your trip a memory you will cherish.

"The theme of flowers and herbs extends from the bedroom door to the gardens surrounding the house. There is a gazebo for relaxing, and a front porch swing for watching traffic. The hosts are very pleasant and more than willing to assist you in planning visits, or recommending local spots. The breakfasts are great, and the common area rooms are comfortable. Overall, a memorable experience." Coventry, RI

"Your home is truly a place to call a "haven." I am so impressed by the beautiful atmosphere and décor. To find such a warm and cozy home to spend away from the routine of life was a wonderful blessing. We have never been to a B&B before, but we have been truly inspired by your graciousness and hospitality. Thank you so much." St. Paul, NC

"Thanks for your charming inn and gracious Lancaster hospitality. The room was great. Our experience here was more than we expected and we will be returning to visit again." Sayre, PA

"Flowers and Thyme B&B was the warmest, most hospitable place to spend our first anniversary as a married couple! We always felt like we were at home and that was a plus! The owners made sure that our every need was met. Flowers & Thyme had the most beautiful landscape and was local to everything we wanted to visit. We would recommend this B&B to anyone." N. Brunswick, NJ

"Are you looking for that special get-away from your everyday craziness? This is the perfect place. They serve the greatest breakfast in the area. Their hospitality is terrific. The place where you can kick back and feel at home away from home minus the children. We go every six months just to enjoy the quiet and the great company of the owners." Pottstown, PA

"What a beautiful B&B! You put so much love and care in the glorious garden and warmly decorated rooms. There is such a spirit of peace here. Thanks." Bucks County, PA

"We are truly blessed to have met you and been able to get to know you. We loved the Garden Room - a true reflection of your talented abilities and hard work in all your awesome gardens outside. The gazebo and front porch swing are the perfect places to relax and unwind. You are truly tops in the B&B trade." Bechtelsville, PA

"We really felt God's peace and presence in this home and your gardens. We can't wait to tell our friends about this treasure we've found in the heart of Lancaster County." Shickshinny, PA

Things to see and places to go

Lancaster County offers an array of shopping and cultural experiences. There is something for everyone. You'll find activities here in abundance. You'll need more than one day to discover the hidden gems and to absorb the diversity of Lancaster County.

Lancaster County attractions and activities:

Covered bridge tours, miniature golf, hiking, self guided tours, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, birding, art galleries, auctions, beautiful drives, the Strasburg Railroad and steam train, homemade root beer…

• Do a covered bridge tour - there are 31 covered bridges in Lancaster County still in existence. The innkeeper's favorites are the Hunsicker Mill and Eshelman's Mill bridges.
• Play a game of miniature golf at Village Greens (www.villagegreens.com) April through October - 717-687-6933
• Take a hike in the Lancaster County Park (www.co.lancaster.pa.us/parks)
• Take a one-mile secluded hike on the chipped path along the Millstream Creek, just 1/2 mile from us, and then stop by the Sugar Plums & Tea Room (www.sugarplumsandtea.com) for refreshments
• Visit Root's Country Market & Auction on a Tuesday for fresh-from-the-garden produce, to take in the sights and smells of the bakery displays, the auction, and to enjoy the crowd of locals and visitors alike for an old-fashioned fun day.
• Do a self guided tour of the back roads of Lancaster County on a bicycle (www.lancasterbikeclub.org/scenictours.php)
• Take a hot air balloon ride floating over Lancaster County's picturesque Amish farmlands. (www.ushotairballoon.com)
• Go horseback riding (www.carriagevacation.com)
• Go birding at the Susquehanna River, Muddy Run Reservoir, or the Middle Creek Wildlife Management (www.lancaster.pa.us/parks)
• Lancaster city is home to many fine artists and galleries. The first Friday of every month, downtown is alive and pulsating with energy. Over 60 shops and galleries extend their hours till 9:00 PM. It is an upbeat experience and can be toured by foot since the galleries are concentrated in one area.
• If you like auctions, many household estate sales occur on Saturdays. Check our local newspapers for listings. Or you can attend the Farmersville auction every Tuesday year round at 130 N. Farmersville, Rd., Ephrata, PA 17522 - 717-354-5095
• Borrow a CD or cassette from Flowers & Thyme B&B (www.flowersandthyme.com) to take a self-guided tour of Lancaster County.
• Take a drive on Rt. 501 North to the town of Lititz to the Wilbur Chocolate Factory (www.wilburbuds.com) for your chocolate buds. You'll smell the aroma before you get there!! And if you like chocolate, you might want to go to the Hershey Chocolate World for a tour. (www.hersheychocolateworld.com)
• Take a ride on the Strasburg Railroad and steam train, America's oldest short-line railroad. (www.strasburgrailroad.com) The train also has a dining car for advance dinner reservations. Call 717-687-6486. Also, be sure to visit the Railroad Museum across the street from the train station.
• Stop for some homemade root beer at the Fisher farm - 3217 Old Philadelphia Pike, Ronks, PA 17572
• Go to the Leola Produce auction - observe the many cultures of the PA Dutch.
• Watch pretzels being made and packaged at the Martin's Pretzel factory, owned and operated by the Old Order Mennonite people at 1229 Diamond Street, Akron. 717-859-1272

Things to See

Longwood Gardens, Hershey Gardens, Chanticleer Gardens, Winterthur, Nissley Vineyards & Winery, Twin Brook Winery, Moon Dancer Vineyards…

Gardens

• Longwood Gardens (www.longwoodgardens.org) - a premier horticultural showplace with fountains in a breathtaking setting. Open daily. 610-388-1000
• Hershey Gardens (www.hersheypa.com/attractions/in_hershey/gardens.html) - gorgeous gardens and a butterfly house just 45 minutes from us. Open April 15 - Oct. 31
• Chanticleer Gardens (www.chanticleer.org) - an incredible eclectically designed estate garden near Philadelphia.
• Winterthur (www.winterthur.org/about/garden_estate.asp) Beautiful in the Spring with the azaleas and spring flowers.

Wineries

• Nissley Vineyards & Winery (www.nissleywine.com) - 800-522-2387
• Twin Brook Winery (www.twinbrookwinery.com) - 717-442-4915
• Moon Dancer Vineyards (www.moondancerwinery.com) - 717-252-WINE

Amish Attractions

Amish Experience Theatre, Mennonite Info Center, Buggy Rides, Farm and House, Quilt Shops, Mud Sales, Auto Tours…

Amish Experience Theatre (www.amishexperience.com) - a story of an Amish boy who needs to decide whether or not to join the Amish Church - gives a good glimpse of the Amish culture too.

Mennonite Information Center (www.mennoniteinfoctr.com) - excellent tours given by guides who ride along in your car through the farmlands and stop at Amish craft and cottage industries. Minimum of 2 hours.

Abe's Buggy Rides (www.abesbuggyrides.com) - knowledgeable driver will answer your questions about the Amish along the route taken.

Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides (www.amishbuggyrides.com) - offering tours of Amish farmlands with stops along the way.

Amish Farm & House (www.amishfarmandhouse.com) - tours provide a replica of a house defining the culture of the Amish and how they live, coupled with historical information

Amish Quilt Shops

Hand Made Quilts - 102 North Ronks Rd., Ronks, PA 17572 - 717-687-0583
J & B Quilts - 157 North Star Rd., Ronks, PA 17572
Riehl's Quilts & Crafts (www.riehlsamishquilts.com) - 247 East Eby Rd., Leola, PA 17540 - 717-656-0697
Smucker's Quilts - 117 North Groffdale Rd., New Holland, PA 17557 - 717-656-8730
The Quilt Shop at the Village of Dutch Delights - on Route 30
Countryside Road-Stand - 2966 Stumptown Rd., Ronks, PA 17572 - 717-656-9206

Mud Sales

Auctions held at local fire companies from mid February to April. Since many volunteer firemen are Amish, these auctions are provided with quilts and furniture that are sold with proceeds supporting the fire company.

Self-guided Auto Tour - We have a cassette tape or CD to loan for your own self-guided tour of the Amish Country.

Events and Activities

Sight & Sound Theatre, American Music Theatre, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Lancaster Host Golf Course, Tree Top Golf Course, Willow Valley Golf Course…

Sight & Sound Theatre (www.sight-sound.com) 717-687-7800 - Musical plays that bring to life stories from the Bible.
American Music Theatre (www.AMTshow.com) - showcases Broadway shows, music of the 50's & 60's and a variety of celebrity performers. 800-648-4102
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (www.dutchapple.com) - Dinner and a Broadway musical with performers and a live orchestra. 717-898-1900
Fulton Theatre (www.thefulton.org) - 888-480-1265
Rainbow Dinner Theatre (www.rainbowdinnertheatre.com) - America's only all-comedy dinner theatre. 800-292-4301

Golf Courses

Lancaster Host (www.lancasterhost.com) - 800-233-0121
Tree Top, Manheim (www.treetopgolf.com) - 717-665-6262
Willow Valley, Lancaster (www.willowvalley.com) - 800-444-1714
Tanglewood, Quarryville (www.tanglewoodgolfcourse.com) - 717-786-2500
Fox Chase, Stevens (www.foxchasegolf.com) - 717-336-3673
Crossgates, Millersville (www.crossgates.golf.com) - 717-872-4500
Moccasin Run, Atglen (www.moccasinrun.com) - 610-593-2600

Shopping

Lancaster Central Market, Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, Olde Mill House Shoppes, Tangers Outlets, Rockvale Outlets, Strasburg Antique Market…

Be sure to check out the farm fresh produce at roadside stands or farmers markets.

Lancaster Central Market (www.cityoflancasterpa.com) - 717-291-4723. You'll find meats, vegetables, baked goods from Lancaster County in America's oldest continuously operated farmers market.

Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market (www.birdinhandfarmersmarket.com)
Kauffman's Fruit Farm (www.kauffmansfruitfarm.com) - owned and operated by Amish/Mennonites specializing in fruits from their orchards.
Miller's Natural Foods - 717-768-7582, 2338 Miller Lane, Bird-in-Hand, PA. An Amish store selling fruit, cheese, bulk foods, and natural foods.
Root's Market (www.rootsmarket.com) - Open on Tuesday's year-round - excellent choice of place to find produce, shrubbery, meats and cheeses, household items.
Green Dragon Market (www.greendragonmarket.com) - a little of everything, including a flea market.

Three of my favorite gift shops here in Lancaster County are:

Gift Shops

Olde Mill House Shoppes (www.oldemillhouse.com) - 717-299-0678
Country Creations (www.countrycreationspa.com) - 717-687-8743
Flowers & Craft Warehouse (www.flowersandcraft.com) - 717-355-9975

Outlet Shopping

Tangers Outlets (www.tangeroutlet.com) - Closest outlet to us - only ½ mile away.
Rockvale Outlets (www.rockvaleoutlets.lancaster.com) - More than 100 factory outlet stores - 2 miles from us.

Antiques

Perhaps you like antiques and would like to find something you've been yearning to have.
Strasburg Antique Market - 717-687-5624, 207 Georgetown Road, Strasburg, PA 17579
Zieglers in the Country (www.zieglersantiques.com)
Burning Bridge Antiques (www.burningbridgeantiques.com) - 717-684-7900 - 304 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA 17512
Cackleberry Farm Antiques (www.cackleberryfarmantiquemall.com) - 717-442-8805, 5003 Lincoln Hwy., Parkesburg, PA 19365
Renningers Antiques (www.renningers.com) - 717-336-2117 - Open every Sunday till 4PM
Shupps Grove (www.shuppsgrove.com) -717-484-4115 - Open Sat. & Sun. Apr. - Oct.
Stoudts Black Angus Mall (www.stoudtsblackangusantiques.com) - 717-484-4386

From Baltimore & points South. Take Route 83 North to York, PA and exit at Market Street, Exit 19. Proceed straight ahead three lights to Route 30. Travel East for approximately ¾ hour. You will pass the Lancaster city exits. Continue for about 3-4 miles and exit at Rt. 462, Lincoln Highway. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right and get into the center lane. At the traffic light, turn left on to Strasburg Pike. We are 1 mile further on the right, just before the Country Meadows Development sign.

From Pittsburgh area. Take the PA turnpike East to Exit 247 at Harrisburg. Then travel East on Rt. 283 to Route 30 East. You will pass the Lancaster city exits. Continue for about 3-4 miles and exit at Rt. 462, Lincoln Highway. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right and get into the center lane. At the traffic light, turn left on to Strasburg Pike. We are 1 mile further on the right just before the Country Meadows Development sign.

From New York City or Allentown. Travel South on Rt. 222 to Rt. 30 East, exiting in the left lane to Route 30 East following signs towards Philadelphia and Coatesville. Then go about 3 more miles to Exit 462, Lincoln Highway. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right and get into the center lane. At the traffic light, turn left on to Strasburg Pike. We are 1 mile further on the right, just before the Country Meadows Development sign.

From the Philadelphia area. Take the PA turnpike West to Exit 286. Travel South on Rt. 222 for approximately 15 miles and exit in left lane to Route 30 East. Proceed about 3 miles to Exit 462, Lincoln Highway. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right and get into the center lane. At the traffic light, turn left on to Strasburg Pike. We are 1 mile further on the right, just before the Country Meadows Development sign.

From the Philadelphia airport. Follow Rt. 95 South out of the airport. Go several miles to Rt. 322 West. Go to the traffic light at the Rt. 1 intersection and turn left going West. Continue several miles and exit to Rt. 41. At the top of the exit ramp, turn right and travel North to Route 30. Turn left and travel West on Route 30. Go to the intersection of Rt. 896. At the traffic light, turn left and almost immediately, turn right on to Rockvale Road (which is behind the outlets). Go 1 ½ miles to the 3rd stop sign. Turn right on to Strasburg Pike. We are ½ mile further on the left just after the Country Meadows Development sign.

From the Wilmington area. Take Rt. 41 North to Route 30. Turn left and travel West to the intersection of Rt. 896. At the traffic light, turn left and almost immediately, turn right on to Rockvale Road (which is behind the outlets.) Go 1 ½ miles to the 3rd stop sign. Turn right on to Strasburg Pike. We are ½ mile further on the left just after the Country Meadows Development sign.