Rose Garden Bed and Breakfast Buzz

Companion Planting = no pesticides :)

2010-05-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

I planted my vegetable and herb garden today :) So I'm a BIG fan of companion planting because I don't like using chemicals/pesticides on the vegetables I'm putting into my family's mouths. It is such an easy thing to do once you've done a little research. It is based on the premise that vegetable and herb plants can either help or hinder other vegetable and herb plants. Planting "helper " plants together encourages healthy growth, increases the vegetable yield and hinders pests. Fortunately for me, there are excellent cheat sheets out there with handy charts to help me arrange my vegetable and herbs for maximum growth. I've included my favorite from the National Sustainable Agriculture information service and is provided below :

http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/complant.html#chart

Happy Gardening!

Spring things to do in Strasburg

2010-03-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a great getaway, visit Strasburg, PA where you can experience authentic

Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch lifestyles in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Take an exciting ride on the famous Strasburg Rail Road, go to the Sight and Sound's production of Joseph or Psalms of David, enjoy the historic museums, discover local artists, browse the shops, enjoy a great meal.

Strasburg Rail Road events:

Easter Bunny Train, Easter weekend

Wine & Cheese Train, April through November

Day Out with Thomas, mid-June, mid-September and early December

Santa's Paradise Express, mid-December

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania events:

Charter Day, early March

Pennsy Days, late May

Reading Railroad Days, early July

Model Railroading Days, mid-October

Trains & Troops, early November

Home for the Holidays, early to mid December

Enjoy a romantic winter picnic in your room

2009-11-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

My new favorite special to make your stay memorable is our Winter Picnic. Surprise your special someone with our Romantic Winter Picnic package. You can enjoy your picnic in the privacy of your room or at one of the many local parks in Lancaster County. the picnic includes the following, packed in our lovely picnic basket:

~ A complimentary bottle of local red or white wine, OR apple cider

~ Crusty bread

~ 2 Lancaster county cheeses & a thermos of hot soup

~ A big picnic blanket

May be combined with other specials. You can add the Romance Picnic Package to any room reservation for an additional fee of $40. Not a fan of the above menu? Call and we'll create a picnic based of your individual palette!

Things to do mid-October

2009-10-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

Amazing Maize Maze: Through November 7 at
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks. Spend about
an hour in the world’s most dynamic and interactive 5-
acre corn maze with over 2.5 miles of paths, scenic
bridges and clues! 717-687-6843 or
www.cherrycrestfarm.com.

The Amish of Lancaster County: This popular
exhibition focuses on the boom in Amish cottage
industries and on the fundamental tenets of Amish
culture. 717-299-6440 or www.lancasterheritage.com.

Jason’s Woods Haunted Attractions: Through
November 1 at Jason’s Woods in Lancaster. No one
does Halloween like the legendary Jason’s Woods!
Featuring 9 hair-raising haunted attractions with
breathtaking special effects. Free fabulous pre-show
entertainment featuring live bands, and more!
717-872-5768 or www.jasonswoods.com.

18th Annual Stoudts Bier Garden Microfest:
October 16-17 at Stoudt’s Black Angus Restaurant &
Brew Pub in Adamstown. Enjoy a tasting glass,
unlimited samples, a buffet featuring chef specialties
and music. Sample 15 of the country’s finest microbreweries.
717-484-4386x204 or www.stoudts.com.

Fall ArtWalk: October 17-18 in Downtown
Lancaster. A fusion of arts with music in the galleries,
dance in the streets, artists and artisans in their
studios, interactive installations, and “Are on a Plate”
– participating area restaurants will create special
culinary offerings for the event. 717-509-2787 or
www.lancasterarts.com.

Cruisin’ the Square – Classic Car Show:
October 17 at the Square in Manheim. This regional
favorite draws some awesome cars and motorcycles
to view on our historic square. Add music, good food,
and you will have an enjoyable and memorable day.
717-665-1762 or www.manheimdowntown.org.

Halloween in Hershey: October 16-November 1
at Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey. Hershey’s
Trick-or-Treat Adventure – stop by the KitKat “Gimme
A Break” Café for free Halloween storytelling. 717-
534-4900 or www.hersheyschocolateworld.com

Things to do 3-9 August

2009-08-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

The King & I: Through August 30 at Allenberry
Playhouse in Boiling Springs. East vs. West makes for
a dramatic, richly textured tale of enormous
fascination. Anna & the King make a dazzling love
story. 717-258-3211 or www.allenberry.com.

Amazing Maize Maze: Through November 7 at
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks. As seen in
Sports Illustrated Kids List of “25 Cool Things to do
This Summer.” Spend about an hour in the world’s
most dynamic & interactive 5-acre corn maze! 717-
687-6843 or www.cherrycrestfarm.com.

Dinner & a Movie: Dreamgirls (PG-13): August
6 at Binn’s Park in Downtown Lancaster. Eat dinner
downtown, and then enjoy this outdoor movie! Bring
your chair or blanket and some snacks! 717-291-4758
or www.lancastercityevents.com/dinner.html.

Rufus Wainwright: August 6 at Longwood
Gardens in Kennett Square. Rufus Wainwright has
established himself as one of the great male vocalists
and songwriters of his generation by carving out his
own singular sound. 610-388-1000 or
www.longwoodgardens.org.

Dog Days of Summer Evening Rendezvous:
August 7 at Shanks Mare Outfitters in Wrightsville.
What better way to stay cool than head out to the
River. Launch your boats and have our guides lead
you on a relaxing paddle tour. Afterward, adjourn to
The Rookery for delicious dinner on the
Susquehanna. 717-252-1616 or
www.shanksmare.com.

First Friday: August 7 in Downtown Lancaster. First
Fridays are a great time to experience downtown
Lancaster! Join the thousands who have enjoyed the
evening’s artistic energy. Over 90 art venues and
shops extend their hours to 9 p.m. or later. 717-509-
ARTS or www.LancasterARTS.com/firstfridays/

Music in the Vineyards: August 8 at Nissley
Vineyards & Winery in Bainbridge. Lawn concert
featuring big band & swing music, bring lawn chair or
blanket! Snacks & wine available – must be 21.
717-426-3514 or www.nissleywine.com.

Special events 6-12 July

2009-07-07T03:53:00.000-07:00

ROUTE 66 REVISITED - The Roots of
American Rock ‘n Roll: June 19 - August 8 at the
American Music Theatre in Lancaster. Trace the
history of American music with songs from some of
the best classic artists that defined our culture.
800-648-4102 or www.AMTshows.com.

Peter Pan: July 7 – August 29 at Hole in the Wall
Puppet Theatre & Museum. Tuesday, Friday &
Saturday at 10 a.m. The story of the little boy who
wouldn’t grow up, told with marionettes. 717-394-8398
www.holeinthewallpuppettheatre.com.

Cajun Weekend: July 10-11 at The Artist’s Inn in
Terre Hill. Grab your best friend for a weekend of
relaxation and excellent Cajun food, including a
cooking demonstration by Prudhomme’s Lost Cajun
Kitchen and a murder mystery on the porch!
888-999-4479 or
www.artistinn.com/Cajunweekend.htm.

Red, White, & Blue Paddle Evening
Rendezvous: July 10 at Shank’s Mare Outfitters in
Wrightsville. Wear your patriotic colors and spend a
relaxing evening on the Susquehanna River with a
guided kayak tour followed by a delicious dinner!
717-252-1616 or www.shanksmare.com.

Hops ‘n Clocks Beer Tasting Event: July 10 at
the National Watch & Clock Museum in Columbia.
Visit the museum for an evening of beer tasting, food
sampling, and live music! The cost includes museum
admission in addition to the festivities. 717-684-8261
or www.nawcc.org.

Music in the Vineyards - Fabulous Cheeze
Brothers & Sisters: July 11 at Nissley Vineyards
& Winery Estate in Bainbridge. Bring your lawn chair
or blanket for an outdoor concert featuring dance
music of the 60’s and 70’s! Pack a picnic dinner and
enjoy the provided chilled wine as part of this fun and
festive evening! 717-426-3514 or
www.nissleywine.com.

Blue Highway: July 11 at Longwood Gardens in
Kennett Square. As one of the most esteemed groups
in contemporary bluegrass, this Grammy-nominated
band is well-worth your Saturday evening!
610-388-1000 or www.longwoodgardens.com.

Things to do 29 June-5 July

2009-06-29T10:04:00.001-07:00

The Wedding Singer: June 30 – September 12 at
the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster. Have
some good laughs at one of Lancaster’s most
entertaining destinations! Go back to 1985 with New
Jersey’s favorite wedding singer who vows to make
every wedding as disastrous as his own!
717-898-1900 or www.dutchapple.com.

Reading Railroad Days: July 1 – July 5 at the
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg.
Experience one of the most important historical
transportation systems in Eastern Pennsylvania with
special activities for the entire family. 717-687-8628 or
www.rrmuseumpa.org.

Dinner and a Movie: Young Frankenstein:
July 2 at Binn’s Park in Downtown Lancaster. Eat
dinner downtown and then bring your chair or blanket
to watch this Mel Brook’s classic in the park!
717-291-4758 or
www.lancastercityevents.com/dinner.html.

First Friday: July 3 in Downtown Lancaster. Enjoy
the artistic energy of this monthly event! With the
warm summer weather, walking along Gallery Row
and appreciating the local art venues, shops, and
restaurants is a great way to spend the evening. 717-
509-ARTS or www.LancasterARTS.com/firstfridays/.

Barnstormers War of the Roses vs. York
Revolution: July 2 – 5 at the Clipper Magazine
Stadium in Lancaster. For some affordable and fun
family entertainment, watch these rivals bat it out in
these weekend baseball games followed by fireworks
on Saturday night! 717-509-HITS or
www.lancasterbarnstormers.com.

Long’s Park Summer Music Series: July 5 at
Long’s Park in Lancaster. Spend Sunday evening at
one of the community’s favorite Independence Day
celebrations! Enjoy some quality live music, Charlie
Smithgall’s cannon brigade, and a spectacular
fireworks show! 717-295-7054 or
www.longspark.org/music.html.

Setember Farm Dairy and Cheese Shop

2009-05-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

I went to September Farm in Honey Brook, PA to sample and buy some of their homemade Cheddar and Monterrey jack cheeses. They are a family-0wned/run cheese shop and a nationally recognized Dairy of Distinction. Since I can make a meal out of some good cheese and a loaf of crusty bread, I was excited about my visit! I was met at the door by the owner, Roberta and two of her adorable children. Roberta explained the cheese-making process to me, the observation schedule (generally Tuesdays and Thursdays) and showed me around the shop where the samples were. In short: It was creamy and delicious and clearly made with love! So delicious that I couldn't narrow down the choices to any fewer than five. I bought their Monterey Strawberry, Sharp and Medium cheddars, Italian cheddar curds, and Monterey Honey Jack. I can't wait to share them with my guests and am excited with what I can pair each of them! To watch the Rotelle family at work, watch the video below:
http://www.septemberfarmcheese.com/content/cheese-making

Better yet, if you are coming for a visit, stop in at September Farm. Your tummy and taste buds will thank you :)

New peeps :)

2009-05-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

We received our new peeps yesterday from the hatchery. They are ADORABLE!!! We already have 10 one year old layers- Rhode Island Reds (RIR), 6 eight week old Ambers and now 6 three day old Arucanas, also called "Easter Eggers" because they'll lay blue/green shelled eggs. Tomorrow should be interesting as we will try to integrate the Ambers outside with the RIR....I have lots of fruit and treats handy to distract the RIR and will try to integrate the Ambers at night while the RIR are dozing. Hopefully the Ambers will realize quickly that they are smaller than the RIR and a new pecking order will be estalished with minimal fighting. Wish me luck...I'll keep you posted. :)

My favorite local farmers market...

2009-05-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

I love Tuesdays! On Tuesdays I get to go to my favorite farmers market: Roots (pronounced Rutz for all the non-native Lancastrians like myself.) Roots is open every Tuesday (from 9 AM-9 PM) and the first Saturday of the month. It is located in Manheim and if you like to shop or just want to watch the Conestoga auction it is FANTASTIC! Being a foodie, I focus on the produce stands at the market, however, they literally have something for everyone.

Established in 1925 by A.W. Root as a poultry auction, Root's Country Market & Auction (its official name) evolved to include a produce auction and 200+ standholders including fresh meats, deli, bakeries, nursery and flowers, handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles and household items of all kinds. So if you are here on a Tuesday or the first Saturday of the month I highly recommend a visit to Roots!

Looking for ideas of things to do while here?????

2009-05-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

Wake Up to Local Treasures: When you stay
overnight in Lancaster County, you have the unique
opportunity to wake up to the sun rising over our
plentiful farmlands. This means gorgeous landscape
and lots to do! Farmers’ market stands are already
overflowing with the freshest of produce, meats,
cheeses and baked goods. Sample these local
delicacies and browse our shops and outlets to find a
souvenir to take home. From quilts to canned jams,
there’s something for everyone!

Alive After Five: Let your cultural guru out during
the evenings in Lancaster County! We offer the best in
fine and casual dining sure to suit everyone’s taste.
Enjoy dinner and a show at our dinner theatres or
treat yourself to the variety of performances
throughout the county, from lively revues and
musicals to moving historical and spiritual dramas.
The first Friday of every month, downtown Lancaster’s
art galleries, museums and shops extend their hours
into the evening for your enjoyment!

Fun on Sundays: Sunday is a wonderful day to
spend with the family exploring the scenic countryside
in Lancaster County! Travel through the village of
Strasburg and enjoy the many sights and sounds,
from the whistle of a train to the clip clop of a buggy.
Rise and shine early for antiquing in Adamstown,
where you’ll find many beautiful treasures to take
home. Don’t miss our museums showcasing unique
historical gems from all over the county!

Celebrate Spring: Head outside to soak in the
coming of warmer weather in Pennsylvania Dutch
Country. In downtown Lancaster, hit the streets for art
festivals, or head to Clipper Magazine Stadium as the
Barnstormers go to bat for a brand new season.
Flowers are in bloom for visitors to enjoy via garden
shows and horticultural attractions such as Longwood
Gardens. Grab your sneakers for a bike or hike, and
the binoculars for birdwatching!

Learn About the Amish: The best way to learn
about the simple Amish lifestyle in Lancaster County
is to immerse yourself. Take a tour at an Amish
cultural attraction, or hop on a buggy ride for a truly
unique experience. Take home an heirloom quilt or a
finely crafted piece of furniture created by the Amish
men and women is the community. Don’t forget to see
a theatre performance that’s sure to give you an
inside look at the lives of this unique culture.

Experience Mud Sales: Named for the condition
of the thawing ground in the fields of Pennsylvania
Dutch Country, these enormous auctions are an
annual tradition like no other! Country farmers bid
against city slickers for bargains galore on everything
from quilts and antiques to furniture, farm equipment,
baked goods and much more! A must see! Check out
the events calendar on www.padutchcountry.com for
a list of mud sale dates and locations.

Sample Food & Drink: Get a sneak peek behind
the foodie products of Lancaster County on factory
tours, where you'll learn how local sweet and salty
flavors are made - and taste them too! Our
restaurants are an experience in themselves, from
fine dining to hearty PA Dutch smorgasbords. Those
with a thirst for fine wines and ales will enjoy wineries
and breweries throughout the county that offer
tastings and special events.

Explore Heritage & History: History and
traditions in Lancaster County are rich and full.
Various museums display everything from fine art,
Pennsylvania Dutch culture and quilts to clocks,
antique cars, children’s activities and more! Lancaster
played a powerful role in the history of our nation; it is
the birthplace of President James Buchanan and was
part of the quest for freedom for many African
Americans traversing the Underground Railroad
during the Civil War.

Take Advantage of a Rainy Day: Enjoy the
many ways to have fun while staying dry here in
Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Find something unique
while shopping in our many local shops, outlets and
malls. Embrace the heritage and history of Lancaster
County or admire unique pieces of art at a museum.
Don’t miss a spectacular lunch at our restaurants,
perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing meal.

Return for more fun this Spring & Summer!
Don’t miss...
• Family Farm Days, June 9-11 at the Oregon
Dairy Country Restaurant and Buffet.
• Fireworks and Fountains, July 4 at Longwood
Gardens.
• PA Renaissance Faire, August 8 – October 25
at Mount Hope Estate & Winery.
• Find lots more events throughout the year at
www.padutchcountry.com

Local things to do June 22-28

2009-05-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

Mud Sale: June 26 in Bird in Hand. Don’t miss this
opportunity to experience a truly authentic aspect of
Lancaster County. Stop across from Bird in Hand
Family Restaurant for some local color and farm fare
as you check out everything from antiques and quilts
to buggies and carriages! 717-399-9722 or
www.padutchcountry.com/member_pages/mud_sales.
asp.

Celebrate Lancaster: June 26 at Binns Park in
Downtown Lancaster. Start off your Independence
Day Weekend with a bang! Enjoy outdoor festivities,
food vendors, a concert by the Lancaster Symphony
Orchestra, and a huge fireworks display! Admission is
FREE! 717-291-4758 or
www.lancastercityevents.com.

Celtic Fling & Highland Games: June 26-28 at
the Mount Hope Estate & Winery in Manheim. Kick off
this annual event on Friday evening with a Celtic rock
concert. The rest of the weekend, experience the
sights, sounds and tastes of Celtic nations with great
entertainment and food! A family event worth
attending! 717-665-7021 or www.parenfaire.com.

AACA Museum’s 14th Annual Car Show: June
27 at the Antique Auto Museum at Hershey. For all
car collectors and weekend cruisers, check out this
year’s show featuring antique and classic cars, street
rods, motorcycles and more from 1984 and earlier!
Don’t forget to take a ride in an antique car!
717-566-7100 or www.aacamuseum.org.

DJ’s Sock Hop: June 28 at DJ’s Taste of the 50’s
in Lancaster. Test your skills at our limbo, hula hoop
and bubble gum blowing contests, then see how many
people you can fit into a telephone booth! Brush up on
your dance moves, and dress in 50s garb. Prizes
given away every ½ hour. 717-509-5555

Spa Party

2009-05-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

We hosted our first Spa Party this past weekend at the Bed and Breakfast. It was great fun and made me want to go on vacation myself! The occasion was a ladies weekend for a bride, her mom and her bridal party. I mulled over the menu and decided (since they all had to fit into their respective dresses at the wedding) to prepare a healthy menu. They dined on shrimp and vegetable spring rolls, peanut gingered soba noodles, chicken & pineapple skewers, crab, shrimp and fruit cocktail and for desserts: fresh fruit with an orange curd dip and crepes with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. That, combined with massages, manicures and paraffin treatments made for a perfect weekend. It was such a happy occasion and I was so thankful I got to be a part of it, to help a great family celebrate such a joyous event!

Welcome

2008-11-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our blog.

My husband, Josh and I own and operate the Rose Garden Bed and Breakfast located in beautiful Strasburg, Pennsylvania, in the heart of Amish country. Our B&B has three guest bedrooms and three common rooms. It sits right on the edge of Amish farmland and the township of Strasburg. You can find just about anything to do here that suits your tastes: from shopping at the outlet centers, Amish farms, quilt and fabric stores, antique shops or farmers markets to attending the opera, symphony, many theaters or concerts at the many wineries. Are you a nature lover? There are also numerous state and county parks with bike trails, walking and hiking, kayaking and canoeing. We look forward to meeting you!