Fulton Theater

About two years ago when I discovered downtown Lancaster, I fell head over heels in love. The eclectic shops, the diverse culinary selections, and unlimited art shops, programs, and productions. This week, I wanted to fill you in on some history about Lancaster and one of America’s oldest running theaters, The Fulton Theater, as it may help you decide when you would like to book your stay here at the 1777 Americana Inn Bed and Breakfast during the holiday season. First off, the Fulton Theater was not always a theater, in fact it was a pre-revolutionary war prison. While the prison was among the first of its kind here in America, the building’s claim to fame came on one fateful December night in 1763. The story goes that during the holiday season in Lancaster in 1763, the sheriffs, politicians, and high society planned a large gala to be held on December 27th and during this gala the… Read More

Berks County Nightlife

So last week we talked all about my love for Berks County and the great places to visit during the day, this week it is all about the nightlife! In the 5 brief years I've been truly able to enjoy the nightlife in Berks County; I've discovered some very enjoyable events and venues! Combine the fact that Lancaster is Berks County’s neighbor makes this information even more exciting! If you are on the fence about your stay in Lancaster County, let this blog be a guide for you. The fact that these two great counties are so close to each other, choosing the 1777 Americana Inn Bed and Breakfast is an obvious choice, providing you easy access to the best of both worlds. Not only can you use this blog as a reference, but inn keepers- Denise and Bob Harter love to refer people to their favorite spots in their hometown. So book your room, call-in your dinner reservations, get your entertainment… Read More

Berks County

When one travels to Lancaster County for vacation they usually have three things in mind. This list is comprised mostly of seeing a horse and buggy, antiquing, and visiting the vast multitude of farmers markets and their local Lancaster county field produce. But, when one travels to Lancaster they rarely remember that another very historic county lies but a mere mountain and two cornfields away. The county I’m referring to of course is Berks, and if you are a resident or have ever been a visitor you know Berks County is a lovely stop to add to your Eastern Pennsylvania travels. [caption id="attachment_635" align="alignleft" width="300"] Berks County Pagoda[/caption] Now, I may be biased considering I was born, raised, and still live in Berks and for all of its quirks, this county still remains my favorite. We have the Pagoda after all, you know that huge seemingly out-of-place Japanese… Read More

Lancaster County Fairs

Growing up I fondly remember the fair across the street. Picture inter-city playground in the 90's , bad boy band music playing loudly on the speakers, local baked goods sales, small carnival rides, and the token coin toss to win your carnival (sure to last 3 days) fish. While small, this fair proved each year to be the excitement that helped push aside the end of summer gloom. Now, I'm 26 and while that fair across the street no longer exists, I have plenty of new fairs to occupy that void left when the beach days and lazy summer afternoons end. Fairs are always better when you can enjoy them for consecutive days. Denise and Bob Harter, innkeepers at the 1777 Americana Inn Bed and Breakfast thoroughly enjoy taking one day to map out the fair and all it has to offer and then making a plan to enjoy the delicious food and outstanding entertainment! In fact, it may or may not be a fact, that… Read More

Welcome to My World

Life is tough . . or is it? Life is tough as a child when you are forced to eat the food you don't like. Life is tough as a teenager when your friends all get to go and you are grounded. Life is tough as a 20-something-year-old trying to live pay check to pay check. Life is tough as a 40-something-year-old trying to decide how many more years until retirement. And life gets really tough when as a 50-something-year-old you decide to start a second career and all of your friends think you have gone bonkers. BUT, let me tell you, life gets just a little easier when that second career is all about making the food you love, getting to play with your friends whenever you want, not having to worry about that bi-weekly paycheck, and proving that if being bonkers means laughing everyday with the people you love, then you are quite alright with that. As my friends and guests can attest, my favorite… Read More

Black Forest Brewery in the News

Our Black Forest Brewery has been attracting some attention lately. You can peruse some of the posts at the following links: Fly Magazine - Black Forest Brewery: Traditional Beers in Ephrata Beer Busters - Black Forest Brewery Opens Its Doors Ephrata Review - Black Forest’s first pairing dinner this Sunday Blind Tiger Podcast - Samplesode 35: Black Forest Brewery Reading Eagle - Black Forest Brewery offers a room with a brew   Read More