If Norman Rockwell had created a town...

A morning spent wandering the Norman Rockwell'ish town of Lititz,

a tourist hotspot in Lancaster County,

left me with some wonderful memories to share...

The quaint downtown shops

The General Sutter Inn

(a wonderful boutique hotel for brunch)



The General Sutter for which it is named

Landmark signs scattered through town,

designed with the Sturgis Pretzel Factory in mind...

The beautiful peaks of a well-known boarding school,
Linden Hall

The Lititz Moravian Church

Notice the beautiful Moravian Star in the bell tower - it has 110 points

and is prominently featured in the Christmas Lovefeast each December.

Many Moravian Stars are hung in homes around the county,
some year-round.

An intricate window covering on a historic building





The Bulls Head: A fabulous stop for an ice-cold brew...

A billowing flag in Lititz Springs Park



A lazy kitty keeps a wary eye on me





My new favorite place to lunch

"Tomato Pie Cafe"

And now a quick plug for the Tomato Pie Cafe.

It is located in the heart of Lititz in the old Glassmyers building...

23 North Broad Street. 

You MUST try the Tomato Pie, for which it is aptly named.  Even in the off-season, they somehow have found the sweetest tomatoes in the nation!  Yes, in the nation; in fact, quite possibly the world. The wait staff won't tell you what is in this delightfully scrumptious dish - apparently the owner keeps the recipe top-secret.  Rightfully so.

However...

It is my destiny to dissect and recreate this delectable treat. 

Sadly, I am on my third try and still not quite there.

I will conquer this challenge, so stay tuned.

Get there early for a good seat, it's usually standing room only by 11:30am.  While the food is fabulous and fresh, the service is friendly but a little slow.  However, as you savor your every bite -
memories of your grumbling stomach will fade quickly.

Livin' life in a Happy, Healthy place

How happy I am to discover how happy I am!  Friday's local newspaper, the Lancaster New Era, cheerfully reported that Lancaster County, PA was ranked 15th out of 188 cities and metropolitan areas in the 2010 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index that was released last week.


As the article by Cindy Stauffer explains, the index measures how happy people are with their lives when they consider their physical health, their emotional states, their jobs and their communities (in a nutshell).


When I think about the categories listed above, it becomes clear to me why people do feel as happy and healthy as they do here - I'll share a few insights:

The great outdoors - people are always outside - cycling, running, walking, gardening, farming & children playing games!  My neighborhood seems to be running a competition on who can mow their lawn the most; however it's a great way to get fresh air, experience the beauty of our surroundings and enhance the asthetics of our personal environment.

Stress - what's that?  How quickly we've forgotten what rush hour traffic is like! Lancaster County is just a laid-back community that takes each day as it comes. Emotionally and physically, no one here is trying to "keep up with the Joneses".  Many people worship in their respective churches, while others worship in their gardens* and between the two, there seems to be a spirit of peace and grace among most people we meet. 

There is a strong work ethic amongst the people who live here, and thankfully Lan. Co. was not hit as hard as many other U.S. counties with high unemployment, foreclosure rates and other economic woes. Buying locally is greatly encouraged and reinforced, helping to keep our farmers and co-ops in business.  (Stay tuned for tomorrow's trip to a Farmer's Market!)

Strong family ties may also contribute to this sense of well-being.  Many families have history dating back for centuries, so large family gatherings are common.  There is a high standard for manners and respect instilled in  the children here that was a pleasant surprise when our family first moved here. There are many activities and local events that support a strong sense of family throughout the year and many of these will be covered as this blog continues.

It's also been brought to my attention that during times of national or international crisis, Lancaster County comes together in various manners to help support those in need.  Many through church fundraisers; another group building portable greenhouses to take to New Orleans; and even the Amish (who have large farms to maintain) send young men and women to rebuild, feed, or help in any laborious manner possible.  I am anxious to see how we can all help with the latest tragedy in Japan.

I truly feel like my family is moving up -- did I mention that Las Vegas was ranked #158?  Today and everyday...be happy.

*Thanks for my neighbor "C" for reminding me of the great line about worshipping in gardens - hers is a lovely one!

Winter Wonderland

As winter fades into spring, I wanted to share some of my favorite photos from our first full winter here in Lancaster County; what a joy it's been to once again experience four seasons.

Winter berries peek out from inches of snow

A picnic table by the creek waits patiently for spring

Our Garden Fairy catches gentle flakes

Our first experience with freezing rains

Eating Humble Pike...I mean pie

This just in...my husband (whom I raved about in my last blog) has informed me that pretty much every spoke road leading out of Lancaster has a "Pike" to it!  Therefore, while I have not personally driven on them knowingly, please add to my previous pike list: Harrisburg Pike, New Holland Pike and Columbia Pike.  Apparently there are others as well, but this is a good start for those either moving to or traveling through our lovely county! 

Obviously I am not ready to give up that TomTom yet!

Are YOU sure you're on the Right Road?

Thank the Lord for a cherished gift from Christmas past:  my TomTom (GPS system).  My husband purchased it after realizing what a terrible neighborhood (aka "hood") I had wound up in one day while "Lost in Las Vegas" and deciding he truly did want to keep me around.  That, along with his knowing how geographically challenged I am anyways, made it the perfect gift for me.  (He's a wise man and I thank him.)


The TomTom rarely got used until we moved to Lancaster County and I was terrified of getting lost and not being found until the cows came home (pun intended).  These back roads can be much more frightening than highways and Interstates. 


The first month we arrived in Lancaster County, out of fear of the unknown, I kept taking the long but recognizable way to my son's pre-school.  And I do mean the long way.  Each day I would pass the most delightful sign that would give me reason to pause and reassure myself of my whereabouts.  A year later, with just the occasional drive-by, it still makes me smile:

Determined to learn my way around (the Mall was calling my name), I started taking different routes to and from every destination I drove to.  By doing this not only have I seen more of our amazing countryside, I can now give my husband a few tips about his own hometown! 


I've also discovered not to pay attention to the many and confusing State Routes, Highway #'s, etc. as they all seem to be called multiple names by the locals.  Life became much simpler once I learned the "Pikes".  Yep, there are 4 major Pikes: Lititz, Fruitville, Manheim & Oregon.  Figure these out and you've more or less got what it takes to get you back home. 

And yes, today I am sure I am on the right road.  But then again, I can always ask Tom.

Goodbye Valet Parking, Hello Buggy Parking!

It was one year ago this week, after three cancelled flights and several emergency changes of travel plans, our family boarded a plane in Las Vegas, flew to Raleigh, NC and drove an excruciating 8 hours through snow and (weather) re-directed traffic to our new home in Lancaster County, PA.  Our overwhelmed and traumatized dog arrived a week later when flights into Baltimore and Philadelphia resumed.  Yes, we chose to move across country in the midst of the worst blizzards of the last few decades.  That's us - we like to make an entrance.


Though my husband grew up here, we quickly discovered a lot has changed in the past 20+ years; while other treasures have remained exactly the same.  Leaving Las Vegas was monumental; Gone are the skyscraper hotels, the blinding lights, the glitz and the glamour.  Gone are the houses stacked one upon another, over crowded schools, the graffiti and the fake turf known as a "yard".  In Lancaster County we've celebrated Farmer's Markets, landscapes that are postcard picture perfect in every direction we turn, the quiet grace of the Amish, and friendly neighbors who bring homemade soup and bread to welcome us to the neighborhood.  

So, "Goodbye Valet Parking; Hello Buggy Parking"!


This blog is dedicated to the wonders of our new home, our new community and the many blessings we've discovered as we've settled in to Lancaster County, PA.  It will be designed to assist those moving here, as well as those who just wish to visit.   Our discoveries and adventures of the past year, and those yet to come will be posted in hopes you will want to explore Lancaster County as well.


Welcome to our journey...