Discover Lancaster Photos – Save The Date: Lititz Fire & Ice Festival

February 7, 2022 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

I’ve traveled to Lancaster County many times over the years, as you probably know, and each time I discover something new, a view, food, shopping, a back road, and this trip was no different. The promotional arm of Lancaster aptly named – Discover Lancaster, invited me for an overnight stay to one of my favorite spots, Lancaster. So close to Philly as well, about 90 minutes away, but a world away. It was really a perfect get away for me. (this winter they are having a special staycation promo, as well as giveaways on their Instagram for you to win a staycation.) I’ve been to Lancaster before when it snowed, so I was doubly excited when snow was forecasted for my stay.

Often I drive out for an afternoon, then drive home.

I stayed at the Inn at Kitchen Kettle Village which was adorable. I had never been there before, but my sister Judy always talked about it highly. They have about 40 stores, and just under 20 rooms, and suites for rent at 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, Pa. There’s not a hotel per se, as the rooms and suites are located in and around the shopping area.

I had this whole cottage, it was adorable. There were two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining and living area.

As I watched TV, I could hear the Amish ride by with the familiar hoofs hitting the asphalt. It was very peaceful. From the website: Take a moment to enjoy the small things in life at the Inn in Kitchen Kettle Village. Make yourself at home here in our Lancaster County Inn and stay in one of our 18 unique guest accommodations that place you in the heart of charming Kitchen Kettle Village. Bustling with shops, cafés, a bakery, restaurant and more, our Inn, and the village it’s tucked into, are truly a beautiful piece of country living. Within driving distance of major metropolises like Manhattan, Washington, DC and Philadelphia, our quaint country Inn is ideal for getaways, annual shopping, and family excursions.

**https://www.kitchenkettle.com/index.asp**

It was fun to create my own sampler gifts for friends. I can now talk about it cause their birthdays were this past weekend.

So many fun stores, especially the Christmas shop, Candle Store and gift store. I really loved this gift basket store. You can purchase authentic Lancaster fare online too, and ship to friends and family.

I can’t wait to go back and stay, as well as attend one of their many festivals.

Thank you Joanne Ladley, co-owner of Kitchen Kettle Village (which was founded by her parents. Such a great story too) for the hospitality, tour and history of your family’s business. I sincerely can’t wait to return to do more shopping. My friends loved the gifts I got for them for their birthdays. It’s a chefs delight.

Before heading for dinner, I caught the sunset on one of my random back road country drives i like to take.

It was Sunday, and I didn’t feel like going into Lancaster city, where I’ve stayed a few times, in 2020 I stayed in Lancaster a few times. I really like the quaint town. I had no idea how adorable it was, but during the first year of the pandemic Mike and I didn’t want to travel too far from Philly, plus we wanted to support Pennsylvania towns, and this is how we discovered Lancaster County was the perfect stay-cation spot. I headed to Miller’s, cause I like a good buffet as you know. Plus it’s Sunday and Shady Maple isn’t open on Sunday. The food choices are good here, spacious tables, and it’s about $30 for dinner. I was disappointed as the gift shop was closed by the time I was finished dinner. I like picking up old fashion candy there as wells as shoo fly pie to go.

I went back to my cottage and snacked on the gift left in everyone’s room, Pappy’s Corn. Plus all guests receive a $10 off coupon for the shops, which I used the next day.

I woke up for the sunrise. This is what I saw right outside my cottage. Then I was on my way to adventures.

Note on the southeast side of Lancaster they got more snow

If you go to the Discover Lancaster webpage, you will find lots of things to do, shopping, sightseeing, participating in or our favorite thing to do CAR TOURING. I decided to do the Cover Bridge Tour, which is a self tour. Not only are you rewarded at the end with a Cover Bridge, but you discover sites on your way.

Like my other favorite thing to do, look at birds, photograph birds, wonder what birds are thinking. In all the times I’ve been to Lancaster, I was never a bird watcher, until 2020. So now I am really excited to return, cause you can drive around in your car, and still enjoy the birds. I’m sure in the warmer months I’ll get out of the car.

Ice skating on an Amish Farm
(I shot this with a 600mm lens, but only using 400mm to not capture faces)

As you drive throughout Lancaster County there a shops which dot the landscape. I love going on treasure hunts for random items of fun. The Tannery was a hot spot for a trove of pleasure. Check out Discover Lancaster for lots of fun shopping spots especially if you want to be more organized.

Shady Maple’s for dinner, I don’t mind if I do. They are the grand daddy of buffets in Lancaster. Very reasonable at $25. It was Prime Rib night, another favorite. Afterwards I went shopping in their expansive gift shop, which is nearly as big as Macy’s first floor. They have everything you never knew you needed.

Before I knew it, my staycation in Lancaster County was over. I had been there for less than 30 hours and did so much. I’m excited to return a few weeks to attend the Lititz’s Fire and Ice with a planned overnight.

It’s a 10-day celebration, says the Lititz site, we’ll have all the Fire & Ice awesomeness you’ve come to expect, like wow-worthy ice sculptures, yummy food from our downtown restaurants, and on select days, your favorite food trucks. Of course, there will also be plenty of shopping in the warmth of our downtown shops. – Come back to Lancaster and Discover it with me. Thanks Discover Lancaster!!

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Flight On Ice and Vintner Wonderland at Renault

December 13, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Flight On Ice and Vintner Wonderland kicked off festivities last week at Renault Winery in Mays Landing.

Experience our enlarged and improved outdoor Vintner Rink, open daily through February and designed for skaters of all ages and skill levels.

Join our Renault family in giving back to the community. Our team members have decorated holiday trees that are displayed on our property and that will be auctioned off at our Festival of Trees Gala on December 16th. All the tree auction proceeds will benefit the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, spreading holiday cheer across the township and beyond. Along with the auction, we will be collecting cans throughout the season for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.

Vintner Wonderland continues to offer even more. Parking, entry and movie viewing is always free but tickets must be purchased online or at the door for admission onto the 6,000 foot outdoor skating rink.

Vintner Wonderland was designed to be similar to a European Winter Festival, explained Josh McCallen, President of Renault Properties LLC and Executive with Vivamee Hospitality. “A ‘vintner’ is a winemaker. That’s why we call it ‘Vintner Wonderland.’ The hot or mulled wine warms your fingers, then your belly and heart. And because it is wine, it also helps you to feel jovial for the season.” (source)

Gather your friends and family around our fire pits situated amidst our holiday views or entertainment area. All Fire Pits accommodate up to 8 guests for a two hour reservation. Choose between Stage Fire Pit seating or Patio Fire Pit seating.

McCallen (2nd from right) had lived in Austria and he describes similar scenes of winter delight there and throughout Europe. McCallen, along with his wife, Melanie(3rd from right) and their ten children are often at Vintner Wonderland working behind the scenes and assisting in multiple ways. (source)

“When we purchased Renault in December of 2018, it was a national treasure with much tarnish on it,” said McCallen. ” Vivamee literally means reviving the soul and that is what we are doing with this 156 year old French Countryside Winery. We have kept every artifact and every piece of history during its restoration.” That also includes the French pronunciation of Renault where the t is silent. (‘Re-know’) . Go make some memories Vintner Wonderland you’ll thank me later…. 12 days til Christmas!! ChitChat with you Tomorrow.

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Lola’s Garden Blooms in Ardmore

May 12, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

**Avram Hornik,** FCM Hospitality, Philly’s prolific restaurateur behind Morgan’s Pier, Juno and Harper’s Garden held a preview dinner for his much anticipated Main Line eatery Lola’s Garden at Suburban Square on April 14, 2021, which opened the following day.

For Hornik, this brings his relationship and history with Ardmore and the Main Line full circle as he used to shop at this location when it was a Banana Republic years ago. In fact he’s painted a giraffe near the entrance of the restaurant to remind him of his days shopping there.

Opening in the red hot Ardmore restaurant scene, Lola’s will showcase the culinary skills of acclaimed former Russet Chef Andrew Wood. The seasonal menus will showcase uniquely paired, honest, local ingredients together with small bites, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts that showcase his culinary skills and artistry with a focus on not more than a handful of ingredients on the plate. Ardmore’s newest restaurant boasts a 1,800-square-foot restaurant (with a 2,500-square-foot outdoor patio) for guests to enjoy. , At the bar, look for a celebration of all things Pennsylvania with 15 all local and state beers on tap, and an entire wine program with taps and bottles showcasing the states best selections.

The invitation for the Grand Opening Preview of Lola’s Garden in Ardmore stated dress for a garden party, no one took it more seriously than Michelle “The Hat Lady” Leonard. She was dressed head to toe in green, and carried the cutest water bucket as part of her whimsical outfit.

Jennifer Lynn Robinson and Jaimi Blackburn

Marlo and Jason Dilks the owners of Slice, and P’unk Burger in Philly

Melissa Jacobs, Kory Aversa and Marie Edwards

Joy Medlock, General Manager of Suburban Square and Avram Hornik, Owner FCM Hospitality

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Stay: Ocean Resorts Casino

January 12, 2021 by HughE Dillon 1 Comment

Good morning. Thanks for bearing with me as I missed a few days of posting. I wish you all well, and appreciate you being a part of my day, and thank you for being subscribers. Those of you who follow me on Social Media know I went to Ocean Resorts Casino over the Christmas holiday. I felt it was safe, our plans were to just hang out in the hotel room with its magnificent views of the ocean, as every room has a view of the water, whether it’s the bay or ocean.

I specifically asked for a high floor, ocean view and I was not disappointed. It was so relaxing. We were on the 40th floor, facing Brigantine. I would say that the dozen or so times I have stayed here, whether it was Ocean AC or formerly known as Revel, I always stayed on this side. In fact I stayed in this room a day before Super Storm Sandy’s full force hit the area, and witness the North End of the boardwalk get destroyed. AC did a great job at restoring the boardwalk as well as the North End of AC, with new residences. They still have a ways to go, but it’s a start.

BTW this is the view looking south, which you would see if you stayed in one of the rooms on that side of the hotel, or lucky us, in the elevator lobby. Yes they have windows in the elevator lobby. In fact Ocean AC even has windows in their casino. I love to go there as I never feel lost inside, as there is always a window nearby which gives me a sense of openness as well as direction.

At the east end of Ocean AC are massive escaltors which connect several floors of the hotel/casino including the hotel floor, casino floor, restaurant and shopping floors, event space floor and the boardwalk entrance. It’s a site to behold and my favorite spot, but don’t look down. And for those afraid of heights, they have elevators as well.

When Mike and I arrived at Ocean AC, we noticed all the Covid19 Safety Measures in place, and although we both already had it, we were glad to see they took it very seriously. Also was glad that all guests had masks all at all times, everywhere. Check in can be in person, or via a touchless system. The desk clerks were great, as was all the staff throughout the building. It was a joy to be there. My plan was to spend 3 days and two nights at Ocean AC and not leave the property, it’s exactly what we did.

Most of the time we spent in our rooms, looking out the window and catching up on reading, actual magazines and books, not the internet. We also visited the fish tank in the hotel lobby. There are seats surrounding it, and its extra zen as it’s raised a few steps above the floor.

We also spent a good amount of time eating, and were not disappointed. Every place we ate at in OCEAN AC was delicious. For dinner the first night we ate at Zhen Bang, a Chinese delight. The decor was pretty as well, very bamboo, clean and cozy. It was a little difficult to find, but just follow the Wahlburger signs, as it’s across the hall. Christmas morning we headed to Café 500, but it’s only open to 1PM, so don’t plan a late brunch. They were nice and let us sit at 12:55pm. dinner we enjoyed a delicious dinner at American Cut Steakhouse Mike also ate at Distrito as well. I was happy he was happy, so I could play a little Willie Wonka, my favorite slot machine.

We had such a good time catching up on reading, enjoying the view and just relaxing. This shot was on Christmas eve, during a Nor’Easter. It was the most fantastic experience watching it from the safety of our room. I can’t recommend Ocean AC enough for a getaway. It was safe, relaxing, delicious and we even went out to the sky garden, where they have fire pits and a great view of the Atlantic Ocean. Originally I was going to book the hotel via HotelTonight (my favorite site for last minute hotel stays), as I saw a rate of $88, but since I wanted a specific room I booked through the hotel website at $119 (it’s the off season). After writing to request about the specific room, Ocean AC recognized me as a previous media partner and comp’d my stay. Thank you so much. It was just what I needed, and what Mike realized he needed. We can’t wait to go back, to this view and the great hospitality extended to guests at Ocean Casino Resort.

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Chestnut Hill not as far as you think and so adorable

November 12, 2020 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Throughout the fall Mike and I went on numerous trips in Pennsylvania, especially to enjoy leaf peeping. We saved the best for last, Chestnut Hill. Chestnut Hill is a short drive from Center City, about 25 minutes. Or take Septa Bus Route 23, 77, 94, 97, L or Chestnut Hill East train. Chestnut Hill is one of the neighborhoods of Philadelphia, but it can seem a world away with it’s leafy, quaint shops, eateries and art galleries.

I’ve gone shopping and eating many times in Chestnut Hill, but this time Mike and I stayed over at the historic Chestnut Hill Hotel, 8229 Germantown Ave. (sadly no ghosts to report)

We loved it. Out of all the hotels we’ve stayed on our fall journey, this was the very favorite. The decor of the whole hotel was simple, historic, and the staff was very friendly especially at the front desk Lisa and Mindy. They also have a grab & go breakfast, which they didn’t have at a lot of other places we went to. Plus they had covid19 safety measures in place and we felt very safe. (We will be returning, sometimes you just need a staycation in someone else’s bed (looking up the rates for Thanksgiving as we speak.)

I’ve only really been in Chestnut Hill during the day, as that’s when most of the shops are open. But because we were out dancing in the streets on Saturday after the Biden/Harris win, we didn’t make it to Chestnut Hill until nearly 9PM. The eateries were open, but the shops had closed for the night. We still found magic in the streets.

Next Thursday Shop for a Cause in Chestnut Hill.

Mike and I walked around for about 90 minutes soaking in the beautiful night, and scenery.

The next day I took a morning stroll, stopping in a few stores, most are local, small family owned Philly shops stopping and marveling at the fact Main Street USA is right here in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. I love a good Main Street, other favorites are Doylestown and Haddonfield. It was a good trip, so perfect to end our fall “close to Philly” 2020 excursions. Normally Fall is the busy social season for PhillyChitChat and I never have a chance to take a full weekend away.

I can’t wait for Holidays on the Hill especially the long standing Chestnut Hill Stag and Doe Nights every Wednesday in December leading up to Christmas. I’ll have more on this in the coming weeks as Chestnut Hill is advertising with Philly Chit Chat to promote the holiday tradition.

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Cape May Summer

September 4, 2020 by HughE Dillon 2 Comments

Unofficial summer ends this weekend, and I’m so glad. As I get older, the summer goes by so much faster, just as my mother always said would happen. This year I’m not as sad it’s over, in fact I’m ready for 2021.

That being said, I did have a wonderful summer spent with friends, family and meeting new friends; I traveled to beautiful places, ate entirely too many good meals, all outside during one of the hottest summers ever and now with Lantern Flies, and experienced moments of joy, beauty, awakenings and terror (If I never see a fireworks show again, ok who am I kidding). One of the places I traveled often was Cape May this summer, a beautiful spot.

Although I had been to Cape May many times over the years for dinner, bird watching, the monarch butterfly migration which is from mid September to mid October, and for a quick shopping trip, but I had never stayed there. This year it was on my bucket list, and it was cemented when I found out my nephew TJ would be working at the Chalfonte Hotel. The photo above shows the Chalfonte during the 7PM nightly concert which takes place on the porch. People from all over Cape May come to enjoy professional entertainers every night, as well as locals on Thursday nights where anyone can join the band. (I’ll write more about the hotel in a future post.)

Today I am focusing on the beautiful gardens of Cape May. So many beautiful gardens and porches.

Exit Zero a delicious late lunch, dinner spot.

I love my flags, and Cape May didn’t disappoint.

Natures front porch to the Atlantic Ocean

Happy Labor Day Weekend. See you on Social Media, and back here at Philly Chit Chat blog on Tuesday. I’ll be writing about my trip to Lancaster, another area you know I travel to often for day trips but have never stayed over night. Excited to see what else is there in addition to the beautiful scenery and the Amish who I often photograph, but only from behind as it’s not polite to capture their face. Have a safe weekend, be kind and thanks for reading PCC> HughE

Close to Philly

Discover Lancaster Photos – Save The Date: Lititz Fire & Ice Festival

Flight On Ice and Vintner Wonderland at Renault

Lola’s Garden Blooms in Ardmore

Stay: Ocean Resorts Casino

Chestnut Hill not as far as you think and so adorable

Cape May Summer

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