On those endless afternoons when we’ve had just about enough of spreadsheets and office coffee, perhaps we should consider taking a historic getaway to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Yes, there is a new and different world outside of these four office walls. The Amish countryside conjures up unique tastes, scents, and sights of places we never even knew existed. When our appetite for food and adventure is stimulated, this area is sure to rouse us from our boring work funk. Just when we feel that we may never experience life outside our cubicle again, this trip will remind us that it’s an interesting and stimulating world out there—explore it!

in Lancaster County was founded in 1756, and was named after a castle in Bohemia. It is a place that transcends the ordinary. There are many events and activities in the area including the Queen of Candles pageant, yearly fireworks gala supporting Lititz Springs Park, Musical performances, 4th of July parade and annual art and craft shows. There is the Heritage Map Museum, Johannes Mueller House, Kready’s Country Store Museum, the Quilt and Textile Museum, the Pretzel Bakery, Chocolate Factory and Candy Americana Museum.

When we are suffering with anxiety and stress, the integration of our thinking, feelings, and senses can perhaps lead to some confusion about who we are and where we want to go.

What would we need to do in order to change our life in order to be happy? Are we satisfied with our job, spouse, where we live, and our friends? What do we spend most of our time thinking about? What do we want to do more than anything in life? When we take a break and get away from life’s pressures, these questions can serve as catalysts for finding solutions.

Debbie, the innkeeper of Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast Inn in Lititz, Pennsylvania clarified this for us: “We host many who are coming to the area as they find the quiet here soothing. They don’t want to fuss. It is a time of reflection. An inn is a nice place to stay, as it is a little more personal. It is nice to have a smile at the end of the day. An inn is a good place that gives guests a space to reminisce, and for loved-ones to be together.”

A recurring theme of staying at a B and B inn is that guests can rely on the knowledge, skills, and experience of innkeepers to solve sightseeing questions, to make good travel decisions, and to deliver effective solutions. Thus an environment is created wherein lodgers can interact with each other, meet new friends, learn more about other people and in the process relax, renew and rejuvenate.

Being in this region can awaken a dormant sense of wonder, and can help open the eyes of travelers to the amazing diversity of the human and natural world. Lititz introduces tourists to a rare, strange, beautiful and exotic way of life.

The mind-boggling world of the Amish people can be a vehicle in understanding the human condition and what the simple life is all about.

Lancaster County will certainly appeal to those travelers who are looking for a break so they can discover a way out of their unsatisfactory and stagnant life styles.

Debbie from Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast Inn told me, “I have regular guests who visit us on what they call burnout prevention stays. I have several who come a couple times per year. They are in high stress jobs; such as nurses, or doctors, who go 7 days per week; they have lots of kids.” Continues Debbie, “They come specifically to avoid burn out. They take a couple of days to just take care of themselves. They go for hikes, they bike, and do physical kinds of things. They are trying to get some equilibrium in life and bring some balance.”

There is little to criticize about the Lancaster County countryside, as it is very nearly perfect. It has a fluid, elegant atmosphere that makes it a pleasure to observe. It’s a magical destination, which lets you appreciate the art of simple living at a level that is rarely experienced.

For those tourists who are baby boomers, there were many events that intertwined and preoccupied your thoughts over the past fifty years- assassinations, scandals, riots, wars, civil rights protests, feminine rights movements, and a host of other phenomenon that defined the 60′s, 70′s and 80′s as turbulent, psychedelic and materialistic decades. However, after your visit to Lititz, you will understand why this dynamic and enthralling region would lure anyone to explore it from one side to the other. According to Debbie, “Guests find the gardens here are just what they need to give them that new focus and energy. Visitors arrive with bags of books; women with their knitting or handwork, and settle in for a few days. Our guestbook is filled with people who arrive stressed and leave relaxed. You can tell by looking at them. The countenances are different. The drawn look at the end of a workweek. They are tired,” observes Debbie. “By the end of the weekend, they take care of themselves. They let us take care of them. By giving them a very comfortable, well-thought out place to relax and enjoy for several days.”

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You will see, smell, hear and feel new sensations relating to some of the more fascinating, colorful and historical aspects of this region. Debbie continues, “We had one couple visit and when they checked in the tension between them was obvious. We just treated them with the care we do all of our guests. Weeks later I received a note,” says Debbie, “this was a last ditch effort for them to reconnect before separating and filing for divorce. The grounds and general feel allowed the couple to focus on their issues, take walks, reconnect and map out a plan to move forward together. When they left, they looked like different people. They were able to salvage what they had.”

Lancaster County leaves its visitors with stunning and breathtaking images of serene countryside among the Amish and Mennonite farmlands. Explains Debbie, “We keep canoes at the lake for the total quiet getaway. Once guests get into the middle of the lake, they can watch the turtles, the birds, and let the water do its thing.” Debbie reveals, “Being around water is awesome and soothing all on its own. That is why we put in a water garden. We were drawn to sit out there listening to the water.”

As for the people you might meet at your bed and breakfast inn, there will rarely be much opportunity to feel lonely. “An elderly gentleman was grieving over the loss of his daughter,” according to Debbie, “you can’t have these conversations at large hotels. We just listened; there isn’t a whole lot we could say. It was incredibly tragic but it helped our guest to voice it again. The gardens, and the quiet encouraged that kind of reflection. The gentleman has been back several times since. He really found this place was healing; just to be here and to have someone who would listen. We are not consulters. It is just part of human contact that you listen when someone is hurting and needs to talk.”

The local people are known for their friendliness and you will be more than satisfied with their abundance of intriguing revelations.

Debbie is one of the “8 broads” at bed and breakfast foodies dot com. “I do a lot of cooking demos at the conference. I do a lot of teaching there,” remarks Debbie. “In doing that I found you could care for people through food. It’s a way of taking care of people beyond the ordinary. Food not only tastes good, it makes people feel good. Food is one of the ways we celebrate with people. We have access to some of the best natural ingredients ever. We try to use local ingredients. We strive to make the guest experience one step better.”

Lancaster County and its people will steal your heart and will continue to hold it for a very long time. You will feel the sun, hear the crush of the land beneath your feet and smell the scent of the gardens and fields. You will experience wind on your face, brilliant colors crowding in around you, and a freedom you can never forget. This is the liberating quality of the area.

FEATURED PROPERTY: It goes without saying that the grounds and facilities of the Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast Inn in Lancaster County, PA are tranquil to the eyes, and a peaceful atmosphere is evident throughout the inn. More importantly, the service is considered warm, welcoming, and impeccable.

Upon arrival, the innkeeper will familiarize guests with the property and its history, then will escort guests to their room. The innkeeper explains the breakfast routine, other particulars and activities available in Lancaster County and the charming town of Lititz.

Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast Inn is recommended to anyone who wants a good dose of serenity. It is a place where you enjoy much needed solitude or spend easy times in conversation with good friends.

SUMMARY: Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast Inn, is a prime Lancaster County property nestled among the woods and nature of Pennsylvania Dutch country. It is 10-12 miles from Lancaster City. The location gives visitors a sense of privacy, space and romance. The inn features lavish breakfasts including thick baked French toast topped with fruit, pumpkin pancakes, egg fritattas, homemade pastries and juices. This along with great service makes for a delightful B & B experience.

ROOMS: In addition to comfort, the rooms are immaculately clean, bright and airy; each uniquely decorated with tasteful décor, fabrics and furniture. They are designed to incorporate nature. All rooms have a patio or balcony, with views of the trees and gardens. Upstairs rooms have a separate sitting area and two have Jacuzzi baths. Rooms come equipped with free WiFi, cable TV, ipod docking, CD players. Upstairs rooms have DVD players. All rooms have robes, hairdryers and signature toiletries. Complimentary snacks and bottled water are included.

The inn’s ambiance is reflective of Swiss origins. Beautiful woodwork, antiques, artwork, flowers, ceramics and fabrics are evident throughout the common areas and provide a glimpse into regional history and culture.

SERVICE: Great service with a warm smile. The innkeepers are well known for their genuine hospitality. The staff is knowledgeable and provides efficient service to all of their guests.

AMENITIES: The common areas are the ideal reading spaces for visitors. The inn has a variety of different books, DVD’s and magazines. Porches with rocking chairs and lawn furniture offer splendid views of the rock fountain, lake and extensive gardens that surround the property. There are isolated seating areas for reflection. Visitors like to nap on hammocks tied to trees. From the porch guests can gaze at Amish farmlands in the distance. Hot tea, iced tea, baked cookies and desserts are served daily, in the main common area.

LOCATION: The location is flawless for those who want to get away and feel removed from everyday anxiety and stress, yet close to town to enjoy shopping, restaurants, wineries, and Amish culture. You can hear the geese calling in the distance. The inn provides an incomparable sense of European-style comfort. Shopping is a few miles away, as are some nice restaurants and well-established galleries. Jewelry, quilts, Amish products, antiques and paintings are available in town.

Outlet shopping is 14 miles away. Amish farmlands are a perfect area to ride a bike or walk. There are hiking trails through the woods and around the lake. The inn has canoes for guests. Scooter and bike rentals are close by. Maps for runners and walkers are available. Middle Creek Wildlife preserve is within a 10-minute drive. The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania is also a short mile away.

CLEANLINESS: The inn is known to be very clean, especially the guestrooms. Natural plantings, herbs and flowerbeds are dispersed throughout the property and are meticulously maintained. Overall everything, including the quaint town, is quite picturesque.

VALUE: Compared to a standard hotel room, this property provides excellent value with a sense of European ambiance, comfort and warmth. The rooms are designed to make guests feel relaxed, and cozy. The personal attention makes the difference. The guests appreciate being asked if they are comfortable. Staff is enormously helpful without being intrusive.

 

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