CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

SCORE Small Business Awards

Last week, I attended the SCORE Small Business Awards Luncheon, which celebrates successful local business leaders in our county. I left feeling inspired and, once again, so proud to live in Lancaster County among so many talented visionaries.

 

SCORE Lancaster – Lebanon is an organization of volunteer mentors who work with clients to help them succeed in expanding, starting, or even conceiving an idea for a business. Every award-winning business team emphasized how integral their mentor was in elevating their business during their speeches.

 

The winning businesses spanned from a cinema stillhouse to an engineering resource team to a graphic design and screen printing company. The most inspiring winner to me was Monica Rakoczy of EnterTRAINING Solutions, LLC, which is an OSHA training program. Monica is a woman in a male-dominated field who is making incredible changes in the construction industry. She started this business because she is passionate about getting construction workers home to their families safely. On more than one occasion, supervisors have called to tell her how students from her program implemented what they learned in dangerous situations on the job. Because of these students, injuries and even fatalities were prevented. She emphasized the ripple effect that SCORE has in the community; because of her SCORE mentor, she started this business, and now an increasing number of construction workers will make it home safe to their families through the execution of her safety standards.

 

Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse brought its team of five owners to the stage to accept their award. The newest addition to their business is the stillhouse and restaurant, which will be opening in the very near future. Leigh Lindsay started Zoetropolis in a private art studio in the 1990s and gained a loyal following for her small theater. As her colleagues called her “progressive” and a “visionary,” she had to put her sunglasses on so no one could see her cry. The team also gave a huge shout out to their SCORE mentor, Lou Davenport, also known as their business dad.

 

Kurt Moon of STR Resource and Associates, LLC courageously shared how he was “invited” to end his corporate career twice, leaving him unemployed and looking for something new. He met with a SCORE mentor about an idea for a new business and credits SCORE for “pushing him through a valley of self-doubt.”

 

These sentiments echoed throughout the rest of the winners. Foxduck, LLC and Lebanon Valley Exposition Center both expressed their gratitude for SCORE and the volunteer mentors who helped bring their big dreams to fruition.

 

The luncheon was an ode to the supportive environment Lancaster fosters. The ripple effects from these volunteers have stimulated our economy, contributed to Lancaster’s support local culture, and welcome opportunities for up-and-coming business leaders with innovative ideas.

Oola Bowls

On a quiet Friday morning, I woke my roommate up at 7:40 to go to Lancaster Central Market with me, and I’m so happy I did.

 

It was going to storm later in the day, so the air was thick and humid, but I didn’t mind. I was just so happy that it was finally warm out. My roommate and I hopped into the car and rode into the city with the windows down.

 

The market was pretty packed for an early Friday morning. My roommate made a beeline for some produce, while I admired bouquets of flowers and intricately painted pots filled with succulents.

 

After wandering around a bit more, we stopped at Oola Bowl. I had heard a lot of great things about the stand, so I was excited to finally experience what everyone was talking about. Their niche is Acai bowls, which are basically smoothie bowls made from the Brazilian, purple berry with a variety of seeds, grains and fruits on top.

I got the “Oola Bowl,” named after the stand itself, which was made up of Acai, granola, peanut butter, banana, blueberries, strawberries, honey drizzle, chia seeds and coconut flakes. My roommate got the Naked Bowl, which gives you the freedom to choose your own five toppings.

 

We left the market to sit outside along the street and enjoy our Oola Bowls. They were so refreshing and made me want to eat healthier throughout the rest of the day.

 

Oola Bowl’s stand can be found in Central Market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. They also have a food truck for special events and occasions. Soon they will have their own stand in The Market at The Wilbur in Lititz when it opens early this summer. Learn more about Oola Bowl at https://oolabowls.com/.

Guarding Against Invasive Shrubs

Native plants are doing battle with harmful invasives that are taking over natural areas. Some have even radically altered the ecosystems they have taken over. This month’s focus is on invasive shrubs and how to eliminate them.

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)

In earlier Gardening Journeys, I’ve written about planting shrubs for wildlife, especially those that produce habitat and seeds for the birds. Shrubs with fruits that last throughout the winter are especially valuable. And, particularly valuable are high-fat, calorie-rich seeds like those on our native spicebush. I’ve also promoted both native and plants that have been introduced from areas with similar climates to ours, like Japan and southeast Asia.

Most of these plants that have been introduced by intention or accident have been beneficial to us and are ecologically benign. But, a small percentage have run rampant. They have moved into natural areas where they’ve not only driven out indigenous species but, in the worst cases, radically altered the ecosystems they’ve invaded. Sadly, the misguided promotion – sometimes by the Department of Agriculture – of several exotic species for erosion and livestock control has been a very important contributor to the problem.

One list includes over 300 plants that are invading wild lands in the continental United States; about half of these were brought here to beautify our gardens. Some authorities claim that invasive plants are a major cause of the extinction of native shrubs. Not often discussed is a much tinier fraction of native plants that have shown signs of invasiveness. Examples of such introductions include: Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica); Barberry (Berberis thunbergii); Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima); Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora); Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata); and, south of us but on its way here, Kudzu (Pueraria lobata).

How These Plants Get Around

The distances seeds travel can be astonishing. Seeds move by wind or water, on fur or feathers, or in scat. They also arrive in sacks of grains or in mud stuck onto wheels. These invasive plants reproduce rapidly and form stands that exclude nearly all other plants. In the process, they damage natural areas, alter ecosystem processes, displace native species and, as it has become evident, can even hybridize with natives and change their genetic makeup.

Shrubs that become invasive usually produce many small seeds beginning early in their growth. The seeds typically have no special germination requirements such as exposure to cold. The plants are more generally self-fertile. They usually have long flowering and fruiting periods. But, there are also examples where many decades have passed between the first introduction and eventual rapid troublesome spread.

Invasive plants also have the ability to adapt and can grow in many different conditions.

Invasive Shrubs in Lancaster County

Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

A major thug, this wide-spreading, multi-stemmed thorny shrub is tolerant of wind, heat, air pollution and drought. It will grow anywhere except full shade. It will thrive even in poor soil since it has the ability of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere. It is typically found colonizing the edge of woodland. All parts of the shrub are scaly and covered with spines.

Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

The flowers are inconspicuous apart from their delicious scent. A single autumn olive plant can produce an abundant annual crop of edible fruits (to 80 lbs.) containing up to 200,000 seeds. The berries cling on the plants through most of the winter. Birds – especially cedar waxwings, robins, mockingbirds, catbirds, thrushes, bluebirds and grosbeaks – consume the fruit and help to distribute the seed.

Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

Autumn olive has been found to easily out-compete, suppress and displace native plants in the landscape through rapid growth, root suckering and self-seeding, resulting in the creation of dense shady areas that prevent continued growth of nearby plants that require sunny conditions to survive.

In the 1950s, autumn olive’s vigorous growing habits prompted the U.S. Soil Conservation Service to recommend this shrub for rural windbreaks, erosion control and for wildlife food. However, the aggressiveness and tendency to form dense impenetrable stands was soon recognized. It is now illegal to sell it in many states. Elaeagnus is easily identified by the thorny, scaly twigs and leathery gray-green leaves (2-3 inches) that have wavy edges and distinctive silver scales on the undersides.

Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica and maackii)

These shade-tolerant thugs grow as shrubs or twining vines. Honeysuckle, which was introduced in the mid-19th century as an ornamental fragrant shrub, quickly escaped gardens. Tolerant of many soil types and moisture levels, it invades roadside ditches and the edges of forests, overcoming native ground covers and strangling saplings. There are dozens of species of honeysuckles; some that are supposedly docile continue to be sold by nurseries.

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica and maackii)

The red fleshy berries contain six or seven seeds. A well-established shrub can produce up to 1.2 million seeds. These fruits are low in nutrients and are not even the first choice of birds, which is why they remain so long on the shrubs. They are harvested once other berries are gone. Of course, deer do not eat this shrub.

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica and maackii)

In addition to birds distributing them, the seeds can build up in the soil beneath the shrubs – up to 1,100 seeds per square yard of soil has been recorded! However, they do not germinate until we disturb the soil when we pull up the shrubs. Wicked!

Another reason honeysuckles are so successful is that they are among the first woody plants to develop leaves in the spring and among the last to shed them in fall. This gives them a photosynthetic window to produce and store the carbohydrates they need to grow and produce fruit in the low-light habitats of the understory.

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)

The rose is considered by some a magnificent garden plant and remains an essential and sometimes exclusive element in many home gardens. I do not grow roses because to keep them flourishing, a spray, fertilizer and pruning regimen is essential. But, the monstrous invasive multiflora rose shrub needs no such coddling and appears without invitation. I have battled it for decades in my rural garden.

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)

Multiflora rose is multi-stemmed with 4-10 foot-long stems that curve to the ground where the tip of the cane forms a root system and generates a new plant. Mature shrubs can be 12 feet wide. It can climb 15 feet up a tree. This rose engulfs entire pastures and edges of woodlands. The green stems are covered with prickles (sorry, botanically they are not considered thorns). By any name they are nasty because they are recurved so as to rip your clothes more easily. The abundant clusters of single white flowers appear in June and are followed by copious hips that persist into the winter to be dispersed by birds and other animals.

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)

And mull over this: the bright-red fruit contains seeds that can remain viable in the soil for 10-20 years.

Multiflora rose thrives on idle land, fence rows and low-maintained hilly pastures. Everywhere it sprouts it creates an impenetrable tangle of brush. It was originally introduced from Asia and promoted as a “living fence” to control erosion and provide food and cover for wildlife.

It is very difficult to control. According to research, successful control requires mowing three to six times per season for more than one year. Repeated mowing defoliates the plant, depleting its root food reserves and eventually killing it. Unfortunately, repeated mowing can become quite costly, time consuming and laborious. Oh, and mowing disturbs the soil, which unearths those dormant seeds to germinate.

Deer will not touch this shrub, but goats and sheep can help control it. Goats are superior because they are not deterred by the prickles and can browse higher up the plants since they can stand on their hind feet. A landowner will need eight to 10 mature goats per acre for two seasons to control infested pastures.

How to Deal with Invasive Shrubs

Non-chemical methods of removal include hand pulling, weeding tools, girdling, mulching, heat (hot water and burning) and tilling.

The use of chemicals can be a difficult solution, as one must deliver an adequate amount of the appropriate chemical only at the target plants and at the correct time in their growth cycle. And, consider the potential risk to the worker and the environment.

If you take that route, apply the least amount of the safest chemical to specific species of plants in a specific area at the appropriate time to obtain desired control. Read the instructions before buying. Mix according to directions, and make sure it is suitable for your weed. Dress appropriately with protective clothing. Apply only during effective season. Be prepared to repeat treatments.

Limit the use of fertilizers, as native plants are adapted to naturally low nutrient levels. High nitrogen levels often give an advantage to weedy species that are better adapted to using plentiful nutrients for explosive growth.

Scout your property annually for invasives, and remove them before they become a problem.
Protect healthy native plant communities by limiting landscape disturbances. The often-promoted idea of thinning out native forests periodically is now being questioned. Opening up the canopy in a forest provides light, and the invasives will quickly reoccupy the available growing space. It is important to plant trees and shrubs in wooded areas where trees have been thinned or invasives have been removed.

Susan Gottlieb – The World is Her Palette

Inspiration for this Lancaster artist’s landscapes, figures and still lifes “grows” out of wherever her travels may take her. Susan’s garden follows suit and is a microcosm that reflects her love of exploring, not to mention her artistry, creativity and green thumb.

For years I was told by plant enthusiasts – both the backyard variety and professionals – that if I was looking for the unusual, I had to visit Henrys’ Farm & Greenhouses in the Southern End. Two years ago, I finally made it to Henrys’. It was everything – and more – that was promised.

To my surprise, I also saw a familiar face working at Henrys’ – Susan Gottlieb, who has known owner Marty Henry since their college days at Millersville University. Susan works at Henrys’ for a variety of reasons – friendship, a love of plants and, of course, inspiration.

On opening night in April 2018, Susan treated guests to a seminar in which she explained her garden-design philosophy. She encouraged guests to transplant their personalities into their gardens and bring them to life with the things they love, whether it’s vacation mementos, whimsical statuary, statement containers, antiques or artful finds. Susan’s own garden contains all of the above and more.

“Henrys’ isn’t just about selling people plants; education is a big part of the business,” she explains. It’s also a place to get ideas – here, you’ll see plants spilling from containers as small as teapots to as large as claw-foot bathtubs. “You have to think beyond the norm,” Susan says. “If you keep doing things the same way, it dulls the senses.”

“The World is a Fascinating Place.”

Susan credits her artistic talents to both sides of her family. Her mother, who grew up in Ephrata, became a nurse and took a job with a hospital in Atlantic City, where she met Susan’s father. The couple ultimately settled in Ephrata. She describes her paternal grandfather, who was an attorney, as also being passionate about art and fishing. Her mother’s brother was an oil painter and historian. “Living in Ephrata and visiting Atlantic City provided a nice balance,” she says of her childhood.

However, it was a high school teacher who helped Susan to determine her career path. She received a nomination to the Air Force Academy, but the teacher, who had served in the military, encouraged her to instead pursue her art. “He felt the military would destroy my creativity,” she explains. “I trusted him, so I enrolled at Millersville and majored in art education.”

After graduating, she became a teacher in the Donegal School District. She also pursued her MFA through the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her love of art and history manifested itself through student trips she led to Italy. Susan explains that as a result of making those trips, “everything changed.”

In 1986, Susan moved to Rome, where she lived with 72-year-old Lydia (the mother of a friend’s friend) for a few months before moving out on her own. Lydia taught Susan about the culture and cuisine of Italy. She stayed in Rome for a year and then returned to teaching at Donegal.

After seven years at Donegal, she began teaching studio art and art history on the college level (Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, Lebanon Valley College and later, Millersville University). From Millersville, she moved to Lancaster Country Day School, where she chaired the art department.

In 2014, she took a three-year break from teaching to concentrate on painting and travel. Then, in 2017, along with fellow colleagues, she helped to found The Stone Independent School in Lancaster, where she is a part-time faculty member and serves as the Dean of Joy.

Susan’s time in Rome inspired her to travel solo in an effort to deepen her understanding of world cultures and then apply that knowledge to her teaching. “I would save every penny so that I could spend my summers traveling off the beaten path, going alone, which allowed me to focus most intensely on what I was experiencing,” she explains. “Traveling solo naturally expanded my comfort zone.”

That philosophy continues to “paint” Susan’s itineraries. She has a special affinity for exploring ancient sites, explaining they represent the foundations of the world’s various cultures. She views them as “bridges” that connect the past to the future. She especially loves to explore ancient places of worship and took note early on of the global “visual connections” that exist among them.

She’s toured Europe (including Italy more than 50 times) and has been to Cambodia three times. She’s also visited China, Vietnam and India. Last summer, she toured Israel and Jordan. “I travel every summer,” she explains.

One of her favorite trips took her to the farthest reaches of the Roman Empire in Tunisia, where she crossed the desert and stayed at an oasis. She also traveled to Malta in order to see the Megalithic Temples, which are among the oldest free-standing monuments on Earth, as they date to as early as 5,500 B.C.

This year’s travels included taking a group of Stone students on a road trip across the United States during spring break. In June, she will take another Stone group to the Umbria region in Italy, which is regarded as the center of the slow-food movement, a global grass roots campaign that promotes local food and cooking traditions.

Susan laughs and reports that she and her husband of 10 years, Andy Null, enjoy different kinds of travel. “He’s an outdoorsman,” she explains. “He climbs mountains, I dig into cultures.”

“Art Changes All the Time.”

Susan’s far-flung adventures provide the inspiration for her paintings. “What you see depends upon my experiences and what I’m fascinated with,” she remarks. “I think of my paintings as pure adventures.” Her portfolio verifies that. For a time, the archetypal symbolism she discovered in temples and cathedrals manifested itself in her paintings. Light – or what she calls “atmospheric reactions” – has been celebrated in her work. “Light defines everything,” she says of an artist’s quest to capture the sky and landscape during that fleeting golden moment, whether it’s at dawn, dusk or during a storm. “The light in the greenhouse around 3:30 or 4 p.m. is magic,” she says.

While Susan is best known for her symbolistic and impressionistic work, she is venturing more into still life. Her interpretation of fruit and vegetables is bold and bright. “I’m kind of liking the results,” she says.

Her florals are a best-kept secret. “I’m seduced by beauty,” she explains of capturing flowers at peak bloom. “I’ve always painted flowers, but they sell right away, so people rarely get to see them.”
She is excited for her upcoming solo art exhibit at Red Raven Art Company (Gallery Row), which will be on view during the month of September.

“A Garden is a Creative Process.”

“I’ve learned so much from Marty about flowers,” Susan says of her college roommate. While Marty’s love and knowledge of flowers led to the creation of Henrys’ Farm & Greenhouses, family also was a factor. In 1990, Marty saw a greenhouse business as both a way to further her career and remain a stay-at-home mom to her two toddler-aged daughters. Now, nearly 30 years later, the business has evolved from mainly a wholesale venture to one that includes contract growing and retail divisions. Through those three decades, Henrys’ has become a family affair that includes Marty, her husband, Tom, and their three daughters, Anna Mary, Sarah and Miriam. Marty’s employees are mostly extended family – plus the college roommate.

Just as strong roots provide the foundation for a family, Marty believes a solid root system is essential to growing healthy plants. “A strong foundation equals better flowers,” Susan echoes. She also reports that Henrys’ success can be attributed to the fact that Marty is a stickler for research. “She is continually reading about and researching plants,” Susan notes of Marty. “She pays careful attention to what is new and works well in the plant world, which enables Henrys’ to bring interesting things to well-known public gardens, municipalities, amusement parks and estates, as well as gardening enthusiasts in Lancaster.”

Susan celebrated a milestone in 1990, as well – she became a homeowner, buying a house in the West End of the city. She transformed the postage-stamp-sized backyard into a garden that oozed with color and creativity. “I tried to grow produce but didn’t have much luck,” she recalls.

In 2006, she and Andy purchased a house (circa 1880) in the Chestnut Hill area of the city. A previous owner had carried out extensive remodeling that included outfitting the rooms at the back of the house with oversized windows that provide wonderful views of the garden.

However, when Susan became its owner, the garden wasn’t in the best of shape. “The ground had been torn up by dogs, the shrubbery was overgrown, and some trees needed attention,” she explains. A garden makeover took root. “I think of gardens as visual compositions,” she explains. “They need to have lines, shape and texture.”

Susan also had to learn to deal with the fact that the yard is heavily shaded and retains moisture. She began experimenting with annuals and has moved to mostly perennials, along with annuals that provide pops of color. “I bring lots of plants home from Henrys’ to experiment with,” she says. “It helps me assist customers as they select flowers for their gardens.” Because of the shade factor, plants such as hosta, hellebores, coleus, ferns, caladium and begonias thrive in Susan’s garden.

Susan also carved “rooms” into her garden. There’s a space for dining, one for socializing and a third for what she calls a “secret garden,” which contains a hammock that provides the perfect place to read and relax.

The latest project, a low stone wall, multitasks as it expands the dining and socializing areas. The wall also provided a solution to a problematic area that constantly stayed wet. “Nothing would grow there,” she explains.

The garden’s decor includes a pergola, colorful Adirondack chairs, interesting containers, art and shells. “It’s a work in progress,” she says.

 

For more information about Susan, visit susanjgottlieb.com.

Henrys’ Farm & Greenhouses is located at 1258 Oregon Hollow Rd., Holtwood. Henrys’ will be open April 26-May 25. Hours are Tuesday and Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Holiday hours are offered in November/December. For details and information about special events, visit henrysgreenhouses.com or Facebook.

 

A Decade O’ Keys

The 10th installment of Keys for the City, a summer-long Lancaster City tradition and fundraising event that benefits Music For Everyone, kicks off on May 18.

Only in Lancaster

A few years ago, during my first summer in Lancaster, I was walking through the city and spotted my first Keys for the City piano. A few kids were crowded around the bright hand-muraled piano while one hammered out a tune they were practicing. By the end of my trek, I had counted 10 similar pianos placed along the sidewalks. I was equally mind-blown and curious. A quick “why are there pianos everywhere?” Google search led me to Music For Everyone (MFE) and all the awesome work they do. I’ve been avidly following them ever since.

Since 2006, MFE has put nearly 7,000 instruments into the hands of budding student musicians, mentored nearly as many, invested over $1.7 million in grants and direct program support and produced over 120 public-use street pianos. The bulk of MFE’s fundraising comes courtesy of Keys for the City, through which dozens of pianos are sponsored, painted and placed around the streets of Lancaster City for public use each summer.

Ambitious Beginnings

More than a decade ago, John Gerdy, founder and executive director of MFE, was inspired by seeing someone playing a piano on the sidewalk while on a trip to London. “I thought, ‘That’s pretty cool. We should do that in Lancaster,’” he recalls. Upon his return, he proposed that the MFE board of directors place five pianos on the streets of Lancaster for a month. “Board member Craig Welsh [of the design firm GoWelsh] responded, ‘No, we are going to put 20 pianos on the streets for the entire summer, and we are going to design and paint them all.’” The board was a little skeptical of such a grand idea at first, “but we went along with it and Keys for the City was born,” John says.

John cites three primary goals of the Keys for the City program. First, to raise funds for MFE through piano sponsorships. “When people are playing these pianos, they are not only making music, but they are also putting instruments in the hands of kids.” Second, to build community. “Music is the universal language; thus, its potential to build community is unparalleled.” Third, to help bolster Lancaster City’s arts and tourism economy. “Keys for the City represents another ‘brick in the wall’ of our city’s arts offerings,” he points out.

Random Acts of Music

The most challenging aspect of the program is securing sponsorships for the pianos. Though, according to John, it’s well worth the effort when “seeing and hearing and experiencing all the random acts of music occurring around those pianos … Tens of thousands of magical, musical moments occur around them every summer.”

Music For Everyone

Keys for the City is emblematic of MFE’s mission, vision and vibe; bringing music literally to the streets and putting the tools to learn, create and connect right in the hands of … well, everyone. “Music’s potential to inspire and bring communities together is unmatched. In some ways, it’s the glue that holds communities together. It’s also the most effective tool in our educational arsenal to teach creativity,” says John.

Take a Bow

John credits Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (presenting sponsor, 2019), all of the additional piano sponsors, the artists “who so generously donate their time and talent to designing and painting the pianos,” as well as Benchmark Construction and Craig Welsh of GoWelsh, “who have been valuable and generous in-kind sponsors since the beginning,” for helping to make Keys for the City what it is today.

For more information, visit musicforeveryone.org

Adult Fun … Throwing Sharp Objects

The second most popular word when describing a positive experience at a restaurant or bar (behind quality) is fun, according to business analysts. You don’t need an MBA to notice the trend – fun is where it’s at. I’m not talking about things to do with the kiddos. Let the little ones have their Tiny Town and Hands-on House … I’ll throw axes!

The Holmgang – or axe range – at Meduseld Meadery has become an attraction in itself. The range complements Meduseld’s Viking/Middle Earth vibe in which mead is the drink of choice. Photo by Nick Gould.

When Meduseld Meadery added a pair of axe-throwing lanes to their honey spot last year, I was one of the few Lancastrians who did not think the owners had lost their minds. I spotted the trend of axe throwing in Brooklyn in 2017 and soon learned of an established scene in Philly. So, it was not a stretch for the pastime to make its way to Lancaster – a city described as a “livable Brooklyn” on the chart of what is hip. Now, Lancaster has two places to throw.

The blade-throwing trend is said to have started in Canada, specifically Toronto, where bartender Matt Wilson is credited with opening the first commercial indoor arena for axe throwing in 2011. His league, the Backyard Axe Throwing League (or BATL, BATL axe … get it?), started competition play, and the visionary soon had nine locations in Canada and one in the U.S. Other venues and leagues soon followed. In 2017, travel writer Andrea Cooper predicted that axe-throwing bars would pop up everywhere in the United States. She hit the bullseye with that one!

Honey and Hits

Mead is a honey-based spirit residing somewhere between beer and wine, and when owners Willie (meadmaker and spokesman) and Julie Wrede, Jeanette and Alfonso Soler, and Duro Rajkovic opened the Meduseld Meadery in 2017, they knew they wanted to expand almost immediately. The axe throwing kind of just worked its way into the mix. And, it fits Meduseld’s Viking/Middle Earth motif.

“People love it, and we always have a line,” Willie shared with me when I stopped in to throw a few axes shortly after completion of the lanes in 2018. “We always thought the axes would just be an addition, but it turns out they are an attraction.”

The Holmgang, a.k.a. axe range, is operated on a first-come, first-served basis. My suggestion from experience is either get there as soon as the doors open or wait until later in the evening to avoid a longer queue.

Kilts were widely seen at Meduseld Meadery on April 6 – it was National Tartan Day. Photo by Nick Gould.

Meduseld follows the safety and competition rules of the National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF), which was formed in 2016 with the “vision of creating a standard rule system to enable broad and accessible competition amongst players.” With over 6,000 members, NATF leagues and competitions dot the U.S. Throwers aim to stick an axe in the center of a three-ringed bullseye for five points. The middle ring counts three points, and the outer ring counts one. There’s also a “clutch” shot, but that is better left until novice level is surpassed.

In case you’re questioning the other safety factor – mixing alcohol and sharp objects – like any other reputable watering hole, the folks at Meduseld keep a close eye on intoxication.

All About the Blades

“It’s really just the shoulder and figuring out your release point,” said franchise co-owner Robert Grote after throwing a bullseye when I visited the newest Stumpy’s Hatchet House location in Lancaster. “You don’t have to whip it. The biggest thing our coaches work on [with customers] is where to stand.”

Stumpy’s Hatchet House grew out of a backyard pastime enjoyed by friends Stuart and Kelly Josberger and Mark and Trish Oliphant. The New Jersey residents recognized a business opportunity and opened their first Stumpy’s in 2016. Since then, eight locations have opened, with another 20 set to open by year’s end. The Lancaster location opened in February. Photo by Wendy Royal.

He’s right. Once I find the perfect distance from the target for my height and wingspan, I compensate for the rotation of the hatchet and hit two bullseyes of my own. (It also doesn’t hurt that I have some lingering muscle memory from when I was a kid and had a friend who lived in the woods around Pequea Creek where hatchets, wrist rockets and blow guns were a pastime.)

Grote teamed up with longtime friend Joe Fritsche to open the Lancaster Stumpy’s, which houses 12 throwing lanes and hosts individuals as well as parties (think bachelor/ette, office team building, birthdays, etc.). A grand opening took place on February 2.

Scoring is a bit different here with the chance to count anywhere from one to five or even seven points on a single throw. Some folks like to play S.T.U.M.P.Y., which is like HORSE in basketball. A league is in the planning stages right now, which could allow for individual or team competition. Whether double- or single-handed, all throws must be overhead. Throwers must adhere to a set of rules for throwing, retrieving and overall behavior.

At Stumpy’s, the alcohol is BYOB, which means any beer or wine is welcome, but no spirits are allowed.

Despite not serving alcohol, Stumpy’s still resembles an awesome tavern you might wander into in the great North. There’s a couple of bar-ish formations, which are mostly used as judge’s stations. Tables and chairs for guests top each lane. There’s even a lounge-style waiting room (to be used either before or after throwing), which may soon get some use as a music venue. On a side note, Grote’s got an in with some local musicians if he needs them. His son is Rob Grote, front man for The Districts, who are prepping for a European tour this summer.

Insider tip: Saturdays are busy, so go on a weekday. Also, Stumpy’s takes reservations – call ahead or book online!

And, ladies, don’t think axe throwing is a testosterone-driven event. Demographics are showing that just as many women are into axe and hatchet throwing as are men.

I started this story believing axes and hatchets were the same thing, but they are not. There is a bit of a difference between the axes at Meduseld and the hatchets at Stumpy’s. Meduseld axes are more rustic – for the lack of a better word – and come in 1-1/4-pound camp axe or 2-1/4-pound felling axe varieties. The hatchets at Stumpy’s are sleek and sharp and remind me of something that would be thrown in an Olympic competition, if fixed blade-throwing was an Olympic sport.

Like axes and hatchets, Meduseld and Stumpy’s might seem similar. They’re both really cool spaces, but each is unique. They have their own individual style, but they both provide a lot of fun … when the kiddos are with the sitter.
Meduseld Meadery
252 Harrisburg Ave. 717-208-6144 or meduseldmeadery.com

Stumpy’s Hatchet House
405 Granite Run Dr., Suite 405. 717-826-9960 or stumpyshh.com/lancastercountypa

Top 10 To-Dos for May 2019

1 May 2-June 2 | Biospheres II

Artisans Gallery

Peter Stevenson is a fine artist and freelance illustrator. He has lived and worked in various markets, including Washington D.C., northern New Jersey and New York City, where he is a member of The Society of Illustrators. Now based in Lancaster, he is exploring the region and allowing his impressions of it to influence a new collection of thematic paintings. In 2018, he premiered his regional show, Biospheres I.

A second collection, Biospheres II, once more focuses on the place where land and sky meet, and rural life happens. The simultaneous contrast of two juxtaposed tones, implying earth and sky, offers a simple abstract scene that is set for a meeting point. It’s at this intersection – the central horizon line – where the organic buzzing, humming flurry of life and human emotion can be felt, sensed and imagined. 114 N. Prince St. Opening reception will be held May 2 from 5-8 p.m. Regular hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 717-299-9496 or 114artisansgallery.com.

2 May 18 | Heart of Lancaster Arts and Craft Spring Show

Root’s Country Market & Auction

For years, artists and craftspeople who participated in the successful Labor Day weekend show have asked its organizers to entertain the idea of hosting a spring event. This year, the stars aligned, and Heart of Lancaster has added a one-day event to the calendar. The inaugural spring juried arts and craft show will feature 100 exhibitors. Free parking and free admission. 705 Graystone Rd., Manheim. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (rain or shine). Information: 717-898-6297 or hlcshow.com.

3 May 4-5 | Lancaster ArtWalk

Downtown Lancaster

Discover the city through art! Presented by Lancaster City Art Galleries, the annual spring Lancaster ArtWalk is a self-guided tour of the downtown galleries. Special exhibits, meet-the-artist events, children’s activities and live demonstrations will be available for discovery within the bustling independent galleries. May 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and May 5, 12-4 p.m. Information: lancastercityartgalleries.com/lancaster-artwalk.

4 May 17-18 | Rhubarb Festival

Kitchen Kettle Village

Don your pink garb and take part in this fun outdoor festival celebrating all things rhubarb. Don’t miss the annual rhubarb dessert contest! See the fastest rhubarb cars in the world’s only rhubarb race-car derby. Dance down Pepper Lane to the Rhubarb Stroll (mini parade) featuring costumed characters, musicians, pink ladies and more. Or, try your hand at the Rhubarb Whoopie Pie Filling Contest. 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. Information: 1-800-732-3538 or kitchenkettle.com.

5 Throughout May | We Love Our Pets

Mulberry Art Studios

May is National Pet Month, and Mulberry Art Studios will be filled with art that barks, meows, neighs and chirps in celebration of the animals that bring so much joy to our lives. The art show will feature the work of dozens of local artists in a multitude of mediums, all on the subject of our beloved furry friends. Meet the artists and the volunteers from The Sebastian Foundation for Animal Rescue (and some of their adorable four-legged friends) on May 3 at a First Friday Opening Reception (5-9 p.m.), where they will be raising money for the important work they do for the animals in their care. The reception is free and open to the public, but Mulberry Art Studios is requesting that guests consider making a donation at the door.

The idea for We Love Our Pets grew from the love of one dog, Milo, a beagle who was rescued when he was a few years old by the nephew of Mulberry Art Studios’ owner April Koppenhaver. After Milo developed arthritis and needed assistance with stairs, April and her husband, Charlie, offered to care for him. He became a bit of a mascot for Mulberry Art Studios, as he spent each day there. Charlie always said Milo looked like he was smiling. Sadly, in November 2018, Milo died at age 16. Less than two months later, 93-year-old Charlie passed away. As a tribute to these two wonderful beings, April decided to honor their love with a show inspired by their memory. 19-21 N. Mulberry St. Regular Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 717-295-1949 or mulberryartstudios.com.

6 May 4, 11 and 24-26 | Small Town Celebrations

Maytown, Marietta and Adamstown

Lancaster County’s historic small towns are celebrating spring! On May 4, visit Maytown for Mayfest 2019. The Maytown Historical Society will be celebrating Maytown’s birthday – founded on May 1, 1760 – with music on the square, the famous MHS food stand, food trucks, a true penny candy store, exhibits, an auction, children’s games and crafts, a local car show, vendors, historical demonstrators, a cake walk, a children’s art contest and, of course, the traditional maypole dance and songs performed by local school children. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (rain or shine). Information: 717-426-1526 or maytownhistory.org.

Marietta Day will be held on May 11. The event offers yard sales galore, crafts, antiques, delicious food, music and fun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (rain or shine). Information: mariettapabusiness.com.

Then, from May 24-26, enjoy Adamstown Community Days at Adamstown Community Park. The 17th annual event will include carnival rides, bingo, games, food and fun. Live entertainment will be presented nightly. A fireworks display will take place Sunday night. 300 W. Main St., Adamstown. Information: 717-484-4973 or adamstowncommunitydays.com.

7 May 10-11 | Herb & Garden Faire

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

A Mother’s Day weekend tradition, the Faire features more than 80 vendors selling everything from plants and herbal skin care products to garden art, jewelry and more. Hard-to-find varieties of plants, perennials, annuals, heirlooms and natives are the stars of the show. The Faire will also include food vendors, informative speakers and garden tours. Proceeds benefit the Heirloom Seed Project. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 717-569-0401 or landisvalleymuseum.org.

8 May 4 | Pretzel Fest

Various locations in Lititz

The Kiwanis Club of the Lititz Area and Lititz Retailers will host this family-friendly event. Stroll through the charming downtown area and learn how Lititz played a role in making the pretzel a popular American snack food. Event features enticing treats, games and entertainment. Proceeds will fund a Free Kids’ Fun Day in Lititz Springs Park on May 11, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets required. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: 717-560-2295 or lititzpretzelfest.com.

9 May 25-26 | The Great PA FlavorFest

Mount Hope

Celebrating 12 years, this festive occasion offers free wine samplings from more than 20 wineries. Enjoy cooking demos, culinary workshops, musical entertainment, a special children’s section and more. 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 717-665-7021 or parenfaire.com/flavorfest.html.

10 May 18 | 19th Annual River Run 5K

Wrightsville Elementary School

The course for this event crosses the Susquehanna River via the Veterans Memorial Bridge (Rt. 462) between Lancaster & York counties. The Run is held rain or shine. 320 Chestnut St., Wrightsville. 7:30-11:30 a.m. Information: 717-684-5249, visitsusquehannavalley.com or eventbrite.com.

Jams & Jellies

While jams and jellies are well-known for complementing peanut butter and breakfast toast, they rarely end up at center stage. However, these sweet condiments deserve a closer look at how they can be used to spice up everyday meals.

A few years ago, a dear friend of mine unexpectedly lost his stepmom. Tim affectionately referred to Kathy as his “bonus Mom,” and, as his dad had passed away years before, his childhood home would soon go up for sale. Preserved exactly as Kathy left it, Tim asked me to photograph her house while it was still a family home.

Tim’s request would be doubly meaningful. Photographs help us hold onto fading moments, keeping us connected with people and places long gone. Similarly, food can have the same effect. In Tim’s case, Kathy’s strawberry jam triggers memories.

Kathy’s Homemade Strawberry Jam

As Tim prepared to pack up the house and put it on the market, he discovered a few quarts of Kathy’s homemade strawberry jam remained in her freezer. As a thank you for photographing the house, Tim wanted to share a jar with me. A deeply moving gesture, I was both humbled and reluctant to accept. However, doing so would mean I could share in the sentiment of Kathy’s homemade jam. As such, I accepted.

Naturally, I asked Tim if he had her recipe, but the question was fruitless. It’s the same recipe my grandmother uses, the one I, too, grew up relishing. No matter how many times anyone makes Kathy’s strawberry jam, it will never be hers alone, but it will always live on as a reminder of her.

Defining Fruit Preserves

Simple foods aren’t necessarily unintentional or lacking in dimension. Understanding a food’s characteristics and subtitles can show the way forward in making use of its goodness. In the realm of jams and jellies, your choices boil down to satisfying your preferences on taste, texture and consistency.

  • Jam is a thick, sweet spread made by mixing finely crushed or chopped fruits.
  • Jelly relies on pectin to help it congeal.
  • Preserves tend to be thinner and contain small, whole fruit such as cherries.
  • Conserves are jam-like spreads that contain nuts, raisins or coconut.
  • Thicker than preserves, marmalades often include a soft-fruit base, with small bits of citrus peel.
  • Fruit butter is a sweet spread that is made by cooking fruit pulp with sugar or spices added. Apple butter is a prime example.
  • Syrups are made by cooking down fruit juice or pulp to the consistency of honey.
  • Chutneys are usually vinegar-based for a sweet and spicy spread.

Beyond the PB&J

Fishing for new pairing options, I cast a wide net. Starting with Penn State Extension, which offers a Jam and Jelly workshop, instructors Martha Zepp and Melissa Anderson spoke highly of Kitchen Kettle Village, which has increasingly been adding food-related venues to its lineup of shops. Of course, its Jam & Relish Kitchen is legendary, not only for the array of products, but also for the complimentary tastings that are always available and for the recipes the Kitchen shares.

So, I paid a visit and was taken aback by remarkable flavors. I sampled one of Kitchen Kettle’s oldest recipes, Tomato Jam, which is a juxtaposition of unexpected terms. Enough sugar will make anything sweet, and this jam begs to be paired with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Pepper Jam proved to be equally as sweet as it is robust in pepper flavor, with nominal spice to my palate.

The more traditional Red Raspberry Preserves transported me back to picking ripe berries along the neighborhood hedgerow as a boy. Orange Marmalade is as beautiful in appearance as it is in texture, with crisp, citrus flavor and beautiful rinds in suspension. Fig Balsamic Jam is bright, tart and dessert-like, similar to the filling in a fig roll.

Looking for simple ways to elevate food using jams and jellies is pretty sweet and provides a solution to quickly step up appetizers or prepare last-minute snacks. Tart jams are exceptionally flexible for bland to sweet baked goods and rich, creamy foods. For example, one night while taste-testing for ideas, I added apricot jam to cold bits of brie and nearly ate half the wheel of cheese. Knowing it would be far better prepared warm, I switched to red raspberry preserves, which paired perfectly with the creaminess and fat content of the melted brie.

Mint jelly was a real curiosity. I was told it pairs well with lamb, so I put it to work with another recent obsession: 1-inch-thick pork chops from Farmersville Butcher Shop. Seasoned with Bad Byron’s Butt Rub and a dusting of cornmeal, the pork chops were fantastic served with the homemade mint jelly made by Martha (Zepp). Was it necessary? Perhaps not. But better? Absolutely!

Tips for Jamming Out at Home

Going beyond last September’s conversation on canning, here are a few tips to keep in mind when making your own jam and jelly. Special thanks again to the folks at Penn State Extension for sharing their science-based processes with our community.

For those of you who are still mulling over the idea of learning to can food, jams and jellies are the perfect place to begin. The costs are fairly negligible, especially once you’re set up with the basic materials. While the per-unit costs are similar to what you might pay in a store, here you’re able to control the quality of the fruits used and the quantity of ingredients (such as sugar).

When using Ball Mason Jars, ensure they are designated for preserving food and, if necessary, denoted as freezer-safe. “Storage” or “craft” jars are definitely not made for preserving, as they’ll crack under pressure and at high heat. Quart containers and Ball plastic jars with screw-on lids are better options for freezing.

Foods with high sugar content are treated as “high acid.” However, pumpkin butter can’t be canned, only frozen, as it’s a sweeter yet low-acid food.

If you finish with an extra half of a jar, put it in the fridge and use it first. A half-full jar doesn’t have the right amount of headspace to seal.

As with all canned food, jams and jellies should be stored in a cool, dark place.

Penn State Extension’s Martha Zepp and Melissa Anderson lead a workshop.

The simple process of picking your own berries for making jam can serve as an excellent teaching tool, helping children or grandchildren understand the value of food and the time poured into preparing it.

The finished product makes for gifts for holidays, special occasions and gatherings. It far outshines something that’s store bought. Besides, isn’t the shared memory of eating the fruits of our labor the sweetest treat of all?

Kitchen Kettle Village
3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse
1-800-732-3538 • Kitchenkettle.com

Ripe for the Picking:

Shenk’s Berry Farm
911 Disston View Dr., Lititz
717-626-6194 • Shenksberryfarm.com

Weaver’s Orchard
40 Fruit Lane, Morgantown
610-856-7300 • Weaversorchard.com

Cherry Hill Orchards
400 Long Lane, Lancaster
717-872-9311 • Cherryhillorchards.com

 

Brecknock Orchard
390 Orchard Rd., Mohnton • 717-445-5704 • Brecknockorchard.com

Myers Strawberries
1429 Auction Rd., Manheim • 717-653-1259 • Facebook.com/myersstrawberries

History on the Water

May is the month we typically pull out our kayaks, clean them and start checking the weather forecast on a daily basis. Sure, the May water temperatures aren’t for everyone, but we’ve been waiting for months now to splash around and get a head start on summer.

The view of the Susquehanna River, looking south from Marietta. The river is part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

If you’ve never been kayaking or you’re not sure you’re ready to buy one, there are two local outfitters that can help you get on the water: Chiques Rock Outfitters, with locations in Marietta and Columbia, and Shank’s Mare Outfitters, which is across the river in Wrightsville (Long Level). Both offer rentals, and their staffs are knowledgeable about the waterways in the area. They also usually organize or participate in a variety of family-friendly events throughout the summer season.

As you’ll discover, there’s a lot of territory to explore. Lancaster County has over 1,500 stream miles running through it. A few of our favorite waterways to paddle include the Cocalico, Pequea, Octoraro and Mill creeks, as well as the Conestoga River, which stretches more than 60 miles across the county before emptying into the Susquehanna River at Safe Harbor. Each is fairly easy to navigate and offers its own unique scenery.

Of course, the Susquehanna is the most notable of the waterways due to its massive size. At times, it’s over a mile wide as it winds along the western border of Lancaster County for 40-plus miles from Falmouth to the Maryland state line. There are many enjoyable areas along the Susquehanna for paddlers and land-lovers alike, especially with so much history along the shores.

Long before the arrival of railroads and canals, the Susquehanna played a vital role in the native Susquehannock’s way of life. At the beginning of the 17th century, Captain John Smith and his crew set sail from Jamestown to chart the Chesapeake and its tributaries. According to Captain Smith’s maps and journals, they traveled up the Susquehanna until they were stopped by the Conowingo Falls.

Before departing, they met and befriended a tribe of Susquehannocks near modern day Port Deposit, Maryland. Smith learned of other native settlements further upriver and added them to his first map, which was published in 1612.

When the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail was established in 2006 – America’s first water-based National Historic Trail – it included the lower portion of the Susquehanna River. In 2012, the trail was expanded to include the entire length of the river from south of Cooperstown in New York and into Maryland. The trail now consists of over 3,000 miles of waterway that encompasses the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

A good place to learn about bay and river history is at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage in Wrightsville, which serves as the state’s official Visitor Contact & Passport Station for the trail. The Zimmerman Center for Heritage is part of the nonprofit organization, Susquehanna Heritage, which aims to preserve the river’s history as well as promote tourism for the region. It also oversees Columbia Crossings.

An 18th-century riverfront home, which was restored by John and Kathryn Zimmerman, serves as the centerpiece of the Zimmerman Center for Heritage. Visitors can tour the house and view its impressive river-related art collection. Educational programs are offered on weekends, as are short guided hikes and other outdoor activities. A lecture series is also held. The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. Kayakers and other boaters can approach the center via the river and take advantage of the center’s dock, pavilion and river bank while they explore this riverside treasure.

The Zimmerman Center for Heritage is located at 1706 Long Level Road in Wrightsville. For details, call 717-252-0229 or visit susquehannaheritage.org.

The Sutter – FOOD, SPIRITS & AMBIANCE

Stepping inside the front door of The Sutter is like taking a step back in time. Antiques and Victorian-style settees are the focal point of the entry area, delivering the feel of a well-cared-for treasure. Alternately, a visit to the dining room and cocktail lounge transports you to modern day.

The Sutter has been a part of the Lititz landscape since 1764, when an inn was built from logs on the site. Originally known as the Zum Anker (the Sign of the Anchor), it was later renamed Lititz Springs Hotel. The inn was renovated in 1803 and again in 1848 to finally become the three-story brick building it is today.

Another name change occurred in 1930, when the property became known as The General Sutter Inn. The name honored John Augustus Sutter, the founder of the city of Sacramento and a California Gold Rush pioneer, who lived the last seven years of his life in Lititz and is buried in the Moravian Cemetery.

Two years ago, David and Susan Stoudt assumed ownership of the property. Today, it’s collectively known as The Sutter and is home to several dining venues, banquet and meeting facilities, as well as 17 lodging rooms and suites.

The Bulls Head Public House is one such venue. Modeled after a traditional British pub, the Bulls Head is known for its selection of craft beers and traditional pub-style fare. Beer lovers can select from 14 rotating beers on tap, two cask-conditioned ales and 80 bottled choices. As for food, dishes such as fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, pork pie, and Scotch egg pay homage to British pub fare. A Full English Breakfast is served at the Bulls Head on Saturdays.

The Bulls Head has received its share of accolades. For the past four years, it has been named the Best Beer Bar in Pennsylvania by CraftBeer.com (Brewers Association). Last year, the Bulls Head was also named the Best Beer Bar in the country as part of USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Last fall, the Bulls Head’s RAF Lounge was dedicated to retired RAF (Royal Air Force) officer and decorated WWII veteran Richard “Dickie” Boyd, who is a resident at Willow Valley Communities.

While the Bulls Head offers a traditional pub experience, The Sutter’s dining room and cocktail lounge provide a more contemporary atmosphere thanks to recently completed renovations that include updating the furnishings, fixtures and art. A Clair Bros. audio system was also installed. The new color scheme complements the iconic stained-glass that tops the oversized windows. Seating includes a banquette that lines one wall, while individual tables are placed along the windows. “The banquette seating was a deliberate way to incorporate elements of the pub; it can promote conversation between guests,” David Stoudt explains.

The 45-seat dining area now opens to the cocktail lounge. “We wanted to create a synergy between the two areas,” David explains. The redesigned spaces also reflect an element of family – the dining area honors David’s grandmother, Ann Elizabeth Mann, while the new cocktail lounge is dedicated to his grandfather, Walter Mann.

The cocktail lounge is an inviting space that features a long bar, high-top tables and a community table. A lithograph of General Sutter hangs over the bar. A wine cruvinet not only allows the restaurant to offer more wines by the glass, but it also has the flexibility to provide sampler-size pours. Additionally, the tap system has been reconfigured, enabling the Bulls Head and the cocktail lounge to share beer selections. The lounge’s mixologist has crafted 15 specialty cocktails. A service window has been installed to improve bar service on the patio.

The Sutter’s patio is a favorite with both locals and guests during the warm-weather months. “Our architect, Beers-Hoffman, also created plans to renovate the patio with its historic fountain,” David notes. “But, we’re holding off on that for the moment. We’re the only restaurant in Lititz with a patio. It will be open this year – we want to be sure that what we do complements some of the major projects that are going on in Lititz right now.”

As part of the recent renovation, two guest rooms on the second floor were refurbished. The third floor features the RockBlock penthouse suites, each of which has a rock ’n’ roll theme.

The Sutter’s menu is extensive, and in addition to the traditional pub fare, it offers soup, salads, appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, entrées and dessert. A children’s menu is also available. Entrées include such classics as crab cakes, salmon and filet, as well as roasted chicken (with a honey-garlic glaze), and short ribs & shrimp. The menu changes seasonally in order to utilize and showcase as many locally sourced items as possible. The restaurant also hosts special events such as beer, wine and cigar dinners, murder mysteries and trivia nights.

The Sutter, 14 E. Main St., Lititz. Hours for the restaurant are Monday, 11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Reservations are suggested and can be made on Open Table. Hours for the Bulls Head Public House are Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m.-midnight; Saturday, 8 a.m.-midnight; and Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (Late-night kitchen hours vary on weekends.) For more information, call 717-626-2115 or visit atthesutter.com or Facebook.