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Home Décor … What’s Trending in 2017

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Sheri Smoker of Room with a View offers her observations on the home trends forecast for 2017.

In Sheri’s opinion, traditional design continues to be the definitive look of Lancaster County. “It’s who we are,” she says. “And, there’s nothing wrong with that. Every region seems to be defined by a look. Here, we like our antiques and quilts. When I work in Maine or Minnesota, my clients like to celebrate the woods and the lakes that define their states.”

But, even in South Central Pennsylvania, tastes widely vary. “There’s a huge taste difference between Harrisburg and Lancaster,” she says, noting that clients in Harrisburg prefer modern, contemporary looks.

But even traditional styling has evolved to reflect our casual way of life. Traditional chairs and sofas are no longer associated with words such as stiff and uncomfortable. Window coverings no longer plunge a room into darkness. Matching tables, chairs and lamps are so yesterday. It’s perfectly alright to mix finishes. Wall color is moving away from drama and in a more atmospheric direction. And, you’re welcome to incorporate finds and pieces you simply love into a room that is traditional by design. In a nutshell, that defines Sheri’s personal style. “I guess you could call it eclectic,” she says of her own home that combines elements of Shaker (kitchen), mid-century (dining room), Victorian (guest bedroom) and traditional (living room). Together, they look right at home in a house that was built in the 1800s.

Sheri is always anxious to see what is on display at the International Home Furnishings Market that is held twice a year in High Point, North Carolina. “It’s always interesting to see the trends,” she continues. “I can incorporate them into my work to some extent. But, to drop in the entire look? That probably would not go over in Lancaster.”

 

Pantone Institute’s Color of the Year, is popping up in accessories.

Fiestaware is also going green.

The pillow is from the Bon-Ton’s Close to Home department.

Color

Undoubtedly, you’ve seen the Pantone Color Institute’s Color of the Year for 2017: Greenery. Described as a “fresh and zesty” shade of green, the versatile hue pairs well with neutrals, brights, pastels, metallics and jewel tones. It is associated with buzzwords such as revive, restore and renew. Obviously, it provides a link to nature. Sheri points to the greenery of Mother Nature, noting there isn’t a color on earth that it doesn’t complement.

Paint companies have also launched their own “Color of the Year” programs. For example, Benjamin-Moore is touting a color called Shadow, a dramatic gray that “ebbs and flows” with its surroundings.

Gray, by the way, is evolving. The hue is being tinged with hints of blue, lilac and brown. Sherwin-Williams drives that point home with its Color of the Year, Poised Taupe, which is described as a “timeless neutral that’s both modern and classic.”

Behr Paints takes it a step further by introducing a palette of limited-edition hues, which this year is classified as Comfortable (pastels), Composed (earth and jewel tones) and Confident (adventurous and fun).

At Floral Designs of Mount Joy, you can’t get any “greener” than with plants (both faux and real). Note the throw pillows, as well.

The coffee cup is from Kate Spade.

 

 

From GE Appliances: Matte black is the new alternative to stainless.

Matte Black Appliances

Think more along the lines of gray tones such as slate and graphite as opposed to black. This alternative to stainless defies fingerprints, smudges and dirt. Magnets will adhere to it. The neutral color pairs with all colors and room styles. In Sheri’s opinion, “People are ready for an alternative to stainless.”

 

 

Geodes and other intergalactic touches are the hot new way to accessorize.

Intergalactic Touches

Think geodes and motifs of the sun, moon and stars. “People are gravitating towards things that are real,” says Sheri, “and you can’t get more real than the solar system.”

 

Copper Tones

This time-honored metal is being used to create faucets for the kitchen and bath. The new trend is also utilizing straightforward plumbing fixtures for a minimalist urban look. Copper is also part of the metallic trend in accessories such as accent pillows, etc.

As seen at Hajoca: Coppery hues are gaining favor in the bath and kitchen. Copper is also part of the metallic trend in fabrics (pillow from Floral Designs of Mount Joy).

 

Patterned Tile

Look for geometics, op-art, florals, botanicals, wood textures and designs inspired by the Mission and Arts & Crafts movements of the past. “It’s big, and we’re going to be seeing more of it,” Sheri says. Tile manufacturer Ann Sacks has joined the revival with a line of tile called MADE by Ann Sacks. The artisan-inspired designs bear the tagline: “Rich in heritage, traditional in craft and modern in scope.”

Tile is no longer square! As seen at Martin’s Flooring, styles inspired by river rocks, the ‘70s and the ‘60s.

 

As seen at HomeGoods: A velvet-covered chair from Tommy Hilfiger.

Velvet

It’s said that home décor follows fashion, and during fall/winter 2016, velvet was the definitive fabric. Now, it’s making its way home as upholstery and drapery fabric. “It’s huge right now,” Sheri affirms. “It’s being included in all the fabric books.”

 

Eye-popping jewel tones converge on this sofa seen at HomeGoods.

Jewel Tones

Again, home follows fashion. “Jewel-toned colors are coming on strong,” says Sheri.

 

 

Natural elements such as shells add subtle color and texture to this bathroom that was designed by Donald Dale and Andrea and Jim Schopf.

Natural Elements

According to Sheri, items such as shells, geodes, driftwood, pottery and plants relate to our desire for “wanting a cleaner palette.” Such items also provide a way to naturally add texture to a space.

 

 

Marble looks at home in kitchens of all styles.

Marble

This time-honored metamorphic rock brings a clean look to kitchen counters. “Again, it’s a natural element,” Sheri notes.

 

 

Smart Home technology is helping to make homes safer and more efficient.

Smart Technology

“It’s here to stay, and it’s growing more sophisticated,” Sheri remarks of technology that makes our homes more streamlined, safe and efficient.

 

Pete and Carol Heth created the wine rack using finds from construction projects. The reproduction hutch honors age-old furniture-building techniques.

Artisan-crafted Furniture

According to Sheri, “It goes along with the easy lifestyle looks” that define the way we live.

 

 

From Wolf Furniture, a traditional chair is updated with red leather and nailhead detailing.

Nailhead detailing and linen fabric modernize this tufted sofa From Terrain.

Nailhead Detailing

Such detailing is being used to dress up the simple lines of today’s furniture. “I’m seeing a lot of it,” Sheri says.

Repurposed furniture is a favorite of the millennials. This repurposed piece was transformed with a paint color (Nightfall) from Country Chic. It’s from Always Never Done in Landisville/Salunga.

Millennial Style

Sheri maintains that this generation is a driving force in the home-decorating industry. This generation’s fondness of clean lines has led to a revival of Scandinavian and mid-century designs, as well as looks that are inspired by industrial/urban architectural elements. They’ve developed their own take on eclectic and mix old with new, expensive with inexpensive, and DIY with finds from their travels. Words like artisan, handmade and repurposed are dear to their hearts. Organic is another millennial hallmark that extends to fabrics, flooring and exposed brick and rafters.

“They don’t seem interested in acquiring ‘stuff’ for the long run,” Sheri observes. “They want to live simply and comfortably and be able to move on without having to worry about ‘things.’ For now, I think they would rather spend their money on travel and other experiences.” Speaking as a parent of millennial-aged children, she believes this generation perceives the creature comforts their baby boomer and Gen X parents have collected over their lifetimes as burdens and have no interest in it.

 

Andrea Schopf: She Collects Seashells by the Seashore

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Who hasn’t collected seashells with the idea of doing something artsy with them? Andrea Schopf has done just that; this month she will exhibit her shell creations in the 80th Annual Sanibel Shell Show.

Andrea has loved shells since childhood. She remembers family vacations in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, where she “fell in love” with a store that sold seashells. She traces her fascination with shells to the fact that as a young girl, she was “always interested in the buttons and beads” her Italian grandmother stored in her sewing box for sewing and mending projects. “I’ve always been drawn to colorful things,” she adds.

Richard Ressel, her art teacher at Lancaster Catholic High School, was “a huge inspiration. He always had projects going on in our classroom,” she says, noting that she and her classmates witnessed his famous “Cabbage Hill” series come to fruition. Andrea also remembers being especially interested in a particular seascape he was working on whose centerpiece was a shell. “I just loved that painting,” she says.

Andrea, who graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in fine art, loves shells for another reason: “They give me something to do at the beach. I’m an active person,” she explains. “I’m not one to sit. If there’s a beach, I’m looking for shells.”

She also likes the solace shelling provides. “It’s very peaceful. I’m in my own little world when I’m looking for shells,” she remarks. And, she likes the challenges shelling provides. In fact, Coastal Living magazine equates shelling to fishing, as it involves patience, luck, wind direction, currents, tides and moon phases. “You do need to be aware of the tides,” Andrea agrees, explaining that shells are most plentiful at low tide. “If I need to be on the beach at 4 a.m., I’m there. I just put on my head lamp and go.” Shelling also introduced her to the world of snorkeling.

Shelling does have its detriments. Assuming what shellers call the “Sanibel Stoop” is often blamed for back issues. “It’s probably why I had to have back surgery last April,” she admits.

A World of Shells

Fifteen years ago, Andrea happened to read a magazine article about one of the shell capitals of the world: Sanibel Island in Florida. “I thought to myself, ‘I need to go there.’” Several trips followed. Then, five years ago, she attended the Sanibel Shell Festival, the highlight of which is the Sanibel Shell Show. “It was so inspiring!” she says. “That’s when I started gluing seashells on everything!” This year, the March 2-4 festival and show, which began as a country fair and grew into a celebration of shells (it’s sponsored by the Sanibel-Captiva Island Shell Club), is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Andrea will be entering a number of projects, including the bust that is seen on the cover.

Fortunately for Andrea, she has a supportive shelling partner. Her husband, Jim, who co-owns the Halloween attraction Field of Screams and operates Schopf Bros. Farms with his brother, Gene, has accompanied her on shelling trips that have literally taken them around the world. “If there’s a No. 1 place, it has to be Okinawa,” she says. “It’s amazing. The trip was a dream come true.” She also loves shelling on the Turks & Caicos. They’ve also been shelling on beaches along the East Coast, as well as in the Bahamas, Haiti, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Phi Phi Islands, New Zealand and Australia. Last winter, she even managed to find some shells in Ireland.

In February 2016, Andrea and Jim joined another shell-loving couple – Andrea has gotten to know them  through a Facebook shelling group – for a tour of the Philippines. Shells are big business in this island nation, and the Schopfs’ friends, who are native Filipinos, knew which island was ground zero for shells, so the foursome headed there. “It was unbelievable,” Andrea says, adding that most of the shells and shell art that are sold in stores worldwide is sourced on this particular island. “Dealers come from all over the world to shop there.”

Her next dream destination is Bali.

Haiti

As a grade school student at St. Anne’s, Andrea saw a film about Haiti. “From that point on, I always wanted to go there,” she says. Several years ago, that dream came true when one of Andrea’s childhood friends, Michelle Adams, shared she was going on a mission trip to Haiti. “I asked if I could go with her,” Andrea explains. Visiting the village of Montrouis made an impact on Andrea. She and Michelle became the founding members of Reality Church’s World Mission Team. “We’ve helped to build a school, a clinic and a pharmacy,” she reports of the work Hearts to Hands to Haiti has accomplished. Andrea also helped to build a house for the Haitian church’s pastor and his family.

Andrea is so committed to the project that she makes solo trips to Haiti every three months, staying at the home of the Haitian pastor for seven to 10 days. Her next visit is scheduled for April. Despite a language barrier (the Haitians speak a Creole-French dialect), and the fact that there’s no electricity or running water, “I’m comfortable being alone there,” she notes. Last summer, she took her 12-year-old daughter, Sydney, along for the first time and hopes the trip will become an annual mother-daughter event.

She’s also grown close to Juliana, a Haitian student who is financing her nursing school education with the colorful, paper-based jewelry she makes. Andrea always brings a stash home with her and sells it for her protégé (a selection is available at Geneva Bakery Cafe in East Petersburg). “It’s nice to help a fellow artist,” she says.

Decorating with Shells

The Schopfs bought their farm – circa 1847 – just prior to their 2000 wedding. Since then, they’ve completely remodeled the farmhouse, built an addition and installed a pool and outdoor-living area. They were hands-on throughout the project, working with Don Dale on the design aspect and with Jake Brandt on construction. “We think outside the box,” Andrea explains. “Nothing stops our ideas. Fortunately, everyone we worked with was open to our ideas.”

According to Andrea, the decor of the house “has meaning and holds memories.” While the master suite is awash in seashells, the foyer pays homage to farming, and the kitchen honors Andrea’s Italian heritage. Jim’s wrestling career as both an athlete and now a coach is commemorated in his basement man cave.

Andrea’s studio is located in the original portion of the farmhouse.

Jim designed the unique his-and-her vanity in the master bath. A portion of the vanity’s front flips down, making it possible to access the sand-and-shell-filled shelving that floats beneath the glass counter and vessel sinks. “It’s nice to be able to switch out the shells,” Andrea notes. Over the vanity are matching mirrors that Andrea designed and created. “The room was designed to fit those mirrors,” she says.

A shell-inspired, stained-glass window that Andrea designed dominates the wall over the tub. Shells from Haiti fill the glass cylinders that sit atop the steps that lead to the tub. A textured glass door that mimics rain water adds to the ambiance of the room, as does the sand-hued tile floor that’s warmed by radiant heat. Accessories – from door knobs to the towels – are beach related. The sitting area and bedroom also echo Andrea’s love of shells.

Walls throughout the house are hung with mirrors that Andrea has transformed into works of shell art. “There’s a lot more involved than simply gluing shells to a surface,” she explains. “You must first come up with a design and then find the shells that fit. It’s like creating a mosaic, only you’re using shells.” An in-home studio helps Andrea stay organized as shells are stored in drawers according to their shape, size and color. And, like most works of art, Andrea is always tweaking her creations. She’s still adding to and editing the bust that’s seen on the cover that’s embellished with shells she collected in Sanibel, Turks & Caicos and Costa Rica.
Outdoors, the pool area is embellished with shells that masons from Vintage Stone installed.

CREDITS
Addition Design: Don Dale, D.A. Dale Building Designs; General Contractor: Jake Brandt Renovations; Cabinetmaker: Conestoga Country Kitchens; Masonry: Vintage Stone

 

Best Shelling Beaches in the U.S.

If you love to collect shells, Coastal Living magazine suggests you put the following beaches on your must-visit list:

1. Sanibel Island, Florida. This island is actually made from shells! Friendly currents deposit shells onto a broad underwater shelf; the tides then carry them to the ocean’s edge.

2. Cumberland Island, South Carolina. Accessible only by ferry, it’s known for its sand dollars.

3. Flag Ponds Nature Park, Lusby, Maryland. South of Annapolis on the Chesapeake Bay, the park is a mecca for fossils from nearby Calvert Cliffs.

4. Brandon, Oregon. While West Coast beaches are not heralded for their shells due to wave action, this one reveals treasures such as Japanese glass fishing floats, fossils, agate and jasper.

5. Galveston Island, Texas. Shelling is at its best when storms come out of the north and push the water away from the beach.

6. Okracoke Island, North Carolina. The egg-shaped Scotch Bonnet is often found here. Who knows? You might find Blackbeard’s treasure, too.

7. Great Peconic Bay, Long Island, New York. Once a source for scallops, algae killed the industry in the 1980s. Scallop shells continue to come ashore.

8. Stinson Beach, California. North of San Francisco, it’s known for limpet shells and sand dollars.

9. Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii. It’s the birthplace of that ‘60s craze, the puka shell necklace.

10. Portsmouth Island, North Carolina. This segment of Cape Lookout National Seashore is becoming a sheller’s paradise. Accessible only by ferry or boat.

A Bat Mitzvah – Beyond!

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When a beloved only daughter reached the once-in-a-lifetime milestone in the Jewish faith – her bat mitzvah – her parents declared it time for an over-the-top, out-of-the-park celebration. Sloane Kidan will always remember her bat mitzvah – held in Lancaster County but filled with the cosmopolitan sophistication of a New York bash.

Having grown up in the suburbs of New York City, Sloane and her mother, Tracy, knew that every event is a “wow” in the metro area. “It’s a fast-moving, trendy place,” says Tracy, who has attended her share of impressive bar and bat mitzvahs over the years, including her own. When the family moved to Lititz in 2013, Tracy was already thinking of how she could create a special celebration for  Sloane that would be “on-trend,” but also “different.”

Enticing guests to travel from New Jersey, Long Island and beyond took some creativity. Tracy borrowed the appeal of “the sweetest place on Earth,” Hershey, to tease her guest list with a save-the-date mailing of a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar. “We hyped it,” says Tracy, “and added a bit of mystery. Would the party be in Hershey Park?” The buzz grew among Sloane’s friends, from February through the summer.

When the invitations arrived, mystery solved: the celebration would be held at Bent Creek Country Club in Lititz.

While many outside the Jewish faith may think of a bar or bat mitzvah celebration as “a wedding reception, except for one person,” it’s not that easily translated. The significant passage into adulthood is marked with a religious ceremony, which Sloane and her family experienced in Israel. The subsequent celebration with friends and family is the joyous occasion we often think of as the “bat mitzvah,” which is crafted to be a reflection of the young lady’s personality and interests.

More of a Katherine Hepburn than a Katy Perry type of girl, Sloane’s tastes are elegant and understated – think pearls, not bling. With that in mind, two years of planning began among parents and daughter. Tracy tapped her metropolitan connections to bring the city sophistication to the party, sourcing the event planner, invitations, flowers, staging, tents and décor from New Jersey and Maryland, with the mission of transforming much of Bent Creek’s clubhouse into a posh party palace.

A bat mitzvah celebration brings three or more generations together, so the event must be appropriate and appealing for all ages. Sloane’s friends gathered in their own alfresco party room on the club’s terrace. Three makeup stations, powered by a professional makeup artist, offered hot-pink eyelashes and other glam beauty accessories, plus temporary henna tattoos. Guys and girls shot hoops with gold and silver mini-basketballs. A step-and-repeat photo backdrop made the perfect selfie station. Every young guest had a storage cubby set up to stash their gear, and it was filled with a surprise gift of shorts or sweatshirts and socks to let them get comfy later in the evening as the dance floor heated up and it was time to lose the shoes.

As the young crowd was munching on sliders and tacos at their own buffet of party fare, the adults were savoring sushi and seafood over cocktails in an adjoining dining room. Local Asian restaurant Mojo was selected to provide a sushi extravaganza.

Outdoors, a stage was coming to life with sound and lighting checks. Jordin Sparks, the 2007 American Idol winner, was warming up for her high-energy concert, perfectly timed to start with a gorgeous September sunset. “My best friend and I have been talking about our bat mitzvahs since we were 6,” says Sloane, “and I always dreamed of having someone famous. My dad gave me a list of his choices, and I chose Jordin Sparks!” The singer’s last spectacular notes were punctuated by a display of fireworks, color-coordinated to the bat mitzvah’s party colors.

Oohs and aahs were audible as the 180 guests moved to dinner through a white-draped hallway, softly lit in pink and icy blue, to the unveiling of Bent Creek’s transformed ballroom. The walls were swathed in blush-pink fabric, the ballroom’s chandeliers removed and replaced with soft uplighting washing the walls, and gobo patterns lighting the ceiling. Shell-pink tufted couches surrounded a white and gold dance floor, creating lounge areas in addition to elegant dining tables, each embellished with oversized, towering floral arrangements of tightly packed pink roses and lush hydrangea.

A radiant Sloane in a blush gown made her entrance into the ballroom carried high on the shoulders of Jordin’s dancers. Throughout the evening, many Jewish traditions were observed: Sloane addressing her guests as a young adult, thanking her parents and welcoming her guests; the candlelighting to honor people who have played significant roles in her life; the challah-cutting and father-daughter dance; Sloane being lifted on a chair on the dance floor and guests dancing the Hora, a joyful dance of hands joined in a circle with the party’s hosts.

The DJ kept the dance floor crowded through midnight, when coffee and one more sweet treat from Lancaster Cupcake ended the party, only to be followed by a sleepover at the Kidan home for Sloane’s girlfriends and a Sunday Brunch for guests the next morning.

Overnight hotel guests were greeted in their rooms with “Made in Lancaster”-themed baskets of goodies, including kettle corn popcorn, Hammond’s pretzels and whoopie pies, to give guests a taste of the Kidans’ new home of Lancaster County. Oh, and a Hershey Bar or two – just for fun.

Two for Tea

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Sure, you can probably get a cup of tea at your favorite coffee shop. But, if you really want to explore a world of flavors and experience the ritual that surrounds tea, you’ll need to visit a bona fide tea room.

Actually, this nation was built on tea. The first shipment of tea to the New World landed at the port of New Amsterdam (now New York) in 1650, courtesy of Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch official in New Netherland. Tea became a craze (envision a Colonial American mochaccino), and soon everyone – from work hands to silver-spooned elites – became tea drinkers.
As we know, this led to some heavy taxation and ultimately the Boston Tea Party. Seen as a connection to Mother England, tea got a bad rap.

Yet, the brewed concoction held on to our palates despite war taking another toll on its future as a favorite American beverage. During World War II, Americans lost their connection to yellow, white and many green teas as China and Japan became our enemies. As a result, black tea, mostly sourced from India, dominated the market. When trade lines started to reopen in the ’70s and ‘80s, Americans began indulging in the unique offerings that made their way to the U.S.

I know Teavana, whose motto is “where we love, breathe and dream of tea” (there’s a location at Park City Center) is never going to enjoy the commercial success of Starbucks, but tea can stand just fine on its own. Between the years 1993 and 2008, the American specialty tea market quadrupled and now does a “brisk” business of over $6.8 billion a year. According to the Tea Association of the U.S.A., we consumed 80 billion servings of tea – more than 3.6 billion gallons – in 2015.

Gone is the custom of daily tea (except, of course, in the South, where Sweet Tea is worshipped), but for those who still want to enjoy a traditional English tea, I found two spots nearby.

A TEA AFFAIR

I was glad I called for a reservation at A Tea Affair in downtown Lititz. Placing my call on a Saturday morning, 2:30 p.m. was the earliest time I could get a table for four that day. Afternoon tea it was!

I really wanted to get my wife and two kids in for tea and scones. The offering on this particular day was a buttery, soft raspberry scone served with lemon curd and a selection from the tea menu; I went straight for a Darjeeling – Silver Green – I’d never heard of before.

Turns out Makaibari Tea Estates has been producing quality teas in the Himalayan foothills since 1859, and it is one of only a few that offer a green tea from the land of Darjeeling. Their Silver Green is harvested year-round and was developed in the ’80s as the first green Darjeeling. The tea gets its name from the delicate, silver streaks that run through the green leaf. It is a light and earthy tea, which – trust me – should not be steeped for more than three minutes. Steep it any longer and the tea loses its gentleness and takes on a slightly acidic flavor.

Not only is Makaibari making wonderful-tasting teas, but they are at the forefront of industry improvement. In 1988, Makaibari earned the first organic certification for a tea garden in the world; they were Fair Trade certified in 1993, and now the producer leads the way for sustainability and environmental conservation with their practices.

A Tea Affair opened in 2010, and when I visited, it was set up to accommodate 36, but the flexible room can accommodate bridal parties, baby showers and other celebrations. They’ve been known to host a business meeting or two in their convenient off-Main Street location.

A Tea Affair’s signature offering is a three-course High Tea. The first course is tea and scones of the day. Either salad and quiche or soup of the day makes up the second course. Depending on the size of the party, the third course is presented on a double or triple tier, which holds four tea sandwiches, French Crème Brûlée, and a variety of pastries. Luncheon and Garden teas are also available. Special teas will be held for Easter (April 15) and Mother’s Day (May 13). Their well-stocked gift shop offers more than 350 teas.

A Tea Affair. 8 Sturgis Lane, Lititz. Open Monday-Saturday. 627-1776 or ateaaffairlititz.com.

THE TEA TROLLEY

Google led me to The Tea Trolley and owner Rachael Cox. Her emporium is literally feet from the Mason-Dixon Line in York County. After a scenic, late-morning drive, I found myself at her circa-1880 respite for tea lovers. The building, which is used solely to hold tea gatherings of all sizes, was originally home to one of the founding fathers of Delta, the quaint town nestled between towering hillsides famous for its slate.

Growing up in England, Rachael always enjoyed tea time; she brought her taste for tea to the States in 1991. Before securing and renovating the structure in Delta, the English expatriate catered private tea events in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

The Tea Trolley’s two-hour, full English Tea is its most popular offering and includes four courses: soup du jour, finger sandwiches, miniature desserts, and a scone served with lemon curd, jam and cream. Smaller tea experiences are also available, the most basic being Cream Tea during which guests are presented with a scone served with all the accouterments and choice of loose-leaf tea.

Rachael smiled as a server presented me with a pot of freshly brewed Darjeeling tea. “I like a Darjeeling, so I was impressed when you picked that one,” she laughed. “We have at least 30 different [Darjeeling] teas on our menu.”

Visitors will not find any herbal teas at this more traditional-minded eatery, but there is always a selection of seasonal teas for the more adventurous imbibers. For example, to celebrate Valentine’s Day, The Tea Trolley offered chocolate raspberry, strawberry and cherry teas. The Almond Cookie is a favorite year-round flavored tea.

Throughout the year, The Tea Trolley offers six special events. Upcoming is a Mother’s Day Tea on Friday, May 12, and two seatings being offered on Saturday, May 13. The event features an upgraded menu and a take-home favor. It seems the entire house is tea-oriented, as Rachael opens several rooms to private events like baby/bridal showers and birthday parties. There’s even a room with a whimsical mural and closet filled with dress-up clothes dedicated entirely to children’s parties and teddy bear teas.

Shoppers will find an eclectic array of tea-themed gifts and accessories in the gift shop. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are accommodated.

The Tea Trolley. 104 Main St., Delta, York County. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  303-5182 or tea-trolley.com.

Wine from the Stars

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Let’s face it: Star power sells. From the George Foreman Grill to diapers from Jessica Alba’s Honest Company, celebrity products are nothing new. And, while our favorite famous faces have always been known for hawking fragrances and workout regimens, they’ve recently started ramping up appearances in the world of wine.

From Drew Barrymore to Mike Ditka, Fergie to Tom Seaver, not to mention many of the stars of the Real Housewives franchise, celebrities from every corner of the sports and entertainment world are getting into the wine biz. FYI: One of the first was the late Fess Parker of Davy Crockett fame.

But, in this highly competitive and oftentimes trend-averse industry, how do celebrity wines rate? I decided to taste-test four such wines that are widely available in Pennsylvania to see for myself if they are award-worthy or fall into the rotten grapes category.

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection

Merlot 2014, $17.99

Best known for his direction of The Godfather movies, Francis Ford Coppola became a winery owner when he bought more than 1,500 prime acres in the Napa Valley in 1976. With the assistance of skilled winemakers, Coppola has been consistently producing respectable vintages since the premiere of his Rubicon wine – a Bordeaux-style blend – in 1978.

The merlot I tried, with grapes blended from growers in three different wine regions of California, was smooth and round but decently balanced with soft tannins. It had nice dark fruit flavors including blueberry and plum on the palate with a touch of oak. Lacking the complexity and power you’d find in a true Bordeaux, it worked well on its own and also held up with Salisbury steak.

Coppola produces a variety of wines in the Diamond Collection and has several other labels including the Director’s series, Rosso and Bianco, Director’s Great Movies, Reserve and Storytellers, many of which are available in Pennsylvania.

Francisfordcoppolawinery.com

Miraval Côtes de Provence

Rosé 2015, $23.99

In 2012, after renting Chateau Miraval for several years, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie purchased the 1,000+ acre property. The then-couple’s efforts in winemaking are (were?) a 50-50 partnership with the Perrin family, accomplished Rhone Valley vintners. (No public news yet on what will happen to Miraval in the divorce.) The first bottling of Rosé, in 2012, received an impressive 90-point rating from Wine Spectator, an indication that Miraval was destined for something beyond “celebrity wine” status.

Miraval takes its wine business seriously. A few years ago, the winery exhibited as part of the Harrisburg Wine Festival and, trying to be funny, I walked up to the gentleman pouring behind the table and said, “I was expecting to see Brad Pitt!” Though he poured my sample pleasantly enough, he also was quite clear that there’s more to the winery than just Brad Pitt.

Much like Brad and Angelina, the short, round Miraval bottle is stylish and unique, and the wine inside is delicious. Though I don’t believe the 2015 vintage – a blend of cinsault, grenache, rolle and syrah, made in the classic saignee method – is quite as exceptional as prior vintages I’ve tried, it’s still a light, flavorful rosé that’s begging to be sipped on an outdoor patio. Much like other whites and rosés, this one needs to be around 55 degrees (not straight from the refrigerator) to get the most out of it, from strawberry and flower aromas to a stiff acidity on the palate and a clean finish.

Miraval also produces two white wines: A rolle and a rolle/grenache blanc blend. The latter is available in Pennsylvania.

Miraval-provence.com

The Dreaming Tree

Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $16.99

From musician Dave Matthews, leader of the Dave Matthews Band, comes The Dreaming Tree, a Sonoma County winery that focuses on approachable wines and sustainability. Interestingly, the bottles are 50% lighter than average, and the bottle labels are printed on recycled paper.

The Dreaming Tree debuted in 2011 with Matthews and winemaker Sean McKenzie at the helm, and this sauvignon blanc is the newest addition to the portfolio, having been released in May 2016. I found this off-dry wine light, bright and easy to drink but a bit one-note and lacking the signature flair of Matthews’ musical stylings. With citrus and tropical fruit flavors and a clean finish, I think this would make a nice summer porch wine, though, for the price, there may be better options. It paired nicely with a lemony chicken pasta dish.

My friend Tina, a Dave Matthews fan who prefers sweet wines, enjoyed this wine quite a bit, so I believe it could appeal to a diverse range of wine palates, which is always a plus.

Dreaming Tree also produces a chardonnay, a cabernet sauvignon, a red blend (Crush), a white blend (Everyday) and a pinot noir, all of which are available in Pennsylvania.

Dreamingtreewines.com

O’Leary Fine Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, $14.99

You’ll recognize Kevin O’Leary, aka Mr. Wonderful, as the “mean” shark on ABC’s Shark Tank, where he routinely touts himself as a wine connoisseur and savvy player in the beverage industry. So, when I saw his self-branded wine at the store, I figured it should be one of the best bottles I’ve ever bought for under $15.

Instead, I’d say it was typical mass-produced California cabernet and that it would not be my pick for a smart buy in the varietal. Jammy with some new oak and light tannin, it was pleasant but not exceptional. My husband and I shared this bottle with our friend Judah, who – like Mr. O’Leary – likes a big red wine as much as he likes capitalism. In the end, “This is a nice cabernet,” was about the best we could say for it, though it did pair well with spaghetti and meatballs.

The O’Leary Fine Wines website does not reveal much about where the grapes come from or who actually makes the wine, but it is bottled in California’s Russian River Valley.

O’Leary Wines also offers a reserve cabernet and both a chardonnay and a reserve chardonnay. (Neither reserve is available in Pennsylvania).

Olearyfinewines.com

And the Aurand Awards go to …

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. Judging by my albeit-narrow taste test, I’d give the awards to those in cinema – Jolie-Pitt and Coppola. Going forward, I think I’ll rely on “The Best of What’s Around” reviews rather than blindly buy celeb wines.

There’s More!

While the aforementioned bottles are affordably priced, some celebrity wines retail for much more. Sting’s Sister Moon (palagioproducts.com), a red Tuscan blend, is $53 and is available by special order in PA. Basketball star Yao Ming’s Napa cabernet sauvignon (yaofamilywines.com) is currently $67.99 in the state’s Chairman’s Selection discount program, but some Ming wines are sold for more than $100.

 

 

Making A Comeback!

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While mid-century has been all the rage for the past few years, styles from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and even the ‘90s are making return appearances … with modern twists.

 

Blue and white make for a fresh color combo. Bedding is from Tommy Hilfiger/Bon-Ton.

Ralph Lauren lamps are from HomeGoods.

Blue & White

Modern patterns are giving this color scheme a new lease on life. Once the domain of nautical and cottage-themed décor, Sheri reports it’s moving in other directions and is a good fit with eclectic design.

 

As seen at the Bon-Ton, brass is back and it shines as an accessory.

Brass

A throwback to the ‘60s and ‘70s, brass is being used in accessories (plant containers), as well as the bath and kitchen (plumbing fixtures). This time around, it’s softer in appearance and delivers an antique look. “People are getting tired of chrome and brushed nickel,” Sheri Smoker says.

 

Kitchen Aid’s ever-expanding palette of colors now includes orange, which provides a pop of color for the kitchen.

Orange is also a good choice for adding a touch of summer to other rooms in the house.

Orange

No, not the burnt-orange hue that was popular in the ‘60s and early ‘70s and served as a companion to harvest gold and avocado. This time around it’s a sun-drenched orange that’s a good fit with nautical and cottage décor.

 

Flokati is the new look of shag carpets. As seen on Amazon.com.

Shag Carpet

Flokati is the buzzword for shag carpeting 21st century style. Ideally, it’s made in Greece from sheep’s wool, although synthetics are available. “It was big at High Point,” Sheri notes of the fall market.

 

As seen on BHG.com, macrame is back!

Macrame

Can you dig it? Maybe your mother or grandmother have some of these iconic plant hangers stashed in their basements or attics. The resurgence of macramé is no doubt being driven by the maker’s movement.

 

Mid-century is hotter than ever.

Mid-century

Mid-century furniture designs and styling is more popular than ever. Major manufacturers are releasing reproductions. If the real deal is more to your liking, treasures await at flea markets, thrift shops, antiques shops and maybe even grandma’s attic.

 

Pastels have more depth than their predecessors from the ‘50s, as is evident in the guest room of Sheri Smoker’s home.

Pastel Color

An ode to the ‘50s, today’s modern pastels are richer and less baby-like than their predecessors. Be sure to balance them with bold pops of color.

 

Skirted tables are back in vogue.

Skirted Tables

This popular look from the ‘90s is more organic and less formal looking thanks to fabrics such as linen. Top it with a colorful vintage scarf to create a retro look.

Wallpaper

No, dainty flowers and bold stripes of yesteryear are not staging a comeback. According to Sheri, wallpaper has undergone a metamorphosis. Look for geometrics, modern florals, sparkle and lots of texture. “Grasscloth is back, too,” she says.

 

Flourish is part of Candice Olson’s Modern Artisan collection for York Wallcoverings.

Wallpaper is better than ever! This bold Jacobean floral is from York Wallcoverings’ Carey Lind Designs collection.

Natural elements are celebrated by Ronald Redding’s Medley collection for York Wallcoverings.

 

 

Sheri Smoker lined the walls of her pottery studio with wood a la shiplap.

Wood Paneling

One word: shiplap. Yes, we have Joanna and Chip Gaines of HGTV’s Fixer Upper to thank for America’s obsession with this wood treatment that is hung horizontally as opposed to vertically. Not sure? York Wallcoverings has a line of Magnolia Market wallpaper that includes a shiplap design.

Casual Fine Dining & Pub Fare

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The Railroad House Inn’s elegant Victorian exterior only hints at the dining experience that awaits inside.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the inn was built over a three-year period from 1820-1823. As a canal hotel, it was a haven for Susquehanna rivermen. During the late 1800s, The Railroad House, under the proprietorship of Col. Thomas Scott, enjoyed its heyday as a railroad hotel when the Pennsylvania Railroad built a passenger and freight station on South Perry Street. In the latter part of the 20th century, the Railroad House served as a bed-and-breakfast and restaurant (off and on) for a number of years.

Its proximity to the Susquehanna River accounts for the fact that the property has sustained damage from a number of floods, the latest being Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. Fortunately, the property’s various owners over the past 40 years have served as stewards of the historic property – undertaking renovations of the restaurant, garden and 12 guest rooms.

Current owners Joey Bowden, the former manager of the Bull’s Head Pub in Lititz, with over 22 years in the restaurant business, and Freddy States, co-owner of the nearby McCleary’s Pub, re-opened the restaurant 18 months ago after flood cleanup and renovations were completed.

In doing so, they also changed the restaurant’s focus, transforming it into a casual fine dining venue, while the Perry Street Cellar, located in the lower level of the building, delivers more of a pub feel. “People are more into casual dining than traditional fine dining,” Joey points out. “Perry Street Cellar is definitely relaxed and casual, while upstairs, we combine fine dining fare with a more casual feel,” he explains.

The Railroad House seats 75 in its three dining areas, plus 35 on an outdoor patio. Each dining area has its own atmosphere.

The parlor bar, which combines hints of modern elegance with Victorian charm, is home to a beautiful fireplace, shining hardwood floors, a wide bar and hi-top tables. The main dining room combines casual with a bit of  steampunk. Seating is a combination of booths and tables. Although one of the dining tables is in the center of the room, there’s privacy as guests step up into a semi-enclosed booth – Bowden describes this particular space as having a hint of steampunk.

Known as the Brodbeck Room for the sign that hangs above the fireplace, the third dining area offers more of a traditional Colonial feel. Exposed beams, a cooking hearth, lighting fixtures and furnishings all contribute to the atmosphere. “This area also can accommodate private parties,” Joey notes.

The Perry Street Cellar, which opened in September 2015, has its own entrance off Perry Street. Exposed stone walls and rafters, subdued lighting, and a long copper bar are the key elements of this pub. Live entertainment is offered most Saturdays. The focus of the menu is pub fare and craft beer.  Twelve draft lines feature a rotating selection of both rare beer and beer from up-and-coming crafters. There’s also a selection of bottled beer. “We know that not everyone is into craft beer, so we do offer some standards. Our staff is also well-versed in beer, so we often offer suggestions; if a customer likes Yuengling, we’ll offer a sample of something similar,” he explains.

Beer dinners are held the second Wednesday of the month. The beers that are offered at the dinners correspond with the pub’s seasonal menu offerings.

Menu offerings at both the Railroad House and Perry Street Cellar focus on fresh, local ingredients and change seasonally to reflect those offerings. Joey reports that the restaurant works with Lehman Farms in Wrightsville, while grass-fed beef is obtained from Drager Farms in Marietta. Other local ingredients are obtained at Lancaster Central Market. “The menu focuses on quality food. Part of our mission is to find and support local businesses, whether it’s a craft brewer or a farmer,” he states.

Joey points out that although the menu does change seasonally, some items remain constant such as burgers and tacos in Perry Street Cellar, but the presentation changes. He estimates that about 30% of the pub menu changes in some fashion seasonally, while nearly 80% of the Railroad House menu switches up.

There’s also a Sunday brunch. “Brunch has become really popular. With the opening of the new section of the Northwest River Trail last year, we’ve had more people who are walking the trail stop in for brunch,” he says.

Valentine’s day is on a tuesday this year, and although the Railroad House is typically closed that day, it will be open on February 14. A special menu of appetizers, entrées and, of course, some delectable chocolate desserts will be offered.

The Railroad House Inn is located at 280 W. Front St., Marietta. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight. Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (Sunday brunch served 11 a.m.-3 p.m.). Closed Monday and Tuesday. Reservations are suggested. Perry Street Cellar opens Wednesday through Saturday at 4 p.m. (available Sundays for private parties). For more information, call 426-4141 or visit railroadhouseinn.com or Facebook.com.

An ‘80s Makeover … Excellent!

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The ‘80s were all about doing things on a large scale. On the home front, huge windows, two-story great rooms, humongous kitchens and gargantuan baths ruled! Bruce Gingrich faced such a scenario when he was asked to transform a “busy” bath into a Zen-like retreat.

A lot of those ‘80s homes are now hitting the market. After all, by now their original residents are probably empty nesters who are ready to downsize or perhaps move to retirement communities. In neighborhoods where that holds true, ‘80s-era homes are being remodeled and redefined in order to bring them into the 21st century.

That premise is what took New Holland-based designer/builder Bruce Gingrich to Montgomery County during the height of the Great Recession. “There was nothing on the schedule,” he recalls. “It was scary. Then, I got a referral call from a couple in Ambler.”

Bruce took the appointment. The job involved remodeling a mudroom. “I figured I’d lose money on it,” he says, referring to travel time and the tab for gas, “but, at least I’d have a job.” He also provided jobs on a local level, as all the subs were based in Lancaster County.

Today, Bruce is very thankful that he took that job. Homeowners Sandra and Tom had just purchased their ‘80s-era home and planned to completely remodel it from the inside out. The very traditional house in no way reflected their urban/contemporary taste. “Over the past six or seven years, we’ve been slowly transforming the house,” Bruce explains, referring to exterior work and remodels of the aforementioned mudroom, all the bathrooms and a powder room. “We still have a lot to do, including the kitchen,” he notes.

Other clients from the neighborhood have come calling, as well. “I got three nice jobs from that one client,” he says of a kitchen, an attic suite and a revamped front entrance that came his way. “Each client refers to me as ‘my’ contractor,” he laughs.

IMG_3639

BEFORE

During their initial consults, Sandra impressed upon Bruce that she “is not into clutter.” With that said, you can imagine her reaction to the fact that all the walls in the very large master bath were covered in toile-patterned wallpaper. “It kind of made you dizzy,” Bruce says. The cabinetry was very Euro (not in a good sense), and one side of the room was dedicated to a boat-sized whirlpool tub and a gold-trimmed shower. “To this day, I’ve never met anyone who used those whirlpool tubs on a regular basis,” he remarks.

Floor-planBruce also had a problem that most remodelers would love to have: “The challenge was too much space,” he explains. On top of the generous amount of square footage, the ‘80s-style tray ceiling made the room all the more cavernous. “The goal was to create more symmetry,” he shares.

From a design and aesthetics perspective, spa-like was the goal. That was achieved with a palette of soft, natural colors. The dark finish of the his-and-her vanities and the dark-bronze tile with its wood-like texture serve to “anchor” the room. The re-configured tray ceiling that is accented by a contemporary lighting fixture, updated the room. The water closet’s entrance is also Zen-like, as frosted glass was used to create a sliding “barn door” that provides both privacy and a sense of light. Radiant heat, which operates via a programmable timer, warms the limestone floor.

Repeating certain design elements added to the flow of the room. For example, stone “rugs” cover the shower floor and lay beneath the soaker tub. The granite that tops the vanities was used as an accent throughout the room, and wall caps for the limestone wainscoting match the color of the vanities.

 

 

The no-clutter decree was addressed by hiding outlets inside closets/cabinets, providing plenty of storage (including a walk-in linen closet and shelving inside the tower that is adjacent to the entrance of the shower) and mounting the lights onto the mirrors.

Bruce names lighting as being a favorite aspect of his design work. He traces his lighting expertise to his college days at Millersville University, where he was an industrial arts education major. “I worked my way through college,” he says of serving on the lighting crews of area theaters, including the Fulton. In the end, he decided to bypass teaching and join the business that his father, Glenn Gingrich, founded in 1965.

This project represents the first time Bruce has entered a design contest on the local level since the 1990s. And, he came out a winner as it  took top honors in the bath-remodel division in last year’s Remodelers Awards of Excellence, which is sponsored by the Remodelers Council of the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County. “It feels good to be honored by my peers,” he says.

 

CreditsCredits

Design: Bruce Gingrich
General Contractor: Glenn Gingrich, Inc.
Site Supervisor: Daryl Sensenig
Tile & Stone: Quality Flooring
Tile & Stone Installation: Vernon Stoltzfus Custom
Sliding Door: Joel Bare Woodworking
Cabinetry: Horizon Kitchens
Granite: Lapp Tops
Paint: Aura/Benjamin Moore
Painting Contractor: Harmony Painting
Tub & Faucet: Signature Hardware Plumbing
Contractor: J. G. Graybill
Electrical Contractor: Spring Garden Electric
Lighting Fixtures: Yale Lighting Concepts & Design
Floor Heat: Warm Up
Shower Glass: H2
Shower Fixtures: Grohe & Hansgrohe

A Real “Second Act”

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Almost everyone has heard of Sarah Bernhardt. The renowned French actress, who starred on stages the world over and on screens in the very early days of cinema, is about to make a “return appearance” in Lancaster, when Candace O’Donnell brings her to life at The Ware Center in April.

The first thing you notice about Candace O’Donnell is her beautiful white hair. She shares she was all of 27 when it started turning gray. She feels no need to color it now. At the age of 74, Candace is very up front and honest about the subject of “age denial.” She sees no benefit in lying about one’s age and says, “If it is a defeat to get old, then we are all going to be defeated.”

Sarah Bernhardt saw things differently. “She lied constantly about her age,” Candace informs. Even her husband never really knew her age.

In fact, Bernhardt played Joan of Arc until the age of 65!  In her last appearance as Joan, there was a scene in the play in which the Bishop asks, “How old are you, Maid of Orleans?” And she answers, “I am 19 years old.” The audience reportedly went wild because they knew differently.

As for Bernhardt’s Lancaster connection, two years before her death and two years after one of her legs was amputated due to gangrene, Bernhardt appeared in the production of Camille at the Fulton Opera House.

Candace is best known for her one-woman shows that bring life to famous women from the past. She is presently in preparation for Sarah Bernhardt – La Divine and is getting a kick out of portraying someone who is her exact opposite.

But, Candace was not always an actress. The first part of her adult life was happily spent as an at-home mother and wife and part-time teacher. She did not pursue an active acting career until the age of 47, and she has no regrets about delaying her love of performing. “What’s the rush?” she likes to say. Candace is also a retired English professor, having taught at Elizabethtown College for 14 years. She is also a writer. Balancing Act, which relates to the aging process, appeared in Senior News, and she has also written for St. Anthony Messenger.

Her one-woman shows involve extensive amounts of research and writing. “I often find myself thinking I should have majored in history,” she says. She is aided by her husband of 49 years, John O’Donnell, who is a retired English professor and chair of the Department of English at Millersville University. John will be the person who introduces her to audiences as Bernhardt. While he is not an actor, he possesses a wonderful speaking voice.

Some of Candace’s past character portrayals include Mary Todd Lincoln, Abigail Adams and Carrie Nation. Other acting credits include Into the Woods (Ephrata Performing Arts Center), Music Man and My Fair Lady (Fulton Theatre), and Driving Miss Daisy (Brossman Theatre). She has also performed at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Sight & Sound Theatres, Rainbow’s Comedy Playhouse and the Theater of the Seventh Sister.

Candace is not the only actor in the family, which includes four children and eight grandchildren. You could say acting is literally in Candace’s blood as her strikingly beautiful mother was an “extra” in Hollywood at one time. Candace’s two sons, Sean and Brendan, have performed on the Fulton stage (Peter Pan among others). Her 10-year-old granddaughter, Finneghan Forrester, has performed in Fulton productions and will make a cameo appearance in the upcoming show as Bernhardt’s little sister, Regine. Another granddaughter, Keeghan McLane, has appeared at the Fulton, as has her brother, Lachlan McLane, who also took part in the Mary Todd Lincoln show by doing the voice-over for the stuttering Tad Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln’s son.

Candace maintains she enjoyed the best of all worlds by staying home with her children while they were growing up, enjoying a satisfying teaching career and then pursuing acting later in life. “I guess you can say I’ve been able to have my cake and eat it, too!” she says.

“Sarah Bernhardt – La Divine” can be seen at The Ware Center on April 28 and 29. For more information, call 871-7600 or visit artsmu.com.

Indian Echo Caverns

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Winter. Lifeless lawns, leafless trees and colorless shrubs only add to the dreary landscape, and it seems inevitable that you’ll come down with a case of the winter blues. The good news is I have the perfect cure for the blues and that other dreaded ailment, cabin fever. The prescription calls for a short drive toward Harrisburg, a sense of adventure and a thriving ecosystem hidden deep below the frozen surface called Indian Echo Caverns. Did I mention the temperature at this getaway is 52 degrees year-round?

Indian Echo Caverns is a beautiful and historic show cave located in Derry Township near Hummelstown. While it opened to the public in 1929, its geological history dates back more than 400 million years, when rushing water eroded the area’s limestone, thus creating the caverns.

When you arrive, you’ll need to head into the gift shop and purchase your tickets for the 45-minute cavern tour. Fortunately, the gift shop, playground, petting zoo and other activities will help keep everyone occupied until it’s your turn to explore the cave.

The only strenuous portion of the tour is at the beginning (and the end), as there are 71 steps to negotiate between the gift shop and the cavern’s entrance along Swatara Creek. As you enter the cavern, your guide will dive into details. You’ll get a great lesson on the different geological formations found within the caverns. This cavern has a number of spectacular features all its own, and the guides are great at pointing them out and providing quirky stories about each. They’ll also share the story of the mystery box that was found in the caverns in 1919, as well as the tale of William Wilson, the hermit who lived in the caverns for 19 years.

The next stop is the massive “Indian Ballroom”. This is the largest “room” in the caverns, and it sits at the intersection of the Eastern and Northern passages. At the end of the Eastern Passage, you’ll be enveloped by “total darkness” and experience what it must have felt like to be one of the early explorers before the lights were added.

From there, you’ll head back to the Indian Ballroom and into the Northern Passage. This is my favorite section of the caverns because of the water pools and the gorgeous “Wedding Chapel” that is located at the end of that passage. (Yes, weddings are held there.)

The caverns are open year-round (10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, expanding to 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day). Address is 368 Middletown Rd., Hummelstown, PA 17036. For more information, call 717-566-8131 or visit Facebook.

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