We've had a great week enjoying PA since leaving Gettysburg --
Outside of York we toured the Harley Davidson factory.
A day in Hershey sampling the treats -- this was the chocolate tasting "class" where we learned about the growing and harvesting of cocoa beans.
Getting ready to make our own chocolate bar, complete with a personalized label. They are very serious about their hygiene; we're not sure why since we were nowhere near the chocolate, it was all behind glass.
The Hershey factory has gone upscale since Craig and I were here in 1992, though they still have the same ride which simulates a factory tour. The only change, they've added singing cows. I'm not sure it's an improvement.
Toured an old-fashioned pretzel "factory" in Lititz -- settled in the late 1700's by Moravians escaping religious persecution. This shop produced hard baked pretzels -- which came about by accident. As an apprentice, Mr. Sturgis often got too busy playing and forgot to take the pretzels out of the oven. His master didn't think anyone would want crunchy pretzels, so years later, Sturgis built his own ovens at the back of the house where he was raised.
Houses in Lititz from the late 1700's. I find them very charming, and luckily have seen similar ones throughout the area.
Amish country -- Garvin said we could stop telling him when a buggy was coming by, but I haven't tired yet of hearing the clip clop of the hooves.
Our view from our parking spot. In the space of about 15 minutes, all the spots were filled, and there was another buggy parked to the right. We saw a much larger version of this horse port at the Wal-Mart!
Garvin, so happy to sample delicious jams and jellies. We walked out of there with three jars of varying flavors.
Holding a chick at the farm where we also experienced the corn maze extravaganza.
Just before entering the maze. We were not successful in solving it, and had to take the easy exit. After an hour, we decided hot cider and a donut were more appealing.
And, because in the van Dernoot family we brake for weapon stores, and Renaissance festivals, we spent the day at Pennsylvania's festival. Garvin had a blast, and thinks we all need period costumes. Luckily Garvin brought his own bow and arrows, with quiver (all bought at a Renaissance festival during our travels in Mexico), Robin Hood hat, wrist and finger guards. We had at least four people stop us and ask if the bows were being sold there.
Your trip sounds perfectly wonderful! You have done many of our favorite things in that area of PA, including Lititz. There's also a potato chip factory (Herrs), a Crayola factory in PA and, of course, PA has the most amusement parks of any state. Hershey Park is usually open for Halloween fun as well, if that's your thing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you all are enjoying yourselves. I agree that PA is wonderful!