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Rocky Springs B&B sits on the grounds of the former Rocky Springs Amusement Park which was a hub for entertainment and social activity in Lancaster, PA for more than 100 years.

During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s three steamboats provided transportation on the Conestoga River (located behind Rocky Springs B&B). The Lady Gay, (owned by John Peoples) and The Emma Belle and The Evelyn B. (both owned by Herman Griffiths) traveled from Bridgeport (at Witmer’s Bridge) one mile downriver to Rocky Springs Park and People’s Bathing Resort. Mr. Griffiths was the manager of Rocky Springs Park and lived in the mansion at Rocky Springs (now the Bed and Breakfast) with his family which included his wife, Emma, and children William and Isabella. 

Our Emma Belle room gets its name from the steamer, which was named after Herman Griffith’s wife, Emma and his daughter, Isabella.

What’s a mud sale?

Many Lancaster County towns and villages are protected by volunteer fire companies. These fire companies need to raise funds to pay for needed equipment and supplies, so they hold a sale/auction once a year. Think of it like a benefit auction. These fire company sales have been a regular event in Lancaster County since the mid-1960’s. They’re also known as “Amish Mud Sales”, and while a lot of Amish do typically attend a mud sale, they’re technically volunteer fire company sales.

When are mud sales?

Late winter and early spring work out best for local farmers (including the Amish) to be able to come to the sale because they have more time available before the spring planting season. Mud sales take place somewhere in Lancaster County almost every weekend through this time, although some do take place during the summer and fall as well. View the 2020 mud sale schedule for details.

Why is it called a “mud sale”?

Since many of the items are sold outside during potentially muddy Spring conditions, these events have earned the nickname “mud sales.”

Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster, Pa will launch QUEEN ESTHER in March, with shows running through December 2020. Sight & Sound takes entertainment to a whole new level, with a 2,000-seat auditorium, a 300-ft stage that surrounds the audience on three sides, state-of-the-art technology and live animals. Every show is an unforgettable event offering an uplifting message of hope.

www.sight-sound.com

Rocky Springs Bed & Breakfast is located within a 15-minute drive of Sight & Sound Theatre. 

Quilting is a rich part of Lancaster County’s history, and the American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek will feature these beautiful works of art made in Lancaster and other regions. Lancaster’s annual QuiltWeek event will be held at the Lancaster County Convention Center March 25-28. In addition to displaying the contest quilts, attendees can enjoy a variety of special quilt exhibits from around the world. QuiltWeek will feature workshops and lectures with top quilting instructors, and a huge Merchant Mall with vendors offering the latest machines, fabrics, and other tools used in quilt making.

www.quiltweek.com/locations/lancaster-pa

Rocky Springs Bed & Breakfast is located within a 10-minute drive of the Lancaster Convention Center.

On any given day you can be entertained by simply taking a drive through Amish country and observe signs around you. I am a native of Lancaster County and must admit, I am fascinated and entertained as well.

All of these places are about 10-20 minutes from Rocky Springs B&B and I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction when you spend a night or two.

From Shoo-fly pie to horse shoeing, or a handmade sign that an 8 year old made all by himself trying to sell bunnies, you are bound to find something that you just have to see or take home with you.

Cold homemade rootbeer or “meadow tea” which is any mint that happens to grow in your garden , Spearmint being the preferred choice, are always present at a picnic, when working in the fields or simply for a refreshing drink. Did you know that Lancaster County is the home of the original whoopie pie? The chocolate whoopie pie with vanilla center is the original, however, there are many different versions, from oatmeal to red velvet , pumpkin or even mint. Delicious, any way you try them. Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop is the best place to buy them anywhere around.

My Grandpa had a broom making machine and we would often watch him working in his shop. Once we raised broom corn in our garden and he made brooms for us. A hands-on lesson right in our own backyard. Can’t remember if it worked to make more enthusiastic sweepers out of us, though.

Many a parking lot has a hitching rail for horse and buggy parking at the grocery store, the bank, WalMart and even McDonalds.

There you have a small taste of what’s happening in the backroads of this place we call home. Stay tuned for more signs to come.

See you at Rocky Springs B&B soon.