Travellers who travel the crowded, frenetic I-81 south to Florida probably think of Pennsylvania as that hilly, twisty stretch of mountainous road. Yet, only a few miles east, you can find a prosperous community of farmers living on gently rolling land. If you are looking for a place to visit where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, try Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
A tour of the Amish communities shows you a different way of living in a frenzied world. Later, you might drop into the Strasburg Railway Museum, and afterward ride the Strasburg scenic railroad through some of the best agricultural land in the east.
One of my favourite stops has to be the Fulton Steamboat Inn. However, happening upon what looks like a large steamboat in the middle of town, seems a bit odd. Could it be because the inventor of the steamboat in the USA resided only a few miles away? And this Inn is a living tribute to his achievements.
Okay, so it’s not a boat, but it is one of the finest places to lodge in the area. I believe fine settings reveal the truth about a business, and the Fulton Steamboat Inn bears this out. Firstly, the gaily painted structure that resembles an old steamboat grabs your eye as you pull into the parking lot. The tall smokestacks look ready to spew jet black smoke into the air, as the steamboat pulls into the steam. But the stream isn’t there. In its place, is a picturesque pond, surrounded by flowers and well-tended shrubs. A columned pavilion graces a prime relaxing area on a green mowed lawn. Along the bank you will find scattered white Adirondack chairs where you can relax and view the pond where several ducks paddle seeking food, and you can watch the fountain spray its cooling mist into the breeze.
Sheltered by trees, in season loaded with flowers, is a replica of a ship all decked out as a children’s play
centre complete with slide.
My wife and I stopped at the Inn to sample the fabulous food of the Huckleberry Restaurant. The ambiance was amazing. Fine wooden tables surrounded by old fashioned padded wooden chair set the scene for a comfortable meal with friends, or alone. Across one side of the room are segmented windows, with attractive drapes to pull across when the weather is not so nice outside. There is a fireplace cased in with beautifully engraved woodworks. Nearby is a large painting of a large river sidewheeler. Below our feet, is a printed soft looking carpet, which is not only giving a feeling of comfort, but tends to keep the noise level low.
That and the friendly, attentive service could only make our wonderful meal, even greater. In this case, the Huckleberry’s famous Pot Roast, roasted slowly to bring out the flavour, accompanied by fresh veggies and a perfect beef gravy did the job. If you attend on Friday or Saturday night you will be entertained by an evening of Bill Horn and live music.
The Fulton Steamboat Inn certainly provides great food, nice surroundings and some great beds on which to place your heads at the end of a long day discovering what Lancaster has to offer.
Happy RVing !
For more than four decades James Stoness has travelled the roads of North America, photographing and writing about what he has seen. His travel articles and beautiful pictures have been published in several magazines and newspapers. He is also the author of five western novels, a science fiction novel, and an adventure novel.
Recent Comments