Civil War Trails

We enjoyed hosting the first group of riders for the three-day program on General Jeb Stuart's Raid Through Pennsylvania. The Beechmont Inn was the gathering spot for the group that went on to ride toward York, Carlisle, Hunterstown and the East Cavalry Field in Gettysburg.

Everyone enjoyed an orientation by guide Colonel Jim Boling (U.S. Army retired), who teaches at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, and then dinner and a good night's rest before starting out the next morning on the first leg of their ride.

The ride gave everyone a first-hand chance to enjoy the countryside while also learning about the actions and maneuvers of Stuart's cavalry and the opposing Federal troops. Each participant was given an informative trail guide with anecdotes to accompany detailed route instructions.

Sound good? More programs are being scheduled. For more information, check the Penn Trails website for dates and information on signing up for the next tour.

Holiday House Tours

December is a month when house tours are often scheduled for that special glance into grand old mansions that transport us back in time and usually take our breath away.

The Myers-Warehime Mansion in Hanover is one of those special places. Now owned by the Hanover Historical Society, the mansion is decked out for the holidays. Built around 1911, the property is one of Hanover's grandest. And right now there are collections of glass Christmas trees and bowls of brightly colored ceramic balls, and the dining room table is festive with holiday plates and a glistening chandelier. Hours are 10 am to 3:15 each Wednesday and Saturday through January 8, and 5:30 - 8:00 pm December 18 and 19.

Eighteenth and nineteenth century homes and buildings are ready for inspection during the House Tour in historic East Berlin on December 12 from noon until 5:00 pm. It's a great opportunity to see old colonial structures and some splendid Victorians with massive staircases and lovely woodwork. Most will be decorated for the holidays...need a few new ideas?

And if the house tours aren't enough, don't forget there are plenty of wonderful, locally-owned unique shops in the area. One of my favorites is The Christmas Haus. Each year the owners travel to Germany to work directly with the finest German artisans who supply the classic glass ornaments, charming smokers, traditional nutcrackers, wooden pyramids, and many more objects that will become your favorites. They are open seven days a week until Christmas.

And when you return from touring or shopping, there's hot tea and cookies waiting for you at The Beechmont. What a great way to relax and unwind!

See you soon!

Bed and Breakfasts Thank Veterans

What a great day! Last night we hosted active and retired military personnel as part of the national bed and breakfast salute to those who are serving and who have served in the armed services. Several couples enjoyed a special five-course chef's dinner at Bud's at Silver Run. Chef and owner Ken Lurie prepared a special, festive feast as he is known to do. Everyone was raving at breakfast this morning.

And speaking of breakfast, a good time was had as people talked and discovered how much in common they had, including two couples who discovered they lived within blocks of each other. There was lots of conversation about different posts and tours, all of which was accompanied by good natured joking and laughs.

So another special thanks to those who stayed at The Beechmont, and thanks to all of the men and women who give so much of themselves to our country. It was indeed a pleasure to have you at The Beechmont.

Mansion Music

Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream social and music concert on the grounds of the Warehime-Myers Mansion.

A century ago, lawn concerts were held as a way for a community to get together and socialize. The Hanover Historical Society has revived this wonderful tradition for an enjoyable evening out.

The ice cream social kicks off at 5:00 pm and before the concert begins you can stroll the grounds of the mansion that are filled with blooming flowers and century old trees. Barbershop quartets and jugglers are performing for your entertainment.

The next concert is July 7 and features a Patriotic Potpourri. Brass, Glorious Brass is scheduled for August 7, and a jazzy concert is planned for September 7. All concerts start at 6:00 pm.

Don't want to bring your own picnic basket? No problem. Sandwiches and beverages will be available for purchase from Warehouse Gourmet. Yum. One of our favorites here at The Beechmont.

Wine and Dine

We just noticed an announcement by the owner of Bud's at Silver Run of the repeat of a very special event to welcome summer. On Monday, June 21, Ken and the owners of College Square Liquors in Westminster are teaming up for a special pairings...15 wines, 15 appetizers and 15 giveaways to kick-off summer. Can you think of a better way? Call The Beechmont and reserve a room and we'll call Bud's at Silver Run and reserve your spot to join in the fun. Come early...I'm thinking we can't miss this special evening! P.S. Mention that you saw this announcement on our blog and we'll knock 15% off your room rate. Great wine, great food, great time at The Beechmont.

Gettysburg Events

The Gettysburg Festival recently posted their schedule for this June (www.gettysburgfestival.org). We are thrilled to know Christopher O'Riley and talented young artists from central Pennsylvania will be performing at the Majestic Theater. We have tickets front and center! If you're not familiar with pianist Riley and his program, check out www.fromthetop.org. This popular show is to be taped live for later broadcast on NPR throughout the country. Each artist performs, of course, and Mr. O'Riley interviews each about their background, family, hobbies, interests, and performances.

If you like performing arts, check out the schedule. Jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli will thrill audiences with his talent. And you'll be tempted to sing along on the familiar from Pirates of Penzance. But don't. My husband tells me no one should hear me sing but the shower walls.

The Gettysburg Festival runs June 18 - 27. We're offering a 10% discount to those who mention the Festival while making a two-night reservation at The Beechmont. Call us now and let us know you're coming!

Holiday Events

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is next week. The shopping list is long and I pick up the heritage turkey ordered in September this weekend, so I know the holidays are upon us! The day after Thanksgiving we begin the process of decorating The Beechmont, which takes almost a week and is one of my most favorite activities of the year. It's the annual uptick in energy and pace to get it all done.

If you haven't been to Gettysburg, Hanover, New Oxford or other neighboring towns in our area, consider a weekend away to enjoy some old-fashioned fun. Santa arrives in Hanover the day after Thanksgiving with a parade that starts at 9:00 am, and he visits with children of all ages throughout December in his cabin on the Square. Santa arrives in New Oxford on November 28 with a tree lighting ceremony at 5:00 pm, throwing his magic dust on the lights. There will be caroling, hot cocoa and cookies, too! And don't forget that Christmas Haus is just down the block.

Beginning Thanksgiving evening and continuing through December 19, experience a Candlelight Christmas Tour of the Shriver House in Gettysburg. The home will be decorated in period decor as you learn how the Shrivers celebrated the holidays in the 1860s.

The Eisenhower National Historic Site and the David Wills House will both be decorated for the holidays. The home of Dwight and Mamie will be decked out as the Eisenhowers had it decades ago.

If you haven't enjoyed the New Oxford Holiday House Tour, make a date this year to see a special group of private homes open to the public from noon to 5:00pm on Sunday, December 13. It's a treat to see these wonderful old structures that are so lovingly cared for, and for at least an afternoon, shared with all of us.

So, the projects and wrappings are strewn about the kitchen counter and dining room table. You're getting there, but you want some time to yourself. So, why aren't you here? We've got a room for you, we're ready with suggestions for dinner, and there are quaint shops and small towns to explore. Give us a call. We're waiting for you!

Until next time,
Kathryn