Inn with the Old!

Most folks love new things and I am no exception, especially if it’s a gadget for the kitchen or pair of shoes.  But what really makes my heart beat fast is something old.  Something that has stood the test of time, been loved and cared for and has a well-worn patina.

Bruce was brought up in a household that always loved antiques.  But I didn't have much exposure to them until I met him.  And so a whole new world opened up when we started dating.  And my love affair with all things old is still going strong.

Friends were visiting last weekend.  They started out as guests in 2002, and after spending many weekends antique shopping, we have become friends.  These are dangerous folks because they have elevated the art of buying antiques to a level of incredible taste and style.  They asked us to go to the VillageBarn Antique Shop in nearby Churchtown.  While we had been there before, they said that the quality of the antiques was remarkable.  And so we innocently set out for a quick visit.

And there it was.  Across the room.  It was love at first sight.

Bruce and I have always wanted a grandfather clock, and we could kick ourselves for passing one up at auction several years ago.  They seem such a distant relative from the modern high-tech digital clock. And to have one that is beautiful, functional and patiently ticks - a piece of furniture instead of an accessory.

And so we talked....well, not for long.  But we did try to learn what we could.  

It was made in 1820 in Philadelphia by Thomas F. Joyce. This is the year that:

- Maine is admitted as the 23^rd state,
- Tomatoes are proven to be non-poisonous,
- Missouri imposes a $1 bachelor tax on unmarried men between 21 and 50, and
- 67 Philadelpians die of yellow fever in September.

A different time indeed.  You can't help but wonder who it was that first wound this clock.  And so it was decided, we'd take it home.  Now began the process of taking it apart,

inluding the pendulum

the weights

and the face.  We learned how to set it, wind it,

and level it. 

We finally welcomed it to The Artist's Inn!

with plenty of ceiling space

Not in the market for a clock?  No problem.  The Village Barn is only ten minutes from the inn, is open every day but Tuesday and Wednesday and has so many wonderful items.   It's located in a restored century old tobacco warehouse in Lancaster County.

We’ve bought several antiques before, but on my list right now are:

An adorable French lunchbox - the green one on the left

This antique tray

This really neat apple butter bucket (not sure what I'd do with it as it is REALLY big!)

and I loved these boots as well.  But our friends bought those, so I'll get to see them whenever we visit. Here are some more items that you might like!

But you are warned.  Visiting this shop may result in falling in love with something irresistable, something you may have never seen.....something old.

Great Places to Shop in Lancaster County - Second in a Series

Just 5 miles from The Artist’s Inn is the quaint outdoor antique and collectibles market of Shupp’s Grove. Tucked away in a shady corner of Lancaster County, Shupp’s Grove attracts antique dealers and buyers from near and far. It is the oldest outdoor antiques market around – that’s saying something since Adamstown is known as the Antiques Capital of the USA.

In fact, if you’re a fan of the Antiques Roadshow, you may find it interesting that Leslie and Leigh Keno got their start at Shupp’s when their dad was a dealer – we once saw a picture taken of them with 70’s hairstyles.

Admission is free, parking is free, fun is free. And, if you find what you didn't know you were looking for, well, that's when the free ends but the fun continues.
I really liked these outdoor "sculptures",


while Bruce finds it hard to pass up a Barrister bookcase.


And you just never know when you'll need another doorstop.
Or WWII ammunition?



Over the years, we’ve purchased all kinds of things – Christmas gifts, an old buggy seat that we use as coffee table for the Carriage House, antique linens,


furniture, even an old plunger to hold extra rolls of toilet paper at the Olde Stone Cottage.

You just never know what you’ll find!


Do not miss a stop at the bath house. There are not many places that have restrooms this nice. Fresh flowers and a real fireplace in the fall – that’s my kind of restroom!

Shupp’s also has several places to stop for a bite to eat and build up more energy for shopping.

If you look on their website, you can find the listing of special themed weekends. Dealers ranks swell during the three Antiques Extravaganzas – the last full weekends of April, June and September.

So, if you enjoy the romance of the woods, the thrill of the hunt and the euphoria of “the big find”, make sure you head to Shupp’s Grove. But hurry, they are only open April through October.

Girls Just Wanna……..Go Shopping in Lancaster!

We think that Cindi Lauper would agree….you have fun when you go shopping. And, as you can see in these pictures, it seems the guests at The Artist's Inn never run out of places to shop. What better way to carry on a conversation, discover new things, stop for lunch, and generally…have fun.

The thrill of the hunt is just ten minutes away in Adamstown (the center for antiques shopping in Lancaster County). Two huge warehouses and lots of little shops and outdoor flea markets await you. Whether you are adding to a collection or just browsing and open to new ideas, it’s a great place to visit. We’ve found many a treasure for our inn, cottage and carriage house in Adamstown.

Of course the outlets are here – three centers in fact – VF in Reading, Tanger and Rockvale in Lancaster. We are smack in the middle between Reading and Lancaster, so you can take your pick of bargains. Amish quilts, local crafts and small interesting shops can be found on the back roads throughout Lancaster County. They may not be listed on the major tourist maps, but you are sure to enjoy these special gems.

Be sure to leave room in your car for some of Lancaster’s bounty, whether it’s home-grown produce, nursery plants or pumpkins in the fall. Our fields burst with corn, tomatoes and squash in all varieties. And if you like flowers, trees and shrubs…..there are at least 8 nurseries within a 15-minute drive of Terre Hill.

Don’t forget our “sales”. Outsiders may refer to these as auctions. It’s a great way to mingle with the locals and catch great prices. Many auctions take place every week, while the mud sales (to benefit our local fire companies) typically take place in the Spring. You’re liable to catch auction fever if you go!

Lest you think only girls like to have fun, we recently had a guest who bought 29 quilts at a local auction. Everyone on his list is getting a quilt for Christmas!

So, the next time your girlfriends want a getaway, bring them to Lancaster – they just wanna have fun and go shopping! And you just may find your picture on our blog!