My Top 7 Favorite Travel Blogs

These are my top 7 favorite travel blogs. That's right I said top 7, not top 10. I like the number 7. There are 7 colors of the rainbow, 7 days of the week etc... I could go on but my blog post is not about the number seven but rather about my top favorite travel blogs right now. I just wanted to make you aware cause you will probably hear me reference seven a lot.

Okay, so lets get started. First of all let me tell you this was NO easy task.  There are many wonderful wonderful travel blogs that are not listed here, but you may find them at a later date. And I couldn't possibly read all the travel blogs that are out there, there are far too many. So, hang on here we go...

http://www.elliott.org/category/blog/ - What can I say about Chris Elliot's blog? Chris is just an awesome all around guy who is a consumer advocate and journalist.  He will keep you on top of all the latest in Travel.

http://atravelerslibrary.com/ - Love to read? Love Travel? So do I,  this blogger combines the best of two worlds.


http://www.gadling.com/ - Your one stop for everything travel. From travel news, travel tips, and everything fun and exciting in the travel field.


http://www.padutchcountryblog.com/  - Staffers of the Pa Dutch CVB give you information about Local activies and events in Lancaster county along with attractions to visit.


http://blog.artistinn.com/ - See Lancaster county Pa Dutch country through the eyes of local  innkeepers. A very informative blog.

http://amishamerica.com/ - Join Erik Wesner as he teaches you about Amish traditions. He has visited over 30 Amish communities.

http://www.yorkblog.com/ - This is the blog for York County.  It is jam packed with information about York County, the the county I was born and raised in.  Where to eat, where to visit, what to see, and  pa dutch traditions and much more.

Some of the authors of the blogs have written books. Please go check them out you will be glad you did.  Also I included an extra book which is a cookbook for this area by Phyllis Pellman Good.  I will be posting more on her later. So go ahead, see what new books you can add to your library!

A Day in York City Pennsylvania

Thursday I went in to York city for a bite to eat and what a fantastic day I had. First I stopped off at J.r.s Fresh Cut French Fries in Central Market House for a shrimp combo. The shrimp combo includes fries and a drink all for 7.50! The shrimp was good, and of course the fries were good as always. If you have never tried J.R.s you really should. It's a very inexpensive and tasty meal. Not to mention the people are very friendly.

Then I strolled on over to see Sarah at Nuts About Granola. She is also located in the market. I got the greatest Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola, it's called Lover's Combo. If you haven't tried the granola, it is highly recommended. Sarah's granola is so good her granola was actually featured on Rachel Ray. That's right Rachel Ray, I guess that puts Sarah like in Celebrity status. I will be visiting Sarah quite frequently I think, because now I am officially hooked on her granola.

Then I headed over to the  York book emporium to meet with Jim Lewin and find out about his bookstore. We sat and had coffee and talked about the store and it's history and the types of things the emporium carries. Jim keeps free coffee available for the customers, which I think is a nice added touch. Then Jim gave me a grand tour. After I talked to Jim I set off on my own in the bookstore.  It's the first time I was ever in there. It was huge, I thought I was going to have to stick up a flag for him to come find me. If your like me and you love books, then you will love this bookstore. This is not your typical used bookstore, nor any bookstore for that matter.The York book emporium offers everything from antiques to old military items, collectibles, music, you name its there. I was in there singing and dancing to the music that was playing. No not in my head I mean literally.  Who knew you could have so much fun in a bookstore. Oh and did I mention it is very affordable? Yes again Jim put's the big internet gurus to shame.  This is my new favorite bookstore!

Animal Rescue Inc.

Animal Rescue is a no kill shelter located in  New Freedom, Pennsylvania (York County) .  This is a great place to adopt a cat or dog.  There are many many wonderful animals to choose from.  I personally know this from experience because when I am not busy with my travel business then I work there a few hours a week.  The owners are wonderful they really go over and beyond for all the animals.  All the animals there are very loved. The picture above is me sitting in my co-workers building with her cats. No makeup, hair not done, watch out!

The cats and dogs are so lovable.  Below is a picture of Tasha.  She hangs out with me in the laundry room.

Come visit yourself.  You can reach the shelter at 717 993-3232.  To see more adoptable pets go to 
http://animalrescueinc.org/ 

UnCork York Tour De Tanks 2010

Yesterday I spent a wonderful day on the wine trail with my friends. Part of the UnCork York wine trail in Adams county. Adams County is one of the ten counties in Pa Dutch country. We started off the day  at Reid's Orchard. They had a nice strawberry wine and great applesauce.  Then we headed over to Hauser winery.

Hauser winery is situated on top of a hill which over looks acres of  woods, orchards, and farmland.  They have a really neat tasting room which is glass enclosed all the way around so you get to enjoy a breathtaking view. Hauser winery had a few wines that were unfinished that you could taste.  And then you were able to sample the finished product.  I am really excited about the sparking peach wine to come in June. They had a variety of dry wines to choose from.  One of my favorites there was the Merlot. Our next and final stop was Adams County Winery.

Adams County winery is located just west of Gettysburg. The winery is inside an old Pennsylvania Barn. Two of the wines they are known for are Tears of Gettysburg and Rebel Red.  We took a tour of the winery and then we went into the tasting room and gift shop.  While there we met two other couples .  We all decided to go out for dinner.  We went over to Little Italy in Biglersville.  We were able to take our own bottle of wine in to have with our meal. It was a great time!

Pennsylvania Dutch Cookie Coffee

One day when I was out and about I decided to stop at Intercourse Canning Company a place where many visitors like to head to get PA Dutch canned goods.  When I walked in a looked over to the right and saw a big row of coffee.  Being the big coffee drinker I am I headed right over there.  There was so much to choose from I had a hard time deciding.  So I decided to narow it down to four and then I would choose two.  I narrowed it down to Pennsylvania Dutch Cookie, German Chocolate Cake, Kahlua n Cream, and Rainforest. So from there I decide I would go home with the Pennsylvania Dutch Cookie and Rainforest. I had the guy at the store grind one bag for me and the other I decided I would grind myself.

I headed home with my prized coffees. I quickly open the package of the PA Dutch Cookie coffee and thew some of the aromatic beans into my grinder.  While it was brewing the whole house smelled of PA Dutch sugar cookies.  I was so excited I could hardly wait.  Once it was finished brewing I poured a cup of this dark delight.  A little creamer and sugar and I was good to go.  I took the first sip and I was delighted.  To me it tasted like those Pa Dutch sugar cakes we make around here.  It had the flavors of vanilla with a hint of cinnamon.  I would purchase it again in the future. They have a special where when you buy so many bags of coffee you get one free.