innkeeper's blog

Here in Lancaster County, the sight of Amish horse and buggies is almost ubiquitous. You can even take a ride in one and experience a piece of this charming culture. But what if you want to take the reins yourself and embark on a horseback trail ride? Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown offers just that—a chance to experience the beauty and tranquility of Lancaster County from horseback.

A short 20-minute drive from B.F. Hiestand House, Stone Gables Estate offers one-hour horseback adventures that take riders on an immersive journey through 275 acres of pristine forest, fields, and orchards. As you step back in time, the peaceful surroundings along miles of scenic trails transport you to an era of simplicity and natural beauty. The estate's gentle, well-mannered horses, paired with experienced equestrian guides, ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone.

The trails wind through the expansive grounds of Stone Gables Estate with picturesque views and the opportunity to spot local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for resident deer, turkey, fox, and more as you meander through this serene landscape. The trail even passes the fully restored Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, one of the many Instagram-worthy photo opportunities along the way. With the horses moving at a relaxed walking pace, you can fully take in the sights and sounds of nature.

No prior experience is necessary to enjoy a trail ride at Stone Gables Estate. The calm demeanor of the horses and the thorough pre-ride demonstrations provided by the guides ensure that even beginners feel comfortable and confident. These guided trail rides, available Tuesday through Saturday, make for a perfect outdoor activity — and something just a little different — here in Lancaster County.

Stone Gables Estate is not just a venue for horseback trail rides; it encompasses the historic Star Barn Village, St. Michael’s Vineyard, and Iron Stone Ranch. The Star Barn Village features eight majestic Gothic Revival-style barns, many dating back to 1877, that have been fully restored. Originally constructed in Middletown, the Star Barn has been a landmark on the Central Pennsylvania landscape for nearly 150 years and has been meticulously preserved to maintain its historical significance.

Your trail ride guide will share interesting stories about the estate's history and its year-round activities during your journey. Throughout the year, Stone Gables Estate hosts a variety of public events. These include concerts, a Christmas lights drive-thru, a Christmas Village, seasonal dinner shows, and more.  The estate is also home to the National Christmas Center Museum and the Harrisburg, Lincoln, and Lancaster Railroad, adding to its historical and cultural allure.

Horseback trail rides at the captivating Stone Gables Estate offer a unique and memorable adventure that can add a special touch to your next stay with us at B.F. Hiestand House. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a first-timer, the combination of stunning scenery, gentle horses, and knowledgeable guides creates an experience that you won't soon forget. Next time you find yourself in Lancaster County, make sure to carve out some time to enjoy this exceptional outdoor activity.

With summer's longer days, warmer temperatures and more sunshine, it's the perfect season to hit the links. Golf is a great way to enjoy time together, take in some fresh air and get a little exercise. If playing a round or two is on your vacation to-do list during your stay at B.F. Hiestand House, Lancaster County offers plenty of courses for avid golfers and beginners alike. With rolling fairways and manicured greens, you'll find the perfect course for your skill level where you can unwind on some challenging yet playable terrain.

The following public golf courses are listed in order of their distance from B.F. Hiestand House.

Highlands of Donegal | 650 Pinkerton Road, Mount Joy, PA
Located in nearby Mount Joy, just 4 miles from B.F. Hiestand House, Highlands of Donegal offers a unique and memorable golfing experience. Originally opened in 1998 as Groff’s Farm Golf Club, the 18-hole course's design was interlaced with the rolling hills of the countryside creating a natural flow with the land. Take advantage of Highland’s Pub with its beer selection and highly praised Highlands Burger.

Cool Creek Golf Club | 300 Cool Creek Road, Wrightsville, PA
Cool Creek Golf Club in Wrightsville is just 5 miles south from our historic inn. Here, you’ll find great rates for a great round of 18 holes. No matter the season, thanks to Cool Creek’s tee-to-green irrigation system you can play with the highest quality conditions. Don’t forget to unwind after your day of play and visit the SandTrap Lounge, equipped with TVs, dart boards and a deck overlooking the 18th green.

Four Seasons Golf Club | 949 Church St., Landisville, PA
Stop by Four Seasons Golf Club for a quality experience on one of Lancaster County’s finest public courses. Nestled between routes 30 and 283 in Landisville, this golf club offers beautiful views within its vast and rolling greens. Originally opened in 1962, Four Seasons became a municipal course when it was bought in 1989 by East Hempfield Township, which has committed to the course's continuous improvement. Its Blue Collar restaurant is worth the trip on its own, with a fantastic beer selection and full menu of salads, sandwiches, entrees, and hand-tossed pizzas.

Overlook Golf Course | 2040 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA
Come see why Overlook Golf Course has been voted the No. 1 golf course in Lancaster County by local players for over a decade straight. This 18-hole municipal course in Manheim Township dates back to 1926 and offers terrific views and challenging play for golfers at every skill level. Fairways and greens are well-groomed, and the staff are happy to give tips and tricks for maneuvering difficult holes and sneaky elevation changes.

Willow Valley Golf Course | 2416 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA
Looking for something scenic? Take a trip to Willow Valley Golf Course! Located in Lancaster, this 9-hole course presents wonderful vistas like water features, a barn, a chapel and, of course, its rolling greens. Willow Valley is an ideal course for beginners just getting started and seasoned golfers looking to practice their putting skills. No tee time required, so you can enjoy an impromptu round anytime.

Tanglewood Manor Golf Club | 653 Scotland Road, Quarryville, PA
Fancy teeing up on one of the best public courses in Pennsylvania? Then check out Tanglewood Manor Golf Club in southern Lancaster County, a great option for the golf enthusiast. Rated the fourth best value course in the U.S. by Golf Advisor. the course is in consistently great shape, and its challenging holes will give you a fair test of your play. Be mindful of the club's dress code when packing for your golf getaway weekend.

Each year, on the third Saturday in June, the charming town of Columbia, Pennsylvania, transforms into a vibrant hub of nostalgia and excitement. The Thunder on the River Car Show invites car enthusiasts to take a walk down memory lane, surrounded by the glimmering paint and polished chrome of over 400 vintage cars. This year, the event will be held on June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a perfect blend of classic cars, great music, good friends and delicious food. B.F. Hiestand House is less than 3 miles from downtown Columbia, making our historic bed-and-breakfast the perfect place to stay when you're in town for Thunder on the River.

Locust Street, the heart of Columbia along the Susquehanna River, is closed off for this spectacular event, turning into a sprawling showcase of automotive history. The street buzzes with energy as car owners and spectators share stories and admire the intricate details of vehicles from bygone eras. From sleek 1950s Cadillacs to rugged 1970s muscle cars, every corner of the show radiates with the charm of a different automotive epoch.

Sponsored by the Columbia Lions Club, Thunder on the River is more than just a car show. It's a community event with a heart of gold. The Lions Club, renowned for its charitable efforts, ensures that the proceeds from the event benefit numerous local charities. Vehicle owners also take part in the event's charitable mission by donating food and money to the Columbia Food Bank, directly supporting local families in need. This act of generosity is a testament to the spirit of the car show community and the overarching mission of the Columbia Lions Club.

In addition to the awe-inspiring cars, the event features dozens of trophies awarded to standout vehicles. Categories range from Best in Show to People's Choice, ensuring that every type of car has a chance to shine. The anticipation builds as the judges make their rounds, and the excitement peaks when the winners are announced, their hard work and dedication recognized with gleaming trophies.

As you stroll down Locust Street, the sounds of classic rock 'n' roll fill the air, provided by local bands that keep the atmosphere lively. Food vendors line the street, offering a variety of treats, from savory barbecue to sweet funnel cakes, ensuring no one leaves hungry.

Thunder on the River Car Show is a celebration of community, automotive history and charity. It's an event where past meets present, where the love for vintage cars brings people together, and where every polished hood and fender reflects the generosity of spirit that defines Columbia, PA. Come be a part of this unforgettable journey through time.

Not many businesses can say they've been around for more than 130 years. But Hinkle's Restaurant in Columbia has withstood the test of time. With a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, this beloved establishment has been serving up delectable dishes and warm hospitality for generations. When you stay with us at B.F. Hiestand House, we encourage you to grab a bite to eat at Hinkle's, where stepping through its doors is akin to taking a journey through time.

Samuel Hinkle opened Hinkle's Pharmacy and Restaurant in 1893 on the corner of Third and Locust streets in downtown Columbia, where it stands today. The business survived many waves, including the Great Depression and two world wars, staying in the Hinkle family for four generations. In 2017, Hinkle's was on the brink of closing when it was bought by Don and Becky Murphy and given new life. No longer a pharmacy, Hinkle's Restaurant seats about 200 at tables, booths and a counter. There's also an old-fashioned soda fountain and a gift shop and general store.

In the restaurant, diners can choose from 120 scrumptious menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dishes are classic and comforting, and favorites have remained on the menu for good reason — they're delicious! From Chesapeake Eggs Benedict that includes a house-made crab cake to Chicken Croquettes that are made using the same recipe and in the same way as they have been for years, Hinkle's menu items are made to order with fresh ingredients. And no meal at Hinkle's Restaurant would be complete without indulging in one of their decadent homemade desserts from behind the large glass case, such as rich chocolate cake or peanut butter silk pie.

As part of their renovations and updates, Hinkle's current owners brought back a nostalgic and authentic experience for customers — an old-fashioned soda fountain. It's a refashioned 1930s soda fountain with an antique dipping cabinet from Green’s Dairy. Bow-tie wearing “soda jerks” scoop Turkey Hill ice cream into cones and dishes or create sundaes, shakes and malts. Traditional sodas are made with an assortment of 10 syrups. If you're up for a challenge, order the Great Gatsby — 20 scoops with all the toppings and a cherry on top!

After you eat, stop in the gift shop called Murphy’s Mercantile & Co., located next door to the restaurant in part of the former pharmacy. The gift shop was inspired by old-time general stores and sells a variety of gifts, candy and other items that bring customers back in time. Murphy’s also takes pride in working with local artisans and makers who contribute handmade products to the shop.

In a world where restaurants come and go with alarming frequency, Hinkle's Restaurant stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and community. It's easy to see why — delicious food, welcoming ambiance, and rich history. It's no wonder that generations of diners have made Hinkle's a beloved fixture in Columbia. So the next time you find yourself in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, be sure to stop in at Hinkle's Restaurant and experience a taste of history for yourself.

In the early days of spring when the air is crisp and the cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom, the streets and parks of Marietta, Pennsylvania, are transformed into an open-air art studio during River Towns Plein Air. Sponsored by Marietta Art Alive, this annual event invites artists from near and far to set up their easels and capture the essence of our historic riverfront town in their artwork. At B.F. Hiestand House, we welcome visiting artists and encourage all of our guests to watch as these creators bring our beautiful river, historic streets and charming nooks to life on canvas.

Plein air painting, a French term meaning "in the open air," allows artists to immerse themselves in the landscape, capturing its colors, light and atmosphere in real-time. From April 10-17, juried artists will set up their easels along the Susquehanna River in Marietta and neighboring riverfront communities in what's designated as the Paint Out Area. They'll arrive with their canvases, brushes and a passion for translating the beauty of the region onto their art. Whether it’s the play of sunlight on the river’s surface, the classic architecture of old buildings or the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, these artists find inspiration at every turn.

On April 18, artists deliver their masterpieces to the Marietta Community House, in time for that evening's reception and the presentation of awards. Artwork will remain on display for a public exhibition through April 21. All of the plein air art pieces are for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Rivertowns PA USA, a nonprofit organization that works to promote, preserve and enhance the culture, heritage and related commerce of our Lower Susquehanna river towns.

A special Quick Draw Challenge will be held on April 13, open to anyone 18 and older, not just the juried artists. Quick draw artists must choose their subject within a several block area of downtown Marietta and have just two hours to create their art using oils, acrylics, watercolors, pencil, pastel or charcoal. Artwork is judged and prizes are awarded, separate from the main plein air event. The Quick Draw event is immediately followed by the Marietta Cherry Blossom Festival along Front Street, with live music, food and vendors.

River Towns Plein Air is more than an art festival; it’s a love letter to our historic river towns — a  celebration of their natural beauty and the spirit of artistic expression. If you're planning a trip to Marietta for this event, we hope you'll book your stay at B.F. Hiestand House. From our historic bed-and-breakfast, you can take a leisurely stroll to admire the creations of artists at work and perhaps discover a piece that speaks to your soul. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the magic of this charming river town.