lone person with me, a
maybe-17 year old girl who aggressively hops onto the treadmill next to me.
made a friend here, though that's to be expected in Lancaster, I guess.
I'm not sure how happy my wife is going to be to know I had met a complete stranger for a run all alone in the pre- morning darkness...
I'm off to Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, another site I would be inclined to say "Ho, hum" to, until I stroll through this meticulously recreated enclave with its shops, antiques-laden public spaces, and interesting, if not rus- tic-though-comfortable special event areas.
From a tourist's eyes, I see Landis Valley as the perfect place to stroll, especially on such a nice day. As a planner, I find it, like the Railroad Museum, to be com- pletely and acceptably out-of-the-norm.
Okay, so I hate the task of shopping, though I'm a sucker for a deal. I drive a few minutes down the road and into the Tanger Outlets. Kenneth Cole makes a tidy profit on this day thanks to one Kenneth Alan.
For dinner, I visit Fenz Restaurant & Latenight, a city-cool space run by a smooth operator himself, Robert Fenz. The slate gray interior is a nice backdrop for the splashy manhattans being poured for a nuzzling couple seated bar- side while I fork into cornmeal crusted fried oysters, followed by a dusky tagine of Moroccan vegetables. If John J. Jefferies is a foodies haven, then Fenz down the block is a sleek New American one.
The next morning...
I've no running partner on this soon-to- be sunny Sunday, so I hit the Marriott's fitness center early. There’s one other
78 May June 2012
I have mine revved to about 7 MPH. She turns hers up to 7.4. My ritual is to run full out for ten minutes, so I click the mill up to 7.6. Frantically, my "opponent" takes hers up to 7.8. She can barely stay on.
Enough of this silliness I think. I'm not taking the bait to "race.” It’s time to eat.
Soon, though, I'm off to one of Lancaster's premier meeting destina- tions, which also is its brunch-ing one; Best Western's Eden Resort offers creamy tones and golden glows throughout its 284 guest rooms, events and public spaces, and especially its spectacular indoor Courtyard with an impressive stone-tiered waterfall, flag- stone floors and station-after-hearty-sta- tion of brunch foods galore.
Here, every Sunday they come - fans and minions of the award-winning Champagne Brunch.
Think: The most bountiful buffet you've ever laid eyes on, and then triple its size.
I delved into bagels, fresh-baked breads, muffins and sticky buns. I hit the pasta station (hard), fork into cured meats and cheeses; freshly prepared crab cakes and sliced roast beef; lox and generous shmears of cream cheese awaited. Countless desserts called to me.
This gustatory orgy soon leads to a pleasantly welcomed food coma.
Blonde, handsome, raw boned and whip thin, Caleb, my driver and guide from Aaron and Jessica's Buggy Rides, extols the virtues of Amish life and the Mennonite way as we rolled peacefully along a quite country road and past farms and fields.
"You'll notice the absence of electrical poles and wires leading to the houses on this road,” Caleb points out to me. "As built up as it’s become around here, there are still many nearby who still practice the ways of old.”
The ride is relaxing, Caleb, informative, and the land - so close to my own home - holds a history so far removed from the life I lead.
www.amishbuggyrides.com
My yesteryear memories of family trips out to Lancaster make me recall those filling rides out to Plain & Fancy Farm, the landmark smorgasbord known for its family-style bounty - the original farm-to- table concept.
I am seated with Jeff and Pat (county natives), who say they venture to this renowned dining institution several times a year. Out comes the potato rolls and raisin bread; bowls of chow-chow and pepper cabbage; heaping plates of golden fried chicken, baked sausage, roast beef and chicken pot pie; copious sides, including mashed potatoes, dried sweet corn and green beans. There are desserts-a-plenty, too.
We feast while I make sure to keep my hands away from Jeff and Pat, who eat like there is no tomorrow.
Finally, it’s time to head home...
I ponder as I depart how utterly impressed I am by the renaissance I've witnessed and enjoyed for awhile - the caring community spirit, the funky shops and galleries, special event spaces, world-class restaurants, that outstanding convention center and those entertaining theaters.
I didn’t see Lady Gaga during my visit to Lancaster, though, I did one better: Geoff was the consummate tour guide and one heck of a running partner along those quaint Lancaster Streets.
Ken Alan is Vice President of Concierge Services for BPG Properties, Ltd. He is the founder of the Philadelphia Concierge Association and a contributor to several regional publications.
kalan@bpgltd.com
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