After Eight Bed & Breakfast Blog ...

Laughter might not be the "best" medicine, but it sure can help to boost your mood and relieve stress. And let's be honest, we could probably all use a good laugh. The science behind laughter is that it reduces stress hormone levels, such as cortisol and epinephrine, and increases...

Have you ever heard of a mud sale? The term "mud sale" refers to the annual auctions held by volunteer fire companies throughout Lancaster County to raise funds for needed equipment and supplies. They'...

It just might be nature's sweetest time of year: maple sugaring season. It's the natural world's signal that winter is transitioning to spring, because collecting maple sap requires a delicate balance between below-freezing nights and warmer days. Here in Lancaster County, maple...

Just a short drive north of our historic inn, Lititz is frequently touted as one of the most charming towns in Pennsylvania, and it's easy to see why. Unique shopping, historical sites, delectable dining, quaint parks and more. When you stay with us this February, you'll want to check...

Lancaster County is famous for its Amish quilts which are both decorative and practical. Amish women started quilting in the mid-1800s. As the Amish eschew modern conveniences and pleasures, there was some initial resistance to quilting because it is a social activity. However, the practicality...

Celebrate the season with a night out at Central Pennsylvania's nationally regarded regional theatre, The Fulton Opera House, known locally as simply The Fulton. Located in historic downtown Lancaster, The Fulton is reportedly the oldest working theatre in the United States and has played...

The holidays are a time for traditions—enjoying long-standing ones and creating new ones! “Winter Wonderland” is the theme of the Christmas Show at the American Music Theatre (AMT), a beloved Lancaster County tradition. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone for whom the...

If you crave a sweet treat after a meal (or any time of day), Lancaster County is chock-full of bakeries offering a wide selection of delicious treats to satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth. Many bakeries convenient to our After Eight Bed & Breakfast are family-run and known for...

A man struck by a train long ago, a spinster sister banned from the family mansion, convicted criminals hanged after being found guilty at trial, and a silent movie star. These are just a few of the spirits reported to haunt historical locations and buildings throughout Lancaster County. You can...

Lancaster County's countryside is well-known for its scenic views and stunning landscapes. And there’s no better place to get a bird’s-eye view of Amish Country than going hot air ballooning. From up in the clouds you’ll get amazing views Amish farms, horses and buggies,...

Crazy for corn mazes? Passionate about pumpkin picking? Wild about wagon rides? If your favorite time of year is pumpkin spice season, then you'll want to visit Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, where there is no shortage of fall fun! Located just five minutes from After Eight Bed & Breakfast...

Fresh air, open roads and beautiful rural landscapes. For the ultimate Lancaster outdoor adventure, why not explore the Amish countryside, its farmlands and covered bridges on a scooter? Yes, that's right – a 50cc Honda Metropolitan scooter to be exact. Strasburg Scooters offers guided...

Soft pretzels are pretty much their own food group here in Lancaster County. These twisted culinary delights are the legacy of the region’s Pennsylvania Dutch (Palatine Germans) who emigrated here in the 1700s and brought with them the art of making "bretzels." America's...

The second of ten children, James Buchanan was born in a log cabin in Pennsylvania in 1791, graduated from Dickinson College, became a lawyer in Lancaster and went on to become a congressman, senator, ambassador and Secretary of State. In 1857 at the age of 66, he was elected the 15th...

Once dominating the rivers and streams of our American landscape, more than 12,000 covered bridges were built in the United States. However, fewer than 1,000 remain today. Of all the states, Pennsylvania has the most and 25 of them can be found in our own backyard in Lancaster County. Known as...

To celebrate the day King Charles II of Great Britain granted William Penn the charter that founded the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all museums managed by the state will offer free admission. This year, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission will celebrate the Commonwealth’s...

Lancaster County has an interesting tradition… neighboring towns spring to life on a rolling schedule on Friday nights. Every Friday is a special event somewhere in Lancaster County. It’s downtown Lancaster’s turn on the...

It’s known by several names, but Lancaster County’s favorite way to celebrate the day before the first day of Lent (Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras) is with fasnachts. Translated into English as “fast night”, the tradition is traced back to the custom of using up...

Visitors to Lancaster with a soft spot for sweets will be delighted by Hershey’s Chocolate-Covered February. More than 90 chocolate-inspired events will be held throughout the month, from family-friendly chocolate lab classes to delicious wine pairing events. The best part is that...

Nestled along the Conestoga River in Lancaster County Central Park, one of the city’s most historic buildings remains largely unchanged. The four-story Georgian-style brick mansion of Rock Ford Plantation features a wraparound porch on three sides, breathtaking period furniture, and...