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By Melanie Lauwers and Russ Charpentier of the Cape Cod Times. | Country Gardens Farm Vacation Brings Children Face to Face with Small Miracles! Four children and five adults stood open-mouthed and wide-eyed in the recesses of the dark barn. On the straw in front of them lay a goat giving birth. As Snowflake, the mother goat, went to work cleaning up her new baby, the excited children, ages 6-10, agreed among themselves on the new baby's name. Oreo, for its black and white markings. For more than an hour afterwards on this Wednesday evening, the guests at Country Gardens Farm Bed and Breakfast watched in delight and awe as the newborn goat started taking to it's feet, began to nurse and then, curious as all youngsters are, moved it's wobbly way toward the excited children. A night never to be forgotten? You bet! As are most mornings and evenings at this unique bed and breakfast in Lancaster County, Pa. The Zieglers are special hosts, with a deep regard for what makes their area special and the desire of their guests for good food, comfortable sleep and a family friendly atmosphere. Everybody looks forward to chores and wouldn't think of heading out for the day until they're completed. Shoes left on the porch overnight (not to be worn in the house) are donned for the playtime in the goat pen. Every child and adult is encouraged to snuggle a baby goat, feed animals and check the barn for new arrivals. Barn cats are petted, noisy ducks are shoed away and children are given the responsibility of making sure that every animal gets some attention. Next, it's off to the henhouse, where eggs are collected in baskets and the chickens are rounded up and sent back to lay more eggs! Last year, our youngest (Natalie) was pronounced the "best darn chicken-chaser" at Country Gardens, a name she wore proudly. Our older daughter, Emma, helped nurse a weak newborn goat back to health. Finally, Gordie hitches up the tractor to a hay wagon and takes everyone for a ride around the fields. It's short, uncomplicated and, for some reason, a pleasure! After chores, guests head out for their own activities. Hershey Chocolate World and Park, Battlefields at Gettysburg, National Toy Train Museum in Strasburg, Cabela’s outfitters, the historic Sturgis Pretzel Factory in the lovely village of Lititz, and the shops of Lancaster, Bird in Hand, Intercourse and Lititz, all loaded with Amish crafts and foods. Golf, hiking, fishing and swimming are all nearby. Gordie is a wealth of information on local attractions, but he also advises guests to just go get lost on the back roads of Lancaster County and see what they find! At the end of each day we were happy to get back home, to the farm to the swings hanging from a beam between two trees, to the rockers on the front porch, to the other families staying there with whom we swapped the days events, to watching the kids play card and marble games on the floor (no one mentioned TV), to the deep green lawn and the baby goats. Because you never know what new miracle might have arrived while you were away! |
Check-in time is 4-7 p.m. or by special arrangement.
Check-out time is 10 a.m.. No smoking indoors.
No pets please. Payment by Cash or Personal Check.
Reservations are appreciated, but
drive-ins are welcome.
A two week cancellation notice is required
506 Rock Point Road
Mount Joy, PA 17552
For reservation and room availability, please call 717-426-3316
gbziegler@yahoo.com