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An Anti-Mall Holiday Shopping RetreatPeddler’s Village, Lahaska, PennsylvaniaBy Sheree BykofskyAny way you approach Peddler’s Village, the last few miles will be beautiful. Smack in the middle of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is the lovely vision of its founder, the late Earl Jamison: a county village with shops, country inn, and festivals, where families and individuals can relax, shop and dine. Opened in 1962, Earl’s vision to create a quaint shopping town came true in the form of fourteen shops on six acres of land, formerly known as “Hentown,” built among farms and meadows in Bucks County. Now the village has become a multi-faceted getaway that encompasses 70 shops, a post office, eight restaurants, a country inn and a family entertainment center, all right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Earl’s family still runs the show and has preserved his vision of a warm, inviting, wholesome place. It’s the perfect venue to take your family while you enjoy some completely stress-free and aesthetically pleasing shopping.
Spend the day walking around the grounds and shopping. The grounds showcase Earl Jamison’s interest in landscape and horticulture, and nowhere is that more apparent than the beautiful Village Flower Shoppe in the heart of the village. The store specializes in greenhouse plants, European-designed silk flower arrangements, and exquisite home goods. My favorite shop is Sundance by Marano, where you can find hand-blown glass, jewelry, paintings, and artistic gifts by talented craftspeople. All of the clothing stores at Peddler’s Village are boutiques with cute, eclectic themes; Chico’s is the only national shop. There’s a store called PJs and Jammies that carries only what it’s called, a leather shop, Sterling Leather, and Cotton Company Signature, which focuses on bringing customers New York fashions at affordable prices. And make sure to pick up some crunchy, delicious Kettle Korn Krunch from The Nut Kettle as you’re carting your bags around!
If you live nearby and don’t need to stay overnight at Peddler’s Village, it’s worth stopping by in the evening just to enjoy a wonderful meal. Dining in Peddler’s Village is superb. One of the restaurants, Cross Culture, serves healthful and mildly spiced Indian food. With a traditional villagey exterior and an eastern-inspired interior complete with paper lanterns and Indian fabrics, Cross Culture aims to open up palates to the tastes of India.
The Cock ‘n Bull is the flagship restaurant on property. With its traditional Pennsylvania country atmosphere and American fare, the Cock and Bull makes you feel like it’s Thanksgiving every day. More casual and moderately priced than Earl’s Prime, this older restaurant has a homey feel in keeping with the whole of Peddler’s Village. If you’re visiting during the holidays, definitely stop in here to kindle your festive spirit and enjoy some hot cider, prime ribs, baked brie, and chicken pot pie.
There are festivals year round at the village, most notably the Apple Festival and the Strawberry Festival, but the most magical is the Christmas season. During Christmas the village is particularly wonderful for people who are allergic to mall shopping. Peddler’s Village provides the ultimate anti-mall experience. IF YOU GO: The Golden Plough Inn at Peddler’s Village Skin ‘n Tonic Earl’s Prime Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant Credit images to Peddler’s Village Public Relations Department |
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Tired
of driving to malls and having to park a mile away from the door? Take some of
the pressure off by visiting Peddler’s Village instead and staying at the Golden
Plough Inn. The 70 rooms that make up the Inn, some of which have doublesized
whirlpools, fireplaces, or both, are scattered throughout the village, connected
by brick walkways and surrounded by pristine landscaping. Each is uniquely
decorated with antiques, old bookshelves with leather-bound books, and homey
furniture, designed to make guests feel they’re in a country lodge. The charming
and comfortable rooms are each appointed with a complimentary bottle of
champagne, soft drinks, and a basket of local treats, and all rooms are equipped
with wireless Internet access.
After
a morning of shopping and carrying packages, what can be more compelling than a
90 minute aromatherapy massage a the day spa Skin ‘n Tonic, which is everything
a spa should be. For your massage you’ll be led to a heated bed that changes
shape for maximum comfort. There’s a comfortable, relaxing waiting area with a
nice selection of magazines and books. Though you’ll want to escape shopping for
a little while, the store in front with its very unique and delicious pyramid
shaped hot teas (Forte) will make you want to take home some as gifts. The spa
shop was voted 2006 Best Retail Day Spa by Dayspa magazine.
Opened
in July 2005, Earl’s Prime is the newest and finest restaurant on the property.
The décor and New American menu have a cosmopolitan feel appropriate for a
business lunch or a romantic dinner. Slide into a romantic, candlelit booth and
uncork a bottle of Dolcetto D’Alba Rivetto to compliment the surf and turf menu.
Even if you’re not a veggie lover you’ll appreciate the flavorful, perfect
broccoli along with the seafood tier with clams, oysters, shrimp and lobster.
For a main course, feast on a fourteen ounce Australian lobster tail and save
room for a heavenly dessert such as coconut cake. The steaks and seafood served
at Earl’s Prime are quickly establishing the restaurant’s place as a regional
landmark. Earl’s Prime is the very epitome of fine dining and could contend with
the best of “big city” dining.
Each
season has something special to offer at Peddler’s Village, but November and
December are extra special because you can change the drudgery of Christmas
shopping into a delightful winter vacation and come home with the best gifts for
everyone in your life. Be sure to see the gingerbread competition featured in
the gazebo from November through January. It’s unveiled at the Grand
Illumination, which takes place the Friday before Thanksgiving when Santa Claus
flicks the switch to turn on the glorious colorful lights throughout the village
at 6:15 sharp. More than 1 million lights illuminate Peddler’s Village. Dine in
the evening and stroll in the central courtyard to take in the beauty of the
Christmas lights. You won’t notice the cold as you make your way past delightful
shops. {place picture number four here}